NORTHWIND RIDERS TANKBAG

May 2009

From the Director’s Chair

May is “Motorcycle Awareness Month” and I, for one, am very aware of all the motorcycles I have seen on the road. Mostly I’m aware because I envy the person riding the bike!

It’s important for everyone on the road to be aware of their surroundings (especially those doing their nails while driving) for their own safety as well as the safety of others.

I hope every one of you have a safe riding season and come out on the other end better riders and safer drivers.

Cindy

Chapter Director

Minutes of Meeting – April 18, 2009

Cindy called the meeting to order at 9:35 am. Guests and prospective members were introduced. Dani is from Frankfort and rides a Suzuki Dukati and a dirt bike. Pat is from Oak Forest and rides a Harley 883 Sportster.

Jan read the WOW Mission Statement.

Secretary's Report:

It was noted that in the last meeting minutes, JoAnne was incorrectly identified in the item regarding county maps. It is actually Joanna who had found the

maps. No other changes, deletions or additions were noted.

Treasurer's Report:

Judy read the report of current financial status. Rusty moved to accept the report as read, Ginnie seconded the motion and it was passed.

Ride Coordinators Report:

None

Committee Reports:

Regarding the Midwest Gathering on June 5-7, all rooms in the reserved block at the Stoney Creek Inn are gone but if you are interested in joining us, call the Inn – there may still be rooms available.

The 2009 Dream Trip is a long way off on September 19-26 but the planning is in the works. Judy has a list of those who have signed up to make the trip and will be sending out notice to the group to set up a meeting to discuss routes, etc.

Old Business

The FVC Open House is Saturday May 30 running from 9:00am to 4:00pm. A sign up sheet was passed around at this meeting for those who could work the NWR booth at the Open House to pick their time slots to work.

A reminder was given for the May 3 Membership Drive Ride sponsored by FVC. Riders should be there at 9:30. This gives everyone an hour to enjoy beverages, snacks, and socializing. The pre-ride meeting is at 10:30, the ride starts at 11:00. A two-hour ride is planned with Chell leading.

Other Events

The Accident Scene Management Course is being held Saturday, May 2 at the American Legion in Rockdale. It runs from 9:00am to 4:30pm and the cost is $55. You can register at the website for Management Scene Management, Inc.

There’s a Meet & Ride with Indy’s First Ladies WOW chapter on June 12-15. The 3-day ride will cross IL and run through MO and AR. Contact Judy C. by May 19 to let her know you would like to join them.

May 17 - Little Angels, Woodstock H-D. Register 10am–12pm, 85 mile ride. Groups leave starting 10:30. 1–5pm are food, band, vendors, and auction.

New Business

Cindy received information from Rene with the Red Hawk Riders regarding the Fiesta Days parade on July 19 in McHenry. Cindy also received an invitation for NWR to join them. Contact Rene if you are interested in riding in the parade.

The secretary and editor will make every effort to get the newsletter out in a timely manner.

Some members stated that they can’t access the newsletter on the website. Pam is going to send out short-cut links in an email message to click on for those having trouble getting into the NWR website. After further discussion, it was decided that everyone should start using the site calendar to post events regularly. It is better to do this than continue changing the yearly event schedule which should be reserved for rides/events set up at the beginning of the year. If everyone has access to the website calendar, everyone can keep track of what is coming up. If used properly, it’s a great tool for the club members. (If you don’t have free access to a computer and/or the website, please contact the Editor for help.)

Ramon’s Leatherworks (see ad) is having a store-wide sale through May 30. Everything in the store is 20% off. Cookout Saturday May 9, 10:00 – 2:00.

There being no further business, JoAnne moved to adjourn, Kim seconded and the motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 10:25am.

Respectfully submitted,

Jan S.

Secretary

Tankbag Tidbits

2009 NWR Gathering, East Peoria, IL June 5-7.

Planned Activities:

Friday, May 5, 7:30 pm

Meet & greet at Stoney Creek. Pick up information bags. Play games, swim, and socialize.

Saturday, May 6, 8:30 am. Stoney Creek Inn.

Sign in for guided ride. Kickstands up at 9:00 am with a full tank of gas. Stopping for lunch during ride; returning to the Inn around 2:00. OR Guided ride to Wildlife State Park. Admission is $6.50.

ALSO, Canoeing on the river is available at the campground ¼ mile away.

Dinner: Restaurants are available within walking distance. A favored spot hasn’t been chosen, yet.

Saturday evening: Games, swimming, casino, socializing.

Sunday, May 7 – Breakfast and goodbyes. Maybe a short ride for those interested. (TBD)

About 40 riders have responded so far. This is going to be a great event.

Birthday Announcements

We have three birthdays in May: Elizabeth B. (5/6), Kelly H. (5/28), and Cindy (5/31). Happy Birthday, ladies.

Happy Cruising,

Editor

Rusty's Ramblin’s

By Rusty H.

WOW Illinois State Ambassador

There’s an old saying that goes “50 degrees in April feels warmer than 60 degrees in Sept”. It was really hard to remember that I needed to dress warmly for the few rides I was able to take in April. Now, with May, comes the 70 degree weather and fewer layers to be worn, but it’s still a bit chilly at 65 mph. So, layers, layers, layers.

Motorcycle Awareness Month is in full swing. I’m reading e-mails from others and find that Motorcycle Awareness events, like the ride we have here in the Quad Cities are getting more and more popular. I firmly believe that there cannot be too much said about motorcycle awareness. The recent accident in Waukegan brings back to mind my own motorcycle accident many years ago when the driver didn’t see me. He wasn’t polishing his nails, but according to the police report, he had a Class M endorsement on his driver’s license. I was hit by another motor-cyclist. Ouch!

I’m looking forward to the Midwest Gathering in Peoria. I have toured the Stoney Creek Inn located in Moline and can’t wait to spend the evenings lounging around the pool and dipping into the giant hot tub. I’m sure our hostesses for this event will have some great rides planned for us along with some very good dining. It sounds like the Inn will be crowded, so I hope everyone was able to get a room.

If you’re looking for something to do during the month of July, check out these upcoming events going on around the state. Starting with our southern sisters of the Shawnee Riders, July 2^nd is their meeting in Herrin, IL and on July 16^th there is a Bike Night happening at Mike’s Drive In. What a way to spend a hot summer night!

Now jumping to our far northern sisters of the IL Red Hawk Riders, July 4-11^th is a visit to

Memphis, TN for those not going to the International Ride In. This year’s Ride In is in Kerrville, TX and is being held July 7-9^th. For more info see the website or your Women On Wheels® magazine. July 18^th is their monthly meeting and then a ride to Kettle Moraine Wildlife Preserve State Park in northern WI. On July 19^th they have a choice of the Chicago Ride for Kids or the McHenry Fiesta Day Parade.

After the Ride In on the 7^th, the North Wind Riders have July 18^th on their schedule as a Chapter Meeting, and also the Babes Crusin’ for St. Judes ride in Ottawa. On July 19^th they list the Chicago Ride for Kids and on July 25^th is a ride to Chain-o-Lakes State Park.

Skipping over to the west “coast” of IL, the River Riders have an Ice Cream Dinner Ride to the Chart House in Fairfield, IA on July 9^th. On July 12^th we will be re-visiting one of the stops from the 2007 Midwest Gathering, the Feed Store in Amboy, IL. July 23^rd is a Chapter Meeting at the Town Square Park in Aledo, IL.

Our newest Chapter, the North Central Illinois Wild Roses have a few members who plan to attend the Texas Ride In, and those who don’t will be able to attend the Bob-Jo Honda Cycle Run. Also on their schedule is the Babe’s Crusin for St. Judes on the 18^th, the Chicago Ride for the Kids on the 19^th, and the Chain-o-Lakes ride with the NWR and the IRHR on the 25^th.

There are certainly plenty of things to do this summer. I look forward to seeing the photos on the websites and reading about your trips in Chapter newsletters. Until next month...

Ride Safe,

Rusty