Newsletter
Pikes Peak BMW Riders
July 2024
![PPBMWR Logo (2021.12.08) PPBMWR Logo (2021.12.08)](https://pikespeakbmwriders.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/PPBMWR-Logo-2021.12.08-300x177.jpg)
Monthly Dinner Out
2nd Thursday of each month, 6:30pm
Next Dinner Out (RSVP please!)
May 11 @ La Casa Fiesta, Monument (link)
Monthly Group Mtg
3rd Sunday of each month, 8:30am, at Mimi’s Cafe
7133 N Academy Blvd, COS (map)
Next Group Meeting
May 21, 8:30 am
Sunday Meetups
Breakfast meetups every Sunday
(except Group Mtg Sunday) 8:30am
Location: See Event Calendar
Group Rides often follow (weather permitting)
PREZ GREETINGS
What an awesome summer thus far! I just returned from the BMWMOA National Rally in Redmond and additional travel through Oregon and northern California (23 day trip).
My focus in this article is on the unplanned events that can happen on any given ride; in this case an unrepairable rear tire. I carry two different tire plug kits, electric tire pump, tools, etc, but I was unprepared for what happened.
(see my full article on the next page)
Tim
Prez Corner (Full/Continued)
by Tim Tracey
What an awesome summer thus far! I just returned from the BMWMOA National Rally in Redmond and additional travel through Oregon and northern California (23 day trip).
My focus in this article is on the unplanned events that can happen on any given ride; in this case an unrepairable rear tire. I carry two different tire plug kits, electric tire pump, tools, etc, but I was unprepared for what happened.
Approximately 95 miles into our second days travel to the Redmond rally, we crossed over a cattle guard that appeared to be uneventful and took a short break at a gas station in Dinosaur, CO. Upon resumption of our journey my RT (2013, pre TPMS) felt funny and I pulled over onto the shoulder of hwy 40. The rest of our 6-person group (Jay, Roger, Randy, Robin, Eric and myself) joined me on the shoulder.
While inspecting the tire and looking for “a nail” it took us a minute to find the “slash” in the tire that looked like a rain groove (see below).
I tried calling MOA roadside assistance which wasn’t going well and was very frustrating. Luckily the very experienced riders with me realized Vernal, UT was only 27 miles ahead. While I was trying to seek help via MOA roadside assistance, Robin found a Harley dealer in Vernal that had my exact tire in stock with a tech on-hand to change it. Eric had a wonderful idea that I remove my ruined tire/wheel and use his GSA to transport to and from the dealer for tire replacement. Once loaded up, I hit the road to Vernal, had the new tire mounted but they couldn’t balance it because of the single-sided-swingarm; however, the Big O tire shop across the street could and did! Reloaded on Eric’s GSA I was on the road back to the group; roundtrip took 1.5 hours and approximately 3 hours total on the side of the road.
While discussing how this could have happened, crossing that cattle guard came up and I mentioned I usually cross the metal bands in-line with the road and not the perpendicular “tubes”; I can honestly say I have never given this much thought but Eric pointed out that he never rides across the bands which left me questioning what other things I didn’t know – thanks Eric 😊
The remainder of that day’s ride was beautiful and uneventful; we reached our accommodation’s that evening a bit later that planned, but made it. I am so thankful I was with this wonderful group of fellow club members/friends that saved my day and made this experience so memorable!
REMINDER: Upcoming Events!
- 52nd Annual Top O' The Rockies Rally (July 18-21, 2024 at Paonia, CO). Join hundreds of other enthusiasts for great riding in the mountains of western Colorado, camping in the shaded Town Park, beer garden, live music Friday and Saturday, Saturday night BBQ, food and MC vendors on site. Registration by 14 July at https://bmwmoaf.regfox.com/top-o-the-rockies-rally.
- 24th Annual 100,000 Foot Ride (August 3rd, 2024). BMW Motorcycle Club of Colorado and BMW of Denver present our premier and longest-running all-day event ride. This ride is designed to take you over enough mountain passes in a day to equal 100,000 feet. This accomplishment is not achievable anywhere else in North America or perhaps the world. Registration and Information here: https://www.bmwmcc.org/100000-foot-ride/.
- 26th Annual Beartooth Rendezvous (August 15-17, 2024 at Red Rock, MT) often hailed as "the best little rally in the west" and referred to as riding "the last best place." The highlight of the rally is typically the exhilarating ride along the Beartooth Highway, situated on the northern border of Yellowstone National Park. Registration by 13 August and information here: https://beartoothbeemers.org/ ($100 pre-registration)
- 2025 National BMW MOA Rally (June 19-21, 2025 at Lebanon ,TN) Information and Registration here: https://bmwmoaf.regfox.com/2025-national-rally
- For the full BMW MOA event list - go here
Hot News and Reminders
Highway 50 is now open! (CDOT says "limited")
https://www.codot.gov/news/2024/july/cdot-reopens-us50-blue-mesa-middle-bridge-limited-traffic
PPBMWR Annual Mileage Contest
Sign up here: https://pikespeakbmwriders.org/wp-admin/admin.php?page=ninja-forms&form_id=22#
MotoGP Upcoming Events
See full calendar here: https://www.motogp.com/en/calendar
July 2024 Recent BMA MOA news titles:
Stories from Riding to the 2024 BMW MOA National Rally and Chief Joseph Rally
Attendees (as best as I can remember): Jay, Dean & Theresa, Eric, Tim, Roger, Frank & Carol, Andy & Erika, Bruce, Brent, Bobby, Rob. Many of you volunteered (I know Rob and Jay did; maybe more of you did.)
Reflections by Bruce Taylor:
- Facilities were great at the county fairgrounds
- Heard several complaints about value received for the rally fee. eg: no pins or dinner
- The VRBO worked well. Thanks again
- I made the right choice driving my truck 🛻 and having my bike to run in and out of the venue.
- I neglected to set aside time to watch some of the GS training and other riding activities. (Remembering getting run over by an errant GS rider in St. Paul and getting taken to the emergency care for X-rays on my right foot).🥲
- Our club sent a lot of members. And they cumulatively rode a lot of miles to there and back home after we scattered. Proud to say we must have a talented and careful bunch of riders to all arrive home safely. 😇
My two cents on the 2024 BMW MOA Rally, by Jay kuhns
- First let me say I have been attending MOA rallies since 1976 and have worked on or volunteered at most of them. Most rally falls into three types, good location and good Rally chairs, So-so located and good Rally chairs and lastly make do with what was picked for rally site with over worked rally chairs.
- This year Redmond Oregon, for the third time was the location for BMW MOA Rally and for the third time for me also. This location has and is one of the best locations of any locations MOA has used. The weather was cool and nice. Number of vendors were the most in recent years and the one I did business with were giving rally discounts.
- This year there was no rally book, only a DAMN Rally app that did not work, the group I volunteered with was not given the job we have been doing for years. Overall I had the feeling that the rally was not as organized as it could have been in the past. I think the issues with what I saw was MOA is only looking at the bottom line and cutting corners to save money.
From Bobby Moccia
First many thanks for picking a great house and location. It was a great Rally and I enjoyed being with you guys. The venders were neat to see. Lots of new light venders etc.
- Besides my new Ford breaking down in ID on the way home. It was nice to have Bruce drive with me part of the way and play Uber for the riders some nights.
- I’m glad I went. (photo from Frank)
- Looking forward to next years in TN.
- riding rules from another great group: Group Ride Rules Reminder
1. When coming to an intersection and the ride does not go straight, WAIT at the intersection in plain sight until the rider behind you arrives at the intersection.
2. Ride your own ride - do NOT ride over your head to keep up. The rider in front of you will wait for you. If you come to an intersection and no one is there, go straight.
3. You are responsible for the rider BEHIND you. Please check your mirrors frequently to make sure he/she is there. If necessary, slow down and eventually stop until the rider is in sight.
4. The sweep rider should ride with high beam burning so the ride leader can see the last rider.
5. Do not pass the lead rider unless there is an emergency.
Andy's Video Stories (YouTube):
These are some of my recorded rides with my GoPro to/from Redmond OR. Enjoy and laugh!
Meet your PPBMWR Secretary
Susanna Parkhouse, SECRETRY
In 1992, I took an MSF course in Connecticut and rode an R60/5. The first thing my late husband, a rider himself, did was enroll me in the Airheads. I enrolled myself in BMW MOA. My husband Matthew and I first met in Durango. We later married and I moved to Colorado.
Even though I’ve had a couple of modern bikes, I still ride Airheads. I am married to a mechanic who keeps my bikes in good running order. In addition to the US, I have ridden through Mexico and Guatemala, North Africa (Morocco and Tunisia), Europe, the Balkans, and the Peloponnese (Greece). Italy is my favorite country.
Matthew and I have bikes (a R60/5 and a R75/5) stored in Heidelberg, Germany. They are patiently waiting for our return this coming September. We’re still deciding the details for this trip.
I am an MOA Ambassador and two years ago received the Friend of the Marque award from the BMW International Council in Munich. I have always taken riding and volunteering seriously. I take the friendships of my riding friends seriously. I have met so many great people riding. It is a community that I am most fortunate to have found.
For a quick peek at all the officer bios, see: https://pikespeakbmwriders.org/about-the-club/
Riding in High Winds
by Andy Dills
Riding in High Winds: Safety Tips for BMW Motorcyclists
As BMW riders, we're no strangers to challenging conditions, but high winds present unique hazards that demand our attention. According to a study by the University of South Florida, wind gusts over 35 mph can significantly impact motorcycle stability (Hurt et al., 1981).
In 2019, a group of BMW R1250GS riders in Patagonia faced wind gusts up to 60 mph, leading to several near-misses with road barriers (Adventure Rider Magazine, 2020).
To avoid such scenarios:
1. Anticipate wind direction: Be aware of potential wind tunnels created by buildings or mountains.
2. Adjust your position: The Motorcycle Safety Foundation recommends positioning yourself to allow for lateral movement without entering another lane (MSF, 2021).
3. Maintain a firm, relaxed grip: Avoid tensing up, which can lead to oversteering.
4. Use your body as a sail: Lean slightly into the wind to counteract its force.
5. Consider windscreens: BMW's adjustable windscreens can help reduce wind buffeting.
Remember, there's no shame in pulling over if conditions become too severe. As BMW engineer Hans Muth once said, "The best riders know their limits and respect nature's power."
Stay safe out there, and enjoy the ride!
Recent Event Posted on Facebook on July 2, 2024 (accident occurred on about June 20, 2024): "Never underestimate the power of Mother Nature. An unexpected wind gust of 40 mph took out a very experienced rider on HWY 50 in NV 12 days ago. He was on my right rear staggered as trained. Position yourself in the lane for space for side winds. No cushion for recovery here. He was airlifted and recovering well."
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/H2cKV91B7Ty4DXzU/?mibextid=oFDknk
The Professional Attitude
by Andy Dills
I received a copy of "Mastering The Ride" from Ross Thacker at the July 7, 2024 club breakfast. This copy and the original "The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well" are now part of the club library. As a way to share it's content, I will try to provide summaries during the newsletters.
Chapter 2 discusses the Professional Attitude. We need to consider motorcycling as a combat mission. Many of us in the club can relate, as we have prior military experience. But the analogy works for us all. The battlefield is the "traffic" we ride in. Motorcycling always carries risk among other vehicles, and it seems to be getting worse. Are you ready to go to battle?
Preparing forbattle begins with having the right PPE -- proper protective [riding] equipment. Remember the saying, "We dress for the slide, not the ride." There's an old joke about emergency room staff telling the difference between two types of riders. On one hand, they're fighting to save a person's life, and on the other hand, e.g., most BMW riders, they're repairing broken arms and minor cuts.
Each fighter pilot or combat marine goes to battle with a good checklist. A pilot and their crew will do an aircraft preflight check in addition to a mission brief. For us riders, that also means a pre-ride check to avoid mechanical issues while traveling through "enemy territory." Your mission planning should align with your skills, your bike's performance rating (are you flying a C-5 Galaxy or an F-22 Raptor?), your bike's preparedness (fueled up, tires at proper pressure, oil good, lights work, battery good, etc.), your emergency contacts/Spot® etc., your health and safety (hydration, mental fortitude, injuries, fatigue, and no alcohol or drugs in your system, etc.), and your easily accessible wallet (for fuel stops, identification, insurance). Why a checklist? Good pilots use them to prevent mistakes in battle. Do you want mistakes in battle? I guess not!
What about a mission plan and mission brief? Once you know your route and your fuel and food stops, you're less likely to make impulsive decisions that put you at risk. Are you planning your route to avoid known high-risk accident areas or areas where the enemy and battlefield are known to be extremely dangerous? Don't forget your wingman. Riding with someone not only provides companionship but also can provide a safety check -- e.g., "Hey man, you look really tired. Have you drunk anything since we left?" Additionally, your wingman can help during emergency situations, from helping to repair a tire to helping stop traffic if you're down on the road.
Lastly, have you heard of the John Boyd's OODA loop? It stands for Observe, Orient, Decide, and Act. Author Hough relates OODA to our combat tactics while riding motorcycles. For example, "Observe" the situation ahead of you that is really a threat. What are you looking at? Yes, we like to sightsee, but is the majority of your eye focus on what's ahead of you? As an example, when I ride, my eyes are constantly scanning for wildlife. Once you see something in your sight, how are you "Orienting" to mitigate the threat? Are you changing your position, speed, or relative position with other combatants? Then you have to "Decide" how you need to make these and further adjustments, and you may need to decide to take an alternate path or speed. Finally, now that you've decided, you need to "Act" on that decision to follow through. While acting on the decision, you continue to observe and orient and decide and then readjust your action. Thus, this is the OODA loop.
These are just a few items that I gleaned from Chapter 2. I did not discuss training. As you know, any combat personnel goes through extensive and long training to be ready for the real battlefield. Are you taking your training -- and retraining -- seriously?
I hope you enjoyed this summary of David L. Hough's Chapter 2 "The Professional Attitude". Your comments are welcome.
Welcome New 2024 Members
Please join us all in welcoming our 2024 members to the PPBMWR Club. We hope you will find this club enjoyable, informative, educative, active, friendly, and welcoming. Our newest member is Huester Heinz who joined in April. Welcome everyone!
First Name | Last Name | Join Date |
---|---|---|
Maurice | Klein | 2024-02-24 |
George | Zucca | 2024-02-24 |
Rob | McDonald | 2024-03-10 |
Davd | Cooper | 2024-03-25 |
Heinz | Huester | 2024-04-14 |
Bruce | Taylor | 2024-04-19 |
David | Campbell | 2024-05-13 |
Randy | Clarson | 2024-05-18 |
Pat | Patterson | 2024-06-17 |
Al | Ferguson | 2024-07-01 |
Using REVER and Transferring GPX files
by Andy Dills
Planning and navigating your next motorcycle adventure has never been easier thanks to REVER. This powerful app allows riders to create custom routes, discover popular rides, and track their journeys with ease.
To get started, simply open REVER and use the route planning feature to map out your trip. You can add waypoints, adjust your route, and even see elevation profiles. Once your route is set, you can save it for later use or share it with friends.
When it's time to hit the road, REVER provides turn-by-turn navigation to keep you on track. The app also offers real-time weather updates and points of interest along your route.
To use your planned route in other apps like BMW Connect or Garmin, you'll need to export the GPX file. In REVER, open your planned route, tap the share icon, and select "Export GPX". You can then save this file and import it into your preferred navigation app. You can also upload GPX files from other apps and finish your planning or do you navigation with REVER.
I personally record all my trips with the REVER app. It gives me a great map summary and also allows me to embed photos into the route for later 3D playback. It's pretty cool and you can see a few examples from my YouTube channel and in the example below.
For more detailed instructions on route planning, navigation, and GPX file exporting, be sure to check out REVER's support articles on their website. Happy riding!
Club Member Bikes for Sale
![](https://pikespeakbmwriders.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_20240707_141947_BruceTaylor_bike01-300x225.jpg)
33,000 miles
$7400
Bruce Taylor
719.330.6443
![](https://pikespeakbmwriders.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/367427318_6889922471018738_8365024559672570781_n-300x225.jpg)
YOU CAN NOW Print your Membership Card
You can now print a membership card for your own use. Having this card is helpful to prove membership, for example when purchasing parts or accessories from a store that provides discounts to members.
To print your card,
follow Instructions in this post: Printable Membership Cards
Examples of merchandise available at our PPBMWR Store
Many other products and colors to choose from
Or access the store from our website top-level pull-down menu-item
CLUB MEMBERS/PPBMWR MERCHANDISE STORE
as shown here
PPBMWR Leadership TEAM
![DSC_3571-Enhanced-NR DSC_3571-Enhanced-NR](https://pikespeakbmwriders.org/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/DSC_3571-Enhanced-NR-scaled-panorama-967c51ec4387ea2825649192b70c4216-ofebiq3upkhz.jpg)
As stated in our by-laws, our purpose is to provide for the social and educational advancement of our members, the dissemination of general and mechanical information concerning BMW motorcycles, events, the encouragement of sportsman-like conduct, courtesy, safety and the furtherance of public respect for all motorcycles and their riders.
PPBMWR Officers 2023 | ||
---|---|---|
President | Tim Tracey | [email protected] |
Vice President | Jay Kuhns | [email protected] |
Secretary | Susanna Parkhouse | [email protected] |
Treasurer | Theresa Henderson | [email protected] |
Web Master | Brent Berry | [email protected] |
Newsletter | Andy Dills | [email protected] |
Events Committee | John Spencer | [email protected] |
Robin Lopez | ||
Scott Hellzen | ||
Open | ||
All Officers | [email protected] |
Web Links to Pertinent Area Organizations | |
---|---|
Organization | Web Links |
Pikes Peak BMW Road Riders Assoc | Our Pikes Peak BMW Riders Organization |
Web Site | Pikes Peak BMW Riders | Main Site |
Facebook Group Page | Pikes Peak BMW Riders | Facebook |
Google Group Login | Pikes Peak BMW Riders - Google Groups |
BMW MOA | National BMW Motorcycle Owners Association |
Web Site | BMW MOA | Main Site |
Forums | BMW MOA | Forums |
Facebook Group Page | BMW MOA | Facebook |
Colorado GS Girls | Colorado group focused on Girls and GS Motorcycles |
Facebook Group Page | Colorado GS Girls | Facebook |
Instagram Site | Colorado GS Girls | Instagram |
Area BMW Dealers | BMW Dealerships in the area |
Colorado Springs POWERSPORTS | Colorado Springs POWERSPORTS | Main Site |
945 Motor City Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80905 | |
719-635-3004 | |
BMW of Denver | BMW of Denver | Main Site |
10350 E Easter Ave, Centennial, CO 80112 | |
303-755-6400 |