NORTHWIND RIDERS TANKBAG

September 2011

From the Director’s Chair

Hi Ladies!

We had a great meeting on August 22^nd! We got to watch that surprise thunderstorm come through (from the SW) from the DRY insides of the library and then George’s restaurant. Many THANKS to our “cage” drivers who transported us back and forth! Due to the weather, we decided not to ride to our “scheduled” lunch spot. The storm did prompt some lengthy discussions (I apologize for going on so long) during our meeting and lots of fun conversations at lunch. After the storm blew through, the skies cleared and it warmed up and we were able to go on a fun ride for ice cream – from one food spot to another. We definitely epitomized the saying: “Ride to Eat and Eat to Ride”!

Reminder: Get your MILEAGE report to Kim S., if you haven’t done so yet.

We completed our Chapter Board of Officers nominations. Our Chapter ELECTIONS will be held on Saturday, September 17^th at our monthly meeting. Please attend. You are an important member of our Chapter and your vote does count. If you are not able to attend and have claimed NWR as your home chapter, you may vote by the Absentee Ballot. The ballot is available from the Secretary or it can be downloaded from our website “Files”. Carefully follow the directions to have your vote count.

*Heads Up!! This Sunday, August 28^th, we have our “EZ Ride” to Shabbona Lake State Park. Join us! See our website “Files” for details.

*President’s Croozapalooza, Saturday September 3^rd & Sunday September 4^th. See our website “Files” for details. You need to have your room/bed/space confirmed. Decide whether you want to ride interstates or back roads and confirm riding partners. Use our website messages to pair or group up. Let us know what you need so we can help.

Take advantage of whatever good riding weather we get and get out to ride!

Ride Safe!

Lynn, Chapter Director

Minutes of Meeting – August 20, 2011

Lynn called the meeting to order at 10:10AM. We welcomed long-time member Putt H. whom we haven’t seen for some time at meetings due to her work schedule. Lynn read the WOW Mission Statement.

Secretary's Report:

There were no additions, deletions, or changes were noted to last month’s meeting minutes.

Treasurer's Report:

Judy read the financial report. Sandy moved to accept the report, Brenda seconded, and the motion passed.

Road Captain’s Report

In Ginnie’s absence, Lynn reported on events since last meeting. The Mystery Ride sponsored by Fox Valley Cycle held on August 14 was a great time and the route kept everyone guessing the destination for lunch right up to the end. Thanks to Pam for leading.

The annual Wisconsin Ride For Kids benefiting the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation was held Sunday, August 7. NWR had a really good showing supporting the event, and 12 members volunteered to help as greeters in the parking lot and in the registration tent before the ride. All were excused from their duties to go on the police escorted ride. This Sunday ride followed a great ride on Saturday hosted by the Dairyland Originals WOW chapter followed by dinner that evening.

Coming up Sunday, August 28, is a scheduled ride to Shabbona Park for boat ride and picnic lunch. A pontoon boat has been reserved from 12 - 4 pm to use as we please. Ride departs at 8:00 am from Bucky’s BP Station, Rts 59 and 126, across from Nabby’s. Come early for breakfast. More info is on the website. Contact Lynn or Sandy with questions.

WOW “President’s Croozapalooza” is coming up September 4^th; 20 NWR members are signed up to attend.

Saturday, September 10, is the Cruisin’ for St. Jude’s ride sponsored by Leipold Motor Sales in Ottawa. The annual benefit ride for donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital was formerly an all “Babes” ride, but this year guys are welcome, too.

Committee Report

Liz has a block of rooms reserved at the AmericInn in Bolingbrook for our November 19 Water & Train Weekend. You can call to reserve your room.

Old Business

Regarding the replacement of AnMarie by Marilyn in the office of Assistant Chapter Director (see minutes in August newsletter), Lynn was contacted by AnMarie who willingly relinquished the position explaining that her work and school schedule did not allow her the time necessary to attend meetings.

Kim reminded everyone that Aug 31 is the last day that beginning miles for the WOW Mileage Contest can be submitted. October 31 is the last day of the contest and your ending mileage must be submitted to Kim immediately after that date. Kim has until November 15 to send the mileage to WOW.

New Business

Liz has received confirmation from Des Plaines Valley Library District that we have the meeting room reserved at the Lockport library for September through November.

Pam reminded us that the election of offices for WOW National is coming up. Judy made a motion to authorize Pam on behalf of NWR to nominate Rusty H. as State Ambassador representing Illinois. LaVerne seconded, the motion passed.

The floor was then opened to nominations for NWR officers for the 2012 year. The nominations are as follows:

Chapter Director - Lynn L.

Asst. Chapter Director - Sandy S.

Treasurer - Judy G.

Secretary - Jan S.

Ride Coordinator - Ginnie R.

Newsletter Editor - LaVerne H.

The nominees accepted and the nominations were closed. Voting will take place at the September meeting.

In our last Constitution revision, an article was added to provide for voting for officers by absentee ballot. Discussion followed to make sure everyone understood how it would work. If you know that you will not be able to attend the meeting in September at which the voting will take place, you can request an Absentee Ballot from the Secretary. The form will be emailed to you and you must print it from the computer, fill it out, and return it via posted (snail) mail to the Secretary (address is in heading of the newsletter). The envelope must have the submitters name and WOW membership number so the Secretary can validate membership. The envelope’s seal must be initialed, also. The ballot envelopes will be opened at the time of the voting.

A message was emailed and posted on the NWR website listing the candidates and giving information on how to obtain a ballot and return it.

Lynn offered comments on the precepts of the WOW Mission Statement – that we as a group need to keep in mind at all times the ideals put forth in the statement.

There being no further business, Kim moved to adjourn the meeting, Joanna seconded the motion and it passed. The meeting was adjourned at 11:55AM.

Respectfully submitted,

Jan S.,

Secretary

Tankbag Tidbits

We wait and wait all winter for the riding season, then it comes and Poof! It’s gone. We’re almost done with August, soon comes September when the days are still warm but the nights are cool. October gives not so warm days and even cooler nights. We leave early in the morning wearing a long sleeve shirt and perhaps our jacket liner. Mid-morning through afternoon the layers are pealed. If we’re still riding when the sun don’t shine, it’s back to the shirt and liner and even chaps.

I have developed my own guidelines which work for me and may or may not work for you. I go strictly by the actual temperature as announced on the news or by the thermometer outside my kitchen window in the shade. Not by standing outside in the sunlight in a protected area thinking “It’s pretty warm out here.” Been there, done that…and froze on the ride.

The moral of this spiel is that as the cooler weather approaches, I’ll throw an extra shirt, bandana or a “bib” for my neck, nylon chaps, jacket liner, and warmer gloves in the bags just in case I’m riding after the sun has gone down and taken the temperature with. Nothing like ruining a nice day of riding with a cold ride home.

Birthday Announcements

I regretfully missed an important birthday on August 11^th andjust jumped to September last month. Sorry, Marilyn.

We have two birthdays in September: Ginnie (9/18) and LaVerne (9/23). Happy Birthday wishes to us.

Happy Cruising,

Editor