May 2023 Newsletter

Welcome to May

It's May, and for anyone who's been around for more than a week and a day knows it's time to kick off to riding season. The weather is shifting in to high gear and the Victoria Day Run is only a couple of weeks away. We have some great day rides planned for the multi-day campout, so don't be afraid to bring your motorcycle. All the cool kids are doing it.

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, gay motorcycle clubs in North America. We welcome like minded guest to come meet us at our Meet & Greets &/or on our Day-Rides.

Table of Contents

All the news you need to know about the BRMC

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 April Club Meeting group photo

BRMC April Club Meeting Recap

Our April club meeting is just a breath away now from the opening of the official riding season here in the Pacific Northwest.  Though the weather is still a on the wet and cold side of dodgy, our club meeting a Vancouver Washington turned out to be dry and relatively warm given the overcast sky for those of us riding our motorcycles out to the home of Kas & Chris.  For the 20 members and guests that made the meeting, we were treated to a fine dinner of Tamale Pie Casserole (with ground beef), condiments (sour cream, salsa, shredded cheese), southwest ranch salad with avocado and tomatoes and red onion, chips and salsa, and mixed nuts. Dessert was a strawberry shortcake dump cake with whipped cream. 

Prior to the food grab, a bit of social time ensued as we all arrived before the official club meeting was held. Club business focused planning for the big campout next month at Pine Flats and some adjustments to our digital assets and management thereof.  In all, it was great to catch up with everyone again this month, and to be treated to check out Mark B’s new Vulcan motorcycle decked out in a stunning flat pea-green paint job rocked by jet black exhaust. Sweet!

…by 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).

April 2023 Gallery Photos

Victoria Day and May Club Meeting

VICTORIA DAY RUN

For decades, BRMC has been organizing The Victoria Day Campout as the kickoff event to the riding season. As in previous years, this celebration will take place at the Pine Flats Campground, located near Ardenvoir, Washington and managed by the US Forest Service. This location has become a beloved spot for us and an excellent starting point for day trips around central Washington.

As in previous years, we will be transporting a complete kitchen to the site and offering breakfast and dinner on Friday night, Saturday morning, Saturday night, and Sunday morning. The registration fee covers these meals, campsite, and if permitted, firewood.

All vehicles are welcome at this event, so don't hesitate to invite your non-riding relatives and friends (sponsors required). If you need to bring a large tent that won't fit on your bike, one of our support vehicles can transport it for you. However, we ask that you refrain from bringing RVs as they are not allowed at the campout. Although cages are permitted, we are a motorcycle club and would love to see bikers on bikes. Lastly, please note that this is a no-pets event.

The Victoria Day Run officially opens on Friday, May 19th, but many attendees like to arrive a day early and help with setup. If you're planning to arrive on Thursday and lend a hand, we sincerely appreciate it! We will begin unloading the storage locker at 3:00 PM on Thursday to give early riders an opportunity to stop by and support the crew before heading to the campsite. The storage locker is located at S&S Mini Storage, 14909 Hwy 97-A, Entiat, WA 98822. If the gate is closed when you arrive, just honk your horn and someone will open it for you.

 

For those on a budget, the Early Bird Registration offers a $10 discount. This option opens on Friday, April 28th at 8:00 am and will close at midnight on Sunday, April 30th. The Regular Registration will open on Sunday, May 1st at 8:00 am and will close at midnight on Sunday, May 15th. This year, the regular registration fees are $160 for US Members, $128 for Canadian Members, $170 for US Guests (sponsors required), and $136 for Canadian Guests (sponsors required). We hope this pricing structure accommodates a range of budgets and allows more people to join us for a fun-filled weekend. Register Now!

THE MENU

FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER

Beef & veggie burgers, bratwurst, assorted chips, coleslaw, cookies, soda, & bottles water.

SATURDAY MORNING BREAKFAST

Scrambled eggs, Sausage, bacon Country potatoes, fresh fruit salad, granola with milk, OJ, Apple Juice, cranberry juice, coffee, tea, cocoa, & hot cider.

SATURDAY NIGHT DINNER

Beef strip loin or chicken with sautéed mushrooms, grilled rosemary & garlic roasted red potatoes, grilled mixed fresh vegetables, Caesar salad, dinner rolls & butter, cake, soda, & bottled water.

SUNDAY MORNING BREAKFAST

Your choice of breakfast burrito or oatmeal.

SUNDAY DINNER: For those staying over

Leftovers! Last year, that was more steak, so…

THE DUTY ROSTER

The VD Team has put together the duty roster and have streamlined this to minimize the number of shifts needed. The sign-up sheet will be at camp to sign up and help out.

Support Vehicles

Oh, the complexities of camping on a motorcycle. How are you supposed to get the antique Persian Rug and your matching pair of 18th century candle operas to camp? I mean… really! Fear not! We have you covered with our official team of BRMC Tactical Support Vehicles. If you need it hauled, we can get it there within reason. We’ll truck it if it can fit in a 20 gallon tote or smaller.

SEA Drop off

Our Vice President, Dennis H. will be at the Meet and Greet on the 17th

PDX Drop Off

Kas C. is your go to for the Portland area. You will need to schedule some time with him for April 27th - 28th or May 6th - 7th. Send me an email and I will put you in touch: captain@borderriders.com

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.

In Memoriam: Dave Beach

From Dave's son Richard D.

I'm sad and sorry to say that my father Dave Beach passed away in the hospital on Aug 3rd 2022 at 10:56am. Per his request there was no funeral, I just ask that you remember him as he was and how you remembered him. He was my Hero. Go Raibh Suaimhneas Síoraí Air

May Meet & Greets

 

Portland BC M&G

Jeff B. and Blue B. hosted the Portland Meet and Greet this past month at the Portland Eagle. Two guests were in attendance. Dave, a returning guest who attended the Annual Banquet and Thomas who was meeting the Border Riders for the first time. We hope to see them at future events.

We’ll be back at the Eagle on May 3rd at 7pm for another Meet and Greet. Come on down and get to know your fellow Border Rider Club Members. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about upcoming club rides and events. 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 willing do this.

Seattle M&G

We had a great turn out for the April Seattle Meet and Greet put together by Dale C. and Dennis H. The get together was held at Smarty Pants in the Georgetown neighborhood. Just down the street from what once was the infamous clubhouse for the Magic Wheels MC. Members Michael C. and Ron S. Dropped by as did guests Jin Y. and newcomer Vince. The turnout was so nice, we're going to do it twice. May 17th Meet and Greet will be same time and place with dinner starting at 6 pm. Drop by for dinner, bring your Victoria Day Run camping gear to if you need to hand it over to the support vehicle, hang out until your stories run dry. Hope to see you all there.

 

Local Day-Rides

BC’s Day Rides

There was no BC day-ride in April..

See Upcoming Events for details about a possible Day Ride in April.

Seattle’s Day Rides

Last months day ride was a last minute cancel. We’re going to run it again in the hopes of a better day. I won’t bore you with the details of what happened here. Look to the Road Captain section if you want to know the details.

Saturday May 6th, we’ll meet up at Dirty Oscar's Annex 2309 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98403 at 9am for breakfast then we'll head out on some of the best backroads you’ve ever ridden as we make our way to up to Fort Flagger. A former coastal defense fort active between the late 1890’s through the mid 1950’s, it’s now a 1,451 acre park containing 7 batteries with stunning views of Whidbey Island and Port Townsend.

On the return trip, North of Seattle can catch the Edmonds Kingston Ferry. Central Seattle will head to Bainbridge Island to catch the ferry to downtown. South Sound riders can head down highway 16 to all places south.

This will be a backroad ride where we avoid freeways and highways with the exception of Highway 16 out of Tacoma and over the Narrows Bridge. It’s a slower ride but the views and roadways are well worth the effort.

Any questions, just email me at captain@borderriders.com and I will get you an answer.

Come ride with us!

Portland’s Day Rides

There was no Day Ride in April due to the weather.

Currently, due to weather, there is no day-ride planned for May but watch FB for last minutes details.

Upcoming Events

Please do not come to any club event if you are not feeling well.

A Brothers Birthday

We have 3 members with a birthday in May. Be sure and help us make him feel special.

  • May 4th - Roy S

  • May 11th - Kas C

  • May 16th - Jeff C

  • May 27th - Michael C

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.

All the things I bring to a campout, though this is missing the heated vest and tool roll.

Purchase, Consume, Repeat…

By Todd McN.

It's amazing the shear amount of stuff it took to make me a minimalist motorcycle camper. Leisure activities are a commodity made up of items that can be purchased based on your perception of need. Figuring out that need can be a long journey that some never complete. Things you feel you need one day can be easily disposed of the next. "Need" also needs to be placed in to context. The "Why" needs to be answered. "Why do I need this?" Survival? Comfort? Luxury? I had to accumulate all the items you see in the above photo. All purposefully gathered in order to fit any one of those contextual needs along with one more. Everything needed to pack away, safe and securely on a bike that could travel at freeway speeds. Product measurements were confirmed and reconfirmed. Details regarding quality and longevity were scoured from reviews and product descriptions. All in an effort to fit my needs.

I approached this defining my needs.

  1. I needed the bags to be waterproof. I've spent too many rides in the pouring rain, getting to my destination, then realizing that I was packing mostly water. My panniers becoming buckets where my cloths and gear were happily floating. I looked to third party bags as my main option. The bags provided by motorcycle brands have focused on designing luggage that looks incredible when mounted on your bike but may not work in most situations. Triumph is a great example of this. Beautiful waxed leather panniers with a fold over soft lid and a snap closure hidden under a fake vintage buckle. Lovely! The moment rain hits... Not so much. Triumph isn't the only one. Harley Davidson makes beautiful bags for it's Softail motorcycles. Rounded to accentuate the vintage lines. Mounted to plastic backs that convex in to the storage area, creating the illusion of large bags with the reality of limited storage.

  2. Everything needed to fit in to a bag. There were a couple of reasons for this.

    • What's the point of waterproof bags if you have stuff strapped to the outside, exposed to the elements.

    • When items aren't properly strapped down and contained, there's always the chance they could entangle a moving part and ruining your day.

    • I like a challenge.

  3. Everything needed to be balanced and not move on the bike when packed. It all needed to be centered and balanced when attached to the bike, equal weight left and right, and placed in a way that I really didn't notice the weight. The majority of the weight would need to sit forward of the rear hub. When cornering, nothing could shift throwing me or the bike off balance.

  4. Everything that didn't pack in a bag needed to be a wearable item. Leathers, helmet, boots, etc.

Everything neatly packed away.

Did I achieve my goals? For the most part, yes. Everything neatly packs away. The bags are secure. Everything stays dry, and I don't feel the weight of it while under way. This is the kit I've been running for the past two years and everything has held up well. The process was a lot of trial and error and I learned some things along the way.

When I started this, I purchased a one man tent, sleeping bag, an inflatable mattress and pillow. It all fit in to a waterproof backpack that I wore while riding to camp. Halfway to there, I realized my mistake. The backpack combined with the Brazilian strip of a stock triumph seat played hell on my back. The first night in camp, trying to sleep on the hard ground with a 1 inch thick multi cell air mattress that couldn't support my weight didn't help. I got through that weekend with fistfuls of ibuprofen. I couldn't move for two days, but I was left with a resolve to figure this out.

My next campout came with a new bag, strapped to my bike, not my back. A "Backpacking Cot", a foldable chair, and a French press... Yes, for coffee. Don't judge! Things were working out a lot better. I got a full night sleep. I had coffee. I was figuring it out. Lessons had been learned but I was still pairing down and adding to the kit.

There's nowhere to get dressed in a one person tent. I'm not a modest guy and have no issue with my body, but I get not a lot of people want to see it. I resolved to get a larger tent. The backpacking cot gave me a good night's sleep, but the small air mattress was still not cutting it. It could be better. When I was packing to head out from camp, not everything fit back the way it did when I packed at home. I had all my stuff in the "stuff-it bags" they came in. This is great if you are tossing stuff in the back of a car, but it doesn't pack well in the bag of a motorcycle. I had to tie my tent to the back of the bike. This did not meet needs 2-4.

After that campout, I added a three man tent, A self inflating air mattress, and a self inflating pillow. My kit was complete if not a bit tight to pack

All packed up and ready to go!

Most recently I added a 4th Bag specifically for my tent, ground spikes, poles, and hammer. This was a suggestion from Lance D and I have to say, it's a good one. By placing my tent in it's own bag I could set it up in the rain (if needed) without opening any other bag and exposing the contents to the elements.

As you can see all of these items pack neatly in the bags that distribute the weight evenly. All the bags are securely attached to the bike and nothing shifts while in transit. I'm going to call this kit a success as it meets my needs in combination with this bike. The next campout is Victoria Day and you will have the opportunity once again to mount your gear to your bike. Keep it balanced, keep it secure, and make sure everything you bring meets your needs for the campout. Happy travels, all! I'll see you at Pine Flats.

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 will make it’s next appearance at the Victoria Day Campout. Also, the 2023 T-Shirts will go on sale starting May 1st. They’re only available for a limited time, so get’em while you can. Once they’re gone, they ain’t coming back.

2023 Year Shirt Short Sleeve: Go here!

2023 Year Shirt Long Sleeve: Go here!

2023 Run Shirts Short Sleeve: Go here!

2023 Run Shirts Long Sleeve: Go here!

Advanced Motorcycle Training

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

Its April 21 as I write this piece, I’ve slept & done nothing for several days & I have a couple more scheduled for this weekend.

Alan & I are taking the bikes out this weekend and I can’t wait to get back on the bike.

A big personal Thanks to Todd for taking the helm for this newsletter. & I will see you all at VD..

Stan C.

2023 President

president@borderriders.com

Vice President Chatter

I’m looking forward to our first camping trip of the year, our annual trip to Pine Flats. After what seems like a long winter, riding season may finally be upon us. The last weekend in April has temperatures in the low 80’s in Entiat. We can hope for similar weather conditions when Victoria Day comes, - not like last year when was snowing over the passes the Thursday start of the weekend.

The sucess of the weekend depends on everyone pitching in and doing a little work. Over the past few years some things have been simplified to reduce workload, and thus the amount of time each person needs to put in. If you haven’t already signed up to help with some of the various tasks, let me know how you which of the shifts or duties your are willing to do. As we get closer to the weekend I may put out requests to fill the needed spots.

Looking forward to seeing everyone up the Mad River Road!

Dennis H.

2023 Vice President

vicepresident@borderriders.com

Road Captain Rumblings

I woke up on a Saturday April first to what should have been a stormy day, to my surprise, there were glimpses of sun cutting through the clouds. I drank my coffee, dressed in my best waterproof motorcycle clothes and headed on down to my bike, Garmin in hand. I knew the route, but wanted a bit of digital backup.

I pulled my bike out of the garage, inserted the key, hit the ignition, and ... nothing. Not even a slight grunt from the engine, just dead. I quickly realized I wasn't going on a ride that day. Nice April fools on me.

I called Dale C and asked him if he would let the others know I wouldn't be there. Also, if they decided to do a ride, then let me know how it went. My understanding is Tacoma wasn't looking too nice weather wise, so the decision was made to call it off.

Two things I learned that day:

1. Don't trust your 5yo battery that came with the bike even if it spent the winter on a battery tender.

2. Bremerton has recently opened a new Triumph Dealership (yay!).

This has prompted me to consider what motorcycle maintenance I complete routinely and what I tend to put off. Look for an article from me in next months newsletter.

We will also be re-running the same route planned for April on May 6th for the SEA Day Ride. You should be there!

I also have a couple of day rides planed for Victoria Day, that I'll share the morning of.

See you all on the 18th!

Todd McN

2023 Road Captain

captain@borderriders.com

Treasurer’s Ramblings

I reviewed the financial documents Stan gave me at the April meeting and it all appears correct. Stan & I will meet in May and set-up a system that will be easy for me to use.

Meanwhile, “Piggy Bank Looks Balanced”.

I look forward to seeing everyone at the VD Campout.

Sincerely,

Tom C

2023 Treasurer

Treasurer@borderriders.com

Secretary Thoughts

It was great to see everyone at the April Meeting at Kas’s home in Vancouver, WA.

I appreciate the efficient way that we conducted the April meeting and hope that you all take some time to review the Minutes to make sure that I captured our discussions accurately. If there is an error, please reach out and we’ll get it corrected.

Holy buckets - it is already May and time for Victoria Day!!! Can’t wait to see you all there.

Unfortunately to all of our chagrin, Watson will not be able to join us at Pine Flats.

Justin W.

2023 Secretary

secretary@borderriders.com

2023 Calendar of Events

  • May 18th thru 21st - Victoria Day Campout at Pine Flats near Entiat, WA

  • 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

Is it spring yet?

Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates.

We respect your privacy. Read our Privacy Statement.