The BBC KNEWS · Your Ad Could Appear Here! Become a rally sponsor Rally Sponsorship at the $100 level includes a listing (logo & contact information) in the annual BBC Rally Program,

The BBC KNEWSThe Voice of the British Biker Cooperative

Joe Walsh’s 1951 Vincent Black Shadow

(read “Cover Bike” article on page 4 for more details)

Issue 5 ~ August, 2012

Page 01

4747 E. US Hwy 14, Janesville, WI 53546Phone: 608.741.9900 FAX: 608.754.2765 www.Triumph1.com

Your Ad Could Appear Here!Become a rally sponsor

Rally Sponsorship at the $100 level includes a listing (logo & contact information) in the annual BBC Rally Program, each issue of The British Steel, and on the BBC

website.

It’s easy to remember - $100 = Steel SponsorshipHigher levels of sponsorship are available. Contact the marketing V.P. to discuss

whichever level you’d like.

Peggy Kasper [email protected] 262-514-2073

BBC Officers and Directors

BBC OfficersPresident Pat Hanson ~ 414-429-0574 ~ [email protected] Membership Kathy Aretz ~ 262-498-7827 ~ [email protected] Product Colette Lendowski ~ 414-651-4550 ~ [email protected] Property Steve Shelvik ~ 414-861-8041 ~ [email protected] Marketing Peggy Kasper ~ 262-514-2073 ~ [email protected] Doug Aretz ~ 262-498-7805 ~ [email protected] Dave Coppens ~ 920-684-0774 ~ [email protected] John Pendell ~ 262-521-0760 ~ [email protected] Dave Denemark ~ 262-370-6200 ~ [email protected] Host Steve Baker ~ 815-347-9407 ~ [email protected]

BBC DirectorsDoug Aretz 262-498-7805 ~ [email protected] Baker 815-347-9407 ~ [email protected] Cutting 262-224-3777 ~ [email protected] Haugland 651-451-1084 ~ [email protected] Hermann 414-406-6078 ~ [email protected] Howard 262-334-4946 ~ [email protected] Lendowski 414-651-4549 ~ [email protected] Shelvik 414-861-8041 ~ [email protected]

British Biker CooperativeDedicated to the Preservation of the British Motorcycle

The British Biker Cooperative (BBC) is a unique group of individuals dedicated to the preservation of the British motorcycle. The BBC was established in 1977, and has remained active in all aspects of British motorcycling since.

Our membership encompasses all British motorcycle enthusiasts. The collector, purist, racer, tourer, and riders of all backgrounds find contentment in our organization. Together we create a cooperative, networking the contacts, ideas,

and enthusiasm essential to ride and appreciate British motorcycles, most of which are virtually extinct.

The BBC is an incorporated entity governed by a Board of Directors and Officers elected biennially. Our yearly membership stands at over one hundred members, of which many own several British motorcycles.

Annually the BBC sponsors meetings, a rallye and bike show, a benefit, a family picnic, a dinner, and a holiday party. We also participate as the BBC in many other motorcycle related events.

We publish The British Steel, a quarterly (or more often) periodical including stories and photos of events, cartoons, drawings, poetry, technical tips, and limited advertisement.

To become a BBC member you must own a British motorcycle, represent the BBC in a respectable manner, and pay the annual dues.

We are British riders. A unique group of individuals. Lovers of a lost, but not forgotten British art.

Long Live the Limey

Page 02 Page 03

Calendar of Events for Year 2012 (Pg. 1 of 1)

DisclaimerThe Calendar of Events is a tentative schedule subject to change throughout the year. Keep

checking the newsletter or B.B.C. website (www.britishbiker.net) for changes.

BBC (British Biker Cooperative)Events or meetings held on a regular basis.

RTR (Reason to Ride)Non-BBC events organized by individuals on a casual basis.

FYI (For Your Information)Non-BBC event information available for scheduling purposes.

Aug. 25th: FYI_Disabled American Veterans of WI. All registration fees go to DAV ($20 single/$30 for two up). All makes welcome. Check in 9am - 10am. Max A. Sass Funeral Home, Mission Hills Chapel, 8910 W. Drexel Ave., Franklin, WI 414-649-1731

Aug. 30 - Sept. 1st: RTR_41st Annual Antique Motorcycle Association FallNational, Davenport, IA

Sept. 8th: FYI_5th Annual Gearheads 500 Mile Poker Run, Riding inmemory of 9-11, 5:00 am start 4493 Hwy P, Jackson, WI262-677-9777, http://www.gearheadspubllc.com

Sept. 9th: BBC_Cannonball Stop/GM Meeting, 4:00pm, HD Museum400 W. Canal Str., Milwaukee, WI. Live music & entertainment starts at noon. http://www.motorcyclecannonball.com/Contact Indian: [email protected] 414-651-4549

Sept. 9th: FYI_30th Annual BATTLE OF THE BRITS, St. Mary’s of Orchard Lake, 3535 Indian Trail, Orchard Lake, MI 48324. Presented by the Metro Triumph Riders. For more information, call Todd at 586-944-7456 or www.metrotriumphriders.com

Sept. 21st - Sept. 23rd: RTR_Midwest Ride-In Team Triumph,http://www.triumph1.com/intro.htm

Oct. 6th: BBC_Color Ride/GM Meeting, 12:00pm,W817 Mink Creek Dr., Random Lake, WI [email protected], 414-861-8041

Oct. 20th: FYI_Team Triumph Fall Open Househttp://www.triumph1.com/intro.htm

Nov. 10th: BBC_Pot Luck Dinner/GM Meeting, Details To Be Announced

Dec. 8th - 9th: BBC_Holiday Party/GM Meeting, Details To Be Announced

Membership Forum

We hope that all of our member’s information is correct, but if you see a mistake please contact the membership V.P. and it will get corrected. Email addresses, phone numbers and physical addresses tend to change fairly frequently so help us keep everything up to date. Thanks!

Happy Birthday to You!

Jim Ryan August 4th Dave Hartleip Sept. 8th

Kathryn Aretz August 5th Pat Hanson Sept. 9th

Pat Mason August 9th Anne Hartleip Sept. 14th

Albert Smith August 14th Mitch Klempf Sept. 18th

Cliff Dorn August 20th Bill Church Sept. 20th

Tony Chalmers August 23rd Bob Weingart Sept. 22nd

Dan Matte August 23rd Pat Connoy Sept. 27th

Gary Liminen August 24th David Kvam Sept. 28th

Steve Shelvik August 29th Les Will Sept. 28th

Allen Bower August 30th Roger Tennent Sept. 30th

Jeffrey Lukas Sept. 2nd Roger Trend Sept. 30th

Welcome to Our New Members

Richard Becker Sartell, MN

John Chiodo Oconomowoc, WI

Jason Craig Stoughton, WI

Cheryl Duncan Milwaukee, WI

James Durdan Waukesha, WI

Bradley W. Fehler Waukesha, WI

John Manki Menasha, WI

Ed Schultz Waukesha, WI

Page 04 Page 05

GM Meeting Minutes from 18 August 2012

Because we were able to hold down costs for this years rally we have extra money in the bank (unlike last year).  It was voted on by the Directors to give a matching donation of $300 to our Sponsored Racer, Dave Spanjar, from the BBC funds.

It was also voted on that the BBC would pay for the dinners (not drinks) of the B&O at the  Friday night  meeting before the Christmas party as a Thank You for all the hard work they do during the year.

We are looking into getting generic BBC business cards that can be handed out at our events to promote the BBC. 

Submitted by Peggy Kasper, Den Mother 

Cover BikeEnclosed is a photo of my 1951 Vincent, Black Shadow.Bike is rumored to have been in a wreck in 1978 that damaged the front end. The original front end was replaced with one from a 1948 Rapide but the bike was never really put back on the road. I purchased it in 2001 being told that it needed “some clutch work” and then would be good to go. It did need clutch work. And front end work. And the rear end straightened. And a complete engine overhaul. Which all happened over the course of the next 6 years. Finally got enough confidence in it and myself to attend the 2007 Vincent rally in Vermont where it leaked oil so bad it was said to be completely rust free…thus it’s moniker: the Rust Free Shadow.

Joe Walsh

Does anybody have a clue as to the purpose of constructing a motorcycle rim in this fashion?

I saw the picture somewhere and thought that it was very interesting, but I know nothing about it and have never seen one like it before. Maybe someone in the know could clue me in.

John Pendell

Cannonball Route

The Cannonball Stop & BBC GM MeetingSeptember 9th @ the Harley Davidson Museum

Location: 400 W. Canal Str., Milwaukee, WIReserved Parking for BBC Members

Timeline: * Live music & entertainment starts at noon* General Membership meeting starts at 4:00 PM* Cannonball Stop participants should arrive at 6:30 PM

Contact Info: * Indian at 414-651-4549 or [email protected]* Cannonball Run at http://www.motorcyclecannonball.com/

BBC Supported Rider Jimmy Bradley & his 1925 Triumph Model P

Page 06 Page 07

The Editor’s Points & Plugs

"No snowflake in an avalanche ever feels responsible.”Voltaire

June Ponderism

The rally is over and I believe that it was an exceptionally good one. At least Dawn and I certainly enjoyed it, and I hope that everyone else did too. For those of you who couldn’t make it this year I have included a “Rally Wrap-Up” section and a collage of pics for your enjoyment. My bike didn’t even blow up this year although my new e-start conversion was not working.

However, when I got home from the rally I installed the new improved parts that Alton had sent to me and was expecting great things. Unfortunately I made a mistake on the installation of the new parts that resulted in a catastrophic failure in my primary transmission. It was totally my fault, but regardless I was very depressed for a day or two. But I have bounced back, contacted Alton and they agreed to sell me the damaged parts for their cost which I think is very generous. It will take some time to get them as, apparently,

most of France is in their summer vacation shut-down. With nothing to ride I was a little bummed out, but El Presidente to the rescue! Pat Hanson has offered to lend me a 1978 Bonneville to ride for a while as his racing injury doesn’t allow him to ride anything for, probably, the rest of the riding season. I am in his debt. Thank you Pat.

People probably have not noticed but I have dropped the “Ask the Experts” column for lack of interest. I guess that is how I find out if something is working or not. So, if there is some feature of this newsletter that you like or don’t like please let me know and I will adjust accordingly. I’d really like to see a little more participation from our general membership. A few have contributed, but to get a really diversified content we really need to have some more general members step up with contributions. Come on BBC’rs, you can do it!

Also, I’m starting to run out of “Cover Bikes”. I have one more left and then the cupboard is bare. So if you’d like to see your bike on the front cover please submit a high resolution photo with an uncluttered background, along with a few words and you too could become famous.

J. Pendell

Technical Tips

Battery Energy RatingsAs a follow up to the tech-tip from the last issue here is a discussion of different battery energy ratings and what they mean. When choosing a battery for a motorcycle application these ratings are good guide lines keeping in mind that the two major categories that for most riders are a “kick-start only” application versus and “electric start” application. Kick start requirements are much less demanding unless you are running a total loss system.

• CCA (Cold Cranking Amps): The amount of current that a battery can supply for thirty seconds at 0 degrees F. This is an industry standard rating. It’s a guide, but not all that useful for motorcycles. I never ride at 0 degrees F. and I would never crank my engine for 30 seconds straight.

• HCA (Hot Cranking Amps): The same as CCA except at 80 degrees F. A little more useful, although 30 seconds is still a long time.

• MCA (Marine Cranking Amps): The same as the first two except at 32 degrees F.

• PHCA (Pulse Hot Cranking Amps): Not an industry standard, but is defined by Odyssey Batteries as the amount of current that a battery can put out for five seconds at 80 degrees F. For electric start applications I think that this is a very good guide.

• Ampere Hours: Defined as “current (in amps) X time (in hours)” BUT at either the 10 hour rate or the 20 hour rate depending on manufacturer. For example, if you have a battery rated at 14 AH that means that it can put out 1.4 amps for 10 hours or 0.7 amps for 20 hours. But a 14 AH battery cannot put out 14 amps for one hour. The rating always decreases as the time is shortened. This is an industry standard rating, but not very useful for electric start systems. If you’re running a total loss ignition system as many race bikes do, then this becomes a very important rating (or if you’re on the road and your charging system fails it’s a good thing to know about how long you have until its time to push).

As an example, when I had to choose a battery for my electric start Norton, here’s what I wound up using and it seems to be working just fine.

The battery that I chose (Odyssey PC545-P) is an AGM battery with the following ratings:

• CCA = 150 amps• HCA = 300 amps• MCA = 240 amps• PHCA = 460 amps• AH = 13 AH at the 20 hour rate

With a measured cranking current of between 60 to 80 amps and a peak cranking current of around 200 amps this battery should be more than sufficient to start my bike in just about any weather that I should encounter.

Submitted by: John Pendell

Page 08 Page 09

British Biker Cooperative 2012 Rally Motorcycle Show Winners

HL# Year Marque Owned by1st Place Antique Class – 14 1920 Henley Blackburn 500 Mike Crane

2nd Place Antique Class - __3 ___1940 BSA (M20) George Grauwels3rd Place Antique Class - ______ ______ _________ _______________

1st Place Old Stock Class - __8_ _1955 AJS (18S) Dave Spanjar

2nd Place Old Stock Class - ______ ______ _________ _____________

3rd Place Old Stock Class - ______ ______ _________ _____________

1st Place Late Stock Class - 42 __1963 _ BSA Gold Star Cliff Burger

2nd Place Late Stock Class - _33 _1975 _Norton Commando Paul Weise3rd Place Late Stock Class - _47 _1967 _Norton (P-11) John Schubert

1st Place Modern Retro Class - _28 _2003_ Triumph Bonnie’ T-100 Travis Groff 2nd Place Modern Retro Class - __36 _2002 _Triumph Bonnie’ Al Gaertig

3rd Place Modern Retro Class - __25 _2003 _Triumph Bonnie’ Tom Kalayjian

1st Place Modern Stock Class - _32 _2009 Triumph America Dave Miller

2nd Place Modern Stock Class - _19 __1999 Triumph Speed Triple James Frenzel

3rd Place Modern Stock Class - _22 _2000 Triumph Trophy Jim Cutting

1st Place Custom Class - _21 1976 Triumph Bonnie’ Café Jim Cutting2nd Place Custom Class - _38 _1971 Triumph Bonnie’ Ted Kukla

3rd Place Custom Class - _17 _ 1974 Norton Commando Dick Schmidt

1st Place Radical Class - _30 _1972 BSA Lightning Joe Duddy

2nd Place Radical Class - _45 _1966 Triumph Chopper Jason Kesting

3rd Place Radical Class - _5 _1965 Norton Atlas Mark Hitchcock1st Place Rat Class - 26 _1972 Triumph Bonnie Bob Ueeck

1st Place Non-British Class - 15 1947 Indian Chief Mike Crane2nd Place Non-British Class - _16 1972 Honda CL 450 Mike Clementson

3rd Place Non-British Class - _31 1974 Yamaha TX650A Bill Brehmer

1st Place Featured Marquee Class - 56 _2010 Triumph Bonnie’ Joseppi

2nd Place Featured Marquee Class - _40 2010 Triumph Thunderbird Rudy Wheeler

3rd Place Featured Marquee Class - 24 _1998 Triumph Daytona T595 Kevin Howard

Best of Show Award - _14 _1920 Henley Mike Crane

Total of 60 Motorcycles participatedCarefully submitted: Pauline Forrest

Rally Wrap-Up for Year 2012................................................

Rally Bike Games Winners

Wiener Bite - Kyle & Kim Winkels (2nd time)

Balloon Toss - Bob & Kim Chamberlin

Keg Push - Jason Kesting

Slow Drag - Bob Farris (3 time winner)

Poker Run Results1st Place - David Weitz    2nd Place - Scott Holm3rd Place - Zach Kelley

Submitted by: Peggy Kasper

.......................................Rally Wrap-Up for Year 2012

SECURITY VOLUNTEERS

I'd like to personally thank all of you that volunteered forsecurity duty at this years rally. I'd also like to report that allof you reported for your shift on time, with only one exception. Yourpromptness allowed me to concentrate on other responsibilitiesand made my job a snap this year. Perhaps you will consider fillingother positions of responsibility within our organization. It was a pleasureworking with all of you.

Steve Baker

Grand Prize Won by Nels Pallesen from Homer, Nebraska

Page 10 Page 11

Las Tres Amigas

The lucky Survivors

Just wait’n for the door prize drawing

Tornado Clean-up Crew

They LOOK friendly........

Preparing for the Show

At Last, All Set Up Another Pretty Bike

Eagle Cave Disaster Relief Team

Our Rally.................Year 2012

The Best of Show

Page 12 Page 13

BBC Classified AdsWanted: I’m closing in on completing my ’70 Bonneville project and I need a pair of Wind Tone horns. Must be in good condition or readily restorable. “Bonnie needs some new horns!” Contact Allen Bower: 651-653-2234 or [email protected]

Free ads to BBC members with motorcycle related items. Clean out your supply of unwanted parts or bikes! Send info to the editor.

An effect of the economy (or lack thereof) is that I am less interested in leisurely cruises.  Speeding down the highway, as much as one does on a ’71 Triumph, is a more attractive and purging experience.

So, met WITW at Wed night ride spot, jut to say HI, then found they were headingto Spokes, a biker bar/restaurant I had never been to.   The group was going ona country ride to get there;  I decided to make a business stop on the way tothe freeway and meet them there.

Onto and down I94, enjoying the ride, but a ways before the exit, thought thebike sounded a little different. Got to the exit, looked down, and Fine! Rightmuffler gone!  Went over to the bar to see if WITW had arrived, and decide whatto do. Triumph mufflers are 28” long, heavy, and cost about $90, worth lookingfor.  The WITW arrived from their slightly detoured, scenic ride; since dusk wason us, I quickly begged 2 bungee cords from the inestimable Mariann (refer backto her lending me a flashlight and purple duct tape when my headlight died on aprevious event); after she photographed the lightened bike.

So!  Back on the freeway north, trying to remember when the sound of the bikehad changed.  Looking for the glint of chrome way over in the southbound lane,in the twilight, trying to decide if I should go home and get the car.  Went north 2 exits, then south again, as slowly as the freeway would allow, when Isaw it ! Lodged neatly on the shoulder against a retaining wall.  Going too fast to

stop, and not wanting to pull over and jog back along the verge, I noted the locationand rode Back to the Spokes exit, looped north again., then back south.  By nowit was dark, and the shoulder was not the widest spot to relax.  I approachedthe resting spot of the shiny muffler treat, slowly in the slow lane, hoping themisc cars and semis would pass me.  We have no flashers, either - would just oneturn signal help?  Pulled off, hurled myself off bike, pounced on muffler - atleast it was definitely cooled down by now - and altho stuffing it down thefront of my jacket may have been faster - as I said, it’s a pretty big muffler -whipped it under the perfect bungee cords, leapt on the bike - which for oncehad obligingly continued to idle, and sped back south to the Spokes exit. Pant.

Momentarily, thought of joining WITW for coffee, but had no current need forcaffeine.  Riding north AGAIN; What if  I’d had to keep looking for the vanishedmuffler (imagination gets more dramatic after dark).  Left to ride in infinitecircuits, surrounded by semis  on dark I94, until eternity…in the TwilightZone………    til next story,    Marj P.S.  Hardly even a scratch on muffler after bouncing off at 65 mph - technote:  manual does suggest  checking nuts and bolts periodically.

A Wednesday Night Ride In.............The Twilight Zone

Page 15Page 14

 Once a year in the hills of its southwestern Wisconsin the British Biker Cooperative puts on its yearly rally\party at Eagle Cave campgrounds. From its humble beginnings 32 years ago the rally has evolved over the last 32 years from a get together of a few like-minded friends to a fun filled weekend including two bands, bike games, poker run and one of the best vintage bike shows in the state.

The BBC IS a group dedicated to the preservation of the British motorcycle. Over its 35 years of existence the BBC has grown to include over 100 members at times other times less, but has always kept its passion for riding British motorcycles alive. Members enjoy a network of like-minded people with the knowledge and experience to maintain our vintage bikes as well as modifying our modern ones, many riding events, a semi-monthly Newsletter, our Rally (the best party in the state), a Christmas party and many other unorganized rides, builds and just get together bullshit sessions.

This year’s rally theme was FAST FORWARD FROM THE PAST. This was our way of tipping our hats to the modern British motorcycle industry but still holding true to our roots.

Okay I think that’s enough of the standard advertising come join my group BS that we need to put before our stories. Me I love motorcycles I just happen to love BSA’s a

little bit more than everything else. Back in 1991 I met a group of like-minded enthusiasts that carried this same passion that I did for riding motorcycles. This was not like other groups I come across since leaving the Navy; these guys weren’t worried about attitudes they were worried about their motorcycles. It was perfect. My first rally in ‘92, at that time in Plymouth Wisconsin, riding on top of an old iron head Sportster, which nobody cared that I rode in on, was a life changing experience, at least until Sunday. You see back then at Plymouth there weren’t any showers and I don’t think there were any flush toilets either so by Sunday it didn’t matter how loud your pipes were the smell beat you there. All it took was a walk through the bike show and I was hooked. Over the years as the group has evolved now including modern Triumphs. As the years have passed some have left, but the majority are still here riding on the same motorcycles that I saw them on that first rally.I’ve been to many rallies since then on many different bikes from hard tail BSAs to Harleys. But over the years no matter how much life got in the way, I knew that for at least one weekend out of the year all I needed to do was be a biker.

A little taste of what the BBC is all about. If you’re into British bikes this is the place for you. You will not find a more dedicated and passionate group of enthusiasts. If you would rather be riding your bike than anything or anyone else I’ve got a yearly party for you. And honestly I don’t care what you ride in on as long as you ride.

Till then,

Pat Hanson

BBC Prez

Message From the Prez

Across from the Washington County Fairgrounds

Jackson, Wisconsin262-677-9777

www.gearheadspubllc.com

Page 16 Page 17

August 7, 2012

First off I want to say that I missed my pit partner, Pat Hansen, due to his horrific crash at Gratten Raceway. Pat is on the mend but I’m sure he’d rather be racing. I leaned on him as hard as I could and I’m glad for that. If you want to know how he’s doing, give him a call.

After two races, I would have to do the entire process myself. Well, not entirely as I had my umbrella girl with me.

Three weekends of racing later I think I can say that I’m 100% hooked. This past weekend we were at GingerMan Raceway in South Haven, MI. I wasn’t able to practice on Friday due to lack of funds so I had to rely on the Saturday morning practice to learn this 11 corner course. The bike ran

well off the trailer which is always a happy feeling. 1st session practice went slow but second session, I started giving it good. I was as ready as I could be for Race 5. Right before the green flag came out I dropped my hand down to put the bike in gear but mistakenly hit the kill switch. Let me tell you that really sucks. So I had to wait until the last bike in the field left before I could attempt a feeble uphill pop start. But someone ran out to help and I was shortly on my way. With a serious attitude problem. I attacked the track finding myself running off course in turn one on the second lap. Maintaining control, I was able to keep the mighty beast upright (LOL) and regained speed. I ended up taking 7th out of 12 racers in my class. When I got back to my paddock spot, I was elated with the finish, given the start. And being able to race with those bikes really gets the blood boiling. The second day came after some exciting lightning and rain the previous night. Okay, some Jim Beam and Diets were probably consumed as well. My practice times were 3 seconds a lap faster than the fastest lap I ran in race 1 so I knew I was finding a grove.

BBC Sponsored Racer Update

Starting race 2 once again in the 8th position, I was ready to right the wrongs from the prior race. I got a great start and hit turn 1 in 4th. After 6 laps I was passed by a bike and was looking to take it back when a bike in front of us went down, then dude in front of me went off, and in the process of slowing down I was never able to regain the position in the 8 lap race.

Still, a 5th place out of 12 was a great finish for me and my slowest lap times were 6 seconds faster than the fastest lap times from the day before. I lapped someone for the first time and finished dead nose for nose with a bike I had been racing with that started in the wave before my start! GingerMan is not smooth and there are big gaps between pavement strips. It really challenged the suspension of my vintage bike. Sometime during the weekend I found my groove and went through one of those “OH!” revelations.

One thing I’ve been doing between race weekends is improving my bike. I’m positive that the improvements I made this past couple weeks directly contributed to my success this past weekend. Obviously, the more seat

time I get the more I continue to improve as well.

I thought that would be it for me but coming back from Michigan I decided I would register for the Barber Vintage Festival in October. While I don’t know how I am going to earn enough gas money, I have to go. Last year there were over 600 racers so they are setting the limit at 700. Big fields make for exciting racing for sure! This year the races are sponsored by the Triumph Dealers of North America. Also, the celebratory theme is 110th Anniversary of Triumph. To miss this event and not represent the BBC with my Triumph would be truly a missed opportunity. The Barber Motorsports Complex is a real destination spot and I encourage all that can to come down. This Festival is becoming big, quickly and will probably surpass Mid-Ohio. All 400 vender spots for the swap meet are long sold out. Here is a link to the complete source of information; http://www.barbervintagefestival.org/

Submitted by: Dave Spanjar

Page 18 Page 19

 Post-2012 BBC Rally and Show. It was a VERY GOOD Rally where the weather cooperated . . . kind sorta. The Wednesday before the rally where tornado-like winds almost took out Rich and Lynn Reed’s camper, dropped trees on Jim Cutting’s, Scott Hermann’s, and Brad Haugalnd’s campsite, made Eagle Cave look like a war zone, the Rally weather was very good and we all had a great time. Beside’s . . . Wednesday doesn’t count because the Rally starts on Friday, right?

Outside of that little Wednesday inconvenience, the Rally was great. We had about 240 people attend. Thunder Roads magazine was interested in our rally and sent one of their staff and some of the Slimey Crud Motorcycle Gang (SCMG) came in on Saturday. Pretty cool, huh? Not to mention our member shops like Todd and Darcy from Team Triumph, Dale Matteson from Dale’s Cycle,1/2 of B&R Cycles (we got Bob but missed Rena) and Scott Karbowski from MCC. Pretty heavy hitters, I’m sayin’. Next thing you know, our Rally will be

considered a Concours event and all the collectors and auction houses from California will be attending. God . . . I hope not. We’d all have to wear suits and ties and evening gowns or something outrageous like that. Let’s just keep it our Rally and let it go at that.

So what made it a great Rally? First, the bike games were well attended with many participants. Lot’s of fun last year and more fun this year. Brad Haugland and Ron Finster appear to make it better every year. Thanks, guys! Friday night’s band was great and well attended. We opened up the beer trailer about a half-hour early, and we were all hootin’ and hollerin’ around 10:00pm. Saturday provided us with the Poker Run, which was the most fun I’ve ever had on a poker run. Maybe because I helped run it. However, the route that Tom Rand created was fantastic and the game he made up was original and challenging. On top of that, Rena Gomach’s “Evil Son”, Dave, won the Poker Run with the best hand. Not sure why he is the Evil Son, Rena. We had a great time on the ride and he went away with $80.00 in his pocket. I want to do this again next year, Tom. Thanks! And we will change the way people select their hands. Apparently my inexperience on getting cards irked some people. Sorry about that. Much improvement is planned for next year. Although there wasn’t the traditional “Burner Run” this year, a bunch of people rode up to Viroqua.

The Treasurer’s Box I know I’m supposed to know what is up there but I can’t remember as I write this. Then the annual Bike Show, which is always a favorite, produced some great bikes on the show-floor (Eagle Cave’s tarmac) and the winners are always selected by the crowd.Thanks to Pauline Forrest for the work she did (and does every year) for tallying the votes. And then Saturday night’s chicken dinner sponsored by Eagle Cave, followed by Saturday night’s outrageousness with music, dancing, naked women, drugs, guns, human sacrifices, and whole bunches of other great stuff.. (author’s note: I must be doing better lately. I used to write about this stuff years ago. Nobody believed me then and nobody believes me now. But it’s fun to fantasize and hallucinate. I think retirement agrees with me). Many people took home door prizes and a great “Thank-You goes out to Marge and Jeff of Electric Eye Neon. The neon St. George’s Lion was “over-the-top” spectacular. I need that in my Man Cave to go with the Triumph sign Marge made me and my wife bought me several years ago.

Sunday is always sad. Everyone packs up and goes home. But . . . I gotta tell ya’, when all was said and done, after discussion and suggestions for improvements were made, and after money was counted and bills were paid, we came out WAAAAAAAYYY ahead. Last year . . . we almost went backrupt. This year with our President, Pat Hanson, at the helm, and with suggestions on how to be more frugal and fiscally smart, we did good. We’ve already planned for some

marketing things to be generated, we will be able to sponsor our annual BBC Christmas Party a bit better, and we will go into next year more financially healthy. Either that or I cooked the books . . . whichever.

So now . . . here we are. August. We just had a mini-event organized by our illustrious member, Kevin Howard. We started with a meeting at Schlossman’s BMW and Triumph dealership on the north side of Milwaukee and ended up in Jackson, Washington County, at Gearhead’s Pub and Grille. It was a beautiful little ride and ended up with fantastic food provided by Kevin’s wife, Mary, and great live music provided by The Charles Walker Band. The proprietor of Gearhad’s, Al, is an avid British-biker-fan and likes to entertain us once a year.

That leaves me with writing this piece for the August update . . . where I will end my literary ramblings. Enjoy the remainder of the summer, everyone. It is fast coming to a close. Enjoy Labor Day and do some great riding this fall. Pray for good weather and great color.

And a note to BBC member Tommy Knox in Springfield, IL; I promise to get down to your place for the races next year. I really want to experience the Springfield mile . . . one of the few, one-mile dirt tracks remaining in America.

Ride Safe

Doug Aretz, TreasurerBritish Biker Cooperative.

Dedicated to the Preservation of the British MotorcycleBritish Biker Cooperative

Membership Application

(Please Print Legibly)

Name: _________________________________________Nickname: ______________

Address: _______________________________________________________________

City: ________________________________________State: ____ Zipcode: ________

Telephone: ________________________E-mail: ______________________________

First Year of BBC Membership: __________ Date of Birth: ____________________

Please check here for renewal with no changes.

Dues for Year(s): _____________________________

British Motorcycle(s)

Marque Model Year

Occupation: __________________________________________________________________

How did you hear of the BBC? ___________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

Would you like to participate in the organization of activities in the BBC?

____________________________________________________________________________

For more information, contact the BBC VP of Membership @262 498 7805or visit our website @ http://www.britishbiker.net/

Send annual membership fee of $30.00 (check or money order) to:BBC ~ P.O. Box 371021 ~ Milwaukee, WI 53237-2121 U.S.A.

Page 20

Congratulations to Brianna, Scott Netzinger’s daughter, on her first motorcycle! As you can see it’s a Triumph Bonneville and apparently she’s thrilled with it.

Part of the “next generation” of our membership??????????