General

Apr 272011
 

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Well we had a really good turnout for our monthly dinner ride to Pat’s Chili Dogs on Tuesday April 26th.  We had a total of 11 members, family, and friends who made the ride along with seven (7) motorcycles.

 

 

 

 

Those who made the dinner ride were:

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Stan & Patti, Norm Hubbard, Dave Lehman, Steve Mathews and his son Christian, Tom Clark ( friend of Steve Mathews, myself and Bev, and our newest member Ray Valenzuela and his wife Donna.

We had a great time with Stan & Ray telling old war stories and days of the chapters’ beginning.

Apr 252011
 

Fellow Blue Knights,

I will be doing a ride to the 2011 Rio Grande Conference in Granbury, Texas.  Granbury is on the Brazos River southwest of Fort Worth.  This will be a Southwest Ride featuring Carlsbad Caverns National Park, The UFO Museum in Roswell, NM, Lincoln State Park (Billy the Kid & Pat Garrett fame), Alamogordo, NM (Space Museum and White Sands National Monument), and Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument near Silver City, NM.The ride will depart from Tombstone, AZ, on Tuesday, May 17, 2011, and will return to Tombstone on Thursday, May 26, 2011 (10 days).  Plan on an additional 2 1/2 days ride from Sacramento to Tombstone.

Attached is a Ride Information Packet which is in PDF form and can be opened with Acrobat Reader.  Rio Grande Conference registration information is included in the packet .

The Rio Grande Conference dates are May 19 – 22, 2011.  The registration fee is $65.00 if paid before March 1, 2011.  The host hotel in Granbury is the Comfort Inn.  There are also blocks of rooms in three adjacent hotels.  I have booked a room at the La Quinta Inn across the street from the Comfort Inn.  See the conference registration information for details.

You can go to the Blue Knights Texas Chapter 21 website at http://www.blueknightstx21.org/ for information about the conference.

If you are interested in this ride, send me an email at foghorn0222@aol.com.

I will be leaving for Arizona in my motorhome on February 22, 2011 and will be staying in Tombstone until early July.

2011 Southwest Ride Information Packet

Hope to see you in Tombstone on May 17th.

Ride with Pride

Mike Martin 

UPDATE:

As of today, the only confirmed riders for the 2011 SW Ride to the Rio Grande Conference in Granbury, TX, are Rich Fancher of AZ IX and myself. He and I have been to all of the places of interest in New Mexico that are on our return trip from Granbury one or more times. So, Rich and I have decided to ride some roads new to us and visit some places we haven’t seen before. Therefore, I have changed our return trip itinerary.

Our return trip itinerary is as follows:

Sun May 22 – Depart Granbury and ride to Waco, TX where we will visit the Texas Ranger Museum. Then, ride the hill country to Fredericksburg, TX, stopping in Crawford, TX, for lunch. Stay at the Days Inn in Fredericksburg.

Mon May 23 – Visit the Admiral Chester W. Nimitz Museum in Fredericksburg, then ride to San Antonio to tour the Alamo. Stay at the Days Inn Alamo/Riverwalk in San Antonio.

Tue May 24 – Depart San Antonio and ride to Alpine, TX via US 90. Stop at Langtree, TX, and tour the Judge Roy Bean State Historical Site en route to Alpine. Stay at the Best Western in Alpine, TX.

Wed May 25 – Depart Alpine, TX, and Ride to Deming, NM, where we will stay at the Days Inn.

Thur May 26 -Depart Deming, NM, and return to Tombstone, AZ.

Our itinerary en route to Granbury will remain the same.

If, between now and our departure date of May 17, anyone decides to ride with us all or part of the way , send me an email. Otherwise, I’ll see you in July when I return to Sacramento.

 

Apr 252011
 

The “Patriot Guard Riders Memorial Day Ride” will take place on Monday, May 30, 2011 with Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson and the Patriot Guard Riders. The cost is $10 per rider which will go directly to benefit Friends of Freedom, a nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to aiding and supporting our military family of active duty service members and veterans and the men and women first responders in our police, fire and emergency response teams.. The first 300 registered will receive a Memorial Day Ride T-shirt. Registration is available online:
http://azmemorialdayride.eventbrite.com. (event flyer attached-please post and forward to your members)

The “Patriot Guard Riders Memorial Day Ride” ride is a one of two rides that will take place in honor of the 10th Anniversary of 9-11. Our goal is to raise awareness of the sacrifice our soldiers and members of the community make for our country and how we can help them. The second ride will take place on 9-10-11 with a ceremonial ride ending at the Patriot Day Celebration event site. Luke Air Force Base and Arizona Army National Guard are a integral part of our Patriot Day Celebration.

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The Patriot Day Celebration commemorates those brave civilians and first responders that heroically sacrificed their lives for our freedom on 9-11. This event draws attention that we should “never forget” the service men and women and veterans that are and have been courageously putting their lives on the line for the United States of America. In addition, we recognize the families of service personnel who bravely stand by and support their dedication. Last year’s 2nd Annual Patriot Day Celebration proved to be very successful with more than 3,000 citizens gathering to celebrate our heroes, their families and to salute our fallen soldiers. Approximately 3,000 blankets were collected for refugees in war torn Afghanistan delivered by signature sponsor, American Airlines. We were very fortunate to have 55 Corporate Sponsors, 7 National, 10 regional and 35 local vendors. Crocs Shoes donated to 700 pairs of shoes to Airmens and Afghan families. In addition, we made history with the landing of a BlackHawk and Apache Longbow helicopter in a business district on a city street. Here is a link to the Patriot Day Celebration website: www.patriotdayaz.org

WHO: Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson Presents

WHAT: Patriot Guard Riders Memorial Day Ride

WHERE: Buddy Stubbs Harley Davidson
13850 N. Cave Creek Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85022

WHEN: By 9:30 am; Kick Stands Up at 10 am

WHY: To Benefit: Friends of Freedom, a 501(c)(3) chartered foundation, pending nonprofit organization status. It is comprised of a team of business owner’s, leaders of industry and everyday citizens dedicated to aiding and supporting our military family of active duty service members and veterans and the men and women first responders in our police, fire and emergency response teams. Our goal is to provide resources, networks and an occasional smile to those who serve the country protecting our Freedoms.

REGISTER TODAY: http://azmemorialdayride.eventbrite.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact  Amy Petrovsky, Sensational Events, 602-696-4646

 

 

Apr 172011
 

Due to recent happening overseas we are changing May’s Dinner Ride to Trident Grill on May 31st.

The Trident Grill’s owner, Nelson Miller, helped train the Navy Seals who took down bin Laden.  It is with that in mind that we are going to go to his restaurant, @ 2033 E. Speedway at Campbell.  Going east on Speedway it is two block on the left past Campbell.  Make a U-Turn @ Olson Street.

Meeting time as always is 6:30

Trident Grill Menu and Information

Article on Trident Grill

Due to the fact that this is a new restaurant I want to get a head count to give them.  Please RSVP by Friday May 27th if you are planning on going.

This looks like a good restaurant and moderately priced food..

Hope you can make it.

RWP

RoN

Meeting time is 6:30 pm.

 

Apr 162011
 

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On April 23rd this ride is presented by 55th Rescue Booster Club. Benefits the That Others May Live Foundation. Ride will start and end at American Legion Post 109 at Houghton and Sahuarita Rd.  Ride will end with a BBQ for $5 a plate and raffle for prizes. All proceeds will go to the TOML foundation to support the educational needs of children who lost a parent in a USAF search and rescue mission. $15. All makes and models welcome. Non riders welcome to participate in raffle and BBQ. 8:30am.

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American Legion Post 109
15921 S Houghton Rd
Tucson, AZ
520-207-9516
That Others May Live
irgunr@gmail.com

Apr 132011
 

International Female Ride Day Rides Around the World for the 5th Year on Friday 6 May!

Toronto, February 17th 2011 – This year International Female Ride Day celebrates its fifth year of women riders getting on their motorcycles to JUST RIDE. With four years of history bringing awareness for women riders, the force created and expected for the fifth year of this globally synchronized action will be nothing less than phenomenal! More women, and more countries are including themselves in the campaign and those already participating are bumping up the game plan with expanded actions for Friday May 6th.

Countless women riders participate year after year delighting in their role to “just ride” on International Female Ride Day. For them, this annual occasion is unlike any other motorcycle event and has become the activity “not to be missed in women riders” agendas. “The growth and dedication each year of proud and enthusiastic participants who have supported the concept from the get-go, is wonderful. The excitement and enthusiasm for being part of the only global campaign for women riders continues to catch on like wildfire! Women devotedly prepare to ride and unite on this synchronized day around the world” says Vicki Gray, the founder of the International Female Ride Day and of MOTORESS. “For the 5th year we’ve included an image of the world to the yearly icon. This of course signifies the campaigns global action. It will also be the design on our very sought after collectible International Female Ride Day t-shirt”.

Since its introductory year in 2007 International Female Ride Day has experienced spectacular growth along with endorsement by key motorcycle industry leaders, renowned female rider clubs and international governing bodies such as Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM). “We here at BMW Motorrad Canada are very proud to be a supporter of International Female Ride Day”, states

Norman Wells, Director of BMW Motorrad Canada. “For many years now we have deployed our own initiatives for female riders as we recognize this segment as a growing and very important one to overall success of the motorcycle industry. We wish all participants a great day and hope that MOTORESS will continue to experience growth with the event here in Canada and globally”, he adds.

The campaign’s growth continued even amidst a struggling world economy that heavily affected the motorsport industry at large. For this 5th edition, Vicki Gray observes the continuous recognition of the event. “The popularity of this event comes from the concept that it invites women riders of all ages, styles and forms of motorcycling to take lead and play a role. Plus it’s a lot of fun!

The campaign is a reality and it’s obvious by it’s participated numbers, it’s here to stay! adds Vicki.

Sport bike, cruiser, scooter, off-road, touring or competition, regardless of what type or style of motorcycling interest, International Female Ride Day makes one simple request of women – Just Ride! Get on your bikes, be out there and be visible. The concept has assembled its power and participation in this simple, worldwide-synchronized theme linking a chain of women through the shared activity of motorcycling. It’s one day to celebrate and highlight the many numbers of women who share their passion for the sport. The fact that every female rider participating on May 6th is a role model for others not yet taken the step to enjoy motorcycling, has added to the event’s intentions and participation.

International FEMALE RIDE DAY “fever” significantly magnifies each year and 2011 expects to host and welcome more riders and participants than in year’s prior.

Canada, United States, Australia, England, The Netherlands, Greece, Italy, Poland, Israel, Qatar, Denmark and Russia as well as other countries will again be contributing to the campaign in compelling numbers. In 2010, International Female Ride Day was recognized by the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM).

For more online information about International Female Ride Day, visit:

International Female Ride Day

Facebook International Female Ride Day Group

Apr 102011
 

The Patriot Riders: Guest Post by Miles Walker

http://roadcaptainusa.com/2011/04/09/the-patriot-riders-profile-by-miles-walker/

Posted on April 9th, 2011 by Jay Green

Overview

The Patriot Riders, also known as the Patriot Guard Riders, are more than members of a motorcycle club. They have a deep respect for American veterans who have passed away. Their missions are to go to the funerals of these fallen heroes and protect the families and other mourners from protesters. Comprised of a reported 220,000 members, the Patriot Riders also attend deployment ceremonies and welcome home ceremonies for troops coming back from overseas. The Patriot Guard Riders website http://www.patriotguard.org/ clearly states that they’re “standing for those who stood for US.”

History

In August of 2005, the American Legion Riders of Mulvane, Kansas were shocked to find out that a group of religious zealots from the Westboro Baptist Church were regularly protesting military funerals. When five of the riders realized that the protesters were preparing to rally at the funeral of Sargent John Doles in Chelsea, OK, they formed a group to strategize against the upcoming protest in Chelsea. Succeeding at the Chelsea mission, the riders convinced other motorcycle riders and veterans across the nation to organize against these protests. The group quickly launched a website, which got nearly 556,000 hits in the first two weeks alone.

Expansion

In addition to shielding grievers at the infamous 2005 funeral protest in Chelsea, the Patriot Riders have protected veterans’ families and friends across the country. With their motorcades, the riders have physically shielded the mourners against fervent protesters. These traveling defenders have since expanded to Minnesota, Texas, Florida, Kentucky, Wisconsin and a host of other states. They are not simply bodyguards, though; they drown out the chants of protesters by revving their engines and singing patriotic songs.

Today

Since 2005, the Patriot Riders’ duty has been to serve and protect, just like the fallen heroes for whom they have a wealth of respect. Communicating with each other in large part through the Internet, they’ve gone on to attend funerals for police officers, firefighters and first responders. They volunteer for veterans’ organizations, visit military hospitals and assist families with financial troubles. The Patriot Riders don’t care about political affiliation; nor do they make judgements about race, religion or sexuality. They simply wish to honor the departed in a legal and nonviolent way. Their website is decorated in letters of appreciation. These letters say that the riders conduct themselves in a variety of ways: “with kindness and support,” “professionalism and honor” and with “selfless acts.” This is not a typical riding club; it’s a group of white knights on bikes.

The above post was written by guest writer Miles Walker who is a freelance writer who normally writes feature articles for Car Insurance Comparison.  He recently wrote about Car Insurance California