Who Told it to Snow the Day of Our Toy Run? 
by Paula McCallum

That morning, we still planned to break out the bikes, regardless of the cold. But one look out the window put a kibosh on those plans. The snow was coming down pretty good and had already started to accumulate. So on to plan B, warm up the 4-wheel vehicle and meet the MMR for breakfast. We were glad that Santa (a.k.a. Skinny) could once again join the 30 or so Manomet Mystery Riders to spread cheer and share a few Ho-Ho-Hos at the Jordan Hospital Pediatric Unit.

Theresa McGuire gets the award for having the most “Holiday Spirit” donned in her bright green elfin boots and handmade costume. In true elfin form, she thoughtfully assembled 10 activity kits to brighten the spirits of the young patients. A special “thank you” go out to Wayne Fornaciari of RAWF Excavating in Manomet and also a member of the JASC. The weather kept many people away but due to Wayne’s generosity, we were able to provide plenty of toys for the kids. I’d also like to acknowledge an older gentleman who met us at Benny’s. He was a kind soul reaching into his car and contributed a few items to our cause.

Check out the “Toy Run ‘05” collage at manometmysteryriders.com.

Adopted Families- Thanks to Joe Habib who made it possible for the MMR to sponsor an additional family with his personal donation. Thanks to Santa’s Helpers: Jane Callahan, Deb Johansson, Betty Laitinen, Lisa Lunedei, Paula McCallum, Theresa McGuire, Sherri Palmer and Jen Staines for shopping for the families. Thanks also to the wrapping crew which included: Bill Ferguson, Deane & Betty Laitinen, Dick & Joyce Tupper, Lou Winz, and myself. The MMR were able to sponsor 5 families for Christmas this year thanks to the generosity of all of its members. Thank You All!

Looking in the Rear View Mirror  
by Paula McCallum

While tooling down the road we must be alert to what's going on ahead of us, to pay attention to the signs. Conscious of the fact that no matter how careful we are, some idiot is bound to cut us off. We have to be responsible, abiding by the rules of the road, mindful of our speed (especially down by the waterfront) and to schedule regular maintenance to ensure that our bikes are running properly. But every so often, we take quick glimpses of images in our rear view mirrors to see where we've been, to see what we've just passed or inadvertently run over.

Looking back this past year at the Manomet Mystery Riders, I've had the luxury of sitting in the passenger seat observing the other riders. I've enjoyed the scenery, seen a few breakdowns by the side of the road and sat white-knuckled being witness to a few near collisions. But all, on this journey, made it through partially unscathed (not counting a little whiplash). We have learned, as a group, a few valuable lessons to pass on.

We know now to ask directions when lost from those who have traveled before us. We admit it when we've gone the wrong way and have the courage to ask for help to find our way back. We've forged a few new highways (Rt. 44) but have also taken comfort navigating the same back roads. We've picked up a few who have decided to ride along with us while simultaneously dropping off those who’ve decided to take their own paths.

Thanks to all who have come along on this ride, thanks to those that have led, and to those who’ve towed a brother (or sister) in need. I promise as your VP not to make obvious observations as a back seat rider but to help lead us to the next ice cream shop. I've come equipped with a laminated map (thanks to Sherri) and with the latest GPS tracking technology. It will be a smooth comfortable ride even if there are a few frost heaves along the way. You'll never feel a thing. Umm, who brought the Dramamine?

There are infinite miles stretched out before us. And many roads from which to choose from. Just as in life, our goal, no matter which direction we take, is to make it intact to our final destination while still keeping an eye in the rear view mirror to remember where we’ve been.

The Motorcycle Bug              

by Jay Donovan

What do you like the most about being a member of the MMR? I have been asked this question many times by people interested in obtaining more information about the group. The answers I provide typically include many reasons, but the primary response is usually "I enjoy meeting new people who share my interest in motorcycling". Since I became a member of the MMR in the Spring of 2004, I have had the pleasure of meeting many and look forward to meeting more of the MMR members. So, for those of you who do not know me, here is a little something about myself. Maybe we will have a little more in common to talk about next time we meet.

Like many, my desire to ride motorcycles came at a very early age. The motorcycle bug was in my blood, but I did not know from where it came until I began expressing my interest to members of my family. I learned that my grandfather rode a motorcycle before starting a family, and my aunt also rode a motorcycle while in the service. For me, the desire was always there, but it was not until I was studying Civil Engineering at UMASS did I realize my dream.

A college friend introduced me to the sport of motorcycling, teaching me the basics of shifting and braking on his brother's 1982 Honda Nighthawk 650. Soon, that same bike I learned on, came up for sale. I scraped together the money and purchased my first bike in 1991. I enjoyed logging many trouble free miles on that metric bike. When I graduated in 1993, the reality of life grabbed me by the horns; I began a career as a Civil Engineer, got married to my wife Tina in 1995, built our Marshfield home in 1997, and our son James was born in 1999. Following the birth of our son, free time became very limited, so I parked the bike with the hope that I could fight off that itch to ride.

By the time Spring of 2002 rolled around, I couldn't fight off that itch any longer. As usual, the warmer Spring air brought all those bikes out from hibernation once again. The pressure was too great and I succumbed to the motorcycle bug once again. Off I headed to the HD dealership and purchased a new 2002 HD Road King. The HD remained primarily stock until the summer of 2003 when the modifications started with a Stage I kit and Screaming Eagle performance mufflers. After the mild performance upgrades, I began focusing on adding more chrome along with the miscellaneous comfort and safety related components to the bike. Like most bikes out there, my HD is a work in progress. Now that winter is here, it is of course the time to plan what accessory will be added to the bike next and to begin planning where I will be headed during the next riding season.

Since the birth of our daughter, Julia, this past March, the time I had available to ride this past summer should have been a little more limited. But because I am lucky enough to be married to a woman who understands and shares my passion for motorcycling, I was able to enjoy many rides with friends and the MMR. Occasionally, Tina is able to accompany me on short day trips to places such as Martha's Vineyard or Waterfire in Providence, RI. But typically, I have spent much of my time riding solo or with my sister Lea as a passenger. Even this will soon change because Lea now has her motorcycle license and is the proud owner of a new 2005 Sportster 1200 Custom. She too has caught the motorcycle bug, but it didn't stop with her. My father has even obtained his motorcycle license and is now in the process of resurrecting my first bike, the 1982 Honda Nighthawk. The motorcycle bug sure can be contagious and it is one that I don't mind spreading around!

Happy New Year to all the members of MMR!  

Oh, Deer!                       
by Paula McCallum 

Last week while driving home from work around 6 p.m., I spotted a small deer contemplating crossing the road. I slowed to a stop and patiently waited for it to make up its mind. She looked at me, took a few steps into the middle of the road, licked the ground and looked at me again. Cars were piling up behind me and I could see headlights coming in the other direction. In my head I was thinking, "Come on Bambi, cross the damn road". But I didn't honk or dare move because I didn't want to hit it or worse, have it put a dent in my car  (call me heartless). Finally, she meandered in front of me before leaping majestically into the woods.

I called my mother to relate this touching story, when, she told me what my brother witnessed that same morning. He looked out the window to see antlers and four legs struggling to stand. This deer had been hit by a car but was still alive. The police had just arrived and one of the officers took out a shot gun and had to put the animal down. 

This has been a common occurrence these days with wildlife having less and less forests to roam while their population increases. Here are some tips for all of us when we're on the road be it on 2-wheels or 4: 

The statistics prove what many motorcyclists know from firsthand experience: Deer are a dangerous road hazard. 

Each year in the United States about 200 people die in animal-related crashes, according to statistics compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  There were 247,000 crashes involving animals in 2000 alone, of which roughly nine out of 10 involve deer. States with an abundance of deer and many miles of rural roads pose the greatest risk. In Wisconsin. 21,666 vehicle-deer collisions were reported in 2003. 

With daylight hours decreasing the likelihood of encountering deer on or near roads increases dramatically. To reduce the risk of deer collisions, the WisconsinState Patrol recommends the following tips. 

Source: Enthusiast Magazine Fall 2005 

THE LION’S DEN - Lounatics      
by Scooter Lou Winz

I'm sitting home watching the tube looking for an intellectual program. I guess any program in comparison to what I usually watch would be considered intellectual. I find a documentary on the Discovery Channel on Lion Males. As lion males get older God naturally takes their sex drive away so they don't wonder from the den.

I've "Discovered" that God has done the same thing to us guys!!!!!! but He created "Sports Center."