‘Tis The Season                 
by Paula McCallum

On Sunday, December 3, the Manomet Mystery Riders will be hosting our annual Toy Run. We’ll meet at 11:30 a.m. for breakfast at Sweet Lemons (located on Rt 3A South in Manomet on the corner of Old B each Rd.).

From there, Santa’s helpers will fly over to North Pole-ymouth to buy toys at Benny’s. (Please don’t purchase stuffed animals because they could carry germs). The elves’ final stop will be to help Santa deliver their gifts to t he Jordan Hospital at 2 p.m.

Everyone is encouraged to ride their bikes if it isn’t snowing but 4-wheel sleds are acceptable. We’ll need at least one sled (truck/van) to haul all of our goodies to the kids. No reindeers will laugh or call you names!

We really would like all the MMR members to join us in this very special event so we can put healthy s miles on many sick kid’s faces.

For the past few years, Skinny (Santa), who poses as a biker by day, steps out of his leathers to put on his red suit. Straight from his workshop, he takes time off from running The Biker’s Den to help us deliver toys to the pediatric ward.

Thankfully, last year, there were only two children in the ward when we elves s topped by.

Our toys are not just given out at Christmas. The Jordan gives a toy to each child when they’re discharged. They also replenish their supply of warn out toys in the hospital’s playroom used by the kids during their stay. That way, the Christmas spirit of the Manomet Mystery Riders is shared the whole year through.

2007 Blue Ridge S.C. Trip
July 14 - 22, 2007
By Mike Lallier

The more I research this area, I can see why it is becoming a biker’s number one riding destination. There is so much riding in this area I believe it will surpass the Nova Scotia and Sturgis trips with many of you returning year after year.

According to my research sources, The New York Times had an article on the Blue Ridge. 60 Minutes did a piece on Grandfather Mountain. The Travel Show also featured a story on the Blue Ridge. Not including the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Skyline Drive, I have uncovered over 100 other awesome rides! Names like The Backbone, Smokin’ Dragon, Mile High Loop, The Gable End of Hell, and The Trail of Tears Loop (we will be doing this one). We will also be making side trips to Grandfather Mountain and the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge and the Linville Gorge and Falls, the gorge is about 2,000 feet deep.

At one of our planned stops, the author of an article describing the area wrote “The view is nothing short of spectacular. The Blue Ridge Mountains fill the southern horizon while the Great Smokies lie to the north.”

A NOTE OF CAUTION: This trip is for the experienced rider only. Many of the ride descriptions had warning of sharp curves, curves and curves with switch back turns thrown in the mix for hundreds of miles. The Shenandoah National Park, which we will be riding through, has an estimated deer population of 6,000. The author wrote “It is not a question of whether you will see a deer, but rather how many.” This is one of those trips you'll be talking about f or year to come!

I have been told that to ensure lodging during the peak-riding season, we need to reserve our rooms by the end of this year and they will also hold this year’s rate for us. If you're thinking of going, I must have your name by the end of the December meeting, after that, you will be on your own.

Veteran’s Day Celebration at the Plimoth Plantation
by Sylvester Ryan

Sky Rise organized the Veteran’s Day celebration at the Plimoth Plantation. This event kicked off Friday November 10th in the courtyard at the Plimoth Plantation with a special ceremony honoring all Veterans past and present. Free admission was offered to all Veterans and discounts for their family members. LTC Knotts delivered a memorable and heart felt speech at the event. It was such a success that Sky Rise, LLC in cooperation with the Plimoth Plantation plan to continue honoring our Veterans on Veteran’s Day.

Sylvester Ryan is the Managing Director of Sky Rise, a local multi-service marketing and advertising agency. John McDonagh, is the Executive Director at the Plimoth Plantation and both gentlemen are Manomet Mystery Riders. Thanks to all the MMR who showed their support and honored our veterans by joining us this day.

Big Mamma                       
By Kevin Feaster

Huh? My story? Okay. It was never easy for me. I was born a poor black child..." Doh!, sorry, wrong story.

My name is Kevin Feaster. I started riding a motorcycle at age 16 when my father got me a Honda CL100 for Christmas. We lived in a new development in Janesville, Wisconsin. A friend of mine owned a Honda 50 (scooter type) and we would ride in the empty field next door that he had worn a “track” into around a very large hill of dirt. That was during the days of gas price wars and we took advantage of every moment. We could go to a local hot dog place and get a tank of gas and lunch (2 dogs and a suds) for under $2. We would ride the gully in back of his house and jump the little stream that ran through the bottom of it. It was a fun time.

My next bikes were a Honda Dream 305 (basket case) that I rode for a few years and traded it for a Suzuki 750 Four Banger. After a close call with an ignorant old lady driver I put the 750 away for 5 years and didn’t ride at all. I got the bug again after I started working for The Stanley/Bostitch company. I ended up trashing the 750 as it literally rotted in the back yard and bought my first “real” bike. A Honda Shadow 1100. This bike served me well for the 6 year duration of the financing and when the financing was complete I used it for a trade in for my current bike, a Kawasaki 2000. Big Momma!

I tend to be a fair weather rider. My season generally begins in late March/early April and extends until late October/early November depending on the temps. I used to ride in cold weather but as I get older, I have a harder time adjusting.

I tried to get my wife to ride with me when I purchased the 750 but she didn’t like the ride it gave and as such developed a bad perception of being a passenger. When I bought the 1100 she commented, “I thought it would be bigger.” When I came home with the Kow2000 she said, “Oh that’s nice.” I have settled for the fact that I am a solo rider. My daughter likes to ride with me once in a while but not very often.

My interests lie in motorcycles (of course), computers and on line gaming, woodworking (cabinetry for the most part), and putting around in the garden. My woodworking actually provides me with some additional income. My latest finished project was a Butler’s table for a client that I made from solid cherry wood with walnut insets.

Why did I join the MMR? Well, a co-worker had invited me along to one of the Bike Blessing events. I inquired about the club and he gave me some information and the fees. Two years later, after much arm twisting and name calling… I conceded and paid my dues. I look forward to riding with all the MMR members.

A Ceremonial Fire               
By Paula McCallum

At 83, Arthur "Edgie" Egerton, an Upland Rider, was still seen riding his bike just this past winter. If you didn’t know him, you may remember seeing his bike emblazoned with a crescent moon ridden by a naked woman with the inscription "In the Wind". Edgie had just turned 84 when his 6 month bout with mesothelioma (asbestos) cancer took his life.

He was not a Native American by birth but as long as his son, Art, can remember, had always been intrigued by their customs. It was Edgie's plan to have a ceremonial fire lit after his passing. In the Native American tradition, the fire is lit continually for 4 days. It represents a gateway for his passage into the other world.

Chief Bob, from a sister tribe of the local Wampanoag, came by on Friday night to say a prayer and to pass around the peace pipe. Rose, Edgie's former wife and caregiver, said the crowd, which was three people deep, was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. The chief then asked those gathered around the bonfire to speak. By doing so, Art got to know his father even better through these stories from different aspects of Edgie's life. Art was also thankful he got to spend quality time during the summer months with his father, having lived away from home for some time.

Close friends and family kept watch at all hours and in the pouring rain to make sure the fire never went out. Art estimates that over 200 people came by in the course of the four days. Rose, commented that a fox lingered by the fire for many hours. (I’m certain this animal contained Edgie’s spirit. Some of you may remember the hawk flying overhead at Vaughn Smith’s funeral, as I remember the Monarch butterfly at my D ad’s).

Each guest was encouraged to throw a cedar log onto the fire as they reflected on their friendship. You could toss anything into the fire for Edgie as long as it wasn't disrespectful (i.e.: cigarette butts). The food that was tossed in, according to custom, triples in the afterlife.

The fire burned until Monday when Edgie was interned at the cemetery. Art said, that the funeral was so packed there was just standing room only. A great tribute to a man that was surely loved by many. The ceremonial bonfire is a wonderful tradition to remember and honor a loved one.

Meet the New Guy                
by Rich Johnson

I think many of us share the same feeling that riding is not just a pastime, but also a passion that over time and with the right group of people it evolves into a way of life that you continue to nurture and grow with.

What I am looking forward to as a member of the Manomet Mystery Riders is meeting new people, enjoying t he camaraderie that only bikers can relate to.

I became interested in riding when I was a little boy. It has been a longtime coming that I finally have the time and ability be able to ride.

A couple of years ago, after a long hiatus. I decided it was time to get back on a bike. My first bike was a Yamaha 650 that I purchased while stationed in Hawaii with the Marines. That was my first real biking experience, it was a lot of fun meeting new people and just getting out on the road.

As a kid, I can remember being about 10 years old and seeing the motorcycle cops in my town riding around on their Electra Glides, I would literally stop and watch them go by. That was when I knew I wanted to ride, someday.

I had my sights set on getting an Electra Glide just like the ones I used to see, they had such a nostalgic look and that was the bike I wanted. My search ended in April of 2005 when I found my bike, a 1990 Electra Glide Classic.

I completed the riders’ safety course, where I met Elise Donahue, the Training Wheels instructor. I also know Diane Trask who first introduced me to some of the MMR members at Gellar’s. I knew this was going to be a fun group to be a part of. I see that in the web site photos and all the great events that take place.

I am looking forward to new rides and new adventures and sharing those things with many of the Mystery riders in years to come.

Paulatics                       
By Paula McCallum

Jimmy “Vit” McDermitt was a childhood friend. We grew up on the same block, hung out with the same kids. In our twenties, we attended the same Halloween parties in Avon. Vit won the costume contest every year, while I came in second (or First Loser as I like to call it). Once, I made a hand-painted glow-in-the-dark skeleton costume, while he came as Fire Marshal Bill, from In Living Color, and whooped me by popular applause.

After about the third year, I finally WON wearing faux fur black & white pants and various cow parts along with a naked looking T-shirt for my “utters.” This was combined with a halo and wings and named, “Holy Cow!” It was certainly clever, but that’s not why I won. I didn’t beat Vit if that’s what you’re thinking. Turns out that Vit was on vacation and couldn’t make the party. So essentially, I got the Susan Lucci award! The voters took pity on me when they presented that 13” TV, for all the times I was runner u p. This farce has been gnawing on me ever since.

Recently, I’ve been attending the Manomet Mystery Rider’s Halloween parties just to get out from under the lurking shadow of Vit. The first time, I dressed, as any typical chick would at a biker party, in a sexy cat costume. Lame by most standards. Last year, I came as the “Winner of a Wet T-shirt Contest,” with giant Triple- E hooters. I felt confident of a win with just the men’s applause alone. Yet, once again, I received the “booby” prize. “Stevie Wonder’s Seeing Eye Dog” beat me simply because that bitch (in the literal sense) raised her leg on another party-goer and stole the s how.

This Halloween, I was vindicated, with the Bride of Frankenstein costume, taking home the $100 first prize (yahoo!). There was no “Vit” that I had to compete with. But there IS a Mike Santos who has now become my arch nemesis, THE guy to beat. Thankfully, the MMR contest is divided by the sexes otherwise I’d have t o go head to head with the master.

His Tres Zombie Amigos walked away with a clear victory his first time out of the box. Last year, Mike’s monster costume, with hand made light up platform heals and a huge gory mask, TIED with my pink twinkle toes Billerina and they split the first prize winnings.

At this Halloween party, I came to the JASC an hour early to help decorate. Mike was already there with his buddies setting up a pirate’s prison, fog machine and various other scary beasties that he designed. He wasn’t in costume yet so I approached him and casually asked, “so Mike what are you going to be?” He replied, “a vampire.” I thought in my head, Huh! A vampire? Big deal! How original, we’ve got him beat with our a l m o s t 7 foot tall “Fergunstein” (gee, competitive much?!)

I shouldn’t have let my guard down so easily recalling the conversation I had with Bill Pike a few weeks prior when I told him that I was sewing bugs on my costume, trying to pry out of him what Mike would be? His response was, “Oh ya? Mike’s at Home Depot for his costume.” That should have sent up warning flares! You don’t need to go to Home Depot to be a vampire. Most folks just put in a set of plastic fangs and a throw on a cape.

During the party, Mike came up to me looking quite impressive. His bald head was painted red and black with a ruffled white shirt and velvet cape. A better than average type of vamp. He said, “this isn’t the whole costume.” I heard him, but it didn’t register in my brain (like the Home Depot remark) until later when people on the dance floor started gathering around. Mike was inside a coffin on wheels with a mini-me vampire puppet that was made to move along with the wheels. The coffin was amazing. Mike did it a gain, beating my “Fergunstein” for first place.

I’m not kidding when I say that the very next day I started coming up with ideas for next year’s party. I’ll be a drowned victim in a tank of water … Bill refuses to participate in my current obsession. But I did hear from a reliable source that Mike has started drawing sketches. In my diabolical scheming, I’m thinking of calling up my old childhood friend, Vit and inviting him to our next party, just to raise the stakes. Or maybe I should just focus all my attention on what Bill will be next? I’ve got to start thinking about this now. H ell, we’ve only got a little over 10 months to prepare.

p.s. Oh, ya, there were some other great costumes at our party too, I’m keeping a close eye on you Amy Andrade and Sherri Palmer ...

Confesions of an iron butt contestant
Riding in Novemburr                                    
By Hawk H. Hickman

It’s 8 a.m. on November 18th and I am desperate. I am in the Iron Butt contest, and am running out of time to accumulate more miles. I need to move up a few notches to finish in a reasonable position. I will not win (the retired people are blowing the full - time workers away), but I want to finish up towards the middle of the pack.

I have just finished watching the morning weather report and it’s about 40° out. I lay out all my gear. Underwear, socks, jeans, MMR long-sleeve cotton shirt, the usual. Then comes the layers. Heavy wool sweater, MMR Sweatshirt, leather vest, downy vest windbreaker, Joe Rocket jacket with lining. Joe Rocket heavy over pants with knee padding and lining, leather facemask/wrap, head/ear wrap, skiing gloves, leather aviator helmet purchased in Sturgis, sunglasses, helmet.

I make sure I go to the bathroom before putting everything on (very important). Then I go out and move the pick-up truck (blocking the Road King-I have no garage and am fearful the bike will disappear some night). I unlock the bike and load my bag with my work-clothes into the saddlebag (no jeans at work except on Fridays).

I waddle around and unlock the bike, start it up and let it warm up. I think of the Arctic and Antarctic explorers who probably dressed similarly to what I now look like. I’m almost ready to go when I suddenly remember that I have forgotten to bind up the bottom cuffs of my over pants with the Velcro bands I bought at Ace Hardware. Very important! They keep the wind from going up the pant legs.

Off I go. I have to proceed very carefully at each stop, because I am so bundled up it is hard to turn my head and see what traffic might be approaching. I feel great! I am still riding! It’s not over yet. The roughly hour’s worth of preparation is worth it. I drive the 10 miles to work from Pembroke to Assinippi Park and feel exhilarated. Life is good.