President’s Column
One minute I’m standing in front of the membership at the
Christmas/Holiday Party being recognized as the new
President and the next minute it’s June. Time flies when
you’re having fun. June and summer are upon us with both
feet; heat and humidity.
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With that in mind it’s a good time to remind all members to keep our bodies
hydrated while riding or doing any outside physical activity. It’s easy to get lulled
into a false sense of hydration while spending long hours on your motorcycle.
My choice for hydration is my camelback water bladder. I originally bought my
Camelback system for skiing. I realized just how little water I was drinking on the
slopes and how much my body needed to be refreshed. I removed the bladder
from the backpack and store the bladder in my tank bag. The night before I
partially fill the bladder and place it in the freezer. Prior to departure I top off the
bladder and place it in the tank bag.
Dr. Bob Rice, DC, spoke at our June monthly meeting. He recommended an
electrolyte drink mix made by Pure Encapsulations, the name of the electrolyte is
Electrolyte Energy. The mix is added to your water and contains less sugar than
Gatorade or other sports drinks. The mix is available on-line.
Many members are preparing for the long haul to the MOA Rally in Billings,
Montana. I visited JAX BMW recently and was informed they have added
additional technicians for the shop. They are moving through the backlog caused
by the recent recall. If you’ll need service or tires prior to leaving for the MOA be
sure to call and schedule your appointment soon.
Be sure to check the events calendar! We have 2 events coming up in June:
The Breakfast Meet-Up and Ride is Saturday, 13 June, 0800 at The Southern Grille,
800 Flagler Ave, Jacksonville. We’ll leave there at 0900 for Micanopy.
The 2nd Quarter Social Dinner, 20 June, 6PM, La Napolera Mexican Restaurant,
San Pablo and Beach Blvd. Contact Greg Kibble if attending.
[email protected]
Ride safely, hydrate and don’t over extend yourself on the road.
Bill
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June Monthly Meeting Recap
Saturday June 7, 2015
Fleet Reserve
President Bill Botkin presided over a well-attended, informative monthly meeting.
Club member Marina Alley, Riding Into History, Chairperson, reviewed the
successful event held last month at World Golf Village in St. Augustine. She
expressed her gratitude to BMWNEF for the financial support, manpower, and
commitment it provided to RIH and presented the club with an engraved crystal
plate as tangible evidence of that gratitude.
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President Botkin in turn expressed the club’s gratitude to Marina for her three
years of successful service to Riding Into History, Wounded Warriors, and K9”s for
Warriors which was heartily seconded by loud applause from the membership.
Larry Meeker reminded the club that planning had started for the 2016 Winter
Rally which is being chaired by Larry and Chip and backed up by Vickie Decker and
Jeanette Meeker. Due to construction and renovation to Camp Blanding, the rally
will face some unusual challenges this year. As always much of the anticipated
success will be based on the volunteer efforts’ of club members. Remember, it’s
not too soon to sign up as a volunteer!
Dr. Bob Rice, DC, Amelia Chiropractic, presented a very informative presentation
on alleviating the “painful butt syndrome” that many of us get during long rides.
This affliction is usually caused by the piriformis muscle contracting and pressing
on nerves. Dr. Bob demonstrated several stretches that can relieve this
discomfort. A PDF file of stretches is available from Dr. Bob at
[email protected]. Be sure to use “BMWNEF stretches” in the subject
line.
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Events Chair Jim Quinn advised the membership of numerous Saturday rides and
“Dinners on the Road” that have been scheduled and can be viewed on the
BMWNEF website calendar.
June Post Meeting Ride
By Larry Meeker
About 14 members departed the Fleet Reserve today for a little 83 mile
ride to Palm Coast. Upon arrival we found 2 more riders and were
joined a few minutes later by 5 others, including Rony who joined us
after parking his GS and bringing his URAL. I was very happy to have 14
riders, but was elated to end up with over 20 members at Hijackers.
We were able to take over their private room reserved for groups, but
they don’t take reservations, or so I was told last week?. Anyway, the
place was busy and we were almost instantly enjoying the A/C.
Elizabeth took great care of us and the casual fare was tasty, plentiful,
and a good value.
Your support of the club’s activities provides valuable feedback on what
you like and don’t like. Post meeting ride attendance is up and down
based on a number of factors. Club leadership isn’t sure if there is
enough interest to continue these rides. I thank all who joined me
today and hope you enjoyed it. YOU will determine if these rides
continue in their present form. We are open to your destination ideas.
Email me if you would like the Garmin Basecamp GPX file or the general
route we took today.
Thanks to Wayne givens for sweep duty.
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Sport Touring School
By Bill Botkin
No tires with “chicken strips” allowed! That should be our new mantra after
attending the first Sport Touring School (STS) BMWNEF has offered in 2 years.
The Saturday, May 16 event, held at the Jennings GP motorcycle only track was an
unqualified success.
Proper planning does insure perfect performance. The USTRA staff did an
excellent job of scheduling and managing the three classes of riders taking
advantage of their track day and STS. Expert, advanced and STS were the
divisions of riders. This allowed more experienced track riders an open course
and allowed STS students the freedom to work on cornering and braking skills at
their own pace.
Saturday morning arrived cool and clear as members prepared their bikes for the
track. Minor preparations are required. Mirrors removed, all plastic taped over,
panniers removed. The week prior I replaced my glycol antifreeze with a non-
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glycol product available from Peter Hampton at Ton Up Jacksonville. All our bikes
passed “tech” inspection with flying colors.
What’s an event without a “curveball” or two! During our rider’s meeting the
track official pointed directly at two members wearing Klim suits and said “are
you planning on wearing those?” “Yes, matter of fact, we were” was their retort.
“We were told textile suits would be allowed for STS students.” Apparently
Jennings again changed their mind on textile suits. Leathers only is the new rule.
Our classroom session was interrupted by Roy Johnson of USTRA and Peter
Hampton of Ton-Up Jax. Peter and Roy pointed out to Jennings officials the
inconsistencies in applying the “no textile suit, leathers only” rule. In no uncertain
terms Peter and Roy voiced their displeasure. Jennings realized the error of their
ways and provided suits at no cost to all riders. The Ed Bargy Racing School also
donated several sets of leathers to accommodate some members. I could have
easily used one size larger or about 10 pounds less of me, to make my suit more
comfortable! Once on, zipped, and on the track, the suit was much more
comfortable than I thought possible.
Si Maroun, owner of TT Motto Gear near Atlanta was our instructor. He surveyed
our group to measure what we wanted to accomplish. As he summarized our
responses it was apparent we all wanted better braking skills, better cornering
skills and to be more relaxed as we rode. Si reiterated several times this was OUR
day, he was there to answer our questions and provide advice.
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A key point throughout the day was Si’s terminology. He wanted us to think like a
motorcycle pilot, not a rider. A rider, in his vernacular, was one who was only
along for the ride, making half-hearted inputs to get from point A and to B. A
pilot was one who managed the machine to its fullest design capabilities.
We assembled on the track for our first 20 minute session. This session was a
series of “parade laps” with a rider coach in the lead to show us the track and
highlight the entry points, apexes and exit points. Not really that exciting, riding
at 40-50 on a track. It gets more interesting and exciting later.
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Si exploded a big myth I believed to be gospel since I starting riding. “Adjust your
speed prior to commencing your turn from the entry point, have neutral or slight
positive throttle on as you hit the apex, roll the throttle on gently after the apex
to straighten up the motorcycle and maneuver for the exit point”. “Never brake
while in the turn.” I was not alone in this (mis)understanding.
Si went on to explain the concept of “trail braking”. Silly me, I thought trail
braking meant using the rear brake; it’s trailing the front, right? Trail braking is a
technique used by expert riders and racers. Yes, you do begin to adjust your
speed prior to commencing your turn from the entry point to the apex. But, in
trail braking you continue to brake all the way to the apex while you “trail-off” the
pressure as you reach the apex. Trail braking uses the front or rear or both
brakes.
Trail braking shortens the geometry of the motorcycle, sets the motorcycle in a
balanced state and allows the rider to carry more speed into the corner. After our
briefing we returned to the track for our initial practice of this new technique.
During our debrief following our first introduction to trail braking the response
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was, to a member, very positive. We continued the briefing, riding for 20 minutes
cycle to our lunch break.
Each student practiced their technique at speeds comfortable to them. This is the
beauty of STS. It is a training session, not a track day or race session. On the
initial parade laps no passing was allowed. Before we returned to the track Si
surveyed the members to see if passing would make anyone uncomfortable, with
no reservations from students passing was established on straightaways with a 6’
lateral margin. This allowed more advanced student to train at their level and
eliminated any bunching of the field.
Member Paul “Hawk” Solomon offered his comments on the STS:
This past Saturday I attended a GREAT STS (Safety Through Skills) track
school. The whole day was spent working on one new technique that I intend to
add to my tool box.
The instructor, Si Maroun, provided, training, consisting with a theory, the
application of the technique, and practice on the track. Si not only knew his
material but was able to communicate with his students. (Sic)
After each track session Si gathered the group together for post ride reviews.
These reviews consisted of suggestions for assistance with riding problems, and
reinforcement of the day's technique.
Adequate time to practice the technique of the day was provided in the six (6)
track sessions available. I had an immensely valuable and FUN STS track school.
The rest is up to me. Practice makes proficiency.
Be kind, ride safely, have fun.
Hawk
You can see one member’s meaning of STS can be quite different than others.
Mentioned above are the 6, 20 minute sessions on the track. This is hard work!
You’re out there in the heat of the afternoon practicing a new skill set, trying to
be a better, safer pilot. I suited up for the 4th session, thinking it to be the last,
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and made 3 or 4 laps in good form. Si cautioned us of those little fellows in our
helmet. The one saying you’re getting tired, better hang it up for the day; and the
other urging you on to push harder and harder. Fortunately for me I listened to
the former and pitted before the session ended. When you think you’re tired
you’re really tired. Only after I readied my bike for the road did I realize there
were two more sessions available. Even cutting my day short I logged 95+ miles
of valuable track training time.
Loaded and ready for the 3 hour ride home I saw the “Hawk” taking the track for
the 6th session, all by himself. That’s a real pilot in training.
Your Executive Committee and training committee will do our best to have
another STS when the weather cools.
Ride safely.
Bill
Georgia Mountain Rally
Approximately 20 BMWNEF members, from all over the southeast, converged on
Hiawassee, Georgia, the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds for the Silver Anniversary
Georgia Mountain Rally (GMR). The organizers could not have ordered up better
weather than what was on hand. The GMR had been plagued by bad weather,
especially rain for the last few years so all attendees were more than pleased to
see clear skies and cool temperatures. This was my maiden trip to GMR and I can
firmly state I’ll be back next year with, I hope, many more members.
As a Marine Corps helicopter pilot I spent some time at Army Ranger Camp
Merrill, northeast of Dahlonega, Georgia. I must admit, I was flying over this
beautiful terrain, dropping Army Rangers and Recon Marines who were
conducting their mountain phase of the Army Ranger School. Little did I know I’d
return to north Georgia to ride and enjoy the endless twisties and Forest Service
roads.
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The routes taken to GMR were as varied as the choices of roads to ride. After a
breakfast meet in Folkston the group of about 10 members scattered like chaff in
the wind to follow their routes to GMR. I rode solo, stopping at friends near
beautiful Madison, Ga. Another group rode to Macon for the evening while a third
rode to the Unicoi State Park near Helen, Ga. and spent a very chilly night
camping.
Chatuge Lake, Hiawassee, Ga. offers a beautiful backdrop for the GMR. Plenty of
level, and not so level (DAMHIK), campsite are available. Modern, clean showers
and restrooms are available. Members spent Friday afternoon setting up camp
and preparing for the rides ahead.
The GMR rides committee created the Georgia Mountain Ramble, a collection of
on-road and dual-sport rides. I came to the rally to ride, not sit around. At 3PM
on Friday I departed on a short dual-sport, 90 mile, ride. Just getting to the off
road portion was fun. Great sweeping curves, dishes and bowls around turns, just
what I expected from north Georgia roads. The planned dual-sport sections were
planned using US Forest Service access roads. I’m a neophyte in off-road, dualsport riding but off I went, alone (more on that later) into the woods. The USFS
roads were 10-12 wide with railroad size ballast rocks in the tracks and across the
crowns. The tracks were fairly well packed but the crowns were loose. Some
portions of the tracks were rutted from washout so, needless to say, it was an
adventure and learning experience for me. It was the longest, roughest, bumpiest
ride I’d experienced to date. I didn’t realize I’d do it again Saturday for twice the
distance.
Dual-sport riding on unfamiliar roads, alone is not a good idea. As I was leaving
the fairgrounds I told Larry Meeker what loop I was on and I’d be gone about 2
hours. Luckily for me I didn’t have any difficulties, not even a drop. But, if I had
gone down, or worse, gone over the side of a USFS road no one would have
started looking for me for hours. The ravines along the USFS roads were very
steep. One slight mistake and you’re 200-300 feet down a hillside. I survived my
lapse in judgement. Take a friend, stay together for safety.
Saturday morning broke clear and cool. Our group’s plans were again varied.
Several riders were headed to a member’s cabin while Larry Meeker and I were
headed on an all-day 190 miles dual-sport ride. Our route was approximately 40%
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off-road and 60% on road. I felt more at ease having a partner if something went
wrong. Luckily for us, all went according to plan. 90 miles on rough USFS roads
will wear you down. Today’s roads were steeper and the switchbacks sharper.
On the last of the 5 water crossings I made the mistake of looking down just as I
entered the deepest of the crossing. My transgression caused me to misjudge my
exit point from the stream. I ended up in a small (12” wide x12” deep) very
muddy drainage ditch. With Larry pushing and me rocking and riding we got the
bike back on the road. Larry’s “Stitch” was the only casualty being covered with
mud.
Next year please plan on attending the GMR. We had a conflict this year with a
monthly meeting being on the same weekend as the GMR. Next year we will
schedule the monthly meeting to better accommodate more members attending
the GMR.
Tech Topics
How to Determine That Your Aux Lights (or Other Accessories) Are
Really “OFF”!
By Wayne Givens
Earlier this year I installed a pair of Baja Design Aux lights on my ’14 GS 1200. I
wired them to switch power (so they would turn off with the key) via a Fuzeblock.
They worked great with the lights going off by themselves 30 – 60 seconds after
the key was turned off.
Then twice this year I had a dead battery after the GS sat for no more that 3 – 5
days. This was unusual compared to the other BMW’s I had owned. Regardless
the battery was replaced and I was going to pay more attention to keeping the
m/c on the tender when parked.
Then the same thing happened to Chip Kenyon’s ’14 GS. Same m/c, lights and
wiring. I wanted to determine if my wiring was drawing power even though the
lights were off. I goggled “How to Test Parasitic Battery Drain” and came across
several articles/videos, including
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KF1gijj03_0.
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The test is actually quite easy as long as you can get to the negative side of the
battery, remove the negative cable and have a multimeter that measures DC
amps. I learned my battery was being drained at 160 – 165 milliamps with the
lights OFF but their switch ON. NOT GOOD! At this rate my 14 AH battery would
basically be dead in 3 days. When I turned off the light switch, the drain was less
than a milliamp.
My next step is to get with someone smarter than me to rewire the power so
when the key is turned off, ALL power to the lights relays, etc. are OFF!
Palo Alto Speedometer
By Greg Kimball
From what I have read and heard, dealing with a speedometer that doesn't
even suggest the actual speed is part of owning a BMW motorcycle. My first
bike, a 1985 R 80 RT, was close, about 7 mph fast at 65. My 'new' steed, a
1986 R 80 RT was not so predictable and would bounce somewhere
around15 mph fast at 65 and seemed to be adversely effected by the ambient
temperature or whether the sun was shining.
In both cases, about 10 years apart, I have entrusted my speedometers to
Palo Alto Speedometer for a physical exam and calibration. In the most recent
case, the odometer had decided to lie to me about when I last filled the fuel
tank and needed a physical as well.
The people at Palo Alto Speedometer do not subscribed to some modern
business trend of have a computer answer their phone and guide you through
a half dozen menu items and several advertisements. When I called for
shipping suggestions, a real person answered the phone and seemed pleased
and qualified to answer all my quarries. A week after sending the
speedometer via UPS ground transport, I received a phone call from them to
confirm they had received the speedometer and what work was needed.
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A ballpark estimate was discussed and when I asked for a completion date for
the repairs and calibration I was very pleasantly surprised to hear the reply of
"tomorrow."
After paying my bill which turned out to be exactly the ballpark estimate, I
received my treasured speedometer on the day it was scheduled to arrive.
I have now road tested it against my GPS and found it to be spot on, both in
speed and distance traveled.
Vented Final Drive
By Larry Meeker
Sometime in mid-2011, BMW went back to a vented rear (final) drive. The vent is
a black rubber cap on top of the drive housing. BMW used a GoreTex membrane
to act as the vent. Sometimes they don't work well. If you see a white, milky like
fluid drain out of rear drive, water has gotten in there and that is not a good
thing. Flush it out with new gear lube and refill. Probably a good idea to replace
the GoreTex vent cap at the same time.
This is only something to be concerned if you have been in lots of rain or an
otherwise very wet environment. The final drive rear hub takes a small amount
gear lube and is simple job to drain/fill on pre-2005 and post 2007 models that
have a drain plug. Many BMW bikes made between 2005 thru 2007 eliminated
the drain plug and called the new idea a lifetime final drive because they believed
it would only need service every 100.000 miles, which is a lifetime for the average
rider. That didn't last very long and the drain plug returned. If you don't have a
drain plug, you can and should change the fluid WITH EVERY OIL CHANGE so you
can see what's going on in there. If you have the fill and drain plug, it's a simple
5 minute job. This extra bit of maintenance is cheap insurance so you can keep
on idea on what's going on in there.
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It started out as a Simple Ride….
By Michael Bryce
to visit relatives in the So. Cal. desert and Phoenix, AZ area. I then planned on
cruising back and covering a couple of stretches of Old Route 66 in AZ that I’d
missed in 2013 when I’d ridden the Route from Chicago to Santa Monica. But
while visiting in Phoenix my cousin’s husband told me about some riding he’d
done around AZ over the years and mentioned the cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde
Colorado. Intrigued and always looking for new 2 lanes to ride I changed my
return route. Leaving Phoenix I rode up US 93 to Kingman and hung a right onto
Old Route 66 for the Kingman – Askfork stretch.
Of course – once well away from the “big city” everything was labeled as
“Historic Route 66” and there were groups of tourists with cameras everywhere,
exchanging places so they all could have their photo taken in front of something
that declared where they were. I had to get into the act too:
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(When was the last time you saw THESE signs? And yes – that is a folding bicycle on the rear rack.)
Finishing the day in Flagstaff I found a motel near US 89 N and readied for my
next day’s journey north toward Mesa Verde. 89 N then US 160 which runs
diagonally across to the Four Corners area – and most of the trip is through /
across various Indian Reservation lands.
Up early Sunday morning and heading east out of Cortez to Mesa Verde National
Park where I finally got to use my Pass. (Tip: once reaching the ripe old age of 62
you can buy a lifetime pass to National Parks for $10!!) As it was early there were
few cars at the visitor center (where I had to buy the obligatory t-shirt) and on the
21mile (made for motorcycles) road from there to the actual sites of the
dwellings.
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Mesa Verde National Park is an area encompassing 4500 archeological sites of
which only 600 are cliff dwellings in the southwest corner of Colorado. Of course
there are just a few sites that are viewable and even fewer that can be entered.
And like most areas of the country – some are seasonal. The Anasazi (now known
as the Ancestral Pueblo people) had lived in area as far back as 550 AD – first in
“pit houses” (essentially a dirt floor framed tent) then around 1200 AD they
began building under the overhang of cliffs in the area, and then on to building
the sandstone structured “houses” that remain.
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I’m guessing this is an early “split-level”?
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It ended up being a great opportunity to see some new country and to see where
some of the amazing early Americans lived. I highly encourage the trip for its
cultural adventure as well as for some really great riding.
On my way back I passed through Liberal Kansas – for those of you that don’t
know it is the “official” Wizard of Oz city:
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And finally back to FL 100……almost home!
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It’s Great to be 62 because…
By Rick Tasker
Any US citizen can purchase a Lifetime Senior Pass and get free admission to
virtually all National Parks, and Federal Recreation Lands; as well as some
discounts for amenities. I purchased mine at Castillo de San Marcos in St.
Augustine and used it immediately that day and again the next day at the
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in Folkston, GA. The best source for current
information on the Senior Pace can be gotten at:
https://store.usgs.gov/pass/senior.html
Thanks to Tom Gerber & Larry Meeker for reminding me what A GREAT VALUE
THIS IS!
Safety Minute
Should You Go With the Flow?
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By David Sturgis
I was heading south on I-95, between Savannah and Brunswick. The traffic was
flying along at about 90mph. The posted speed limit was 70mph, and I was going
closer to 70 than 90. Every 15 seconds a car would weave through traffic and
zoom out of sight, going well over 90mph.
I think many of us have been in this situation, taking the super-slab so we can
make up some time and cover some miles. We’re here to go fast and avoid the
slowdowns found on two-lane America. The traffic is moving and none of us want
to become a hood ornament for an coming truck.
As I cruised along in the middle lane, I was passed by a Gold Wing and an older
Concurs. These gents were ‘doing the ton’ easily and waved for me to join them. I
started to speed up and realized how e-a-s-y it would be to ride that fast. My
motorcycle is exceedingly fast, and I’ve had it to 125 on the track and was only at
half-throttle. Restraint was called for, and thankfully, it answered in the
affirmative.
I exhaled and realized I needed to fall in line with the flow of traffic around me.
The term “flow of traffic” reminds me of statistical models of the mean +/- 2 SD.
Not the outliers going 100+mph. Not the camper in the left lane going 60mph.
I rode in the middle lane as much as possible, going to the left lane only to pass
slower vehicles. I was still exceeding the 70 mph speed limit, but was keeping up
with most of the traffic and not impeding anyone’s progress. I was able to
navigate and avoid being in anyone’s blind spot, and was able to keep my
distance from hazards like pickups full of furniture and BBQ grills, campers with
racks of bicycles on the back and the semi-trailer full of chickens.
Anytime you are traveling at greater than the posted speed limit, you are subject
to the penalties for speeding. That’s the law (in simplified, non-lawyer terms).
Most of the time it seems that law enforcement is interested in traffic moving
safely and smoothly down the road, although sometimes this is above the speed
limit. That is when you make the call on whether to go the speed limit and be
passed by almost everyone, or speed up and ride in the flow of traffic safely.
Recently I rode home from Daytona Beach on 95 heading north to Jacksonville.
Traffic was heavy and going between 60mph and 90mph. The disparity in speed
was the recipe for disaster. I could run in the left lane and did until it became
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clear that the pace was unsafe in my judgment. I finally moved to the right lane
and rode along at 70, moving left only to pass the occasional slower vehicle.
I encourage you to make a conscious decision about your speed, whether on 2
lanes or 8 lanes. Evaluate the traffic, weather, your condition and the condition of
your motorcycle. Decide how fast you should ride. Realize that conditions will
change and you may be better off going faster…or slower. It’s your call.
FYI:
Road Rage article:
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2015/jun/02/woman-pleads-not-guiltyroad-rage-zach-buob/
The Unclassifieds
http://www.bmwnef.org/unclassifieds.html
Get Well Soon
If you know of any member who is injured, ill or hospitalized please let us know.
REMEMBER, IF YOU DON'T TELL THEM, THEY MAY NOT KNOW!
Sherry Potter will send get well or sympathy cards,
flowers or care baskets to members & associate
members for serious illnesses or deaths in their
immediate families.
Listed below is the e-mail and phone number for
Sherry. Please be sure and notify her so she can
provide this important support to our members
and families.
Sherry Potter
[email protected] 904-223-4418
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2015 Executive Committee Members and links to their email address
President
Bill Botkin
Appointed Director
Vice President
Jim Quinn
Appointed Director
Secretary
Jeanette Meeker
Appointed Director
Treasurer
Todd Sandlin
Appointed Director
Elected Director Vicki Decker
Director at Large
Elected Director Bob Messer
Director at Large
Past President
Director at Large
Chip Kenyon
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