December 2022 Newsletter
Contents
Welcome
Mothly Recap (Guest Author)
Monthly Gallery
M&G Report (Portland, BC, & Seattle)
Upcoming Events (2-Months)
This Month’s Birthdays
Club Business
Reader’s Corner
Day Rides
Gear Store Update
Upcoming Meeting Detail
Motorcycle Classes
Officer Reports
The BRMC 2020 Calendar of Events
Non BRMC Motorcycle Events
Meet & Greet Details
Request for pictures & closing comments.
Welcome
Border Riders Motorcycle Club “BRMC” is a not-for-profit 501(c)(7), designed for gay men who like to ride motorcycles & who like to go camping on their motorcycles. Our membership spans the Pacific Northwest with the greatest participation in the Portland, Seattle, & Vancouver B.C. areas. We are one of the largest, gay motorcycle clubs in North America. We welcome like minded guest to come meet us at our Meet & Greets &/or on our Day-Rides.
Check out our website. We are very proud of it. www.borderriders.com
Group Photo: Border Riders November Meeting
BRMC November Meeting Conspectus
By Justin W.
It was a beautiful November day with a cold crispness to the air and the sun shining high in the sky. I backed the truck out of the garage in preparation of leaving and waited for Chris L. and Richard A. to join me for the ride from Stanwood to Bremerton. As per usual, they arrived about 10 minutes early and we had a few laughs and in the driveway with Bill L. before starting our trip south. Bill had caught a cold (from me) and decided to stay home even though he wanted to be there.
Like many, we opted to take a ferry across the Sound to Bremerton and our best option was to cross to Kingston from Edmunds. We arrived at the Edmunds ferry terminal exactly as planned and were near the front of the line to board the next vessel. While waiting, we decided to call Stan C. and Alan H. who were on their way up from Portland because Alan sent me a text message with a great way to tease Stan. Apparently, Stan’s wallet somehow was lost and later turned up in his sock drawer. Not sure how that happens but where there is a Stan, there is a way.
We set sail and made it to Kingston and began the last leg of our journey to Bremerton. It was a pleasant drive and after about 30 minutes we arrived at Todd’s house ready to socialize. We walked to the house and once inside, were immediately greeted by good friends with open arms. We made the wonderful round of hugs, but I was soon distracted by Iggy and Wilbur (Todd’s 4 legged roommates) who were so excited and happy to smell us. Once I was done petting the dogs, I looked around and noticed what a great spread of tables with enough seating for all and lots of hors d'oeuvres to tithe us over until the main course of roasted turkey with all the fixins was ready.
I made my way to the kitchen where I saw our generous host Todd putting some final touches on the food before placing it in the oven. Everything looked great and I knew that we were all in for a treat! What I did not see was Todd’s other half Christian who was mysteriously missing from the party. Todd stated that Christian had an event come up that prevented him from being there. It was a good reason, but we took the opportunity to question whether Christian actually exists. Todd pointed out some photographic evidence that Christian is in fact real… the pictures were convincing and we decided that Christian does exist, but I do suspect that Todd is quite skilled with Photoshop.
More and more folks trickled in for the pre-business social hour and I was excited to see Michael C. and Ron S. arrive on two wheels proving that we are in fact a motorcycle club!
It was now time for the meeting so we all gathered in the large living room where Stan led the group through a meeting. I have to say that I was impressed by how well the meeting flowed and the respect of all those in attendance to stay on topic. This little act really allows the Board to provide updates on the official club business in a much more timely manner
With the meeting over, our host instructed us to form a line to make our way through the kitchen where we could fill our plates by choosing from a plethora of Thanksgiving food options. I started off with some butternut squash bisque followed by some roast turkey breast, garlic mashed potatoes, chestnut stuffing, homemade gravy, with some peas and carrots thrown in to add some color to my plate. The food was absolutely delicious and I have to say that for the next 10 minutes it was pretty quiet because everyone was enjoying the fruits of Todd’s culinary efforts.
Many went back for seconds (myself included), but others skipped on the seconds and saved that stomach real estate for dessert. Tom C. and Darrel. H brought some pies to ensure that everyone had great options for dessert. Chris L. also contributed with a MOIST cake to enjoy.
With dinner over, the group began to socialize once more and before I knew it, it was time to start my way north to the Kingston ferry terminal to catch the 8:20 pm sailing back to Edmunds. It was a great trip home with a nice surprise as we ventured north past the Tulalip Casino where we were mesmerized by the massive display of Christmas lights.
Monthly Gallery
Photos from members and guests from last month’s rides and adventures (or stolen from Facebook pages due to a lack of submissions).
November Gallery Photos
Meet & Greets
Portland M&G
Portland’s November M&G was hosted by Mark B. We went to the Drunken Noodle on Lombard for dinner before heading over to the Eagle for the actual M&G. In attendance was Mark B, Stan C, & Jim N who came down from Seattle to check our M&G. It was great getting to see everyone.
Portland’s December M&G will be hosted by Mark B on December 7th. We will meet at 5:30 for dinner at the Kenton Station Restaurant which is located at 8303 N Denver Ave in Portland. Shortly before 7:00, we will head over to the Eagle for the M&G. Contact Mark or Stan if you want us to save you a seat at the dinner table.
BC M&G
We are still looking for a member in BC to take the lead on this. Please let Stan know if you are willing do this.
Seattle M&G
Seattle’s November M&G didn’t happen. Back on track for December!
Seattle’s December M&G will be hosted by Dennis at the Lumberyard (White Center). They have re-opened since the fire in a new location across the street. 9630 16th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98106. Be there for dinner (limited menu) at 6 followed by the M&G 7-8.
Day-Rides
BC’s Day Ride
There was no BC day-ride in November.
See Upcoming Events for details about a possible Day Ride in December.
Seattle’s Day Ride
Seattle had a little Day Ride in November. Dale, Jin and Dennis met for breakfast in Issaquah. Scattered rain was experienced getting to breakfast. Looking at radar during breakfast the original ride that Dale had planned was scrapped since the incoming weather was raining as it lifted over the foothills and the route would have taken us higher. Instead, we did a route south through Hobart to Enumclaw, and south to Electron where we headed back north. We split up in Sumner for our rides home. Nice little ride for a cool winter day and escaped the rain.
See Upcoming Events for details about a possible Day Ride in December.
Portland’s Day Ride
There was no Day Ride in November.
See Upcoming Events for details about a possible Day Ride in December.
Upcoming Events
Please do not come to any club event if you are not feeling well.
December 3rd - Portland, Seattle, & BC Day Rides
Due to the PNW unpredictable weather, we will wait until Thursday, December 1st to announce the plans.
. . . Watch our FB page for last minute changes or details.
Seattle - we may do a breakfast get-together even without a ride - watch for last minute details!
decembeR 7th - PORTLAND’S MEET & GREET
See details above in the M&G Section.
December 10th - BRMC Holiday Party Hosted by Chris L & Richard A in Bow Hill, WA. Register Today
The menu will include Ham as the main dish. Sides will include Bucks Scalloped Potato’s, Fresh Vegetable’s, & a Green Salad. As normal, there will be assorted appetizers, & some award winning desserts.
The base price for the dinner is $25.
Social hours begins at 4:00 with roll call at 5:00 followed by dinner at 5:30.
There will be a White Elephant Gift Exchange with a suggested value of $25. Please bring a creative or otherwise special gift as the giver of the most popular gift will win a second trip to the tree. Any remaining gifts will be used to generate donations to the club.
. . . Watch our FB page for last minute changes or details.
December 14th (moved ahead 1 week) - seattle’s meet & greet
See details above in the M&G Section.
January 4th - Portland’s MEET & GREET
See details above in the M&G Section of the January Newsletter.
January 7th - BRMC Day-Rides
Due to the PNW unpredictable weather, we will wait until Thursday, January 5th to announce the plans.
. . . Watch our FB page for last minute changes or details.
January 18th - Seattle’s MEET & GREET
See details above in the M&G Section of the January Newsletter.
January 21st - BRMC AGM
The details for the AGM are still being worked out. We are looking at options for a new location for the AGM. Check out the January Newsletter for details.
. . . Watch our FB page for last minute changes or details.
A Brothers Birthday
We have 2 members with a birthday in December. Be sure and help us make them feel special.
December 2nd - Peter L
December 14th - Richard A
Club Business
Board Nominations
As most of you are aware, board nomination are done at the October, November and December meetings with the elections held at the Annual General Membership meeting in January. Please give some thought as to your ability to serve your fellow club members by serving for a term on the board. Each board position is for a term of one year. For additional information about serving on the board, please contact the current board President.
Nominations at the October Meeting are;
President - Stan C
Vice President - Dennis H
Road Captain - Todd M
Secretary - Justin W
Treasurer - Tom C
Membership Nomination
Guests that are interested in becoming a BRMC member, must be sponsored & nominated for membership by a charter, active or disabled member. Interested guests are encouraged to ride with the club & be coached by said sponsor for a year before being nominated for membership. An interested guest should use this time to get to know the rules & culture of the club as well as the members who will be asked to vote on their membership.
Guests that are interested in becoming a BRMC member should reach out to a current club member and inquire about sponsorship. An interested guest may want to reach out to more than one member before deciding on a suitable sponsor.
A motion to nominate someone for membership must be made timely, at a club meeting, by the sponsor. Again, the election for a new member will occur at an Annual General Membership meeting normally held in January.
For additional information about becoming a member or sponsoring a guest for membership, please contact the current board president.
By-Laws Update
We have established a new By-Laws Committee to investigate the idea of a new category for current members that are not required to ride. The intent for this new committee is to address the issue of valued members, who for personal reasons are thinking about, or have stopped riding yet want to continue to be an active, contributing member with all the same rights, privileges and responsibilities of any other active member.
We have made available a “Draft By-Laws Sept 22” in the Members Only Section of our web-site for you to review. We discussed these changes at these changes at the October Meeting. No changes were requested at this meeting so the draft stands unchanged. Be ready to vote on the New By-Laws at the AGM.
This new committee is made up of Jeff B, Tom C, Richard A, & Blue B. We thank you gents for donating your expertise and your time regarding this matter.
Reader’s Corner
A place for you, the reader, member and/or guest, to contribute.
Tell us about your travels, adventures, mishaps, etc.
To contribute, send your story & pictures to News@BorderRiders.com
Gear Store
The Gear Store is closed until the 2023 Banquet. We are taking this opportunity to seek new items to spruce up the gear store. If you know of any gear we once had that you’d like to see us bring back, or new items you’d like to see us make available, contact our VP Chris L.
Advanced Motorcycle Training
The Advanced Training for 2022 has come to a close. All training has been reported on & we are now just waiting for the details of our 2023 training schedule to be released. We hope to have some details in the January Newsletter.
The 2023 schedule is tentative and I will post it as soon as I get a confirmation from Team OR. The one thing different for 2023 is that all the classes will happen on the same weekend. You will pick and choose which skills you want to work on & take that corresponding class.
This way, we all can be a part of the weekends activities regardless of our skill level and what classes you take. This should allow for more people to participate at various levels with the same excitement, enthusiasm, & support from the brotherhood.
Questions
If you have any questions regarding the 2022 or 2023 Motorcycle Advanced Training Program, contact Stan at President@BorderRiders.com
If you aren’t sure which class is right for you, Contact Stan for this too. He has taken almost all their classes and can help you decide which class is right for you.
From the Handlebars of the President
With the riding season mostly done for the year, we need to focus our attention on wrapping up 2022 & bringing in 2023. If anyone has a question, comment, or suggestion regarding these 2 years, let’s chat at the upcoming meeting. I would love hear your thoughts.
I hope to see you all at the Holiday Party.
Vice President Chatter
My term as VP is almost over and it has been very uneventful. I thank you all for behaving.
It was wonderful seeing everyone at the November Meeting.
I am expecting a good turnout at the holiday party and I’m also hoping for some fun gifts for the White Elephant. Oh, & you must take your gift home. Do NOT hide it in my house somewhere.
Road Captain Rumblings
I’m finalizing the plans for the summer runs in 2023 - full details to be in the January newsletters. Briefly:
May - Annual Victoria Day at Pine Flats, near Entiat, WA
June - Near Portland, Oregon to be close to Portland for Pride and the parade
July - Eastern Oregon - great riding in the Fossil area, with a campground at an elevation that may be a little cooler than the lowlands.
August - A great ride up the Coquihalla
September - North Washington near the I-5 corridor with fall riding capabilities in the North Cascades.
Treasurer’s Ramblings
All the bills I am aware of have been paid, & all receivables have been collected. Our accounts are balanced, and are where I expect them to be. Briefly stated, “Piggy Bank Be Balanced”.
I appreciate all the feedback at the November meeting regarding the budget for next year. That helped me a great deal.
Please feel encouraged to reach out to me if you have any questions. Otherwise, stay safe, stay healthy and I look forward to seeing everyone soon.
Secretary Thoughts
Oh boy, does life ever slow down?
The November Meeting Minutes have been posted. Be ready to vote to approve them, or not, at the December Meeting.
See you all real soon.
2022 Calendar of Events
December 10th - Club Holiday Party - Hosted by Chris & Richard near Burlington, WA
2023 Calendar of Events
January 21st - AGM in Seattle, WA - Location YTBD
February 18th - Banquet in Portland, OR - Location YTBD
March 18th - Club Meeting - Hosted by Jeff B.
April 15th - Club Meeting, - hosted by Kas C.
May 19th thru 21st - Victoria Day Campout at Pine Flats near Entiat, WA
June 16th thru 18th - June Campout - Location YTBD
August 18th thru 20th - August Campout - Location YTBD
September 9th thru 11th - Team OR & BRMC Advance Training Weekend (Tentative Dates)
Saturday afternoon will be the PMC 1 (Police Rodeo part 1)
Sunday morning will be the PMC 2 (Police Rodeo part 2)
Monday morning will be the Cornering Clinic (Go-Cart Track)
Monday afternoon will be the Highway Braking Clinic (Race Track)
September 15th thru 17th - September Campout - Location YTBD
October 21st - Club Meeting - we are looking for a host.
November 18th - Club Meeting - we are looking for a host.
December 9th - Holiday Party - we are looking for a host.
Monthly Meet & Greets
BRMC members will be available for interested individuals to meet and learn more about the club and how to get involved. For locations and times, check out the following list of times & location. Watch our FB for last minutes details pr changes.
Portland: Meet & Greet - 1st Wednesday of the month, 7 pm at The Portland Eagle.
Vancouver BC Meet & Greet (tentative - Watch FB) - 2nd Wednesday of the month. 4 to 6 pm at The Met Hotel, New Westminster. (Canceled until further notice.)
Seattle: Meet & Greet - 3rd Wednesday of the month, 7 pm at someplace new. Watch the newsletter, website or Facebook for exact location.
Member & Guest Non-Sanctioned Day-Rides
In addition to the club's monthly M&Gs, local rides frequently happen on the 1st Saturday of every month. Additionally, members & guest going on an impromptu day-ride, or to some other activity, will post their plans on our FB page so others can tag along. Again, watch our FB page for last minutes details or changes.
To learn more about local event’s, impromptu events, or to check status on any event, check out our FB page or email the Road Captain at Captain@BorderRiders.com.
Hey, did you notice that trend? Yep, keep an eye on our FB page for last minute changes and details for all events.
Non-BRMC Motorcycle Events
If you know of anything that we might want to post here, please let is know at News@BorderRiders.com
Contributions of Photos & Stories
Please feel encouraged to send us your photo’s of our activities to News@BorderRiders.com
Also, if you do anything interesting outside the club, we’d love to hear about it. Send us a short story with some photo’s and we will try get it into the next newsletter. It doesn’t have to be motorcycle related to be interesting. We are very diverse.
If you have photos and stories to share, please send to news@borderriders.com
Is it spring yet?