Two Decades of VRCC History

[Beer van Huet]

Norway Chapter

                 
                                                                                                                         Bjørn Ovnerud

http://valkyrienorway.com/vrcc.html
VRCC Norway has 124 members
The Chapter Rep and webmaster is Bjørn Ovnerud.

Bjørn
The history of the Norwegian VRCC started in 2001 after I went to the Italian meeting in April, where I met Silvano Merati. Sil told me what to do and whom to contact.
I became the Norwegian "leader" in 2001 until 2010, when I asked Dag Verpeide to take over.
Early 2017 Dag asked Bjørn to represent Norway again due to his illness.
The Norwegian riders are living far apart from each other, so they don't have many meetings.  They usually meet each other on international events and keep in touch on Facebook.
There have been three national meetings, Rødberg 2002 and Bud 2010 / 2016. In 2003 we also had an International meeting in Rødberg with approximately 40 Riders all together.
VRCC Norway also organized some off season meetings (winter) without bikes in Bergen 2006 / 2007 and Kristiansund in 2011 and has helped bikers planning trips in Norway or participated as "guide" a couple of times...

 
Dag Verpeide also runs several websites about the Valkyrie and was technically as well as socially, very active until he got sick in 2017. He is also a regular participant of the Texas VRCC events.
He has mastered the art of having a drone flying on top of him while he's riding

http://www.valkyrienorway.com/  and http://www.valkyrienorway.com/About%20me.html

Dag´s YouTube Channel - 62 videos
https://www.youtube.com/user/Dag1520
 
...and 16 videos more
https://www.youtube.com/user/MrDagve



The Norwegian website, especially from Dag is very informative and most events are taken on video.
VRCC Norway is mainly active on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/VRCC.NO/   
The VRCC websites are occasionally updated but not a primary means of communication


Dag Verpeide - Valkyrie Ride through Europe 2009  - Must see
(Part 1) - 14 days 12 countries 11,000 Kilometers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHC9ufuGpJk
(Part2) - From Rimini (Italy) to Crete (Greece)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDYJR6uGwE4
(Part3) - Greece, Albania, Montenegro
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMSgMjD5lEg
(Part4) – Croatia, Bosnia, Slovenia, Austria to border of Czech Republic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZxbpmMpVD0
(Part5) – Czech Republic, Germany, Sweden back to Norway
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3APBZj6y1p4

2010 The Honda Valkyrie Ride to Eikesdal
This area is very mountainous, surrounded by peaks up to 1964 meters high, which caused the architecture in this valley to be different than that of other villages.
The natural wonder that is Eikesdal is at the southern end of Eikesdal Lake, the largest lake in Møre and Romsdal province. The lake is about 20 kilometers long and 155 meters deep.
Kleneggen (1964 m) is Eikesdal's highest mountain.
Majestic Mardalsfossen remains a tourist attraction during the summer.
The total height is 655m and this qualifies Mardalsfossen as the world's fourth highest waterfall. Free fall is 297meters
https://youtu.be/lmXby3SJLXc

Coastal Route & Lofoten
https://youtu.be/5AnVoijq4RY
http://www.valkyrienorway.com/video/f6flashvideo.html


2014 MadGain - Lofoten
https://youtu.be/lKPsKVuQvik 

Trollstigen and Geiranger
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QMzdajW-Kc

Tribute to Valkyrie
http://www.valkyrienorway.com/video/f6flashvideo.html

2016 VRCC Norway Meeting in Bud
http://www.1src.com/video/t_SGrpLfGhAd0  or http://sroogle.ru/?q=vrcc  - Very nice clip!


Trollstigen Norway – Fabulous nature ride
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mf_vMVMRE04


Atlanterhavsveien


2018 pics by Svein Emil Nyborg









 

[Beer van Huet]

Finland Chapter
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/117243058353246/

     
                                                                                               Tuomo ‘Tumppi’ Multanen

Introduction by Lasse
First a few words to give you, the reader, an idea of the bike scene in Finland. The Honda Valkyrie (sold in Finland as the F6C) is not a common bike anywhere. But in Finland it is even more rare. There are ~ 230.000 bikes registered in Finland of which there are ~ 100 Valkyries. The Valkyrie was imported by the official importer, Otto Brandt Oy, into Finland between 1997 – 2001. That was time when Valkyries were imported before the company replaced it with the 1800 cc VTX in the import pallet. The only model was the Standard. One could purchase a Tour pack with the bike. That included the OEM wind shield, sissy bar and leather bags. I fell in love with the bike at the Helsinki Bike Fair in February 1997, where the Valkyrie (F6C) was first introduced in Finland.

Start
The start of the club in Finland began July 15th 2004 when I bought my first Valkyrie. The very next day when riding to the sea shore in Helsinki I saw another Valk parked on the side of the street. I decided with my girlfriend to wait until the owner came back to his bike and talk with him. While waiting we started to hope that the rider is not also a sailor. The café is along the side of a marina and this happened on a warm, sunny Friday. So if we were out of luck, the rider had taken his boat out for the weekend…. Fortunately, this was not the case!

The rider finally came and we approached him. We talked for about over an hour. He had been riding a Valk for a long time already. Imported bikes from the US and also searched the register for information regarding the amount of bikes. At that point Otto Brandt Oy had brought 125 Valks.

At the end of the talk I expressed my ambition to start gathering the contact information of Finnish Valk riders for information sharing and networking. There were only a handful of mechanics that understood the “mindset” of the Fat Lady. e.g. the setting of the six carbs is something that not everyone can do. We agreed that when encountering a fellow Valk rider on the road we would share my contact information.
During that summer every time I saw a Valkyrie, I stopped the rider for a talk. Semi-mild psychological violence was used ;-) to get the contact information. Some were more eager than others to join. The most frequent question was: “What does this cost?”. Shoulders dropped when they heard this is completely free.

The more enthusiastic riders also started to gather contact info and so the movement spread. In the beginning I sent e-mails to the people. There were also a few riders without an email address. They were contacted by phone.

By Christmas I had something like 25 names on my list. We agreed to have a meeting on February 5th 2005 at the Helsinki Bike Show. There were 11 people present.  We decided to form Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club Finland. I was elected as the leader. It was also decided that the leader’s title is President.

Finnish meetings
Finland is a large country compared to the population. VRCC Finland has had ~ 80 members around the country. The distance from South to the most Northern members is over 1000 kilometers. Therefore, participating in a ride together is not easy.

We organized the first Finnish meeting in Jyväskylä in 2005. There were something like 10 Valkyries present. The next meeting was held 2006 at Kaskinen, Finland’s smallest town on the West coast. There were again something like 10 bikes present.

After I had promised that Finland will organize the European Inzane in 2009, we had the first meeting in Asikkala in September 2007. In this meeting I asked the other members to volunteer as organizers and participate in the different duties. The response was overwhelming! The crowds common will was to aim – and to arrange the best meeting ever! From the kick-off we had 19 people working in different jobs to make the meeting happen. I have never seen such team spirit and enthusiasm!

When organizing the Finnish European Inzane we had two meetings at the Inzane location Hotel Vaakuna Kouvola, in order for us to secure all things were taken into account in our preparations. We went through the procedures, menus, etc. several times. 

After the Inzane we held a Post Inzane meeting in central Finland for the people who participated in organizing the meeting.

VRCC Finland goes international
The first ever Valkyrie meeting in Europe where there was a Finn present was the Hassfurt meeting in 2005. When riding down with my girlfriend I had our share of mishaps on the road. Our alternator broke in Sweden and delayed us for two days in the south of Sweden. We finally reached Hassfurt late Friday evening.

Harald from Norway had spotted us on the Who’s Coming List. He had been looking for us amongst the participants. When we finally met, he “took us under his wings” and introduced us to the crowd. The wonderful reception and warmth of the community was overwhelming.

In 2006 Gifhorn I participated in the presidents meeting for the first time. In this meeting Andy brought up that people in central Europe had been discussing for several years about how to differentiate one meeting from the many meetings organized in Europe every year. The aim was to lift up one of them for people, that could participate to only one meeting from far away countries. I suggested that this meeting would also be named Inzane, like the world’s largest meeting in the US. But since this would be here “on the old continent”, it would be called: European Inzane.  This idea was agreed upon unanimously.

As all of us who ever have been involved in organizing a meeting, not even mention an international meeting know, one year is very little time to make it happen. Courageously Tomo, the leader of Polish VRCC volunteered to organize the #1 European Inzane.  Werner and Ede volunteered to organize the following meeting in 2008.

#1 European Inzane 2007 took place in Karpacz, Poland. In this meeting four Finnish VRCC bikes participated. In this meeting I volunteered to organize the European Inzane in 2009 with the Finnish VRCC members.

#2 European Inzane, 2008 Braunschweig, Germany. During this meeting the Finns made an educational learning trip. None of the participants had ever been in a European meeting. There were 12 Finns present on 7 Valkyries and one Yamaha. Ten of our participants were members of our own Inzane’s organizer team for next year.

#3 European Inzane, 2009 Kouvola, Finland, June 25th – 27th 2009.

Editor’s Note
EU Inzanes will be covered seperately in the following Chapter.


Getting a Valk out of a stuck-frozen garage-door for an Early Finn-Spring-Cruise is only a matter of gutt's and machinery!
Concrete goes!! And brings back memories of days driving a Harley.....

2011

Our gang on the Lund Market. Life is good

2012


The Valkyrie Riders are exploring Finland's cultural historical place at Elias Lönnrot's birth home in thrush. The underlying building is over 200 years old, the image bikers are a little younger, LOL



Handover Presidency from Lasse to Tumppi



2014 – Inzane VIII, Hinckley UK   -  Lasse and Pia                                                  First Ride of the Season



Finzane
Since 2016, Finland Chapter organizes an annual rally called Finzane.  All Riders are welcome.




                                                           The organisation members                                                                                                              2016 Program

These patches were designed  in 2016
 

 
2017 - Meeting at Kalajoen hiekkasärkät.













Trip to Narvik    (North of the Artic Circle ~ As Hope in Alaska)





Adjustments before the start of the riding season

[Beer van Huet]

Czech Republic Chapter                            
Multilingual Website http://www.valkyrieriderscz.cz/

                               
                                                                                                                     Stanley # 31067



In 2005, Roman registered the VRCC Czech Republic in the US and began recruiting members back home.
The next year, in April 2006 the first 10 members and friends officially founded the club in the Czech Republic.  
The founding members were:  Roman-Prague, Radim -Trinec, Libor -Kromeríž, Old-Prague, Rosta -Jihlava, Radim - Chotebor, Mirek and Jarmila -Kutná Hora, Rosta - Ostrava, Zbynek –Trinec.
As the VRCC Czech Republic evolved, some changes in the statutes were adopted to be officially recognized by the Czech motorcycle scene.  
It was not until November 2012, that the ‘colors’ of the VRCC Chapter on the back were officially approved by all parties.
It should be noted that the MC’s in the Czech Republic are not to be confused with the ‘outlaw’ MC’s, which are neither recognized nor welcome.
The Chapter is now run by President Stanley and his vice Donatelo.




                                                     Founding of the Chapter in Sraz on 22 April 2006 with 11 Valkyries.


                                     Before                  -          Romans Zebra Valkyrie              -    After

First Ride – Podebrady
Novel wrote: After a crazy winter came the long-awaited moment of the "first run" in 2006.  Miraculously, it was a beautiful day and we could proceed for this event on a regular basis.
We proudly rolled in; lots of Riders had a ‘Cold Turkey’ feeling in their eyes.  We drove 3 hrs. on our VRCC maiden trip in the direction of Old Rícany, where we agreed to join up with a group traveling from Prague at the local gas station.  As it turned out, they had 2 gas stations at Ricany en we ended up at the wrong one, of course.  Eventually, we joined up and rode together with our other Czech Bros.  In Podebrady we crossed the swollen Elbe and there, Radim Chotebore and Mirek Jarmila of Kutna Hora were waiting for us.  It was very pleasing and a beautiful feeling to see the 4 Valkyries riding along each other.  Our 11 bikes attracted a lot of attention of the other spectators and bikers, who praised our machines.  In Sraz, we held our first informal meeting of members and founded the VRCC.  Around 14:00, we slowly began shifting towards home. The journey back took place in a relaxed pace in light rain that reminded us that this is actually April.  Anyway, we rode 160 km that day and the muddy bike was clearly a testimony of the fact that the season has begun!  


                                                                                                    VRCC Czech Republic First Ride – Podebrady

In the following years, many more ride outs followed. Here is a small and far from complete impression.

2007
In May Rosta organized a trip to the cellar, just like the first meeting after the winter months, but also to celebrate 1 year of club activities. The meeting place was chosen in the village of Pavlov area of Mikulov in the cozy wine cellar with a willing cellar-man.  There was plenty of wine, food and fun too, I would like to add!  However, despite promises, participation of many friends was only half the expected number. From the club: Roman, Rosta, Radim, and Ferda.  And not to forget our friends and fans of Libor (remembering a tear in your eye for years with F6C), Radka and friends from Poland Kapiszon and Ola. The weather was fine, and thanks to the excellent organization by Rosti (sorry, no motorcycles, due to an accident) it was a very positive event.
There are also important things for the club: a year after the establishment and management of the club affairs, Roman resigned as President, which was even announced on the radio. We wish him all the best for his enthusiasm, strong nerves and a hand in the club! (Novel).


                                                                                                                 Cellar Trip


                     Visit from our German Bros                                                                              Donut contest              
          

                                                                                                           Podebrady

2008


                                       Spring Meeting                                                                              Burcák


                                      Podebrady                                                              Visit to Braunschweig (D)

2009 Burcák – 18- 20 September 2009
As in last autumn, Dragon organization chose "half-fermented wine” as theme for the VRCC open meeting. Thanks to moving to an earlier date, the weather was beautiful and the meeting was attended by about 40-50 friends on powerful machines.
We visited the museum in Strážnice and the visit was very informative. Pity that some people ate demonstration samples of tasty cuisine products, so after we left there was a sign on the door - " We do not admit Motorcycle Bikers”, LOL.  The evening was held with a lively disco with fireworks and roast pig, which unfortunately soon looked more like a roast Greyhound.  
Quite a calorie bomb! (Novel).


                                         Borneo                                                    Tronícek                                       21 Valkyries and Trikes                                                                  Podebrady  

2010




                                                                                                     Winter Meeting
                                                                      

                           Bike Blessing                                                                         Burcák


                                                                                                                                            Rune Day


                         Shark’s BD                            Valhalla Voyage visit by Austrian Chapter                                     Javůrecká rock night

2012
In 2012, the Riders from Moravia decided to start their own Chapter and website.


Pres Stanley and Vice Donatelo of VRCC Czech Republic together with Vice Taxifára and Member Franta of VRCC Moravia

2012




                                                                                          Wedding of Blekin’s daughter


                                         This pic was taken during EU Inzane VI in 2012

Editor's Note
Inzanes will be discussed in a seperate part

2013
In 2013, the VRCC Club members organized a collection to help people affected by the heavy floods
A full story in Czech can be seen on http://archiv.trutnovinky.cz/index.php?gid=74440



YouTube clip of Borneo 2013 Ride out - Čičik  Video
I found a record cable tv Mladé Buky from our action, Czech Republic-Borneo VRCC 2013.  I enjoyed it very much!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImlDjJCbH_I

2014


                                                                                                        Summer Meeting

2015


Celebrating 10 years of VRCC Czech Republic

Javůrecké pig-sticking.
We participated at the invitation of Ivo’s and other friends from Javůrek's.  About 2 min. upon arrival we had our plates full of stew, haggis and greaves.  And then it continued throughout the afternoon, evening and even morning with the addition of sausages, prdelačky, cuttings and other aficionados pig goodies.  Superfatted stomachs were properly washed down with beer and plum brandy (Javůrečáci traditionally "green"). I guess we all were pretty mixed up with cholesterol levels, but it was worth it and Ivo, Magda and all others who put their hand to the plow nothing less but to punch great praise and thanks. Thanks!



2016


                                                                                        VRCC Birthday                                                                                             Run for children affected by cerebral palsy

2017




                                                                12th Anniversary of VRCC Czech Republic in Ostrov, attended by 46 Riders

Follow Ddrak’s extensive trail with his photo gallery 2007 - 2014
http://www.ddrak.wbs.cz/Fotogalerie.html#.WmWuQlTiaHs


                                                                                                 Prague Show 2008


                                                                                                 Horní Náměstí in Olomouc

Moravia Chapter


                                                                                                                                          Ddrak

Website     http://www.valkyrieridersmoravia.cz/
Facebook   https://www.facebook.com/VRCC-Czech-Republic-Chapter-Moravia-838136149615936/
YouTube    https://www.youtube.com/user/VRCCCzechRepublic
Email        chaptermoravia@email.cz



2010







2011









Video https://youtu.be/UiMNBFtx7Gs





Take a look at the very nice VRCC Moravia Photo Gallery
http://www.valkyrieridersmoravia.cz/foto/fotogalerie-2015

2012



2016 Roman - Legendy Exhibition Prague
I managed to organize the participation of Valkýria at the prestigious LEGENDY exhibition held in Prague Bohnice. Public participation abundant – There were 8 Valks plus 6 from the Moravian chapter.
I thank Franto Grod for his involvement and organization! The weather surprisingly improved, so there was plenty of action.   Thank you all for your participation.











2017












 

[Beer van Huet]

Slovakia Chapter
Website http://www.valkyrieriders.sk/news.php

   
                                                                                    Billy

2009
During a VRCC Poland Meeting, Slovakian F6C Riders Billy and Andrew decided to establish a VRCC Slovakia Chapter.

2010
The VRCC Slovakia Chapter became official.  
The 10 founding members were Billy, Toni, Andrew, Erika, Peter, Mino, Jane, Firka, Nandy ml., Nanda st.  Chapter Presidents were Billy and Andrej.
A Website valkyrieriders.sk was made and Billy announced the creation of the new Chapter to Gale Scalzi of VRCC US and Andy of VRCC EU.
The club emblem was designed and members would wear it in Slovakia and abroad.

2012
A problem arose when Slovakia signed in the VRCC logo. Font and color were similar to another Slovakian MC.  As a result, the Slovakia characters were changed.

2013
After long and difficult negotiations (Billy RAST), the new VRCC Slovakia characters were approved and respected by all the MC clubs in Slovakia. It was also agreed to place small pins and patches on the club vest.



Status VRCC Slovakia
VRCC Slovakia is an independent Honda Valkyrie Club and Chapter of the EU- and worldwide VRCC.
The Club organizes an annual international meeting in early May, called VRCC Slovakia: Season Open.
VRCC Slovakia participates in rallies of other VRCC Chapters in Europe and in the EU Inzane meeting and respects the MC’s and their tradition in Slovakia and around the world.  
We respect and have good relationships with the Hells Angels Slovakia.

International meetings VRCC Slovakia

2011
First meeting VRCC Slovakia. Jahodna, SK. 115 participants from 4 countries: CZ, PL, RUS


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-UMR2iVzWk&feature=youtu.be

2011
Slovakian Goose Roast. Grob, SK. 52 participants from 3 countries: AT, CZ
During this meeting the Valhalla Voyage artifacts were passed on from VRCC Czech Republic to VRCC Slovakia.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsIvOdfM9tY&feature=youtu.be
 
Bike Games
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-difZ6jHR_M&feature=youtu.be

2012
Second meeting in New Tekov, SK. 62 participants from 4 countries: AT, CZ, PL, SK


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuyKLuH53cM&feature=youtu.be

Bike Games
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9zERAIpI6A&feature=youtu.be

2014
Season Open in New Tekov, SK. 86 participants from 5 countries: AT, CZ, DE, IT, SK



https://youtu.be/pnzIqA6INYA

Bike games
https://youtu.be/csrptypnK5I



2015
Season Open, Nový Tekov, SK. 70 participants from 5 countries: AT, CZ, FR, PL, SK


https://youtu.be/tByJXinGtMM

Nice video from kamošov
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tByJXinGtMM&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR2HOAB_do57i4AT0GwPXJZP9mb0C0pA-m4gTIh5-DjPxJ8Txu-vYdpr-QY

Soporna





2016
Season Open, Michalovce, SK. 91 participants from 5 countries   AT, CZ, FR, PL, and SK


https://youtu.be/xeBo3pDmk-Y and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeBo3pDmk-Y

Season Open 2016 Armwrestling by Pavel Klima

https://www.facebook.com/pavel.klima.3/videos/519483194843316/

2017
Season Open , Nová Lehota, SK. 101 86 participants from 7 countries   AT, CZ, DE, FR, IT, PL, SK

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=YRpBZzSPW1g&app=desktop
















               Poster of the 2017 Piestany Meeting

2018
Nice video of SO by Gerd Schimetzki
https://www.facebook.com/gerd.schimetzki/videos/1602093903160896/

Season Open 2018 Slow Ride Winner by Pavel Klima

https://www.facebook.com/pavel.klima.3/videos/970666866391611/

Season Open 2018 Joint Ride to Shooting Range  by Pavel Klima

https://www.facebook.com/pavel.klima.3/videos/966814226776875/

Season Open 2018

[Beer van Huet]

Poland Chapter

Editor's Note
Many thanks to Luzik for his excellent assistance with the Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club Poland Chapter history

2003  -  The beginning of Polish VRCC history …

In the year 2003 many motorcyclist rode Valkyries.  Within an area, they already knew each other : Admirał, Skała, S2-Marek, Hrabia, Mustang, Fidel, Piotr-Jerzy, Daro, Kapiszon, Jaro, Dario, Jurek, Viper, Istvan, Soprano and many others.
As always in such situations, there is a need for this „one” person, who converts plans and dreams into reality.  The most willing at that time to do something  were Dudi, Skała and Dario.
It was in October 2003  however, that Kamil, Broda, Dudi and Hrabia decided to materialize those plans and they created a Polish VRCC Chapter.

 
Kamil, later known as Wolf took up the founding task,

THE CLUB was created and the colours of VRCC US with upper hanger Poland were adopted.



Since 2004, every week there were meetings of club members and supporters in the restaurant at Istvan in Warsaw. More and more people turned up and after a short while this place became too small.


In April 2004 a newspaper article about the club also contributed to more interest in Valkyrie motorcycle and club.

The first club opening meeting in 2004


At the top from the left:        Istvan, Siwy, Jaro, Idalia, Mlody, Marcin, Hrabia, Broda, Tomek, Dario, Ozzy, Janka, Iza, Janusz, Dudi, Admiral
Below:                                Wolf, Ania, Wojtek, Kapizon with wife, Viper with wife, Skala, son of Dario, Chobot, Tadeo, Ygo, Marzena, Dudie's wife.

May 2004 Kaszuby – 1st Nationwide Rally of VRCC Poland Chapter
The organizer was Dario from Gdynia – 14 motorcycles came for the rally: Wolf, Dario, Jurek, Ozzy, J-23, Soprano, Broda, Piotr-Jerzy, Tomek, Marcin, Admiral, Luzik, Tadeo, Istvan.

August 2004 – Vienna


For the club it was the first trip abroad – 15 bikes plus passengers.
Riding through the Czech Republic to Vienna was unforgettable. These days were very hot;  we can still remember how Admirał rode in shorts and flip-flops (although we do not recommend it).
The participants were Wolf, Tadeo, Ad,iral, Waldi (Kraków),Waldek (Guru), Zbyszek, Pawel, Jaro, Wojtek, Jeffrey, Istvan, Luzik, Jacek, Pilot and Darek (Ciechanów).
We performed together for the first time as a club abroad. It was a time of making contacts, first acquaintances and making plans for the future.

4 December 2004 Warsaw - First General Meeting of the club VRCC Poland Chapter
Attended by 24 members. A set of rules regulating the club’s life was adopted. The president and club council were elected for 2005.

Board of VRCC Poland:
Wolf         President Warszawa
Jacek       Vice President Poznań
Jeffrey     Vice President Warszawa
Ozzy        Vice President Gdańsk
Broda      Chronicler Warszawa
Pilot        Treasurer Warszawa

A schedule of meetings and trips for 2005 was also adopted:
Club opening of the 2005 – Bemowo- Warsaw by Ygo
Support at Maciej’s wedding in June by Maciej and Jacek
II National Rally of VRCC Poland 2005  in Bieszczady  in June by  Dudi, Marek, Skała, Dario
Thor’s Hammer Poland – Jeffrey, Jacek, Ozzy, Kamil, Broda
Rally in Germany by VRCC Germany
Rally Faak Am See
Wedding of Jeffrey and Agata

April 2005 - Marcin and Ania rode to the funeral of Pope John Paul II.
They rode in the sun, rain and even in the snow. In 4 days, they travelled over 3800 km from Warsaw to Rome and back.

May 26, 2005 - Thor’s Hammer in Poland
By Jeffrey, Jacek, Ozzy and Kamil.
On May 14 Thor's Hammer was picked up from VRCC Austria at the border in Cieszyn.
TH travelled all over Poland and by ferry through the Baltic Sea. Then the Hammer was handed over to the VRCC Chapter Sweden in Karlskrone.




Ozzy and holding the „hammer”      Gryzzly.






 
June 2005 II National Meeting of VRCC Poland
Nozdrzec
The organizers were Dudi, S2 Marek.
Present for the first time: Tomo, Virus.





September 2005 -  Outdoor picnic
Organized by Chobot plus Arsen, Hrabia, Marek, Wolf(Kamil) and Ygo

September 2005 - Wedding of Jeffrey




The members of the club provided assistance

October 2005 - End of season Rally in Jura
Organized by Arsen, Marek and Jeffrey plus S2Marek, Kapiszon, Jaro, Grzegorz, Ygo and Robert.

December 2005 - The General Meeting of VRCC Poland Chapter in Warsaw
At this meeting Kamil resigned as President of the club.  Tomo was elected as the new President.

May 2006 -  Gifhorn, Germany
Participants were : Arsen, Tomo, Luzik, Ygo, Ozzy, Janek, Zbyszek, Ania, Beata, Janka, Ola, Ania.
During the Rep Meeting an idea arises to organize the first European Rally called EU Inzane, like in the US.
Tomo, Luzik and  Beata proposed to hold the 1st Inzane in Poland .

May 2006 Poznań – III National Rally VRCC Poland Chapter
By Jacek.
The club is growing more and more. During this rally Dex, Tuga and Mike became new members.

August 2006 Graz  Meeting in Austria
Participants were Arsen, Tomo, Luzik, Zbyszek, Misiek, Dex

September 2006 - End of Season Chłapowo
By Mizjo. New members : Nico, Eda, Misiek, Yorgus, Paweł

December 2006 - General Meeting VRCC Poland Chapter
In Osieck by Luzik and Tomo.
At that meeting all Chapter and organization issues of Inzane were discussed.
The chapter now had over 50 members. During this meeting,  disagreements  about the direction and future of the club are beginning to appear with new leaders, new ideas and initiatives.
The result was the division and creation of a new chapter in May 2006 – VRCC Polska.

June 2007 – Karpacz - 1st Inzane
Organizated by VRCC Poland and Beata, Luzik and Tomo.
Valkyries from all over Europe came over in the rain as of Thursday.
Over 240 participants. The meeting lasted for 3 days and was full of sensations -  country dancing, mime show,  'ladies’ underwear show, performance of two bands, magic show, a costume parade… It was an unforgettable meeting and rally.

Editor's Note
Inzanes are discussed in more detail in the next paragraph.

June 2007
After Inzane, the Board of VRCC Poland - Wolfa (Kamil) and Tomo took the decision to change club colors from „red” to „black”.




July 2007
A part of the VRCC Poland members decided to have their own Chapter located mainly in the North, so in the future Poland had three Chapters.



Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club Poland Chapter


Poland Chapter Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club consisted of:
Wolf as President, Tomo as Vice President, Luzik, Super Arsen, Waldek-Guru, Tadeo, Pilot, Zbyszek & Galewic, Maciek & Wroclawia, Maro, Nomad and Cezary

2007


                                 In July 2007 we celebrated the wedding of Pilot’s daugther


September 2007 - Koziolkowo – by Cezary                                                            Wolf, Tomo, Luzik z Beata, Cezary z Beata, Tadeo, Waldek


ZS Puck – meeting with Northern Raiders Tomo, Luzik & Beata, Arsen & Ania, Waldek, Maciek, Cezary & Beata

2008
 

 April OS Katowice – Jasna Góra by Waldek-Guru                                             Waldek-Guru: mega happy with his 100 000 km on Valkyrie


InZane in Braunschweig - Wollf, Tomo, Luzik & Beata, Waldek-GURU, Maro, Cezary & Arsen


                         International Meeting Kotlina Klodzka by Maciek


       Friends from VRCC Austria and VRCC Germany for the first time in Maruda z Grazynka ....


                        Budapest by Maciek z Iwona


                        Leba – Bytów  meeting with Northern Raiders by Wolf



                                                                                                                                                                          September 2008 Sandomierz - 80-tki Maro i Arsen by Maro

2009


                   Offroad w Koziolkowie by Waldek, Cezary i Dudi


                    OS Ustron – Czestochowa by Waldek i Cezary


                  Brewery in Zywiec                                                                     InZane III in Kouvola, Finland - Wolf z Iza, Pilot, Waldek, Arsen, Maro, Cezary,
                                                                                                                 Spyder, LaRoch, Endrju, Tuga Northern Raiders, Julian z Irena, Dudek z Aga, Marek „Lajza”


                                                                    During InZane in Finland we celebrated the 5th anniversary of VRCC Poland


ZS Kazimierz Dolny by LaRoch - Wolf, Tadeo, Waldek-Guru, Arsen, Pilot, Maciek, Maro-Nomad, Cezary, Maruda, Murzunek, LaRoch and Prospects: Jaro, Spyder, Endrju


Year 2009 was good for all of us, together we rode over 100 000 km, with Murzynek in the lead with 25.000 km and Waldek-Guru deserved a „silver star” for his 134 000 km on the Valkyrie

Editor's Note - Stars
It is a custom in Poland that every Rider who completes 10.000 km on his Valkyrie, is eligible for a star that should be worn on his/her vest. To get the star however, it should be extracted from the bottom of a filled glass…

Pilot has written and sung the song „Gaz do oporu”
Wojciech Gaworski - "PILOT" - Gaz do Oporu
Song http://valkyriepoland.pl/valkyrie/images/stories/do-pobrania/Gaz%20do%20oporu%20-%20dzwonek%20na%20kom%C3%B3rk%C4%99.mp3
Text http://valkyriepoland.pl/valkyrie/gaz-do-oporu

2010
Opening of the season in Dobczyce


                                                                                                                                  What a nice line-up



InZane Bussang France


                                                                                                                             Valkyrie Poland FG was represented by Maciek & Endrju

Maruda & Grejs – the trip to Gibraltar and to Cape St. Vincent
Travelled 9 000km in 19 days (including 6 000km of rain)
In 19 days they traveled to France, Spain and Portugal.  


               Wedding day of Lary – January 2010                                             Congratulations to the young couple


January 2010 in Borneo – Czech Republic - Waldek-Guru, Luzik, Maciek, Maro i Cezary




                                                                                               Faak am See, Austria

Editor's Note
Faak am See is a small village located at the most southern lake in Austria. Every year, there is a bike week with over 50.000 bikes. You can compare it with Daytona/Sturgis if you like. It is mainly a HOG event.

Szklarska Poręba





Summary of the year 2010:
Club VRCC Poland Chapter has 14 Member's:
Wolf – Kamil, Tadeo, Guru, Arsen, Pilot, Maciek, Maro – Nomad, Cezary, Maruda, Murzynek, LaRoch, Spyder, Jaro, Grzegorz
4 Prospekt's: Endrju, Mamro, Aurel, Mefisto
Cezar did 21.000 km on his bike and winner of the best mileage achievement

2011
On 9 April 2011 there was a congress of Polish Motocycles Clubs
On this congress a new Valkyrie Chapter was founded: Valkyrie Warsaw/Śląsk (Silesia) Chapter





InZane 2011 Sweden  

             Visted by Klej, Maro, Guru, Endrju i Hiszpan                                                               On the bridge from Denmark to Sweden - 16 km

End of season 2011 Przysucha
We slept in small unheated houses, which turned out to be quite a problem, because the temperature at night dropped below zero. So, we drank, we danced to warm up, we drank again and danced again ...

Maro has rode 23 000km and won the MAX 2011 badge.

The clubyear 2011 finished with the meeting in Polichno on 3 December.

In 2011 there were a lot of changes:
the Management Board was expanded to include the Vice-President – Klej and Sergeant – Maruda.
The Rules, Rituals and Traditions of the Valkyrie Club were finally written.
Mamro became the treasurer.
There are now 14 Member's, 3 Prospects and 1 Honorary Member – Pilot

Each of them has his own private and professional life, unrelated to the Club, but they share one thing: Love for motorcycles and riding the Valkyrie…
And above all – for a short time, forget about the troubles, problems and worries of everyday life and feel the feedom that a ride on a motorcycle gives you

2012-2014


           Club’s life rolled from opening seasons to end of seasons - Opening Season in Olkusz


            Our wives and girlfriends are very much involved as well


            We have a habit of parking our Valkyries in a perfect line


                                         Inzane in the Czech Republic                                             Wedding of Tamago3 in Dobrodzieniu


                             Teambuilding                                                                                For a short moment Chapter Bytow was born


                          The new tradition of our club – Valkyrie tattoo


                                                                   June 2013   Our trip to Rumuni with Klej, Guru, Maro, Spyder and Murzynek


                  Transfogarska and Transalpina roads                                                                                            Visit to Warsaw


                                                                                           Our first ride in 2014 to Ustroń

2014 was an important year for our club.  Kamil (Wolf) has given up to be a president and member of chapter. So, in September 2014 the new President was chosen:

Nomad was elected President, Vice President - Cezik, Secretary - Mamro, Sargent - Maruda, Road Captain - Spyder


                                                                                                                   We finished the season in Kietlice

2015


                                           Year 2015 we started in Tleń Bory Tucholskie organized by Cezik and Julian from Świecko.


                                              Our trip to Inzane 2015 France by Nomad, Cezik, Guru
2016


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Christmas dinner 2016 in  Borkowo

2017

                                                                      Roztocze 2017 - First time since 2007 together with members of VRCC Polska


                                                                                   and a gift from President VRCC Polska Angie...

Rest In Peace



On the way home from Roztocze, our Vice President Cezik died on the road.
Goodbye Brother and see you on the heavenly highways ……

At the end of 2017 ValkyrieFG had 9 Member's:

Nomad President,
Guru V-ce President
Mamro Secretary
Maruda Sgt. at Arms
Spyder Road Captain
Tadeo, La Roch, Grzegorz, Frendzel

2 Prospect's: Murzynek, Tamago3

2018


                   OS Kietlice with perfect Wx and company. Murzynek i Tamago3 are full members...now we have 11 Members














 









  

[Beer van Huet]

Poland (Cont'd)

Editor's Note
As mentioned earlier, VRCC Poland which was founded by Wolf in 2003, fell apart in 3 Chapters in 2007.
As a result, Wolf carried on with Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club Poland Chapter and 2 new Chapters, VRCC Polska and VRCC Poland Northern Riders were founded.

VRCC Polska[/b]
http://www.valkyrieriders.pl/  (multilangual)

                 
                                                                                                                                                                                                      Angie

VRCC Polska Pic Gallery
http://valkyrieriders.pl/galeria,144-.html

2007 - Posmyk



2007 - Czestochowa





Nice VRCC Polska vid on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/VRCCPOLSKA/videos/vb.100009315691809/1752519378401902/?type=2&video_source=user_video_tab

2007 Tuga-Torun









2010 Karpacz 4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Blvh-BcWX3E

IV.zraz VRCC Polska (Boleslawiec Rally by VRCC Slovakia)

https://youtu.be/hIcAaXjJOYE

2011 5th VRCC Polska Meeting

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hauajvXmB1g

…..and some more Great Pics
https://get.google.com/albumarchive/115479931477944750654/album/AF1QipOIVuPJaUwlcW8y04NO6VFWJfPMG3RgwrUfKRHR?source=pwa&authKey=CJLK8Z_xp_GkeA

2012  5th Anniversary VRCC Polska
https://youtu.be/WrQaqftlSG8

Fireworks
https://youtu.be/mfzs-AMOlHE



2017 Trip Report by Ivo
On 7 July 2017, the 10th anniversary of the Polish VRCC was celebrated. The preparation and journey here was in itself a small party. On Monday, July 4, Gerd Schimetzki from Germany joined me at home to start the next day together with our trip to Poland. We had chosen to avoid all motorways.
The first stage led us to the Heidehotel Ana where we were very kindly received. The carport was cleared so our bikes could be accommodated. After a well-deserved meal, we both went to bed in time.
The next day early on the bike, even though this was the shortest stretch in the route. On the way we would still pick up Frank Kletzsch from Warnemünde (Rostock).
Here we arrived at 4 o'clock in the afternoon. The motorbikes were described by the receptionist at the start as "Hochwertiger Metal" (hi value metal) and were allowed to stay overnight on the platform outside the door. As long as we kept the road free for the fire department.
As a result of the early arrival we decided to enjoy the weather and visit the beach.


It turned out that we just walked into a party on the promenade and of course, who would we be different, we enjoyed it to the fullest. Frank arrived out of work the same evening around 10 o'clock.
After a good night's sleep, we left for Poland the next day. Then the party really started in terms of riding.

First, we took a ferry in Warnemünde and then on the Polish road surface. That went pretty well in the beginning. Until we decided that we were smarter than Garmin and promptly went in the wrong direction. So, we experienced everything that day, from asphalt to panzer Bahn, from potholes to no road anymore. Eventually we arrived at our next hotel at 10 o'clock in the evening. Tired and starving. Of course, the kitchen was closed. We did however receive the address of restaurant Jolka, very friendly and a pleasure for the senses.


Tired but satisfied we rode back to the hotel after dinner and jumped in our bed.
The day enroute to Zamek, Gert decided somewhere along the way that my Garmin was wrong and that he was right. Because of the day before and some stress, he decided to follow his nav kit. Frank and I arrived at the hotel Zamek at 3 o'clock, where we received a very warm welcome. And yes, the Polish schnapps is deadly. An hour later, Gert called to ask for the right address. He was now in the neighborhood but did not know the last part.

What an incredibly friendly people there are in Poland, we were welcomed and new friendships were made. 
And to my surprise, we just entered a Polish Miss election.  Had a good meal that evening, followed by a modest party and did not go to bed too late.
The next day the Polish had a joint ride to a dam. Quite impressive. But the roads left a lot to be desired.
Coming back again everything was taken care of and after this fun the complete VRCC group was invited at the actual election table. A feast for the eyes.


In the evening we had dinner together in the knight's hall. Some momentos were handed out together with the necessary speeches.
The Valhalla cups have been transferred from Czech hands to Polish hands. After everyone had a chat to each other for a while, we went to bed quietly. On Sunday we all had to go home again.
We left around 10:30. This time without Gerd, due to family circumstances. He had already left at six o'clock. Frank and I once again enjoyed the landscape and the roads, this time with far fewer potholes.
Because we were so fast, we rode to Warnemünde and we did not make an extra stop in Poland. Had dinner there and stayed overnight.
On Monday, the last day the weather turned bad. For that reason we took the highway. 100 km prior to Hamburg it started raining heavily until Bremen. Frank had already left for his house at Hamburg. And then rain is suddenly no longer fun anymore. I was at home at six o'clock in the evening. Tired but satisfied. 
I really met some hospitable and very kind people in Poland.

2017  End of the Season Ride Nowogrod








 


Northern Riders
http://www.valkyrie.es-graf.pl/html/start.html

          
                                                                                                                                                                                                      Ozzy
2007 - Toruń.
The first Rally of Northern Riders was held in Tuga in the city Toruń





2007 - Puck Bursztynia
The end of the Season. It was an unforgettable happening. Thanks to the fact that one of our club members was a navy commander, we had the opportunity to visit a submarine.
Anyone who wanted to, could go inside and get to know the life of sailors. BTW, it was a ship in active service, not a museum.







2007 - Santas on motorcycles
One of the traditions of our club is participation in the "Santa's on motorcycles" action. This time the weather was good - around 0 C, but there was no rain or snow. As you can see, the turnout was good, and the Valkyrie, as usual, got a lot of attention and interest.





2008 - Jajcarnia





1st Open Rally of Northern Riders – Bytów
This time we visited Bytów, a beautiful place. Apart from our club, members of VRCC Poland came to the rally as well. Two days of fun passed quickly and there was hardly time for sleep








Arm-wrestling competition - Mike was not to beat..! 


The police was inexorable, if you use motorcycle sirens while driving, there is no forgiveness !!!!!

2008 - Bursztynia 
This time we visited a beautiful restaurant located on the beach by the Baltic Sea. The local band was playing for us, the trumpets were making a lot of noise !!!!





2009 - Bemowo
This time we visited Warsaw.  As the pictures are showing no words are needed…



2009 - Michelinki





R.I.P  Farewell to Gryzzly - 5 December 2009

Gryzzly, as the name suggests was a great motorcyclist. A man with a big heart and humor.
He was with us from the beginning of the Northern Riders and one of those Riders who always
put a good mood into companionship…



2009  Pułtusk -  End of Season Northern Riders





2010 - Inzane France







2013 – The End of VRCC Northern Riders
Unfortunately, sometimes the time is unrelenting. Several members of N.R. sold their bikes, some began to ride in a different circle closer to where they lived and others moved out of the country. All this caused that the Chapter officially decided to quit ...But some of us still ride with fondness and actively participate in the Valkyrie rallies and meetings and in European InZanes ...


VRCC Dragons Polska



Created by Jaroslaw Jarek on 2 May 2018

The Honda F6C Valkyrie is our passion. Our goal is to ride on the F6C, meetings and contacts with VRCC colleagues and not only. We invite you to ride together and have fun.

2018 - Party at VRCC Czech Republic
https://www.facebook.com/vrcc.virus/videos/2184391745109607/

[Beer van Huet]

Switzerland Chapter
http://www.vrcc.ch/index.htm and http://www.schilla.ch/link03.htm 



At the beginning of January 2001, Switzerland started with eight members as Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club. With the founding of Chapter Switzerland and the publication of its own Swiss VRCC website in December that same year, a lot has changed. On October 1, 2004, the website was redesigned for the first time and revised in 2010 once again. This caused the number of members in Switzerland to increase to more than 80 and we are still growing. The local rides are very popular and at the European meetings more and more Swiss Valkyrie Riders are to be found.
On January 1, 2009, Frédéric Weil from Adliswil became the head of VRCC Switzerland.
Every year, the Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club Switzerland plans to have local rides and on the first Sunday of May, participate in the "Love Ride" in Dübendorf. http://loveride.ch/
We welcome spontaneous activities such as rides, meetings and excursions that each member can propose and organize. New members are always welcome!

Frédéric has now resigned and VRCC Switzerland is run by Walo, together with Albi and Andy (Blackhawk).  The current website has gotten a bit old. Therefore, a brush-up is announced here as well. Walo is in the process of designing the new website. As long as it is still in the making, Frédéric will continue to feed the existing website.

The 14th edition of InZane 2020 will take place in Switzerland. This will probably be in the canton of Vaud (Leysin). The information will be activated early on.







2010 - Graubünden / Maiensäss





2013 Welschland





2018 Photo Impression July Trip

[Beer van Huet]

Latvia Chapter
https://sites.google.com/site/vrcclv/home


               Stas Bervyachonok

VRCC Latvia was founded in 2008 by Stas Bervyachonok and has 4 active members.
Perhaps small in numbers all 4 are esteemed guests and valued friends who participate in almost every major EU VRCC event, riding an average distance between LA and Dallas or more each time. Rain or shine. Now that’s a true VRCC spirit.

[Beer van Huet]

Russia Chapter
http://www.vrcc-russia.ru/index.php/engl  (2018 change/english version) or https://www.facebook.com/groups/vrccrussia/



Website
This site is for those who love the Honda Valkyrie motorcycle and want to learn more about the machine.
Members are people who ride these cool bikes and try to unite!!!
In the future, all kinds of help and advice on repair and maintenance of Valkyrie motorcycles are planned, based on personal experience and the experience of other people.
The new (2018) website reflects the official VRCC objectives.

VRCC Russia has 150 members

Editor's Note
Valkyrie Riders from Russia have participated in many EU VRCC Meetings and Inzanes as early as in 2002 during the Heerlen Meeting in the Netherlands.

2012 Welcome to the First Russian Rally 2012 on 12-15 July 2012, Moscow, "Aerostar" hotel



It will take place in the most beautiful and crazy city of Moscow
This rally is a must see rally. Are you ready for unforgettable journey and great party?
We've got three action packed days filled with awesome racing, the best bike games and contests, the roar of the bikes, and you can’t miss our joint ride at night in Moscow and a visit to the Vorobievy mountains, a picturesque place where all Moscow bikers meet.
3 days of fun, non-stop music, dancing, drinking absolutely FREE beer and vodka, bands and stage shows and of course, a lot of beautiful girls, all trying to win the ‘Miss Valkyrie’ title.
You can enjoy a safe ride escorted by policemen along Moscow. Our event also includes a barbeque, entertainment, prizes and other activities.











Moscow Valkyrie Riders - Nice Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZuK8FKCXms
 
2013 Borodino


                                           Statue in memory of the defeat of Napoleon's army in 1812


           I presume there is no need for a license plate when you ride a Valkyrie in Moskow

2013 Dubna





2014
VRCC Russia had arranged to do a EU Inzane in St Petersburg.
Unfortunately, the event went sour when politics at that time kicked in.
VRCC UK took over and organized the 2014 Hinckley Inzane Meeting instead.

2015 Opening Season









2015 Obryvalin Vitaly - VRCC Russia Trip to Minsk

https://youtu.be/C1wFqG7EDUk

2016 закрытие сезона (closing season)
On September 23, 2016, we closed the motor season, traditionally in Shakhtar, but a day earlier we were going to ride around Moscow at night. Just a short review of these events ...
https://youtu.be/gr9D_bVo1To (long)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gr9D_bVo1To

Traffic Lines
https://youtu.be/5ZiXiOgLSCs  and https://youtu.be/cOcCuDzAIwU and https://youtu.be/J-N1aywzDyE



2017 VRCC Russia/Moskow Trip

http://sroogle.ru/?q=vrcc

2018 - 1 Feb Meeting











Very nice video - Opening season 2017
http://sroogle.ru/HbN5y_t93ek.video.html




 

[Beer van Huet]

EU Inzanes
Check out the VRCC EU website http://www.valkyrieriders.eu/inzane.html

Teaser (poor video quality/nice music though) Stephen -- Crossfire (Official Music Video) https://youtu.be/bJsdoecdCVI







 



Beer
During the Gifhorn Meeting in 2006, the EU Chapter Reps decided to start organizing Inzanes along the lines of those in the US: let’s all get together, ride and party.
Each country would voluntarily take on the organization in turn during the next Chapter Rep meeting.  Nowadays, Chapters are given a two year heads-up to get their act together.  
Having organized 3 major EU meetings as member of a team, I would like to spend a few pages on the preparation of an international EU VRCC meeting and give you an ‘inside’ look of some of the organizational aspects.  
As Willow once puts it for the US Inzanes:
It's more complicated than a lot of attendees seem to realize.  The hosting hotel does provide enough rooms to keep everyone but also provides the parking lot, the banquet hall, and maybe a few other needs some based upon the rooms that are rented in the hotel. Whereas there may be some places such as a nice campground that would be a good spot for a number of riders to gather, they would not necessarily, or even possibly, be meaningful candidates for InZane. For what it's worth, InZane annually provides a fair portion of the input needed to keep up the rather inexpensive VRCC.  It takes a lot of work on the part of a few staff members.  It's a lot more than simply deciding that here's a nice place so we'll do it there.

Here is a brief example, and by no means complete overview of an EU Inzane preparation.  It may- or may not be done totally different by somebody else.

Preparation, organisation and support
There is always a good spirit of hospitality, friendship and common bond during a Valkyrie Meeting, whether it be an Inzane or other meeting.  If everything falls in the right place and is running smoothly during these days, the participants enjoy themselves and hardly notice what kind of preparations have preceded the meeting.  It appears we take the success of these happenings for granted.  
That is certainly true to the extent that the participants ultimately make the party.  And in that sense, it is always a pleasure to organize an event for the average VRCC Rider. There is hardly any bunch of people who are so friendly, relaxed and easy going as the VRCC Rider.
In Europe, there is no such thing as a fixed staff that will take care of Inzane meetings. So, each and every time, different people are organizing these meetings in different countries. The downside is that experience will be absent or lost, on the positive side there is no routine except for the fixed dates which usually fall in June. Then the ice has melted up North, there is enough daylight time to travel in the Scandinavian countries and it does not jeopardize the holiday family planning starting in July.  Next, you want to avoid other major events which causes people to have to say no. Like local VRCC meetings, major sport/bike events/expos, elections, Olympic Games, Inzane in the US and the like. Finally, it would also be nice to arrange a meeting during a long weekend where everybody does not have to take leave unnecessarily.  Doing this for 20 or so different countries takes some time. In the US it makes sense perhaps, to do the Inzane midweek and travel during the weekends.  If travel distances are shorter as in Europe, this may not be desirable.

Team effort
First of all, organizing an event like Inzane is a team effort. This sounds obvious but if you are dealing with team members of different backgrounds and/or without previous Inzane experience, it is crucial that they get along really well, are dedicated and willing to go one step further than you may normally expect. Especially since everything they do will be on a voluntary bases.
So, respect, maintaining a good spirit, formulating action items and a time path, delegation of tasks and responsibilities and informing each other is vital. Personally, I have been very lucky in the past to have been a member of a team just like that and would like to use this opportunity to thank the Lowlands team members once more for their exceptional efforts.

Acquisition
Many hotels are usually booked a year in advance by travel agencies. That is why a good time to start the preparation of an Inzane is two years in advance.  
Doing business with a hotel- or event manager far in advance can be tricky, however. During the preparation phase, he/she may promise you all kinds of possibilities and/or facilities. Many of these agreements are made verbally and do not show up in the final contract.
It’s a matter of trust, based on local circumstances when the time comes. Now, these managers have a tendency to move around between hotels quite frequently. So, chances are you may be talking to a different manager during the execution of your meeting who is clueless. Or he leaves for his home after office hours and in the evening his personnel doesn’t know or doesn’t care. So the smart thing to do is to have the manager present or on call all the time. If not, you run the risk of lack of food, understaffing, cues at the bar, registration problems, parking issues, etc.
Time to start selecting your core team. Who in your Chapter is crazy enough to load a pile of work on his/her shoulders, start up an Inzane voluntarily and has a network that comes in handy.  Most important however is drive and determination.
You will have to open bank accounts.  During the preparation phase, you will be responsible for amounts of $100.000, - or more.  A wise thing to do is to transform your Chapter in a legal entity so you will not be held personally responsible or liable as organizer for cancellation, theft, damage or injury during the meeting.  
There may even be a fatal injury during a group ride out. While the rider and next of kin are usually aware of the risks of riding in a group and accept that poop sometimes happens, the insurance company will take legal actions to prevent having to pay for the loss and/or damage.  And starts to sue the organizers for being responsible for the cause.
The VRCC (US) is a Limited Liability Corporation. When I got in touch with oZ about this story, he wrote to me that he had to pay big bucks for legal protection when he started the club and website. ‘All these costs were very necessary especially in the U.S. where suing people is a favorite pass time; Karen and I had to protect our home and well-being from prosecution and loss of assets and money. One person falling down on a ride, rally or gathering could sue us and I needed a corporate shield’.

There have been few cases where participants have behaved badly in their hotel rooms.  Wrecking bath tubs and alike. If the room is made up after the visitor left and the participant lives in another country, the hotel will try and get the organizers to pay for the damage.  Things you have to consider and cover.

In any case, EU participants are now asked to sign a paper during registration, stating that they are personally responsible and liable for their own safety and others in traffic. Individual riding behavior and individual traffic adherence is mandatory during all rides and neither the organizers nor the VRCC Chapter takes any responsibility for theft, damage or injury to person or property, caused by actions of participants to any third party in question or vice versa during the meeting. Sadly, these precautions have to be taken to prevent organizers from being sued.

Finally, it is really handy to have someone make up a website with databases for information, registration and payments.

Location
The first and most important factor is where to do the EU Inzane in your country.  Congested, populated areas are a no go for obvious reasons. And there are a lot of these in Western Europe.  So find a spot where 200 plus motorcycles can ride safely and without too much traffic, traffic lights, bumps and detours.  The surroundings must be pleasant and interesting to be riding through.  And last but not least, find a suitable hotel in such a remote location that can accommodate over 300 people.  Hotels with such a capacity in Europe are usually located in cities and hard to find in the boon dogs.

In some EU areas, the population sees bikers mainly as a nuisance and troublemakers and the local authorities will not grant permission.  Worse still, in some cities it is even prohibited to walk the street wearing jackets with your Chapter’s patch or colours. Thanks to riots caused by 1% MC Clubs.

Dealing and wheeling
If you tell a hotel manager you will visit his hotel with up to 400 people, he will be delighted.  But when he has to sell no to other people because you reserved the rooms, he usually wants to get a down payment.  Just in case.  This happens at a time you don’t know how many people will show up. After all, it will be at least another year before the registration starts.
As an example of how things can turn sour, in Russia the Inzane was Cx all together on short notice when political turmoil prevented the organizers from arranging a EU Inzane in St Petersburg in 2014. Thanks to Bobbie and VRCC UK, they picked up the glove and organized Hinckley instead.

In the early days, organizers of an international EU Meeting had to pay a deposit for the hotel arrangement out of their own pockets. This sometimes constituted a considerable amount. I know a Chapter Rep who had a debt of nearly $80.000, taking the risk all by himself.
This issue was recognized and tackled after some time during a Chapter Rep meeting in 2006.  To stimulate participation, the Chapters promised each other not to organize a local event during the time an Inzane was planned.  Long term reservations and down payments were incorporated to prevent late cancellations and hotel letters of recommendation from previous Inzanes were passed along.  As experience grew, an average of at least 200 regular participants could be anticipated.  
You may ask yourself why go through all this trouble and have the participants book individually instead.
You can opt for several registration possibilities. Have the participant book and pay the hotel and meals by him/her self and register for meeting events.
Like sometimes in the US, you pay separately for a room, and either a full registration (includes a Joe Boyd memorial shirt, an Inzane pin and the Saturday dinner), the poker run, an event shirt, grand prize raffle tickets and bling raffles or buy a day pass and pay separately for the events and banquet dinner.
Or the participant of an Inzane pays for a complete Inzane arrangement instead. Room booking is done by the Chapter. So, everything will be included except beverages at the bar. The advantage of the latter is that you can arrange group discounts more easily.  This is common practise in the EU.

You have to take into account that people spend enough money as it is by travelling and other expenses.
So now you start dealing with the manager.  What will be included in the meals and at what costs. Will the hotel make sufficient quantities to provide for second helpings or late show ups. Will there be enough personnel to accommodate and refill the buffets if necessary.  Will the hotel prevent cues when 400 people start ordering drinks at the bar at the same time. Will there be a discount for the participants.
The majority of hotels see their profit mainly in bar consumptions. Alcoholic beverages are expensive in the EU. You tell them that VRCC Riders are of a very thirsty mankind species so the hotel has to consider quantity when calculating profit.  Hopefully, you will get their regular price of a consumption down.   Or have the hotel serve alcoholic beverages for free during dinnertime.  Or provide the room fridge for free.  Anything. This, to prevent some people from not coming if they consider the price of consumptions outrageous.  
At one time, I had a beer company sponsoring free beers for everyone during the whole evening.  I had to cancel this offer because the hotel would not permit any other drinks except from the hotel bar. Bummer.
If you are convinced the hotel will offer a fair and realistic price, you can start calculating the participant’s attendance fee. Here you have two choices. Either keep the price down and have the attendants pay just for the hotel arrangement and rely on sponsoring and club sales or come up with an all-in, more expensive price that covers things like a live band, free T-shirt, tokens of remembrance, free entrance fee for a sightseeing trip and lunch for a common ride out, patches, raffles, night guards, etc.
Next, you have to start negotiating about memorabilia like printed T-shirts, pins and patches. There is a whole array of possibilities on the market, all varying in quality and price. A problem with small quantity orders is always the fabrication of a mould for imprinting. That usually is costly. The individual printing thereafter is cheap.
Finally, you want to consider to incorporate extra’s pending on your budget and possibilities, like on site vendors, organize biker games, fireworks, tuning stand, display, shows, etc.  
 
Prepare for ride outs
Riders in the US and elsewhere are blessed with vast areas in remote locations. Not so in Western Europe.
Obviously, you want to select nice country roads for riding.

If you ride in a group, this is considered a rally in many EU countries and police escort is mandatory.
Now, since it is weekend these police officers work overtime for your tour and you have to pay a bundle for their services. The practical solution to this problem has been to tell the Riders that they are legally riding individually. So, the whole group of sometimes over 200 bikes is riding their own trip. They just happened to be in other motorcycle traffic. Next, the local authorities, police and medical services have to be informed about your meeting and rides. This makes sense if a calamity occurs.
In some countries, each individual town authority (town hall) has to be officially informed if you trespass their area of responsibility.  So you need to get their permission first. You can imagine if you want to ride a 250-mile tour how many towns, villages and counties you will be crossing. So, you have to be creative again to tackle this issue.
Since the majority of participants come at your party to ride most of all, you have to select, inspect and publish safe and nice routes in the local area.
A small and curved road can be really nice riding alone but affects safety if you ride with a stretched column of many bikes. Wider roads are normally designed for transient traffic and incorporate too many stops and subsequent break down of your group, causing people to lose sight and getting separated from the lead package.  Stops in between have to facilitate the planned number of bikes. And you better incorporate a sanitary facility for ladies.

In the past, we used marshallers in the EU to block junctions and a tail chaser to keep the bike group in one piece to provide for continuity of the ride. Sometimes followed by a salvage vehicle to pick up stranded or broken bikes, if necessary.  In many EU countries, blocking junctions by bikers is legally not allowed. Only the police can do this. So, if a car decides to pass the blockade, he/she has the perfect right to do so.
In the past, after blocking other traffic the marshallers would overtake the group and join up in front to do their trick again. This has caused problems.  Marshallers overtaking the group have been involved in serious accidents. So you better have sufficient numbers to account for single use at junctions or have the group stop and allow for the marshallers to catch up in front again.
 
Group Riding
Leading a large group of Riders can be quite a challenge and responsibility. First of all, your link is as weak as the most inexperienced- or irresponsible Rider.
It is only natural that the group starts behaving like a harmonica. The leader may ride at a constant speed, there are always Riders who prefer to have a gap in between. This makes sense if you have an inexperienced Rider in front of you who hits the brakes in front of- or during every curve in the road.  If you let the gap become too wide however and start accelerating to catch up on straight parts you should realize that 50 riders down the road, other Riders will have to ride top speed to overcome this, seemingly small alteration.
One time during a EU Inzane, I experienced a few Riders who were drinking whiskey during breakfast. The Inzane leader, Lasse, patiently explained to them that he couldn’t care less what they were having for breakfast but he could not possibly allow them to participate in that day’s group ride for obvious reasons.
To his surprise, the same Riders were riding along anyway and having more whiskey during lunchtime. Needless to say, this caused some havoc to the point the Riders had to be threatened with calling the police before they could be persuaded to leave the group.
You better inspect the routes just prior to the meeting for roadblocks, WIP, etc. I saw a beautiful customized Valkyrie end up as a wreck in the ditch one time at Inzane because the rider decided to overtake someone else on a curved road in the mountains. At about halfway the curve which he couldn’t oversee, the opposite side of the road was broken up by Work in Progress.

Finally, I have seen several serious accidents happen because Riders were not keeping their lane while being overtaken (not always intentionally, they may avoid ditches, potholes, etc.).
 
As Britman put it once in 2016, LOL (abbreviated)
Part of the problem is some riders do not want to learn the rules of group riding.
The most important rule is it’s not a race. Something that many seem unable to comprehend.
Then there's the wait for the rider behind you at a turn if you can't see them behind you rule.
Some are simply unable to get this into their heads.  
Then there's the rider who waits until the last moment before getting ready to ride. Everyone else around them is gloved and helmeted and they are still flapping their mouths and making the rest of the group sit and wait.  
Then there's the rider who thinks that his bike is in some way magical and doesn't need to get fuel when others on the same model bike are filling up and then needs to stop 30 miles down the road.
Then there's the rider who doesn't ever use hand signals to help advise riders behind who may not be able to see the rider ahead brake light or turn signals. If someone ahead of you is using hand signals maybe the riders behind you would like to be advised of the same information.  
Then there's the rider who doesn't ride staggered. Especially the ones who move from side to side in the lane as they are rolling down the road.
Then there's the rider who has to be constantly busy with their GPS, their music etc. whilst slowing, speeding, weaving down the road.  
Then there's the rider who whines about "when's lunch" or doesn't like the lunch stop.  
Then there's the rider who stops in the middle of the lane at a traffic light or stop sign blocking the lead rider from being able to see the tail end of the group in his mirrors.

Sponsors
I was explaining earlier that the organization has a lot of expenses before even a single participant registers, let alone starts paying. Since the VRCC does not charge any money from its members, sponsors are the means to overcome this problem.  
As Misfit puts it somewhere on the board, it’s getting extremely hard to get quality raffle prizes donated. Partly because the novelty of the Valkyrie is gone and also because the target group by now is getting too small for any company to be profitable.  Where in the early days truckloads of accessories were selling like crazy during a meeting of a few hundred Valkyrie Riders, sponsors now hardly get their travel expenses back. This is equally true in Europe where sponsoring all along is a different ballgame than in the US.  It’s strictly business and many companies want to have their investment back right away.
Timing is essential. Your request must be on the table when the company decides over its sponsor events. My experience is that chances of getting sponsoring are always better if you start straight at the top.
Write a personal letter to the CEO or member of Board of Directors.
Read their annual investors meeting reports and pick a few sentences that apply to the VRCC to make him aware that you are involved.
Don’t ask for money straight away but invite him to a formal charity dinner.  Make him believe that you know him. Tell him that you also invited other CEO’s, celebrities and public figures.  
The majority of sponsor requests/invitations will end up in the dustbin and you will get no answer.  Sometimes these letters will be passed on to the lower ranks with a question mark.  So, a few months later you start inquiring about your invitation.  People don’t know who you are but they now feel they have an obligation. They will get back to you this time asking for more information.  Ask for a personal meeting to elaborate on your meeting and proposal.  Put on your suit. Think BIG, the way these guys do. Don’t ask for pennies and dimes. You want a brand new, latest model motorcycle or a considerable amount of money to give away for charity. You want your meeting to make impact and impress. There will be lots of publicity. Their gift will be noticed by influential people from over 20 countries!
Of course, you will not get what you asked for but by now you have an insight in the companies’ possibilities. Now comes the time to talk alternatives and what you are really out for.  This approach sometimes worked for me.
Many sponsors in the EU have no problem in sponsoring a EU VRCC Inzane, provided that they will get their invested money back quickly.  Well, it takes no mathematics to figure out that a target group of 300-400 people is too small to be very attractive for any sponsor. So much for your Inzane cash flow and balance. Sponsoring has also to do with publicity. If you can arrange to be in a newspaper or on local or even national TV, sponsors will be more willing to support you.  And your meeting needs to support a charity organization, of course. So, you need to do some campaigning.  I have always been grateful for the statement of the US VRCC board message that stated that the club had over 20.000 members and 6 million monthly hits.  After all, that number is much more impressive than 400 EU Inzane participants.  Nowadays, a smart manager will check the number of website visits straight away, however.
How can you get more publicity. Invite a public figure.  A movie star, TV celebrity or national country Miss which is my favourite option.  Especially if she has been a Miss World contestant. Or any other public figure for that matter. You have to persuade her to come over for your charity funding and enjoy a day’s free ride on the world’s best motorcycle ever. If she accepts, your meeting will be in the news but this also imposes a risk. When she comes completely dressed up with the entire circus around her, you lose control over your own meeting quickly.  You can still consider this if you attract many sponsors and substantially upgrade the Inzane meeting.  So, it is usually more practical to ask the sponsor for a discount or raffle item.

Here is an example of a letter, I sent to a potential sponsor.


VRCC Benelux VzW                                                                                                     Gemert,  23 November 2015
De Wouw 45
5422 DC Gemert                                                                                                         Subj: Promotion request
The Netherlands                                                          
Tel:    +31 492773661
Mob: +31 657975901                                                                                                  To:  Azzam Al   Mutawa
Beer.vanhuet@gmail.com                                                                                                    Managing Director
                                                                                                                                        Kuwait Petroleum                                                                                                                            
Dear Mr. Al Mutawa,

It is my pleasure to invite you to our formal dinner at the hotel Ol Fosse d’Outh in Houffalize on the 4th of June 2016.
After 12 years, the Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club Benelux has been able to bring the International European Inzane meeting back to Belgium again on 2-5 June 2016.  This meeting has been a great success in the past, rendering it the biggest EU Honda Valkyrie event with widespread participation from over 18 countries.
I expect over 400 of these exclusive motorcycles to attend, that are also owned by Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes.  Next year, it will be the second lustrum of these meetings which also coincides with our motorcycle’s 20th birthday anniversary.
All the more reason for an extra celebration. On Saturday June 4th for instance, we will commemorate the fallen allied WW2 soldiers at the War Museum in Bastogne in the Ardennes.
During the meeting, a lottery will be held to benefit the Medical Helicopter Rescue Center in nearby Bras sur Lienne. In this sparsely populated area, timely recovery of sick and injured people is otherwise not possible. All revenues and income of the meeting and lottery will be donated to this charity foundation.
A Valkyrie will serve as a grand prize for this lottery. We have made contact with Miss Universe Belgium 2015, Annelies Törös as guest of honor to hand over this prize to the lucky winner.  
Unfortunately, the organization lacks € 2500, - to obtain this grand prize. We would very much appreciate your involvement in this event therefore, by donating this amount as a generous contribution.  
In return we will promote Kuwait Petroleum every way we can and provide maximum exposure of your company prior to the meeting, during the lottery and afterwards on all our 18 EU websites and Facebook.  Your company will be added to the sponsor list on our meeting website and permanently on our regular website. We will submit a full report afterwards, including your name and gift to all VRCC Chapters worldwide with over 20.000 members.  In addition, we will send you photos and a video of our meeting without delay, together with a token of our appreciation.
If you wish, I am more than happy to come over and discuss this promotion proposal in person.
I do hope therefore, that you will reply to my request in a positive way and that I may hear from you soon.

Yours Truly,


Each time I tried to convince over 80 companies to sponsor the VRCC Meeting, ranging from Esso and Shell to provide discount fuel coupons for the Riders during their travel to small local companies with a chrome piece or tool. Out of those 80, only 4 or 5 react. Below an example of an early day letter to Honda Japan that came back to me through the entire Honda EU chain of command, LOL.



ValkyrieRidersClub Benelux                                                              Gemert,  17 May 2002
Vondellaan 103
5421PT Gemert  NL                                                                         Subj: Notification
Tel/fax: 0492-390090
Email: beerhuet@chello.nl                                                                To: Mr. Hiroyuki Yoshino    
                                                                                                           President and CEO of Honda                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                        
Dear Sir,

As Chairman of the Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club Benelux (VRCC) I would like to notify you of a disturbing matter within your Marketing/Public Affairs Department.
My Club is hosting an international meeting of Honda Valkyrie/F6C motorcycle owners by the end of May and has requested Honda Europe to participate in this event either financially or with promotion articles.
The main objective of the meeting is to raise funds for the ‘Make-a-Wish’ foundation. This foundation makes dreams come true of terminally ill children between 3-18 years of age.
So far, we have had positive responses from quite a number of F6C riders from Italy, Austria, Greece, Germany, Norway, the United Kingdom and the Federation of Russia. Several local- and Japanese companies are sponsoring our event. We are getting promotion articles from our friends in the USA and the meeting will be promoted by various local Honda dealers, online and in the local newspapers and tourist information office bulletins. Furthermore, Miss Netherlands will pay the meeting a visit as guest of honour and television teams will be on location. We have gone through great lengths to promote the Honda F6C ‘Cruiser of the Decade’ in Europe and beyond.
As stated before, early November last year I have sent Honda Netherlands a letter, requesting their support for this event. After several phone calls, I received an answer that the company did not like to be associated with the model name ‘Valkyrie’; hence no support could be provided. Besides the affiliate lacked money and I was told to get in touch with Honda Belgium who was taking care of business on behalf of the Netherlands section. Honda Belgium was very positive but said the company had to wait for a new budget, so they would get back to me. Late March 2002 I received a mail from Honda Belgium to no avail and that they were handing over the matter to Honda Netherlands.
So far, the ‘Power of a Dream’ has turned out to be an empty balloon as far as your PR department in the Benelux is concerned. We are proud of riding your company’s product and have invested a lot in our meeting.  I hate to announce at our www.f6rider.com site with over 15000 members and 6 million hits every month that Honda Netherlands is ashamed of the name Valkyrie and thus not willing to promote the model. The least Honda Europe can do is to give us a decisive answer whether or not it will be supporting our meeting. I am turning to you as a last resort to kindly ask for your intervenience in this matter.  

Yours truly,

Talking about timing, 17 years later the same Honda Europe contributed a considerable amount in buying a Valkyrie as Grand Prize for EU Inzane X as well as providing 3 brand new GW Valkyries for free test rides during the meeting. Unfortunately, the test rides had to be cancelled because an earthquake hit the Honda plant in Japan just prior to the meeting and there were no more models available in Europe.

Some companies in particular have always been very generous and loyal in supporting EU VRCC Meetings like Valkyrieparts in Germany and Bikers Best in the Netherlands. Here are some international responses from the early days. The VRCC owes these companies a lot.

My company is happy to sponsor your meeting by donating one Valkyrie Cruise Control under the guidelines outlined in your letter of March 18 2003. In particular, we would like to send flyers to be distributed to all attendees. We have only one problem - we no longer have computers available for the existing cruise control kit and have yet to get a Valkyrie bike back to do the development work.  Nonetheless, we have many orders and are confident we can find a bike to upgrade the kit to the new computer over the next month or so.  If your organisation is happy to proceed on the basis that a kit will be supplied in due course when development is complete - not later than July 2003 - then we are happy to be involved. The donation would have a value of around $900 Aussie dollars and include freight to the winner.  It would NOT include installation costs however.

Best regards and good luck with the meeting,
Thanks for the update.  We certainly appreciate the exposure.  We believe we have the best product in the world - but riders are still hard to convince when it comes to the benefits of cruise control.  Once they use it and get used to it they can't live without it - but getting that first sale can be tough.  The new computer development has now been finalized and looms will be outsourced this week.  We should have a product available for the Valkyrie by around mid-June.
Best regards,

Tony Guymer
MotorCycle Setup Pty. Ltd.
http://www.mccruise.com

Yes, we did receive your letter and can gladly send some Blinker Buddies for your cause and event. We don't really have any promotional materials to send because we haven't done any shows or events yet. Let me know the delivery date and I'll send some out as soon as I can.

Regards,
Jerry Danowski
sales@blinkerbuddy.com

Thank you for your prompt reply.  We are very interested in participating. We have a European representative that we will contact to assist in making the arrangements with you. We will be in contact soon.

Haig Balian
MH Instruments, Inc.
http://www.mhinstruments.com

We will definitely participate and very happy to do so. I will work on sending product to you by the middle of April.

Mark
CAT Store
staff@catspecialties.com

We received your letter requesting promotional items for the event on May 22-25, and are only delighted to participate by donating two of our top line gauges -a clock and a thermometer, chrome stainless steel. We'll ship them as soon as you provide the USA address you mentioned in your letter. Thank you for contacting us and for your interest in our products.
All the best!

Lori Aldighieri
www.formotionproducts.com

Happy to hear the package arrived okay. We hope that your members get some good use of the gift certificates. I have included a copy of our logo for you to use on your website and we thank you for doing so.  

Best Regards,

Al Harrison
The Heritage Saddlebag Co. Ltd.
www.heritagesaddlebag.com

Thank you for your email message and invitation to be involved. Yes, Tel-Tru is happy to donate 1 unit of the Tel-Tru Valkyrie oil dipstick gauge kit for your event's lottery. I am arranging it to ship by April
16, 2003, to the address in California that you provided. I hope it is a successful event for you.
Best regards,

Yvonne O'Brien
Tel-Tru Manufacturing Company
http://www.teltru.com

Thank you for your informing us of your exciting upcoming event. We have our distributor American Lifestyle who is servicing the Benelux market. I have forwarded this to Rudi and Peter to follow up with you. Please feel free to contact with any other information in the future.
Best Regards,

Paul
http://www.corbin.com/
 
I sent our promotion out today via USPS priority mail.  It should arrive there on Monday 4/23/03. It is a small package as the Company is small and hardly qualifies as a "grand prize" but I hope the winner will enjoy it. I believe it will be the first one in Europe. Hope the meet is fun for all.
Best regards,

Bill Arbuckle
http://www.madcorider.com/

I would be happy to donate a prize for a worthy cause like yours. The problem is I make covers for all 3 models, Standard, Tourer and I/S. The covers are not interchangeable and they also come in 20 colours. What I might suggest is if you can take some of the Photos off my web page (www.winterwoolie.com) and print them up then you can offer the prize based upon the photos. This way if the winner has a Standard or Tourer then I will send them a cover in the colour of their choice for both the Driver and Passenger seats. If the winner has an I/S then they would win a single full cover for both seats.
For a sample I could send you a Back rest for the sissy bar passenger rest and this way you could display it and people could feel the quality. Then you could raffle off the Back rest too.
The winner could contact me and let me know what they want and in what colour, then I could send it direct to that person from New Zealand. Would this be OK.

Botman... Nick VRCC#11099
www.winterwoolie.com

Sorry for the delay in responding to your previous letter.  I have been having some health problems, which has slowed some things down in the Office. We will send a set of the AIR WINGS with UPPERS for the Valkyrie cycle to the address listed on the bottom of your first letter.  Shipment should be on Friday, April 11, 2003, for it should arrive at the CA address on April 18 or April 21, 2003.  If this is not acceptable, please advice promptly. We will also enclose some product flyers for you to give to the attendants or put on display.
Hope it all goes well for you.

 Sincerely,

Barbara Baker,
www.bakerbuilt.com

This year, we send you our new Vest B model 2XL size as a grand prize for the lottery which please find in our website www.hit-air.com  line up. We may also send you some Hi Air sports caps and flyers. We wish you success in the forthcoming meeting.
Best regards,

Kenji Takeuchi
President Mugen Denko Co., Ltd.,
www.hit-air.com
 
I'm changing my name. I received your letter and would be happy to donate one of my accessories for a good cause. I'm a very small business but I will donate something small but very nice. Let me know where to send it and thank you for the invite. I wish I could be there.

James Harmon
www.sophiesmotorcycleworks.com

Thank you for your interest in Waynes World and for the opportunity to give to a wonderful cause such as the CliniClowns Foundation.  
I just received your letter and would gladly like to donate some motor cycle accessories

Thanks

Wayne Kinsman
http://www.waynesworldcycle.com


Execution
A few weeks before Inzane everything has to come together.  
A script is handed out with all action items and cell phone numbers to all helpers so they know what-, where and when events are taking place as well as their duties and cases of emergency. Final tuning and adjustments are made.
A day in advance the crew dresses up the hotel with banners and information, sorts out the welcome packages, instructs the reception ladies and hotel manager and checks out the hotel. A final check of the trips is made to see if there have been any changes, detours or alterations to the routes.
Since most participants from different countries are not able to communicate with each other, all the speeches are prescript to be able to translate them in different languages in advance…..it’s truly amazing to see Riders from all over Europe having the same fun and sprit even though they speak different languages.
No matter how well the meeting went, if a collision, accident or theft has taken place, that will always be remembered.  So the parking place is physically guarded and blocked at night to prevent theft.  Better safe than sorry. The rest is up to the participants. PARTY TIME.

Wrap up
After the meeting and clean up, the organization does a debriefing, sends tokens of appreciation and feedback to the sponsors and completes the financial issues. Finally, after a year or so, the IRS hopefully will approve your bookkeeping and you can have a dinner with your crew and rest at ease, LOL.

[Beer van Huet]

First EU Inzane 2007 – Karpacz, Poland




Wolf
Beata, Luzik and Tomo organized this great motorcycle event in Europe.  It was an honor to be part of this first EU Inzane.  THANK YOU!!!
We finally got to this day, Thursday, when the Valkriders arrived from all corners of Europe in the pouring rain. They all came to Karpacz in Poland!!!
Over 240 Valkyrie and everyone eager for the meeting. Some rode more than 2,000 kilometers for this rally, and one individual even 3,500 km!
Everyone was very impressed with the professionalism of the Inzane preparation.
You could hear whispers in many languages: "I have never been to such a motorcycle meeting yet."
Wonderful, wonderful, great .......... etc.
There was a magician, an underwear show, dance lessons, the performance of the best Polish mime, and parade through the streets of Karpacz in costumes from the Grand Theater in Warsaw.
Words cannot describe the atmosphere of this rally and the amount of work put in by Beata, Luzik and Tomo who will be remembered forever.

Editor’s Note
Our Polish Bros have gone through great lengths to make this first EU Inzane an unforgettable experience.
324 members participated from Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Austria, Poland, Russia, Switzerland, Sweden and the US.
Karpacz is a very nice place in the vicinity of Książ Castle, the largest castle in Eastern Europe.
It lies within Książ Landscape Park, a protected area which is part of the Waldenburg Mountains. The castle overlooks the gorge of the Pełcznica river and is one of the Wałbrzych's main tourist attractions.

During reception day, dinner was possible until 01:00.  Friday night at the hotel a comedian, Karaoke, folkloristic and country dance with nice looking ladies, dance, live music and DJ.
Dinner tables were available until closing time and not unimportant, 1 pint of best the Polish Lager for only € 1,25.  

Saturday a joint ride to Czocha Castle with short breaks and lunch. Then on to participate in the event of the city Karpacz - rock concert in support of action for a children's home.
We had special transport passage to the party center where there is live music, DJ, an international tug-of-war competition, bank robbery, individual competitions (the strongest right and left hand), bull riding, country dance, coinage and several other festivities.

And as on Friday: half a liter of the best Polish beer only for 1.25 € and tables full of food until the end of the party from 22:00 possibility to return to the hotel.

Luzik  
The Karpacz Inzane in Poland was the first and greatest Valkyrie show organized in Europe. Only preceded by the Inzanes in the US.
The challenge was great, especially because the Polish Chapter and the organizers (Beata, Luzik (Mirek) and Tomo had no experience in organizing such a big rally.
The organization started almost immediately after Gifhorn and lasted for the whole year.
We chose Karpacz for it’s good, central location, easily accessible from all European countries and the available accommodation and a positive attitude of the local authorities were great.
Karpacz met all our expectations.  Ground Zero of the rally was Hotel Skalny, and two other hotels close by.

Time was running out ... And the first day of the rally arrived

Thursday - The weather was terrible. It was raining cats and dogs from the early morning throughout the day. And not just drizzle but very heavy showers.
The first participants began to arrive at 13.00. As you can see, raingear was obligatory equipment. After registration, everyone immediately went to the rooms to change their clothes and gather as soon as possible at the bar to get warm.  
Since we had not planned anything for this evening, everyone got to the hotel in their own time and the registration lasted until late at night.


                             Arrival of the Finland Riders


                             ………Werner doesn’t care to get wet

Friday
After breakfast, we went for a first group ride to the Czocha Castle:



Almost everyone went riding on the first trip. Luckily, the weather was good.
The castle made a big impression. Very old and atmospheric……
The row of motorcycles was several kilometers long, you could not see the end from the start.....




Saturday
The trip to one of the most beautiful castles in Lower Silesia.
It was the main trip of the rally and we invited the police to protect the column of VRCC power cruisers:








Before leaving the castle, Kamil came up with the idea to take a photo from the highest castle tower.
The participants of the trip put together an inscription, 1 INZANE on the lawn in front of the main entrance.

Friday, Saturday - Attractions and fun until the morning. Two bands played during the event:


The "Blues Brothers" band was sensational

And that was not all…………………..Surprises at Friday’s  and Saturday’s Party

A display of women's underwear
Words fall short…You had to see it! A true winner and great success.
The male part of the rally didn’t want to end the show….. Some of them even took the part in it




Werner was irreplaceable


In the lobby we organized a rivalry contest:
Johnny Walker vs Jack Daniel’s  ...... and guess who won?

                                             

 





Yep,   was the winner.  Some people could not take their eyes off these red labeled walkers


                                                       COHIBA rules!

Smoking cigars is not the healthiest thing, but as you can see from the pictures below, many Riders enjoyed a first class cigar and it sure was a great success ...



You don’t leave a COHIBA go to waste Some cigars even made it to the dancefloor…


We also had a performance of young "magicians" - Bartek and Szczygieł  gave a nice show and up ‘till this day many Riders still don’t know how all that "magic" worked ....


                                                                                                                                   Ooooo !!!! How are they doing that?

The fun lasted for 2 days and everyone regretted that it was time to go home








                                                                                                                               Einstein – as you can see he is in a good mood…


                              The Spanish temperament was irreplaceable . . .              As usual - the Dutch showed good humor and their wooden shoes ....


We also had guests from Ukraine - their shining vests in the dark made quite an impression…








            And this is how the Finnish-Austrian friendship is flourishing.





In the evening,  a well-known Polish mime actor went on stage.
He did not need words to make everyone laugh...





On Saturday evening we had a great performance of a "Country/Line Dance" band and later, volunteers had the opportunity to copy the steps and join in ....



Official part: Photo of Inzane organizers and Presidents of EU Chapters....


           Organizers: Beata, Luzik (Mirek), Tomo


                                                                                    Presidents of clubs - official photo and farewell toast.

On Saturday, we had a "parade" on the main street of Karpacz: below the preparation for the parade and the parade itself. Theme for the occasion was ‘disguise’ and some Riders took this very seriously







Video INZANE Karpacz Parade

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LU6GLEyoM0 and https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3atyw and https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2ewb6

Video by Valky12

http://dai.ly/x3atyw  

Mechanics at Inzane 2007
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3v0gk

Video by Michael Boeckmann
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2ga5n?collectionXid=x3xltw






News Article (translated from Polish)

1st European InZane 2007 – VALKYRIE motorcycle rally.  Karpacz will host more than 320 participants of the first European Motorbike Festival of the Honda Valkyrie. The rally starts on Thursday, June 21st, and will run until midnight.  
The Rally begins on Thursday 21 June and will last until Sunday 24 June. The Orbis Skalny hotel in Karpacz will be occupied by the participants of the meeting from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Czech Republic, England, Finland, Portugal, Belgium, Ireland and of course Poland. These days the participants will visit the most interesting places in Karpacz and surroundings. Książ Castle and Czocha Castle.  Organizers of the Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club Poland Chapter and the Mayor of Karpacz prepared a ‘6 cylinders’ festival on Saturday with participants of the rally and also for spectators and motorbike enthusiasts.  The event will be held on the Relaxation Slope from 8 pm. The program will consist of rock bands, presentation of Honda Valkyrie motorcycles, games and contests and the possibility to purchase motorcycle gadgets. During the event there will be a party with star of the evening Stan Borys.  Also, on this day at 16:30 a great Honda Valkyrie Motorcycle Parade will cross the main streets of the city from White Jaru to the Relaxation Slope.

Patrick Maillé
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xnjib1


                                                                       Steve B’s supercharged custom Valk













Video   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Za8E4GfIb40

Kurt from Switzerland
The VRCC Chapter Poland has organized a successful event all along the line! The Poles have managed, from the first moment to create an atmosphere in which one felt comfortable. In addition to trips, a cozy get-together, food from the rich buffet, there was also enough time to marvel at the small town of Karpacz or the numerous Valks from various European countries, exchange one or the other shop talk, philosophize about the experiences or worries of a Valk driver, or easy to relax. A special highlight was the parade on Saturday through the town, where the roadsides were lined with enthusiastic spectators who waved enthusiastically to the Valk drivers and applauded. The weather did not fully convince, but the few raindrops that clouded the mood a bit during the day disappeared again and made the sun shine from time to time.













 
 

[Beer van Huet]

EU Inzane 2008 – Braunschweig, Germany
Website http://inzane2008.valkyrieriders.eu/



Dag Verpeide (Norway) Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0TaS-YJkXg


Editor’s Note
I took the liberty of translating the late Werner’s experiences and impressions about Inzane Braunschweig because I figured it would be interesting from a background POV.  Werner was a very active and social Rider, with 10W40 in his veins, so to say, and with previous experience in organizing various VRCC Meetings in Germany.  It is quite complete, almost like a diary.

Werner
Let me begin early on.
When we sat together with the representatives of all present countries at the 1st European InZane in Karpacz, nobody volunteered for the 2nd one in 2008. In the end the Poles agreed to do it once again.
Approximately 3 weeks after the meeting in Poland, Gerald called me and told me that he wanted to organize a Northern Germany meeting in 2008.
When I called Andy a few weeks later, I accidentally mentioned what Gerald had in mind.
Andy in the meantime, had talked to a few Chapter Leaders in Europe and they all were a bit unhappy that Inzane would take place at the same place again. Andy asked me if I could imagine myself organizing Inzane 2008 together with Ede and Gerald.
I told him I would have to think about it and first wanted to talk to Ede and Gerald.
When I hung up, I first informed Gudrun (my wife) of Andy's idea.
Her enthusiasm was not huge to say the least.  This had also to do with her illness.
But then I convinced her (or better persuade her) that evening.
So the next day I called Ede.
The conversation went something like this.
Werner: Hi.
Ede: Hello.
Werner: Have phoned Andy, he says we should put Inzane 2008 on track.
Ede: We ?
Werner: Yo, together with Gerald.  You know, Gerald wants to host a Northern Germany meeting in 2008 and Andy said well, then we can arrange an InZane with him as well
Ede after about 10 seconds: Yo, I’m in.
So then we just had to convince Gerald.
So we called him and informed of Andy's proposal.
He spontaneously went along with the idea but wanted to sleep it over.
The next day Gerald agreed and I called Andy to tell him we’re on.
Andy then contacted the other European Chapter Leaders to get approval for InZane 2008 in Germany.
Everyone was in favor, and the Poles immediately agreed.
So we could (in the meantime it was in the middle of August) start the planning which at first took place secretly.
Since Gerald had already figured out where to host his meeting in 2008, we first looked at his location in the Tulip Inn and decided we would take this hotel.
Now an appointment could be made to see if the hotel was interested in our event.
Gerald made contact with Mr. Klug (manager of the hotel) and we discussed the possibilities with him.
The conversation was very positive so we claimed this location.
The date 22.05.-25.05.2008 looked right as well since there this coincided with a holiday in some Bundesländern.  
Now we could start the detailed planning and Ede began to create the InZane page.
Naturally, the next question was which logo to use and Ede started working on it.
After some designs, which somehow did not satisfy Ede and me, Andy came into play once again.
During a phone call between Ede, Andy and me talking about the logo, Andy came up with the idea of talking to oZ from the United States. After all, he is a graphic designer and often makes the logo for the USA Inzane.
Andy then called oZ and he agreed.  He asked for a particular design or specification and we told him we would like to have the Braunschweig Lion from the city coat of arms in the logo.
After probably 3 or 4 drafts that took some time, the final logo was produced.
You can certainly remember a draft that we had posted first with the announcement in the forum.
There were concerns from different directions of the country, but like I said, it was not the final draft yet. When it finally arrived, we were really satisfied and received approval from everyone.
Quote from a statement from the USA about our logo:
"Hey oZ, you designed such a great logo for Europe, it's better than the logos of the last Inzane meeting." Have you ever looked at the USA Inzane logo for this year?
Somehow similar to ours, at least as far as the colors are concerned.
At the beginning of September Ede had finished the Inzane Page and we decided to release the registration at 07.09.2007 which was done at 15.33.
On 11. 09. the first 100 participants were registered.
We received a tip to try and convince the Mayor. Gerd Hoffmann to accept the patronage of the meeting. That would open many doors, which proved to be true afterwards.
We have achieved this by promising a donation for handicapped children in Braunschweig.
Gerald had already started planning the rides and used Udo for this purpose. Udo then moved into our team and supported us in many ways.
He also contacted everyone in and around Braunschweig who had anything to do with the meeting like newspapers, radio, television, police, the ministry in Hannover, etc.
Oh yes, I forgot to mention that from 26.08.2008 an action list was made up by Gerald. It stated who was responsible for what and if an item was finished. You can imagine there were many action items by now.
On Sunday, October 7, 2007, we had a press conference with a representative of the Braunschweiger newspaper. I had suggested to Mr. Klug the hotel manager to do it over there on a Sunday, so we could test the breakfast buffet at the same time.
On 10.09. our first preliminary report appeared in the newspaper.  Ede published it on our website.  The same day, I got a call from Mr. Lehna from the Wolters Brewery asking me if they could get on board as an old Braunschweiger based brewery.
After about half an hour of conversation, I had a commitment by him to donate an amount of money and additional support.
Again, my thanks to the Hofbräuhaus Wolters who also printed the key fobs and contributed in the cost of the banners. Finally, they have supported us with their good "connections" elsewhere.
At the beginning of October, I called Ritschi to ask him if he would make his 2nd Valk available for the meeting if someone from the US would sign up.
Without thinking he immediately said yes, stating he could not drive with 2 bikes at the same time anyway.

Meanwhile, it was mid-October and we got the 200th participant sign-up, but we were still touching base with oZ to get the final logo. It arrived on October 20th.
Gerald then got the idea of the (Inzane Chairman) hammer and I said no problem, but for funding you need to find a few sponsors from your own area. A few days later he sent me an email with some names and the sums they wanted to donate.
Thus, Gerald was able to pursue his idea with the hammer.

In the meantime, Ede's InZane Page got bigger and bigger. The registration list was getting longer and had to be meticulously monitored.
A good thing I had nothing to do with that because Ede and Gunda had everything well under control.
We could get some sponsors who had to be put on the website.
In November it was relatively quiet except for registrations.
Although we were always in contact, Ede took care of the registrations.
A real important thing happened in November. On 21.11. we got a provisional OK from the Sachsen State Authority for road construction and traffic that our rides would probably be approved.
Another step that was very important for the meeting.
In December, the City Marketing Office in Braunschweig demanded a plan where we wanted to set up the two tents and the motorcycles on the Castle square. They required this information because we would have to be issued a construction permit .............
Since Gerald had already roughly thought up the plan, he made a drawing in a little more detail and submitted it. Shortly thereafter, Gerald came up with the idea of a professional photographer who would take pictures at Inzane.
Ede and I thought it was a great idea and we agreed. Under the condition that we as organizers would have nothing to do with the details.
On December 4th, Gerald and Udo met the police chiefs from Braunschweig, Wolfenbüttel and Salzgitter as well as the head of the police-Kradstaffel to present our planned rides.
In the meantime, Ede had taken care of the T-shirts, patches and pins and on 11.12. a test print was done.
We had a written commitment from the State television (NDR) to report our event unless more important issues would prevail.  This indeed happened in the week of the meeting when they found a dismembered corpse in Braunschweig so we did not make television.
Christmas arrived at the door and it was a bit quieter except for a few phone calls and mails.
On 04.01. we received a message that Mr. Kolan (head of the Kradstaffel Braunschweig) that he was POC for police matters and everything needed to be coordinated directly with him.
On 17.01. we had a meeting at the Wolters brewery with Ede, Gerald and I as well as Mr. Lehna and Mr. Bittner from Wolters, Mr. Gehre from the Tourist Office and Mr. Klug and the Mr. Hatzifiou and Lüdeking from the hotel.  
In this meeting it turned out that the 3 gentlemen of the hotel were uneasy and we went home with a slightly queasy feeling.
That proved to be right because the hotel manager Mr. Klug, with whom we had discussed everything in detail told us that he would probably leave the hotel.
We were flabbergasted because if that would happen before the Inzane we would have to renegotiate everything again with somebody else.
 
But we told ourselves to wait and see how this situation would develop, we had no other choice anyway. During the conversation in Wolters we also expressed that we wanted to put the Mayor in a sidecar and have him ride a small distance with us.
It turned out that Mr. Bittner von Wolters knew the Managing Director of Schubert Helmets and gave us his phone no.  That evening I asked Gerald to get in touch with this man for sponsoring.
It worked out fine.
Shortly after the conversation we received a message from Mr. Klug that we could not get the promised 177 rooms but only 160.  In a telephone conversation with him, he said he was very sorry, but could not do anything because it was the Hotel top management’s decision. But he also had a good message. He tried to book the Jägeretten for our event and received the confirmation from Jägermeister. They wanted to send 2 teams on Friday.
The remainder of January and beginning of February we had a quiet time until 11.02. when we received a message that Mr. Klug did not work any longer at the hotel as of the next day.
That was quite a blow of course. What about all our detailed planning we had verbally gone through with Mr. Klug? We had to make an appointment with Mr. Lüdeking and Mr. Hatzfotiou to do it all over again.
This conversation took place in March in the hotel. That evening we went well prepared and optimistic on our way to the hotel. Actually, I thought they must want something from us, our money in particular.
To report about our conversation in detail would take too long. We soon became very disappointed. Many of the agreed issues by Mr. Klug were rejected e.g. price fixing for drinks, Jägeretten, etc. I objected and told that we had mails from Mr. Klug confirming everything.  
The response was: we are not interested, it’s not possible, Mr. Klug had exceeded his competence, etc.
These guys were in a good position. They were aware by our InZane Page that we already had nearly 350 registrations. So, one week before the meeting I received the contract. I noticed the conditions and called Mr. Lüdeking and summarized in a 1-hour conversation several points that we would not sign for. He promised me to change some things and send me the revised contract again on the next day. Same deal, lengthy telephone conversation with Mr. Lüdeking because not everything was changed. 2 days later again a new contract. Unfortunately, not compliant with our discussion, so picked up the phone again. Then I talked to him. This time in plain language and all at once, he sent me a contract that was acceptable.
Except for the silly, stupid beverage coupons he insisted on and some other things (including cancellation of Jägeretten). So, Ede and I signed.
On 28.02. The next newspaper, the Peiner Nachrichten announced the meeting and Ede put it online. A day later, the same article appeared in the Salzgitter Nachrichten.
On 07.03. Gerald took a ski holiday with his family for a week.
What a rest. One week no mail or call from Gerald.
Sorry Gerald, I could not resist, maybe you have thought the same thing at 16.02. when I went riding a motorcycle in Florida. BTW, in Florida, I came across Tscharly and asked him doing his bodypainting for Inzane again.
He said he would have to rethink since they had done nothing for several years and besides, Wolfgang would have to be there as well.
Punctually on 16.03. (Gerald's holiday was over) 2 Mail's arrived from Gerald.
It was about city tours that we had already canceled and sponsors.
On 21.03. I got a mail from Canada in which a gentleman named Brant Bergstrome told me that he and his wife would like to come to our Inzane and he would like to get a tip on how best to get his Valk to Germany and which airport to fly to.
That would be something I said to myself, participants from Canada at the European InZane 2008. I asked for his phone number and got it 3 hours later.
I called him and told him that he could leave his Valk at home, he would get one from us (you remember my conversation with Ritschi) and he would have to fly to Hanover.
I would pick him up from the airport and  he could live with us until the meeting.
The next morning his registration was received with an e-mail with his flight details.
April just flew away, there was plenty of work and coordination to do.
Then came the time for Maibaum planting in Wörth.
Wolfgang told us he wanted to come and we wanted to discuss details about the Bodypainting.
Tscharly had promised to come a long time ago and now only Wolfgang is there.
On top of that, Wolfgang had no time in the weekend so we still had to make a master decision.  
The idea was not so wild and looked feasible, it's pretty easy to book 2 girls for it at short notice.
No matter, there was a great Maibaum meeting down in the South and many encouraged me to press on for our event.
Shortly afterwards Steffi came up to me. She would like to surprise Ernst and she and Anna would come to Inzane. Their Flight was booked for Friday.
Ok, I thought. Let's see who we get to volunteer to pick them up in Hanover.
A friend of Gerald helped us out.
The remaining preparation days we spent on a lot of little things that needed to be done or organized. But everything went smoothly because we have been an oiled team for a long time.
Some stress popped up when Tscharly called me and told me that it would work with Wolfgang. It took some phone calls and a few days until we had the girls.
On Whitsun Monday we drove to the final meeting with Mr. Kolan (head of the police motorcycle squadron) to Braunschweig. In a conversation lasting just under 2 hours, we thoroughly and completely went through the two rides and discussed each and every turn.
On my question how it might be with some loud exhaust pipes he said that during the Inzane weekend his colleagues are guaranteed to be a little hard of hearing.
With the topic of sirens he had more problems and we had to promise not to use the horns and sirens.   Well, that's what we did, or not, I don’t remember.
Afterwards we rode to Burgplatz to wait for the photographer of the Braunschweiger Zeitung.
They wanted current photos for their preliminary report.
After that was done, the guy from the radio wanted to make an appointment for an interview. That was set on the next day. BTW, there is a recording that we will publish shortly.
The rest of the week was relatively quiet. About 1 - 1.5 hours a day was enough to do what was needed.
On Saturday before the meeting we had to pick up the Canadians Brant & Leah from the airport and combined this with a breakfast at Vossi’s place.
On Monday, Ede and I rode with the couple to Gitte and Ritschi in Kiel to pick up "Brant's" F6.
The grill was prepared and after the meal Ritschi and Gitte brought us on small roads with plenty of curves (all respect, how to avoid the federal roads so rigorously) to Lauenburg. Thanks again.
 
On Wednesday I went for a nice trip with Brant & Leah through Niedersachsen and Sachsen-Anhalt which ended up at the Tulip Inn in the evening.  It was a bit later than planned but at 2.30 we were back home.
On Thursday we went to Braunschweig after a hearty breakfast and on Sunday, after I had brought the Canadians back to the airport, I was back home at 16.00 clock.
These 3 Inzane days just flew by and an were an unforgettable experience for all who were there as well as myself. There has been enough written about it already.
Finally, I would like to thank those who have supported us during the run-up in numerous phone calls and personal conversations, that was good.
A big thank you to those who have supported us financially.
An even bigger thank you goes to the approximately 360 participants from 18 nations.
You have made the 2nd European InZane in Germany an unforgettable event.
Finally, a thank you to Ede, Gerald and Udo.
We were already a great team, nice that I was allowed to be part of it.
I would like to thank Charly, Tscharly, Georg, Ritschi and Berni for accepting the ungrateful task of supporting the police at turns and exits.
Unfortunately, you could not leisurely ride along in the group and enjoy the beautiful landscape but had to concentrate again and again on the next obstacle.
Also, thanks again that you did not want to get reimbursed for the high fuel costs incurred by overtaking the group and driving fast. But they did that without complaining.
During the ride on Saturday I have asked everyone if they were still up to it. If not, I would have replaced them at once.
The answers were all kike this:
No Werner is still going or ... I can do it or ... I'll let you know if it does not work anymore.

Photo overview










 



                 Werner


                                                     Andy and Sabine







Body Painting, Mammut wanted to have one too……






          Mammut


           Christine/Steinchen





Nice Videos by Valkyriepoland https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VbiboCrT84 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VbiboCrT84
 




 

[Beer van Huet]

EU Inzane 2009 – Kouvola, Finland
http://inzane2009.valkyrieriders.eu/  



Videos

MakeeMp4 - 3rd European InZane 2009 Finland Kouvola
Part # 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLaw5U09ASE
Part # 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLctWGI8lkA
Part # 3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvYZVyGXKJE


TukeF6c -  3rd European InZane 2009.06.26 Finland Kouvola day trip
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRcOnKTPDFw

Dag Verpeide - 3rd European Inzane
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wI-exESCZNI

Andy - 3rd European InZane Ride Out
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vD6EqtZ3YxE

Lasse
Participants came from 16 countries, 212 people on 144 bikes.
VRCC Finland put up a handsome organization for the arrangements: 22 people sacrificed their time and money to assure our guests got a good return for their money to participate in our meeting up North.
There were four things the members DIDN’T do themselves: wait tables, cook, clean the hotel rooms and preform as artists (not officially at least)

The preparations were massive for the meeting. I rode my Valk and drove my car approx. 25.000 km to find a suitable hotel and designed the road trips. We took our guests through Southern Finland’s roads all together approx. 700 km.
We had big ride-outs on Friday and Saturday and a smaller ride-out still on Sunday for a smaller group that stayed until Monday at the location, Hotel Vaakuna, Kouvola.

The organizing team held five meetings to set up the practical issues, like select the menus, organize the reception matters, prepare the guidance during ride-outs, etc. etc….  
I want to take this opportunity the express my deep appreciation to the Finnish team: a BIG THANK YOU to all!
 
Beer - Trip Report
In Kouvola, Finland the third EU Inzane was held between 25-28 June 2009. During this period, just after midsummer night the average Wx in Scandinavia is expected to be nice.  More important, the mosquitos have not yet arrived in large numbers.  
The distance from my home town to Finland was just over 1550 miles / 2500 km.  Because I just wanted to participate in the Inzane event and not stay for a holiday or few days more, I joined Dieter Röder (from Fähre Langel/Germany), who came up with a brilliant idea to rent a lorry that could carry over 35 motorcycles to our destination airport in Helsinki.
This would save considerable travel time and costs. So, I booked a ticket with Air Berlin for a few bucks and went, I admit it, as a ‘Sissy’ to Helsinki.  
My fellow Country and Chapter friends, Anthony, Robert, Rob & Harmke and Stuccie decided to travel on their Valks instead. When Cynthia and I arrived in Kouvola we were welcomed by Lasse & Saala, Tuomo and the Finnish team.  


   Entrance of nice hotel with rooms overlooking the parking place                           I guess Finnish summers make you thirsty

A total of some 150 Valkyries and 250 Riders from all over Europe participated. It was nice to meet many folks from Scandinavia, Poland, Russia and Germany that I usually do not see.
In the evening during the opening ceremony, we were treated on a typical Finnish alcoholic beverage called Kuksa.
It was served in a sort of birch wood mini saucepan, the size of a shot glass and was supposed to be emptied in one shot. The highly flammable liquid kinda burned through your throat and esophagus on its way down.  
I guess it was OK to keep you company in the Finnish winter. BTW, I learned later that you should not confuse the name with Kuksi, which is a 4-letter profanity word.

It was very nice weather indeed, 29 degrees Centigrade in the sun and the next day we rode with all bikes through the country of Santa to Verla. We stopped at a vintage wood mill that belonged to the UNESCO World Heritage.  
On the way up, we’ve seen quite a few of the 18.000 lakes that are spread out all over Finland.  There is wood everywhere you look and all the roads are really wide, well maintained and there is hardly any traffic.
Needless to say, that we could ride our hearts out.  


                                                                                                 Brilliant idea to rest at a lake

Unfortunately, there was an accident by a ‘safety rider’ on the 235 km ride out.  He had to evade a motorcycle that wasn’t looking out behind and his front wheel blocked when he suddenly had to hit the brakes.  
His bike toppled over and ended up in the ditch, resulting in a broken clavicle and damage to the Valkyrie. Broken mirrors, foot pegs and dent in the tank.  Luckily it did not result in a pile up since the average speed was about 50-70 mph.  
A MD happened to be riding along as well and the rider could be taken care of.  After some delay we continued the ride out and, in the evening, there was a dance night with live music.  
The day after it rained and the organization decided to alter the planned route for safety reasons.  
We started off with a static display of all Valkyries in Kouvola Main Street where we were greeted and cheered with great enthusiasm by the local population.  Next, we rode to Hamina, another very nice historic village at the Finnish Gulf for a salmon lunch. Just super and very delicious.  On Sunday, it was sunshine all over again, Lasse and his team took us for a guided tour to Helsinki and Porvoo. Very well done and organized, Lasse. & Orga Team. We enjoyed every moment of it.
 

          Magnificent Helsinki neoclassical Cathedral, built 1830-1852                                                                  Phone booth

Cynthia and I enjoyed this Inzane very much.  The spirit and ambiance was great and the organization has done its utmost to make us feel happy.  The participation of so many Polish Riders was a first for me and they turned out to be excellent Riders with a great sense of humor.  I wouldn’t want to have missed this Meeting for anything in the world and can recommend Finland to any Rider who likes a holiday in a true, untouched nature with friendly- and hospitable people.
I want to thank Lasse and his Orga Team for this great- and well organized meeting. Well done

Some random pics












                    Riders during the static display. Rob dressed up for the occasion. Why not promote your country, LOL


                                                       Another great evening with European friendship

More pics https://www.flickr.com/photos/beer1952/albums/72157635067943338

Pics and video by VRCC Poland Northern Riders
https://youtu.be/MnLdNWXy-Yo






















                Handing over the Inzane hammer to France



















 

[Beer van Huet]

EU Inzane 2010 – Bussang, France
Website http://inzane2010.valkyrieriders.eu/



Inzane 2010 was organized by Association Inzane France (président FiFi Legnat – Trésorier L’Amiral CoCo – Secrétaire Yann)

Fifi (translated)
Inzane 2010 will take place at the Azureva Holiday Center of Bussang in the Vosges. - capacity is 400 beds.
It includes three dining rooms, a giant bar, four showrooms (for sponsors, an entertainment room (concert, show or other with integrated sound), a pool, a sauna etc. Finally, all the necessary for welcome 400 bikers.
The rooms are mostly double, plus some dormitory rooms for singles (5 to 6 max).
The dates chosen are easier for the French and the Germans since it’s ascension day 2010 i.e. 13, 14, 15 and 16 May 2010.
To participate in this fourth European Inzane, you must be a member of the VRCC and / or be the owner of a Honda Valkyrie or a Rune or an F6C or body-specific derivatives of these motorcycles (Trike , Side).
One of the two previous mentions is enough to validate an inscription.
To organize this Inzane, we created an association under the 1901 Law called INZANE France.
The association is a non-profit organization and aims to make demonstrations or discoveries of the regions of France for F6C Riders.  All members participating in Inzane will be temporary members of this association.
Permanent members are:

Guy74: Photos and films of the event.
Valky12: Photos and road traffic.
Alain: Route management.
The Glode: Ambassador.
Dragon: English and Italian translation.
JJ52: Animations.
Lepaps: Computer and computer graphics.
Loucas: management of German, Austrian and German translation forums.
Yann: secretary association and management of European forums in English language.
Admiral Coco: treasurer of the association, collections and payments.
FiFi: president of the association, management of reservations and sponsors.

Even if they are not permanent members of the association, the Alsatians (area members) will be consulted regularly for the necessary information, thanks everyone for the work already accomplished: Tchoumes, Dany, Rocky and Anatole.
We will certainly need, as every year, experienced Riders to run the services on the grounds of the holiday center but also on the road carrying reflective vests.

285 Riders attended Bussang with 178 bikes of which 149 were Valkyries. 



Videos

Regisdom - Inzane 2010 Bussang
Video of the 2010 inzane in Bussang in the Vosges with people from all over Europe 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCAkr4S8Po0

Valkyrie Riders Slovakia - Inzane IV 2010 - Bussang, France
VRCC Slovakia and VRCC Czech Republic to the 4th European InZane in Bussang, France 2010
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXkOFVvndjE

Fifi Legnat - Inzane Ride
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQ_OQaa_LmQ

Andy - 4th European InZane
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aldLlNzc7tg

Andy - Inzane 2010 - route des cretes
Bine and I on our way to the VRCC Meeting Inzane 2010 in Bussang France over the 'Route des Cretes'. Many thanks to the organizers for this Meeting!
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xdeern

Cicik - Inzane IV 2010 Bussang
http://curvetube.com/_Inzane%20IV%202010%20-%20Bussang,%20France/mXkOFVvndjE.video

stasvb - the BEST looking Valkyrie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8QyZknTU3E&feature=youtu.be


              Indoor show and spectacle                                                                      ...by Fifi, Master of Ceremonies


                                                                                             Best looking bike presentation


                                                                                              Saturday's Group Ride






                                                            Power, distinction and elegance from Poland

[Beer van Huet]

EU Inzane 2011 – Lund, Sweden



Videos

Kjell Lindström - In June 2011 more than 250 Riders and over 150 bikes met in Lund in Sweden.  The meeting was called Inzane V.    
https://youtu.be/e1h-_NQZEkw

Inzane Hanksville 2011 Departure
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHpeCGOaduU

Suvalk - Saturday's Ride and Evening Program
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFdi6hQ5Lsw  and  https://youtu.be/TFdi6hQ5Lsw

VRCC Czech Republic - 5th InZane Sweden
Vyjižďka na 5th Inzane ve Švédsku 2011

https://youtu.be/bcSsCUnt61E
 
ride 1 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTq-6Gkh2hs
ride 2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2qylMOy6P0
ride 3 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcSsCUnt61E

Valkyrie Riders Italia - INZANE Svezia 2011
part 1 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlnifBT3iDw
part 2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qs-_aXek-2M

Pictures
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/sweden/html/startsida.html

VRCC Czech Republic  5 th InZane Sweden - across the Storebaelt (Velký Belt)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8lB3GZYx9M

Trip Report from a Lowlands participant

From 3 to 5 June, the EU Inzane took place in Swedish Lund.  In a beautiful area and hotel, about 170 bikes and riders assembled for this annual party.
On Monday Bobbievalk and I left for Lund.  We took the secondary roads of course, otherwise it’s no fun.  We followed the Lingeroute and arrived in Oosterbeek where the Airborne Museum is located in the former Hotel Hartenstein.
Here, the story of operation 'Market Garden' is displayed in a very special and complete way.  It truly reflected the atmosphere and circumstances of those WW2 days and made us feel quite emotional. I guess that’s the best compliment you can give to a museum.
After this stop, we continued to ride to Münster near Hamburg, where we had booked an overnight stay. After a good night's sleep and having breakfast, we went to the Panthers Museum.  An exhibition of armored vehicles used by the German Wehrmacht.  
A very neat but rather clinical exhibition that could not give us the same feeling as Oosterbeek.  On my way to Munster I had seen a sign about an exhibition in memory of the Nazi destruction camp Bergen-Belsen.
After a short consultation we decided to visit. What a huge impression that site made to both of us. The size and intensity of that place was unprecedented.  A large exhibition showed pictures, videos and objects, all of which gave a good impression of what had happened. When we stood outside, I noticed that I had not taken any photo inside ......... it did not feel good to take any.
From here we rode to Neustadt in Holstein, a town at the Baltic Sea.  Here, we had planned and booked a next stop, and we met Mike, a friend of Bob, who worked in Hamburg. Mike had owned several Valkyries, including an Interstate in the past, but had sold them all. Now that he saw our bikes again, he realized he had made a wrong decision.  We did a ride out in Holstein on Wednesday with Mike on a Goldwing.
A beautiful route along the coast and the lakes on a nice day with a temperature of about 26 degrees.......tough luck, LOL
On Thursday morning we said goodbye to Mike and started the last part of our trip to Lund. Took the Ferry from Puttgarden to Brondby and then another 175 kilometers over the highway to Lund.
We have travelled through the tunnel and bridge below and across the Sont, an impressive engineering accomplishment.
At about 15:00 we arrived in Lund, where a number of Inzane participants were already waiting for us.  After Bobbie had checked in I wanted to go to a camping site because the hotel was sold out months before. Here again, the spirit of the VRCC kicked in, because both Bob and his roommate Claudio suggested that I could sleep in their hotel room. I have probably been the only camper these days, who used a   4-star hotel room with air mattress and sleeping bag.
In the evening we were officially welcomed by Arne Rosenquist of the Swedish VRCC, who arrived on stage with a Flat Six.  He told us about the program and some rules we had to obey. After that, the party started and I really mean started ............ almost. Accompanied by the tunes of a musician it soon became apparent that beer and alcohol prices were "slightly" higher than we were used to.  We realized we were now in Scandinavia where € 7.50 ($10, -) is a normal price for a beer or a glass of wine. The following day on Friday a number of visits to historic sites were planned. The first was a Viking village, where men dressed as Vikings explained their conquests in Europe. One of them told about the conquests in England and Scotland and the burning of villages there.  Knowing I came from the Netherlands, he explained that they had never burned the Netherlands because the beer tasted so good.  When we left, he threatened to conquer England again....... And this time not giving it back.
 
Then it was the turn of the Swedish version of Stonehenge, a stone circle which meaning is not clear up to this day. The stones are placed in the shape of a boat, but the reason for this remains unclear.
After a snack in the nearby village, we continued to Glimmingehus, a kind of castle and then returned to the hotel. The parking lot showed that everyone had not forgotten the liquor prices of the night before and had taken precautionary measures. Everywhere in the parking lot, Valkyrie Riders were drinking their beer from the supermarkets and were having a great time.
This went on for a long time.  
Saturday was the day of the joint ride-out. A very nice experience to see all the bikes together, except for Stuccie who had problems with his bike at first. Probably due to a failing alarm system, the bike did not want to start anymore.  After a rigorous emergency fix, his F6 started, but now his blinkers did not work. Knowing that Stuccie wanted to ride with Anthony all the way to the North Cape, a nasty problem.  Some fellow Valk Riders tried to solve the problem, but they could not get them to work either. Both Riders eventually went on their way to the Cape and had already made an appointment with a bike shop along the route.  
Before we knew it, it was Sunday again, the day to say goodbye. That sounds a bit dramatic, but for the majority it's just packing, gas & go. Bob and I shook hands with old and new friends and then we also left for another 900 kilometers of travel.  This time on the highway.   It was about 30 degrees and there were many traffic jams along the route. The German car drivers are obviously not used to a bike riding in between cars so they did not give way and that did not help either. Bob had booked an overnight stay in Osnabruck, but due to my obligations at home, I had to ride on. Just after we said goodbye, I hit a huge shower and could not see the road anymore. So, I stopped under a viaduct to put on my raingear and slowly moved on.  The shower was over quickly and the sun started shining again. Now it was way too hot for a rain suit, so I took it off. Guess what, it soon started to rain again. This time I kept my raingear on.  After a 13-hour ride, I was home again. I felt tired but nevertheless satisfied and happy about this great experience.  So, the dates of the next Inzane are already booked................ The Czechs have promised us that the beer will be much cheaper!


Editor’s Note…picture this, a millennium Valkyrie revival, LOL

Picture overview














              Arne giving his presentation onstage...the biker way








                French participants with Fifi and Alain


              Fray, Italian Chapter Rep with partner


                                                     Farewell Ceremony and passing the Hammer to Czech Republic for next year's Inzane

[Beer van Huet]

EU Inzane 2012 – Sumava, Czech Republic

Website http://inzane.tvorba-webu.net/



Videos

6th European Inzane 2012
Czech Republic - Frymburk 14.6.2012 - 17.6.2012
https://youtu.be/bfyK7ZNz-gw

With a chopper overhead sightseeing service… great!

Skorpi - Czech Republic – EU Inzane VI
Very nice resume
https://vimeo.com/44489183


f6cicik – Inzane 2012
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtcQVDogVW0

Moto Route Magazine article - Czech
http://www.motoroute.cz/clanek/168-6th-european-inzane-2012.aspx


VRCCRusMonk - 2012 InZane 6 VRCC Rus
https://youtu.be/MQ-JH6wwV0A

Over 1-hour complete coverage. Sit back and relax!

suvalk - Anreise zum 6. INZANE nach "CZ"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUNhoZaFlCA


Ceremony - Longest one way distance 3900 km
https://youtu.be/MgNCHmDhXAI

Beer - Trip Report
This, already 6th European Inzane, was held in the largest wellness resort in South Bohemia close to the Lipno reservoir https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipno_nad_Vltavou .
The distance of 870 km was covered directly or in stages by the Benelux participants. I stayed overnight halfway and the next day, I joined Stefan, Robert, Gerard and Jenneke and Bobbievalk and proceeded on a beautiful route over secondary roads.
The forecast called for temperatures of almost 30 degrees Centigrade all weekend with a cloudless sky.  
Lipno turned out to be a very nice location and when we got there the parking lot was already packed with Valkyries and a pleasant crowd. We met many friends between the 327 participants and it was a warm welcome and great reunion.

From left Yvonne, Vivian, Ingrid, Jenneke and Heike.                                       Local welcome refreshment – ehh..looks dangerous                              

Jos and Yvonne, Stuccie and Desiree, Yvonne and 'Crazy Mosquito' were already there. We were warmly welcomed by the ladies from the reception and received a glass with Slivovitz as an appetizer.
You could tell that Ddrak and his team had done their homework exceptionally well. Everything ran smoothly and everything was thought of. Although all the motorcycles could be parked in an enclosed space in front of the hotel, the place was also guarded with men in military uniforms. Besides Valkyrieparts (a German parts and accessory shop) there was Grocar, a Czech custom shop with six sensationally modified Valks. Including a trailer with a champagne bar.

                                 Grocar customizes bikes to the ultimate. You can even get a cold beer from the fridge of this trailer for your Valk.

The bikes were dressed up with very nice, locally designed and produced bling. This created lots of new ideas for the chrome and accessory enthusiasts.
The Orga Team had even chartered a helicopter for the participants to have a God’s eye view of the location.
Steve B was present with his 'blown' Valk and his bike did not stay unnoticed either. I think there are only 2 blown Valks in Europe. Our own Crazy Mosquito from Belgium and Steve B from the UK.
After the buffet dinner and a word of welcome by our hosts, we spent a nice evening with a disco. At the bar a pint of beer could be ordered for only € 1.80 and most people were taking their drinks to the parking lot admiring over 200 Valks.  And let’s face it, what could be more pleasant than a ‘hands-on’ discussion about various and different Valkyries.
The next morning everyone could admire the surroundings on his bike, individually or in groups.  In the rolling terrain, forests and fields passed by with many lakes, rivers and fens. A single village consisted of a dozen houses and there was hardly any traffic.
The winding roads were generally good and well maintained. We were able to ride at moderate speeds and enjoyed our ride.
There were four touristic sights in the region, most of them dating from the 13th century, such as Krumlov http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C4%8Cesk%C3%BD_Krumlov  and Hluboka  Castle
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hlubok%C3%A1_Castle  
After riding about 300 km, we returned to the hotel and witnessed a spectacular motorcycle and quad show in the parking lot.  These machines were operated by true acrobats, no doubt.  A very nice and funny show which was highly appreciated by all participants.

After dinner we spent the evening with a live cover band, a BBQ with a real pig on the spit, fireworks and a performance by a number of ladies. In short, we had a lot of fun.
On Saturday we did the 'Elephant Walk' with more than 200 Valkyries about 80 km to Kratochvile https://www.zamek-kratochvile.cz/cs   At this beautiful location, there was a buffet waiting for us with goulash, beer, soda and coffee. Folkloristic music was played by musicians in traditional costume with a kind of bagpipes. Of course, a number of VRCC members had to participate and joined the dances. There was also a falconer with a real eagle, a falcon of course and a very large owl.


After lunch a group photo was taken and we headed back to the hotel. When we arrived at the hotel we witnessed a bike wash by a lady in overall who quickly got very warm and had to get rid of her clothes, LOL.
After the, again very tasty dinner, prizes were awarded and we said goodbye. There was a nice disco again and inside as well as at the parking lot it remained very cozy for a long time.
The next morning, we said goodbye and rode home with nice and dry weather. Everyone gets greetings from Steve B and Glynis, Einstein and Christine and Les and Viv, Shunter and of course Colin and Ingrid.
For Einstein and Christine this was their last Meeting together far from home. He had a heart attack and doing well with a stent but the age is starting to play up.
The VRCC Czech Republic Inzane was characterized by fantastic weather, a good atmosphere and a great organization with many extras. Everything was arranged in detail and went very smoothly. A perfect bike weekend where we made a lot of new friends and we will cherish this memory. Thank you, Ddrak and your crew for such an outstanding experience.


                                   Robert, Bobbievalk and Ulsterman                                                    Great riding in Bohemia


              Ddrak with helicopter tickets                                                            Grocar stand


                                                                                                 Nice custom paintjobs




                                                                                                        Visit to Kratochvile for a lunchbreak


                                                                                                                                       Rep Meeting


                                                                                                                             Saturday's Ride
                                                                                                        


                   Riders from Czech Rep, Slovakia, Sweden, Germany and Finland visit Mauthausen, Austria


                   Fireworks As Grand Finale                                                                          More Grocar bikes


                       Friday Night with ‘Las Vegas’ Live Band & wild boar on the spit


                                                                                                                                      Care to dance, anyone?


    Finland, Germany, Italy participants                                                                      ....and from France, Poland, Czech Rep, Slovakia, Germany  



 

             
                                     Zámek Kratochvíle                                                                                  Zamek Hluboka




                            Ddrak gets the first dance


                                                   The entire VRCC Family



Video
https://flic.kr/p/fpGhCF

Beer
The 6th Inzane Meeting in Czech Republic brings back great memories. It consisted of a whirling sequence of events that were unequalled since. Well done, Ddrak; you folks are simply the best!
 

[Beer van Huet]

EU Inzane 2013 – Kudowa, Poland

Website http://inzane2013.valkyrieriders.pl/



This very spectacular Inzane counted 210 registered participants

Videos

suvalk - 7th Inzane PL 2013

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6qL6_JwJGM

Mick Manchester - valkyrie VRCC inzane VII
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OH-dGHGkb3s

f6cicik - Inzane 2013
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yT6cZCj2aJY&index=2&list=PLp3ylPAVXEBYXUY_uorB_-kMW2azlDk9q&fbclid=IwAR2LM2o-nM5KetB4WhHMVjacRsrs8NeALXnYaNw7R-zbPaq_Z0-ya3DqGUw

Andrea Karla Koenen - 7. InZane 2013 Kudowa Zdrój Polen
https://www.facebook.com/andrea.kolumna/videos/484517921629909/



Czech Republic Album
http://www.valkyrieriderscz.cz/galerie/category/107-inzane

We left on three machines to this year's InZane to Poland (Kudowa Zdrój) . Wallys, Zdenek + Lenka and Čičik + Čičina. On Saturday, Donatelo + Zlatka, Stanley + Martina and Milan + Ivča also arrived.
Jirka + Jana arrived with their trike. On Saturday, the Moravians joined us.
The InZane program, Wx and the rides were great, the party lasted almost until the morning, a good mood has taken place throughout the meeting.
Every evening, the language barriers began to fall  around eight o'clock LOL. We talked so much German, Swedish, Finnish, Polish, Russian, Lithuanian, Polish and English that some of us had a problem to speak Czech again by the time we left  

Some pics from Russia Riders
http://www.vrcc-russia.ru/index.php/photo/category/7-inzane2?start=140


                  Yuri Ludan and partner - VRCC Moskow

VRCC Polska Album - Machuza and Erka72
https://machuza.rajce.idnes.cz/7._InZane_Kudowa_Zdroj_-_Polsko/
https://erka72.rajce.idnes.cz/Inzane_Polsko2013/








Video Light/Fire Show https://erka72.rajce.idnes.cz/Inzane_Polsko2013/#Inzane_Polsko2013_422.jpg


                      Welcome Norwegian Riders                                                                        Tumppi


                                                                                                                                        Pia and Lasse




                     Lez and Viv




                     Drinking upside down...a real challenge                                                      Ddrak's two beauties






                                                                                                                               Handing the hammer over to VRCC UK for next year



                            Čičina






Some French Riders were growing beards to impress the ladies, LOL                                   I think these two Riders had a great day




                                                     Petra, Pia and Andrea Karla






  

[Beer van Huet]

EU Inzane 2014 – Hinckley, United Kingdom

Website http://www.valkyrieridersuk.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=18&Itemid=23




                                                                                         Other nice designs that were considered but didn't make it

In June it was the VRCC UK's turn to Host The 8th European Inzane, this Event was held at The Hinckley Island Hotel Leicestershire. We had Participants from all over Europe and 3 from USA. There were 2 Ride outs.
The 1st was on the Friday to Bruntingthorpe Airfield for a BBQ; our guests had the chance to have their Bikes photographed alongside Cold War Jets. The 2nd Ride out on the Saturday was to The Heritage Motor Museum at Gaydon.
The Friday Night Entertainment was The Great Pretender, a Freddie Mercury Tribute who had everyone on their feet singing and dancing.

Editor's Note
In 2014, VRCC Russia was supposed to hold a EU Inzane in St Petersburg. Political issues beyond everyone's control prevented this from happening and VRCC UK was so kind to pick up the glove and organized Inzane VIII on short notice.
Bobbie and his team had put a tremendous effort in this particular Meeting. The organisation and promotion began over 1.5 years in advance and kept going on and on.
He once told me that he was concerned that many Riders from the continent were hesitant to participate because of the Channel  crossing. This usually means an extra day of travel. Something the UK Chapter is all too familiar with  

Videos

Reggyontheroad Reggy
VRCC inzane 2014        https://youtu.be/JRHK4TosFTo  
VRCC 2014 inzane rain  https://youtu.be/mXVQ3g8VunM

Robert Gibbons
VRCCUK Inzane VIII 2014    https://youtu.be/euOvxPffPyU
VRCC UK Rides 2014            https://youtu.be/U4D97VTELeU
VRCC On Days Like These     https://youtu.be/MsuAly3ABnI

Mick Manchester - valkyrie VRCC inzane VII
https://youtu.be/OH-dGHGkb3s

VRCC France Cavelier Noir - Run in England
http://curvetube.com/003698_-%201997%20Honda%20Valkyrie%20-%20Used%20Mot/he6_jQvJ2dY.video

London Run
https://youtu.be/ZEg3rH9irYE

VRCCUK Inzane VIII 2014
https://youtu.be/euOvxPffPyU

Beer - Trip Report

On Wednesday, June 4 we left with the Rotterdam-Hull ferry to Inzane XIII in Hinckley, UK.
It was warm in the Netherlands with occasional rain showers. And…. indeed, we were soaked by the time we arrived at the ferry.  No matter because we were really looking forward to the Hinkley Meeting.
When we got on board we met a dozen Valkyrie Riders at the bar/lounge. Monique with her sleek Rune and Frank. As well as Andy and Bine from Berlin, Mammut and more German Riders from Hamburg, Celle and Cologne.  
What a nice reunion already and we had a couple of beers and spent the evening telling jokes and talked bikes.
The sea was calm so after a quiet crossing Cynthia and I rode from Hull to Hinckley, a small distance of 200 km. Fortunately it was dry in the UK and the whole weekend would be sunny with the exception of a shower on Saturday.
When we arrived at the hotel around 16:00 hrs., about half of the 215 participants were already present.  Of the Benelux gang, Ivo and Cella, Stefan, Richard, Collin and Ingrid, Dirk and Josette, Geert and Jeanique, Christophe and of course Harry Postema were also present. We received a warm welcome and met many friends, including Duffy from the US.  It’s kinda like a big family and soon we were having an animated evening with a welcome ceremony and a DJ.
The hotel turned out to be a favorite location for wedding parties; throughout the weekend wedding guests were coming and going, LOL.  For the hotel this looked like routine and the staff could easily accommodate both the weddings and the VRCC at the same time in different areas. When I walked outside I saw some very special Valkyries, so I took some pictures of various accessories and paint jobs that were new to me.  Steve B had surpassed himself in his last winter project with his Moose Valk.  A beautiful pearl sprayed turbo Valk of which many chrome and aluminum parts were sprayed in a transparent, deep blue color.
The wheels were also treated and it had a huge, hand-made fuel tank, required for his turbo. The pipes had received retro shark fins. A pleasure to look at and real treat for the eye. Simple and yet very sophisticated and stylish.
Somewhere else a heavily customized French Valk was being repaired. It would not start.  




On Friday we rode with 160 motorbikes to the nearby Bruntingthorpe airfield, where all kinds of military aircraft were displayed on a ramp. A very nice environment to take photos.  A/C and MC go very well together.
I saw Vinnie and Laura with their F-104 'Starfighter'. Having flown the ‘Zipper’ myself, it was a great experience seeing this model again. Although it was in bad shape, LOL.

                  Jet Provost in front of Buccaneers                                                                                                                                               Vinnie's Starfighter

A prototype bike of the nearby Triumph factory was doing test rides on the landing strip and taxiways. (Bummer…an Enduro derative). After a tasty BBQ lunch on the tarmac we left for the hotel in the afternoon.
In the evening there was a spectacular performance by a Freddy Mercury impersonator, the 'Great Pretender'. He had even undergone plastic surgery and really sounded like the great man himself.
A great performance indeed and it was impossible not to start moving at the sound of all the well-known hits. There were a few exceptions, but then Cella stepped up the floor and cheered them into action as well.  
Needless to say, we had a wonderful time and enjoyed ourselves until the late hours.


When we started the Saturday ride out, it started to rain and somehow the group got split up in the beginning. In spite of all the precautions, Bobbie had briefed the trip in detail the night before, an unfortunate accident occurred soon thereafter.  
In the rear a bike went down and was run over by the following bike. With Riders heavily injured. They were soon transported by helicopter to a nearby hospital.
In cases like this it's best to leave a party and move on with the group. So, after some delay, the group proceeded to the Heritage Motor Center in Gaydon http://www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk/  
The Wx cleared up and we were offered an excellent buffet lunch in a huge conference room of the building that was built in art deco style amidst 65 acres of landscaped nature.
This center houses the largest collection of British cars from classic to Formula cars. What a spectacular sight and great to look at. I was so impressed that I exceeded my camera memory card capacity which has never happened before.






After a few hours we rode back to the hotel in nice sunny weather and decided to ride to Foxton Locks. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foxton_Locks  A beautiful building dating from the industrial revolution.
In 1810 ten locks were built here in the Grand Union Canal. The locks were constructed straight after each other to overcome the slope of the landscape. The canal was and is still used by the well-known English 'narrowboats'.
We rested here and had an ice cream and a drink on a terrace.


On Saturday evening there was the farewell and the award ceremony, followed by a DJ. The next day we said goodbye and rode in the sun to Hull back home.
The Hinckley Inzane was very pleasant and well organized. Unfortunately, the meeting was overshadowed by a serious accident.  Our sympathies and feelings go out to the injured Riders who will never be the same.  

VRCC France méca in England by Cavalier noir
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaWLuzWaFLk


Trip Report by VRCC Czech Republic (translated)
At InZane 2014, this time organized by the VRCC UK Club, we participated with 3 members - Wallys, Zdenek and Čičik on 3 Valkyries.  We were previously briefed by Roman to take the Calais route.  
Zdenek was in charge of the accommodation during our travel (including the Calais-Dover ferry and back).  
Everything was well prepared and provisions for accommodation were no problem at all. We just wondered how it could be so cheap to travel across Europe. On average, one night costed 350, - CZK! (15 $/Euro) Good work by Zdenka.  
Itinerary, navigation and overall management was in the hands of Cicik. We got off track a few times, but all along I think the route went pretty fine and without any problems.  We set out on CT 05.06. at about 6 am in the morning from our base at Borneo. The first day was 790km (Trutnov-Jelenia Góra-Görlitz-Dresden-Leipzig-Göttingen-Kassel-Dortmund-Gladbeck). Accommodation. The second day we set off on a slightly shorter route, 420km (Gladbeck-Duisburg-Venlo-Eindhoven-Gent-Dunkerque-Calais). Accommodation. We rode to Calais in heavy rain, but before we reached our night stop, the sky broke and the sun lit up until 22:00. In the afternoon we met Roman and Radka by coincidence. They stayed at the same hotel.
In the morning there was a storm and rain. But before we got dressed and had packed our things in the motorbike, the rain stopped and it did not rain at the harbor at all.
We had to wait for 1.5 hours for the ferry to the UK. (Calais-Dover). After boarding and securing the bikes, we made ourselves comfortable on board and were looking forward to the sun that was promised.
After disembarking we rode through the town of Dover without difficulty (Note – left hand driving), and we dashed along the highways to the meeting point. 360km (Dover-Ashford-Enfield-Luton-Northampton-Leicestershire-Hinckley).
The Inzane happening was as advertised and published on most VRCC websites. The visit of the Air Museum (PA) and the Automobile Museum (SO) was interesting. Several times we got wet (we were wearing the T-shirts) since it was quite warm most of the time.
On the day of the return, we left at 8 o'clock. We had about 400km inland in England, visiting Stonehenge. The pleasant, sunny roads of the English countryside were great and we enjoyed the countryside. Only for a visit to Stonehenge we should have reserved about 6 hours more. We continued south and to the harbor. (Hinckley-Coventry-Cirencester-Stonehenge-Salisbury-Southamton-Portsmouth-Brighton-Eastbourne-Dover).
After embarkation it started to rain again, so we arrived in France at Calais in mild rain. Fortunately, our destination for that day was about 3km from the dock, so we did not really get wet.  Accommodation.
In the morning after the wakeup call we were travelling for about 850 km (more or less the same route as before). Accommodation.
During the night there was a thunderstorm. After sunrise however, the sun shined again and stayed that way for the remaining 420km. We were back home at around 1800 hours. Tired, thirsty, but full of experiences from a far and interesting journey.
The tachometer showed 3,670 km for the journey.
 
Glenn Bram Brammall
We've just had the European Inzane here in England. Knocking on 250 people on 160 bikes from 16 countries’ [Russia couldn't make it]
We had no vendor's. We just got pissed, ate a load of food, talked bikes and rode our bikes [not necessarily in that order] It's all about bringing people with a common passion together

Pics from Beer's Album  https://www.flickr.com/photos/beer1952/albums/72157644675172857

Some nice looking Valks




                   I like the rotating Gatling gun pipes


                Vulcan, very nicely done                                                                                 Another feast for the eye






                                        Side by side Trainer and Valk


                                        Fifi le Gnat, he would organize the next Inzane in the French Alps


   Diana, we all love you… stay put                                                                                         Nice looking NOT couple


   This is what you get when you’ve had many English beers…..                  Another lovely NOT couple……


                    Pleasantly disturbed Chapter Reps are being aired from EU VRCC mental hospital


    The Ulsterman, they don’t come any better….                                               These 2 TV trainees trying to make some sense out of Inzane


                             Bison’s Valk in front of a Jet Provost                                         This is what happens before the Hammer hits you


 Reception desk, a joint UK/US venture with Glynis, Naoko and Dianne                     Thank you Bobbie. ...you and your crew are simply the best


                                     Jaroslav Málek - InZane 2014 UK - Hinckley Island Hotel

[Beer van Huet]

EU Inzane 2015 - Praz sur Arly, France

Website  http://vrcc-france.com/inzane2015/index.html
 


Organisation :  Alain + Association Inzane France:  Président  - FiFi Legnat – Trésorier Franck92 - Secrétaire Le Outard

Inzane IX was held in the French Alps with altitudes varying from 1000 - 4800 meters (3000 - 15.000')

Videos
 
Dag Verpeide - Motorcycle ride to the VRCC INZANE event in Megeve, France.
https://youtu.be/_OyYepvVFKA 

Gerard Byker - Dragons in the Alps
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=LiLjyRX3SUI

Arhur J Smith  Vid https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7O9sHOKBeA&feature=youtu.be  

Very nice impression by Jiří Ondroušek, VRCC Czech Republic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bnDAsN2cnM


Beer - Trip Report

In this particularly warm and sunny week of 5-7 June, it was over 30 degrees in the Netherlands, we went with 24 Riders from the Benelux to Praz sur Arly. The journey was more than 900 km to this village near the Mont Blanc.
Stefan our Roadmaster, had planned a great route and an overnight stay at Le Grande Cascade halfway the distance.  We arrived at a very nice hotel with a sunny terrace and we had a few drinks and a delicious dinner. The next day we arrived in Praz.
We were warmly welcomed by our French hosts and it was great to see many friends and acquaintances again. We were amidst 280 participants on 223 bikes. After we had enjoyed a welcome drink, registered, checked in and had a hot meal, we were directed to a theaterlike room where a welcome show was presented in 4 languages with animations from a laptop.  And some show it was. Fifi, the organizer was a natural born entertainer. He seemed in total control, spoke English like it was his native tongue and acted like it was his daily bread and butter. Very impressive.  After the briefing we had a very nice and pleasant evening.  The hotel setup was very nice. Everybody is together at the same place, at the bar, lounge or taking a stroll along the Valks, all parked right outside the entrance.

         The hammer handed over to the Lowlands for next year's Inzane



The weather was excellent. It would be hot and sunny almost every day with a regular shower around 6 o'clock in the afternoon to cool things off. On Friday there were 4 different routes through the Alps prepared and after breakfast we received a lunch bag for underway. We rode around the entire Lake Annecy and after that to the Col de la Madeleine, well known from the Tour de France. At the top you had a sublime view of the lake and the mountains at an altitude of 2000 m (6000’).
It was very nice and special, riding over the many (hairpin) curves that you encountered everywhere in large numbers. My cornering technique improved significantly after a while by riding on narrow roads through these mountains.
Especially for us, low- and flatlanders,  riding through these mountains was a very special experience.  Once in a while a local Frenchman was overtaking us at a much higher speed but they probably knew these roads inside out. 

 Eric on his way to the mountain top  


                    Col de la Madeleine                                                               Hero pic -  Lac d’Annecy                               had to do something about it… people were getting way too serious

In the evening there was a Rockabilly band and the dance floor was packed from the start until late that night.
On Saturday there was the joint ride of 90 km on winding mountain roads and passes with great views over the mountains. Every so often a stop was made to give the marshallers the opportunity to come in front again.
This worked out really well and was introduced to avoid having the marshallers overtake the group. The hot lunch was catered in a small theater in a mountain village and tasted very nice.
After some leisure time the procession went back together to Praz sur Arly, where we stopped at a terrace close to the hotel to enjoy some more sunshine.







At the VRCC Rep meeting we thanked Fifi and his crew the good organization and an excellent weekend.
I had the opportunity to promote 2016 Inzane X in Houffalize and in 2017 the annual Meeting would take place in Germany.   Italy also promised to organize an Inzane. In the evening the official farewell party started and the next day I took the Inzane Chairman’s Hammer home. This meeting was characterized by beautiful weather, a great environment and excellent organization.  I had a great time they can’t take away from me.
 
                          Speaking to the French audience                                               …..and English                                          EU Inzane Hammer

More Pics (385) https://www.flickr.com/photos/beer1952/albums/72157653833358960

Geoff Farthing’s Album https://www.flickr.com/photos/104751447@N03/albums/72157655029240870/with/18788676703/

VRCC Moravia pic albums
http://taxifara.rajce.idnes.cz/Inzane_2015_Francie/
http://lachtan2.rajce.idnes.cz/InZane_2015_-_Francie_2.6.-8.6.2015/
https://plus.google.com/photos/107980455312247266369/albums/6158399255380556721?banner=pwa&authkey=COC3yofmuanPgwE


                            Steve B’s Moose bike                                                                     Fifi’s latest creation, he is into customizing now




                                                               A pic is worth more than 1000 words…what a great experience




                                                                      Moravia Chapter members visit nearby Mont Blanc 4810 m/15.780')

Pics from the French Album

[Beer van Huet]

EU Inzane X 2016  - Houffalize, Belgium

Website http://www.vrcc.nl/inzane/en/


                                                                         Posters by Chassevelt



I would like to thank Alain Latourneur for modifying Rembrandt's Nightwatch with a Valkyrie and Rune, dragon, banner,
VRCC logo, hammer, Flemish rooster, Beer and the Belgium and Netherlands Flag

Videos

Talpostema Teaser
https://youtu.be/jw8Tv8jGEpw

Hans Valkyrie Rider - Inzane Houffalize

https://youtu.be/iLTDGjaTOvY

Harry Postema  - Inzane X Houffalize
       
https://youtu.be/-Tem0hlLYRM

Dag Verpeide - INZANE X

https://youtu.be/5KwzQbX8_Jg

Fred Wagner - Leaving the hotel premeses

https://flic.kr/p/2dijNqE

Beer - EU Inzane X final report

Inzane X in Houffalize has been a great success.
The second lustrum of this annual EU meeting and Valkyrie 20th birthday anniversary has broken all expectations and records.
Not just by the large amount of participants, but most of all by the nice and spontaneous cooperation of everybody with a passion for the Valkyrie.
Outstanding support was provided during the prep phase by oZ, the entire VRCC US Staff, F6RiderStore, several EU members and worldwide friends. These great people really make the difference.
We arrived a day early to set up the reception, banners, signs, tents and get organized to handle over 350 participants. A road sign was erected on the arrival area where distances to the 18 various capitals of participating VRCC Nations were given.
When the meeting started, the weather also started to clear up and stayed pretty well dry with the exception of an occasional shower late in the afternoon.
All attendants received a warm welcome by the Organization Team and a free welcome drink at the bar. Everybody received a special goody bag with patches, pins, T-shirts, a tire pressure meter, folders and a special CMSNL motorcycle backpack containing more nice goodies. 
Since this was also the Valkyrie 20th birthday anniversary, two sets of different shirts, pins and patches were issued, each with a separate design and logo. 
The anniversary logo was designed by Alain Letourneur from VRCC France, modified by Gale Scalzi and manufactured by Stefan ‘Road Master’ Martens from VRCC Lowlands in Belgium. 


               Pin design                                                              Patch design                                                                              Patch result

At the reception desk, discount ‘Fat Lady Has Sung’ banners were made available by F6RiderStore. We owe this all to Sarah, she has been so kind.
In addition, special US gold plated anniversary coins were for sale for each Valkyrie/F6C Rider, designed by Damon ‘Misfit’ Kinter and shipped from the US.  Well done Damon, you’re simply the best.



I would like to thank the 6 VRCC reception ladies from 4 different countries, Lonny and Josette from Belgium, Yvonne and Sien from Holland, Viv from the UK /Austria and Ingrid from Germany who worked their ass off to get everybody checked in and settled.  Well done, ladies! 


                            Lonny                  Ingrid                 Yvonne                                                                        Vivian                                      Sien

Over 250 bikes could be parked in Dragons Cave, an underground garage or washed at Colin’s Corner, dedicated to Colin Kirkpatrick, who is widely known to be pleasantly disturbed for his detailing tic.
It goes without saying that high pressure spray, compressed air and the whole nine yards of cleaning items were available in abundant numbers and extensively used.   



After check-in, all Riders were having a drink and renewed their friendship on the sunny terrace overlooking the arrival area. Needless to say, that the nice & cool Belgian beers contributed as well to the relaxed atmosphere.
As you know, Belgium has the greatest variety of beers in the world.
In the meantime, our tailor Resi and her embroidery machine were making overtime all weekend to stitch all the patches to leather jackets, shirts and sweaters.



In the hall, the grand lottery price was displayed.  Thanks to Consolidated Motor Spares and Honda Benelux, the organizers were able to put a Valkyrie on the stand for this special occasion. 
The bike was technically completely overhauled by Hans Huijbers, our professional mechanic and VRCC lunatic as well.  And brought back to brand new looks by, who else, Colin ‘Ulsterman’ Kirkpatrick's magic touch. 
And all this could be yours for a $ 5, - ticket.



During dinnertime, a giant Valkyrie birthday cake of 5 ft long was carried into the hall, welcomed by a big applause. Even 350 hungry bikers were having a hard time to diminish this cake. 



In the evening, a welcome speech was given and the organization team introduced. 
Riders from all over Europe were having fun at the bar, terrace or parking area, accompanied by the cover band ‘Old Friends’ and, needless to say, the party went on until the small hours.


                                                                                                                     Photo Booth with funny masks

When you think of it, close to 200 Valkyries represent a small fortune. So, during the night, the entrance of the underground parking, ‘Dragons Cave’ was barricaded and our bikes were guarded. Better safe than sorry.
The next day, we had a professional photographer taking ‘Hero Pictures’ of the bikes and riders in front of a giant 20th anniversary banner. These were published on a public website afterwards for everyone to grab their own picture for free.  https://www.flickr.com/photos/141535082@N06/sets/72157665374550534/with/26643410741/

 
                                                                                                                                                                                                              Harry's Dragon Valkyrie
 
Friday was dedicated to small group rides. Everyone could choose and download 3 different routes.
A 70-mile coffee and cake route for the ‘Old & Bold’, a 140-mile castle route for the ‘Scenery Rider’ and a 180-mile sore butt route for the ones that like to ride like you stole it.
All routes were ending at the Mardissan monument near the War Museum in Bastogne.  This giant monument represents a symbol for all US soldiers who gave their life during the Battle of the Ardennes in occupied Europe during WW2.
It was very impressive to see almost 251 Valkyries and their Riders lined up in front of the monument to pay their respect. I would like to thank our Roadmaster, Stefan Martens in particular.
He managed to open up this possibility for us on the same day that Memorial Day was celebrated by the authorities and Vets just before we arrived.
This was quite an achievement since the authorities were not very keen on having so many unknown bikers around this place with the recent terrorist attacks in Brussels still fresh in their minds. 



People were still arriving on Friday. And not everyone without some bad luck. Jurgis and Natalja from Latvia stranded along the highway some 100 miles before Houffalize with a broken U joint. 
After 1100 miles of travel, they felt something wrong in the final drive of their Valkyrie. So, they went to a shop in the nearby city, Liège to investigate. Since it was almost closing time, the shop owner refused to help and they continued their way.
Some 30 miles further down the road, the joint now got completely stuck and did not move any longer.  Now here comes the good part and happy ending. 
After standing along the highway in the pouring rain for several hours, they were picked up by a person in a trespassing car. They were brought to his home and this friendly guy returned with a trailer to pick up the bike. 
Jurgis and Natalja had dinner at his house and could stay for the night. After we received his call the next day, we drove to this place with a new joint and the bike was fixed.
After the buffet dinner on Friday, everybody assembled in the bar to witness two ceremonies. First there was the presentation of the meeting prizes.
In contradiction to the past, where prizes were given to the nicest bike, furthest distance travelled, etc. we opted to give a lady from each of the 18 participating nations a prize.
Since they represented the true Valkyries of our club, their presence as prize winners was long overdue. After all, they had to pick up what’s left of these tired and brave men after they rode their iron horses and, on some occasions, heavily intoxicated by alcohol during a VRCC meeting.


                                       Inzane X Valkyries                                                                                         Beer                                    Stef with the Chocolate presents

It goes without saying that some of these ladies ride Valkyries themselves. Each lady received a Belgian chocolate tablet with VRCC Logo in scripted as a token of appreciation. 
Next, we nominated ‘VRCC Legends’ who have contributed in an extraordinary way to the VRCC in their country. 
Although these riders each were nominated by intercession from their own members, the Inzane X jury could not verify this from their own POV.  So, they had to prove their worthiness once again.



This was done by eating dry biscuits, followed by inflating and exploding a balloon with a dry mouth and emptying a pint of Lager and a shot of Scotch afterwards.
The fastest time and winner beyond any doubt was Magnus “Der Alte” Nielsen from Denmark who accomplished all this in 49 seconds. Who else than someone with Viking blood still in his veins could accomplish this, well done Magnus! 
Every ‘Legend’ received a framed VRCC certificate of recognition.  Time to party and a very nice DJ got people on the dance floor until closing time in the early morning. A special thanks to Eric who did his great Joe Cocker impersonation again.


                          Eric 'Unchain my heart' Nacken

Saturday was the day of the joint ride with over 250 bikes. We called it the 90 miles ‘Dragon Stampede’. 
We received permission and police assistance from the Mayor to ride through the main street of Houffalize and block this road for about 20 minutes. Wow, what a sight and sound!



The drone, which we arranged to take a movie from the air, was cancelled unfortunately.  Bastiaan, the operator got sick and had to stay in bed.
Our Roadmaster Stefan managed to lead the posse over 90 miles with only a few junctions that had to be blocked by marshallers. Now this is really exceptional in Western Europe, were you stumble over traffic lights, speed bumps and roundabouts everywhere. 
We arrived at the European Space Center where everybody had a free lunch and a guided tour through the facility. It was fun to see folks rotating in gyros and doing moonwalks with reduced gravity, etc. 



After getting back to the hotel, we had a BBQ for dinner, accompanied by our legendary Belgian rock singer Dave. After dinner everybody moved to the bar for the departure ceremony and lottery.  During the goodbye speech, all VRCC Country Reps received a nice plaque with the 20th anniversary logo.  I would like to thank VRCC Italy in particular, who gave us a beautiful glass VRCC ornament in return. Mille grazie, bellisima.
The anniversary lottery prizes were divided in ‘prizes’ and ‘grand’ prizes.
Over 25 prizes were displayed in a separate room. To save time, the winning ticket numbers of these additional prizes were drawn in advance by impartial VRCC members from several countries.



The grand prizes were displayed in the bar and consisted among other things of an inflatable jacket, offered by Kenji Takeuchi from Hit Air Japan and Anja van der Elst.  Jacques Bronneberg generously gave away a set of Maidenhead tank emblems. 
Gert van Riessen was so kind to donate a Gerbings heated jacket and set of gloves, Greg Olsen and Jos Ooms from Dimac was in there with a set of Kuryakyn Ergo LED Cruise Boards, VRCC Lowlands with Kuryakyn handlebar grips, John de Weerdt from Bikers Best gave us over $300, - worth of chrome pieces en an anti-theft lock system.
Des Hockley generously gave us a complete Big Boy Ultimate Seat for the raffle and Mike Buttinger from CMSNL and Chretien Berger from Honda Benelux provided the ‘Jackpot’, a completely restored STD Valkyrie.
These people really make the difference, remember that the next time you go shopping.
The bike would also be transported anywhere in Europe to the residence of the lucky winner for free by the VRCC Lowlands crew as not to cause any problem when winning the prize.
Yvonne and Josette had sold $ 5, - charity & raffle tickets during dinnertime for the past two evenings.



Videos
 
Valkyrie draw
https://www.flickr.com/photos/141535082@N06/27488282274/in/album-72157667833899864/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/141535082@N06/27822016150/in/album-72157667833899864/

Needless to say, that the lottery got quite some attention by all participants. The drawing was accomplished by two pilots from the nearby Helicopter Medevac Team, a charity foundation who would receive a cheque with all profits and benefits from the lottery and meeting afterwards.
The Jackpot was won by Christine Berthet from St Alban Leysse, France who bought 4 tickets.
Congratulations Christine. She was flabbergasted, to say the least and gave a very emotional speech. 
There was yet another grand prize to be won.


Unmistakable highlight of the evening was Rainer asking Romy to marry him onstage and she said yes. Congratulations from the entire VRCC community. 

After the raffle, Dave started playing nonstop for several hours, aided by pouring Whiskey in his beer.
Apparently, this didn’t seem to bother him at all. On the contrary, his nonstop performance was so great, that he kept the majority of participants on the dance floor until 04:00 hrs. in the morning. 
And I will tell you, this is quite an achievement in a community where members usually go to bed early the last evening because they have to travel the next day.


   

After breakfast on Sunday, we said goodbye to the 371 participants and started disassembling and packing up. Tired, but very satisfied we took off ourselves late in the afternoon.
We have had positive reactions throughout. The atmosphere and spirit was great and everything went very well.



Did we have challenges? Yes, from an organizational POV, we had three minor drawbacks.  First, we wanted to promote the Valkyrie motorcycle and its 20th anniversary on the movie set of the ‘Game of Thrones’ film series. The studio in Ireland was not cooperative, however. Even a plea to one of the movie stars, the Dutch Carice van Houten resulted in a no go. Next, Miss Universe Belgium, Annelies Törös promised to attend as guest of honor. She had to cancel because she had other duties.
Finally, Honda had promised the participants test rides with several new GW F6C’s. Unfortunately, the Honda plant in Japan was struck by an earthquake in April, causing the supply to stagnate.  Without GW F6C’s in stock, Honda was left with no other options than to cancel.
Apart from these minor distractions, it has been great and a real pleasure organizing this 10th EU Inzane in Belgium. The VRCC in Europe is more alive than ever and all members in good spirit. We even had Duffy with his wife and Thom over from the US.  Let’s continue where we left at next year’s Inzane XI meeting in Suhl, Germany.

More Inzane X Pics https://www.flickr.com/photos/141535082@N06/albums and https://www.flickr.com/photos/141535082@N06/sets/72157668930453362




   Almost 2000 Euro from lottery tickets could be donated to the heli rescue







Finally, I would like to thank the Orga team for doing such an outstanding job. Stef, Anthony & Lonny, Jos & Yvonne, Dirk & Josette, Hans & Sien, Colin & Ingrid, Viv and Hans Huijbers, it has been a pleasure having you all in the team.










                                                   









                                                                                                                                        













 

[Beer van Huet]

EU Inzane XI 2017   - Suhl, Germany

Website http://inzane2017.valkyrieriders.eu/  and   http://www.inzane2017.valkyriepage.de/





Schwere Maschinen zu Gast in Suhl
International und laut wird es am kommenden Wochenende in und um Suhl.
Knapp 500 Motorradfahrer der Marke Honda Valkyrie kommen zu ihrem Europatreffen ins Ringberghotel.


All time EU Inzane participant record.
Over 400 Riders from 17 Nations were welcomed by Suhl Mayor Dr. Jens Triebel.  


It was ten years ago, in 2007 that the first EU Inzane took place.



Videos

ARD - European InZane 2017 in Suhl/Germany

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGg1rNL89eE&feature=youtu.be

Hans Valkyrie Rider - 11 Europa Inzane Suhl

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbup9ErPXq4

Harry Postema - Inzane XI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoRIxuOk_Us

Urban Schmitz

Cover Band https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e47xuxkdTxg
Joint Ride    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rmbc4kU1yTk

steinchen1 - All participants during ride departure
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5r003d

Inzane Suhl Pin



Beer - Trip Report
On June 15-18, 2017, Inzane XI was held in Suhl, Germany. This annual meeting of European Inzanes broke all EU participant records with over 400.
And for the first time more people and Valkyries showed up than the same event in the USA.  Thanks to the German crew who managed to keep the registration costs exceptionally low and the large German turnout, who played a home game and registered in large numbers.  This time. the Benelux participated with more than 15 Riders.

At home, I had arranged a rendezvous with Meks and we drove to the farm of Hans and Monique at de Maas river, where we had a nice cup of coffee. Ludo & Remy were already present.
I got a chance to admire the guitar collection and studio of Monique. A whole collection of Fenders and Gibsons, WOW. No half work and we will probably hear more of her.
The weather was excellent and would remain nice during the whole weekend. Guided by Ludo, we traveled 500 clicks to a Burger King along the A4, about 50 km before Suhl to continue with other Benelux Riders.
Harry and Anita (we are looking forward to see another nice Postema / Talma film production), Ivo and Cella, Ronnie and Dita, Dirk and Josette, Frank and Monique, Gerwin, Anthony and Lonny, Dirk, Robert and Jeanette and Cedric and Hilde were there. Later Stefan and Gerard and Jenneke would arrive as well, they arrived via the Dolomites mountains. And of course, Colin and Ingrid.

We were warmly welcomed at the already pretty full parking space reserved for us. The hotel was nicely situated at the top of a hill and the rooms offered a nice view of the hundreds of Valks. It was already very busy.


Our German hosts had arranged a package of € 185, - per person for 3 nights including free drinks during meals. And the organization left us with no wishes, whatever.  
It was of course very nice to see other Riders from all over Europe again and a pleasure to watch the motorcycles. You could have new V-belts and trigger wheels fitted for a reduced price.
In the evening we could enjoy an extensive buffet dinner, speeches and a DJ.
F6gal was there as well. She and her husband had flown over for the occasion and stayed with Andy.


The next day we left for individual rides, that is to say we participated in a group of about 10 bikes behind our Roadmaster Stef, who showed us the most beautiful places in the area.
The Thüringen Forest was a great area for motorbikes. There were many winding roads in these hilly and wooded surroundings of Germany. Most of them you could ride with a nice pace, passing though sleepy villages where you were not bothered by traffic lights, thresholds and other obstacles. We used the lunch in a biker hotel overlooking one of the reservoir lakes. After a nice ride and a good meal, a cover band performed that night.
Also, in between activities there was a Chapter meeting, announcing that the next Inzane would take place in Austria (Graz).


                                                                                                                                                                       On the spot bearing replacement.....



On Saturday over 350 Valkyries started a route together of approx. 150 km, interrupted by a lunch on a farm. That night there was a farewell ceremony with DJ and every Chapter got a memento.
On Sunday morning we said goodbye after breakfast and returned home. The eleventh EU Valkyrie meeting in Suhl was characterized by an exceptionally high turnout, a good atmosphere, an excellent hotel and a beautiful environment for riding. And that's what it's all about.





Pictures

donatelof6c
http://donatelof6c.rajce.idnes.cz/Nemecko_InZane_2017_cerven/











Beer
https://www.flickr.com/photos/beer1952/albums/72157682770246984

[Beer van Huet]

EU Inzane XII 2018 -  Loipersdorf, Austria

Website http://inzane2018.valkyrieriders.eu/



Videos

Valkyrie Riders Italia - inzane Austria 2018

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiyu4Ovp9Xc

Völkermarkt 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHI6RvAG99A

Robert Gibbons

 
Bob goes to Austria Inzane 2018 part 1  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqATFC7Qj4I
Bob goes to Austria Inzane 2018 part 2  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5apeLe925GE

Beer - Trip Report

From 21 to 24 June the EU Inzane Meeting was held in Loipersdorf, Austria.  A beautiful location in the mountains near the border triangle of Austria, Hungary and Slovenia. On top of that, we had sunshine the whole period.
Three days of twisties through the mountains with a sidestep to Slovenia and in the evenings a party and bikertalk. What else can you wish for. That’s what more than 250 participants thought as well.
Belgium and the Netherlands were also well represented with Stefan, Beer, Ivo and Cella, Ronnie and Dita, Stuccie and Debbie, Dirk and Josette, Eric and of course Jos and Yvonne, Hans, Gerard and Jenneke, Ludo and Romy, Anthony and Lonny, Colin and Ingrid, Cedric and Hilde and Harry with Anita, Kris and Hans and Sien.  Excellent company.

                               Lowlands Riders with Bobbievalk

I left five days earlier following our Roadmaster Stef together with Gerard and Jenneke and half a dozen close friends. These folks ride together for many years now and are completely used to each other’s riding style. 
And they ride much faster than I do, especially on the narrow, curved mountain roads.  So, a nice learning curve for me. We started by making an 900 km jump to the south, only stopping for gas. 
Since we left at 5 o’clock in the morning we avoided most of the usual traffic jams and arrived in Karlsruhe at 9 o’clock. From there on, we left the Autobahn and took the secondary roads to Austria. 
With the Wx being that great, Stefan decided to take 5 of the most beautiful mountain passes in Austria, all in one day. I think we did 900 hairpin bends, LOL. 
We continued via Bolzano through the southern edge of the Italian Alps and then North of Venice to Slovenia. This country is super for riding. Excellent and clean roads through the mountains with hardly any traffic .
During a few days we clocked a lot of pleasant miles and had a lot of fun in the evenings.  Then we rode to Bavaria again to catch up with the other Inzane-goers from the Benelux.  After a very nice evening we all went to Loipersdorf together.
We checked in and were warmly welcomed by Gunni and Petra. 
The setup was very nice and we could park the bikes in a covered parking lot. I always take a walk along all the Valkyries,  just to see if somebody has new bling and/or modifications that will be useful to me. 
Amazing  how most of these bikes still look like new.  Old fashioned Honda quality. 
That evening I went to bed early with some aspirin since I had a terrible toothache.   So, no party for me.
On Friday we made a very nice ride together with a group of about 15 bikes  and on Saturday there was of course the joint ride with all participants at the same time.
We used lunch in an establishment  where the majority of Riders could only park at a slope. That caused for quite some consternation, LOL. 
Not that there wasn’t enough parking place (around the back) but the front Riders decided to stop short of the intended parking. 


                       Casual talk on the parking for lunch                                                 Josette and Debbie. Never a dull moment with these two

On Saturday evening there was the usual farewell  and award ceremony and the next day we rode home with a large group and an overnight stay in Germany. I had a great motorcycle holiday through the mountains and very nice evenings with excellent company.  Thank you, Gunni,  Petra and crew for this great and well organized meeting.


    Mario, back from long time not seen...                                                      Some of Eric's 'Hero Pictures' on the way up


                   Waiting for 200 bikes to get parked                                                         Nice buffet in front of the hotel



                  Outside the hotel entrance                                                                                 Not sure what happened to this picture


             Nice gaggle on the way out                                                         Einstein, key figure in welding EU Valkyrie Chapters together for more than 20 years


                                                                                                                         Nice Runes as part of the Valkyrie family


                                                                                                          Parking lot


                                                                              Thank you for this great meeting, VRCC Austria

VRCC Czech Republic  - Galerie  InZane 2018 Austria
http://www.valkyrieriderscz.cz/galerie/category/190-inzane-2018-austria

[Beer van Huet]

EU Inzane XIII 2019 - Cervia, Italy

Website  http://www.valkyrieridersitalia.it/Inzane_2019/welcome.html



TBD

[Beer van Huet]

Japan Valkyrie Owners

http://6237.teacup.com/valkyrie/bbs



It goes without saying that, at least some Japanese Valkyrie Riders are making serious trips, as shown by Kiyoharu Matsuo

2006  
5th All Japan Valkyrie Owners Meeting No.1 in Odaiba, Tokyo
Odaiba is a popular shopping and entertainment district on a man-made island in Tokyo Bay. It originated as a set of small man-made fortress islands (daiba literally means "fort")
https://www.flickr.com/photos/beer1952/45510170044/in/album-72157702295769455/

2012
http://www.geocities.jp/valkyriemeeting/diary1.html


2013
12th All Japan Valkyrie Owners Meeting No.1 by yuichi kikuchi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOBEk-rLW_E


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ruAs4IKorA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCYs13ibVLE
https://wtfdown.com/oCYs13ibVLE/honda-valkyrie-12th-all-japan-valkyrie-owners-meeting.html


                                                                                                                             Pics from Kenji Isoyama


2014 Iwaki Meeting







2016



Translated by Google

The 15th Valkyrie owners club nationwide meeting. Thank you, participants, support personnel and everyone of all the members for your hard work.
We were blessed with the weather, I think that it was a very good meeting. Did everyone enjoy it?
Those who could not attend, please join us next time.
Thanks as well to a lot of supporters other than the participants this time, I think that the meeting ended without accidents.
Thank you very much, all the Riders who took the lead and guided to the final venue.
Everyone was able to arrive safely without any losses. 
The place of dissolution is the place where it was all swept away by the tsunami at the time of the disaster. The place that feels the comfortable sea breeze is also the place of the reconstruction (hope) that local people fought despair and made up. Also, at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, work that is still tense still continues. Do not forget.
I think that everyone felt that Iwaki City was also a meeting to feel it. And I felt this time with the people who are having trouble with the Kumamoto earthquake and thought that it was a feast if we could support even a little. It is a wonderful meeting.
Next year is Kyushu! I think that there are many people who are far away, but let's gather there with their hot feelings!
This time, total support money for the Kumamoto earthquake disaster gathered 295,100 yen. Tan of Nagasaki will deliver it to Kumamoto.  Felt hot love, including hide, fellows who sent treasure to the charity auction, hot love. Thank you, Mr. Fuku, Hide, Hinode, Mr. Suginami, Yoshimi, Mr. Ishibei, co-sponsoring the welcome drink. I got drunk a lot.
I think that the meeting in Kyushu, Hokkaido and Iwaki city was self-supporting and became a nationwide target this time. I really appreciate your work.


                                        Kenji Isoyama at the Fukushima Valkyrie meeting

2017 The 16th Valkyrie National Meeting in Nagasaki 



Wakaru Chapter members



2018

Chiba  -  Honda Valkyrie 12th All Japan Valkyrie Owners Meeting by Yuichi Kikuchi
https://youtu.be/oCYs13ibVLE
https://youtu.be/puiVSZZstgU

Pics by Yuichi Kikuchi







                            Racetrack Tochigi





2017

Masayoshi Sampei – Camping/ BBQ and Fuji Speedway Weekend
Impression of Fuji Speedway International Racing Course with Kenji Isoyama and 14 others.



Video of Valkyrie line up https://www.facebook.com/100010088475860/videos/498132983866313/

Cruisers rolling along the speedway grandstand https://www.facebook.com/100010088475860/videos/pcb.498136677199277/498133243866287/?type=3&theater

Spectacular off the road bike jumps https://www.facebook.com/100010088475860/videos/498133390532939/

[Beer van Huet]

Australian Riders

Facebook adress https://www.facebook.com/groups/578717565600823/about/



Bevan Bradford, Secretary Australian Wing Riders Association (Qld) Inc

In contrast with other WW GW Clubs, the GW1500C Valkyrie down under was recognized straight away as belonging to the GW family.
One of the objects of the Australian Wing Riders Association (Qld) Inc is in part to “promote recognition of the needs of Goldwing and Valkyrie riders”.  To be an ordinary member of the Association, you must be the owner/rider of any of the Goldwing or Valkyrie models.
As an Association, we have been in existence since 1999. Our founding members were all Goldwing owners/riders but ensured our constitution accepted the inclusion of Valkyrie owners/riders as full ordinary members, as there were other Goldwing clubs which did not accept the membership of Valkyrie owners/riders.
Over the past 18 years, our membership has been almost 100% Goldwing owner/riders and as a founding member myself and without going back through all the individual membership records, I can only recall possibly two members who owned Valkyries.  

Tony Russell

Tony Russell with his Valkyrie and CBX back in 1997, possibly the very first Valkyrie in Australia  
There was 70 black ones built before the Bumblebee, some came to Australia after the first Bumblebee
We pulled it out of the crate, bolted it together then road it back to the Blue Mountains.


Shrubbo made some excellent video’s down under. A real pleasure to watch.

Three Amigo’s - Queensland and northern NSW
Our weekly "Day Break" ride. 3 mates, speaking poop, riding bikes, makes the working week worth it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ke-LbOrc4As&feature=youtu.be

Road Trip - Texas
0:00 - Canungra to Casino. 3:35 - Casino to Tenterfield. 5:44 - Into a spectacular sunset on the way to Texas. 9:25 - One of the many crazy kanga's and the story of the ride
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKMumJ-XPdI&feature=youtu.be

Cruising Gibraltar
0:00 Canungra to Grafton 2:16 Gwydir Hwy 3:47 The Gibraltar Range
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaxqWzLHYZo

Various pics from Facebook Honda Valkyrie Australia
https://www.facebook.com/groups/578717565600823/photos/










Phil Russell - Took the Interstate for a ride to the other side of the River before it got too hot today, The Nepean Belle heading down stream in the background.




Custom Valkyrie Pen, Choice of artwork, looks like a bullet, works like a bolt action rifle





















GREG WOOD/AFP/Getty Images


Sydney Model Samantha Wilkinson stands behind a Honda 1832cc flat-six Valkyrie Rune super cruiser during the launch of the Sydney Motorcycle Show, 13 May 2004.
Honda's Valkyrie Rune, which is making its Asia-Pacific debut, will join 21 other makes on display at the show which continues through to 16 May. 

[Beer van Huet]

New Zealand Valkyrie Riders

Leathel


Footage from the trip to the lighthouse
A little longer as its mostly at 1x speed (a little at 1.5x) to get a better view of the surroundings
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl0knSCLuLE

glen rangi 22
Arrival at Paeroa Battle of the Streets race. Hundreds of bikes and we locate some spare grassy area in the local park.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyIA0XS3qS8&feature=youtu.be  and
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WV3eegAq-c&feature=youtu.be  and
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTJbF5THKWk&feature=youtu.be

Passmasters track day at Pukekohe Park Raceway
I got the opportunity to get out on one of the local tracks for a blast, Was a great day, I had a nightmare lead up to it with leaking fuel rails, brake issues and tire changes to do so some really late nights but I got there, somewhat tired but glad I did it, you get to know the lean angles before scrapping well....the boards took a bit of wear but with such a smooth surface not to much damage, Here are a few I took and same taken by the people running the training day
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xi4tuTaOi0E&feature=youtu.be



Another thing we did recently was hit the drag strip, this was to be a base run to later do it again to test the difference to times after the rejet etc....... but what it did do was point out I had an issue with floats as sitting in line waiting it was flooding, so of the line it stumbled and spluttered so Jeff on his VTX got a big jump start.....still managed to catch a couple of times and was getting higher top speeds most times...... but I will have to do it again, now the issues are fixed, times to beat and and all that (Oh at a VTX1800 to beat properly)

It was good fun


The day was put on by Kawasaki so they were free to enter so plenty of them there, but it was only $40 for everyone else.... a fun $40 it was


2017 - To the west coast town of Raglan


it was a brilliant winters day, a cool start but followed by an almost cloudless day.                     The river had dropped after the recent floods
The trip home we split of and did some back roads



A few pics from the BACA 100 mile ride
This ride was not a warm ride, one the daughter chose to miss and I am pleased she did as we had high winds, rain and hail, from the direction it was snowing 100 miles away.... so not pleasant!



We started out with 100 bikes (Not bad considering the forecast) but by the time we got to the first stop that had almost halved!  I wasn't going to go but with the bad forecast thought I better support them as the numbers would be down, the work I planned on the bike could wait



RATS ride (Riders against teen suicide)


                                                                          That was a well-run ride that had around 500 bikes (a good size for over here)

Cold Kiwi mid-winter camping annual rally









Trip up to Whangarei for the last weekend of winter





A few Bike pose pics



Kim Kennerson - Ulysses national president
Kim has been riding since he got his licence on a Honda 175cc 34 years ago. He now has a 1520cc, six-cylinder Honda Valkyrie, an 1800cc Gold Wing and an undiminished passion for the road.
"Only a motorcyclist can describe this, but it's a feeling of freedom," he says. "You know, you're out there and the wind's blowing in your face, you're going down a country road and you can smell the eucalyptus trees - it's just a magical feeling.
The bike feels like an extension of your body."
Kennerson's passion is replicated thousands of times over at Coffs.






              

[Beer van Huet]

VRCC Calendars

I would like to thank Willow for providing the 2010 onward calendar front cover pics.
The previous calendars, starting in 2002, were produced by F6RiderStore. Unfortunately, I could not get a hold of the original files so I took pictures my own.

2002 – input requested











2008-2009 – Input requested

[Beer van Huet]

Great Member Sayings

I took the liberty of selecting a few sayings that appealed to me

If you don’t know where you’re going any road will take you there - George Harrison
You can't do much about the length of your life, so focus on the width and depth
Never under estimate the power of stupid people in large groups
Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it
Life is like a hot bath. It feels good while you’re in it, but the longer you stay in, the more wrinkled you get
A fine is tax you pay for doing wrong.  A tax is fine you pay for doing well
Excessive comfort breeds weakness
The question is not what you look at...but what you see...
Any day that you ride is a good day
American by Birth, Southern by the Grace of God.
Better to be judged by 12, then carried by 6.
When life throws a curve, lean hard, grind the peg, and throttle up!
If bullet proof glass is stronger than bullets, why don't we use bullet proof glass as bullets?
The key thing is to wake up breathing! All the rest can be fixed. (Except Stupid - You can't fix that)
Träume, als wenn Du ewig lebst, lebe als wenn Du morgen stirbst. (translated: dream that you live forever, live like you’ll die tomorrow)
Only Bikers understand why dogs hang their heads out the car window
Just because you are not paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you
Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere
You can't succeed beyond your wildest expectations unless you begin with some wild expectations.

[Beer van Huet]

APPENDIX

VRCC Lowlands photo album - including 4220 history pics
https://www.flickr.com/photos/beer1952/albums/72157702295769455

YouTube Maintenance and repair video addresses

Introduction
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITyszhh4XHs&list=PLFD84430C06E7EC12

How to repair a rusty fuel tank
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hda12k__UWg&list=PLFD84430C06E7EC12&index=4  

How to remove the carbs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDLTpQCTBsc&list=PLFD84430C06E7EC12
 
How to disassemble the carbs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8gXnaJr2J0&list=PLFD84430C06E7EC12

How to clean the carbs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yd3TL4yIzl4&list=PLFD84430C06E7EC12

How to reassemble and synchronize the carbs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9SevjRSxSU&list=PLFD84430C06E7EC12

Final carb assembly and startup
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9SevjRSxSU&list=PLFD84430C06E7EC12

Carb sync Honda Valkyrie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRdfIIWRXVY

Rejetting Valkyrie F6C
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIwh3jjPfZo

Replacing the Jet needles on a 98 Valkyrie
Part 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzzLE76rWiI
Part 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoZErdfKGTw

CO tuning
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9h44V0pIjhI&list=PL14696D275D485E59

Airbox installation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3RgzDeriQ4

Valkyrie gearshift seal replacement
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-swQkIddQk
 
Rear wheel removal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcKTQ_MDIU4
Wheel Bearing Removal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14lL5j2l8sk
When to change your motorcycle tires
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3Yq7DMRwbw&list=PL14696D275D485E59
Valkyrie rear brake pad replacement
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksSZve1dWk4
How to polish a Valkyrie Wheel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KGHuzv8qB0&feature=c4-overview-vl&list=PL14696D275D485E59
Polishing a Honda Valkyrie rim
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INt_nCxviHU
Valkyrie with Dyna Beads balanced tires
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuDpRLRfyA4
Valkyrie motorcycle tire (taken during riding)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIfrFch-VqE
Valkyrie dark side video (taken during riding)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwSSXHanpv0

Sound of chrome speakers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZCvW4ZSE-I

Honda Valkyrie 12V to 220V converter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mh_Vm6IqFnw

How the motorcycle is made
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUWQe42nr3o
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Mio2ZjY9N8


Valkyrie/Rune magazine articles

VALKYRIE Articles (RUNE/GW F6C  BELOW)

Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Valkyrie

VRCC USA (main) Website
https://www.valkyrieriders.com/

Valkyrie Genealogy
Information about your F6C/Valkyrie (Courtesy RJ and Dag Verpeide, VRCC Norway)
https://www.valkyrienorway.com/Valkyrie%20Genealogy.html

Chicago Tribune 1996
https://articles.chicagotribune.com/1996 ... ser-market

Wing world - Meet Heathen
http://wingworldmag.com/wing_featured/meet-heathen/

Motorcycle News  
Cruiser  -Stonehenge Ride 2003
https://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/motorcycles-stonehenge-ride-valkyries

Beast Rider’s Honda Valkyrie
http://www.herberts.org/wayne/valk/valkmain.htm

Goldwing facts - My Ride on an Angel by Joe Foley
http://www.goldwingfacts.com/F6CValkyrie.htm

Bikepoint Australia - Honda F6C Valkyrie
http://www.bikepoint.com.au/reviews/200 ... yrie-13827

Minnesota motorcycle magazine - Mother of all cruisers
http://www.valkyrienorway.com/reviewminnesotamcm.html

How stuff works - 1998 Honda Valkyrie
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1998-honda-valkyrie.htm

RUNE Articles

Gizmag - Honda's Insane Valkyrie Rune by Mike Hanlon
http://www.gizmag.com/go/1513/
 

Motorcyclistonline - Honda Rune First Ride
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/first ... yrie_rune/

Goldwing World

Rune introduction
http://www.goldwingworld.com/pages/runeintro.htm
Interview with Masanori Aoki
http://www.goldwingworld.com/pages/aoki-rune.htm
Corbin advertisement Rune
http://www.goldwingworld.com/pages/corbin.htm
Stairway to heaven
http://www.goldwingworld.com/pages/runespec.htm

[Beer van Huet]

Bottom Line

Storing just pictures on a drive, website or cloud is great as long as they are relevant to someone. If not, they will inevitably fade away.
It's a bit like looking at a photo album of your parents. If nothing is written about the picture, they will become meaningless at some point in time.
That is why I hope that my attempt to give the VRCC history a 'face' contributes in a better understanding of what the VRCC is all about.
The classic Valkyrie motorcycle still attracts large crowds at numerous prestigious bike expo's like the one in Hamburg and Berlin, Germany and Padova, Italy and the Copdock motorcycle show in the UK. 
Looking back at 20 years of history, I find it amazing how the VRCC objectives still apply to a such a substantial number of Riders around the world.
Besides the joy of riding this mighty and great looking machine, the spirit of the early days still lives on.
Basically they all tell a similar story. It's a great motorcycle and you meet wonderful people you otherwise never would have met. Sincere friends who are willing to help you anyway they can if you have a problem.
The Valkyrie is very well suited for long distance riding. The size, handling characteristics, smooth running engine and upright riding position gives the Rider the opportunity to travel distances with a cruiser that were not practical before.
The VRCC Staff exploited this fact with countrywide Inzane meetings as a result. Soon followed by poineers in Europe like Silvano 'Sil' Merati, Peter 'Einstein' and Christine 'Steinchen' Prajczer, the late Werner Schäfer, Robert 'Bobbievalk' Gibbons and countless others. Unlike the giant HD and GW Meetings , the VRCC was able to keep their annual meetings down to a personal level. The fact that membership was free, partners were included as full members and the lack of hierarchy further contributed to a bottom-up approach of mutual understanding between Riders.  Just open up a VRCC Bulletin board, any VRCC Bulletin board around the world, and you'll immediately notice the difference from any other MC.

Enough said.

I want to thank the VRCC Staff for allowing me to publish the history on the website. You folks are just super
Next I want to express my gratitude to everyone who helped me with this history.  Without your personal inputs, the story would simply be just another picture book of the past.
I took the liberty of copying pictures, feelings and emotions from various websites. Thanks to all of you for letting me grab your post or picture for this history.
I realize that a single individual can do only so much. Only together we can make this a true story.  So, please follow up if you can and post comments, send me a PM or mail info@vrcc.nl and let's make this work.


Beer # 7609

[V1valyrie]

Dear Beer,

I stumbled upon this incredibly interesting post today, and it has left me dumbfounded!  Being a slow reader, I had to resort to the "bookmark" button, as it is going to become a part time job for me to ingest the immense content of your post, and I am looking forward to reading and relishing all of it in it's entirety!  Well done, Bro!

[Duffy]

That is very impressive Beer. Well done! 

[DeathWishBikerDude]

Amazing amount of valkyrie bikes still on the road after a short 7 year production run.
Best purchase I've ever made in my life.
First ride of the year..when I crack the throttle open always puts a smile on my face!

[Valkrocket]

Thanks for the memories Beer. That was quite the monumental task you took on. Here's the original first 4 rally pins from Inzanes I - IV for your collection of memories.

Glide-on>>>>>>>>
Valkrocket