Author Topic: Around the MSTA - 3302  (Read 1596 times)

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VersysRider

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Around the MSTA - 3302
« on: April 13, 2014, 09:52:58 PM »
Mike Jundt | State Newsletter Editor

North Central Region
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Michigan

Ken Snodgrass told us about his return to riding and being a new member of the MSTA. His story was as typical as most returning riders; rode bikes when he was younger, then got into other activities (yacht racing) and now was looking for something he could do that was outdoors, now that his sailing days were ending. He did his research in talking to other motorcyclists, checking out clubs (MSTA was one of them), studying the motorcycles on the market and getting his wife’s agreement to ride. She was good with it, as long as she didn’t have to ride on the back! He ended up with a 2003 BMW RT in the summer of 2012.


Ken Snodgrass with his BMW and some hail in NC

Ken reflected on how things had changed since his early days of riding. He was impressed with the focus on safety and safe riding, things that weren’t quite in vogue in the early 70’s. He was amazed at the wide selection of gear for the modern motorcycle rider, the different materials and how expensive it is. He was surprised by the fact that during his MSF Advanced Riders course that the overwhelming theme from riders was not if you’re going to crash, but when. Ken found that out on his first ride with the MSTA to North Carolina. He had a spill in the parking lot and also went down trying to ride through some hail. He is now a firm believer in ATGATT.

The wealth of knowledge on the various motorcycle forums and the welcoming community of the MI-MSTA really impressed Ken, as well as the BMW MOA. He has learned a lot about riding from his friends in the MSTA and is looking forward to more riding next year, once the snow melts and we are out of the “Polar Vortex.”

Pedro Gregorio was able to convince Ducati Detroit to let him try out one of their Multistrada GT’s. He rode along with Kevin Callaway (Sales Associate at DD) on a Hyperstrada to the All-Clubs Day in Stockbridge, MI. All-Clubs Day grew out of the original gathering of bikes that Suzi Greenway started at her house in Stockbridge many years ago. Anything is welcome and the older and weirder, the better. Both bikes run the classic Testastretta V-Twin, liquid cooled motor. The GT runs a 1200cc motor where the Hyper gets by with a new 821cc motor. Both bikes are the touring versions of their lines and as such, they both come with saddle bags, the GT getting hard bags while the Hyper gets semi rigid nylon bags.



One big difference between the bikes is the Skyhook semi active suspension on the GT, made by Sachs of Germany. They both have multiple power modes, traction control modes and ABS modes. They both come with windshields, the Hyper’s being fixed while the GT’s is manually adjustable.

Pedro and Kevin got to try both bikes out, Pedro riding the GT on the way to Stockbridge and then swapping to the Hyper on the way back. He was impressed with the roomy riding position and comfort on the Multistrada. He loved the power and torque that the engine had, as well as the fuel injection mapping and powerful Brembo brakes. He had one particular stretch of road he likes to run to try out suspensions and was thoroughly impressed with the way it handles frost heaves and twisty roads with poor road surfaces. On the ride back he felt more at home on the Hyperstrada as the small, naked bike is similar to the Triumph Speed Triple he rides. The Hyper felt light and agile and he thought the suspension did a great job. Like the bigger twin in the GT, the Hyper delivered on power and torque on a level appropriate for the lighter bike. He liked both bikes as they each did the job they were suited for particularly well. If he had to choose, he would choose the Multistrada Pikes Peak edition. This special edition comes with no bags and a smaller windshield, giving it the naked look, but with the big 1200cc twin between the frame rails.

Indiana
Keith Mazelin checked in and let everyone know his Honda V65 Sabre needed an engine rebuild this winter. If you remember, we published a synopsis of Keith’s story of his Sabre in STAReview 3208.

Dave Edwards, Dave Edinger and new member Phil Panarisi will be doing an off road tour of the upper half of the Baja Peninsula in Mexico in March. Looking forward to hearing the stories! Tom Southwood continues his adventure of North America, his recent stop being the Arctic Circle in Alaska. He has totaled twenty national parks in five states and two Canadian provinces, as well as four national wildlife refuges.


Tom Southwood at the Arctic Circle

Gary and Jan Fourman talked about their celebrity siting while traveling in Georgia. They were headed home from the Gulf Shores and Pensacola when they decided to stop in Plains, GA to check out the Christmas lights. They decided to stay at the hotel in town and the next morning went for a walk. As they were going back to the hotel a couple behind them greeted them hello. They turned around and it was former president Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn. They had a nice chat and then went about their merry way.


The Inn in Plains Georgia

South East Region
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Florida
Dianne Park reported on the 8th annual Cedar Key Weekend on December 6th through the 8th. This is a well attended event, with riders from Texas, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia and all parts Florida. In all, a little over 60 riders made their way to this little island situated about 100 miles north of Tampa. The island has the feel of the Florida Keys but without the crowds and congestion. As soon as you arrive you feel relaxed because of the laid back look and feel of the island.


The Big Deck bar and grill in Cedar Key

The group seemed to congregate at the Big Deck Bar and Grill. Fun attitude, low beer prices and 2 dozen steamed clams for $9.99 made it a great place to unwind! Kevin Healy made arrangements for dinner on Friday night at Ken’s Cedar Keyside Diner.

On Saturday Kevin had also planned a lunch ride of 90 miles and everyone who attended it enjoyed it. On Saturday night Kevin once again scored points with an elegant restaurant for the large group. The service was great and the desserts were fabulous (can anyone say bread pudding and bananas foster!). Hats off to Kevin Healy for planning a great weekend. (Editors note: Doesn’t seem fair that these Floridians get to ride year round and the rest of us are stuck in some bad impression of the north pole!)


Some of the group that attended the annual Cedar Key Weekend

Doug Westly wrote an article about improving your skills as a rider by attending track days. Many clubs offer track days to the non-racer as a form of rider improvement and generally you don’t need a full set of leathers and a race bike to attend.


Lunchtime at the Perfect Spot

From South Florida, Van VanSteelant mentioned that on occasion he still had to run his A/C (somehow, I just don’t feel sorry for him). They did a central lunch ride to the Perfect spot, with a great rider turnout. The Perfect Spot is near an airport and skydivers tend to “drop” in for lunch. They also had a south lunch ride to a favorite spot, Everglades Seafood Depot in Everglades City. It is set right on the river/lake that leads to the 1000 island region of southwest Florida. The group dined outside by the water (I need to move to Florida, outside dining in December?) and the service was just right so many stories could be told.


Dining on the deck at the Everglades Seafood Depot

West Region
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California
The annual Paso Robles ride is set for April 18-20, 2014. This will be the 8th return to Paso Robles for the California MSTA group. The host hotel is the Melody Ranch Motel, they can be reached at 805-238-3911. The AAA discounted rate is $82/night plus tax and will be applied at check in with member verification. If you want to attend this event and ride California let them know when you reserve your room that you are with the John Button group. Any rooms not reserved by Feb. 28th will be released.


Last years Paso Robles ride

On Friday they will do a wine tasting tour which has proven popular in previous years. Let John know by 2/28 if you want to join the tour by emailing him at john@buttonhome. org. Include how many people will attend with you. The group rents a van and the cost last year was $20/person. The Friday night dinner will be at the Dragon Palace King Buffet which is just down the road from the hotel. For Saturday there will be a new route for everyone to ride. Riding in California in April is sure to be a blast!


On the road to Paso Robles last year

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« Last Edit: April 13, 2014, 10:12:41 PM by VersysRider »