August 2011

President Gene Walker 5531 Lardon Rd NE Salem, OR 97305-3248 (503) 428-6641 (503) 371-4363 Vice President Gary Kelley 20000 NE Jaquith Rd Newberg, OR 97132-6694 (503) 537-0802 (503) 860-6442 garyk@amcaotc.org Treasurer Tom Ruttan 3761 SW Olson Ct Lake Oswego, OR 97034 (503) 638-1746 tgruttan@earthlink.net Secretary Shannon Kelley 20000 NE Jaquith Rd Newberg, OR 97132-6694 (503) 537-0802 (503) 784-0760 shannonk@wildriders.org

Silver and Chrome Road Run

Im happy to say this years road run provided all who attended just what they were looking for. Everyone enjoyed beautiful weather, exceptional meals, gorgeous scenery and three days of the best roads in the country. Thursday, July 21st Thursdays 65-mile check ride took the riders through Silver Falls State Park. Before leaving, Road Captain Tom checked riders hand signal knowledge. Don is seen here demonstrating the classic Deer in Road.

The group stopped for a break at the park entrance to relax and snap a few photos for the Editor.

Ben, Scott, Don and Bryce pose behind Bens fresh 29 Harley JD

The British bikes were out in force.

Don Woodard practices a Deer in Road hand signal for the Road Capt.

Due to a wet spring, the streams and creeks were running fast creating spectacular scenes at each water fall. The park is a lush, beautiful place. Winding through the park tested how well the bikes would perform on the longer rides to follow.

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Oregon Trail Chapter August 2011 Thursday dinner was prepared by Norlene and Gail. The selection of meats, salads, and desserts was more than enough to feed those gathered. Silver Spur RV Park facilities are exceptional. Friday, July 22nd Fridays 160-mile ride took the group over the Coast Range and down to the beach for lunch. The return route looped south along the Upper Nestucca River and Gilbert Creek to catch the cool air and twisty pavement. Fridays ride included two Willamette River crossings on the Wheatland Ferry.
The Chase Truck returns with a record haul of international iron.

Miss Hospitality, Carol Smith, restocks snacks and makes certain riders and passengers are well hydrated.

The group pulls away from the dock with the Chase Truck onboard.

Rest stops along the way gave bikes and riders a chance to cool down. Riders spent their down time hydrating, discussing riding techniques and checking for loose bolts on their way to Oregons coast.

Refreshments are in order following a long day on the road.

Saturday, July 23rd Saturdays 170-mile ride wound through the Cascade Mountain foothills. The route included dozens of spectacular views. Mountain peaks, old growth forest and miles of nearly deserted mountain highway.

A Coast Range rest stop.

Business was good for the Chase Truck later in the day. This photo captures the fully-loaded chase truck on its return. The riders are seen here with their bikes before unloading.
Headed southeast out of Estacada towards Detroit

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Oregon Trail Chapter August 2011 The Cedars in Detroit reserved their lounge for us. As you can see, we filled the place. Dedicated staff took our orders and kept everything moving smoothly. Service was excellent.

Tad Gotting accepts the Youngest Rider award for his son Eric.

Lunch at the Cedars in Detroit Oregon

Awards Awards were handed out following Saturdays banquet. Winners chose from a selection of Oregon made products including Wine, Beer, and Coffee. To accompany the drink selection, each award included glassware from the Club Store and a club badge featuring the OTC logo. The Oldest Rider award went to Don Gabbert. Don recently celebrated his 82nd Birthday. Dons choice was the locally roasted coffee and OTC coffee mug. Don rode two-up with Shirley as passenger on his BSA this year.

Longest haul went to Paul Graber. Paul and Teg Graber hauled their Indians up from San Diego for the event. Paul lives just a few blocks further south than Teg. Paul chose the coffee and OTC coffee mug.

Paul Graber receives the Longest Hauled Award

The Longest Ride award went to Richard Gray. Richard selected the 7 Brides Lil's Pils pilsner, Lauren's Pale Ale and OTC Pint glass. Richard rode down from Olympia with Morry and Kathy Fox on his Harley Ultra with sidecar. All three are Evergreen Chapter members.

Don shows off his club badge

Next up, the Youngest Rider award went to our newest member Eric Gotting, 23 years old. Unfortunately, Eric had to work Saturday evening so his father Tad chose the Oregon Wine and promised hed make certain Eric got his prizes. Both Tad and Eric rode Yamahas this year.
Richard inspects his new Oregon Trail Chapter Glass

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Oregon Trail Chapter August 2011 The last award presented was the Hard Luck award. This award is given as a consolation to the rider having the most mechanical difficulty during the run. By a vote of those in attendance, this years winner was Rick McMaken. Ricks Triumph suffered several case fractures rendering it inoperative for the remainder of the run. Rick chose the 7 Brides Emily's Ember, Oatmeal Ellie and OTC Pint glass.

Presidents Paragraph
By Gene Walker Once again my good friend from my motorcycle racing days in the early 60s spent Fathers Day weekend with me hauling a trailer full of HD parts down to Dixon California for the 11th Annual Fort Sutter Chapter Swap Meet and Show. We spent most of Friday morning setting up our display area. Of course, the sky was blue and the temperature was a warm 70 to 80 degrees. Not at all like our grey days at home. For the first time, 130 vendors completely filled the Fairgrounds. At 6:00 PM, we attended their excellent banquet with a full house of 150 people. Promptly at 7:30, the chapter introduced their officers and special guest AMCA President Richard Spagnoli. He enlightened us with membership survey results from last year. Richard reported that as a whole, AMCA members are getting older. The long range future of our organization needs to focus on the 35 year rule which will cater to our younger members with interest in all imported brands. The evening program continued with a raffle and auction. The top dollar, auction item was a 1940 1950s scrapbook from N. California selling for $350. The guest speaker was Pete Young from San Francisco. He entertained us for over 30 minutes narrating his coast to coast trip including interesting pictures shown on a large screen. September 2010 was the first Cannonball run for antique motorcycles. Paul entered the race with his British-made, 1913 single cylinder Premier. Unfortunately, the bike suffered a mechanical failure and was unable to finish the race. Saturday morning began with the assembly of a large display of around 50 bikes for judging.

Thats Rick in the center. He was overcome at the announcement.

These volunteers made Silver and Chrome possible: Gary Kelley Run Coordinator Shannon Kelley Food Chair & Beverages Tom Krise Road Captain Norlene Wolbert Thursday & Friday Dinner Gail Woodard Sous Chef Carol Smith Hospitality Pat Smith Chase Truck Ben & Niki Beberness Registration Think about adding your name to the volunteer list for 2012. The more that lend a hand, the easier it is for each of us. Active participation in club organization and planning meetings is what make our Road Runs the envy of Chapters everywhere. I mean, weve got Oregon to ride in. To sum it up, 39 people rode a total of 400 miles through some of the most beautiful country on Earth. Along the way we learned a lot more about antique motorcycles and our fellow club members. Its at these rides where we all have the chance to reaffirm the common interest we share. If you werent there this year, dont pass up next years opportunity.

Judging display at Dixon.

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Oregon Trail Chapter August 2011 The display featured 75 years of Harley-Davidson production since introduction, in 1936, of the OHV engine and 4-speed transmission. This combination was in production through 1947. Trophies were awarded for Best Restored, Period Modified, Peoples Choice and Rat Bike. Another excellent swap and show put on by Ft. Sutter.

Evergreens 7th Annual Gorge Ride

By Jim Stanley We gathered at John Stanleys shop in Hood River at 10 AM Friday June 17th. You can visit Johns shop online and see his bikes. The Friday Morning Ride welcomes bikes of all ages. Eleven riders on ten bikes thoroughly enjoyed the ride. Friday Morning Ride Participants
Rider Scott Nelson Don & Shirley Gabbert Jim Stanley Bike 47 Chief 11 HD Ultra 71 BMW R75/5 88 Matchless 70 HD 03 Ducati ST4S 70 Egli-Vincent 08 HD Ultra 77 HD Sportster 05 Honda ST1300 Chapter Oregon Trail Oregon Trail Oregon Trail Evergreen Evergreen Guest Guest Guest Guest Guest

In 1947, the Knuklehead was introduced.

John Stanley Tim Lien Ted Leno Chris Kleps Gary Jones Glen Taylor Glen Adams

The Morning Ride covered 190 miles. We took back roads to The Dalles and through exciting towns including Boyd and Dufur. We stopped for lunch in Maupin where we enjoyed a beautiful view of the river. We continued riding back roads to Hwy 35 at Cooper Spur; then returned to Hood River arriving at Johns at 4:30 pm. The weather cooperated with mild temperatures the entire ride. It wasnt all Harleys. Indians were plentiful. The annual Dinner Ride to Parkdale is 25 miles north of Hood River. This ride was the start of Evergreen AMCA weekend, with AMCA rules in effect. Ten riders on seven bikes took part. Friday Dinner Ride Participants
Rider Scott Nelson Jim Stanley John & Marilyn Stanley Tim Lien Dick and Carolyn Popness Tom & Sherry Deem Paul Bennett Bike 47 Chief 71 BMW R75/5 59 Velocette Venom 70 HD 00 BMW 49 HD 65 HD Chapter Oregon Trail Oregon Trail Evergreen Evergreen Evergreen Evergreen Evergreen

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Oregon Trail Chapter August 2011 After a great barbeque dinner, we headed back to Hood River, but not before stopping at Panoramic Point to view the sunset. Saturday Morning we gathered at Johns shop at 10:30 AM. All riders from the dinner ride were present and eager to ride. At one point, Tom Liens bike got stubborn and failed to cooperate, so subsequently we lost one rider. We started out on the freeway for 8 miles, then east to the town of Mosier. We rode through beautiful farm land and stopped in Dufur for lunch during a downfall of rain. Fortunately the rain dissipated on our ride home. Questionable weather kept us away from Mt. Hood on the return trip. We continued our ride to The Dalles and followed the Gorge highway for 20 miles back to Mosier with 8 more miles on the freeway back to Hood River. Though the wind was blowing heartily, our 28-mile ride was still a lot of fun. We returned to Johns shop for a welcome beer or two. The clear weather afforded us magnificent views of Mt. Adams, Hood, St. Helens, Jefferson and the Three Sisters. Dinner began at 6:00 pm at the historical Columbia Gorge Hotel. Ten bikers made their way to a private room at this popular landmark and one of the most beautiful hotels in the Northwest. Needless to say the meal was both elegant and delicious. Sunday morning the guys met at the shop to watch John bring Tims bike back to life. We said our farewells at about 9:00 am with hopes of getting together again at next years ride. Because of the recent Club Survey indicating the average age of our members was 59, I looked around and realized we are a Club of mostly "older" people. However, we older people havent lost our enthusiasm for old motorcycles and the like. That said the Board is very conscious of the need to attract younger members. We are sponsoring a pilot program at Wauseon of Children's Field Games where kids can ride bicycles through the same field trials that members ride on motorcycles. There will also be small bore kick start motorcycles for the kids to start. All this is being done with the hope that our Club's family friendly atmosphere will make an impression on the kids who are the Clubs future. Although National Meets are great, my personal preference is National Road Runs. I just wish more members would try a Road Run. There is no better way to see a part of the country one may never visit other than on a Road Run. And from the seat of an old bike! I appreciate all the Chapters who sponsor Road Runs and encourage other Chapters to do the same. There is a network of help for first time Chapter sponsors. So please give it some thought. National Event Funding Ive read comments in some Chapter Newsletters which raised questions about whether Chapters sponsoring National Meets are treated differently. The answer is generally no with the exception of Chapters starting National Meets and one Chapter that charges admission (Rhinebeck). The Board started a policy a few years ago (to which I agree) to lend money to a Chapter to start a National Meet. After application and thorough review with financial analysis, The Board made loans to the Rhinebeck and Southern Coalitions. All loans and fees have been repaid in accordance with the agreements. Once the loan arrangement is complete, these groups revert back to normal arrangements applying to all Chapters sponsoring National Meets. The exception is Rhinebeck which will continue to charge admission because of the cost of the facility and other expenses. Currently, there is a request to a group of Chapters to sponsor a National Meet. Once their proposal is received, it will be evaluated like the others. If any Chapter or group of Chapters wants to sponsor a National Meet, contact me for details.

Your AMCA Board

By Richard Spagnolli, AMCA President I made the decision when elected President to attend all national meets this year and as many Road Runs as possible. So far, Ive attended every meet except Viking because it conflicted with Rhinebeck. I can say without reservation, based on my attendance so far this year, the Club is alive, enthusiastic as ever and full of people having fun with old motorcycles. I learned that every National Meet has its own distinct "personality." No two are the same. But one theme prevails: friendship, camaraderie and of course, the search for parts and maybe a few "war stories" about past events on old bikes.

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Oregon Trail Chapter August 2011 Treasurer Jim Graulty was appointed Treasurer at the Board meeting in Eustis. Jim has extensive financial service experience having specialized in management and tax counseling services for small businesses and professionals. He has been the treasurer of several organizations and is currently the Treasurer of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Hockey League. The Club's finances are in good hands and were very happy to have Jim on board. Treasurer Jim Graulty is working on the Club's financial records and will have a financial report available at the Board meeting in Davenport. This has not been easy for Jim. One thing we have learned from the untimely death of Raymond Dhue: appoint an Assistant Treasurer so someone is familiar with the Club's finances if something happens to the Treasurer. We are working on this appointment. If you know someone with a financial background willing to help, let me know. Advertising Manager Paul Holdworth, is a professional advertising consultant with extensive experience selling advertising for motorcycle publications. Paul's job is to service existing advertisers and increase the number of advertisers in the magazine. We are hoping the increase in advertising will add more pages in magazine and perhaps increase the number of issues down the road. All this depends on increased advertising revenues. I'm sure Paul will do his best in this regard. Club Trailer for Sale After a financial analysis, the Board voted to stop selling Club merchandise at National Meets by hauling the Club trailer to meets and having merchandise manager, Susan Brutus travel to each meet. The Club was paying individuals (members) mileage and in some cases lodging to haul the trailer to each meet. Susan Brutus' travel, room and board expenses were also paid. These costs greatly outweighed any profit the Club anticipated from the sale of merchandise. Rather than continue the losses, the Board revised the sale of merchandise to the Internet through the Club web site and two National Meets, Wauseon and Davenport. Sending merchandise to Chapters sponsoring National Meets is being considered. The Board will continue to monitor the sale of merchandise. This is an important facet of the Club and the most cost effective method to sell merchandise will be used. The Board has decided to sell the trailer to the highest bidder by a closed bidding procedure. Bids will be opened at the Board meeting in Davenport. Please see the ad appearing later in this edition. Policies and Procedures Manual We recently released a revised Policy and Procedures Manual (P&P). After further review of this latest revision, we determined (with the help of some Club members) that the P&P contained several inconsistencies. We then undertook a complete review and revision on this document. Operations Manager Bill Wood was instrumental in the revision which was approved by the Board unanimously at a teleconference on June 26 and a second time by unanimous agreement by Internet vote on July 1. Judging As most of you know, there have been changes in the judging system. The Chief Judge (CJ) resigned in April 2011. Assistant CJ, Don Dzurick, took over responsibility for the remainder of 2011. In spite of some criticism, I can say from being involved in the judging at every meet except Viking, Don, the Chapter Deputy Judges and volunteer judges did an excellent job. Members having bikes judged for the most part (not different from judging over the years) were satisfied. Is the system perfect? Of course not, but it never was. And it never will be. The Club must always strive for improvement. The Club has to move on. I have met and have spoken with all interested parties in the judging community on several occasions. It may be time to move on with the judging system with those who are on the field and truly interested in improving the system. I welcome constructive comment on this subject. Board Communications Regarding communications with the membership, the Board's discussion about a web cast of Board meetings is on hold for lack of membership interest. It will be revived if interest is shown. We are still exploring a Facebook page and that may become a reality soon. Group e mail to the membership is still being explored. Help Wanted There are three Board openings. Weve extended the deadline for applications. So please apply if you or others are so inclined. All applicants may be interviewed. Voting on candidates will be at the Davenport meeting.

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Oregon Trail Chapter August 2011 I think I have said enough for now. I welcome your comments, thoughts, ideas, criticisms etc. But let's keep it civil. If anyone wants to discuss the above subjects in more detail, please feel to call. I welcome your calls. I am on EST. Thanks for listening. - Richard - 724-861-4681 New Business Shannon received a note from a long time member, who is giving up his membership. She called to talk with him. He said he no longer rides, and does not want to continue paying AMCA dues to remain an active member. His comment I guess this is my last newsletter really bothered her. Shannon proposed we create an OTC Subscription for those members that no longer want to maintain active AMCA status. The cost would be $15/year and include a subscription to the Trail Gazette and guest status at events. Subscribers would not be eligible to ride in Road Runs or vote. Shannon moved to create the subscription-only service, TomR seconded. Motion passed unanimously.

July Meeting Minutes

Gene called the meeting to order at 2:17 on July 9, 2011. The meeting was held at the Powerland Texaco Station. Attendees: Gene Walker, Tom Ruttan, Ben & Niki Beberness, Pat & Carol Smith, Shannon & Gary Kelley, and guest Doug Towsley from the museum. TomR read the Treasurers report. Gene will gather raffle prizes for the road run. Correspondence: The AMCA is selling their enclosed trailer by sealed bid. See the ad later in this edition. Martha Burkes newsletter has been returned the last two months. If anyone has news or a new address please let Gary know. Chuck provided a new address. 2012 Proposed Road Run Gary heard back from Rick Najera. The deadline for applying for a national is March. Who gets to host them is decided by the AMCA Board at the Eustis meeting. Gary has submitted our application to hold a national in 2013. Well know the results in March of 2012. Shannon talked about doing a different weekend in July and going to John Day for 2012. Ben moved we change the dates for 2012 and book the fairgrounds in John Day if they are available. Shannon seconded, vote was unanimous. Shannon is going to check with Stu Stephen and Scott Parker and see their interest in making this happen. 2011 Road Run Gene brought up the distances and length of time for the rides. He is concerned that the Estacada route is too long. If the riders split up on Saturday, Niki volunteered to drive a second chase truck. 29 are signed up so far. Gary confirmed our RV spots and dining room with Matt. All is a go. There is ice available at the park.

August Business Meeting Agenda

The August Business Meeting is being held at the Powerland Texaco station August 13, 2011. Topics well discuss: Review of July meeting minutes Treasurers report 2011 Road Run review 20th year Celebration 2012 Road Run committee selection Our Business Meetings are where we discuss issues important to Chapter operation. Your thoughts are needed to make decisions for the future. We hope to see you there.

Upcoming Events
Check Events on our website for details on these upcoming antique and vintage motorcycle events.
Date August 19, 20 Sept 11 Sept. 14 ~ 17 Sept 26 ~ 28 Event Tenino WA. Swap Meet and Show Oregon Trail 20 year celebration Bonneville Speed Week Yerba Buena Road Run

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Oregon Trail Chapter August 2011

AMCA Trailer for Sale

The AMCA is accepting sealed bids for the purchase of the Club trailer. Bids accepted through August 24, and opened at the Board of Directors Annual Meeting September 1 in Davenport, Iowa. The winning bidder can arrange to pick up the trailer in Ohio at a later date. 2009 MVP Razor Specifications: Twin 3500-lb. axles (Dexter) Weight: 2,800 lbs. ST225-75R15 load-range D tires Spring-assisted rear ramp door Electric brakes (4 wheel) 12 Volt interior lights Electric converter w/12-volt, 50 a/h battery Exterior 110-volt outlet Heavy-duty 30-amp hook-up cable Fan-Tastic ceiling fan (Reversible) Retractable screen door (side door) Manual patio awning (left side) 15' x 7' interior (not including "V" nose) 6-1/2' ceiling height 2 Pingel wheel chocks (3 positions) 7 fixed D rings, E-track and movable D rings 10-Heavy-duty straps for E-track 2 5/16" Hitch

OTC Forum Classifieds

By Our Members 1951 FL, 3 speed and reverse transmission with 1941 sidecar. Very nice outfit, runs great, fresh rebuilt Linkert, interior of sidecar in nice shape, spare tire on the sidecar. Email gene@roguehawg.com for more information and pictures or call 541-944-7641. 3 Scouts for sale. 1938 Scout with rebuilt motor and matching frame. 45-inch in a 741 frame. Needs finishing with wiring and misc stuff to get it running. Painted a beautiful, $1500.00, 2-tone blue. 52-inch in a 741 frame. Has vertical twin front forks and wheel, TT warrior rear wheel and Jr. Scout tanks. Contact Ben Beberness, bbeberness@aol.com Editors Note: OTC Forum Classifieds are available to all AMCA members registered on the OTC Forum. Advertisements posted on the forum are listed here when space is available. Please remove your ads from the forum as soon as possible following the sale. Deadline for articles, advertisements or other submissions to the Trail Gazette is the 25th of the month. Send submissions to garyk@amcaotc.org

AMCA Merchandise Trailer being sold by sealed bid.

Morry shot Oregon Trails Chief row at the top of the pass.

The AMCA reserves the right to accept or reject any bid in its sole and absolute discretion. Submit bids to: Trudi Johnson-Richards, AMCA Vice President, 3295 Victoria St., Shoreview, MN 55126; trudijr@visi.com. Visit us online at amcaotc.org

Morry Fox took this picture at lunch on Fridays Silver and Chrome ride.

Oregon Trail Chapter, AMCA 20000 NE Jaquith Rd Newberg, OR 97132-6694