Sadly, Doc passed away a short time ago. But his legacy lives on. There are a surprising number of new and younger riders buying BMW’s these days, and the club is doing what it can to make them a part of our community. A new website, new activities, more rides, and an energized officer’s group – every effort helps. We even have a Facebook page. What has the world come to?OUR FEARLESS LEADERS
Tim Tracey, PRESIDENT
I began my love of motorcycling growing up in Minneapolis, MN and, like many others, started on a 3HP Briggs & Stratton mini-bike; which was also my introduction to the police (riding on the street “was” fun). Moved up to trail bikes and I used the railroad tracks as my path to different riding locations around town. Fast-forward to joining the Air Force in 1975 and getting my “dream” location (i.e. warm climate) in central California (Castle AFB). Was so fortunate to have a squadron commander who was cool, funny, a motorcyclist and he liked me! He loaned his pickup truck to me so I could purchase a dirt bike and sold me his 1972 R75/5 when he got orders to Japan!
The R75/5 was the perfect bike for use in central California and we explored extensively.
After being discharged and being hired by the Air Force as a civilian employee, moving to Sacramento our motorcycling flourished; racing all around (Laguna Seca, Sears Point, Sacramento Mile, Hangtown, Speedway in Auburn) and we were part of the group who began the River City Beemers. I was also a member of the Dirt Diggers North Motorcycle Club (AMA Hangtown motocross promoter).
Riding in Colorado is special, on or off-road, and we’ve travelled a lot of it! Unfortunately, I lost my wife (Pat) to cancer going on two years ago and have been finding my “solo” path since. On the bright side I know she’s always with me.
I’m looking forward to watching our club get back to good times (post Covid) as it has a wonderful history with so many awesome members; the club campout in Buena Vista at Arrowhead campground has always been my favorite along with the picnic at Robin’s house.
Jay Kuhns, VICE PRESIDENT
Jay is one of only two charter members who helped start PPBMWR in the 1975.
I was born and raised in Colorado Springs. Graduated from Palmer High Class of 1965, plus two associate degrees of applied science from Pike Peak Community College. I'm a charter life member of the American motorcycle association, BMW MOA ambassador, charter member of Pikes Peak BMW riders, life member of VFW Post 3917 and life member USS Forrestall association.
I got involved with motorcycles After I returned home from four years in the Navy. It all started with dirt bike riding with my brother and his friends. In 1973 I got a CL450 Honda Street bike. Then in 1975 I bought a brand new 1975 BMW R90/6. In May of 1975 we started the local club and in September we received our charter with BMW MOA. That summer I attended my first rally which was the Top o' the Rockies.
Somewhere through the late 70s, due to family responsibilities, motorcycle riding had to take a backseat. This would all change in the mid to late 80s. Then, in the early 90s I met Nancy and to my surprise she had more miles on BMW motorcycles than I did. For the next 25+ years Nancy and I rode all over the US, parts of Canada and Europe. In 1996 we both upgraded our BMWs to R1100 RTs. As I had done in the past, I did all the maintenance on them. It was quite a learning curve from the old-style bikes. I got proficient working on this new fuel injected BMWs and began working on other club members bikes. Also, during this time, I was mounting and balancing tires for Nancy and me and that turned into a part time job.
On my 60th birthday I placed an order for a new K1200 GT. At that time, I was anticipating that this was gonna be my motorcycle for retirement. Wrong. That was three motorcycles and 16 years ago. My first year of retirement Nancy gave me a kitchen pass and told me to go ride as much as I wanted to. At this time, I'm not quite at the 600,000-mile mark on a BMW but should be able to achieve it sometime next spring on my current 2022 R1250RT.
This is not the first time that I have been the vice president of this club. Over the many years I have held various other positions in the club. It's nice to see that the club is alive and well with a promising future.
Always remember to ride your own ride!
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.
Theresa Henderson, TREASURER
I was born in North Dakota and went to college in Helena, MT where I met my husband, Dean at Mr. Lucky’s. We have been married 43 years and have had many adventures along the way. We moved to Colorado Springs in 1986 from Montana with our two young children for a job with the phone company. Our kids are grown, and we now have three grandsons to fill our days. I love my ‘Grandma time’ and will travel to spend time with them whenever I can.
Dean introduced me to the motorcycle world early in our relationship. We enjoy all types of motorcycling and have been involved with motocross, supercross, enduros, road riding and touring. I have been asked why I don’t ride my own bike, well quite frankly, I enjoy all that I see and experience without having to worry about paying attention. I have a very good rider in front of me and with me being ‘a pillion rider’, we complement each other really well. We have owned many brands of motorcycles and reminisce about our trips and all the wonderful people we have met along the way.
Dean & I are retired now and enjoy riding our 2018 BMW K1600 B on day trips, long weekend getaways and have become ‘rally rats’ as we travel around the country meeting old and new friends. We are looking forward to the warmer weather and getting a few more motorcycle miles on the bike.
Brent Berry, WEB MASTER
I came to motorcycling later than many, purchasing my first ride (2004 BMW R1200CL) in 2008 when I was 55. I took a MSF weekend class and have been riding on pavement ever since.
After retirement I envisioned more time touring and the R1200 was showing its age, so I traded it in on a new K1600 GTL in 2020. After a test ride, I was addicted to that smoooooth six. These two bikes are the only motorcycles I’ve owned.
I first joined BMWMCC out of Denver (2019) and am now a member of PPBMWR as well. Having noted the plethora of dual sport riders in both groups, I’m considering a second motorcycle for that purpose, which would be another new adventure for me.
In addition to riding, I enjoy golf and skiing, SCUBA, photography, landscaping, music, reading, and bicycling.
Andy Dills, NEWSLETTER
I’m a Tennessee born and raised farm boy who grew up on 3-wheelers and 4-wheelers… and tractors and trucks! I never thought I’d ride two wheels and for some reason about 4 years before I retired from the U.S. Air Force, I decided to pick it up – to save fuel because I like a good bargain. So what did I get for my first bike? LOL – a 50cc scooter! – roll over now!
Well within the year, I got my bike, that I ride now all over the country – 2002 BMW R1150RT and I love it! I love the classic nature of it and the easy to maintain features and I love it when people tell me at the traffic light how nice my bike looks. They can’t believe it’s a 2002!
Where do I go, you ask? Well, I’ve been 2x loops through MT, ID, WA, OR, CA, NV, UT, CO and then trips to AZ, TX, TN, and WY. Where do I want to go soon? FL Keys, Mexico, Canada, and Alaska. Who wants to go with me!
If one wasn’t enough, I got a little 2021 G310GS and met our very own Scott H. during the process – that’s how I came to know you guys!! I now take it with me in either my truck or my new toy hauler camper so that I can expand my explorations when traveling with the camper.
I’m a Dad of 4 amazing grown kids (♂♀♀♂) and a soon to be “Granddaddy” times 2! I’m an entrepreneur, business owner, golfer, hunter, outdoorsman, and adventurer.
John Spencer, EVENTS COORDINATOR
I started riding around 1963. My first motorcycle was a Sears Allstate Puch moped.
I have spent a lot of time off-pavement and on gravel. For example, I've ridden up Barr Trail on Pikes Peak. However, I recently acquired an R1200-RT so my pavement riding has increased.
Currently I have two BMWs, a Yamaha, and an old Honda. I'm looking forward to upcoming rides and Rallies whether I get there by gravel or pavement.