Well folks, the January ride is under raps and I would have to say that we had a pretty good turnout for our first ride of the year. 40 members were in attendance as well as about 10 or so members of our sister chapter, San Diego 123. I was honored by their presence as well as the presence of some of our most veteran members. It was good to have you all back with us; It truly felt like the good old days.

Our first order of business was the introduction of your new chapter officers and the awarding of rockers. Chris VerHalen was appointed Sergeant At Arms, John Banks was appointed as our chapter’s Veteran’s Representative, and Bruce Vaughan was selected as the chapter’s Lead Tail Gunner. Vince presented Dave Roskosky with his “Past Presidents” rocker and thanked him for his year of service to the chapter. Vince also presented Vice President Jay Conaway with a long overdue “Charter Member” rocker. Some of you will remember that Jay was one of the original six founding members of 109. Congratulations to you all.

Vince then introduced Don Davis, President of chapter 123, his Vice President, Steve “Big Steve” Thompson, and our National LOS Coordinator, Judy Davis. Vince then presented Yosi Boublil (a sister chapter member) with an Inland Empire rocker to commemorate the completion of three rides with us.

Shepherd Jay Walters then introduced new member Mike Mormann to the group. Welcome aboard Mike. We also welcomed along (long time member) but new rider Bev Atienza. Bev moved up to the front seat and now rides her own V-Star 650. Bev hopes to move up to a V-Star 1100 real soon. Congratulations Bev!

Chapter Business

Ride waivers were collected, and our charters were read and signed. The chapter also amended our attendance bylaws and lowered the participation percentage from 70% to 50% per calendar year.

Vince spoke about our chapter’s participation in this year’s Laughlin River Run, the Southwest Starbecue, and STAR Days. All of these are important events, as this year marks STAR Touring & Riding’s ten-year anniversary. Vince will be providing further information as the dates draw near.

The Ride

Two groups headed out from the Hometown Buffet parking lot and headed to Tom’s Farm by way of old Route 66, Reche Canyon, and a few other odd roads. The roads were twisty enough to have some fun along the way (right Bev?) and all of us made it to Tom’s Farm without a problem. We spent an hour or so at the Farm then headed home. It was a great day in the company of some great friends.

I can't wait until next month.

Until then, ride safe!