May 2,3,4 2008

Road Captain Report

The Freeze Your Buns Grand Tour

N.Y., VT., N.H., MA, CT.

In Attendance:

Dick Roberts, Cathie Roberts, Bill Widmer, Conrad Feit,

Bob Steinberg, Steve Peck,Pete Mueller, Dave Hodges,*

Tinkerbelle*

(Before The report, I want to thank Cathie for laying out a great Route. I am very proud of her)

For once the weatherman was 100% correct, unfortunately. The dawn on Friday brought a cold rain. I was hoping that when I got to the diner, no body would be there and we could go back home, but much to my surprise, the usual cast of characters was on hand for the ride. At that point, it became obvious that Tinkerbelle was not happy, so we dropped her off at my daughter’s. Good thing for her as things got worse as we progressed north.

Heading north, we met up with Peter and proceeded to Oneonta for our first passport stop, Soccer Hall of Fame, and then on to Cooperstown. It was after Cooperstown that Dave’s bike started to act up and he decided to head back to Cooperstown to his cousin’s house. I will not bother you with the details of all our stops, but we did manage to hit 5 states & 11 passport stops.

The trip was probably the worst 3 straight days of riding I have ever endured. It was constant rain, wind and fog, it never seemed to stop. Every morning I would look out the window & hopefully see some sunlight at the end of the tunnel, but to no avail. It was a shame because Cathie had laid out some really good motorcycle roads, but the rain & fog kept down the enjoyment. Steve Peck predicted that it would all end at noon on Sunday, which it did. The last hundred miles was ridden in glorious sunshine.

Here is a list of things that I don’t want to see again:

Rain

Weather report about rain

Fog

Wind

Rain

Wet & cold feet

Frost heaves

Frost heave signs

Rain

After 1000 miles of this, I was truly glad to get home & into the Hot Tub.

A good time had by all? I can’t really say, but we did accomplish what we set out for, a good ride and good companions. What else could you ask for??? GOOD WEATHER!!!!!

P.S. there will also be an Asst. Road Captain Report.

 

Road Captain Report

27 April 2008

Celtic Poker Run

Bronx, NY

In Attendance: Mileage Y.T.D.

Dick Roberts 8866 3180

Bill Widmer 91293 1804

Jerry Christie 860 860

Steve Peck 34353 4321

Steve Veiner 13245 2260

Conrad Feit 16134 1643

Cathie Roberts 3874 916

Ben Otunu no reading 2133

Ed Roche Independent arrival

The 27th of April has proven to be a busy day for us. It started off

In the Bronx with the Celtic Poker Run. It was a really great run

With all the type of riding that we all enjoy. It seems that there is always a bit of road larceny between our two clubs. I steal some of their roads and they, in turn, steal some of my roads. It makes for a good run.

As you can see from the above list, Ramapo had a good representation at this event. Good enough to win the trophy for the best rep’d club. We would have had 10 members but one of our members would not sign in as a Ramapo member. Guess who!!!

For the most part, the route was the best part of the day. I and most of the other 7 members did not have two cards that even matched. The exception was Steve Peck who had two pair. After eating the Irish food which was both good & plenty, we headed home. Steve Peck stayed to see if his hand would stand the test of time. Unfortunately, he was beat out by a full house & a flush, but he did manage to bring home the Best Represented Club trophy, which was on display at the dinner.

Speaking of which, was a great success, especially the Napoleon cake from the Hungarian bakery in the Bronx. We can all thank

Peter McCarthy for all his effort to make the dinner a great success.

There were special guests from the Christian Motorcycle assn, who do our sweeps for us and a guest appearance from Bob Warfield.

Please keep him in our prayers as he is undergoing another operation in June, which hopefully will get him back on his feet and down the path of recovery. August 2005 must seem like a long time ago.

This weekend is the Spring Ride, in search of passport stops. Steve Peck has been doing trailblazing and have found a few problems. The Harbormaster Hall is in Harwich Port, Ma., not Harwich, Ma. The Ukulele Hall of Fame is at the correct address but is a private residence. Thank you Steve for your enlightenment. For those members not participating in this ride, Sunday’s ride is as usual, 9:00am at the diner.

 

Road Captain Report

20 April 2008

Poker Dry Run

Haverstraw, NY

In Attendance:     Mileage                 Y.T.D.

Dick Roberts         8500                     2814

Bill Widmer         90988                     1553

Jerry Christie      15600                       390

Charlie Dunitz     5607                       1947

Steve Veiner      12913                       1928

Neil Zitwer         64324                         408

John Habermann 31906                       312

John Maieta no reading

Conrad Feit no reading

As is usual, the weather man was a bit off base. Instead of a partly cloudy day, it was an extreme foggy, misty kind of day. In fact, it was also a bit on the cool side. I was surprised to see the number of riders that was at the diner. We also had two(2) more waiting for us at the start of the poker run, John & Conrad.

We started off the run in fog and it really did get too much better until we almost reach the end of the ride, 120 miles later. Everything checked out fine. It was a different Poker Run than last week’s. A good time was had by all, including myself. We have a good route to give to the people on May 18th. Pray for good weather and a large turnout.

Next week’s ride is the Celtic Poker Run, which starts & ends at their clubhouse in the Bronx. It is always a good run for yur money with really good irish food at the end site. Let’s see if we can get a good turnout for their event as they always support our rides. We will be leaving the diner at 8:30, AS THEIR SIGN IN IS AT 9:00am, We do want to beat the ‘thundering herds’

Remember also, the club’s award’s diner is also next Sunday April 27, 6:30 at Bocci’s on route 5 , just south of Monroe

 

 

 

Road Captain Report

6 April 2008

Polar Bear #23

Jenkinson’s Pavilion

Pt. Pleasant, N.J.


In Attendance:         Mileage         Y.T.D.         Polar Bear

Dick Roberts             7936             2252             665*

Bill Widmer             90674             1239             590*

Conrad Feit             15593             1102             578**

Steve Veiner             12593            1608             542*

Peter McCarthy        18346             3108             359*

Bob Steinberg           no mileage                         665*

Ben Otunu                46189             2133             281

Steve Peck                (auto)

Da, Da, Da, Da’ts all folks. The polar bear is ended for the

2007-2008 season. Bob Steinberg is the 1st place winner. Not only has Bob secured 1sy place, but he is the first Ramapo rider, to the best of my knowledge, to participate in 100% of the Ramapo Polar Bear. As you can see from the above, 2nd place is awarded to Dick Roberts, who missed a couple of rides. Congratulations to all those who participated in these rides, especially those who are listed as finishers.

Today’s ride was supposed to be sunny and 60 degrees. Never believe the weatherman. It was cloudy, rainy and in the 40’s, not to be confused with a nice day. The weather was not the only disappointment of the day. After signing in, we decided to ride to Long Branch and eat at our favorite Portuguese B-B-Q. Much to our disappointment, it was no longer in business, so it was off the Applebees for a boring burger.

On the way back, some of us made a passport stop at the Yogi Berra Stadium, which was substituted for the Bicycle Hall of Fame which had been torn down & put into storage until a new location could be found.

Next week’s ride is a club event. It is a Poker Run sponsored by the Chai Riders. Ride leaves the diner at 9:00. Event starts in Fairlawn, NJ

 

Road Captain Report

30 March 2008

Polar Bear #22

Brian’s H-D

Langehorn, Pa

In Attendance:     Mileage     Y.T.D.     Polar Bear

Dick Roberts         7634         1819         625*

Bob Steinberg     44451         1371         700*

Conrad Feit         54277         1102         538*

Steve Peck         31851          1819         511*
Steve Veiner         2303          1318         502*

John Maietta         1526            626         435*

Peter McCarthy     17938         2700         319

Bill Widmer (Auto)     550*

Ben Otunu guest

As you can see, all of the above with the exception of Peter McCarthy, are finishers in the 2007-2008 Polar Bear. Peter will

Probably be a finisher next week, weather permitting.

Today’s ride was a fairly long polar Bear with about 250 miles round trip. It was basically all really good back roads down

With only a few traffic delays. It was still a little over 3 hours of riding. The weather was a bit cool but not enough to be uncomfortable. Back it was only 2 hours, all highway, boring but quick. The hot tub was a perfect ending to a perfect day.

Next week’s ride is the finale of the Polar Bear. It will be down to the Jersey Shore. It is Jenkinson’s Pavillion, Point Pleasant, N.J.

There will be 50 extra points awarded to any Ramapo Rider who makes it a real double Polar Bear by a dip in the ocean. Not just your toe, but a full submersion. Any Takers??????

Keep the following dates open. The 13 of April will be a club ride to the Chairiders event in Fair Lawn N.J. with a KOSHER bar-b-cue, what that entails. The 27th of April is the Celtic Poker Run which is also a club participatory run. Try to make both events to show support to the clubs that support us.

The 27th is also our award’s dinner. It will be a Bocci’s and will start at 6:30 pm. Plenty of time to make it after the Celtic ride.

Remember next week starts the summer riding schedule. We start at 9:00am.

 

 

Road Captain Report

16 March 2008

Polar Bear #21

Chatterbox Drive-in

Augusta, NJ

In Attendance:      Mileage Y.T.D. Polar Bear

Dick Roberts            6891   1205     550

Bob Steinberg        44331   1250     655

Charlie Dunitz          5173     830     222

Conrad Feit            54128     951     493

Bill Widmer (auto)

Steve Peck (auto)

Sunday morning greeted us with a dark drizzly day. Not a good day for riding, but not bad enough to not have a ride. There were four of us heading for the Chatterbox on motorcycles and Steve Peck followed in his car. It was mostly highways all the way, not

very exciting. There are only 2 more Polar Bears left, Mar 30 will

Be to Brian’s HD in Langhorne, Pa, followed by Jenkinson’s in Point Pleasant, NJ. For a total of 85 points left in the season.

After signing in, we had a pretty good lunch and headed back to wherever it was that we were all going. I was going to a soccer game where my 4 grandsons were playing.

Next week is Easter Sunday and there will be no Polar bear, but there will be a ride, weather permitting. Usual winter starting time of 10:00am.

 

 

March 9, 2008

Polar Bear #18
Long Valley Pub & Brewery
Long Valley, NJ

In Attendance:

Dick Roberts, in spirit only and he likes to see his name first.
Bill Widmer
Bob Steinberg
Charlie Dunitz
Conrad Feit
John Maietta
Peter McCarthy
Steve Peck
Steve Viener

I guess we should have expected it after a night of 50mph + winds. A change in the weather. Where Saturday was rainy and chilly, Sunday was sunny, and amazingly warm. I t must have been Dick’s spirit that pushed the mercury to the level it reached. Between 31-33 degrees for most of the ride, so we had to watch out for black ice.

Ed Comacho stopped by to say Hi and to drop off his dues check for 2008. Ed's been spending the winter with his son & family on the Left Coast, came back east to pay his dues, and goes back west until April. He might even be here for the club dinner.

A road captain’s meeting preceded a 10 AM DST start. Dorothy just wanted to go home, the Tin Man wanted to stay dry, the Cowardly Lion wanted to take a car, the Scarecrow wanted to follow the yellow brick road and the Wizard had Google-mapped a safe route.

Following the Wizard still had its moments of adventure, especially when the Wicked Witch of the NJDOT hid the signs, and of course her spell on the roads meant that no route went without some sort of surprise un-marked turn. In a few spots the spell even turned the road to a pond, some of which was hard (ice) and some soft (wet).

Just when necessary, the Beautiful Dunkin’ Donuts Witch appeared! A short stop with a review of how to replace a toilet and we were on our way again arriving at the Long Valley Pub & Brewery. Two of our valiant troop chose to stay for lunch while the rest chose to scoot back and take advantage of the sunshine for the rest of the day.

Dick’s spirit seemed to have an effect on our thermometers in another way, as they are now too close for government work!
Next week we ride to The Chatterbox in Augusta, NJ. It is about an hour trip, so a 10 AM start seems appropriate.

 

Road Captain Report

2 March 2008

Polar Bear #

Firehouse Eatery

Rahway, NJ

In Attendance: Mileage Y.T.D. Polar Bear

Dick Roberts     6754     1086         547*

Conrad Feit     53829     654           425*

John Maietta      1411     511           355*

Peter McCarthy 17156   1918         239

Ben Otunu        45166   1101         196

Bob Steinberg   44107   1026         587*

Steve Veiner     12000    1015         422*

Steve Peck        LATE   AGAIN      431*

Bill Widmer        90414     979         515

Guest: Paul Smith

There isn’t too much to say about today’s ride except that the weather was clear, but windy with the temperature around mid 30’s.

It was a fairly short ride with a stop at the local Dunkin Donuts for a coffee and a dunkin.

At the sign in, I took the opportunity to give Bob McCarthy his 2nd place Crotona Midnight Run Trophy and medallion, saving the club the total of about $5 in postage.

Next week’s ride is to the Long Valley Pub & Brewery which is about 150 miles round trip. I am afraid that while you are riding down to Long Valley, NJ, I will be stuck on a cruise ship somewhere in the Gulf. Sorry I can’t be with you. They following week is a ride to the Chatterbox in Augusta, NJ. The Polar Bear season is winding down. Ride Sunday should be leaving at 10:00am

 

 

Road Captain Report

23/24 February 2008

Crotona Midnight Run

Yonkers, NY

In Attendance:

Steinberg, R: Sign in

McCarthy, P: Sign in

McCarthy, B: Sign in

Roberts, C: Starter 1st section

Habermann,J: 1st Check

Arris: 1st Check

Roche, E: 2nd Check

Carlene:   2nd Check

Dunitz,C: 3rd Check

Peck, S: 3rd Check

Widmer, W: 4th Check

Maietta, J:   4th Check

Mueller, P: End 1st Section

Bolles: ‘T’ Shirt manager

---------------------------------------

Mueller,P: Starter 2nd Section

Begler, S: 1st Check

Otunu, B: 1st Check & End

Aldea: 2nd Check

Rauschenberg,W: 2nd Check

Ippolito,S: 3rd Check

Feit, C: 3rd Check

Porcelli, R: 4th Check

Roberts, D: End 2nd Section

---------------------------------------

George Wunschel and Friends from the C.M.A. MC for once again providing Sweep for this event.

All’s well, that end well. No truer words were ever spoken.

I want to take this opportunity to thank every member listed above for making this another really great Ramapo MC event. As it was, it was almost a non-event.

As you all know Friday’s storm dumped 3 - 6 inches of snow across the area. As some of you don’t know, the days before the Crotona, or any other event, are not on the top of my ‘happy days. Friday did not add to my joy. I was vacillating between canceling and running the event. Looking at the forecast for Saturday/Sunday and the road conditions, I decided to run the event. How glad I was too. Can you imagine going to the start and telling those riders who did not get the word that the event was canceled, especially with the moon out and the stars sparkling down on my beaten & bloody remains. The temperature had dipped into the low teens during the night, but that didn’t seem to bother many of the riders, although Paul Mueller, Peter’s son called it a day when his electric’s failed. The roads remained dry & clear for the most part, that left the field wide open for Robert Goodman, our District 4 Chairman. At this writing, I do not have the full results of the Crotona but will probably have it before I finish this missive.

As it was, we had a fairly good turnout with 31 riders. A little over 1/3 DQ’d, But the ‘T’ shirts dulled their feeling of sorrow a bit. As usual, finishers & Dq’s alike thanked Ramapo MC for once again putting on another fine event. I would use the word fantastic, except for my humility. Screw my humility, it was a fantastic event made possible by the 22 people mentioned above who gave up a night’s sleep to make it so. THANK YOU!!!

Next Sunday, it is back to the Polar Bear. Being a short ride to the Firehouse Eatery, we will be leaving at 10:00am. Still time for some of you to become finishers.

~

 

Road Captain Report

17 February 2008

Polar Bear #17

Hooter’s

Wayne, NJ

In Attendance:         Mileage Y.T.D. Polar Bear

Dick Roberts              6643     957      488*

Bob Steinberg          44047     976      522*

Bill Widmer              90339     904      450*

John Maietta              1335     435      290

Ben Otunu               44952     887      131

Steve Peck               30813    695      366*

Conrad Feit              53758    583      360*

Peter McCarthy        16890   1652     174

Steve Veiner 11913 928 392*

* Finisher

HOOTER’S!!!!!Not much more can say than that. It was a really short, but pleasant ride, for the Ramapo MC. It was a good thing that we got there as early as we did as the place filled up fairly quickly. After signing in, we hung around, taking in the sights and then feasted on a platter of , what else? WINGS. Enough for everybody, with the exception of John & Steve Peck who opted for an early return home trip.

We then headed home. I bought another 20 wings for cCathie and the ski patrol at Campcaw.

Remember, next weekend is the Crotona Midnight Run, No Polar Bear!!

 

Road Captain Report

10 February 2008

Polar Bear #16

Landslide Saloon

Pattenburg, NJ

In Attendance Mileage: Y/T/D/ Polar Bear

Dick Roberts 6557 871 452*

Bob Steinberg 43883 803 492*

Steve Veiner 11728 743 362*

Bill Widmer no reading 420*

Steve Peck (auto) 336

Conrad Feit (auto) 330

Yes! No! Maybe! Change the message!! We’ll see! It was that kind of start for the day. Once again the weather person was wrong, but who was to know. As I turned into the parking lot at the diner, it was snowing. 2 minutes later the sun was out and warning up. The four of us were there ready to go when a forlorn person in a car showed up, Conrad Feit, with a sad look on his face and feeling like a Jackass. He was all dressed and ready to go, but then decided the weather was going to snow and undressed and came by auto.

For the most part, it was a sunny ride, a bit cold, but not enough to be uncomfortable. We had lunch at the Polar bear and then headed home. A good time was had by all, except those who stayed home.

Next week’s ride is to Hooter”s for some wings. We will be

leaving the diner at 10:00am. Bring your cameras and win the Photo Contest.

 

 

 

Road Captain Report

2 February 2008

Polar Bear #15

The Exchnage

Rockaway, NJ

In Attendance: Mileage Y.T.D. Polar Bear

Dick Roberts        6391   705        417*

Bob Steinberg    43785   705        457*

Bill Widmer         90090   655        385*

John Maietta         1207   307        260

Steve Ippolito      18908  1028        94

Ben Otunu          44729   664       101

Steve Peck          30727   695       336

Conrad Feit         53658   483       330

Peter McCarthy    16630  1392     144

Steve Veiner        11608   623       327

* Finisher

Nice Day...nice crowd!!!

As you can see, we had a good turnout for today’s Polar Bear. The ride was a short sojourn to Rockaway, NJ and The Exchange. Just about 100 miles round trip, all back roads which were a bit dicey with the temperature just hovering above freezing and water on the roads, but happy to say ‘no problem man’. After sign in, it was home with a short coffee break at the king of burgers.

Next week’s ride will be a bit longer,180 miles round trip. Therefore another early start at 9:00am with lunch at the ‘Landslide Saloon’ See you then.

 

Road Captain Report

27 January 2008

Polar Bear #14

Fort Dix

Wrightstown, NJ

 

In attendance:                     Mileage             Y.T.D.           Polar Bear

Dick Roberts                                          (auto)                 606                   387

Bob Steinberg                      43580                500                   427

Bill Widmer                           89890               455                    355*

Steve Peck                            30511               474                    306

Peter McCarthy                     15307                  69                   114

Ben Otunu                            44389                324                      71

What a day for a ride. Once again the weather man was way off base. I was sort of hoping that he was correct as I had to attend my

grand daughter’s 4th birthday brunch. This allow Bob Steinberg to

take over first place in the Polar Bear with 427 points. Bill Widmer also advanced to finisher’s status with 355 points. I hope that they had a good ride without incident.

Next week’s ride is a fairly short affair to The Exchange, in Rockaway, NJ. Therefore we will be leaving at the standard time of 10:00am.

At this time I will turn over the ride report to Fort Dix to someone who was there.

Road Captain Report

20 January 2008

Polar Bear #13

Flying ‘W’  Airport Resort

Medford, NJ

In Attendance Mileage                 Y.T.D.                Polar Bear

Dick Roberts   6292                      606                      387**

Bob Steinberg    *                         121                      387**

Bill Widmer     89679                     235                      315

Steve Veiner   11128                     143                       257

Steve Peck     30284                      252                      266

Conrad Feit     53430                     255                      300

Peter McCarthy     *                         ---                         74

* No mileage reading ** Polar Bear Finisher

BRRRRRRR! That is a good way to describe today’s Polar Bear. It was not a day to be without warm clothing & electrics, but whose electrics failed?? None other than the electrician Mr. Widmer . After a quick repair job it was back to warm hands again.

The ride down was a little longer than I had first thought. It turned out to be about 230 miles round trip. The temperature was never above 25 degrees. It did not get any warmer coming home either.

We opted to eat at the Flying ‘W’ ‘s buffet, which was quite a banquet with an omelet station and a chocolate fountain. We decided to eat there as we are going to Fort Dix next Sunday which is where the German restaurant is located.

Next week, we will be leaving the diner at 9:00 am again as the ride is about 200 miles round trip. That should bring Conrad into finisher’s status. Bob Steinberg & myself finished this weekend.

 

Road Captain Report

13 January 2008

Polar Bear #12

Sir John’s

North Brunswich, NJ

In Attendance          Mileage       Y.T.D.    Polar Bear

Dick Roberts               6032          346         344

Bob Steinberg           43201          121         344

Bill Widmer    89550          121         272

Conrad Feit    53297          122         257

Steve Peck     30155          123         223

John Maietta     1064          164        230

John Habermann 32594       *           105

Ben Otunu       44065           *             31

Peter McCarthy 15238          *             31

* Initial Reading

We were lucky enough to have the Polar Bear just prior to a winter storm, for a change. As promised, today’s polar bear was a short sojourn into New Jersey, about 110 miles round trip.

Nothing spectacular took place with the exception of Ben Otunu and Peter McCarthy amogst our Sunday riders. It was a sign in and lunch at Fuddfruckers and another short trip back home.

Next week’s Polar Bear is bear of another color. Originally, it was supposed to be to Long Branch, NJ but that was change to the

‘Flying ‘W’ Airport in Medford, NJ., a fairly long trip so we will be leaving at 9:00 am, instead of 10:00. Once again, with a stop at Sebastian’s German Restaurant, in Wrightstown, NJ

 

Road Capt Report

6 January 2008

Polar Bear #11

Warehouse Grille

Lake Hopatcong, NJ

In Attendance: Polar Bear

Dick Roberts                313

Bob Steinberg              313

Bill Widmer                 273

Conrad Feit                 226

Steve Veiner               214

Steve Peck                 193

Steve Ippolito               32

Charles Dunitz             87

John Maietta              167

Reno Del Ben

Guests: Steve Allen & John ???

It was an iffy day. Saturday’s forecast predicted a.m. rain. It did rain but not enough to worry about, a drizzle. As it was a short ride we departed the diner at 10:00 am with 11 riders and proceeded to Lake Hopatcong, via back roads.

For the most part, it was a pleasant enough ride with temperatures in the high 30’s, low 40’s, depending on who gave the temperature, with me low & Steinberg high.

The ride was 60 miles down, with little or no traffic. The Polar Bear was pretty crowded, but we managed to get a table for 11. We ate lunch and then headed home.

Next week’s ride is another fairly short day with the Polar Bear at Sir John’s in North Brunswick. It is about 110 miles round trip. We will be leaving the diner, once again at 10:00am. We will be stopping for lunch at Fuddrucker’s on Route 1.

See you there, hopefully

 

Road Captain Report

1 January 2008

Chilly Chilli Run

 

In Attendance:

Dick Roberts (auto)

Bill Widmer (auto)

Steve Peck (auto)

Conrad Feit(auto)

What a shame!! The weather this season has not really been conducive to motorcycling. I was all dressed up and nowhere to go this morning. I was sitting on my motorcycle ready to go when it started to rain. Too bad.

I gave Bill a call and met him at the diner for coffee. When we got there, we were joined by Conrad & Steve. A nice coffee clatch!!

Nothing new!!! Just gossip!!!! After a number of cups of coffee, when we ran out of people to talk about and we wended our way home through the rain, thinking about how glad we were not to be riding to Ogdensburg.

Remember next Sun day's ride will be to the Warehouse Grill, in Lake Hopatcong, NJ, a fairly short ride of about 100 mile RT. We will be leaving at 10:00am from the diner.

A Happy & Safe New Year in 2008

 

 

Road Captain Report

30 December 2007

Polar Bear #10

De Thomasi 5 points Inn

Vineland , NJ

In Attendance:     Mileage         YTD        Polar Bear

Cathie Roberts      2958              10832         241

Dick Roberts         5686               12920         281

Bill Widmer          89445                8238         241

Steve Veiner         10975               6721         182

Steve Peck           30177               8788         161

Bob Steinberg       43228              7248         281

 

This is the last report of the year 2007. Long live 2008.

It was nice to see that it was not raining or snowing for a change for the 10th Polar Bear ride. I wouldn’t exactly say that it was a great motorcycling day, but it beat the hell out of sitting home and looking out of the window. The five of us left the Fireplace at exactly 8:30am and headed down the G.S.P. toward Vineland, NJ.

But before we had gone very far a speck or should I say a Peck appeared in the rear view mirror. That made 6 riders.

We started out in the 20’s and really did get much higher than the mid 30’s for the rest of the day. Those were a hard 150 miles to De Thomasi Inn. There was a fairly good turnout and after we signed in, we headed for Wrightstown, NJ and Sebastian’s German Restaurant. Bob Steinberg was happy to see that the buffet was still open. I should not single out Bob as we all had our fill of German delicacies. We will probably be back there in another month as we have both the Flying ‘W’ and Fort Dix coming up in a couple of weeks. Can’t wait. Next week’s Polar Bear is fairly short run, 100 miles round trip, to the Warehouse Grill in Lake HOPATCONG, NJ.

New Year’s day is the Chilly Chili Run, in Ogdensburg, NJ. We leave at 9:00am from the Diner. We generally just sign in and then get some Dunkin D’s and head home. It is good for Polar Bear Points. Also it is a good day to have your starting mileage read. See you there, maybe.

As this is the first meeting of the year, here is how the various contest have turned out

Mileage:

1st place         Reno Del Ben     54541 miles

2nd Place       Simon Begler      18364 miles

Attendance:

1st Place         Bill Widmer      655 points

2nd Place       Dick Roberts     585 points

Road:

1st Place         Reno Del Ben     260 points

2nd Place         Dick Roberts     170 points

Service:

1st Place         Dick Roberts      485 points

2nd Place        Ray Porcelli       275 points

Passport:

No Data available

 

 

 

Road Captain Report

23 December 2007

Polar Bear #9

Sweetwater Casino

Sweetwater, NJ

In attendance:

Dick Roberts (auto)

Bill Widmer (auto)

Bob Steinberg (auto)

Steve Peck (auto)

I have good news & I have bad news. The good news is that the Polar Bear was not cancelled. The bad news is that nobody went!!

Can’t say as I blame them as the weather was pretty awful.

Remember this Thursday is our unofficial holiday dinner. As was last year, Peter McCarthy has arranged the back room at the Hard Wok Cafe for us, route 304, at 7:00 pm. Please try to attend.

Next week’s Polar Bear will be to Vineland, NJ, another long ride,

270 miles round trip, with a lunch break at Sebastian’s German restaurant in Wrightstown, NJ. We will be leaving at 9:00am from the diner. Let’s hope for some good weather for a change.

Please be advised that the annual photo contest will be judged at the first meeting of the new year, 2008. Each member can submit up to 3 entries.

Pictures must be from 2007. Lets make this a real contest for a change.

See you at the Hard Wok and a

Merry Christmas  & Happy New Year to all.

 

 

Road Captain Report

16 December 2007

Polar Bear #8

The Cabin

Howell, NJ

In Attendance: ?

This has been the worst Polar Bear season that I can remember. Here it is the 8th ride and we have cancelled 37.5%. This stinks, especially since this is the day that we bring the presents for the Children’s hospital and the Valerie Fund.

This is also the last meeting of 2007. I can remember all the excitement associated with the millennium, 2000. It almost seems like yesterday. It is strange that as you get older times slips by so quickly. Now I am getting depressed.

Well, maybe next Sunday will be better. I hope so as the ride is to Sweetwater, NJ. It is about 270 mile round trip. Hopefully we will be stopping to eat at the German restaurant near Fort Dix. I am looking forward to that, in fact I am just looking forward to just riding my bike. We will be leaving the diner at 9:00am, not 10:00.

As this is the last meeting before Christmas.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all

and to all a good ride!!!

~..~..~..~..~..~..~..~..~

 

 

Road Captain Report

9 December 2007

Polar Bear #7

Schock’s H-D Snydersville, Pa

In Attendance:     Mileage Y.T.D.

Dick Roberts         5386     12620

Bob Steinberg     42804       6824

Steve Peck         29717        8328

John Maietta           723        9906

Steve Veiner       10668        6414

Bill Widmer (auto)

This is the 7th ride in the current Polar Bear season and as I sit here it dawns on me that the weather has not really been too good for riding so far. Today is a gloomy day with no chance of improvement but as we have called off two earlier rides, I can stand riding in the gloom. It will be interstate for us today, no back road and no Dingman’s Ferry bridge for Bob.

As I rode into the diner’s parking lot, I thought that I would be the only person foolhardy enough to ride to Pa. Well, Bob Steinberg was already there and before I could take mileage, Steve, Steve & John made an appearance. Today John only had his electric gloves. After a brief discussion, it was decided that we would go interstate there, sign in and interstate back. Ice storm was being predicted for the PM

Somewhere along the way, Bob began feeling ill. I guess that the bug was traveling slower than 75 mph for Bob to catch it. I guess that Schock’s H-D just doesn’t agree with Bob.

Due to Bob infirmity and the weather forecast, we passed on stopping for lunch and just grabbed some of the free food at the dealers. We were back home before 1:30pm

Next week lets hope for some nice weather. Out of the first 7 rides, we had to cancel 2 due to weather conditions. It is the Christmas Party where we bring unwrapped new toys for the Children’s Hospital. We are still collecting toys from those not riding the Polar Bear. We will be leaving the diner at 10:00am.

Be there

 

Road Captain Report

2 December 2007

Polar Bear #6

Montgomery Cycle

Hatfield, Pa

In Attendance:

No Body

 

Unfortunately, once again the weather gremlins have struck. The ride was cancelled due to snow & icy conditions.

Hopefully, next Sunday will be a nice day. We will be leaving the diner at the regular winter schedule of 10:00am. The ride will be to Shock’s H-D, in Snydersville, Pa. Short ride of only about 200 miles

This Thursday is elections and Pizza night. Regardless of whether you like either, please plan to attend meeting.

 

 

Road Captain Report

25 November 2007

Polar Bear #5

Hillbilly Hall

Hopewell, NJ

In attendance:                 Miles                 Y/T/D

Dick Roberts                      5192             12426

Cathie Roberts                   2656             10632

Conrad Feit                      15500               7541

John Habermann              31653              4935

Steve Veiner                     10558               6204

Bill Widmer                       89152               7945

Steve Ippolito                    17939               3563

Bob Steinberg                   42618               6638

Jerry Christie                     15158               2158

John Maietta                           73               9256

Steve Peck                        29522               8133

 

It started out as a really great day for motorcycling, but you can’t tell a book by its cover. We had a record number of Polar Bear riders, 11 at the start, but that was soon to dwindle. As we were riding through Dover, NJ, the call went out that John Maietta's brand new Yamaha Star had stopped breathing. Luckily, there were places to pull off in town to investigate the problem. It just stopped running. The battery was dead!!! The consensus of opinion was that John’s electrics were drawing too much juice for the alternator. He had on gloves, vest & chaps. But what do we know. John managed to reach his Progressive Insurance agent after a frustrating amount of ‘press 1 for English’ etc. Steve Ippolito stayed with John till the tow arrived. Thank you Steve. I checked with John when I got home and all was well. They towed him to his door.

A bit later, one of the riders decided to head home without letting us know and we waited around looking for him until another rider said ‘Oh yeah, he said that he was going to go home when we reached Rte 287’

But after a while we finally made it to Hillbilly Hall for sign in. At that point, Conrad & Bob headed straight home and the rest of us headed for something to eat, where we had a surprise guest, Ericka, John Habermann’s daughter. A pleasant surprise.

After lunch, we headed home our separate ways; some up Rte 287 and a few of us took Rte 80. No more excitement. It was into the hot tub for the daring duo.

Next week’s ride is to Montgomery Cycle, in Hatfield, Pa., about 250 miles round trip. Although it is the first week of winter riding season, we will be leaving the diner at 9:00am.

Remember the ride on December 12th is the Christmas Party and bring along unwrapped gifts for the Children’s Hospital.

Road Captain Report

18 November 2007

Polar Bear #4

Cornucopia

Port Jervis, NY

In attendance:

                                                Miles     Total ytd

Dick Roberts (auto)

Reno Del Ben                         35435     545411

Bob Steinberg (auto)

Bill Widmer (auto)

John Maietta                                 18     9201

Steve Peck                              29321     7932

 

I am sorry to say that I should have listened to me instead of the weather people. The snow & the rain never did show up, but based on existing data, I scrapped the ride to Port Jervis. Maybe it snowed there but I will never know as we did not go there. I must be getting soft in my waning years.

The good thing was that John Maietta did show up with his new ride, a nice shiney Yamaha 1100cc RoadStar. Good Luck to John and many miles.

Next week’s Polar Bear will be leaving at 9:00am. We will be going to Hillbilly Hall in Hopewell, NJ. About a 200 mile round trip. Hopefully the weather man will not scare me.

There will be no meeting this Thursday. See you on the 25th at 9:00am.

 

 

Road Captain Report

11 November 2007

Polar Bear #3

Knights of Columbus Hall

Old Bridge, NJ

In attendance:

Miles                     Total       ytd

Dick Roberts         5002      12236

Cathie Roberts      2468      10427

Bob Steinberg     42285       6305

Bill Widmer          88801       7594

Conrad Feit          52789      7391

John Habermann  31198      3508

Steve Peck            29087     7698

Jerry Christie         15058     2058

Ed Roche               12000     5900

The late start brought out a good number of Ramapo riders. The ride down to Old Bridge was mainly down the G.S.P. and not too exciting, although it was good to see John, Steve, Ed & Jerry join the Polar Bear.

 I guess that John Maietta did not pick up his new bike as yet. After sign-in, John Habermann peeled off to visit his daughter, who lives nearby. The rest of us dined at TGIF and then headed home. Not too exciting but better than sitting at home watching the idiot box.

The polar Bear next week will be to the Cornucopia, on route 209, in Port Jervis, NY. The closeness of the site will alter our start time from 9:00am to 10:00am. Maybe we can get some more of our late risers. The following week, 11-25-08, we will be leaving at our usual summer scheduled time of 9:00 and head down to Hillbilly Hall, in Hopewell, NJ. This will be the last of the Summer Schedule rides. December brings in the winter riding season and 10:00am starts, except December 2 which we will be leaving at 9:00am, once again due to the length of the ride to Mongomery Cycle in Hatfield, Pa. I hope that this will not confuse too many members.

As stated in an previous E-mail, the Photo contest will be judged at the first Thursday meeting in January, 2008. Member may submit up to three(3) pictures taken in the calendar year 2007. Let’s make this a real contest this year.

 

Road Captain Report

4 November 2007

Polar Bear #2

Lewes, De.

In Attendance:

Dick Roberts ,Cathie Roberts

Bob Steinberg, Bill Widmer

Conrad Feit, Ray Porcelli (auto)

As this was the two day Polar Bear, all of the above made it to Lewes, the best way they could. Cathie & I left on Friday night and stayed with my son in South Jersey. Conrad, Bob & Bill made the trip on Saturday and picked up a few passport sites along the way. Ray and Kathy made it down via auto and took in the Punkin Chunkin, which the rest of us skipped.

We did manage, with help from the cell phones, to all get together for dinner Saturday Night. A good time was had by all. We managed to talk about all our friends.

Sunday, Ray went his way. The rest of us made it to sign-in, which was1/2 hour early and was on our way back by 11:00am.

Route 9, although the developers are transgressing, is still the way to go.

We managed to make our annual stop at an Italian restaurant for a couple of pizzas. We then wended our way up the NJ Turnpike for home. “Boring”

Next weeks ride is to Old Bridge, NJ, a fairly short ride. We will be leaving at 10:00am instead of our usual time of 9:00am, from the diner. See you then

 

28 October 2007

Initial Polar Bear ride

Cape May, New Jersey

In attendance:

Dick Roberts; Cathie Roberts

Conrad Feit; Bill Widmer

Steve Veiner; Bob Steinberg

Charlie Dunitz; John Maietta

8:00 am in the morning is a bit early, but we were all there ready to go. I was surprised to see Bob there as he just got back from his journey to the Orient. (Had a great time.)

We took the GSP down to the Raritan Bridge and from there it was all back roads, empty for the most part, but we did get behind a convoy of canoeists for a good while. All in all it was about 175 miles down to the sign in, which was packed. It was a good thing that we were all pre-signed or it would have taken us at least an hour.

We had a great lunch and headed back home. What was strange was that going home via the GSP was about the same mileage as going back roads, only about a hour shorter.

Next week is the Lewes, De., 1 or 2 day affair. As you may have heard, the Bayside inn is closed, but they have switched our reservations to Econ-o-lodge for the same rate of $59.99. The re-affirm your reservations call 302.227.0401. Tell them you arre with the Polar Bears to get that rate. Saturday night we will be eating at the Roadside Steak Joint, 4572 Hwy 1, right down from the Econ-o-lodge, Try to make it there.

 

Road Capt Report

21 October 2007

 

In Attendance:

Dick Roberts     Cathie Roberts         Bill Widmer

Steve Ippolito     Steve Peck              Steve Veiner

Allan Goldschmidt     Joh Maietta       Reno Del Ben

Dave Hodges (guest)

I am back in the saddle again and it feels really good. It is like riding a bicycle, you never forget how.

The above riders, with the exception of you know who, headed toward  Dingman's Ferry and Pa. for a Sunday ride. Our plans were altered a bit when Allan suggested that we ride thru Stokes State park and the Sunrise parkway. It was worth the change in plans. Call me Mr Flexible!! After wandering around High Point,

we finally reached Port Jervis and proceeded up thru the Hawk’s Nest to Barryville for lunch. I wasn’t too flexible as that is where I had planned to eat anyway, So there....

The ride back was thru Port Jervis. Nothing exciting. All tolled we did a little over 200 miles. And did I mention, the weather was superb.

Next Sunday is the start of the Polar Bear Season. Once again we will be leaving the Fireplace on Route 17 north at 8:00. It is usually a long day as the ride down is over 180 miles, mostly back roads. On the way back, we generally us the GSP, boring but quicker. Remember, 8:00am, full tank & empty bladder.

 

Road Capt Report

14 October 2007

Fall Foliage Run

In Attendance:

Dick Roberts Cathie Roberts Bill Rauschenberg

John Habermann Dan Resanovich Steve Veiner

Steve Peck Ray Porcelli Bill Widmer

Jack Williams Peter McCarthy & son

Dave Hughes

Well, we did it again. Another Fall Foliage Run and another motorcycling sucess. Take another look at the people responsible for making Ramapo MC what it is, a motorcycle club, no, a great motorcycle club. You have heard of Ocean’s Eleven, well they have nothing on Ramapo’s eleven

I want to thank everybody concerned. At this point I don’t know how many people rode the event, but I know that we made $840.00. The run was not without incident though. Cathie lead a large group of 11 riders from the NYC Hog Chapter. while the group was crossing an intesection the light turn red and one the riders though he could make it and than changed his mind and locked up his front brake. Luckily, it was at low speed, nobody was injured, but the bike sustained damages. The entire group waited for a tow truck from the Bronx to show up. But that was probably the biggest problem of the day. Backroads’ Brian & Shira, was at the run, so we will probably get a good review from them as hey enjoyed the day, or should I say 1/2 day. They had to go back after the first half.

By the way, did anyone see Steve Veiner’s new jacket or shall I say ‘did anyone not see his new jacket.’ In the bright sunlight it hurt my eyes. It served it purpose, you could spot Steve, literately

a mile way.

Well, the foliage run is out of the way for 2007, so the next event is the Crotona Midnight Run, 23 February 2008, commemorative ‘t’ shirt to all riders who reach the midpoint and to all Ramapo members working the event. I will need more than 11 for this, the 90th running of the Crotona. It is not too early to keep this date in mind.

Remember, the polar bear starts in two(2) weeks with the ride to Cape May, NJ. Next Sunday, I don’t know if,1. I’ll have my bike back or 2 if I will be ready for a long ride. Keep tuned.

 

 

 

Road Capt Report

30 Sept 2007

Fall Foliage Pre Run

 

In Attendance:

Dick Roberts (auto) as usual

John Habermann

Bill Widmer

Steve Viener

Jay Hubelbank

Byrd

Ed Roche (at Eldorado)

I was a bit disappointed with the turn out for the Fall Foliage tune-up. With the run only 2 weeks away, it is obvious that we do not have enough people familiar with the run to put on a usual good Ramapo Event. Maybe next week will be a bit better. I, hopefully will be riding by the 14th, again maybe. I had thought that the Saturday was going to check out the run but I was mistaken.

It was also nice to see Mrs. Hubelbank & Byrd at the diner, a rare but welcome occurrence. They went off following their own routes.

John, Bill, Steve and Ed rode the first half of the route and stopped briefly at the Red Rooster. Ed peeled off for CT at that point and John, Bill and Steve rode the second half of the route thereafter.

Color is just starting to give a hint of coming out and hopefully we’ll be in full bloom right on the mark!

Not too much has changed as far as the Top Ten list is concerned.

Reno Del Ben & Roberts lead the Mileage & Road Catagory. Bill

Widmer & Roberts lead the attendance with Charlie Donuts a very close 3rd. Service goes to Roberts & Porcelli...

Again hopefully, more people will ride the run and be ready for the 14th.

 

 

Road Capt Report

23 Sept 2007

Ramapo MC B-B-Q

In Attendance:

Dick Roberts (auto)      John Maietta      Steve Peck

Bob Steinberg             Ed Camacho      Dan Resanovich

Bill Widmer                 Ed Roche             Alan Goldschmidt

Peter Mc Carthy          Pete Mueller

 

The above riders, led by Alan Goldschmidt, took the long way to the picnic. Through 3 or 4 counties and then through West Point! Cathie Roberts got there a couple of minutes too late and missed the ride, Poor Cathie!! Another day without riding for me!!

As for me, maybe the crutches go away next Tuesday. Keeping my fingers crossed. It has been too long for my liking.

The picnic was a great success mainly due to the efforts of Jay Hubelbank who put together an assortment of more food than we could eat. Ray Porcelli also added a new dimension to the picnic with an assortment of skill games, none of which I won!! The weather could not have been better and the turnout was larger than I can remember. Members, family and friends. There was even a surprise visit by Bob & Roberta Warfield. It was really great seeing Bob!!

Thank you Jay for a great job!! A good time was had by all.

 

Road Capt Report

16 Sept 2007

In attendance:

Dick Roberts (auto)

Bob Steinberg 40938 mi.

Steve Viener 8712 mi.

Bill Widmer 87120 mi

Bob Steinberg is making his second attempt to a passport visitation

to Cabella’s in Pa. Last attempt was rained out. Looks like a good day for it today.

Today oddity, check out Bill & Steve’s mileage!!!!

As far as the road captain condition, not too much has changed. I am now in a soft cast but still can not put any weight on leg.

 

Road Capt Report

26 Aug 2007

In attendance:

Dick Roberts (auto)

Bob Steinberg (auto)

Steve Viener

John Maietta

Bill Widmer

Cathie Roberts

Only 9 more days in this cast. I can hardly wait. I will probably get a soft cast for at least 3 more weeks. Then I shall return just in time for the Polar Bear season. I can’t beleive that I spent the entire month of August, basically in the house.

As you can see, it is the usual list of Sunday riders. Bob, Cathie &

I had breakfast at the diner. John, Steve & Bill rode off into the

sunrise, points unknown.

After breakfast, Cathie rode over the river to see some historical

homes & Bob & I went home

 

++++

 

As you can see from the attached, I am on the mend, but not as quickly as I would have liked.  Probably, not riding until late Sept.
 
Thanks to Bob Steinberg, points have been assigned to all that attended the Kids Ride.
 
Photos by The Postman
 
Dick

 

 

 

Road Captain Report

22 July 2007

A passport Stop in Ct.

In Attendance:
 

Dick Roberts            Conrad Feit      John Maietta & Connie

Bill Widmer            Charlie Dunitz

 

What a great day for a ride. Little did I know!!  Once again the roads were picked by Cathie, who was not on the ride.   We made the passport stop at Lime Rock, I think for the fourth time.

 

After that we stopped for a lunch break and then headed home.

 

A 'Funny Thing Happened On The way To The Forum.'  We were riding along route 343, looking for route 82 south.   It was right in front of us and the light was red.   I stopped and put out my left leg for balance.  It all happened with the speed of lightening.   I heard a loud crash and the next thing I knew something hit my left leg really hard.   At that point, I did not know what or who.   I only knew that I was not going to try getting up. 

In only a few minutes, everybody was there, the state police, fire dept. first aid people and the ambulance.   After answering a multitude of questions and wiggling my toes, I was whisked off to St Francis Hospital.   After the X-rays were evaluated, I was told that I had multiple fractures in my left ankle and leg.  I will be in a cast for a minimum of 2 months.   That takes in the riding season and a bit more.  

 

I want to thank my fellow riders who stayed with me through this ordeal , especially Conrad who kept the sun out of my eyes.   Usually I can see some good out of everything, but I am really bummed out by this, but compared to Bob Warfield, this is but a walk in the park!

 

IF YOU WANT TO MAKE GOD LAUGH, TELL HIM WHAT YOU ARE GOING TO DO TOMORROW!!!

 

Road Captain Report

14/15 July 2007

Ramapo 500

In attendance:

Too Many to list

 

In a word:

EXTRAORDINARY!

 

Road Captain Report

8 July 2007

Hamburg, Pa. / Phillipsburg, NJ

In Attendance:

Dick Roberts; Cathie Roberts; Conrad Feit; John Maietta; Bill Widmer

Ed Roche; Jack Williams; Charlie Dunitz

Tinkerbelle, The Wonder Dog

It was not as hot as predicted. In fact, it was quite a pleasant ride.

It was divided into two separate rides. One on this side of the Delaware and the other on the west side of the river.. This side left a bit to be desired. Rte 94 is a lot different in the Summer than it is in the winter, I’m sorry to say.

We had planned a crossing at Belvedere , but when we got there we found that the bridge was closed for repairs. So we crossed at the Portland Bridge, which gave us some nice roads along the river, a bit further upstream. The rest of the roads, to Hamburg, were mostly through farmlands and were really nice. (once again thanks to Cathie for the route.

This was my first time at Cabelas’ ( http://www.cabelas.com ). It is certainly a place that you can spend hours & money at. We strolled through the store, gawking at all the animals and stopped for a lunch break. That was 180 miles into the day (230 for the boys from CT). From there, it was another N.J passport stop and head for home. It was a lot shorter going home than it was heading out to hamburg.

Remember, next week is the Ramapo 500. Be there to help

 

 

 

 

Road Captain Report

1 July 2007

Marcus Dairy & Points North

In Attendance:

Dick Roberts 2122 miles

Cathie Roberts 50452 miles

Charlie Dunitz 23244 miles

Bill Widmer 85400 miles

Steve Viener 7427 miles

Tinkerbelle, The Wonder Dog

Do you realize that 1/2 of the year is over. For a July morning it was a bit on the cool side. I should have dressed warmer, but we all survived.

The first half of the ride was to Marcus Dairy and the usual crowd was in attendance. It was there that we saw Simon Begler, diligently, handing out Ramapo 500 Flyers. We left a few at the dairy and headed to Bristol, Ct for a passport stop.

Cathie laid out the route up there and the roads were really first class for motorcycles, especially with no traffic on them. It took a while to find the test tower, but with the assistance of the local Police we managed to locate the site. Problem was that if you got the picture of the tower, the bikes & people were too small to see and if you got the people, you only got the bottom of the tower. Yes, my friends it is the tallest elevator Test Tower in America at 117 meters.. It is surpassed by another test tower in Japan at 154 meters.

 

Road Captain Report

24 June 2007

Phoenicia, NY

In Attendance:

Dick Roberts Cathie Roberts Ray Porcelli

Jack Williams Ben Otuna Reno Del Ben

Tinkerbelle, the Wonder Dog

With the exception of Reno, who exercised his ‘I don’t ride with Roberts’ option, the above riders made their way to the passport site in Boiceville, NY, via Peek-a-Moose. It was a really nice motorcycling day and the traffic was almost non-existent.

After a lunch break, the ride split up a bit with Ben, who lives in the area, going directly home and Jack wending his way back to Ct.

The ride back was via the Big Indian, which was also pretty free of cars.

I would say we had a pretty good day of riding, about 260 miles round trip. Next week’s ride will be to the Dairy and a Ct Passport stop. By the way, Ray Porcelli has finished his book and therefore became the first finisher for 2007.

If you were wondering where our usual Sunday riders were, Bob, John, Bill and Conrad are this weekend. They are touring passport stops in the N. E. area.

See you at the diner on Sunday for a quick ride to Marcus Dairy before we head to a Ct. passport site.

 

Road Captain Report

13 May 2007

Mother’s Day

In attendance:

Dick Roberts

Bob Steinberg

John Maietta

Steve Peck

As there was no ride today, the above mentioned riders had breakfast at the Nanuet Diner.

In honor of Mother’s Day, we did not talk about any club members.

I will be gone for the next 4 weeks on an extended motorcycle trip.

See you when I get back.

 

Road Captain Report

6 May 2007

Bob Warfield Benefit Dice Run

In Attendance:

Sign in:

Bob Steinberg, Cathie Roberts, Ray Porcelli, John Maietta,

Andy Konneci, Nancy Weed, Ed Roche

1st Check:

Bill Fitzpatrick, Ed Fitzpatrick, Alan Goldschmidt

2nd Check:

Jay Ottens, Simon Begler, Bill Rauschenberg

3rd Check:

John Haberman, Steve Peck, Steve Viener

4th Check:

Bill Widmer, Jack Williams, Charlie Dunitz

5th Check:

Conrad Feit, Ben Otunu, Ben’s wife

End Site:

Pete Mueller, Jay Hubelbank, Ed Roche (and BBQ transport)

To be perfectly honest, I was overwhelmed, both with the support that the ride received from the club and the generosity of the many riders who supported us. I had checkers falling out of my ....., which is not a bad thing. Everything went without a hitch. I want to thank everybody who helped in this event, especially Charlie Donuts, who spent many hours getting our permit, which I was happy to have when the Parkey told us we couldn’t have our end at the ‘Far South End’ of the park.

I also want to thank the person really responsible for having this event, Cathie Roberts. Back when we had the Fall Foliage Run and donated the monies to the Children’s fund, Cathie complained that we do for others but we don’t do for our own. At that time, she came up with the quilt idea and a charity run for Bob Warfield.

I only implemented what I was told to do!!!

Well, to say that the run was a success would be a gross understatement. We had 68 riders signed up for the run, but that does not reflect the generosity of that group of riders. Case in point, Jerry McPhelim, of the Celtic MCC. Saturday night at a Celtic event, Jerry won $500.00. Instead of putting it in his pocket, he wanted it given to the Warfield fund. Think on that for a minute or so. Others in the Celtic’s bought 1 and 2 books each, and that is after they gave us $100.00 at their Poker run. We owe a lot of payback to them and to a lot of the other D-34 clubs. Yes, indeed we do.

When Cathie came up with the Bob Warfield idea, I was hoping for a few thousands, we have exceeded my expectations, but not Cathie’s. We still have a couple of months before the ‘500’ and I envision a big quilt day at that event.

It was good to see Bob at the end site. It is good to push him. Between the dinner and the run, he is getting out of the house and pushing himself to plateaus he had not reached before in his recovery.

Personally, I am really tired, but in a good way. I know that ‘we’ did a good thing today and I can sleep with that knowledge, so can 24 other members of the club. I thank you and I am sure that Bob is extremely grateful also.

Next Thursday is a ride night. Details were emailed or call the hot line for details 1.914.422.1806.

Thank you!!!

 

Road Captain Report

28 April 2007

Celtic M C C Poker Run

In Attendance:

Dick Roberts Bill Widmer Bob Steinberg

John Habermann Steve Peck Charlie Dunitz

Steve Viener Ed Roche Jack Williams

Jay Ottens

The day was not as pleasant as was predicted, but as we approached the sign-in, it was evident that they were going to get a good turnout. I think that it was around 110 riders.

We were one of the first groups on the road, as is our custom. The road selection was really great, that is after the first 14 miles on the Saw Mill Pkwy. A lot of the roads strangely familiar. But that is ok, as we steal some of their roads and they steal some of ours. All in all, it was a great day with no mishaps along the way. I can only hope that we have as good a turnout and weather as they had today for Bob Warfield’s Run. Speaking of which, we sold some raffles at the event today and the Celtics turned in the four books that we mailed out to many of the D-34 clubs. I only wish that the members of Ramapo would support the club as well as riders outside the club. Jay Ottens and Peggy have volunteered to help ~ that's the spirit!

Next Sunday is the Warfield Dice Run. All checkers should be at the Red Apple no later than 8:30 to ensure that we have all our checker in place for the early riders. Sign in is at 9:00 and we can’t control when riders will hit the road. See you then

 

Road Captain Report

April 2007

Dice Run Dry Run

In Attendance:

Dick Roberts 825 / 2660

Bob Steinberg 38150 / 2150

John Maietta 54070 / 2498

Bill Widmer 83200 / 1993

Steve Peck 22600 / 1211

Jerry Christie 13300 / 300

Steve Viener 6356 / 2102

Ben Otunu & Abigail Otunu (Guests)

I promised you a really great ride and that is exactly what I gave you. Nothing but really good motorcycle roads with a little excitement thrown in. Ben had a slight slide into a corner, but except for some windshield and mirror damage all was well.

The ride was little over 104 miles. Along the way we stopped in to see Bob Warfield. He is still bed-bound, but is looking forward to going to the dinner later today. He said that it would be the longest he has been away from home since the accident.

Next week’s ride is the Celtic Poker Run. By royal decree, it has been made a club run with all the benefits afforded. ( No vote required)

Got to run & get ready for the dinner. See you there!!!!!

 

Road Captain Report

15 April 2007

No Ride due to weather

In Attendance:

Dick Roberts (auto)

Bill Widmer (auto)

Bob Steinberg (auto)

That is about all I can tell you about todays going’s-on. It was a real lousy day for motorcycling.

Saturday, I checked out the route for the Dice Run. Although we had utilized this route in 2001, I was pleasantly surprised with the roads. I really enjoy the ride especially with my new F800ST. I had to get 600 mles on it for my first service. I am getting to love this bike almost as much as my K75, almost!!!

This will also be next Sunday’s ride if the weather ever gets any better.

Remember, next Sunday evening is our club awards diner. Please try to attend as it is the day we honor our members who do so much to keep the club doing the things that it does & does well.

 

 

 

Road Captain Report

8 April 2007

Easter Sunday

In attendance: Mileage:

Dick Roberts 77835 - 2241

Bill Widmer Automobile

That is it, ladies & Gentlemen. The remainder of the club took the day off for Easter Sunday as there was not ride scheduled.

After some breakfast, it was back home to share the day with family.

Next Sunday, as is our custom, it is a ride to Marcus Dairy and a side trip to Bristol, CT for another passport visitation. Remember

we start the rides from the diner at 9:00am until the first week in October. Don't forget to bring along your cameras!!!

 

 

 

Road Captain Report

1 April 2007

Polar Bear #22 - 50 Pts

Brian’s Harley-Davidson

Langhorne, Pa.

In Attendance: Mileage: Polar Bear:

Dick Roberts 406 - 2213                     748 Points

Bob Steinberg 37914 - 1860               662 Points

Bill Widmer 82983 - 1776                  597 Points

John Maietta 53729 - 2157                562 Points

Steve Viener 5914 - 1937                   550 Points

Charlie Dunitz 18772 - 2475             440 Points

Steve Ippolito Automobile

Steve Lawrence (Guest)

John ??????? (Guest)

The Polar Bear is Dead!!! Long live the Polar Bear!!!!

As you can see from the above list, all those listed are finishers in

the 2006 - 2007 Polar Bear Contest. Congratulations!!!!

The ride down to the Polar Bear in Langhorne, Pa was all back roads as promised. What I did not promise was a lot of traffic. The roads were really good but due to traffic, not as enjoyable as they would have been. It took us a little over 3 hours to go the 150 miles to Brian’s H-D. We just made sign in, not that it made much difference as we got everything that they give out. The dealership is really huge with a large assortment of H-D’s. The buffet that they laid out for us was really good & still hot. Everybody had their fill. Seeing that we didn’t have to pay for lunch, I bought a raffle ticket for a H-D. With my luck, I probably win it and then what???!!! On the way back, we opted for the interstates as we were trying to get back before the predicted rain. I am sure that everybody made it.

Next Sunday is Easter Sunday, so there will be no ride scheduled. It is family time, but if you want to go to the diner, I am sure that you will get somebody to eat breakfast with.

The following Sunday will be a trip to Marcus Dairy, as is our tradition following the POLAR BEAR. Bring along your camera as we will probably make a passport stop in Ct.

 

Road Captain Report

25 March 2007

Polar Bear #21 - 40 Pts

Jenkinsons’ Pavillion

Pt. Pleasant Beach, N.J.

In Attendance: Mileage Polar Bear

Dick Roberts 77807 - 1807 698 - Finisher

Bob Steinberg 37630 - 1659 612 - Finisher

Bill Widmer 82761 - 1554 547 - Finisher

John Maietta 53284 - 1712 512 - Finisher

Charles Dunitz 18189 - 1792 354 - Finisher

Steve Viener 5663 - 1609 500 - Finisher

Steve Ippolito 15186 - 1110 278 - 72

Steve Peck 21589 - 200 40 - 310

Cathie Roberts 44921 - 698 219 - 131

Steve Lawrence Guest

Ben Otuna Guest

As it appears, we will have 6 finishers for the Polar Bear, with Steve Ippolito, a maybe. It has been a long season with fair & mild weather for the first half and cold and breezy for the second half.

This week’s ride was not very inspiring with almost all of it down the GSP. As is usual on nice days, there was a good amount of bikes at the sign in. After sign in, we headed down to Bayville and another Passport stop. Many pictures were snapped and we were back on the road to get something to eat for lunch, a usual Sunday pastime. We decided on going back to the Portuguese B-B-Q in Long Branch. We were surprised to see that it was packed. We did have accommodations and after a good meal, it was back on the GSP for our trip home. All in all, about 200+ miles.

Next week’s ride will be to Brian’ H-D in Langhorn, PA. We will be leaving at 9:00am, not because it is in Pa., but because it is the start of the Summer schedule. It should be all back road next week. See you at 9:00am

 

18 March 2007

Polar Bear #20 - 31 Pts

The Chatterbox

Ross’ Corner, N.J.

 

In Attendance: Mileage: Polar Bear

Dick Roberts 774441 / 1441 656 / Finisher

Charlie Dunitz 17660 / 1231 312 / 38

Bill Widmer (Auto)

The attendance was not too surprising, considering the weather that we had on Friday & Saturday. Most of the riders could not get out onto the roadways. I had mixed feeling about going to the Polar Bear, but when I saw that Charlie was waiting for me aat the diner, my mind was made up for me because I am who I am.

We decided to go over the highways instead of back roads. A good choice for the day. After signing in, we had some lunch and then headed back home. This time I remembered to plug in the Hot Tub.

I appears that Ramapo will only have 5 finishers for the 2006/2007 Polar Bear. Those being Dick Roberts, Bob Steinberg, Bill Widmer, Steve Veiner and Charlie Dunitz. It was a good season with only two more venues to visit, Jenkinson’s in Point Pleasant, NJ and Brian’s H-D in Langhorne, Pa. and than it over until next October.

Next week’s ride will be to Pt Pleasant. After sign in we will venture down to Bayville, NJ for a passport site visitation, so bring your camera. We will be leaving the diner at 10:00 am. This will be the last of the winter season starts. The following week we will start our rides at 9:00am

Two for the road and Sonny's who took photo?

And then the aftermath -

 

 

 

Road Captain Report

11 March 2007

Polar Bear #19 - 35 Pts

Long Valley Pub & Brewery

Long Valley, NJ

In Attendance: Mileage Polar Bear

Dick Roberts 77274 / 1274 625 / Finish

Bob Steinberg 37349 / 1369 570 / Finish

Bill Widmer 82435 / 1228 505 / Finish

Steve Veiner 5499 / 1246 460 / Finish

Charlie Dunitz 17328 / 931 281 / 69

Cathie Roberts 44691 / 455 177 / 173

Steve Ippolito 14836 / 770 236 / 114

Steve ? (Guest)

The weather turned out better than forecasted. Forecast said ‘showers’, we got sunshine. Not really worm for this time of the year but pleasant enough for a ride.

The Polar Bear was held at a new location in Long Valley, NJ. We had planned to eat at the old turkey Farm but it was closed, soon to be re-opened. I wasn’t sure about eating at the Long Valley Pub & Brewery, but when we got there, it turned out to be a really nice location with good food & ample servings.

After lunch, we headed home, but to my dismay, I forgot to turn up the hot tub. Oh well!!

The ride next week will be to the Chatter Box, formerly ‘Sonny’s Drive In. We will be leaving at 10:00am from the Nanuet Diner as is our usual.

 

Road Captain Report

4 March 2007

Polar Bear #18 - 30 Pts

Firehouse Eatery

Rahway, NJ

In Attendance: Mileage: Polar Bear:

Dick Roberts 77138 / 1138 590 / Finisher

Bob Steinberg 37254 / 1274 535 / Finisher

Steve Veiner 5381 / 1127 425 / Finisher

Bill Widmer 82341 / 1134 470 / Finisher

Steve Ippolito 14746 / 670 201 / 149

Jerry Christie 13000 / Initial 64 / 287

Ed Roche 6431 / 331 ************

It was good to be back.

Yesterday the temperature was almost 60 degrees and tody it was back to snow flurries. Spring will be here soon!! So sez the ground hog.

Today’s ride was once again a short ride of only 100 miles round trip. As is our usual plan for the Firehouse Eatery, we usually stopo at the Dunken Donuts for a coffee & Donuts before proceeding to sign in . After sign in it was another short ride home.

Next week’s ride is to Long Valley Pub & Brewery in, where else

Long Valley, NJ. It is probably about 150 miles round trip with a lunch stop at the Turkey Farm in Chester. Hopefully Spring-like weather will be in the air. Ride leaves the diner at 10:00am. Next month starts the summer schedule of 9:00am, but that is next month!!


 

Road Captain Report

18 February 2007

Polar Bear #16 - 30 pts

Hooters - Wayne, NJ

Cat who ate the Canary?

 

In attendance:             Mileage                 Polar Bear

Dick Roberts              77039 - 1039             560 - Finish

Bill Widmer               82103 - 898               405 - Finish

John Miaetta             52803 - 1231             435 - Finish

Charle Dunitz            17051 - 654               211 - 139

 

The ride to Hooters was a fairly short ride so we left the diner at 10:30. Not only was the ride short but the route was also direct due to the unknown road conditions. Therefore it was not a very exiting day.

I had brought the HOG trophy with me to the Polar Bear, hoping would see a member from the Hamilton H.O.G. Chapter. Luckily, there was a member there who not only accepted the trophy but bought Ramapo a pitcher of beer in appreciation for the Crotona Run. Thank you.

As usual, the Hooter’s girls were a treat to the eye. Attached is a picture of one of our members with a big smile on his face. Girl’s name is Laura.

Next week’s ride is to Bahr’s landing in Highland, NJ. I will be off skiing so I will miss this Polar Bear sorrowfully as I know the club plans to ride down to Long Branch and the portugese B-B-Q. Have fun!!!!

Road Captain Report

10/11 February 2007

89th Crotona Midnight Run

In attendance:

Dick Roberts Ray Porcelli Bob Steinberg

Cathie Roberts Randy Turner Jack Turner

John Haberman Bill Fitzpatrick John Maietta

Bill Widmer Peter Mueller Simon Begler

Charlie Dunitz Conrad Feit Steve Ippolito

Bill Rauschenberg Steve Peck Ed Roche.

I hope that I did not forget anybody.

What a night for a midnight run. It was probably the best weather that I had ever experienced for a Crotona Run and i have seen a good number of them from both sides of the table. The night was cold, but clear. The roads were dry and Ramapo was ready.

Ready for what you ask?? Well, we had 69 bikes on the road with 2 passengers. That was a great turnout. It took over an hour to release all the contestants. I can’t thank those who made this a really great event for Ramapo enough. For some of us, it was a long night as members were at the start, the midpoint and the end point. Let me tell you something. It is much colder standing on the side of the road waiting for someone to come by than it is riding in the event; and a lot less stressful. My anxiety level finally eased off about 6:30 Sunday morning.

Out of the 69 bikes, 44 finished with 25 DQ’s

 

 

Road Captain Report

4 February 2007

Polar Bear #13 - 28 pts

The Exchange, Rockaway, NJ

In attendance:             Mileage                 Polar Bear

Dick Roberts                     77000 -                 1000     495 - Finisher

Bob Steinberg                    36849 -                 896     435 - Finisher

John Maietta                     52680-                 1108     370 - Finisher

Charlie Dunitz                   16886 -                 489     146 - 204

Bill Widmer                       82014 -                 807     340 - 10

Steve Viener                         5068 -                 814     360 - Finisher

Bring on the Global Warming, I am ready for it!

Today was the coldest Polar Bear of the season with 18 degrees at the diner when we left. Once again Ramapo is plagued by the Electric Gremlins. John blew a fuse on his gloves and I had to unblock the receptacle so That I could plug in my gloves. Both were rectified before leaving the diner after much cussing.

Due to the fact that the conditions of the back roads could not be verified, we opted for the Interstate route. It was one of those days that you were in a hurry to get where you were going but did not want to go faster because it made you colder. A basic ‘Catch 21’ situation. We got there a bit early, had breakfast, signed in and headed home. But before we started back, one of my lenses popped out of my frames. We looked all over for it, but to no avail. I just ride home without glasses. When I put on my gloves, I discovered that the lens fell into my glove. Well at least it did not get scratched.

Next Saturday is the 89th edition of the Crotona Midnight Run. The following checkers should be at the starting point, ready to ride at 11:00pm. They are Haberman (2), the Turner boys, Bill Fitzpatrick(2) and John Maietta & Bill Widmer. Working the sign in will be Ray Porcelli & Bob Steinberg. Cathie Roberts will be the starter. Key time: 12 Midnight. Pete Mueller will handle the end site and the midpoint re-start.

The rest of the checkers, Simon Begler, Bill Rauschenberg, Conrad Feit, Ed Roche, Charlie Dunitz, Steve Ippolito, did I forget anybody, should be at the Carmel Diner, ready to roll at 3:00am

I am hoping for a good turnout if the weather cooperates. Keep you fingers crossed

 

 

Road Capt Report

January 28, 2007

Polar Bear #12 - 40 Points

Fort Dix Club

Wrightstown, NJ

In Attendance: Mileage Polar Bear

Dick Roberts 76880 - 880 467 - Finish

Bob Steinberg 36847 - 867 407 - Finish

John Maietta 52665 - 1093 342 - 8

Steve Veiner 5043 - 789 332 - 18

Bill Widmer 82018 - 811 312 - 38

It looks like two more people, Steve & John will reach the Finisher’s plateau next week!!

This week’s ride was pleasant enough with a little sunshine every once in a while. It was a good thing that the weather was not too cold as I had a loose wire in my electrics. This has not been a very good year for heated equipment. Last week, it was John with some problem. The week before it was Widmer, not to mention Ed has no working gloves that I know.

Next weeks ride is a short trip to Denville, worth about 30 points. Enough for Steve & John to finish.

After signing in, it was off to Sebastian’ Schnitzel House. We made it in time for the buffet. Usually, Steinberg is the last to get ready for the road, but with the buffet in the balance, he looked like the Flash, leaving Fort Dix. Once again I can’t say enough about the food at