Fund Raiser for an Injured Racer

On Saturday, November 7th the MCRA, in conjuction with HotShots Sports Bar, will be hosting a fund raiser and silent auction for Tom Shaw (CCS/NESBA, #359). Tom was severely injured during a race at Barber Motorsports Park on November 3rd. He suffered multiple fractures and he faces several months of rehabilitation and recovery.

If you would like to make a donation directly please go to:

http://www.mcraracing.com/TomShaw.htm

DATE: Saturday, November 7, 2009
LOCATION: HotShots Sports Bar & Grill, 950 S. Highway Dr., Fenton,MO 63026
TIME: 5:00pm to ????
EVENT: Fund Raiser, Raffles, Silent Auctions, Drink & Food Specials

- raffle tickets are $1 ea or 6 for $5. sales start at 5pm, drawings from 6:30pm to 8:30pm every 1/2 hour.
- silent auction to be held at 8pm (payment due night of event)
- purchase $2 bracelets for drink specials ($$$ goes directly to fund raiser)
- HotShots will be donating some appetizers & pizzas for the event

Some of the raffle and silent auction items:

1 MD Field Shear riding gloves
1 XL Teknic gauntlet riding gloves
1 LG HCI Helmet
1 LG Joe Rocket Lotus jacket
2 Cargo Nets
1 Collectible World Series Budweiser
1 XXL Red/BLK Woman's First Gear Jacket Nylon
1 LG First Gear BLU/BLK First Gear Jacket Nylon
1 sz 46 Speed & Strength 1pc race suit
1 XL Frank Thomas Gauntlet glove
1 LG Kawasaki Woman's Jacket Mesh
1 LG 707 Vendetta Helmet
1 XXL MSR Dirt Bike Jersey
1 MCRA Track Day
2 Sets 120/180 Michelin Tires
1 Set Bridgestone B003 120/180 Tires

A Very Sad Day for Bikers Everywhere

It was a sad day for motorcycling when Harley Davidson announced they were closing Buell. A day after the bombshell was dropped it is clear that Buell will be sadly missed, if only for the passion that Erik Buell brought to motorcycling and wow! factor his innovative designs gave riders.

You only have to watch Erik's announcement to see, hear and feel his love of his motorcycle company, the employees and riders. It is painful to watch.

Read the posts on various internet blogs and forums and you see that people really cared about the company and bikes as well. Some had good experiences, other had bad experiences in the brand's 26 years of existence, but every post seems to admire the uniquely American brand.

Oh yeah, H-D said they were selling MV Agusta as well, but no one seemed to care.

Hey, We're Having Some Rides

Saturday October 17, Fall Colors Ride: Led By Frosty. Meet at the usual Saturday Place: The Steak-n-Shake at Lindberg and Watson in Crestwood, MO at 8 am if you want breakfast. Sidestands up by 9 am. I believe we will head to points south and west.

Saturday, October 31, Shannon Logan's annual fall gathering. Details on this will follow. In the meantime contact Shannon for details.

Friday, December 4, 7 pm to ?, EMU Christmas Party at Hodaks. More information to follow, contact John and Mary Mosir for details.

So New and Yet So Old

Earlier in the year Honda introduced their revised CBR1000RR with an optional ABS system. While other types of motorcycles and ultra high performance automobiles have been able to take advantage of ABS for nearly two decades, this is the first time an ultra high performance motorcycle was available with this option. The new BMW supersport also comes with ABS as an option (plus traction control) and Ducati's top of the line bikes also have programmable traction control as does the Suzuki GSXR. Turn left, turn right, look forward, or look back and all the manufacturers have made some amazing safety features available in a segment of the motorcycle market where the performance capabilities of the bikes far outstrips the capabilities of the vast majority of riders.

Great, but so what?

Well if you are in the market for just about any sort of motorcycle, the increased features of the new bikes really makes one question why anyone would buy used. Sure, you can save some serious dollars, but at least in my thinking not nearly what my health or life is worth. This point struck me right in the face when I was surfing the net and a 3 year old Ducati caught my eye. I have always wanted a Ducati and this one offered nearly everything I wanted at a price I could afford. The bike was not internet scam; the owner was an upright citizen and all the papers were in order. However, a used bike - even a Ducati - did not stand the test of time. Much newer, better and safer machines are out there. Why buy a bike without ABS when there are so many now that have it standard? Statistics show that bikes of the same make and model, when equipped with ABS are in fewer accidents than those without. It is proven to save lives. Why buy a bike without traction control when that is popping up on nearly every new model introduction?

There has always been this battle of old versus new, but the electronic revolution of the past few years has changed the game. Unless you are buying a vintage or collectible bike, the stakes have risen to the point where you can not (at least in my opinion) not consider the increased safety capabilities of a new motorcycle. Older bikes are just that: old.

September Meeting Minutes

September Meeting Minutes- 9/01/09

Leo opened the meeting at 8:04pm.

August minutes were not read.

Treasurers Report: club account has$1241 in the bank.

Membership Report: none

New Business: none

Old Business: none

Announcements:
Tee shirts were available at the meeting. The shirts are moisture wicking hi-tec fabric in safety green with EMU logo front pocket and full back for $12.

Mary Mosir attended the meeting and said that John was doing better but still fighting a staff infection. Members should call and wish him well!

Bob Etzinger (sp) from the MG club spoke about the upcoming British car and motorcycle show on September 19th. See the EMU blog

Labor Day weekend events as usual are:

Davenport MC swap meet and dirt track races
Steam show in Illinois
The usual events at the Illinois Fair grounds including the mile races

Gateway BMW
September 12th GS ride and campout
September 19th Open house (good food)

Ride For Kids September 20th at Saint Charles Community College Sign in 8am rideforkids.org for more info

Drawing $18 Dennis Bauers
Gift certificate Bob Vineyard

Adjourned 8:14pm

The BMW S1000RR Debut! Come See It

On Tuesday, August 25th, the new BMW S1000RR will be at the Triumph Grill for its debut presentation from 5pm – 9pm.

On Wednesday, August 26th, it will be at Gateway BMW Motorcycles dealership in the morning and stay for most of the day. So, come and check out the new hottest BMW’s ride ever!

August Meeting Minutes

August Meeting Minutes - 8/04/09

Dennis opened the meeting at 7:45 pm. No other officers were in attedance.

July minutes were read and approved.

Treasurers Report: Club account has been changed to a free account at National City Bank. $1102 in the bank

Membership Report: none

New Business: none

Old Business: none

Announcements:

New t shirts were available at the meeting. The shirts are moisture wicking hi-tec fabric in safety green with EMU logo front pocket and full back for $12.

John Mosir has been hurt and is off work, call him and cheer him up.

MC Ride August 8th meet at the Huddle House in Leadington (Park Hills) 10:30am. Riding to a fantastic BBQ restaurant in Caledonia. All pavement ride.


Guests: Carlos Acosta BMW K1300 and Paul on an old 1100GS Suzuki both were visiting Gateway Rockers. Also Charlie Davis on a 950KTM (cool!)

Drawing : none
Gift certificate: none

Adjourned 8pm