Marc, cooking up a storm at the BRMC Victoria Day Campout at Pine Flats, Washington.
Welcome
The Border Riders Motorcycle Club (BRMC) is an organized group of guys who like to ride and camp. Our membership spans the Pacific Northwest, with the greatest participation in Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver B.C. We have one of the largest memberships of gay clubs in North America, and welcome like-minded guests to join us on our monthly club events and local activities during the riding months. Check the main page of the website at http://borderriders.com for additional information.
Contents
Victoria Day Recap
From the Handle Bars of the President
Road Captain Rumblings
June Run
Portland Pride Parade
Seattle Pride Parade
BRMC Flags
Day Rides
Seattle Day Ride – June 1st
Treasurer Ramblings
Club Finances
Portland Meet & Greet/Day Ride
More Treasurer Ramblings
Team Oregon Classes
50th Anniversary Events
Calendar of Events
Member Birthdays
Meet & Greets
May - Victoria Day Campout Recap
Wow! What an amazing weekend camping at our annual gathering place in Washington. As usual, it rained on a few of us coming and going from Pine Flats, not to mention the Thursday night crew, but hey, the rest of the weekend turned out to be stellar. The campground was in surprisingly good shape after the hellish fire that roared through there last year. Many of the tall pines had flame burns well up the trunks, and the forest service had to cut down a number of the big giants, or at least trim off the lower branches up to 50 feet or so. To much relief, our special tree where we have installed the name plaques of our members who have passed on over the years was not damaged in the fire. Lucky, as one big tree right next to it was down. This however, was not so bad for us as it now provides a nice seat for all of us during the ceremony.
Firewood found and being unloaded.
The early arrival crew did a great job in getting camp set up with the tents, chairs, and tables. The kitchen was ready to go with all the food having been brought in to feed everyone and keep us happy. The truck, generator, and lights all worked without problems allowing the weekend to be enjoyed without undue hassles with logistics. The only snag was that our firewood supplier was not available and Dan and crew had to dart into the great unknown to see what they could find. As it were, the brilliant idea of just reading the post board at the Ardenvoir store found a local guy selling firewood. The story goes that as the house was approached, the crew was treated to a well build handsome young man running out of the house just out of the shower. Somehow, everything just works out for the best. Arrangements were made for next year, of course.
There were some 52 signed up this year for the campout, and even after a few last minute cancellations, we still ended up with a great group of members and guests. Chris brought with him the new BRMC corn hole boards for us to engage in a highly competitive tournament of corn holing. Most were in camp by Friday late afternoon where we were treated to Jason’s “western style” brats and burgers (commentary: one cooking for everyone’s tastes… just scrap it down to the color you like, LOL). The campfire in full glory was adorned with magical colors as fire czar Dan managed to create a mystical spell over the evening with fire “amendments”. Good times in catching up with with everyone late into the evening before calling it a day after long hard rides for many of us.
Corn Hole tournament
After a bit of a nippy night, Saturday morning was started with freshly brewed coffee with breakfast soon to follow. Chris had something special planned for us with a lottery of sorts where various goodies from the BRMC store were squirreled away in anomalous packages for each winner to grab, open, and reveal. Much fun was had with the big boys getting small t-shirts.
By 10 am, the guys split up in all directions for day rides and other activities in the area and beyond. Later in the afternoon, most had returned in time for dinner, the club meeting, group photo, and more corn holing. Saturday’s dinner is aways special as that is ‘pull out the grill’ night over the hot bed of coals to cook steak and chicken to perfection. A special presentation of the 50 year anniversary cake was revealed, and it was fabulous!
Chris brought along another fun activity as we sat around the campfire… a giant ball of plastic wrap interwoven with various goodies. A player got to unravel the ball and collect goodies as long as a double was not rolled on a pair of dice by the next guy. A bit after dark, Dave snuck in a bunch of glow sticks and a glow ball for us all to spin and throw around the campfire. As the full moon rose over the hills and tried to shin through the overcast skys, the guys wondered off to bed late into the evening as the day wound down.
Sunday morning was pleasantly warmer than the previous, and again, coffee was ready to go by the time the first of us began to stir. The breakfast crew was spot on as the group climbed out of their sleeping bags and tents to face the day (and potential hang-overs). After breakfast we held the annual remembrance of our members who have passed on. This year, there were two members: Francis Lovell Hugh De Douza (age 90), and Lyman Rex Cooley (age 81). Again this year, Tom gave the address while we all gathered around the tree where the named brass plaques are installed high up the trunk.
Back at camp, it was time for a tear down of the gear and get it all packed up in the truck. While most left for a long ride home, a few stayed one more night before heading back the next day. It was an end to a great BRMC weekend and start to a new riding season in our 50th year. To help get into the mood, new BRMC 50 year patches were given to everyone!
BRMC Group photo, May - Victoria Day Campout
From the Handlebars of the President
Wow, another great Victoria Day Weekend Camp has come and gone! We had a good turnout with 50 full registrations and two for Saturday dinner only. However, we had 4 that weren’t able to attend for various reasons and they were missed. We had four former members join us for the weekend. One included my sponsor Dusty who I hadn’t seen for several years. I would like to thank all those that pitched in one way or the other to help pull off a successful weekend. It takes a lot of work but with so many willing individuals we also have time for fun.
For those of us that arrived on Thursday to help load the truck and haul the gear to camp, it rained most of the late afternoon, evening and night. We got the truck mostly unloaded and most of the canopies set up Thursday evening. Friday morning most of the group met for breakfast at Jimmy’s before going off in various directions to purchase the groceries and other supplies for the weekend as well as returning to camp to get the kitchen organized.
Current and former BRMC Presidents at 2019 Victoria Day
Thankfully the weather turned out great for the rest of the weekend. Friday night was a bit chilly but we were blessed with a full moon. Sunday after the installation of plaques to honor former members and the breaking down of camp, everyone relaxed around camp for a bit. Seven of us decided to head to Grouse Creek to see the original camp site. We rode in two vehicles. I know…..we are a motorcycle club but not one of us rode to the former campsite on our bike. Tom guided us there on back roads so we mostly avoided the four-lane Hwy 2.
There was actually a small patch of snow alongside the road to the campground lending some credence to the tales of having to camp in the snow in the early years of the club. The camp site is now limited to a capacity of 20 and is definitely much more closed in and darker due to the dense forest surrounding the site than Pine Flats. We located three trees with plaques of former members. We took Hwy 2 back to Pine Flats and arrived just in time for dinner of leftovers from the weekend.
Roy on Saturday afternoon.
One highlight for me this year was being able to see Honorary Member Roy S at camp. He made arrangements for his caregiver Aaron to bring him and to stay with him. They stayed at a motel in Wenatchee. Friday evening they arrived after dinner but we were able to scrounge up some leftovers for the two. Saturday Aaron brought Roy to camp before dinner. Roy was very glad to be part of the camp this year. Roy said about the Saturday dinner, “That’s the best meal I ever had at Victoria Day.” I think Aaron had a good time hanging out at camp and getting to know more about BRMC.
Roy’s caregiver Aaron having some fun.
Sunday night provided a light rain as we were going to bed so things were wet when we packed up camp. We left camp just before the truck headed to the storage locker. We stopped for breakfast at the ‘59er Diner at Coles Corner. It was our first time eating there since the fire destroyed the previous building. I had a great time at Victoria Day and am looking forward to the summer riding season.
As previously mentioned, the run gift this year was a 50th Anniversary Patch. There are still some available and if you are interested in one please contact me.
Road Captain Rumblings
As per above the 50th Victoria Day trip was a great success not just from those that worked behind the scenes, but the volunteering that got all the necessary chores done. Thanks to all those that responded to the email to fill the blank spots in the duty roster, I was amazed how the blanks were filled quickly without a lot of arm twisting. In addition, there were a lot of people that stepped in along the way and helped even if it wasn’t their duty.
June Run & Pride Parades
BRMC riders in 2018 Portland Pride Parade
June’s weekend trip will be to a campground that is new to us, Bear Springs Group campground near Maupin, Oregon. On Sunday we will be riding in the Portland Pride Parade. Unfortunately, we will not be able to arrive late, we will need to be in the holding area at 10:00 am even though we are last in the parade – hopefully if we do it again next year we can have alternate arrangements. It will mean an early rise out of camp on Sunday. Thanks to Kas and Stan for being our representatives for the event. Each participant must register individually and it is not a part of the camping fee. We may have some unknown riders that sign up through their site, so maybe a few new potential members. To register go to https://www.pridenw.org/portland-pride-parade/border-riders-motorcycle-club. Registration is required prior to the Parade in order to ride in it. Registration is $25 per bike.
To celebrate our 50th Anniversary the club plans to also ride in the Seattle Pride Parade. Seattle Pride will not allow us to ride as a separate group but we will be riding with the Dykes That Ride. We will try to ride together as a group. Registration is $10.00 and is done at the parade. You will need to have your driver’s license, registration and proof of insurance with you in order to check in. Watch for an email with additional information.
BRMC Flags
The club approved the purchase of flags to be stocked in the gear store. The flags are 15”x11.5” with two grommets on one edge. They will be available for purchase by members at the June run. The cost will be $30.00 each. The purchase price will include a two foot wood dowel and zip ties to mount the flag to the dowel and to your bike. Please take a moment prior to the Portland Pride Parade to figure out where you might mount the flag/dowel to the rear of your bike. There are commercially available mounts out there or use your ingenuity.
Day Rides
May 4th Day Riders Dale, Guests Christopher and John, Marc and Dennis. Not pictured, Richard as he was behind the camera is Richard.
We’re trying to be more consistent with maintaining our schedule of day rides. Thanks to Richard for leading the Washingtonians on a ride up north and then he and Chris for hosting us all for a barbecue at their place. The day began with breakfast at the Blue Bird Café at 10:00 in Arlington. After breakfast five bikes headed out on a leisurely ride around the local roads ending up at the Hookers Green, aka Chris and Richard’s home. Chris didn’t go on the day ride as he had to be the hostess for dinner that evening. Four others joined the riders for dinner and all had a good time.
At some point in the future we will be planning a ride where Seattle and Portland will meet up someplace near the middle for a little joint riding and lunch.
June Day Ride
The day ride will be June 1st out of Seattle. Several Seattle area guys will be participating in the Team Oregon class in Portland. We'll do a Hood Canal loop, starting with breakfast at Borrowed Kitchen Bakery and Farmhouse Café, 10811 NE St. Hwy 104 in Kingston. If you want to join for breakfast catch the 9:35 boat out of Edmonds, if not the 10:20 and meet up at the café. Ride will end up in Southworth for return to West Seattle, or if going south towards Tacoma can drop off and head down 16.
Treasurer’s Ramblings
Yippee, riding season is here. I am so excited I feel like a kid. It’s like Christmas but without the fat guy. Wait a minute. It’s exactly like Christmas. Get out & ride.
Club Finances & Such
Club finances are healthy. Account balances are where I expect them to be. As always, contact me at our next event for more details.
IRS Issues - IT IS DONE EVERYONE. I have a letter that says we are an official Not for Profit. One thing to keep in mind however, donations to the club are NOT tax deductible. We are a fraternal club and as such giving us money is truly a gift.
I filed our 990-N (a Not for profit tax return) on 5/14 so we are compliant in all regards. Those 2 items takes one big multi-year task off my to do list., WHEW!
Portland’s M&G & Day Ride
Portland had a decent turn out for the M&G in May. Along with the regulars, Kas made an appearance and it was fun discussion about __________. I’ll never tell. That night we got to know a little extra about each other. All I will say is, “You should have been there. If anyone would be willing to be the host for the next M&G please contact me so I can make proper arrangements. Portland’s next M&G will be on “Wednesday”, June 5th at the Eagle on Lombard at 7:00. If you let me know you intend to attend I will let you know where I will be stopping for dinner before the meeting.
Portland did have a day ride in May. It was attended by Blue and myself. Since it ended up just being the 2 of us we rode around some country roads east of Forrest Grove and West of Beaverton. Hell, I don’t know where we went. I was lost and Blue lead us to Paradise HD so we could have hot dogs and look at shinny bikes. Blue said something about Bald Peak, Bull Run or Bull Peak and Bald Run, IDK. It was a perfect ride by my standards. Thanks for leading Blue.
Keep in mind that if you decide to go for a ride you can always reach out to the club by posting something on our FB page. Hopefully, you’ll get a response and have someone to ride with.
But Wait, There’s More Treasurer Rambling
I never got around to writing something for this month but I want to thank those who reached out to me and said either thanks or good job regarding last months piece I did on riding Styles and the Style of Rides. It meant a great deal to me to get that feed back so thank you very much.
If anyone has any topics I should explore please send me your suggestions. I’d love to hear what interests you.
2019 Team Oregon Motorcycle Class Schedule
In addition to the 50th Anniversary events, I would like to bring to your attention to 3 motorcycle skills enhancement classes I have set up with Team Oregon. The first is their RSP class happening on Saturday, June 1st. The second is their ART class happening on Monday, June 17th. The third is their AMT class happening on September 14th.
The RSP class is FULL. It was filled with 12 BRMC people. It is on schedule, June 1st and the weather is looking wonderful. It should be a hoot. I will make a full report in next months newsletter.
Registration is opene to the public for the ART classes happening on June 17th. If you are interested you should call them and get registered before the public at large fills it up.
To come take these courses with us, I don’t require that you be gay or male. All I ask is that you are gay or gay friendly. These events are about learning to ride and becoming a better/safer rider in a non-judgmental environment of people who will support you and want you to succeed without being hassled by non-gay friendly people. If you have a friend or a family member that would like to take one of these classes and would be a fun addition to the event, let’s get them informed and have them register ASAP.
Again, to register for the ART class, call Team Oregon at 541.737.2459 & tell them you would like to register for “The Border Riders Class on June 17th, 2019. They should be able to get you registered.
There will likely be a social event before and after these classes. For that reason, I am asking everyone who registers to contact me at the same time. This will allow me to make sure you get invited to the whole event and not just the class.
RSP Class
The RSP Class is their Riders Skills Practice Class. It will begin around noon and will last 4 hours. This course is in Oregon City, OR. It’s mostly about emergency maneuvers and working out the cobwebs we acquire during the winter. I have taken this class 3 or 4 times and every time I learn something. The fee for this class is $99. For more information about this class, visit Team Oregon at https://team-oregon.org/training/riderskillspractice/
The RSP Class is open to the public at this point so make your reservations today if you want to join in on what will be a very fun day of learning and advancing your riding skills.
ART Class
The ART Class is their Advanced Riders Training Class. It will begin around noon and last for about 4 hours. The course is in Canby, OR. This class is designed to further our cornering skills. The course is a go cart race track and while not intended for high speeds, sorry Dale, I believe it will give us the skills to handle corners more “efficiently”. The fee for this class is $179. For more information about this class, visit Team Oregon at https://team-oregon.org/training/advancedridertraining/
The ART class is open to the public by now so make your reservations today if you want to join in on what will be a very fun day of leaning and advancing your riding sills.
AMT Class
OK, as if that wasn’t enough training for one year, Team Oregon and I have worked out a special deal for BRMC. Team Oregon is going to set up a private class on Saturday, September 14th just for us. We should arrive to the course in Albany, OR around 12:30 or 1:00 for this class. This is going to be an abbreviated version of their Police Training Course. Can you believe this? It is called their AMT or Advanced Motors Training Class. I’m so freaking excited.
I think the version they are putting together for us is the one we all watch on You Tube and wish we could get a chance on that field of orange cones doing tight maneuvers, a clock ticking, music playing on a loud speaker and people cheering us onto a finish line. It turns out Team Oregon trains the police for this and they are offering a version of it to us to help us kick off our 50th Anniversary Rally happening in September. Yahoo!
I doubt we will have a loud speaker and we will need to be our own cheering crowd, but the course is real, and I know many of you have dreamt about this. I know because we’ve talked about it. As Collin would say, bounce, bounce, bounce.
As if it could get any better, an anonymous donor has donated the entire class for anyone affiliated with BRMC, who would like to attend. Seriously, it’s free to anyone of us who wants to spend a couple hours playing on this course while getting feedback from their instructors. The course is in Albany, OR and it’s on the way to our 1st 50th Anniversary Rally check-in happening that Saturday night in Roseburg, OR. IT’S ON THE WAY PEOPLE. I believe it would be a horrible lost opportunity if we didn’t take advantage of this. I hope you gents are as excited about this as I am. What a hoot! I can’t wait!
I know it will be a stretch for some of you more northern riders to get there by noon or 1 so I am hoping the Seattle and Portland people will open their homes Friday night. This will make it possible for the northerner who want to play on this course but live too far north to get to the course by noon or 1.
FYI, my people at Team Oregon have said that they are going to set up 2 courses for us. The courses will start out the same and then one of them will become more and more challenging as our skills progress. The other course will stay the same for those who just want to practice and become more comfortable with the basics. It other words, it’s being catered to what you want to get out of this event. I’m getting more excited just typing about this event. I CAN’T WAIT!
Additional information about this class can be found at https://team-oregon.org/training/advancedmotorstraining/
When you register for the 50th Anniversary Rally in September you will automatically be registered in this AMT Class. You don’t need to register with Team Oregon for this one. If you are able to attend the Rally on this day yet would like to attend this class, contact me at Treasurer@BorderRiders.com and let me know. I will reserve a spot for you. Either way, there will be no charge for this class.
BTW, these events I put together with Team Oregon are not BRMC sanctioned events. This is just me organizing these classes because I keep getting requests for it, I love them, and I learn something every time I go.
Closing
I hope you all are taking advantage of the occasional beautiful weather days we are experiencing and are able to get out and ride. Alan and I made a run to the coast last weekend and had a wonderful time. It was a little overcast & chilly at 54 degrees but I was on the bike, grinning from ear to ear the whole day.
I honestly hope to see you at one of our upcoming events and if you should have any questions or comments about anything I am dealing with, please feel encouraged to contact me & let us chat.
Sincerely,
Stan C
2019 Treasurer
50th Anniversary Celebration
The 50th Anniversary Celebration Committee is busy planning one heck of a year for us that will not soon be forgotten. Among the events planned are:
50th Anniversary Rally, September 14-21 - come ride with us for an 8 day journey through Oregon, Washington and British Columbia. Join for all or part of the journey, ride as far and long as you wish. Guests welcomed.
50th Anniversary Banquet, February 15, 2020 - we will wind down the year with a grand finale event.
Registration for the Rally has opened. There is a sheet on our web-site “Summary Packet” that contains a list of all the hotels we will be staying at and their contact information so you can make your reservations. There is also a day by day description of each days ride and maps for each day. You can find the “Summary Packet” and “Maps with notes” at the bottom of the day by day description.
Stay tuned each month for more details and also check out the club website.
Calendar of 2019 Events
January 19 Annual General Meeting - Seattle, WA
February 16 Anniversary Banquet - Portland, OR
March 16 Club Meeting - Don W, Lynnwood, WA
April 20 Club Meeting - Dan S, Oakville, WA
May 17-20 Victoria Day Weekend Camp - Pine Flats Campground, Ardenvoir, WA
June 14-16 Bear Springs Group Campground, Maupin, OR
June 16 - BRMC rides in Portland Pride Parade
June 30 - BRMC rides in Seattle Pride Parade
July19-21 Lewis & Clark Trail State Park, Dayton, WA
August 16-18, Willows Campground, Lillooet, BC
September 14-21 50th Anniversary Ride - OR, WA, BC
September 21 Club Meeting, Bellingham, WA
October 19 Club Meeting - TBD
November 16 Club Meeting - TBD
December 14 Holiday Party - TBD
Birthdays
We have 5 members with a birthday this month. Please take a moment to wish them a great day.
Mark B - June 28
David F - June 28
Ron L - June 17
Iain M - June 8
Ron V - June 20
Meet & Greets
BRMC members will be available for new and returning guys to connect and learn more about the club and opportunities to participate. If you are interested, check out when and where in the cities listed below. Also, in addition to the club's monthly events, local rides may be organized, weather permitting. To lean more, email the Road Captain for specific details, or to ensure a member to meet you, at captain@borderriders.com.
Portland: Meet & Greet - 1st Wednesday of the month, 7pm at The Portland Eagle
Vancouver BC Meet & Greet - 2nd Wednesday of the month. Time & Location YTBD
Seattle: Meet & Greet - 3rd Wednesday of the month, 7pm at The Cuff
Contributions of Photos & Stories
If you have photos and stories to share, please send to news@borderriders.com