Who We Are!
In case you were wondering, The Border Riders Motorcycle Club “BRMC” is a not-for-profit 501(c)(7), designed for gay men who like to ride motorcycles & who like to go camping on their motorcycles. Our membership spans the Pacific Northwest with the greatest participation in the Portland, Seattle, & Vancouver B.C. areas. We are one of the largest, & longest running gay motorcycle clubs in North America. We welcome like minded guest to come meet us at our Meet & Greets &/or on our Day-Rides.
Welcome to June
June is a full month with the Convergence Day Ride, the day Oregon and Washington meet up at a halfway point, have lunch, and ride off to parts unknown. It also brings the Willamette Mission Run at Willamette Mission State Park in Gervais, OR. The final weekend is the Seattle Pride weekend where we will be second in the lineup for the parade through downtown Seattle. Come ride with us!
Table of Contents
All the news you need to know about the BRMC
BRMC Victoria Day Run May Club Meeting Recap By Dave J.
Monthly Gallery Contributors Dave J. and Tom C.
Willamette Mission Run : All you need to know about the upcoming campout
Seattle Pride Come Pride with us!
In Memoriam: John McLellan 1928-2023 By Tom C.
May Meet & Greets Portland, BC, & Seattle
Convergence Day-Ride Come ride with us!
Zen And Not So Artful Motorcycle Maintenance By Todd McN
Plus
Member’s Birthdays
Motorcycle Classes
The BRMC 2020 Calendar of Events
Non BRMC Motorcycle Events
Meet & Greet Details
Request for Pictures & Closing Comments.
BRMC May V-Day group photo
BRMC May Victoria Day Campout Recap
What a freak’n amazing start of the Border Riders riding and camping season! Let’s talk about the weather. Yes, it was the most wonderfully warm and clear Victoria Day weekend in recent memory. No rain in sight coming, going, or during the event this year. Heck, even the typical evening wind behaved. With only a teaser of thunder and lightning off in the distance one night, this was the weekend to long remember. This was our 52nd Victoria Day run for the club.
In all, 28 members and guests made the journey out to the Pine Flats Campground (near Ardenvoir, WA), where the Border Riders have been going every year since 1997 (okay, we missed the COVID year, but we were there in spirit, so it still counts). While some scouts arrived by Wednesday, more guys on Thursday, and the rest on Friday. Pulling into camp, we were all greeted with the roaring sounds of the Mad River as spring run-off crashes out of the mountains on the edge of camp. Yes, the river can actually drown out a Harley (believe it).
The camp was pulled off in style with a full kitchen, group tents, and real tables with chairs. Huge kudos to Dennis H and the crew for a flawless planning and execution. With the help of everyone there, camp and kitchen management were as smooth as the James Webb telescope’s mirrors. The Club reserves the entire site, so it’s a great opportunity to disassociate from the rest of the world and enjoy time with our brothers and to be ourselves.
But wait… there’s more fun and excitement was to be had. On Saturday, Road Captain Todd lead the group of 10 riders on a wild ride of mountain twisties that could not be beat. Headed up into the hills southeast of Wenatchee, we all got to practice our cornering and hairpin turns in the cool forest that covers the area. Coming down from the hills, we found ourselves on the open plain headed north to Chelan. The scenery could not be bested. The weather could not be better. The riding could not be more fun.
In Chelan, we gassed up headed to a place to eat and relax. With only a bit of drama as all of us worked our way through the center of town to find parking, the screaming sound of a police car siren directly behind the group might have suggested that we were all destine to spend the night in the poky. Pulling off the road the best we could as it was lined with cars parked in downtown, the police scurried past us all as if we were just obstacles in their way… which I guess we were as the real problem was just down the road from us. Continuing with our run of good luck, with parking secured we poured into an airconditioned pub to wet our whistles and grab a bite to eat before heading the 34 miles back to camp.
Dinner on Saturday night is traditionally steak and chicken grilled on an open BBQ pit of red-hot coals. Topped with onions and mushrooms, this year’s chunk of beef was exceptionally tender and tasty. After a dinner that the best of steak houses would be hard pressed to do as well, the fire pit was loaded up with the apple wood we were able to procure. We had never had apple wood before and now that we have, there is no going back. It makes for the most beautiful fire. The evening was spent yammering around the fire, which had been augmented with some materials that burned with colorful delights. With clear night skies, the planet Venus was hard to miss as it is very bright this time of year. Eventually, sleepy time fell upon most of us, and it was off to curl up in our tents bringing a close to a most wonderful day.
A lazy Sunday morning rolled around to the smell of breakfast cooking and coffee brewing. As many guys depart on this day, the morning is used to make a partial tear-down of camp and to hold the special remembrance service. The Fallen Member Memorial Service and Remembrance is held every year with all in attendance gathering around our special tree that holds the name plates of our members that have since passed on. As in years past, Tom C conducts the ceremony telling of the history and stories of the brothers to be honored on this day. This year, there were two brothers that have passed: John McLellan (founding member) and Dave Beach. Having somehow forgotten the nails in which to affix the plates, Tom put on his MacGyver hat and fashioned several out of a sacrificial metal fork. After climbing the ladder to reach high onto the trunk of the tree, two new plates were hammered into place, and Tom read the names of the previous fallen members. After a somber walk back into camp, tear-down started in earnest, leaving only enough for those spending the night would need.
Sunday night is often cited as the best night around the fire. Most of the chatter of the group has died down to more intimate talking around the fire. It’s a quiet time only disturbed by the crackling of the fire and the background roar of the river. As the final night draws to a close and those remaining curl up in their tents, dreams of this year’s events, rides, and the brothers we reconnect with swirl in our heads.
Monday comes early as final food and camp pack up is made. For some of us, it’s early to rise and get on the road as it’s a long way home down into Oregon. We can look back that we all made the trip safely and without any major bad things (okay, Dave J did get a flat in a tire on the way up, but managed to get it replaced on the road without undue hassle). Looking forward to next year and in the rides remaining this year and hoping to see even more members then.
…Dave J
Monthly Gallery
Photos from members and guests from last month’s rides and adventures (or stolen from Facebook pages due to a lack of submissions).
May 2023 Gallery Photos
Willamette Mission Run and June Meeting
The Willamette Mission Run will be at the Willamette Mission State Park in Gervais, OR. This is the run that’s close to Portland. Should be an easy run for most and easily accessable to food and great riding.
From the park website: Willamette Mission State Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the park marks the site of the original Willamette Mission, established in 1834 and washed away by flood in 1861.
The park’s 1,300 acres include woodland, wetland, rolling meadows and working farmland. Just eight miles north of Salem and only minutes from I-5, it is a convenient retreat for family picnics and company events. Visitors also have a chance to explore almost 15 miles of trails on foot or horseback.
The nation’s largest black cottonwood sits on the shores of Mission Lake. This 270-year old tree is more than 28 feet in circumference, and stands more than 155 feet tall.
Registration opens June 1st and closes on June 14th. Go get’em
Seattle Pride 2023
We will be once again riding in the Seattle Pride Parade and we would love to have you join us for the event.
The Seattle Pride Motorcycle group will be staged between Pike St. and Union St. Motorcyclists may enter the staging area from Union St. only. The time of arrival has yet to be set in stone, but we hope to have it soon. We will be right behind The Seattle Pride Motorcycle Dykes and in front of the Scout Troops. We will post any last minute details (such an arrival time & location) on our FB page as soon as we know.
Upon arrival, please be prepared to pay $15.00 cash per bike. There's no online payment this year, so cash is king. Please have cash in hand or be prepared to run to an ATM before the event.
All Motorcyclists must show a copy of their driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance and complete a Hold Harmless Agreement each motorcycle and rider. We've tried to make this simple by building a PDF form that you can enter your information. You will need to find a printer.
Familiarize yourself with our 2023 Seattle Pride Contingent Guidebook for additional information regarding the Motorcycle Unit. Side note, we're referred to as "the Border Riders Motorcycle Club scooter group", which I find hilarious!
Come Pride with us!
In Memoriam: John McLellan 1928-2023
By Tom C.
I met John McLellan in 1989. After my partner Doug and I landed in Seattle from Denver, first on Capitol Hill then Alki, I got the urge to ride. There was that 1969 Honda CB175 that I rode through high school, that when it stopped running I took it apart and never got it back together again. In Seattle, I picked up a 1971 BMW R60/5 for $900, and after riding around for a few months, I felt a strong need to share the experience with other fellas. There was that early AIDS quilt display on Capitol Hill, where there was a quilt panel for a guy - Doug Lair - who had ridden with the Border Riders. A gay motorcycle club? At that time, if you wanted information on local gay stuff you went to the Seattle Gay News. I phoned, and they thought there might be a gay motorcycle club in the area, but didn't really know ... and to check at the local leather bar, the Seattle Eagle. That alone was kind of a daunting thought, but I went in later that afternoon and ordered a beer, and asked the bartender if there was a gay motorcycle club around. He thought maybe so, and that the doorman, who arrived about 5, might know since he was friends with one of the members. Finally, I was able to leave a note with the doorman to be passed along, requesting information on the Border Riders - and departed even less sure this was for me.
A week later a handwritten letter arrived from a guy named Gerry Wahto, who described the Border Riders as a club that "was a little dirty for some" (yikes!) but if I was interested the next meeting was in north Seattle at John McLellan's house. I called John, who sounded nice, and got directions for the meeting in a couple weeks.
It was the Christmas party, and there were six guys there, the majority Canadian. Despite my trepidation, they were very welcoming. John, especially, offered to do some riding in the coming spring months, if I wanted to give him a call. John and I kept in touch, and we did go on some rides on sunny winter days of early 1990. It was usually back roads in the Skagit area, as far north as Bellingham, most often he and I, but occasionally with a few others. I attended the spring meetings, again with just a handful of guys. At that point Canadians made up the majority of the membership. The club was at a low ebb as HIV was really hitting everybody hard, and before there was any pharmaceutical relief. At that point the AIDS pandemic was less than ten years old, and always another funeral. Such an incredible loss of talent, amongst those mostly younger, dynamic and creative men.
John was in his early 60's and was just retiring from being a clerk with the federal court in Seattle when I met him, so he had some time to go riding. His partner Rex also rode (a Moto Guzzi 850, similar to one John rode) and John also had a AMF-era Harley bagger. I liked hearing John talk about the early days of the club, how they held meetings in the early 1970's at 'Sodomy Flats' which was their old apartment on 12th Avenue in Seattle and stories about the crazy rides. I wish I would have been able to record (or remember) all the characters and incidents that were so colorful.
I rode second behind Peter Cervenak on his Gold Wing to the 1990 Victoria Day Run, up Highway 2 over Stevens Pass. My little BMW R/60 (which made maybe 30 horsepower when it was new two decades earlier) had to be flogged to keep up, constantly rowing that 4-speed transmission. It was obvious I needed a bigger bike. But what a thrill to ride in formation with those skilled riders! Banking around those corners, it was like flying.
John started out with a 750 Norton Commando (a big, powerful bike for the time) when the club got going in 1969. I read an article once in one of the Vancouver, BC newspapers about the origins of the Border Riders by one of the owners of the very first leather bar in Vancouver (pre-Shaggy Horse and Pumpjack). They thought what was needed for their aspiring leather bar was a motorcycle club to complete the image. Hugh deSouza was formative in the new club, and he and John were friends I think it was through Hugh that a Seattle chapter of the Border Riders came about. When I would ride up to Vancouver with John and Rex, they would often stay with Hugh, so I got to know him a little bit. He was a journalist with the Vancouver Sun and had written several books. My impression was he and John disagreed on the club origins, and sadly now all three are gone so there's nobody to verify the details.
Because of his forthright personality and years of riding, it felt like an honor to ride with John and bask in the knowledge that he probably had ridden the road you were riding - and more than once. He knew where to get a good hamburger on the road, how to carry himself proudly yet not be the center of attention. He grew up in Wyoming, where his dad was a surgeon and his mom a socialite, and he had a solid sense of who he was and his place in the world. He balanced being a solid, intelligent, socially and financially-responsible man with being gay in a changing world. He did a good job of it. I'm glad I got to spend the years I did with him, watching him deal positively with the many characters that have made the Border Riders what it is. He's an influence on all of us, even though most of you never knew him.
It was a good influence. Ride the road ahead of us, John, as you always did. 1928-2023.
Meet & Greets
Portland BC M&G
President Stan will be hosting this months Meet & Greet. Stan & some of the Portland guys will be back at the Eagle on June 7th at 7pm for our monthly Meet and Greet. Come on down and get to know the Border Riders Motorcycle Club.
Before heading to the Eagle, we will meet for dinner at 5:30 at the Kenton Station at 8303 N. Denver Ave.
It’s a great opportunity to learn more about the men who make up the BRMC as well as upcoming events & club rides. It would be great to see you there.
BC M&G
We are still looking for a member in BC to take the lead on this. Please let Stan know if you are able do this.
Seattle M&G
There was no Meet and Greet in May. The Victoria Day Campout overlapped the M&G and the decision was made to cancel it. The June Meet and Greet is hosted by our long standing and very active member Dale C. and VP Dennis H.
The June M&G will be held at the Lumberyard Bar in White Center (9630 16th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98106). Swing on by at 6pm for some grub, hang out for drinks, great conversation & a taste of the BRMC Brotherhood.
Convergence Day Ride
The one where we meet in the middle
The June day ride for both the Seattle area and the Portland area will take place Saturday, June 3rd. The Seattle & Portland groups will have separate starting points but will eventually meet near the The Pe Ell School Baseball Diamond in Pe Ell, WA at 12:30 for lunch. Some are pick up lunch at Avey’s Cafe & some are bringing a brown bag lunch. Either way, we recommend you bring a picnic blanket or a camping chair.
Come ride with us!
Seattle Area Riders
Seattle will meet up at Eagle Leather a little before 9am. When everyone gets there, we’ll head out on some back roads to our meet-up location. There will be fuel opportunities around Eagle Leather, and we will have a fuel stop along the way to stretch our legs. For any Seattle Area ride questions, just email me at captain@borderriders.com and I will get you an answer.
Portland Area Riders
Portland will meet up at Ranee’s on Main (1003 Main St, Oregon City, OR 97045) at 8am for Breakfast. KSU at 9:30am. If you want to ride but aren’t interested in Breakfast, be there by 9:20am for a quick briefing. Please contact Stan via text or email president@borderriders.com before Friday night if you plan on attending. If Stan is not aware someone has yet to arrive, he may leave early, without you.
Come ride with us!
Upcoming Events
Please do not come to any club event if you are not feeling well.
June 3rd - BRMC Day-Rides
Seattle Day Ride. Convergence ride
Portland Day Ride. Convergence ride
June 7th - Portland Area Meet & Greet
June 16th thru 18th - Willamette Mission Run!
PDX adjacent! Don’t frown, it’s close to town!
June 21st - Seattle Area Meet & Greet
All the the other kids are doing it! Be there.
June 25th - Seattle Pride Parade
Come ride with Pride!
Watch our FB Pg for last minute details and additional activities for this event.
July 1st - There will be no Day Ride for July due to the 4th of July Weekend.
Be sure to watch our FB Pg in case someone decides to do a spontaneous local ride.
July 5th - Portland’s M&G
We will be at the Eagle from 7 to 8:00. Come meet the guys.
July 14th thru 16th - The July Campout.
Our July Campout will be at Bull Prairie Lake near Spray, OR.
July 19th - Seattle Area Meet & Greet.
We will included details in the next newsletter and on our FB Page as soon as we figure it out.
Watch our FB Pg for last minute details and additional activities for this event.
A Brothers Birthday
We have 4 members with a birthday in June. Be sure and help us make them feel special.
June 8th - Ian M
June 17th - Ron L
June 28th - Mark B
June 28th - David F
Reader’s Corner
A place for you, the reader, member and/or guest, to contribute.
Tell us about your travels, adventures, mishaps, etc.
To contribute, send your story & pictures to News@BorderRiders.com
Keep in mind, you can write about a trip that happened over the summer. It’s doesn’t have to be something you did last month.
Zen And Not So Artful Motorcycle Maintenance
By Todd McN
If Robert Maynard Pirsig were to write his meditation on quality and truth today, he would not use the maintenance of a modern motorcycle as an example of his philosophy. As his protagonist reached higher elevation he would not pull the plugs to see the fuel/air mixture was running rich. He would not feel the satisfaction of re-jetting the carbs to solve the problem. He would not have used the example of listening to the complaints of an out of tune engine as a way of being in the moment. Modern motorcycles don't complain. They are machines that can detect the change in atmosphere and adjust the fuel air mix on the fly. Pulling the plugs would not be an example of problem solving in the moment because the plugs would never need to be pulled.
One thing Pirsig would find familiar is the basic maintenance that still needs to be completed. I think he would be amazed at the 10,000 mile oil change schedules of modern engines. And I think he would have found it odd that modern environmental regulations prohibited him from stopping next to a building on the highway, pulling the oil drain plug, and giving hot oil back to the earth. I wonder how this would have influenced his meditations on quality and truth.
Modern motorcycle maintenance isn’t so much about problem solving or contemplating the workings of the internal combustion engine. It’s about keeping the bike clean and free from obstruction during it's standard operation. Oil changes to keep the internals running smooth. Cleaning, oiling, and adjusting the drive chain. Cleaning the air filter so the engine can breath. It’s more about keeping the machine within operational specs than being present enough to fine tuning a motorcycle. There’s still a quality in the meditative process of motorcycle maintenance but I feel Pirsig would be hard to find truth. The only truth to be found is the reality that a modern motorcycle is a computer with attached engine and wheels that can do a better job ascertaining and adjusting its nuances than you.
Though Triumph’s maintenance schedule is in 10,000 mile increments, I still change my oil and oil filter every 5,000 miles. I clean and oil my chain every 200 to 300 miles. Do I need to? Probably not. I’m sure there are thousands of motorcycles out there who’s chains never see a drop of oil, but I’ve heard horror stories of neglected chains suddenly exploding, wrapping around the rear wheel, and seizing the entire rear end. I clean out my air filter every 7000 miles or so. I have a reusable K&N air filter that’s washable and can be re-oiled. I wash the bike once a month and check the tire pressure before a long ride. Again, modern maintenance is more about cleaning systems than anything else.
For milestone maintenance, I pay the extra for the dealership to perform. My next upcoming maintenance is the 20,000 mile mark. Everything gets a once over from stem to stern. Could I do this? Sure, most of us could, but I’ve spent enough of my life, laying on concrete, trying to precisely adjust fiddily bits of motorcycles with hand tools. Now, I’m happy to let someone else do it. Someone who has access to a diagnostic computer that can directly interface with my motorcycle's central processing unit.
Pirsig would consider this a romantic approach. The whimsical lack of attention and fundamental understanding of the intricacies of my machine. But that guy spent an entire motorcycle trip contemplating a perception of the world that embraces both the rational and the romantic. He wanted to demonstrate that rationality and Zen-like "being in the moment" can harmoniously coexist. But he never got out of his head long enough to look around, and enjoy the moment. To understand that in reality, it didn’t matter who worked on his bike. If they held a romantic or a classic approach to existence. What mattered was being on the bike, riding down the road, and living your life.
This isn’t so much about one of my journey’s. It about the impact of the wind chill when riding a bike. How many times have we thought, “It’s 50 degrees & momma didn’t raise a wimp?” Well, you may not be a wimp, but you might want to dress like one. If you are going 70 MPH & it is 50 degrees, the wind chill brings it down to 38 degrees & you will likely cut the ride short if you aren’t dressed appropriately.
Gear Store
The Gear Store was well shopped at the VD Weekend. Sadly, it is now closed until the 2024 Banquet. Feel encouraged to reach out to VP Dennis if there is something you want to make sure will be available at the Banquet so he can order it in for you.
Advanced Motorcycle Training
If you haven’t registered yet, do so now. Stan is releasing all unsold tickets to the public this week.
| Class | Date | Range | Cost | Tickets Left | Purchase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Precision Maneuvering Clinic #1 and #2 |
Saturday July 8th, 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm AND Sunday July 9th, 9:00 am to 1:30 pm |
Gresham, OR Suburb of PDX |
$200 | 10 | Only available through BMRC Website |
| Advanced Riding Techniques |
Monday, July 10th, In-Class Session: 9:00 to 11:00 am Range Time: 12:30 to 4:30 pm |
Canby, OR Suburb of PDX |
$179 | 18 | Only available through the Team Oregon Website |
Well, I was able to get 3 of the 6 classes I was hoping to get for 2023.
On Saturday July .8th from 1:00 to 5:30, we are taking the Precision Maneuvering Clinic #1 “PMC-1”. The PMC-1 is a half-day course for endorsed riders modeled on police motorcycle officer training. Participants improve coordination of clutch, throttle, and steering inputs to keep the motorcycle balanced at low speed while executing tight turns and U-turns with precision and control. Students also practice group riding formation, parking and signals.
On Sunday, July 9th from 9:00 to 1:30, we are taking the Precision Maneuvering Clinic #2 “PMC-2”. This is day 2 of this series. These 2 classes are sold as a set. The fee for the set is $200 per person. There are 10 spot available for this class and registration will go through the BRMC website. Reservations are non-refundable but we can sell them to another club associate up to 15 days prior to the class.
Since the club is buying these classes from Team OR, Team OR CANNOT refund your money or make any changes to this reservation.
On Monday July 10th from 9:00 to 4:30, we are taking the Advanced Riding Techniques “ART”. ART is unique, challenging, and most of all, fun. Riding exercises are conducted on a go-kart track, providing riders expert instruction on a closed course. While participants ride at more real-world speeds, this is not a high speed, racing-oriented class.
This day starts with a two-hour classroom session covering the skills taught in the riding session as well as risk management, crash causes, judgment and impairments, braking, cornering, swerving, transitions and traction. ART graduates tell us they now have more fun riding with fewer "uh-oh" moments.
This class will be purchased directly from Team Oregon. Please review their rules for cancelations and alterations before registering. BRMC has nothing to do with this reservation. Again, this is a direct purchase & this class is already open to the general population on a 1st come 1st served basis. The cost will be $179 and is a stand alone class.
Sadly, I was not able to secure the much anticipated High-Speed Emergency Braking Class. I know this will be a big let down for many of you. I cried too! Team Oregon is already aware that we want to try get this class on the schedule for 2024. Who knows, If they are able to get the Woodburn Drag Strip on the morning on Monday July 10th, I’m sure they will grab it and call me. They know we want it & I am leaving that time slot open just in case.
Also sad, I was unable to secure any of the mid-range skill level classes I was hoping for. To those of you I had in mind for these classes, I will see if we can put together some practice sessions just for you. The core group of us who take a lot of these classes are not instructors nor do we profess to be, but we are willing to work with you, give you some pointers, and maybe even help you be better prepared for these classes in 2024. Contact Stan if you are interested in some of this coaching & are willing to practice on your own regularly.
Questions
If you have any questions regarding these classes or any other classes offered by Team Oregon, please feel free to contact Stan at President@BorderRiders.com
From the Handlebars of the President
Not a great deal to chat about. Things are going smoothly. Thanks for being adults and not bringing a bunch of drama to club events.
I look forward to seeing everyone at the June Campout.
Stan C.
2023 President
Vice President Chatter
The Victoria Day trip was a great success because of all of the work put into the weekend by the members and guests. Everyone chipped in where they could above and beyond what they signed up for. Simple things such as keeping the water buckets full from the well happened without being asked. It is amazing how much trash can be generated and thanks to our resident garbage hauler Jeff B for getting rid of it all.
As always there was discussion of the weekend being a lot/too much work. Additional discussions about how we conduct future Victoria Day weekends should be topics of discussion around campfires and at meetings. Also, feel free to contact me directly with suggestions and comments.
I hope that that the favorable weather for Victoria Day is an indication of the conditions for the rest of this riding season.
Dennis H.
2023 Vice President
Road Captain Rumblings
What a fantastic Month!
Seattle Area kicked it off with a day ride on the 6th of May. We traced the route from DOA in Tacoma to Fort Flager State Park in Norland, WA. Tom C, Dale C, Ron S, Justin W, and I were all in attendance and It was a great ride. No rain, except for a little outside Bremerton on the return trip. The bunkers are always a cool thing to see.
Then on Wednesday the 17th, I lead a group of BRMC Members to Victoria Day. Dale C, Ron S, Michael R, Lance D, Christopher L, and I headed over the pass on Highway 2. It was a spirited ride and I have to say, I was surprised by the ability of Michael R’s 750 to keep pace. Great job Michael, I am glad you were there!
Victoria Day saw two day rides.
On Saturday, we headed just south of Wenatchee toward Mission Ridge, then a cut south on Wenatchee Heights Road for a twisty run through the area. It was my first time on this route and I was leading a pack of ten riders. We all made it through with grins on our faces.
Sunday Tom C lead Ron S, Dale C, and I, (while being tailed by Jeff B) up to the Grouse Creek Group Campground. The campground was lovely, exactly what you would think of as a pine forested campground. I’m going to keep that one on the list for a potential campground.
This month we have the Convergence Ride, the Willamette Mission Run, and the Seattle Pride Parade. It’s a full month with plenty of opportunities to dust off your pony and ride.
Todd McN
2023 Road Captain
Treasurer’s Ramblings
The Gear Store was well shopped at the VD Weekend. It was interesting to see & learn what notes Stan needed to properly account for the income the Gear Store generated. I look forward to seeing how these notes show up on the income & expense reports.
Meanwhile, “Piggy Bank Looks Balanced”.
I look forward to seeing everyone in June..
Sincerely,
Tom C
2023 Treasurer
Secretary Thoughts
What a great way to “officially” start the riding season. It is always good to be back at the Pine Flats campground and this year was a special treat as warm and dry weather joined us.
I can’t thank the team who showed up on Wednesday and Thursday to get camp set up for the weekend enough. It is a ton of work and we should all take a moment to thank the wonderful men who made it happen.
Justin W.
2023 Secretary
2023 Calendar of Events
June 16th thru 18th - June Campout - Willamette Mission State Park, Keizer, OR
July 8th thru 10th - Team OR & BRMC Advance Training Weekend in Portland, OR.
Saturday afternoon will be the PMC 1 (Police Rodeo part 1)
Sunday morning will be the PMC 2 (Police Rodeo part 2)
Monday will be the Advance Rider Techniques (Go-Cart Track)
July 14th thru 16th - July Campout - Bull Prairie Lake, Heppner, OR
August 18th thru 20th - August Campout - Paul Lake Provincial Park, Kamloops, BC
September 15th thru 17th - September Campout - Rasar State Park, Concrete, WA
October 21st - Club Meeting - hosted by Jeremy W in Kent, WA.
November 18th - Club Meeting - hosted by Chris & Richard in BOW, WA
December 9th - Holiday Party - hosted by Todd M in Bremerton, WA.
Monthly Meet & Greets
BRMC members will be available for interested individuals to meet and learn more about the club and how to get involved. For locations and times, check out the following list of times & location. Watch our FB for last minutes details pr changes.
Portland: Meet & Greet - 1st Wednesday of the month, 7 pm at The Portland Eagle. Dinner together normally proceeds the actual M&G.
Vancouver BC Meet & Greet (tentative - Watch FB) - 2nd Wednesday of the month. 4 to 6 pm at The Met Hotel, New Westminster. (Canceled until further notice.)
Seattle: Meet & Greet - 3rd Wednesday of the month, 7 pm at someplace new. Watch the newsletter, website or Facebook for exact location.
Member & Guest Non-Sanctioned Day-Rides
In addition to the club's monthly M&Gs, local rides frequently happen on the 1st Saturday of every month. Additionally, members & guest going on an impromptu day-ride, or to some other activity, will post their plans on our FB page so others can tag along. Again, watch our FB page for last minutes details or changes.
To learn more about local event’s, impromptu events, or to check status on any event, check out our FB page or email the Road Captain at Captain@BorderRiders.com.
Hey, did you notice that trend? Yep, keep an eye on our FB page for last minute changes and details for all events.
Contributions of Photos & Stories
Please feel encouraged to send us your photo’s of our activities to News@BorderRiders.com
Also, if you do anything interesting outside the club, we’d love to hear about it. Send us a short story with some photo’s and we will try get it into the next newsletter. It doesn’t have to be motorcycle related to be interesting. We are very diverse.
If you have photos and stories to share, please send to news@borderriders.com
Summer riding in the Northwest