Meeting Minutes: February 24, 2024
The Emerald Coast Riders gathered, in a semblance of order on 24 February at Adventure Motorsport, about 24 of us. The Prez gaveled at 0932, silencing gossip and moto chatter among the assembled. He thanked the Secretary (me) delivering the Minutes to everyone, and kindly asked that they be accepted.
Treasurer (and Regional Coordinator) Steve Rome gave the Treasurers Report, as follows: starting balance $3338.03, with deposits of $200, for a current balance of $3538.03. Steve gave an excellent promo for current dues…..easy: pay ‘em !!
Steve told all present of how the little Club on the Gulf Coast, had quite a written presence in the latest BMW Owners News; true that; our own Marty Martin has been instrumental in the MOAF’s Historical Archive building, coming quite naturally from his Naval Aviation Museum Foundation tasks ! Also in the same issue (the Foundation issue), our club member, and MOA Executive Director Ted Moyer gave our Prez, Jon Kagan, a pat on the back for his routinely bringing safety topics into the monthly Club meeting, and for championing the individual-to-club Safe Miles donation. We are indeed, a lucky little Club.
Our tech session of the month was initiated by Joe Madsen, who shared his flat tire experience with Director Fred Aylstock on a recent ride, with limited knowledge of the secret procedure to master the Stop & Go tire plugging kit ! Jon asked for assistance in this matter, LeRoy Sloan and Jeff Van Etten proved to the crowd, it was entirely possible to plug with the Stop & Go kit. Shep suggested we do this with a real tire sometime, as a tech session.
Fred Aylstock gave a debrief on a recent Bull Slough ride, where they had road departure. Fred emphasized the importance of “trail braking” for hot turns.
A discussion rapidly ensued on the awesome Champ U, Yamaha Champion Riding School; led by Nick Ienatsch. Steve Kelly is very familiar with this level of training; which is now offered on line, and at a reduced price for MOA members. The MOA Foundation will now reimburse 100% of online Champ U training.
Mileage Coordinator Shep Brown asked Prez Jon for the floor for a few minutes, to present the Mileage Award to our #3 Rider for 2023: former MOA Prez, and current National Rally Chair Reece Mullins! Ranger Reece rode his beautiful “Anja” 12,356 miles last year, with a couple of interruptions to his riding year !!
Foundation Director Marty Martin made a quick plug for the upcoming “ST for MRP” which is approaching next month. The Foundation is raffling off a fully restored 1983 R-80ST benefitting the Motorcycle Relief Project. To fully explain the importance of the MRP, our own Craig Hobbs asked for the floor, to tell his story. For easily twenty minutes, Craig had everyone mesmerized with his personal, touching story, of how the MRP made him whole again.
National Rally Chair Reece Mullins gave a pitch for folks to come out to Oregon, have fun, maybe spend a few hours helping out at the Rally, volunteers have a blast every year meeting new friends, and old alike.
As the meeting wound down, Jon passed along info for the March meeting, on the 23d. The Meeting will be held at the Main Pavillion at Krul Lake Campground, Blackwater State park. The Club will have a group ride ride, if desired, leave from Adventure Motorsport, with KSU (kick stands up) at 8:00, for the 50 mile ride. The meeting will start at 9:00 at the Pavillion.
Respectfully Submitted, Shep Brown, Secretary