December 2007 news articles |
MMR Halloween Party On Saturday night, 10/27, the MMR held their annual Halloween costume party, and it was another resounding success. Most people were in costume, and the costumes were great. Some examples are pictured on this page. DJ Ed Kelley, who came as Herr Doktor Seymour Busch, provided his usual fine variety of dance music and a good time was had by all. Attendees were torn between the buffet table, the bar, the dance floor and the baseball game on the T.V., which had been set up in the hall. The winner of the men’s best costume was :Dirty Old Flasher, Bill Ferguson (we cannot show the picture). Winner of the women’s best costume was “Bag Lady”, Paula McCallum, shown below. Raffles were drawn towards the end of the evening and many fine prizes were awarded. Thanksgiving There was a rather amazing “assembly line” passing the various components down the line to be placed in the baskets and then tied up with a bow. Each basket contained all the traditional “fixings”, including a gift certificate for a turkey. Once the baskets were all packed, the group brought them down to Saint Bonaventure’s church where church officials had the list of recipients. Afterwards Bill served everyone burgers, hot dogs and other goodies. A good time was had by all and the spirit of giving was certainly demonstrated by MMR. Present at Bill’s were– Bill, Dave Larsen, Scotty Smith, Theresa McGuire, Paula McCallum, Hawk, Karen DiPietro, Ernie Vohnoutka, Dennis Pierce, John Eichinger, Susan Eichinger, Sherri Palmer and Paul Wetherbee. Additionally, Thanks to all those people and/or couples who donated $65 baskets: Terry & Gail Quinn, Cindi Metro Russo, Art Lally, Scott Morse, Hawk Hickman, Sylvester Ryan & Sherri Palmer, Bill Pike & Paula McCallum, Cy & Lynette McMillan, Deb & Lee Johansson, Dave & Pam Larsen, Scott Smith, Scott Ferguson, John & Sue Eichinger, Diane Trask& Nanda Zelaya, Dennis Pierce. Riding in November and The first is the Antarctic Explorer type. These riders can hardly move, they are so bundled up, but they are determined to keep riding until ice and snow appear on the roads. The second type, although still covered up adequately, look much less encumbered by their clothing, and have the tell-tale plug-in cord dangling from their waist. These people have sprung for the heated vests, coats and pants and have decided that they are going to be warm when they ride. Our prediction is that the former, similar to the Neanderthal people, will eventually disappear from the cold weather riding scene, and we will eventually be left with only the more cultured, more sophisticated and warmer Cro-Magnon type riders. Where have all the tough guys and gals gone???? View from The Hawk’s Aerie (Nest) Well, here we are in late Fall. We had absolutely magnificent weather right up through the last week or so, culminating with a beautiful day for the Chris Wether -bee run (see article on previous page). Fall is when the weather is best in New England, and when bikers can put on all their gear without getting hot. The air is crisp, the foliage is beautiful, and the riding is great. Everyone wants to grab that last beautiful day before it gets too cold and dangerous. For those of us with air-cooled bikes (probably the vast majority of us), the bike seems to run better. It’s as if the bike is actually saying, “I love this cool air. My pistons feel better. My crank shaft is cooler, my stroke is smoother. I’m not hot and cranky. I’m a happy bike”. So here you are, a happy, cool, comfortable biker, riding a happy, cool, comfortable bike in beautiful weather. What could be better? Oh, yes, for the guys, having a happy, cool bikey babe on the back or riding beside you. Let’s hope we have a few more great days before we have to shut down for the Winter. A Plug for Plug-ins… By Katherine McHenry We’ve been teased and poked fun at, those of us with strange cords hanging awkwardly from under our jackets. “What are YOU plugged into?!” Yet, despite the frequent ribbing, I’ve never seen anyone get upset about it. Probably because as we unplug ourselves, we are basking in the warmth radiating from these modern marvels. Aside from silly looking, I’ve heard them called…“Toasty warm!” “Amazing” and my own favorite: “The cat’s meow!” They definitely add a new level of comfort to late season riding. There are several different companies that offer a variety of products. Check ‘em out on line. Who knows, maybe if you’re good Santa will make a special delivery! P.S. Be sure to check that your bike’s electrical system is compatible with any plug-ins you plan to buy! ;) Annual Toy Run On Sunday, 11/25, the MMR held their annual Christmas Toy Run. Temperatures were running around 28 to 32 early in the morning as many would be participants were struggling with the car/truck versus bike decision. The weatherman, however, was predicting a quick rise to about 45 and so most showed up on their favorite rides. The meeting place was at Sweet Lemon’s where many had breakfast after comparing cold weather riding gear. All of the “plug in” riders could be readily identified by the fact that they were not shivering uncontrollably, and had a strange looking appendage dangling from their waste. After breakfast, all headed up to Benny’s to purchase the toys. When the purchasing was completed a group picture was taken and then all headed to the hospital. At the hospital all the toys were placed in the Pediatric Ward and then another picture was taken. Many members from the Upland Riders were present as well as a few from Women on Wheels. Another feeling of goodwill and holiday spirit, similar to the Thanksgiving Basket experience, pervaded the group and each person left with that feeling for the ride home.
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