Two Decades of VRCC History

[Beer van Huet]

   To the best in the business...



PREFACE

First of all, thanks VRCC Staff for your permission to post this story here. You folks are simply the best, I owe you big time.
 
Perhaps you ask yourself what this is all about.

I wrote this story for the 20th VRCC birthday anniversary on 1 August 2019.  
Over 900 illustrated pages about YOU. A different breed of Cruiser Rider who resisted the V-Twin cult. This story is an attempt to summarize the VRCC past in a comprehensive way, the ‘Big Picture’ so to say.
I can hear yourself thinking. How can somebody, living in a different continent over 6000 miles away, write about events he did not attend. I have to admit, it crossed my mind as well, many times. Well, I figured the only way around this is to have the entire text made up of quotes, comments, pictures and stories previously posted by yourself on this website.
So the story is made up of your own exact feelings and words. It's basically a rearrangement of already published information on VRCC web- and archive pages in the past.
I concentrated on the early days because that information will be lost first while recent events may still be fresh in our memory.
During the course of 20 years VRCC, the amount of pics, links and clips has become so overwhelming that I had to drastically restrict myself. One of the restrictions being 'if no pics, no publication' in this history.
I apologize for all the great stories not mentioned because the associated pics were not easily accessible for the public reader.
This history is divided in a General Part i.e some facts and figures/how it all began, followed by a few pages about each individual Chapter and more extensively about the Inzanes.  Many trip reports cross several State Lines. So, don’t take the Chapter bit too strict. I will start with the US side of the house, followed by Europe in pretty much the same sequence and some pages about Australia, New Zealand and Japan. I like to provide an index so you can jump to your area of interest straight away but that is not possible now since I am using the message board. I have to wait and see how the message pages count up. Finally, I used less pics than intended to save webspace. So bear with me if you think some parts are made up of too much text.
Many articles have been written about the Valkyrie Motorcycle. There is an abundance of clips on YouTube and other media. That is why I deliberately did not spend much time on the bike but focussed mainly on its Rider.
I also apologize for the sometimes poor editing and quality of pics. Since I wrote this story in Word/PDF, I had to edit the text and resize each picture again to make it look right, given the tools on this BB.

The average biker I know is not much of a writer. Also, one Chapter's website may be loaded with dozens of pictures, rides and trip reports every year and another looks pretty static. While they both may be equally active.  It’s hard to tell if you are an outsider. Or you communicated via closed bulletin boards/groups that I did not have access to.  Or you published a great report but the (Photo Bucket/Stash) pictures didn’t show up for unregistered members.  Not having been there personally, I am the first one to admit that it’s impossible to address all the VRCC events over the past 20 years, let alone properly and within their context. This is where YOU come in.

What does it take to send me a mail info@vrcc.nl, PM or start a comment message and say, Hey Beer, you forgot me. I’ve been to this VRCC happening and it was awesome. And tell me why and add some links or pics. Or wave the BS flag and tell me that I’ve got it all wrong for that matter. Or tell me that a link is dead since there are a lot of links included.  So, let’s say this is just a start. Only together we can make this a true documentary. Let’s make this work.

A word about Privacy
You may well see yourself back in a picture or comment in this history. Some Riders may look at this as an infringement of their privacy and personal life.
Please note that I only used public information previously posted by you on a website that is accessible to everyone. I avoided using true names except when they were specifically published online.  
Moreover, I will not print hardcopies of this history, nor is it downloadable from an external website. The only two places that it will be published are the VRCC US and VRCC EU website.
This story is about the Club, Rides and Events, not about matters of a personal nature.
I see this as a great opportunity to promote our VRCC and your (Chapters') part in it. Because there is much more to be told. The mighty Valkyrie motorcycle and its Rider deserves it.
If, for any reason you do not want your information to be disclosed in this posting however, write me and I will erase it.


Ride Safe,


Beer van Huet # 7609
VRCC Lowlands Chapter Rep.  

 

INDEX ............  Page 1

Preface                                           VRCC CANADA CHAPTERS
                                              
GENERAL                                      Ontario
                                                     Quebec
Introduction                                   British Columbia
Bike Origin                                     Alberta
Patent
NHTSA
Coins - Special Interstate                 WORLDWIDE EVENTS
         - VRCC
Brochure                                        Thor’s Hammer
Video Commercials                          Valhalla Voyage
Numbers and Genealogy
Performance - Project Bonnevalk       US INZANES
Publications                                     I – XIX
Nickname
High Mileage Valkyries
Around the world by Valkyrie            VRCC EUROPE CHAPTERS
Valkyrie Clubs and origin
VRCC origin                                      Italy
VRCC characteristics                         Austria
No of members                                Lowlands
Inzane – general                              Germany
Artwork - Chapters                           United Kingdom
            - Events                              France
           -  Other                               Spain
Tattoos                                           Ireland
Vanity license plates                        Denmark
Songs                                             Sweden
Members age                                  Norway    ................   Page 3
RIP                                                Finland
                                                     Czech Republic & Moravia
VRCC US CHAPTERS                     Slovakia
                                                     Poland
Ohio                                              Switzerland
Virginia                                          Latvia
Texas                                             Russia
VERMIN/Washington                      
Indiana
New England Chapters                    EU INZANES
New Jersey                                    I-XIII
New York
Delaware                                       JAPAN
Michigan
New Mexico                                   AUSTRALIA          
California
Bouvet Island                                NEW ZEALAND                    
Alabama
Kansas                                          CALENDARS
Illinois
Iowa
Louisiana                                      APPENDIX with links
Minnesota
Missouri
Carolina
Oklahoma
Tennessee
Florida
Arizona
Nevada
Arkansas
Utah
Colorado  ..............  Page 2
Wisconsin
Georgia
Kentucky
NothWest
Oregon
Idaho
Alaska

[Beer van Huet]

GENERAL

INTRODUCTION

Every now and then a motorcycle comes around that is instantly regarded as ‘classic’ by experts and the public. This was also the case when the Honda GL1500C Valkyrie came out.
The bike was declared ‘Cruiser of the Decade’ soon after its introduction in Chicago on 19 January 1996. No wonder, because its revolutionary design and performance left the competition way behind.  
It was also the first (and last) completely mechanical Power Cruiser ever built.  
Normally when a bike gets older, it’s left to collect dust and spider rags, stowed away in the back of a garage or displayed by a collector somewhere. And it's Club, like old soldiers, will just fade away.
Not this baby.  On the contrary, a new breed of Riders has joined the Club with the same enthusiasm and spirit, bringing a new élan to the VRCC.  It’s still alive and kickin’ as day one, considering the novelty is gone.
Being a member of the VRCC for some time, I have always been amazed by the dynamics and spirit of this club, its members and the long-lasting friendships with complete strangers I would have never met otherwise.
I consider the average Valkyrie Rider an individual who has been around, of which the majority doesn’t have the urge to constantly put his/her hair on fire and still prefers the power, looks and culture over a HD or Goldwing.
Time flies. Soon the VRCC will celebrate its 20th anniversary and before you know it, it will be forgotten how this great club started and evolved in what it is today - a true icon of passion and determination.  
So, I took it upon me to search the web for the VRCC history, its past highlights, memorable individuals, events and issues. Not only from the US but worldwide.
Since It is impossible to even mention everything that has been going on, I took the liberty of selecting information which was public, easily accessible and considered appropriate.
It’s easy to misinterpret something you read on a web archive however, so the story is entirely made up of quotes by local Riders themselves. I merely rearranged them and tried to put it all in a comprehensive order to create an overall VRCC picture.
I regard this story as a living document and any addition or correction is welcome and appreciated.  
I do hope that you’ll have as much fun reading it as I have had in writing it down and perhaps it will bring back some good memories.

BIKE ORIGIN
Joe Boyd, the genius behind the mighty Valkyrie Power Cruiser

Honda Valkyrie by Fred Rau, a friend of Joe Boyd
Between 1997 and 2003 Honda had what was declared the "Cruiser of the Decade" in a Flat 6 Valkyrie.
The problem that I believe that it is no longer in production is that the man responsible for it was killed in a motorcycle accident and no one at Honda wanted to take the ball. The following is a letter that was printed in a magazine that will explain:  A letter posted at motorcycle consumer news on line. "Interesting that maddjack would note that "Honda never really marketed the Valk." I'll tell you a story, strictly from my own perspective as a "kind-of" insider:

Of course, Honda did market the Valkyrie, but I agree, never with the kind of enthusiasm they often show for other bikes in their lineup. The Valk was pretty much the brainchild and "baby" of one guy at Honda who really believed in it. His name was Joe Boyd, but around Honda they called him "GL Joe," because of his love of Gold Wings. The majority of the marketing experts at Honda never believed the Valkyrie concept would work, but Joe used his considerable influence and personal charisma to push the project through. Of course, the Valk became a success. Never a huge one, but a success nevertheless. And I personally believed that since Joe had proved so many people wrong, that those same people were reluctant to aid in the Valkyrie's rise. Not that they intentionally stymied it, but I just don't believe the project ever got the kind of all-out support it deserved, just because Joe had stepped on so many toes in his headlong push to make it a reality.

Around the time the new 1800 GL was becoming a reality, Joe was killed in a tragic accident at the Honda test track. With his death, the prime motivating force behind the Valkyrie project died, also. I personally believe we'd have an all-new, radical, Valkyrie 1800 today, if Joe had lived. Not the Rune, as amazing as it is, but something much more practical and affordable. As a side note, I would like to add that Honda paid a quiet, yet memorable tribute to Joe, for several months after his death.

I rode with Joe a number of times. We were casual friends, and used to ride across the Mojave Desert together, as we both loved the old back roads out there. Along the way, one of Joe's favorite things was to stop in at the tiny town of Amboy, at one of the last remaining original Route 66 tourist stops, Roy's Cafe, and get himself a chocolate milkshake. If you remember, for about six months, several years ago, in virtually every major motorcycling magazine in the country, Honda carried a full-page ad with a picture of a Valkyrie, sitting under the Roy's Cafe sign in the Mojave, with a setting sun in the background. It was a quiet, memorable tribute to the man that was easily understood by those who knew him.

Often, a radical or interesting new bike is developed primarily because one person, with the influence, drive and passion to see it built, puts his weight behind the project. Love it or not, such was the case with the Rune, which had Honda VP Ray Blank as its "Angel." One could say the same of Pierre Terblanche, and the Ducati 999. And such was the case with Joe Boyd and the Valkyrie. Whether such bikes are a design, marketing or financial success is really irrelevant -- I think -- What is important is that we have an industry in which such things can happen, because they push the envelope. True innovation rarely comes from a committee decision.
Enough of my maudlin remembrances. Just thought you might find it interesting.
Now if Honda had continued to market the Valk I believe that it would run circles around all the V-Twin Harley want-a-be's. There is an unlimited amount of customizing that can be done to them where they don't look just like the one down the street

Honda Employees Killed Testing Motorcycle
Accident: Colleagues describe Mission Viejo, Redondo Beach men as highly experienced riders.
May 29, 1998|VALERIE BURGHER | TIMES STAFF WRITER

Two Honda Motor Co. employees were killed Wednesday afternoon evaluating a motorcycle prototype (which would later become the CBR600F4 –Red), the company said Thursday. The accident occurred about 2 p.m. at the Willow Springs Raceway near Rosamond in Kern County. It was still unclear Thursday exactly how the accident occurred. Authorities are investigating. Honda spokesman Peter ter Horst identified the men as Dirk R. Vandenberg, 48, of Mission Viejo, who was the manager of product evaluation, and Josef Boyd, 49, a Redondo Beach engineer.

One man was making a routine test run of the vehicle when he lost control and struck the other man, who was photographing the test, ter Horst said. Both were taken to Antelope Valley Hospital in Lancaster, where they later died. Company officials said they could not yet confirm who was riding the prototype and who was taking photographs. Honda employees perform similar tests at least three times a month, ter Horst said. Torrance-based Honda and the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration have opened investigations. "There's still a lot of chaos around the situation," said Cal/OSHA spokesman Dean Fryer.   He said Honda and Cal/OSHA will examine training records and the protocol for vehicle testing and interview witnesses to determine the cause of the accident. "Honda is going to be looking at the prototypes very closely to see if there are any mechanical issues," Fryer said. "At this point, it's very early to start putting the pieces together."

Honda colleagues described the men as avid motorcycle enthusiasts and highly experienced riders. Boyd was known around the office as "G.L. Joe," after one of the company's motorcycle models. Vandenberg owned a collection of at least 10 motorcycles. "They had at least 100,000 miles of riding time each [and] were very competent and qualified," said co-worker Mike Spencer. "I'm sure it was just a complete freak accident."  Vandenberg's love of motorcycles had taken him from a Michigan motorcycle dealership to a development position in Torrance. He came to Honda 21 years ago and worked his way up from the service department, co-workers said.

"It was a passion," said Jessie Carrera, an administrative assistant at Honda. "Dirk was a true expert." Vandenberg frequently spent vacations outdoors with his wife, Donna, and sons, Andrew, 16, and Nick, 9. "He was always a fun-loving, outgoing individual who enjoyed jet-skiing and go-carting and water-skiing. Anything that had an engine on it interested Dirk," said Spencer. "They'll be greatly missed." Said ter Horst: "It's a terrible tragedy for everyone in the company. It's a very unusual situation when people are injured during testing."
 
CBR600F4
The Honda CBR600F4 was a sport bike produced by Honda between 1999 and 2000. It was the last of the CBR600 series of Honda sport bikes to be carbureted  
The words, "Dedicated to Super Evaluators Dirk Vandenberg and Josef Boyd", are embossed in raised letters on the inside of the Honda CBR600F4's upper fairing.
This dedication was made because two of Honda R&D's senior product developers were killed during the final testing of this model.

 

PATENT
http://google.co.ve/patents/USD375281

The Honda Gl1500C Valkyrie (as shown below) was patented in the US on 5 November 1996 under USD375281S by Honda designers Makoto Kitagawa and Masamoto Ito.



NHTSA SAFETY TRACK RECORD
https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2001/HONDA/GL1500C%252520VALKYRIE

The GL1500C Valkyrie has a clean record in terms of recalls, investigations and complaints, with the exception of one official complaint in 2002 about the lack of hazard warning lights.  

SPECIAL COIN

When the Interstate came out in 1999, this 1st Mass Production Coin was issued by Honda to factory workers.



BROCHURE

Honda printed several brochures for the Valkyrie STD, Tourer and Interstate. You can find them all at Michael Scott's http://thehondavalkyriepages.blogspot.nl/2014/08/httpyoutu.html    
Here is one of the early ones.



VIDEO COMMERCIALS

                             

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnV9biGfjRI       https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFkFqcUUQaM         https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCVrvVEj6pg

NUMBERS & GENEALOGY
by RP# 62
https://hubcapsc.com/valkyrie_genealogy.pdf

The national release date of the first Valkyries was May 25, 1996 – all were 1997 models.
All Valkyries and 27 F6C export versions were built between 1996 and 2003 at Honda’s manufacturing facility in Marysville, OH.  Based on extensive research and serial numbers by RP Brown, a total of 48.420 Valkyries was produced, of which 6670 were exported to Europe, Australia and Japan.
Black ones were made every model year on each of the three models.  The rarest I know of is the copper and black ones made for the European market. Rarest in US: the '01 Black and red Interstate (160 made)
The Japanese Valkyries have an (electrical) reverse gear. The VINs on the Japanese Valks don't begin with 1HF.  They are in the format SC34-1000000.  
I originally posted my findings on Rattlebars' site and later on Dag's site.  It shouldn't be taken as absolute, but as an educated guess as I put it together based on a few facts and some extrapolation.
When we visited the Honda plant back when Valkyries were in production, they told us that Valkyries were built in color lots of 20 for a specific market.  For example, they would assemble, 20 black standards for the California market, the 20 red and white standards for the 49 state market, 20 green and creme tourers for the Canadian market, etc.
There's always been a lot of interest in how many of what color were made, so back in the day I wrote Honda to see what they would tell me and actually spoke with a representative at the plant on the subject.  Naturally, they consider production information as proprietary and wouldn't give me specifics but they did say I was on the right track.
Given the above, I began data basing VINs and noting color and mfg. date. I would get them off of bikes at events, off of Ebay, off of bikes at the dealers and from several VRCC members that sent them in.  I've got thousands at this point.  Being able to correlate that many by year, by type (standard, tourer, interstate) by market, then by color, they start resolving themselves into groups.  Looking at the serial number ranges within those groups then gives an idea of how many were made.    For example, knowing that they were made in lots of 20, I look for serial numbers within that group that are more than 20 apart. This gives an indication of how many lots of 20 were made.  It’s not 100%, but its close and the more numbers in database, the more accurate the guess.
That said, if there's still an interest in this, send me your VINs along with color and mfg. date and I'll sharpen the pencil.  
Over the years and pending the US Dollar currency value, more US Valkyries ended up abroad.



 
 

[Beer van Huet]

PERFORMANCE

Project Bonnevalk - Setting a land speed record is harder than it looks.

[

So, you've got a really fast motorcycle. How do you prove it? You could put it on a dyno and e-mail the numbers to all your friends, or you could do it the hard way.
Mr. C. Ray from Nashville, Tennessee knew he had a seriously fast Valkyrie, and he wanted to prove it to the world, so that nobody could dispute his claim! To add a twist, he didn't want a single purpose, rocket shaped speedster. His record setting bike would also be his every day rider, and a bike he would continue to tour on!
What makes Mr. Ray think his Valkyrie is so fast? Let's start with the "La Monster Supercharger System" featuring a reliable "Magnacharger" supercharger. While that may sound powerful, the real magic was in the internals of the motor and cylinder head, prepared by Dan Paramore of DPR Racing, in southern California. Dan engineered, designed, and built a Stage VI custom cylinder head for Ray, by modifying and reshaping the combustion chamber to increase quench area ("squish band"), then he fully ported and polished everything, before installing the ceramic coated valves into the heads. The results of DPR’s work were astonishing! A 20-percent increase in intake flow and a 30-percent gain on the exhaust side. Mr. Ray even flew Dan to Nashville to cut, polish, and work his magic on the pistons too! Once the heads were finished, and assembled, Dan focused all his grinding skills on the supercharger's manifold, to increase its capability to match the new heads.
To safeguard the engine when running under full boost, the compression ratio was dropped to 9.1:1. The valve springs were specially chosen and shimmed to make valves close quicker. Dan had a special set of cams made to his precise measurements, and the cam timing was altered to close the exhaust side a bit earlier, so the blower could cram as much boosted air/fuel into the cylinders as possible. Dan and Mr. Ray worked together to rig a double diaphragm clutch spring system to make sure the plates wouldn't slip. All these items are internal to the engine and the naked eye would never know...



The single glaring obvious horsepower boost comes from the two bottles of nitrous oxide strapped to the rear fender. A "Nitrous-Express" tunable system is adjusted to come on at full boost, and ramp up time of delivery, making it possible to get extreme horsepower, without extreme wheel spin!  A Dynatech ignition system and a Supertrapp exhaust system were chosen for their performance and reliability. It all came out to about 165 rear wheel horsepower give or take one or two!!!



Anyone who's ever been to "Speed Week" at the Bonneville Nationals is aware upon entry, that they are entering a world governed by rules and regulations, mostly for safety. All our players on "PROJECT BONNEVALK" arrived on Monday of "Speed Week"
The first day was spent setting up base camp and navigating thru the tech inspection. At first, they were confident, according to the "RULE BOOK"; the BONNEVALK could be configured to set four open speed records. All the bike had to do is complete qualifying and backup runs at any speed to set each of these records. However, Dan and Mr. Ray didn't want to set anything but solid, respectable records that others would have to work to beat. So, they disconnected the nitrous bottles and got ready to enter in "supercharged gas" class as their baseline.

Tuesday of Speed Week got off to a slow start with a two hour plus wait before each run was in order. Lucky teams get three runs in one day. Dan was going to drive "BONNEVALK" for the records, and he needed two licensing passes before he could attempt a qualifying run. Mr. Ray also wanted to see how the BONNEVALK's jetting was working at the 4200-foot altitude. So, Dan's took off and made his first pass, at a disappointing 117 mph. A jetting change and a little more throttle allowed his second pass to hit 147 mph, a little bit more respectable, and also earned Dan his license, and the team resolved to hit the ground running on

Wednesday began with another jetting change and a valve clearance check. Although the carburetor was still running a bit lean, the supercharged engine was running clean, without a hitch, but had still never been put to full throttle on the salt! After seeing how slow everything was progressing, we revised our goals to setting only two records for the week, instead of the original four; first with gas, and the second with nitrous.
By the end of day three, with every run producing faster speeds, we settled on the last run of the day at 156 MPH, as the qualifier for our first record. However, upon arriving in the impound area (where timing officials inspect vehicles), they experienced the great, unbending weight of the "RULE BOOK". When a machine arrives in the impound area, the officials perform a visual inspection, to make sure the machine qualifies for the class. When they looked at BONNEVALK, everyone's heart sank as the officials pointed out the unsealed fuel tank. Being time trial novices, none of the team members knew that an official had to witness "event-sanctioned-gas" being put into an empty tank, before the official seals the gas cap shut. Unswayed by our teams’ pleas, the official explained that the only way to insure the integrity of the records was to follow the rules to the letter. The team recategorized Wednesday as a testing and tuning day, to save face on paper



Thursday began with more jetting woes. Despite the fact that Mr. Ray had installed a 220-main jet, the largest one made for the 45mm Mikuni, the plugs said the bike was running dangerously lean during the long wide-open throttle portion of the timing run. Dan and Mr. Ray resorted to drilling out a jet and calculated that it measured the equivalent of a 245 main. The change yielded a 158 mph pass through the lights.
Talking with people in the impound area the previous day had alerted Dan and Christian to a loophole in the rules that allows competitors a second chance at a better qualifying run without sacrificing the current run time. The rule book said that contestants have an hour after a timing slip is issued to deliver a bike to the impound area. So, scuttlebutt went, if you could turn around the second run in less than an hour, you could still use the first run if the second wasn't any faster.
The line was significantly shorter on day four as Speed Week ran down, and a second run in an hour was feasible. Naiveté and the desire to post the best record possible got the best of the team, and Dan got back on the BONNEVALK for a second run. Midway through the timed mile, as he tried to make himself as small as possible (to cheat the wind), Dan's knee hit the ignition switch, killing the engine --- AND the run. They arrived with the bike in impound, with only a minute to spare.
Unfortunately, a couple of seasoned veterans pointed out that the exact wording of the rule governing record runs contradicted the popular sentiment expressed by the old salts the team had talked to. So, to dispel any appearance of impropriety, BONNEVALK hit the salt again, and rewarded the team with a timed mile of 161.352 mph (gas only, no nitrous)! The improved speed was a result of bumping the fuel pressure up to four PSI to force the fuel into the carb faster, to counter the still present lean problem.
The bike was tucked away in the impound area without incident, and the team went back to the hotel in a celebratory mood. A record was within their grasp.

Day five, the final day of speed week for us, and thanks to a miscommunication about the hotel departure time, Team Project BONNEVALK arrived five minutes too late for the backup runs. Not being part of the escorted procession from impound to the starting line is the equivalent of breaking the seal on the gas tank.
Once again---but this time on the last day of Bonneville Speed Week---the team found itself back at square one. The only option they had available to them was to run the bike for another qualifying time after the morning's back up runs. Then in the afternoon, they would have one last shot to back up their qualifier. The dream of setting more than a single record was abandoned.
One more misstep and the week (and a whole lot of money) would be wasted.
The fates cast their cruel eyes once again on project BONNEVALK during the final backup run. For the first time the engine sputtered, sounding like it would give out. Paramore pulled in the clutch, preparing to coast through the timing lights at the end of the track. However, when the engine settled down at idle, he released the clutch, and gave it the berries. The result was a disappointing 149.763 mph. Only the displacement test remained between Christian Ray and his speed record.

Since BONNEVALK displaced a stock 1520 cc in a 1650 cc class, the record was a fait accompli before the measurement was taken. However, the chastened team waited anxiously for the final signatures on the record form before beginning the celebration. After five days on the salt, months of preparation, and more money than anyone was willing to admit spending, project BONNEVALK had a certified land speed record at an average speed of 153.956 mph. (we went faster, but this was the official record!)
Although Mr. Christian Ray didn't get the four records he's initially hoped for, he struggled, persevered, and won the privilege of being able to say he owns "World's Fastest Valkyrie" --- at least for this year. But Ray and Paramore are planning for another attempt at the record. Dual carburetors will address the jetting issues while better streamlining and narrower bars will help BONNEVALK push less air. They're already dreaming of the magic 200 mph mark! (and that's STILL without the NITROUS!)

Dag Verpeide
The Valkyrie has it all - long distance touring capability - excellent handling – smooth - vibration free - and awesome power... and it looks like a motorcycle, it oozes presence. Taking this bike through the twisties is a real pleasure. Handling is light and completely predictable and the low speed handling is surprisingly good for a bike this big.  The powerful six-cylinder motor has a strong pull from less than 1000 rpm to the red line.



PUBLICATIONS

Daniel Meyer

Daniel Meyer is a pilot, engineer, skier, and above all, an avid motorcyclist with over a half-million miles under his belt.
The six-foot, three-hundred pound, blue-eyed Texan can often be found wandering the highways and byways of America on The Dragon, his F6 Valkyrie motorcycle.



Daniel wrote 4 Volumes of Life is a Road, an award winning motorcycle adventure series http://lifeisaroad.com/



Michael Scott

If you are interested in what has been published about the Valkyrie since the beginning, you MUST visit Michael’s blog.  ‘The Honda Valkyrie Pages – The Honda Valkyrie in Print and Pictures’
The blog contains an almost complete collection of magazine articles, publications, brochures and other interesting information. A second part is under construction, containing Valkyrie manuals, Mods, Add-On Installation Instructions, etc.
http://thehondavalkyriepages.blogspot.nl/2014/08/httpyoutu.html    

Peter Rakestrow

In 2018, Peter looked at the development and detailed history of the GL1500 Valkyrie/F6C.
A paperback (or kindle) can be obtained at https://www.amazon.com/Honda-Valkyrie-Peter-Rakestrow/dp/1445674866

VALKYRIE NICKNAME

The GL 1500C Valkyrie is sometimes also named Fat Lady or Dragon.
The Fat Lady part is pretty obvious; they hardly come any fatter than this beast.
Back in Sept. 1, 1996, when the first internet site dedicated to the Honda Valkyrie, "The Valkyries' Lair,” was launched, it contained the tag line, "For Those Who Ride the Dragon."  Craig referred to the Valkyrie as the Dragon because of the definition of a dragon:
"*Dragon (n.)  A legendary fire breathing beast of great size; renowned for its immense power and ability to fly."  The moniker caught on and we continue riding dragons to this day.  If you start trying to associate anything else the dragon just fits, Unicorn, Minotaur, Ogre, Troll, Ox. The list could go on but, it seems that with the bulk, nimbleness, power, and smoke rising from the tire the DRAGON just seems to fit.  Also some people think dragons have something to do with the Valkyries.

PICTURES  

A good place to start is http://www.valkyrieriders.com/JustPics/home.htm
Over 40 pages of great 'hero' pictures.

VRCCTV

A former website maintained by oZ with some Valkyrie videos still active.
https://www.valkyrieriders.com/VRCCTV/default.htm

Comment from Scott in 2004
oZ has put a ton of effort into VRCC-TV and it has turned out way better than I expected.  oZ and I have been in an extended argument (discussion really) about that for a while. I didn't think it would fly and he proved me wrong.   I watched that free-style video a week or so ago and it’s pretty awesome!
You can spend a day checking out all those cool videos!  

YOUTUBE

There is an abundance of Valkyrie or VRCC related material on YouTube.
If applicable for this history, I have published a link.
 
MAINTENANCE

The Honda Valkyrie is probably one of the technically best documented bikes.
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/



If still not satisfied, use the excellent search function of the BBS.
If you want to do a maintenance or repair job yourself, again YouTube has many instructional videos readily available. I especially recommend those of Dag Verpeide from Norway and the carburetor videos from D-Ray Smith. In the appendix, a range of technical YouTube video addresses is listed.


NICKEL TRICK
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7lTw_b8hTg
 
Demonstration of the smooth-running Flat 6 boxer engine. You can put a nickel (or Euro) on its side on the engine block. It will not topple over when the engine is started or revved up.

HIGH MILEAGE VALKYRIES
http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,51704.0.html

In 2017, a list was made up of high mileage Valkyries by VRCC members.  Only over 100,000 miles would qualify.  
Two individuals really stood out from the crowd. DDT with a 1999 Tourer marked over 546.000 miles (878.700 km), followed by Tank with a 1998 Standard and 449.487 miles. Unfortunately, Tank’s bike was destroyed on 28 Dec 2013 and he was lucky to have lived through it. More than half a dozen Valkyries had reached the 200.000 miles and beyond mark and over 100 bikes went way over the 100.000 mileage.

This is what DDT has to say about the Valkyrie.
I've now shared 431,000+ extraordinary miles with my best friend... She and I have been many places together, and we've shared many amazing experiences. My journey of life has been enhanced, enriched and changed beyond all expectations through the chance joining with this incredible partner. All very much unplanned and unanticipated, I might add, since I actually bought her as a second bike to help keep the miles down on the Gold Wing I had at the time.

Last December, Gordon (Lucky 13) replaced the final drive for me... the seventh time that has had to be done. The major culprit here is the lack of proper greasing of the splines and/or changing the final drive fluid. In our travels, we've had to replace tires many, many times, often in a place we haven't been before or figure to ever visit again... The mechanics at the various dealerships always swear they did the proper treatment to splines, etc., but I stopped believing them long ago... If you can do it yourself, you're better off by far... If you're like me and can't, then you, like me, will just have to take your chances and be prepared to live with the consequences...I’ve been through five or six drive shafts and universal joints (couplers), replaced the alternator twice - both times with 1500 Gold Wing alternators. The thermostat and water pump have been replaced, although the latter was done as a precaution only, as there was no problem with it. I just figured it was going to crap-out sooner or later, and I was contemplating another ride up to Alaska at the time, so... I didn't want to have that to vex and disturb my serenity.

Other than those major repairs, the rest has all been routine stuff... OK, I've also been through a truck load of tires, too!!! I did replace the gas tank with an Interstate tank finally, but that had to do with reasons (fuel capacity mainly!) other than any problem with the original Tourer tank. Hard Six did a desmog for me, as well as change out the risers and cables along with several other things... Do all y'all realize we have some truly expert mechanics in our club?

While it seems, theoretically anyway, that the engine and transmission are indeed not bullet-proof, I've had no experience or reason whatsoever to prove they are not! Nothing other than changing fluids, replacing timing belts, syncing carbs and adjusting valves have ever been done to the engine... nothing. No rebuild, overhaul or repair at all... not even the rings or clutch. And, the things that have been done could each be counted on one hand.
I did replace the Speedo cable twice, the Speedo itself twice, and the gear at the front wheel once... Turns out that last problem was the culprit all along... An expensive and irritating problem that took a while for this non-mechanic to finally solve...

I'm often asked what my next bike will be... I always respond with, "We're going to stay together until one of us can't go any more... Depending upon which one of us that is, I'll decide what comes next then..." At the moment, it does appear she will outlast me.


Bruce (DDT) & Ali, his 500.000 plus Valkyrie

In 2018, an update by Willow revealed the latest order, with the top 3 being
DDT               – 1999 Tourer      – 591.000 miles
tank-post142  – 1998 Standard  – 449.478 miles
Indianabill      – 1999 Tourer      – 403.000 miles
 
AROUND THE WORLD BY VALKYRIE

Kiyoharu Matsuo travelled 370.000 km. in 5 years and 10 months through 121 countries with his Valkyrie
http://www.baikunomatsuo.sakura.ne.jp/indexe.html



Kiyoharu retired in October 2000 at the age of 56. He was still in good health and decided to undertake a trip around the world. He calculated that he could spend 5000 yen (45 USD) each day, including accommodation, fuel and food. Although not nearly enough in Europe, America and Australia he figured he would get even on average when travelling through the other continents.
He wanted to start in Russia, China or India, but there were no cargo flights to Vladivostok, only during summertime. Transportation to China was limited to 125cc motorcycles and it would take the Japanese embassy more than 6 months to clear customs to India. Because he got a cheap deal (730 USD) by the Kuroneko Yamato Company, he decided to ship his Valkyrie by boat to the Netherlands instead to start off his adventure.  
He could not repair his motorcycle, only change the oil.

During his preparation, he discovered that he needed a carnet for his bike, visas and an international driver’s license. These licenses are only valid for 1 year.  Quite a problem, while he would spend a year and a half in Russian territory alone.
Most of the European countries were OK without a visa but getting into Central Asia, Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan was harder. For Japanese residents it took about a month. You had to state the day of entry and exit, however. That was tough. For America and Australia, he could not get visas through the embassy so he obtained them via internet or travel agencies.

He did not speak foreign languages but managed to get by with his hands and feet.  Especially in restaurants, this resulted in funny situations and unexpected dishes.  He had a book of youth hostels with him, which worked out reasonably well.  Calling Japan was always cumbersome; he would put a number on the back of the card, put it in, put it in and put it in again.  
He was not using alcoholic drinks on a regular basis. During his travel, he discovered that his physical strength and fitness would deteriorate in about a year. He caught a cold in warm Egypt and severe stomach aches in Nepal, where he took a cheap dumplings meal. Had to be taken to a hospital where he got local medicine.  Suffered fierce diarrhea in Mexico and Portugal.
Of all the medicine he had taken along from Japan, the one he used most was a cold medicine.
As far as clothing was concerned, he had 3 pieces of underwear, 3 short- and long sleeve shirts and 3 pair of socks.  He washed his clothes when he washed his body, except in Tibet where he did not undress for 10 days.  His most useful cleaning item was a baggy towel that he often used without soap.
The toilet paper quality is different in each country. In case of hard paper, he soaked it in water. Some countries rinse with hoses.  It's definitely a good feeling.

He flew to the Netherlands (No. 1 at the map) and spent his first night at a hostel in Amsterdam. He got a biscuit by an elderly man not knowing it contained strong marijuana with sleeping pills. When he awoke, he was in a hospital bed and robbed of all his cash money. He did not remember paying the hospital fee.

So begins his diary of the first day of a total of over 5 years. Truly amazing and very interesting to read. He literally rode from the Himalaya to the Sahara Desert and from Alaska to the African jungle.  And has a great sense of humor. It is beyond the scope of this VRCC history to write down even his travel summary. The summary itself BTW is 177 pages long.  If you take the time to translate his Japanese writing online or want to see all of his pictures, you can follow his journey from day to day.
http://www.baikunomatsuo.sakura.ne.jp/bike.pdf  (takes a few seconds to load) or use http://www.valkyrieriders.com/aroundworld.htm

Here just a sample of his pics. Notice a rendez vous with the Austrian VRCC Chapter (second row-3rd pic)

   
   
 
You might be a Valkoholic if....
Before you bought your Valkyrie, you read every website that had anything to say about this bike.
Before you bought your bike, you told your S/O how this was the last bike you would ever need and how you would be a better person if you owned this bike.
Before you bought your bike, you had a picture of a Red & White Valkyrie pinned up on the wall and one that you carried with you to show all your friends what you were going to buy.
Before you bought your bike, you knew more about the Valkyrie than you did about your S/O.
After you bought your bike, you found yourself volunteering to run to the store for milk.
After you bought your bike, it now takes 45 min. to get down to the corner store to buy milk.
After you bought your bike, you find yourself feeling a little sick a couple of hours before the work day is over, yet you still get home late.
After you bought your bike, you now feel like some kind of rock star.
After you bought your bike you felt as if you had to tell all the poor lost HD riders what a great bike this is, and you now kinda feel sorry for them.
After you bought your bike, you now check the VRCC message boards more than you do your stock quotes.
After you bought your bike, you now have a funny little nickname you want everyone to call you.
After you bought your bike, you spend more time reading the VRCC message boards than you do watching TV.
After you bought your bike, you now have the VRCC store in your speed dial and you feel like Hal is one of your old army buddies.
You might be a Valkoholic if when you can't ride; you visit your garage for extended periods of time for no other reason than to stare @ the Fat Lady with lust in your eyes.
You might be a Valkoholic if you now crave Chrome more than Money....  Money only gets you more Chrome

 

[Beer van Huet]

Club Origin

History of websites

Valkyries' Lair, F6Rider, Bob's F6 Valkyrie Page, VOA, and VRCC


http://web.archive.org/web/20010205005400/http://www.dragonriders.org/thevalk.htm



This website appeared September 1st, 1996 and was the first internet site dedicated to the Honda Valkyrie. Craig Buhl ran the site, which contained the tagline, "For those who Ride the Dragon." It did, in fact, predate the VOA, as well as F6Rider.
Participants of the World Wide Dragon Rider Organization (WWDRO) were inherently opposed to discrimination or prejudice of any kind directed toward other Supporters of the WWDRO with particular emphasis placed on bias based on gender, race, religion or politics. In addition to providing services to current Dragon owners, participants wish to aid non-owners who want to learn about the F6 series of motorcycles without fear of attacks based on their current brand of motorcycle.  Participants believe that the ideas of all individual riders should not be subject to ridicule so long as they do not specifically violate the Fundamental Principle of the organization.
 
The Valkyries Lair officially ceased operations in June ’99.

Craig
I have not been able to spend any non-working time on the internet since the end of March 1999 and it has finally become obvious that commitments to family, work, clubs, and riding the Dragon do not give me enough time to properly maintain all of my personal internet projects.  I have finally made the long-postponed decision to stop updating The Valkyries' Lair and remove portions that are consuming a large amount of my storage space.
I will leave this reduced version of The Lair up, (at least for a time) for historical purposes.  The Valkyries' Lair (appearing September 1, 1996) was the first internet site dedicated to the Honda Valkyrie.  As such I felt it provided an important place for people who were interested in the Valkyrie to get at least some information 'on demand' rather than having to wait for it to appear piece meal in the press.  However, there are now a number of sites dedicated to the Valkyrie including a Valkyrie Owners Association (which appears to have undergone some major modifications since I was last on in March).  Several of these sites are providing far more information than I was able to do and I feel that internet fans of the Dragon are well provided for.
While sometimes time consuming The Valkyries' Lair has been a great deal of fun.  The Lair and a growing number of other internet sites have shown that the internet provides a mass communication device which gives the people who buy the products as great a voice as the people who sell them.  I am proud of the fact that The Valkyries' Lair has been non-profit, non-commercial, and never attempted to generate revenue.  The Lair never accepted advertising, gratuities, or donations and I congratulate all other sites that continue that tradition.
The Valkyries' Lair has been a great experience for me and I hope it has been of some value to other fans of the Dragon.



History of Clubs

GWRRA-ValkSIG (Valkyrie Special Interest Group)
 



A sponsored sub-section of the Gold Wing Road Rider Association [GWRRA] was originally set-up for Valkyrie-owning GWRRA members to share the common interest, and uncommon enthusiasm for the bike.  
Rich Doell mentioned 180 paid-up members.  According to RP they were "tolerated".  
It did piss everybody off enough to start their own club.
In Europe, the GL 1500C Valkyrie was not recognized by the Goldwing European Federation (GWEF) until 2014, when the GW Valkyrie was introduced.
The Australian Wing Riders Association has been in existence since 1999. Its founding members ensured the constitution accepted the inclusion of Valkyrie owners/riders as full ordinary Members.
This group picture is the on-site awards ceremony at the Oct.'97, 1st Annual Valk-SIG Ride-In to Salem, VA (GWRRA Virginia District Rally), Valk-only Bike Show. This show was separate from the Gold Wing show.  


 ‘Cool Breeze’ who won Best in Show, with Rich Doell left – and Marty Rood right of Cool Breeze

VOA (Valkyrie Owners Association)
 



Around 1998, the VOA was founded.  The VOA split off of GWRRA because Valk owners didn't like being called "Boosters" (GWRRA's name for non-Wing members).   According to Paul XX, a senior VAOI member, the 1st Pres was Jon Proctor who was also responsible for the first web site. He ran it for about a year until he got into an argument about money with the board. So he tried to pull the plug on the website to shut members down in retaliation. Gale Scalzi, (oZ, from what later would become the VRCC) was running a Valk website that just had articles and he kindly offered to put up a message board to continue.  Here’s a link to the May 1999 F6Rider VOA board.  https://web.archive.org/web/19990504132427/http://www.f6rider.com:80/
According to a VRCC comment, due to a management disagreement some owners left soon after the VOA was founded and the remaining principle drove it into the ground (managed to avoid jail time for a lottery fraud).  So, the VOA was reorganized and renamed to VOAI (International) which still exists today.

One of the things that grew out of the VOA was local Valkyrie clubs. Most of them started out as VOA chapters, but then they broke off on their own.
One of the largest of these groups was "Valhalla Six Guns" in Texas.  It was a very active group that has grown to love one another. https://web.archive.org/web/20000229033517/http://www.valhalla-six-guns.com:80/



Serk
There's really no secret to it, but short version - VSG had a ride across Galveston island. Didn't respect Bandido turf, flying VSG colors. Bandidos took offense to this and pulled the VSG group over. There was much internal strife inside VSG about we shouldn't hafta take our vests off because they say we shouldn't vs. we wanna play bikers, we gotta play by biker rules...
It got pretty ugly after a while, and I just took the vest off entirely. I'm not a biker. I don't pretend to be, I'm a guy that likes riding a motorcycle. The real bikers play by some, to me, very odd rules... I ride to relax and get away from stuff like that, so... The vest stays in the closet now... This eventually became the stance of those who owned and ran VSG, so the colors were officially retired before the group itself finally withered away to nothing...
It was a fun group while it lasted...

There were many more of these groups that you can still see on ValkyrieRiders Hot Links https://web.archive.org/web/20070811223454/http://www.valkyrieriders.com:80/links/


VOA rally in Montrose, CO in '99 - Even an airplane was rented for the group picture of this first official rally of the VOA

Lamont
I rode there from San Diego with my first experimental blower with a car carburetor on it. I was lucky to make it there and back as it was fouling plugs like crazy and getting 20mpg   It was the start of something great though.

Mark T
This pic was actually taken at Crawford CO.  Looking west; just out of site to the left the main street turns S and right there is Pam Cocker's Mad Dog Ranch Fountain Cafe.  Pam and Joe Cocker hosted the VOA rally here at the town park just out of view to the right.  Joe Cocker acted as Master of Ceremonies and announced and handed out awards and such to the membership.  It was a good day, beautiful weather and a coup to have a celebrity such as Joe Cocker validate and participate with our club.  Pam was a supporter of bike club rides to visit her town and cafe as she was a biker herself with a Gold Wing trike, a Shadow IIRC, and perhaps other bikes. Apparently to the consternation of some of the small town locals who disapproved the zillionaire celebrities changing their quiet little town. Cool lady, she invited me to take her trike for a spin so I did.
Here's a shot I took of the Mad Dog Ranch Fountain Cafe, on 08-11-02. You can see the park where the festivities were, on the right edge of this pic.



Here's the mansion Joe and Pam put it a few miles east of Crawford.  Yours Truly and wife in front - we stayed overnight as houseguests. 
Very impressive "Big House" to say the least - Have only seen such a place on shows like "lifestyles of the Rich and Famous". 


 

[Beer van Huet]

VRCC (Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club)
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/



Gale Scalzi (oZ) founded the VRCC and asked Mark T to co-edit it with him around 1998-99. Mark declined as he was too busy with his pipes business.  He offered the same to Lamont Bryden, who had joined immediately when the club was founded, hence his lowest member # 001 and who was looking to sell his welding business and get into computing.  He accepted and they co-partnered the editing/management of the club from the left coast until a few years later Gale bought Lamont out when he wanted to move to Tennessee.  Lamont took the skills he had learned to start up several bike forums from his new digs.  
For the average VRCC website member and Forum reader, oZ was more like operating in the background while Lamonster was very visible and always looking for publicity. So, I guess they complemented each other.
In an F6Rider article, the VRCC is described as a collection of maniacs, appreciating the machine they call the Valkyrie.  It’s all about a culture and a community around this amazing bike where they discover each other through their common interest and the good sense that made them all Valkyrie Riders.
The members are of all walks of life and have one thing in common, their passion for the Valkyrie.  
It’s something that goes beyond race, nationality, religion and politics. It’s truly amazing to see how well these otherwise completely different people are getting along.



How the Valkyrie Riders Club started by LaMonster and edited by oZ in 2004
https://web.archive.org/web/20070807050338/http://www.f6rider.com:80/history.htm
 
Having a strong web presence on F6Rider already, oZ and I kicked around the idea of starting our own Valkyrie club. We learned quite a bit about the downfalls of other clubs and decided that we could run a club without the political structure that seemed to be a hindrance in other clubs. We felt that we could do this free of charge if we could just sell a few shirts and patches to support the website. We both had a passion for the Valkyrie and figured that with our HTML skills, and the love of the Valkyrie, we could really put together a great website. The question was, if we build it, will they come? We told a few other folks what we had planned on doing and the response was great. I called the then acting vice president of the VOA (Animal) and told him what we were going to do, and he said go for it, and sign me up. He is VRCC # 0006.
At that time the VOA was still on the F6Rider server. oZ and I were running the VOA website and helping out Animal with the transfer to the new server and building the VRCC at the same time. It was a pretty crazy time. A lot of changes have taken place at the VOAI and things are looking pretty good over there. They have a great webmaster working hard to get the site in shape.
When we started the club, we were not sure what to call it. We thought about calling it F6Riders, but we had heard a rumor that Honda was going to change the Valkyrie to a flat 8. Well that would mess up our plans for sure. We sat down and kicked around a bunch of names and we finally settled on the "Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club".  The VRCC had a nice ring to it. Next, we had to come up with a logo. We decided to go with the Viking Warrior with wings and a sword going through the middle. oZ put it together and we called that our logo. Right away folks were asking why the sword? They felt that was divisive. Hey the sword was no big deal to us so we got rid of it. Then the next thing we had and got rid of was a members only board. We decided that we didn't want anyone to think that anything was going on there that couldn't be said in public.  I think that was a good move too. oZ and I never felt like we were quite done with the logo. oZ would change it from time to time just to see if anything would click with us and the members. Then one day I was riding with my Bro Brad, and he had on one of oZ's 1520 shield shirts and I got to thinking that maybe we could take the logo that we had now and incorporate it into the shield. oZ started working on the art and when he showed it to me I knew that was it. It really looked cool. Once again oZ nailed it.
We were able to keep with to our vision of having a free club by the new support of sponsors, Direct Line being our first sponsor. The club grew faster than we had ever imagined, and the additional support of the other sponsors really helped us to grow. We are able to give a discount on Valkyrie parts to our members and it still doesn't cost them a dime to take advantage of the purchasing power we now have as a club. At over 22000 (as of 2004) members to date, it takes a lot of resources to run a club this size. Whenever we have asked for help, the VRCC members jump right in and give a hand. That is one of the best things that has come out of building this website. The friends we have made here will last a life time. How can you put a price on that? Like the commercial says "VRCC members, priceless"
 
Editor’s Note
Talking about costs. Back in 1996 when oZ started the site he was charged by how much bandwidth he used. He started out with a service that cost $35 a month. As the user base grew to 1000's and visits to the site grew to tens of thousands he had to pay for that increased bandwidth which ran into the hundreds of dollars per month. His wife said, "Stop, we can't afford this!"  But they had an idea and put it in place and that one idea saved them from closing the early site.



Founded August 1st 1999

Mission Statement

Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club was started because of the need to provide a place where Honda Valkyrie Riders could band together and share the combined wealth of knowledge about this great motorcycle.  A simple place with no political structure and where malice toward other Motorcycle Riders will not be tolerated.
Membership in the Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club will be offered free to any individual who rides the Honda Valkyrie or is in the process of obtaining a Valkyrie. The reason for free membership is so the founders can retain full control of the club, web site and activities without political controls or paid membership dictation and expectation.  
The VRCC will not compete with other Valkyrie clubs and all message boards are open to all members and all potential Honda Valkyrie riders to post appropriate messages, including other clubs or organizations or events.



Editor's Note
When the Valkyrie was introduced in 1996, it started a whole (Power Cruiser) market segment that was far ahead of its time.  Aftermarket companies soon came out with a wealth of Valkyrie accessories for better looks, handling or performance.  If that was not enough, many individual specialists and craftsmen designed and produced tailor-made solutions for the ultimate Valkyrie chromaholic and power fanatic.  
Pipes, blowers, trigger wheels, ignition mods, extra fuel capacity tanks, center stands, all sorts of lighting options, hard/leather bags, seats, covers and a wide range of bling, of course.  Soon, the first factory Valkyries were transformed into radical monsters of every imaginable color, shape and appearance. Ranging from volcano-like tanks to the darkside and everything in between.  Even the 6 mighty cylinders were attempted to drill out to get even more cubic inches and power.  Unsuccessful, to my knowledge.  All these factors together, and the introduction of the internet, resulted in a wide exchange of ideas and not a single bike being equal to the others.

A few examples of some more radical alterations and customizing in the early days



Many good features, as well as mission statements were incorporated from previous websites and in less than 4 months, the VRCC counted over 2000 members. The homepage varied considerably from todays.  It was very personal, assertive, interactive and user orientated and contained a lot of attractive news items.

Lamont in particular, who had a nitro super charged beast, really got a lot of folks looking at the Valk.
 


Take a look at the homepage dated 28 November 1999 (below).
http://web.archive.org/web/19991128101253/http://www.f6rider.com/VRCC.htm





Barbarian in October 1999
WOwee! over 1830 members eh?? Are we at the point of exponential increase in membership at the VRCC? Big stampede...Build a better mousetrap (so to speak) and they will come running! I gotta admit - it is THE site to be with! No politics! yeah! Excellent format and tech articles! Other than a decent SO, what more could one ask for? Now if only more bikers out there were aware of the Valk with this site for support!!! Awesome...Keep the ball rolling fellow Valkers!!

....and this one from 2000
https://web.archive.org/web/20001018045206/http://www.f6rider.com:80/new_stuff.htm

In 2005, the present day VRCC homepage layout was created and updated as well as the bulletin boards in 2009 and regularly ever since.
As the man behind the curtain (oZ) puts it: Well, the latest news is this, our new look and style for our Splash or Homepage. I think it Rocks! It loads in a fraction of the time it took the old page to load, I think is easier to navigate and just better all the way around. Like to thank Scott, W0QNX, F6Gal (as always) for jumping in and taking on web authoring duties. Special thanks to Scott and Connie for making this page happen.

2009 - Scott
The time has come to make a change here at the VRCC. We are changing message board formats!
We would like to invite you to head on over to the new message board, register your account, and get started posting. We will all work together to learn how it all works. If you can't figure something out, just ask!
Please note though, that you will have to register on the board, and provide a valid email address. Don't worry though, you have the option to hide your email address in your profile settings if you choose to do so!
In the coming days, we will be shutting down this old board as the transition is made so you might as well get started over on the new board! (General and Tech boards, but Tech Archive will remain)
The days of endless spam will finally be behind us!
We'll see you on the other side!  

VRCC Characteristics

Any website and board is basically just another means of communication. In case of the VRCC, it is primarily meant to promote this great motorcycle, exchange ideas and information and arrange for common rides or events.  Once this framework is provided, it should belong to all members alike.  After all, without members, the club ceases to exist.
On the other hand, since the VRCC does not charge any membership fees and has basically no hierarchy, its operators are not obliged to adhere to political controls or paid membership dictation and expectation.  
In the VRCC Staff today, Connie, Scott, and Misfit each have one vote. Carl and Lori each have a half vote. If the Staff ends up in a tie vote, oZ has the tie breaking vote. No one person has more power than the others.
From day one, the VRCC website has been very active. I have never seen a group of people like it who are so dedicated that you can almost expect an answer to any question or remark on a message board within a few hours. Someone was always willing to answer a question, provide suggestions, share an adventure, etc. The breadth of knowledge that exists on the board is truly amazing.  Members were describing their latest mods or maintenance issues in depth to provide other users an abundance of Valkyrie information.  I think the resulting database easily beats that of any other bike website, no matter what.  
The VRCC is home to some fantastic people.  It has relevance, is interesting, can be controversial, allows freedom of expression, and keeps drawing me back in. Thanks to all of those of you that were there from the start, either as founders, members, participants, or whatever. You all contributed to make this group what it is - a family!

Now that we are looking 20 years back, many Valkyries have moved into different hands. The new kind of Rider is nevertheless equally enthusiastic and causes an entire new élan to the VRCC. Even to the point of creating ‘rat- like’ bikes with stretched saddlebags and hands-on extendable pneumatic shocks, LOL

 
                                                Hans Huijbers (NL) Bikes

F6Gal
If you look at the number of newbie posts from those that are shocked at the lengths that members will go in assisting them.  Or non-newbies just needing a bike checked out or picked up.  
If anyone breaks down or wrecks anywhere, a post here or a phone call to one of us, will generally get the ball rolling for the unfortunate individual. I've had people loan me a bike or make the offer, when I had to fly to an event, because of time constraints. I'll loan a bike to anyone that needs one... in fact, we now have several Valkyries, so we have one for winter visitors.  
While I agree that the flavor of the board has changed, I think our members are as selfless as ever.

Willow



I do think that the personality, the aura of the VRCC and InZane has changed over the years.  I'm sure the beginnings were magical when the bike was new and the honeymoon with Honda was yet all foreplay and orgasm, but someone who has attended nine of the ten InZanes said in July of 2010, "This was the best one yet!"



Back in the beginning, there were several boards sponsored by Hal Greenlee. When Hal decided the Valk was a dead end he abandoned ship, however.
As the club became more popular and difficult to manage additional owners or "principles" were brought in to keep things running smoothly and to facilitate the rallies and daily operations.   Over time these principles have included Mark and Lynn from CAT Specialties, Rob and Daryl Weber from SoCal, Connie and Michael, Dave Ritsema, Scott from OK, Willow, Motomomma and Damon (Misfit).  In 2015, Gale Scalzi (oZ) resigned and Connie ‘F6gal’ Hammond took over.
Thanks to these wonderful people, who managed to keep the VRCC alive and kicking for almost 20 years now, in good times and bad, the Valkyrie community lives on and has become an example of how a MC should be run.
Does that mean that everything within the VRCC has been going smoothly and without wrinkles?
Well, no. On the contrary. It is inevitable that people have differences of opinion. This sometimes causes friction and you even get clashes once in a while. Personally, I think that is only natural, shows the vitality and strengthens the Club afterwards.

Since many people distrust the use of Face book/Twitter and other, more recent online communications, the website still serves a purpose.

As Bruce (DDT) put it
Quote. It is a very special 'place', this electronic clubhouse we all regularly attend. Nothing like anything I've ever experienced or witnessed and nothing like it might have been. The folks who make the decisions and find a way to keep things going do an incredible job of providing this forum upon which we all rely for more than we may know...
Where else have we met so many kindred spirits...? Folks who are 'like me', yet so very different...? Folks from all over North America mostly, but around the world, too. All levels of the socio-economic ladder are represented, all walks of life, all religions and political persuasions can be found in our ranks. And, for the most part we get along... well, at least no worse than any 'normal' functioning family.
Overcoming challenges and 'finding a way' are but part of the story, though. There has to be more to lure us back again and again than merely surviving... At the heart of it all, I think, is our own love of our machines, our need for social belonging and acceptance, and our strong desire for interaction with other like-minded people. A place where we can express ourselves and feel our views are at least respected, if indeed not embraced.
Not a 'safe space' where we can soothe our bruised egos and feelings in a warm, group think, touchy-feely space, but one where openness and disagreement are allowed. The 'heat of verbal combat' is tolerated within reasonable limits so that ideas and beliefs can be tested and tempered and explored in the pursuit of truth, of logical conclusions. We don't always do a good job with this, and our overworked moderator(s) have to rein us in sometimes... Still...
I'm proud to be here amongst this group of amazing individuals. My life has been enriched enormously by my association with everyone who is a part of this 'special place'... I'm deeply impressed by the largely thankless efforts of our leaders who have overcome huge obstacles to keep the lights on and the boards available to us. And, therein lays the cornerstone... It's all of us that make it what it is...
So, when we're tempted to attack individuals instead of issues, when 'winning the argument' is more important than finding the truth, we all threaten to weaken our special place. It has survived, however, because our leaders have applied a deft hand to the gavel, have come down hard when necessary, gently when appropriate, and they've demonstrated the wisdom to know when to do what... nearly all of the time.
We are a well-functioning organization populated with good, sincere people, and led by wise, insightful, visionary people who deserve our loyalty and admiration... Like I said, "I'm just proud to be here!" End of quote.

Chapters
Link to the various VRCC Chapters and related websites http://www.valkyrieriders.com/links/

No. of Members
If you would apply for a membership right now, you would end up with a number in the 38.000 range.
This has no meaning, however. The member list has been active since the formation of the club and there has never been an effort to keep it current or remove inactive members.  
Instead, the message boards are a better way to estimate interest although it must be said that there are members who absolutely do not frequent the message boards and there are also a lot of members who do not bother to login when they read the message boards.
On average, some 350 people log in daily, just over 1000 every week and some 1500 each month.  
In Europe with approx. 2000 active VRCC members, Germany has the largest Valkyrie community, just over 500.  

Location



A recent attempt to locate the Valkyries worldwide is https://www.zeemaps.com/map?group=2507461

Rules of the Road
In the past, the VRCC staff was spending an inordinate amount of time reviewing messages to ensure that they reflect the spirit of the VRCC.  This was a huge waste of time and resources … time and resources that would be better spent working on things that enhance the club, rather than on things that have no business being part of this club.  While we are loath to censor anyone, apparently someone has to do it...We choose YOU!
It’s time for a little common sense, self-censorship, ladylike and gentlemanly behavior, and time for a few of you to take a deep breath.  More about this a little later.
 
We know that some of you would like a hard and fast, black and white laundry list of DON'TS.  There are some.  They include activities that are unlawful, harmful, threatening, sexually explicit, defamatory, obscene, racial and/or ethnic slurs, personal attacks; harassing, offensive, vulgar, abusive, hateful or bashing comments or content; and similar pictures or links, especially those aimed at sexual orientation, gender, race, color, religious views, national origin or disability.  There are plenty of places on the Internet where you can find nude pictures.  This is not one of them.  If you wish to post nude pictures, do so on one of the boards or groups where it is acceptable.  
Then there is this gray area where political views and general bad behavior seem to be the norm.  Let’s all agree that it’s unlikely that you will ever convince me that your stupid political views have any worth, and that the probability of me convincing you of the merit of my equally stupid political views is remote.  Get over it and move on.  A good rule of thumb might be…. if you don't see it on Leno, don't post it here…. if Jay can't say it on TV, you can't say it here.  Another one might be…. If I am going to be embarrassed by something my ten-year old child sees on this website, then it doesn't belong here.
As we mentioned earlier, we won't be monitoring the board as closely as we have been.  We will depend on YOU to do that.  When YOU find something that doesn't meet our standards, send a note to the Support Staff.  If we agree, we will remove the post.  If we don't agree, we don't agree.  
If we have to pull an entire thread that has degenerated into finger pointing and name calling, some good posts might be lost, possibly one of yours among them.  Sorry.

For those of you who like to walk right up to the line and delight in challenging the Staff, you may suddenly find yourself without a member number, handle and/or ability to post.  Don't bother to email us and ask why, we don't have any interest in explaining the facts of life to you. We would like everyone to strive to make our boards a positive experience.  As my mother would say, play nice or go home.

Inzane
Not long after the VRCC was founded, the principles started organizing a nationwide rally, Inzane, where Valkyrie Riders from all over the country could meet, discuss issues about their bikes and have a party.
In Europe, the same occurred between the Nation Chapters. In addition, this is the place where (EU) Chapter Reps can discuss common points of interest and nominate the organizing Chapter for the next Inzane.
Since Inzane is a focal point, the history will be centered on these meetings.
The term Inzane originates from the town of Zanesville (OH), where Valkyrie Riders would start their homecoming ride to the nearby Honda Marysville Plant.  The location was chosen because of its proximity to HDL & the Honda plant and the city's name.  Population was also a factor; the population center of the US is northeast of the geographic center, but that is overall population, not MC's or VRCC membership. The similarity with insane is not only funny but equally appropriate, since most Riders considered themselves pleasantly disturbed with their brand-new Valkyrie power cruisers. Normally the registration for this US event will not start until January because of IRS issues.
Thanks to the dedication of Connie Hammond aka "F6gal", Scott Oakes aka "Scott in Ok", Carl & Lori Holmes aka "Willow" & "Motomama" and Damon Kinter aka "Misfit" this nationwide VRCC meeting lives on and remained as popular as day one.  We owe these people big time.
  
Willow
Inzane has been for the past several times in the second half of July, but we do have to be open to when we can negotiate a week with the hosting hotel. The Ozarks Area (northwestern Arkansas/SW Missouri) has been discussed.  Two issues arise.  Those from dry climates are concerned about the level of the humidity.  The other issue is finding a hotel large enough and willing to host the event.
I don't plan many rides, but I once got some advice from someone who does.
"Plan a ride that you'd like to go on even if no one else joins you."
Now planning a gathering is a different animal.  A gathering requires reaching a critical mass to be successful.  For that, at least for me, the attractiveness of the gathering will depend most upon the scheduling and what else is or is not happening at or near the same time.

Dave Ritsema
Having worked on the Inzane staff for many of the events, I know how hard it is to put an event together. Even on a smaller scale like a state ride there is always a group of people that put a big effort into the event and it can be frustrating if the turnout is less than you were hoping for. I appreciate the efforts of all those fine folks that have put on events for us to enjoy.

F6gal
We require a hotel with 150 to 200 rooms and a banquet facility that will seat 300-400 and we do our best to get the basic room rate below $100 per night.

Based on our bike count, hotel bookings, and the number of ppl served at Sat. dinner, we’ve estimated the attendance IZ1 at about 475 and IZ2 at 445.  So with all that said, this is my best calculation for each InZane:
IZ1 -  475 - Zanesville, OH
IZ2 -  445 - Zanesville, OH
IZ3 -  310 - Zanesville, OH (This is why we started moving it around the country)
IZ4 -  436 - Paducah, KY
IZ5 -  296 - Paducah, KY
IZ6 -  526 - Frisco, CO (First year we went West)
IZ7 -  415 - Johnson City, TN
IZ8 -  326 - Johnson City, TN
IZ9 -  318 - Frisco, CO
IZ10 - 515 - Bellaire, MI
IZ11 - 351 - Bellaire, MI
IZ12 - 320 - Eureka Springs, AR
IZ13 - 312 - LaCrosse, WI
IZ14 - 362 - Asheville, NC
IZ15 – 364 - Spearfish, SD
IZ16 – 403 - Morgantown, WV
IZ17 – 308 - Billings, MT
IZ18 – 319 - Roanoke, VA
IZ19 – 263 - Taos, NM
                    
Two years we broke 500. We seem to be dancing in the low 300s range these days.  As you can see, without fail, each successive year in the same location attendance is lower, which is why we started moving it around.  Seems folks want to see new places... go figger

Serk
Plotted on a map looks something like this: (Repeat locations make the numbering a little wonky)


There does seem to be a definite east/west oscillation the last few years

Valkyrie, unequalled Looks…..



…..and performance





When rumors started that Honda would cease the GL1500C production, the VRCC did everything possible to persuade Honda not to do so.  Below VRCC statement of 2001 was eventually supported by over 12000 members.

HONDA we love our Valkyries, don't let the line go for 2002!

The members at the Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club (VRCC) would like to take the time to let you know that we love our Valkyries and we ask, no we beg you not to drop this line for 2002.
We have a group of over 7000 members in just over a years’ time that have formed lasting friendships and feel as if we are part of a big family. We are not sure if you realize what you have created here when you produced such a great bike.
If sales are not what they should be it may be because the Valkyrie is an intimidating machine to look at, but once you take a ride on one you are hooked. Maybe more focus on demo rides might help to get sales where they should be.
Take some time and read what our Harley to Honda survey says about this great bike. Many of us bought the Valkyrie because it was in a class all its own. Many of us would buy another Valkyrie if you made the same improvements that you have in the new Gold Wing. Take a look at our poll on “I would sell my Valk and buy a new one if..."
The VTX is a great looking bike with lots of performance features, but it's still not a Valkyrie. There have been rumors that Honda will drop the Valkyrie line and replace it with the VTX. The VTX is a great answer to the Road Star, but it is not the answer for the new breed of riders that you have created when you introduced the Valkyrie. We like the fact that we are not riding a "clone" bike. We have the respect of most Harley owners because of this.
Please don't limit us to a 4-year production bike. Give us the 1800 motor, and then give us just a little more power than the GW.
We hope that you will take our comments to heart and check this page daily before you do anything that you may regret, as well as us. Thanks for taking the time to read what your loyal customers have to say.
If you want to get a pulse on how your Valkyrie customers feel about this bike, check out our message boards.

[Beer van Huet]

Card

As a proud member of the exquisite Valkyrie Club, a dedicated business card is a must



You can modify and print your own VRCC Cards, using
https://web.archive.org/web/20060504112623/http://valkyrieriders.com/ValkBusCard2.doc


Artwork

A special thanks is at order to oZ, founder and one of the great artists behind the VRCC artwork.
oZ designed and patented the VRCC logo, obviously inspired by the Norse mythology.
He was associated with the F6Rider website store and quite involved in designing patches, posters and the like for every event that took place.  He was one of the first ones to sell killer t-shirts for the Valkyrie.  https://web.archive.org/web/20061206115914/http://valkyriewear.safeshopper.com/  
Many times, when somebody wanted to have a work of art for his/her particular idea or event, they ended up with oZ.  In 2015, oZ resigned as formal VRCC Leader. The F6Rider Store is now run by Sarah Morrison.
Later on, Mark from CAT Specialties continued this tradition to design and produce the Inzane and special events artwork and T-shirts.
Interestingly, the VRCC US is not authorized to use Honda's name and they can issue a cease and desist and even sue the VRCC for using it. That is why none of the VRCC shirts have the word Honda on them.  
In Europe however, Honda recognized the loyalty of Valkyrie Riders and is sponsoring many VRCC events.
The (US) patented VRCC logo has caused turmoil in Germany, where Club Riders and a Valkyrie shop have been engaged in a legal struggle to claim the exclusive rights (patent) of Gale’s Viking emblem.
During the course of VRCC history, many other Riders and Chapter members in the US and abroad have gone through great lengths to make patches, illustrations and posters as well.  Running the risk of not publishing an otherwise beautiful and important piece of art, it would be very disrespectful not to put a small collection of them in this overview (not in any particular order).

Some VRCC Chapter Designs






 

[Beer van Huet]

Country, State and Area Reps
Because of the phenomenal growth the VRCC has introduced Area Representatives within a State.  
This club should be all about getting VRCC members together for riding and sharing the fellowship of the VRCC. As long as members are willing to meet as a group and someone is willing to coordinate where and when to gather, there can be a chapter with an area representative for that group. This is not a political office, this is just someone who agrees to keep to the VRCC mission statement and is willing to post messages or send email to get members together for rides.

Basic Rep responsibilities - (you are certainly welcome to do more):
Frequent open communication through the regional message boards. The goal of the regional boards is to allow a larger number of members to know what’s happening in neighboring states as well as their own.
We also encourage reps to encourage members to use these boards to communicate with each other about rides they will be participating in or even places they are going where they would like other members to consider joining them.

Quarterly email would be great. We have an interface that will allow State Reps and Area Reps (through their State Reps) to email all members in their state.  
Monthly website updates are suggested. State and area reps need to share their website, the state website is a resource to tell about activities past and alert members of activities planned throughout your state and can include information about neighboring states.  
At least monthly (seasonal in areas with winter) plan to attend rides or meet & greet ride-ins. Don’t feel like you need to do all the work, take advantage of all the organizations in your area listing rides, i.e. other groups in your state or area that are sponsoring rides for various causes and join in. We'd like you to make at least one of these events, or something you plan yourself, an official state supported ride that you will attend.
 
Create your own VRCC business cards with the download template. If you would like original business cards with your state &/or chapter information drop an email to the F6Rider Store to review details and if there are any costs.  
State Reps added responsibilities;
Website communication is the responsibility of the state rep and webmaster and should be considered one of the key elements of the State Rep position. It is important to recognize that our membership is web savvy and will expect to use this resource as a way to know what’s happening where and how they can be involved.  
Having web savvy members doesn’t necessarily mean they understand databases so be sure to keep track of this provided online page.  You will need to send members to this web page when they need to update their email and such.

In countries abroad, the Country Reps have the same responsibilities and duties as the State Reps.
The Country Reps are listed in http://members.vrccservices.com/reps/countries.php

 
SOME VRCC EVENT DESIGNS

 

[Beer van Huet]

A note of appreciation from oZ

First off, I would like to thank all of you for your help in getting other VRCC members together in your area.  We have grown so much as a club that it now makes sense to break the areas down by cities, counties or areas. The original "Chapter Leader" will now be called the "State Rep.” but will also be the "Area Leader" for their city, county, area.   

I would like the "State Reps." to work with the other chapter leaders in their state. It would be nice if the "State Rep." could put together a state ride with all the other chapters in their state. If you only have one chapter in your state, you might want to put out a call to the members in your state to start their own VRCC chapter. This would take the load off of just one guy or gal.
We look forward to a great year in the VRCC and with your help we will give all Valkyrie riders a year of great fellowship with others who enjoy this great bike and great club! You folks are the ones who make this thing work. We thank you for that.
If you are thinking about becoming a chapter Leader/Rep., but are not sure what all is involved, here are some guidelines.

First off, the chapters are run by its Members. The VRCC is here to support your chapter in any way that we can. We will help you to promote events, fund raisers, or any other chapter lead activity. From time to time we will donate T-Shirts, pins patches or parts from the F6Rider store or ask our sponsors to donate stuff to help you raise money for your chapter. Many of our chapters hold 50/50 contest in order to raise money to support the chapter. Remember that we do not charge a membership fee at the national level, so these gifts come from the support that YOU have already given to our sponsors, and we thank you for that. If we had a membership fee like most other clubs we would obviously have more resources to do more in the way of promotion, but we built this club with the idea that even with free membership we could do some great things here. I think that the concept has exceeded our expectations.

Many of our chapters have their own VRCC chapter website. This is not a requirement to have an active chapter, or to be a chapter leader, but it is a great way to promote your chapter. If you are good at getting folks together for a ride but do not have the time or skills to put together a chapter website, ask your members if anyone of them would like to volunteer to help in that area. You can find all the VRCC chapters on the Hot Links page and at the bottom of this page. Take a look at them and then you can get an idea what some of the chapters have been up to. We are willing to provide free web space on the Valkyrie Rider's servers for your website so you won't have to incur the hosting fees. 

Some of our chapter leaders have used the membership list to provide them with the contacts they need for a mass email to their chapter members. This is another great way to keep in touch with their members and let them know about upcoming rides in their area. One problem with this is that some of the members have put in the wrong email address when they signed up. Somehow, we need to figure out how to get the message to these folks to correct their emails. We do have phone numbers for most of the members, and when they fill out the membership form they can check if it is alright to share their # with others. Those who are on the VORTEX list have their phone # there too in most cases.

Being a chapter leader can be very rewarding and also very frustrating. Some chapters have no problem putting together 20 to 40 guys for a ride, and some chapter leaders can't even get folks to respond to their emails.
I think the problem is not so much the chapter leaders fault, but the members in their area. Some folks just don't like being in a group, I can understand that. If YOU are a chapter leader that has a good turnout at your meetings, we would ask you to do a little write up on how your chapter works, and what you do to get the members together. I will post them here for other leaders to look at. Hopefully this will help get the other chapters off of the ground.

We are going to set up a chapter leader’s meeting once a month so that we can talk about what is working and what needs to be changed in order to help each chapter leader. It will be a good time to get to know each other too. We are still working on the details of just how to do that. Don't know if a conference call or a chat room would be best. We'll have to experiment.

Promoting your chapter can be done in many ways. First off you can print out VRCC business cards to hand out to folks you meet on the road. This is a great way to get folks to the site and to let them know about your chapter. You can modify the card to meet your needs as long as it is still a VRCC card when you get done :-) Another way to promote the club and your chapter is to print out the membership form and keep them in your saddle bags, or hand them out to your local Honda dealer.
If you have a rider who does not have a computer but would still like to join you can get their info and sign them up online yourself. When you come to the email part, just put in yours. Let them know that you will give them a call when one of your meetings comes up.

If you are now a chapter leader and you are not doing anything with your chapter because of one reason or another we would ask that you would pass the hat to someone that may have more time or may have some good ideas on how to get the chapter going. We have folks that have told us that their chapter is dead and that their chapter leader has not responded to emails to them. We all have things come up in our lives that change our plans. If this is the case with you, please email me and let me know that you are no longer able to be the chapter leader to your state. We do want to thank you for your support in the past and hope that things will work out so that you can once again be involved in the chapter.

I hope this helps in your decision to be a chapter leader and gives you some good guidelines on what it takes. All you really need is a great desire to ride with other Valkyrie Riders.

Note from the editor
Most State Chapters have their own website with contact info, events, rides, trip reports and pictures. 
Some don’t have own Boards or communicate via Yahoo groups.  A few State Chapters Boards are now incorporated in the VRCC Main Chapter Website.
 

SOME OTHER DESIGNS (CONT'D)











 

[Beer van Huet]

[Beer van Huet]

Woodwork Art by Ami Sidpara



This art work is based upon intarsia technique. This technique involves wood mosaic. It is made of several pieces of wood having different color or texture. In this artwork, I used only one kind of wood which was pine. That is why it is 'intarsia based.' The overall size of the art work is 2 ft. by 4 ft. which is approximately half the size of my 1997 Valkyrie.

Other woodwork

 

Tattoos

 


Vanity License Plates
Cool Valkyrie Plates

Lamont in 2000
This page is brand new and I need your plates!
Send me a pic of your Vanity Plate and I will post it here.
After we get a good collection of plates we will take a
vote for the best plate and give out a FREE T-Shirt





During Inzane XI, Scott took some more vanity plate pics.
Santa won the best License Plate award at the Saturday night banquet.






Here a few from Europe
Vanity plates are not allowed in some countries. I know they have been causing trouble with speed cameras.



Some Riders are quite creative in designing their plates.
This one from Greg Cramer, ‘L8RT8R” (later tater) is a tongue in cheek way of saying that you are reading my plate because I am in front of you and I’m from Idaho, the potato state.  

[Beer van Huet]

SuperValk

F6Gal
The original term was coined to refer to a quick release system for the Interstate trunk, making it "convertible." The solo seat seems to be the natural progression.




Valkyrie Songs

Peter Vollath – Valkyrie Riding



http://www.vrcc.nl/vrcc2023/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/01-valkfinal210204.mp3


Danny June Smith – Valkyrie Rider



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51YViPrUUH0 and https://youtu.be/pxKLrIiy3Q4
and  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cFmGLGndgg (starts after 1:15 minute)


Jobo (Germany Rider)- Valkyrie song



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-RGXzLwRZ4
 

Studio take Song 2017 by VRCC Germany Riders
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJx2cZ2R_e8&feature=youtu.be

BonaventureHope

Jeremy Soane asked me to do a music video for his song 'Ain't gonna ride with me no more'. An accomplished songwriter, he is in the process of making a CD of motorcycling songs. This video includes many shots of the amazing Honda Valkyrie. Sit back and enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhhiLA_3pcU

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


Members Age

In 2016, a VRCC poll between 195 Riders revealed the following average age:

20-25       1 (0.5%)
25-30       1 (0.5%)
30-35       3 (1.5%)
35-40       3 (1.5%)
40-45       13 (6.7%)
45-50       10 (5.1%)
50-55       32 (16.4%)
55-60       41 (21%)
60-65       44 (22.6%)
65-70       24 (12.3%)
70-75       17 (8.7%)
75-80        4 (2.1%)
80-85       0 (0%)
If you are here talk to us       2 (1%)

Another, similar poll was held in 2018 amongst 187 Riders and the same percentages more or less moved down one block with the CG now between 55-70.

Editor’s Note

As of 2016, the median age of the American motorcyclist is 47, up from 40 in 2009 and 32 in 1990.

A brand-new Valkyrie was an expensive bike. Even more so in Europe, where the USD price was almost doubled due to taxes and duties. It exceeded the price of an average family car. This meant that the buyer had to have financial resources. The price was simply not affordable for the average high school graduate. The main target group in terms of income and expenses was more like 30+ years old.  

Most young people prefer sport bikes. They are more interested in novelties, speed and maneuverability and not so much in comfort, mechanical issues and reliability. Many want to ride to the limits and sadly, too often just beyond and end up as a bunch of flowers laying in a twist of the road or next to a tree somewhere.
The Valkyrie Rider's  loyalty is outstanding. The first Valkyries are over 20 years now and its Riders enjoy them so much, that they kept on riding the bike ever since.

These arguments are all irrelevant if the Valkyrie had become a cult bike. However, due to the relatively small numbers, limited production time and promotion, lack of innovation and follow up, the Valkyrie never became a mainstream cult bike.
Or perhaps, the reverse is true as well. Because the Valkyrie did not become an instant cult bike and bestseller, the production ceased.
It stands to reason that young folks nowadays are reluctant to buy a 20-year-old bike, no matter what.

In Europe people are guided more by prize/quality relationship than emotion. For a new 2014/2015 model GW Valkyrie you would have to spend $ 30.000,- The prize of a GL1500C Valkyrie has stabilized at around $ 7500,-  .
We see many Riders from different bikes switching to the Valkyrie, now that they become affordable. They all praise the bike for its quality, spirit and comfort.

Willow in 2011
The Honda Valkyrie has been well established as a "cult-bike" over the past ten or twelve years.  We're actually slipping away from that a bit as the age of the Valkyrie is causing it to be the target of some buyers just looking for an inexpensive entry into the big cruiser world.  There are still a large number of us, though who are devoted "cultists."
 
Momz
The Valkyrie was not a sales success.
It intimidated a lot of potential buyers, dealers did very little to promote the bike as did Honda.
It seems that it did not fit the "cruiser" model (no V-twin, USD forks, no floor boards, etc.).
But the smart buyers saw a real motor cycle that really could not be pigeonholed.
I worked a dealership when the bike came out and that summer I only saw one sell. And that was a Red/White standard to a gentleman with a long white beard, he went by the handle of "Santa Clause".
True story....and he was not our VRCC Santa.

Willow
I believe Honda is the traditional loved bike the world over as evidenced by their domination in worldwide sales.  It's popular with us and attractive to many if not almost all the people we encounter.  However, as evidenced by sales history, the Valkyrie simply was not a business gold mine for Honda.  One can argue many reasons why including Honda's failure to effectively market the Valkyrie, its appearance of massive size, or that it just doesn't fit either the V-twin image or the Goldwing style.
There certainly are a lot of Harley Davidsons sold in the USA, primarily due to their excellent marketing.  
We like the Valkyrie.  It is a classic.  It stands out as different among cruisers.  We're glad the world isn't scarfing up their diminishing numbers as it gives us chances to accumulate a few more.

oZ
I would so own a Wing, great bike. I had a PC 800 that was covered in Tupperware and I liked it until I knew about the Valkyrie.
But it is my goal to take the Valkyrie brand somewhere else. I draw all the graphics for the F6Rider store... I NEVER PUT HONDA ON THE SHIRT DESIGNS! Honda does not deserve the credit for making the Valkyrie. A bunch of suits decided to drop the Valkyrie (after we lost Joe Boyd). In my humble opinion when sales of the Valkyrie dropped the suits wet themselves.
With a little courage, and smart marketing Honda could have started a new following! Like us... the VRCC got it and we bought a crap load of Valkyries. They just needed some time for the rest of the world to catch up with what we knew, that being it is not about a fashion statement, (think Gucci, Couch Purses, Cartier, Harley). C'mon, who'd buy a Harley for performance, quality or best bike in a category.
Don't mean to slam Harley owners, there are some reasons for owning one like heritage, etc.
But for the motorcyclist, not the "bikers" (think guys with money trying to be a bad asses for the weekend), but true riders, who actually ride (not trailer to events) these true motorcyclists need a serious machine.
The Valkyrie motorcycle is just such a machine. Performance, ride ability, long distance capable, and speed!
Oh the hell with it, if I need to explain it, some folks will never get it... Get on your scooter and ride!!!!!

[Beer van Huet]

May they Rest in Peace



With a club of this magnitude it is inevitable that people pass away. Some of old age, others in the prime of their lives due to an accident or illness.
Riding a motorcycle is all about emotion. You feel free and have a powerful and great looking machine between your legs. You can ride aggressively, concentrating on the track or road and on operating the bike on its limits or just cruise along and enjoy the surrounding scenery.  If you are a lone Rider, that’s just fine. 
If you prefer company, this feeling creates a special bond. This is especially true with the Valkyrie. The bike is quite unique and its Riders few. Riding a Valkyrie makes you special. You neither belong to the masses of Harley and Goldwing Riders or wannabees and look-a-likes and yet still make an overwhelming statement with the bike. The Valkyrie community is relatively small and personal.  Everywhere you go and meet other Valkyrie Riders, you are not lost in the crowd but have a lot of opportunities to talk about your bike and much more. This is why the VRCC has become a big family. I would like to add that having the partners of every Rider recognized as equal members, the involvement only increases.
So, if somebody falls away from this community, it always causes deep sorrow and grief.  Today, you have fun together, make friends together and enjoy yourselves together and tomorrow you may witness the funeral of that very same person. 
Even if you don’t know him/her personally, it feels like a distant family member had died. We keep their thoughts, feelings and emotions alive by keeping on riding the Valkyrie in their memory.
Our condolences go out to the people they left behind. Wives or husbands, children, family, relatives and friends.  They have to bear this burden most of all.
The moment we die, we are all equal and should be treated equally. This makes it very hard to name someone in particular. Running the risk of not showing proper respect and piety to others, I have nevertheless meant to name a few Riders who have shown extraordinary involvement in the VRCC.
Their names will appear when appropriate in this history.

In memory of Riders who have passed away, the VRCC EU website has their names listed on this page
http://valkyrieriders.eu/rip.htm
 

[Beer van Huet]

Classic Message Board Posts – Message by Staff when reaching 5000 members

There are literally thousands upon thousands of posts on our message boards.
Some of them are just too good to let scroll away... below page is dedicated to them.  
You're sure to get a kick out of these "VRCC Classic Messages."
So, click away and enjoy the wit and style of your fellow members.
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/classic.htm

State & Area Chapters

The State- and Area Chapters are the ‘backbone’ so to say, of the VRCC.
It is impossible to even summarize the complete history and all the activities of each individual VRCC Chapter.  Besides, if I try and do that, my Valkyrie would sit in my garage all the time.  
I think we all agree that that would be a major sin and contradictory to the objective of this story: Ride it as if there is no tomorrow!

As an example however, you will find some information or excerpts about local Chapters and events in the following pages which were easily attainable online.  The order is random and does not imply significance.
Not having been there myself, it is hard to describe any Chapter’s past origin, spirit and highlights in just a few pages. Many great trip reports had to be omitted as well, since an outside reader has no admittance to Photo Bucket w/o registration.
So, I apologize if a particular or significant area of interest is not mentioned.  Additions are always welcome. Let’s make this work info@vrcc.nl



Willow in 2010

Our local chapters vary greatly.  Some are very well organized holding regular meetings, rides and wrench parties.  Some maintain contact by means of local message boards.  Most are rather loosely organized with only an occasional event planned.

Willow in 2014

Regional chapters that have their own message boards (to my knowledge) include Texas, Florida, Ohio, Michigan, Kansas, Southern California, Arizona, New England, Washington, and likely a few others. Many are maintained under the VRCC message board structure, but certainly not all.

Valkyrie Humor
Courtesy VRCC UK

THE VALK O STEP (must see)
A Fun Video for Valkyrie Motorcycle Owners
https://youtu.be/r4AyixzbsS4

The Valco Inflato Seat (Great humor)
https://youtu.be/97VXoXneHoI

The Honda F6C Valkyrie Review - With Richard Hammond
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qd983V9P6Cc&feature=youtu.be

In 2013, Lamonster showed up on the VRCC board again wishing everyone a MERRY x-MAS.


Lamont rode this bike to Montrose CO ´99 first VOA rally from San Diego with his first experimental blower with a car carburetor on it. He was lucky to make it there and back as it was fouling plugs like crazy and getting 20mpg. It was the start of something great though.
 
Glad to see the VRCC is still alive and well and many of the old members are still here. I've been down many roads since the Valkyrie was a big part of my life but I still love the bike as it was, not too thrilled about the New Valk but it is growing on me. Had a F6B for a little while and loved it, reminded me of the Valk in many ways.  Smooth power and handled like a dream. Unfortunately, a deer took it out along with me and the wife. I was waiting to see if Honda was going to add cruise control to the F6B and if they did I was going to get another one but instead they added a new Valkyrie 
Anyway hope to see you guys on the road one of these days. Still living in East TN and still playing with Spyders. Take care.

The old Valk was taken apart by the new owner to make a chopper out of it and as far as I know it was never put back in running condition. The guy had more ambition than talent to see the project through. Bothered me a little bit but it was his bike to do whatever he wanted with it
I had the Boss Hoss for five years and it was replaced by the Spyder and that's pretty much what I've been playing with the last 6+ years. I still have a love for two wheels and my next bike will most likely be a V8 Chopper that I want to build from the ground up. Still have my M109R but never ride it and it needs some TLC before I can.

I'm no longer involved with Direct Line and the only site I run now is my Spyder site. I still cruise all the boards from time to time just to see who's still in the wind that I know.
Spending more and more time on Facebook and keep in touch with a lot of old VRCC friends on there. Starting a new shop in MO called Lamonster Garage where we will build custom Spyders and I hope V8 Choppers. Should be a fun project. Good to see the guys here that responded. Wonder if oZ is still around?

oZ
LaMonster, yup, behind the curtain as it should be! I'm no longer actively involved with the management of the VRCC, I still have a 1% share in the group having offered the rest of my ownership on to Misfit, Damon Kinter which to my great relief he was willing to procure. I'm still a member and proud of my #2 membership number! Got me curious so I searched my computer for LaMonster stuff and I've got a ton of photos. Got photos of you mostly tearing your new Valkyrie apart and experimenting with it to make it more awesome.
Anyway many, many great times and memories, Karen, Justin and I were fortunate and thankful to have crossed paths with you.  Till this day it blows my mind that a conversation on a front porch in El Cajon California led to the organization of the VRCC!

Lamont
Thanks for the pics and thanks for teaching me how to build a webpage. F6Rider was the first Valkyrie site I had ever seen and to run into you and having you take the time to help me pretty much changed my life forever. I know we didn't always see eye to eye but it was a great life lesson that has shaped me into what I am today. Pretty sure you came up with the "Lamonster" handle and it has stuck. Hope we see each other on the road someday and I can share some stories with you that will be chuckle. Take care Bro

oZ says Goodbye…
On 28 March 2015, oZ wrote an open letter on the VRCC website

I officially left Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club some years ago when I resigned from the Board and my shares happily went to Misfit.  I have had nothing to do with neither the organization of the InZane Events nor the management of the club since November 5, 2013.
It was decided not to make an official announcement of my leaving back then, so I thought this is a good time to do so since I have:  Sadly, I left the F6Rider Store some months ago as I’m just getting to old for all this crap.  I have sold the F6Rider Store (for like $1) with all its holdings, its website, equipment, business contracts/relationship plus commitments and non-compete assurances from past vendors who made some shirts, hats and patches for us. This is the “the girls” entire thing now.  So F6Rider or the VRCC is not under my management in any shape, form or matter. I say this as I still get a lot of emails from members about the store and the club, please address all email queries about the store to f6riderstore@gmail.com, or use the Contact Form on the site. I am not sure where to send your questions about the VRCC.
I am dissolving the Stanard Group Inc which owned the F6Rider Store; the Corporation had a good 20-year run.  I plan to create some content for the new owners when I have an idea or they ask – I do not plan to charge a single penny for any art I create for the new owners of the F6Rider Store as it is a passion of mine to do t-shirt art. They will be commissioning other artists to carry on as I go into semi-retirement from creating Valkyrie graphics.
For the record Workerbee1, my wife and I wrote off $6,000 dollars losses from the F6Rider Store last year and a grand total of over $70,000 since we opened it in 1996, plus $20,000 dollars to buy out a VRCC partner back in the beginning. Don’t feel bad that’s an average of about $4,736 dollars a year.
I am the only partner to lose money on the VRCC, mostly because I never saw it as a for profit business. But with the VRCC paying for my travel and lodging for the InZane events I think of those trips to the rallies costing me only about $4000 a shot, not bad to pay for a vacation. The Fat Lady banner was one of my ideas and something I wanted to do for a long time so I’m glad that I got that done. I understand there may be some issues with the banners but I've been assured that it was not my doing so that’s good.


 
It is the girls goal to make F6Rider profitable AND if they don't carry the torch there will be no official Valkyrie only store so the only place to get Valkyrie shirts will be off those crappy print a shirt dumps that charge an arm and a leg with art done by some dork who is not a graphic artist and never put his ass on a Valkyrie. So, support the girls if you can and keep the last bastion of Valkyrie apparel alive.  (Side not, Sarah has 1000s of miles on a Valkyrie... as a passenger (O:
Again my friends, so long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, good night, adios and adieu.
PS I will still be lurking on the board and we’ll see if I can keep my damn fingers off the keyboard to make some weird posts.

 

 

[Beer van Huet]

VRCC US CHAPTERS

Ohio Dragon Riders
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/oh/



Mojo
Ohio chapter was started by Ragnar from Columbus.  He handed over his duties after Inzane 3 and KansasCityKid then became Ohio Rep.  We had a nice group with get together rides and tech sessions.  
Although it is less active now, the Chapter still has a very lively BBS
http://www.valkyrieforum.com/forum/vrcc_oh.cgi?review=1554920



Webmaster
Ohio is a great place to be a biker. Valkyrie Motorcycles were built right here in Marysville, Ohio.  Just about every biker here has been to and seen the Honda Motorcycle Plant, AMA Motorcycle Museum, and Mid-Ohio Race Track. Most every Ohio biker has also experienced what it's like to take an extended ride in the late afternoon sun through rolling hills, to flat farmlands with billowing crop. Sometimes even getting caught in a fresh summer rain is pleasurable, as lush greenery from grass and trees greet and excite your senses. Every turn begs to be ridden as you seek new rural roads awaiting your discovery. Come on Brothers and Sisters join up and ride with us and experience the joy of sharing the road.
We are group that rides, whatever... we enjoy riding, so it doesn't matter what brand name bike your riding, you'll be comfortable riding with us, you'll be accepted as one of us, and you'll be family like one of us.
Ride Ohio in 2006 with the Best Motorcycle Chapter in the Nation, become an Ohio Dragon Rider. It's fun, it’s entertaining, it's family, and most of all It's FREE to all!



Editor’s Note
When asked for some Chapter anecdotes and/or highlights, I received the following answers

Doc Moose - Greatest Ohio VRCC contribution

Was the invention, modification thereof, and implementation of the world famous "Pool Party" at the Inzanes. If memory serves me right, I believe that it was our own "mojo" that originated the idea and it became a monster event at Inzanes.
 
Ratdog



I recall a great pork chop dinner...
Some stinky catsmish breakfast being eaten... a groped waitress... flying quarters... some great pool parties... some good times wrenching on bikes... a few good lies being flung about...

 

2005
rmwiles pics 


                                            Top of deals Gap                                                                 Eastern PA Rt n6                                                                           SE Ohio Ride

2006
All Ohio VRCC State Rides
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/oh/events1.htm

2007
Visiting Americade by rmwiles



Ghost

The first time was when I met Ragnar and some others for the first VRCC group ride on Nov 6th 1999 at McDonalds in Dublin OH. I had been riding a bike since August and didn't have a clue on what I was doing. There were six of us that showed up and we went on a ride to Waldo. I remember asking them at what point I needed to shift into 5th gear.
Second time was the first Honda homecoming, I was riding with ragnar and dragbars from Bellefountaine to Marysville on 33 and decided to try and catch dragbars, I glanced down and the speedo and and the needle was bouncing around 117. Scared the hell out of me and I slowed down.

2010
rmwiles  pics

       

 
 

2013
11th Annual SE Ohio Motorcycle Ride
http://www.valueaccessories.net/Southern%20Ohio%20Ride.htm  


                                                                                                                                 2005                                                                                     2006                                                                                               2007

                                                                                                                                                                                                     
                       2009

2014
ptgb - Bikes, Brisket & Busted Knuckles II  

YouTube videos of Sunday's ride from JoJo's new GoPro ...
by valkyrieguyptgb

Part 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5cfAxfI-Fc
Part 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHpgs3ATQiA

It was mostly due to absolutely PERFECT weather the entire weekend, but BB&BKII had an incredible showing and was a rousing success!!
On Saturday, we opened the garage doors at 10 am and by noon there were about 20-25 bikes in the driveway with about 40 people attending!
Some pics....




Fudgie came from Fort Wayne, Indiana and was able to quickly take care of a small turn signal problem.                                                                Fudgie and Yeah, Just Dale

Then..... the food was served!!!! JoAnn busted her butt for three days preparing the food. The brisket alone was a 22-hour smoke! We had smoked... brisket, pulled pork, ribs, chicken thighs (wrapped in bacon), mac and cheese (that was smoked too), and all the fix'ins to go with it. Everyone got a shirt to commemorate the occasion


Up on Sunday morning... met with 18 bikes and about 25 people for a 150-mile ride through western Pennsylvania. Great lunch at Primanti Bros (Google it, really great sandwiches).

2018
rmwiles - 16th SE Ohio Ride  



 

Editor’s Note
Rumour has it that one time in the past the entire VRCC Staff was falling in the Ohio River.
Maybe it’s time by now for someone to clear this up….

F6gal
It was at InZane 5.  However, it was only oZ that took a drunken tumble down the embankment to the river.  Whether or not he actually landed in the river, is a matter of urban legend.  Due to his inebriated state, oZ is not a reliable historian.  









 

[Beer van Huet]

Virginia Chapter
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/va/



Mission Statement

Our goal is to bring Valkyrie riders and others who love to ride together by listing Events geared toward local and major rides.  We have Pictures posted of our Virginia members and a list of popular Links that you may enjoy surfing through.  If your planning a trip you may want to check out our Weather page while you are here and if you like what you see and would like to become a member of the VRCC please Sign up today.  Our Classified section is open to anyone who would like to use it along with our Forum which can be used to communicate or just list an event for others to see. Also feel free to enjoy a game of Poker while your here!



Editor's Note
The VA Chapter was founded in 2001.
On their website at that time, it states Ray Powers as State Contact, soon followed by Mike 'Spanky' Bermingham.
After 27 October 2004, the website does not reappear on the Wayback Machine.

Jess from VA
There has been no active VA VRCC chapter since 2005 that I ever heard of.

The current Chapter Rep is Don aka 'Highbinder'. A very active and hospitable Rider.
VA has more notorious Riders, both in the saddle and on the BB, who exploit many activities in local groups or with adjacent Chapters. People asking for inquires are directed towards nearby Riders.  


                      Shenandoah                                                                                                 Valhalla’s Voyage handover from NC

Hawk

My Greatest memory would have to be InZane II that was where I met the most of ya'll.   First I met Ragnar at the restaurant there on the corner of the intersection. I finally met Lamont and saw the Lamonster for the first time. Right then and there I had hoped to own a bike like that some day   (I also remember saying if I had a bike like that I wouldn't touch it,   HAHA, guess it is just in my blood) There was Mosa, Dragbars, RayO, RJ, TJ, TNT, I think I met Sarge there also, and the list goes on, every person I met that weekend was like running into long lost friends,   it sold me on this group!!!! I also remember getting talked into the Burnout Contest,   WOW that was a mistake HAHA. Talk about an addiction, that was GREAT!!!!!  
The second greatest memory which I will never forget was the summer I got to work for Directline on the rally circuit. I remember talking to Lamont on the phone telling him I was being "restructured" out of a job I had done for 18 yrs. He told me call Hal and shortly there after Hal offered me the summer job driving for Directline. Granted me and that Ford truck and 40' trailer didn't always get along   as a matter of fact I never in all my life had so much trouble with a vehicle and trailer. Talk about a string of bad luck and misfortune   But getting to meet more of the group and seeing old friends at all of the rallies was GREAT, I never had enough time to visit with ya'll but it was still good to see everyone. I will also never forget the trip home from Wing Ding on the 4th of July.   I will also never forget Ragnar bringing over the 1300 VTX for me to ride while we were at the Homecoming, talk about a real friend!!!!!!! I agree with Lamont if I never make another friend, I already have more GREAT friends than a man deserves!!!!!!  


2009
Highbinder -  What I learned on the Shiloh Ride....
http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,10241.0.html



2011 - Hillbilly Run going partly through VA by waterboy79

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3RXcAyX7Rk





A great report by Lady Draco http://forums.okvalks.com/index.php?topic=1547.0
 
2014 Mike – Mason Dixon Line Ride (very nice trip report)
https://sites.google.com/site/masondixonride/

2016
HubCap - Tracy and Don were here with the Hot Dog stand... this is Highway 16 in Virginia, lots of bikes, several groups two or three times bigger than our group .




2016
3fan4life  - Meet in the Middle MITM
MITM will be on Labor Day weekend and involves riding along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
We will have a group riding from the northern end of the BRP and another group riding from the southern end of the BRP.
Smokin' Joe is handling the arrangements for the southern end and will post those details here once he has them worked out. He is also working out the details for Saturday night.
I am handling the northern end.

2016 – Ice

My friends, the end of an era has come, the legendary Smokin’ Joe has resigned as our leader of most group rides. Can I blame him? NO!! Joe has probably organized more rides than anyone else (hell, probably than everyone else combined), however this last one gave him the rest.
It seems that the last couple of years something has changed, the group rides have had major issues, I am not sure what it exactly is, however last year’s MITM was already an omen for Joe that he may not want to do this anymore, and this year’s 11-13 hour ride or nightmare (from the reports I heard) was the straw that finally broke his back.
That all said, it makes me sad to see the last great group organizer retired, (I won’t say quit, he retired) and it makes me wonder, now what? How many more group rides will there be? Or will there be any group rides? Yes, there are other rides and organizers and no, I am not trying to knock them, but Joe's rides are rides of legend, just alone the "lighting fires and kicking tires" after the ride are something you do NOT write home about.  

Joe my friend I understand your decision and I support it, the last few years have been different than before and I am not sure what that is, different people? Or different mentality? Not sure what, but there has been a change.
Thank you for all the rides you have organized and all the great times that were had. I feel it a privilege that I got to ride side by side with you on a few occasions.
Can’t wait to share the wind (not just the parking lot) with you soon, ride hard, ride safe.

Oss
Joe has been there for us (along with Highbinder) but so has Doc Moose with the early Indiana rides, and Rainman (Steve) who has taken over the mantle, Taz does his Praire du Chen ride and Chrome and Rick do the Powwow's every memorial day or thereabouts  RedValk did Cheaha and DOTS (my personal favorite of them all)
And don’t forget our own administrators who put on Inzane every year.
I hosted one powwow and I have been pretty darn frustrated just trying to get my own Columbus weekend series of rides what with the hotel prices and these liberals scaring away potential riders (just kidding baldo and meathead)  I have 4 bikes possibly committed to coming if the weather holds from out of state.
We may not all agree politically (there is an understatement) but we all  have this love for the Valkyrie and get along once we are together.
I am just really pretty damn proud to consider Joe a friend and if he wants to retire from doing the job of trying to herd cats on these long rides well I am ok with it.  
The joke in my house is I can keep up with Joe just fine, until he leaves the parking lot, but seriously he does his best to keep the group together what with the different abilities of the riders.
My suggestion is that in future group rides, people be HONEST and state are they a rose sniffer rider or peg dragger and that the group hand out a piece of paper like at a poker run with turns and stops shown so all can enjoy the ride at their own pace and so the leader does not lose the joy of riding his or her ride.  
Ice it was a pleasure seeing you again and hope to see you at future events.  We have not seen the last of Joe be sure of that, once he retires he will be riding like DDT.

DDT
Folks who bother to put these rides on fascinate me! The amount of effort is much more than any of us can know, and the 'rewards' never approach the amount of grief they receive. Negative feedback always outweighs any positive comments, and most of us can't appreciate the fretting, worrying, and apprehension these good people bear just to pull off a decent event.
It pleases me to know and witness these events do take place, and that there are selfless folks willing to make them happen. I applaud them as do others, but I can certainly understand how burnout occurs and 'retirement' follows...
 
As mentioned, Smokin’Joe is a legend in this regard. His unique personality alone is a huge draw, his riding skill is amazing, and his willingness to bite the bullet and allow the rest of us to tag along is nothing short of magnanimous... I hate that this day has come; but, frankly, I've been expecting it for a long time. If there is any surprise at all, it is that things have lasted as long as they have.
Thanks, Joe, your contributions have been enormous... While I treasure your friendship more than anything else, I do sincerely appreciate and respect all you have done for our organization and for us personally. You truly are 'an impact player'...

2017 - No organized group ride to the MITM

Smokin’Joe
It was an outstanding get together. And I agree folks that let a little rain stop them from coming missed the best one yet IMO.

Ice
Joe I agree it was our best MITM we've ever had.
This being Petra's first solo ride to one of these, she had a blast. Not sure if I will ever get her on the back of the Valk again    . Even the rain did not bother her, in her own words "I even had a blast riding through the rain"    and that is saying something. And of course, the ride home could not have been better weather if you would have planned it.

2016
DDT - Tour de Dixie - Great thoughts and feelings of a man with 10W40 running through his veins.

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,87775.0.html
http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,84524.0.html



Great Valkyrie pic in Pt. Pleasant,  VA




 

[Beer van Huet]

Texas Chapter
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/tx/



As stated earlier, the Texas Valkyrie Riders were already pretty well organized within their  'Valhalla Six Guns'.

In 2002, the VRCC TX Chapter was run by Keith "Ensign Pulver" Ray, who resided in Magnolia:

Just wanted to invite any and all to our first Bike Night on Thursday November 15th. at 7 PM. Location is Willie's Bar & Grill at I-45 North & Hwy 242. Located between Conroe and The Woodlands/Spring. If you know someone that would like to be added to our email list let me know. We will be meeting every month, every third Thursday for a Bike Night at this same location. Come and enjoy some good bikes and some good food. For more detailed directions or more information on the formation of the local club email me.

Soon Texas encompassed the following Chapters – TX East, San Antonio, El Paso, Bryan, Jefferson, Houston, and DFW.  Later, the following Texas VRCC Chapters evolved:  Centex North (Austin area), Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston and Centex South.
The DFW Chapter of the TX Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club was founded in June 2003

DFW First Ride          


                            Scott, Mustang, Jeff and Jimmy Curtin  

Jimmy Curtin
I started the DFW VRCC chapter in June of 2003. I had bought my Valkyrie earlier in the year and had made a few rides with different motorcycle groups. I found the national VRCC on line and reached out to them to see if there was a group here in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. The President of the VRCC told me that there was not a local club and he challenged me to start one.
So, I developed a flyer talking about starting a Valkyrie club and posted it at Al Lambs Honda in Dallas. Our first meeting was a total of five riders.  Over the next few weeks we posted flyers at all the Honda dealerships throughout the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Within six months we had 30+ members and by the end of the first year we had more than 75 members.
My best memory of the club was the Thor’s Hammer handoff ride where we rode to Oklahoma to receive the Thor’s hammer banner. We had dozens of bikes and it was a really great celebration.
Members of the DFW VRCC have made every Inzane rally since 2003. Although smaller in membership now, the club is still meeting monthly and riding as much as possible.

   



Hotglue #43
Texas Valk riders have been going to the hill country for a long time.......
1998..... a ride up on the 3 Sisters and the Willow Loop... north of F'burg.....around 30 Valks... stopped at a BBQ place.... and the more ya chewed it.. the bigger it got.   That was when we started having the BBQ’s here at the home place... and the start of the gatherin' O the Fools BBQ......next year will be the 13th annual!!!

2004 - Kerrville


                                                                                                   T-Roy and partner in Bandera
T-Roy
Ahhhh .. Bandera ... I remember it well... the beer ... the music... the women ... the bathroom ...  How is ole whats-his-name anyway?



2008 - Paris ride report
Rainmakers rain chasers: Ron, David and Mark. The weather was overcast and cloudy for the first part.
Then roads dried up and occasionally the sun came out. Mark planned a great route
The route between Leonard and Wolfe city match 455 curve for curve, plus the pavement was better and the traffic was less. Hwy. 34 going through the Caddo Grass Lands was pretty and taking 1550 /137 into Paris made for a nice easy ride. The food was great at Rio Verde and then we visited the Eiffel tower.
From there to Bonham where we toured the Sam Rayburn museum. Then on to home
The Valks hummed along, hugged the pavement, ate the asphalt and performed flawlessly.
We have the best bike ever made! Nice day 200 plus mile ride and we broke the Rainmaker's spell (at least for a day!) Not a drop of rain!
Captain Speedo and Rainmaker

2008 - DFW VRCC Catfish Ride  
https://youtu.be/v6zC5TJgiUw

2009 - VRCC Hill Country Ride  
https://youtu.be/0aOo74UyWeQ or https://utabby.com/en_US/video/020/0aOo74UyWeQ  



                                                                    Thor’s Hammer

Valhalla Voyage
A complete Texas page can be found at http://www.texasredbird.com/Mark/Motorcycling/08-02Valhalla/

2009
History was made once again as the DFW VRCC welcomed David Garb as our fourth prez at our July '09 monthly meeting. Longtime member Gary "SideCar" Touchstone, David Baron, First Lady Janet, and first timer, Dave Barnett and his fat lady show their support as the decisive moment is captured by world renowned lens-man Jeff "Wanderer" Latimer.
Valk riders throughout North Texas are surely resting easy knowing that we are in such capable hands. Congratulations and much appreciation also goes to Jim "GodFire" Hoffmaster for his dedication to his new role as VP.  Thanks to all that have had a hand in keeping alive the rolling momentum that pays homage to the Cruiser of the Decade in North Texas!





2010 – Everywhere Texas Project

Daniel Meyer - What are we doing?

Well check out this video. We're gathering pictures for our own version.
Scroll down, pick a city that needs a picture, and go for a ride!
Get a picture of your Valkyrie in front of something with the city's name. Be creative! Be fun! Include a short bio and or city information, Valkyrie info/year/name and other stuff...
http://valkyrieriders.com/tx/video2008.html




Editor's Note: Isn't it a small world - gentleman in center pic is in Dag Verpeide from Norway  

 

LemonDrop's Interstate converted into a Super Valk Interstate (Solo Seat without top box).


Daniel Meyer Art

Lots of crashes among friends lately. I did this piece with that in mind and for an art show at The Bonny Studio, which is also where I'm taking life-drawing classes.
This is the largest and most complicated painting I've done. Came out nice I think.
Bikers have a saying, "Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly."


2012
Fredericksburg



RainMaker
61 Valkyrie Riders signed up for this great event in Fredericksburg where everyone was invited..
This is a ride where we probably don't know everyone, either.  And getting together with fellow Valkaholics is a great thing!  You'll learn a lot and have fun since we tend to be a group of do-it-yourselfers.  Many of the riders do bring their better half in the pillion seat as well.  You will find a welcoming group and one who is always happy to have a new member.  You will, of course, have to bring a goat for a midnight sacrifice and steal the wallet of a close friend to prove your worthiness.........  
Hope to meet you in October!
Man, it was hard. To check it out, had to stay at the peach tree for 3 days, drive around on great roads, drink too much wine, eat too much good food with my child bride.  Inhumane!
Seriously, it was my pleasure and I'm happy it was a success. Besides, without me there, it didn't rain out!
Kudos to Rocketman for taking the ball and running with it and to the ride leaders for making the trip fun



The Texas bulletin board now resorts under the VRCC Main website and is run by Daniel Meyer.
http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/board,3.0.html

In Memoriam Mark ‘Tigger’ Liddell


 


Troll
Tigger moved on to the next life at about 7:30am CST Sunday morning in Ada, OK, due to the effects of diabetes, primarily kidney and heart issues.
We had talked numerous times about this time as it approached, and he as was ready to go as any of us can be.
Tigger and I were the closest of friends almost from the moment we met. He opened the first tattoo shop in Deep Ellum, Tigger's Body Art, which still bears his name.
Back then, in the early 90s, folks on Main Street would line up three deep to watch through the giant plate glass window while he and his artists tattooed and pierced away.
As far as I know, the first tattoo shop in Dallas to take that "theatrical" approach. Many tattoo shops followed in Deep Ellum, many using that same tactic. Tigger can be credited in large part for the growth in popularity of tattooing in Dallas.
He was a biker, a free spirit, and quite the hedonist until diabetes made him modify his lifestyle drastically. He was always fun to be around, and a walking, talking education in living the outlaw lifestyle without hiding.
He was a skilled promoter, held degrees in several fields, including oil refinery design, and endlessly encouraged my musical endeavors.
He was my running partner in good times, my solid friend when times were not so good. He extended himself to me emotionally, spiritually, and financially when needed, and, hopefully, I was able to provide the same support for him when needed.
I hope I was as good a friend to him as he was to me.
A benefit party to celebrate his life (his request) will be held. Proceeds will be turned over to his son Matthew and daughter-in-law Erica for use as they see fit to handle necessary expenses.
They are just beginning to get established in life and have three small children who will grow up with only the faintest of memories of their Grandpa.
  
As Tigger would say, "TTFN!" Mark "Tigger"  


                                                   Texas Autumn

Fiddle Mike
Running the risk of getting into too much detail, I inserted 3 trip reports from Fiddle Mike which appealed to me very much.
https://bikerintexas.wordpress.com/category/travel/

2012
We Salute a Rider by Fiddle Mike



The luckiest woman in Flour Bluff had the big yella bike packed  and  ready to be on the road at 7:00 a.m. of a Saturday morning; we needed to be in Leander, Texas by noon.  We were going to join fellow VRCC members in a ride celebrating the life of Laser Pat, who has left this world to ride into the land of souls.  
Gravity, as we all know, is an invisible force that drags you down. “Escape velocity” is the speed required get free, in this case, 70mph.  In short order we’d freed ourselves from the city and were bound north-west on US-181
The day began overcast and the air became misty as we rode, the predicted high temperature of 83° F. (28 °C) looking more like wishful thinking, all the time. Despite the gloom, the spring wildflowers lined the roadside, showing off their finery.  The day began overcast and the air became misty as we rode, the predicted high temperature of 83° F. (28 °C) looking more like wishful thinking, all the time. Despite the gloom, the spring wildflowers lined the roadside, showing off their finery.



The road is familiar and, despite an increase in truck traffic, we were able to relax and enjoy brilliant flowers that, in some cases, stretched for as far as the eye could see, maybe further.  The sun finally made her appearance and, in good time, we were making our way through Austin. While making passably good time in traffic, I spotted the familiar back-patch of our cruiser club and made a friendly overture (grinned like a madman).  Introductions were made at a traffic light and member “Bull Goose” fell in with us. With next to no trouble we found our way to the Lucky Star Ranch, home of the Big Red Bunkhouse.



We rolled into the circular drive and parked our bikes. Eventually, thirty motorcycles lined the drive waiting to be ridden on some of Laser Pat’s favorite roads.  
There were Honda Valkyrie motorcycles of every description as well as a few Gold Wings, Harley-Davidsons and dual-sports.



At, or near, the appointed time, we rolled out in three groups of ten to honor our departed friend and brother by doing what he loved to do in the place he loved to do it.  Some of us think it no coincidence that the weather was perfect.



The Texas Hill Country is recognized as having some of the finest motorcycling roads in the country.  While I’d ridden over lots of it, the area just west of Leander and Austin was new territory for me. The land begins to roll, here, north of Lake Travis.



There are long sweepers where we let the old girls stretch their legs. The route was about 50 miles, all told, and entirely enjoyable.



We returned to the ranch where we saluted Laser Pat in words and song. The Lucky Star Ranch is thoroughly charming place, replete with folk art and pleasant surprises at every turn.  Never one to miss a chance to fondle jugs, I posed, here, alongside one of the many fountains. There was a camper trailer on site…… as well as a tree house with a spiral stairway.



Not everyone knows this, but I’ve always wanted to own a wooden white man. In short, the location for the celebration was well chosen.  The observance was something memorable.  We did what we believe Pat would have wanted: we had a good time doing the things he loved to do, riding the Hill Country and enjoying our friends. The road goes on forever.



Thanksgiving Jaunt
There are certain advantages to bucking Thanksgiving Day traditions.  For one, my missus prepares a great seafood gumbo instead of the usual “turkey with all the fixin’s”.   And, while the rest of the world feasts or watches The Game, it’s possible to ride through the city on streets that are nearly empty. The luckiest woman in Flour Bluff and I decided to take advantage of the situation by riding around Corpus Christi Bay to the town of Ingleside for a picnic.  She stashed picnic stuff in the saddlebag, hopped on the snatch pad and off we went. The day was beautiful, breezy, the temperature topping out near 75°F (23.8° C).  We weren’t the only motorcyclists out enjoying the day, either.



Northbound over the Harbor Bridge and a picture postcard view of the USS Lexington Museum. The couple we’d seen on the Bayfront found their throttles, she giving us the accepted “low wave” from her Shadow VLX as they went by.  You meet the nicest people on a Honda.

 

Riding through Ingleside, we made our way to the city park named, “Live Oak”.  Live Oak Park is plenty spacious even on days when there are more than the ten-or-so visitors we saw in addition to ourselves. Who can resist being able to make a photograph of their motorcycle with an uncluttered background?  Note the very groovy way the saddlebag lids open to the outside.  



While I sat and absorbed the peacefulness of the day, Jill serenaded the trees with her Native American flute. We were surely enjoying the day, but the clock was walking (as it’s known to do, in these parts) and it was time to head back to the big Bluff and make ready the feast.



Gathering of Fools
We packed our tent and an extra pair of socks and headed for the fifteenth annual, “Gathering of the Fools”, at the home of Hotglue and Flamingo Babe, south of Houston, TX.  These folks define hospitality.  Our bedroom was one of the best, no motels, for us.
Hotglue is a Renaissance man whose talents range from fabrication to preparing top-notch barbecue.  If you’re from Texas you know that’s not a claim made lightly.



The Gathering of the Fools is a much-anticipated event for members of the Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club, some of whom rolled in from as far away as California and Virginia.
The Honda GL1500 C, CT and Interstate is affectionately known to some as, “The Fat Lady” (advertisement: The Fat Lady Has Sung), and to others as, “The Dragon”.



As you can see, while we love our Valkyries, the gathering is hardly exclusive.  Some of Flamingo Babe’s cronies from the CanAm owners turned up, as well riders on Wings, Harleys, rockets and dual sports.
Saturday, the yard and the street began filling up with every description of Valkyrie.



The annual ride was dedicated to Laser Pat (GBNF); the route included a stop at this spacious bar and grill for lunch, drinks and socializing. Back at the ranch, we wandered the bikes and found these beauties:

 

Some of the paint was fantastic.



The Super Bee bike is really slick and I had to capture it for a friend who is a fan of classic American cars.



This rider stood out in a sea of black Valkyrie Interstates. Motor trikes were under represented.  This trike is owned by a woman who can take most riders to school, when it comes to riding the twisties.



The meal was fantastic, as per usual, and the fellowship was cold beer for the soul. Now, I can’t speak for everyone, but it’s been my experience that motorcycling folk are about as big-hearted as they come.  Hotglue informed us that he and his associates in the Lions Club support a camp for disabled children and asked that we also support the cause by participating in some fund-raising activities at the Gathering.  We did.



What a weekend.  We had a wonderful time with Hotglue, Flamingo Babe and the good folks and their fine machines, we ate the way God intended and had the opportunity to support a great cause, as well.


2010
Highbinder - I learned that at the Gathering of Fools

TP has tiny little white balls that he carries around and likes to show them to everybody...
Gear Jammer doesn't like to play in sand...
Jim and BJ does like to play in sand....
Gear Jammer has every known piece of equipment on and in his bike.... except gasoline
Willow can make a stock paint job look like a custom paint job very simply...looks great Carl...  
A stock 1500 Goldwing center stand will bolt right up to a Valk and will not drag in the curves.  
If Bandit ever stops farming he can get a job as a prison guard anywhere in the country...  
Crazyhorse has a surprise for Smokin'jo
If you want free beer in Texas all you have to do is enter the store naked and FREE BEER!
My angle sensor works great....
Jim's angle sensor works great too!!!!
Wizard can't get up fast from the dining room table......
Lyn-Del doesn't have a hearing aid....
If you tell Hotglue a funny joke he has to go to the bathroom immediately after laugh his A$$ off...
If you give Wizard 30 days to think he can come up with a good idea...
If you haven't ever been to the Gathering of Fools you're missing out on one of the best ride in's around...

Hoser's pics from Hotglues
http://s617.photobucket.com/albums/tt259/jrlord/Bike/Texas%20Barbeque%202011/?albumview=slideshow

2014
MC Rider- My ride from Ft Worth, TX to Colorado on my Valkyrie (very nice)
My Colorado motorcycle road trip on my Honda Valkyrie. Visit The Million Dollar Mile on my Colorado motorcycle road trip. 2,142 miles on a 1999 Honda Valkyrie from Fort Worth, TX to The Million Dollar Highway on a motorcycle.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEw2pkfgfak
  
DDT is a gifted writer and far more on the road than the average Rider.  
 
Some of DDT’s pics from Texas


 Riding north on TX HWY 54 north of Van Horn               Guadalupe NP, southwest Texas
 
                                           ain’t all hilly in west Texas!                  


Rest in Peace

Patrick (Pat) Joseph Jamail (Laser Pat)

                                      December 17, 1951-March 11, 2012

I don't believe any of us ever saw this man without a smile. Our beloved brother and friend, Pat Jamail, passed away on Sunday, March 11, 2012. A native of Houston, Pat was a well-respected home builder and remodeler, and an active member of the Austin Homebuilders Association.
Pat was an adventurous soul and amongst his hobbies were playing and listening to live music and traveling cross country on his Honda Valkyrie motorcycle with his favorite gal TX Deb.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, George E. and Constance Fay Jamail and his beloved Great Dane Riley. He is survived by his loving family; Ronald and Sydney Jamail, Mark Jamail, Kimberley Jamail-Ewing, Donald Ewing, Stacey Jamail-Robinson, Carl Robinson, Emile and Lori Jamail, Michael Jamail and Christopher Van Winkle, great niece Genevieve Jamail, great nephew George E. Jamail and partner, friend and love Debbie Adams. He had many loving aunts, uncles and cousins. He will be missed by all.

[Beer van Huet]

VERMIN/ Washington Chapter

 

VERMIN was founded by Bob "Croozermon" Bidwell and John "jmac" McFarlane and is dedicated to Valkyrie motorcycle riders in the Pacific Northwest since 1998. The VERMIN are the WA Chapter of the Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club and its Riders live in Washington, Oregon, British Columbia, and Alaska.

Bob "CrooZermon" Bidwell

The VERMIN (or Valkyrie Riders and Members in the Northwest) started from humble beginnings. "Jmac" (John MacFarlane) and I met on the GWRRA Special Interest Group Message Board in the spring of this year. At the time, there had been some discord concerning the status of the Valkyrie owners in the GWRRA as only being allowed "booster" status, rather than inducted as a full member to the GWRRA. Instead of becoming involved in the melee, John and I found each other sharing the same thought: "I just want to go ride with someone who owns a Valk too!!” We found that we lived less than 15 miles from each other and decided to put out the word for a visit to an ABATE Swap Meet in Enumclaw the following weekend. Only he and I showed up...it was a pretty uneventful meet but John and I struck up an immediate friendship and decided to ride together again. This next time, we put out the word on the board again as well as posting flyers in the local Honda dealers. This time SEVEN VALKYRIES SHOWED UP on our first Vermin ride to LaConner, WA!!

As time went on, we continued to post messages, post flyers at the dealers and stopped to talk to every Valkyrie we could find on the road!! And the group continued to grow...and grow...and GROW!! We have had as many as 26 BIKES AT ONE TIME!!
When the Valkyrie Owners Association (VOA) was formed, it seemed natural to form our
little group as a regional chapter of the organization. To date, we have ridden with EVERY VOA MEMBER IN THE STATE OF WASHINGTON, AS WELL AS MOST OF THE MEMBERS IN OREGON!! We have organized rides to LaConner, Anacortes, Leavenworth, Winthrop, Marysville, Mt. St. Helens as well as ride-ins to the local "Oyster Run" and even a ride at the Sturgis Rally in South Dakota...and HAVING A BALL EACH AND EVERY TIME!!

Through it all, we have maintained one steadfast idea: JUST RIDE!! To ride is our main goal and many lasting friendships have been formed because of it.
If there are ANY Valkyrie owners out there who would like to be included in one of our many runs, all they have to do is contact me or one of the other Members listed on the "Members" list and we will give you the info for our next ride. Believe me, there is NOTHING like riding with a bunch of Valkyries!!
Come experience for yourself! Ride safe, fast, far and often!!
 
 
Website Statement

The Valkyrie Riders and Members In the Northwest is a Non-profit Motorcycle Riding Club based in Western Washington State. The VERMIN aka DRBs have Members primarily from Washington, Oregon, British Columbia, and Alaska.  We have had Members from the East Coast, but they seemed more interested in collecting our really cool Logo Patches & Pins than riding in the PNW.
Club Membership has ranged from 7-125 Members. Annual dues are $25.00. The Club is first and foremost a riding club with the comradery of good friends getting together a close second. Members often join up on weekends for informal, usually unplanned and always unstructured rides.
If a Valkyrie/Goldwing Rider or a Rider of any other Bike who just enjoys the company of fellow motorcyclists...check us out.

1998, Sunday, September 27th 1998

The Oyster Run and first recorded ride of VERMIN on their website.
About a dozen of us started out in Renton (in a little fog), Crooze, Rusty. Loki, Jessie with his latest in VOA fashion, customized in his own style and Shelly. Rusty has a unique "guitar case" saddlebag on his Valk.
He said something about being "on his way to Woodstock"!
You'd need a helicopter picture to do justice to all the bikes in Anacortes.  Went on for about 6 blocks, parked 4 deep up and down the street.
Ratdog & I hit it off on his 1st VERMIN Ride & became best buds...

Deerslayer

Registered years ago.. member # 3477 but never really posted much.
I’m from the Seattle area & one of the original founding members of The VERMIN Club.
I have had 3 valks.. best bike ever built.

1st was a 97 tourer.. green & cream..it had custom paint & every bit of chrome goddies available. I hit a 6 point deer (killed that sombitch) riding solo in 1999 & lived to tell the story.
I rode my bent up & broken bike 250 miles home.  
All my VERMIN riding buddies gave me the monicker “The  Deerslayer “. Got The bike fixed up & continued to ride it until... I was leading a VERMIN ride in Oregon when a woman who was parked on the shoulder decided to make a u-turn in front of our group.
Killed the bike.. but somehow my wife ‘Dragonlady’ & I survived... just barely.. were messed up bad.. DragonLady had multiple broken bones. I woke up to a couple buddies ‘The Bro’ & ‘’Ratdog’ yelling at me. Blacked out again. Woke up in The ambulance with a 35 VERMIN escort to the hospital. Physically we have never fully recovered from that accident.... but damn lucky to survive.

2nd is a 2000 tourer.... .still have & Ride it.

3rd is a 97 Green & Cream. A fellow VERMIN who hasn’t been able to ride it much... recently offered it to me.
The bike is in great condition & just broke in at only 34,000 miles. Couldn’t pass it up .. feels like brand new out of the show room... Loving it!

Ratdog & I hit it off on his 1st VERMIN Ride & became best buds...
We rode together every damn weekend rain or shine.
We even did 2 official Iron Butt rides together .. 1000 miles with-in 24 hours.
we came in, in just over 18 hours & got the belt buckle to prove it.

2001 –Resolution Ride

Over 40 bikes of all shapes and sizes showed up for the Cycle Barn's 'Resolution Ride 2001'. 16 Vermin on 15 Valks were there dominating the turnout...as usual.

2003 - The Spiral Highway

This is Hwy 95's "old grade" into Lewiston from the north. It drops 2,000 ft. in ten miles. This was the Saturday of the Memorial Day weekend (2003), a warm up to Lolo Pass





VERMIN holds monthly meetings at Gators.

The food is excellent, the portions are large, the menu is varied and the service is very good...and the girls are (picture not available any longer)  



 
              Right the Award that PW Fabricated & Presented at a major Rodent Run in Hope, B.C. Canada

Reaching 100 Members http://www.oocities.org/verminNW/members.htm

2009 - Redline
I was voted in as Vermin Club President in the fall of 2009, just a few months after purchasing my Valk and joining the Vermin Club. Nobody else wanted the job and the membership thought why not initiate the new guy! Well... OK... you guys voted me in!

I proposed several changes to the Club, one of the first was to break ties with the VOA and join the VRCC. The proposal was voted in and the Vermin Club became the Washington State Chapter of the VRCC.
With my newbie enthusiasm, we were fairly active during that period of time. Vermin membership has dwindled in recent years, but at one time was well over 100. The Club still meets once a month, second Saturday, for breakfast and a ride if weather permits.

Since joining the VRCC the Vermin Club joins the British Colombia Chapter annually for their Valhalla Rally. Some of us also ride with the Idaho Chapter on occasion. We enjoy meeting and riding with other VRCC members whenever possible!

2010
Scott in Ok
I would like to welcome the latest chapter of the VRCC, the Vermin Club, from Washington State and the Pacific Northwest.  Many of the Vermin have been VRCC members over the years, and many still are.  Recently they decided to officially join the VRCC as a Chapter.  Join me in welcoming the Vermin to the VRCC.
I would also like to thank Chapter leader, Redline for his patience with me getting things setup for them.

2015
Vermin BB was temporarily suspended and reinstalled by Icelander.

2017
Decisions Vermin Club meeting  
 1. The club will only be buying dinner for members at the Christmas party.
    We will not be buying dinner at Valhalla
2. We will be transitioning the Vermin website to point to the VRCC NW forum
    rather than try to keep our existing site running.


On behalf of the Vermin Club, I would like to thank Scott for his efforts. The Vermin are proud to now carry the VRCC banner. As the Washington State Chapter, we would like to round up all the lonely VRCC members roaming aimlessly along the back roads of the Pacific Northwest and give them a good home. We have some good rides on the calendar...check us out    
Washington State has some of the best riding in the country and the Vermin Club would love to share the wind with you. Need a reason to ride to the NW? Join us on one of our rides.

Zippermon
VERMIN. The Best Damn Valkyrie Riders club inna werld! If ya don't think your club is the best, go elsewhere. Besides, who else would be so proud to be a DRB! With the inclusion of the Vermin into the VRCC, finally the bar has been raised.

Ratdog
"VERMIN" have always been around... the difference is the association being "official".  Before, there used to be a WA Chapter of the VRCC, which "resided" on another area of WA State from where the VERMIN world HQ was.  The WA chapter fell by the wayside (for a few years).  Now... ya have rodents comin' in the front door.      As for the logo... the VERMIN's original director ("Crooz") and the one and only oZ combined their efforts to come up with the logo/patch.

2018
Lilian Blanchard and her son Tom hosted the Vermin site and decided it was time to take it down.
The BB is now incorporated in the Northwest Valkyrie Riders of the VRCC website

[Beer van Huet]

Indiana Chapter
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/in/




Larry ‘sarge’ Taylor
The early Indiana website  http://www.geocities.ws/cinvrmc/history.html  starts with this statement:

In the fall of 2001 I thought it would be great to find a Valkyrie Motorcycle Club in the Central Indiana Area, representing all Valkyrie Owners and MC Riders. I had searched the web for other Valkyrie Clubs in this Central Indiana Area and none were to be found.  My motive was selfish, to dramatically increase the number of Valkyrie Enthusiasts rides that I could actively participate in.

Fortunately for me, I found the Hoosier Valkyries Indiana Chapter of the VRCC, Paul Weber and Jim Morse.  Not knowing how difficult or easy it would be to find other riders, I put the question forth to Paul "Hoosier Daddy" Weber and Jim "Moosfa" Morse, who welcomed the idea of a Central Indiana (INDY) Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club to enlist members for additional group rides.  Next step, to contact all interested parties for input, ideas and support.  I received some excellent feedback and the best of wishes from many people that I met on the 2001 Hoosier VRCC Fall Ride.
Enter LaMonster, who welcomed a local INDY Chapter of the VRCC, and the rest is History...
We have now joined the ranks of a local Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club. We welcome all potential members; whether you are already a member of the VRCC, VOAi or other group, join us for great times and fun rides.  We span from North Central Indiana to the South-Central reaches of the State with all surrounding counties of Indianapolis represented.  
 
Inaugural Indiana Chapter Ride-in
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/in/home.htm  

We thought we'd share some pictures of our first ever Indiana gathering.
The purpose of this ride was to meet and introduce ourselves and begin planning for what is eventually a bigger movement state-wide to get established like the other Midwest Chapters have.
In the thumbnails below, you can see some of the shots we took on a typical overcast day. The date was Sunday April 30, 2000 and we had four Valkyries meet at Tony Roma's for ribs.
These are the photographs we took outside the restaurant. Joe Smith has the white and blue Valkyrie I/S, Don Smith second from the left has a black standard, Scott Townsend has the black standard bike in the foreground and to the right, leaning over his red and white is Paul Weber.




 
Paul Weber has been the Indiana State contact person for the VOA and VRCC since their inception. As the lead organizer, Paul has been working to make give the Indiana group a national identity.   We have a great group of riders, not posers and that is what it's all about!
    
Welcome Fellow Hoosier Valkers, and other enthusiasts of fine chrome and shiny motorcycle equipment! My name is Paul Weber and I welcome you and any other riders of fine motorcycles who wish to join with us for roadworthy fun. We want to bring you our philosophy on motorcycles and leisure time activities including our favorite steed, the Honda F6 1520cc Valkyrie in all its glory!
It is our hope that we can organize the willing to join together for several group events which will bring us out en-mass.  The gatherings of years past have been wonderful sight to behold, as well as a chance to meet and greet and share our passion for life via motorcycling.
Maybe this sounds a like little much, but unless you have ridden the Valkyrie, you just can’t know what we’re talking about.  Those of you who have Valkyries know what we mean! One of our long-term goals is to plan at least three seasonal (spring, summer and fall) day- rides in various portions of the state, with someone from the area planning out a route that is scenic, interesting and worthy of a group cruise from other riders coming in from other parts of the state.
 
That is, maybe we could have a fall ride in or around the Brown County/Nashville area; we could roll the hills of southern Indiana as the green pops out on the trees and fields; we could blast through (at 55 mph?) the flats of northern Indiana. With these rides being planned by the local riders, we shouldn’t have to worry about whether the roadways are good, scenery is tops and a cozy rest stop is along the way for lunch/refreshments along the way or at the end of the line. Each of us surely has a favorite area to ride and would like to share it with other riders.

These rides would be attended by any and all who could make it, and hopefully over a Saturday or Sunday to allow those who work for a living to make it! We would also like to have a presence in any regional or local motorcycle gatherings just to spread the word about our group and expand to others who might benefit from our group, or we may benefit from them!

Most of us are members of the VRCC  or the VOAI, BBR or many other club memberships, and we want to support and promote any and all groups that support us. The bottom line is that we enjoy our motorcycles and the fellowship of others who appreciate riding a fine motorcycle in our beautiful state. We are not asking that you be responsible for committees, projects, etc... like most other clubs. We’d like to be able to allow our members who want to ride in an area and have other members ride with them be able to post a message and have someone respond with suggestions. This would allow a local to let you know what to avoid or which roads to ride, and maybe join in on the fun if company is desired!
Our main goal is to promote the fun and fellowship of riding one of the finest motorcycles in the world, and join with others for support on many levels (technical, mechanical, physical {rides, get togethers!} and cyber).

We need any and all input from riders throughout our fine state to determine how we can best serve the needs of our affiliate members. If you have any suggestions, or would like to be a part of our group, please drop us a line and we’ll get you on our e-mailing list so that we could keep you posted on events and rides that may interest you.

We may have a local message board to allow for the exchange of local and regional information as well as links to the national sites. Thanks for taking the time to stop by, and please leave us a note to tell us what you think. Many thanks to former VRCC member Scott Townsend for his efforts in getting us together and for getting us on the Web to begin with, and best of luck to Scott who has since sold his beloved Valk and left the area for the left coast...  Good luck in all of your future endeavors Scott!!!
Remember, when you see another biker, wave, even if they aren’t on our favorite steed, after all, we’re all bikers no matter what we ride!
Ride safe and I’ll see you on the road... Keep the shiny (painted) side up!


                                        Bob Golden                                                             Weber & Lamont at Honda Hoot                                                                                  Jim Morse

1st Inaugural Hoosier State Ride a Huge Success!
By Paul Weber, state coordinator

That's the feeling I got on Saturday during the Inaugural Midwest/Hoosier Ride-IN! We (Scott Townsend, Don Smith and Joe Smith) had discussed the potential for a State Valkyrie Ride-IN on April 30th of this last spring.
We decided it would be a good idea and tried to compromise on a good location for the gathering and the ride itself. Since Indiana is a rather large state, north to south (I know, there's Texas, California, and others that are bigger, but we're here in the Midwest, where the law keeps us from going much past the double nickel in most roadways) we had to look for a central location to get the closest opportunity for the most people.



We decided Indianapolis would be a starting place, and later it was refined to Greenwood (south side of Indy). Then a ride destination was needed. Time was critical, so we wanted an hour out to the venue. Nashville, IN is an artist colony settled in the hills of Southern Indiana, with many interesting roads in and out, also near Brown County State Park, a fine place for short rides and scenery.
Scott sent announcements out to the Hoosier members via the listing from the VRCC and VOAi national sites, and we did get some responses back from a number of people requesting more information. We worked on the plans for the gathering and ride and refined them as best we could. Scott kept saying "build it, and they will come!” I was leery, as I had heard from others about how hard it was to organize such an event and get any real turnout.
Our first State organizational meeting was only able to garner the four VRCC members mentioned at the start of this article. We continued to post on the regional board, the VRCC calendar, Competition Accessories pages and smaller posts on the general message board. After talking with oZ about some details and suggestions, I was more enthused and encouraged about the event
Every day we had more responses to our posts and personal e-mails. I can't tell you how many late nights I spent sending messages to our membership to encourage attendance. We had set the date after checking to be sure there were no local college football games or other events to conflict with our group ride, and we also had to deal with weather. As it turned out, the weather was our nemesis! Weather reports were calling for clear skies (NO RAIN, but we had a rain date!), but we had cool weather. VERY COOL weather, as in RECORD LOWS (40 degrees in the morning). This kept several away, but not the dedicated!!!
We had over 50 bikes in attendance, and the last count I heard was 47 VALKS in one place at one time. In INDIANA!!! Our goals were met, no, EXCEEDED by the great VRCC membership in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, Florida and even an Oregon plate!!!

I did not personally get to greet everyone, but I hope they all had a part of the sheer joy I got from this gathering. I get goose-bumps (even now as I write this!) when I think about this group outing! The group meeting spot in Greenwood started small, then grew, and grew and grew as more and more bikes arrived!



We have photos and they will be available on our website soon, and we'll send them to oZ/Lamont for posting also if they want. After leaving for Nashville, it was an easy hour’s ride south. After we were there, we were met by Don Barnes from Ohio with his lovely S.O. Becky (on her own ride!) with two or three other couples in Nashville (our lunch gathering place)!

The looks on the people’s faces as we cruised into town (small village with a single main street and 20 mph limit!) was really amazing. They were totally awestruck! Special thanks for arranging this event go to Scott Townsend for his tireless efforts and web mastering, Jim Morse for his encouragement and leadership (?) abilities!, Don Barnes for his help and guidance (also a drawing give-away), Hal & Chris for their generosity, oZ for his encouragement/generosity/wisdom and help, and especially for all you Midwest/Hoosier Valk riders for making our gathering something I'll always remember and cherish!

You are all GREAT! Looking forward to the next one! See you then...
Keep the shiny (painted) side up!!!
Paul (Hoosier Daddy) Weber VRCC #370, Indiana State Contact

2000 Covered Bridge Ride Report
We had 19 brave souls come out for the Sunday, October 29th, 2000 ride through Parke County, the Covered Bridge Capital of the US. Sixteen bikes (three were riding two up) and fifteen of them were Valkyries!
The early morning temperatures (we met in Bellmore, IN at 10-11am) were in the upper 30's and low 40's. When Mark Huntzinger and I arrived at the meeting place around 10AM, at the corner of US 36 & US 59 in Bellmore, there were already 6 or 7 bikes on site. From that point, we watched as the others showed up, mostly one by one. Most arrived in full leathers, including their chaps, some with electric vests and all! I was even guilty of putting on my recently acquired chaps (from the State Ride IN to Nashville in September!).


 
Wasn't long till we were able to shed some of the extra warmth to allow for the warmer afternoon sun to keep us comfortable. The riders bikes included many two-toned Standards, several Interstates and a few Tourers. We even had Dave Sproul and his wife Cheryl from central Illinois with his 97 red & white custom that looks like an early design study for Honda's own Valk Interstate!
All told, the group included (at least the ones we could remember): Larry Beemer, Jim Tsareff, Phil Emerich (gr I/S), Rick M. (Y/B STD), Dave & Cheryl Sproul, Mark Huntzinger, Jim White (Sabre), Garvey? (from Greenfield), Steve Shea, Paul Weber, Jim Morse (ride organizer and leader), Don Gastineau, and Jeff Cole. There were three others that we could not remember the names. Sorry, but it's hard to keep track! We need to do sign in's so that we can track who was who!

The sunshine during the afternoon was fabulous. You couldn't dial up a better late fall day. It was pointed out to those with CB's that it was likely that most of the trees were "PAST PEAK" color by our own 'agronomist', Jim "Shooter" Tsareff. He also pointed out (as he did in the fall Ride-IN) that "the sky was so beautiful; it looked like someone had painted it just for him". Responses ranged from groans to laughter. I posed a question to him about the brown field to our left (a cornfield that had already been harvested) as to whether the corn had peaked or not!!! He responded that it in fact had.

We all had plenty of time to kick the tires and look at new goodies, getting ideas for our next acquisitions. A short visit to Billie Creek Village was the first order of the day, then on to the downtown Square of Rockville, Indiana. The diner we stopped in was named "Weber's Family Restaurant"; no nepotism was involved, as they didn't even offer me a discount for my own lunch! I'm sure the food would have met with VFT-BOH (Valkoholic Food Tester-Band of Hooligans) member Tiny's approval, but in his absence, I, MGM-BOH (Minister of Good Meat) gave the food and ambiance two thumbs up, way up!!!

If you went away hungry, it was your own fault. After the lunch, we had our 50-50 drawing and luck was with member Mark Huntzinger of Bloomington. Mark is usually riding with his daughter Meg, but she opted to sleep in on this brisk fall morning! Good thing Mark didn't! Several other potential riders had her sentiments and slept in also, as this was a frosty cold morn and it did keep some away!
Those who came along for the ride had a great day, even if the bulk of the riding was done getting to and from the meeting place. We all enjoyed the talk and fellowship as well as just examining all the things we could do with our bikes that somebody else has already tried. Exhaust systems were of great interest as there must've been 10 different systems present in our group! Even though there were several of the same basic bike (two tone 98's), not one of them was identical to the others due to customization.
Individuality, that's one thing that brings us all together, and makes us have this common lust for the fat lady! Looking forward to the next group ride, which may come along at any time, or maybe some time after the real Millennium kicks in?

Ride safe until then... Keep the shiny (painted!) side up...
Paul Weber (Hoosier Daddy) VRCC #370; Indiana State Contact MGM-BOH

2001 -      Scouting road conditions for the 1st Inaugural Central Indiana (INDY) Parke County Covered Bridge Ride.



Highlander – Second Indiana Ride-In

 It was a dark and stormy night, and the painters were frantically trying to complete a 12 hour job in 3 hours.  The hands on the clock whirled past at a horrifying pace.  “We are going to miss the Indiana ride-in,” I screamed.  It was 3:30 am on Friday 5 October 2001.
Quickly, I grabbed the clear coat and asked Valeria to stand back. “But, I’m not done,” she exclaimed...  “The police will come by if that compressor wakes the neighbors.”

 “I do not care; I will not miss this event for any reason.  We can fix the paint when we get home.”                

At 4:30 am, Valeria having succumbed to the paint fumes, we decided it was time to rest.   At 6:00 am, I started to reassemble the parts laying about the garage floor, and by 5:30 pm, it was time to don the leathers and head out into the cold, rainy, Southern Illinois weather.  Valeria and I were on our way to Bedford, Indiana.

The air was a brisk 45 degrees, and the rain was pelting down as we pulled out onto the narrow streets of DuQuoin.  The Valkyrie was warmed up and performing admirably as we hit IL 51 north, then IL 154, across the bridge over Rend Lake and I-57 North.  The miles ticked away as we neared Effingham, and time to refuel, and get some hot coffee.  We headed down I-70 East until we reached Indiana.  We pulled into the rest area at Exit 1 and drank some more coffee.  I studied the Indiana map on the wall, and discovered a more exciting way to reach Bedford, Indiana, our goal for the evening.
 
I decided to take IN 46 to Bloomington, then take SR 37 to Bedford.  The air grew colder as we neared our goal, but the landscape was lighted by the near full moon peeking through the clearing sky.  The rains were over and it would be a great day to ride tomorrow.  Five hours after we first roared into the rain and cold, after several rest area stops for hot coffee to warm our frozen fingers, we pulled into the Bedford “Super 8.”

“Are there a lot of early arrivals for the VRCC ride-in,” I asked the clerk.

“What is the VRCC ride-in?” she asked quizzically.

 “We are not amused,” I exclaimed, with a slight hint of panic.  “Where are the others who were to   be here?  This is the right motel, this is the right day, isn’t it?”

“Is there more than one “Super 8" in Bedford,” Valeria asked.

 This is the only “Super 8" in Bedford.  Here are your reservations,” the clerk answered with a yawn.
We unpacked the Valkyrie and raced upstairs to the room.  A mad search through the phone book, a quick call to Domino’s pizza, and by 1:00 am, the delivery was complete.  All that remained was to set the alarm for 7:00 am, and off to sleep.
The incessant buzzing of the alarm finally did its job, and I grabbed the phone to call “Hoosier Daddy.”  “It’s Highlander,” I said as he answered...  “What time do things begin today,” I asked.
“I will be right there and we will ride to Indy together,” he said.  Within a short while, we were discussing the events of the day.  The two Valkyries roared to life, and it was off to Indy, and the Indiana ride-in.  

The nasty weather and long ride had taken its toll on the “Quickening’s” paint and chrome.  Paul directed me to a car wash, and as I passed the wand over the surface of the bike, the highly polished front forks turned a dull gray.  We raced to the gathering point, and I ran to the Sears Auto store for aluminum polish.  Many present offered suggestions, but the store had some “Never-Dull” wadding that helped.

The weather was incredible.  The sun shimmered in the clear blue sky, and the temperatures soared to sweltering 45 degrees – very pleasant riding weather, and excellent for ice cream.  By noon, we rode en-masse to Nashville, Indiana, and received our instructions for the day. The many Valkyries gathered at Indianapolis, were complemented by a like number when we arrived in Nashville.  It was like a large family gathering.  Many faces we had met a year ago greeted us, and there were many new faces.  There were no strangers present, just some friends we had not yet met, and that great Hoosier hospitality was in ample supply.   The plan was for smaller groups to follow the various routes skillfully planned and mapped by Larry Beemer, who rides a silver and black standard Valkyrie with totally awesome six-to-six pipes that sounded so sweet.  I know the pipes sounded so awesome, because Valeria decided that we came to ride, not shop, and we took the longest ride, led by this gentleman.  I have to get those pipes.

We arrived at Ryan’s in Bloomington, Indiana right on schedule.  The participants were in a room by themselves, and we had a great time.  The many items gathered as prizes for the drawing were spectacular, including some really killer leather caps with purported magical qualities.  
 
Parts for the Valks, chrome yo-yo’s, chrome underwear, 9-11 T-shirts, and an extra-large spandex tank top. Many different vendors participated by donating many wonderful prizes.  Following the festivities, a group headed back to the Bedford motel.
Sunday morning started with a blessing of the bikes by “Hollywood” and two gentlemen from the Indiana Chapter of the Christian Motorcyclists Association.  Then it was time for the group photo.  Unfortunately, some had departed Saturday night, so the group looked smaller than it was.  Then more prizes were drawn, and the pre-ride festivities ended by “Hoosier Daddy” presenting those who had not won anything, a prize.  However, everybody was already a winner, because, in my humble opinion, everybody who attended the ride were winners. The various rides were the best prizes of all.  I only regret that Valeria and I had to head home that morning, because I have to go to work at 3 am on Monday, and she has classes to attend.  

We decided to travel a different path homeward, and we were rewarded with more spectacular fall colors along route 50 and 231 on our way to I-64.  The “twisties” on 50 were a treat, and the scenery was breathtaking.
Valeria and I wish to thank “Hoosier Daddy” and the many Hoosier riders who helped in the planning and execution of this wonderful event.  Paul remarked many times that he too was overwhelmed by the assistance provided by his members.  It was obviously a group effort, and it was also evident that those present were very happy participants.  A heartfelt “Thank you” goes out to the planners and participants for making this annual event so memorable.  It is easy to distinguish between an event and a labor of

2004
Indiana State Ride In



Dave Ritsema
I have lots of memories, some better than others.
But certainly my FIRST VRCC memory was pulling up to the Hotel at InZane 1 all by myself after a 9 hour ride. I had never even been on more than a 4 hour trip before and didn't know a soul there except for some names from the message boards.
Sure wish I could remember the name of the first guy I met, really friendly older gentleman with a tie dye shirt and a maroon and cream standard like mine. Shortly thereafter I met Don B, who was the event coordinator and kinda followed him around trying to make myself useful.
As the Valks kept pouring in I kept meeting more and more folks, and I left that place feeling like I made 800 new friends.   Met Lamont, Hal, Dragbars, Mosa, Vicki, RJ, the list goes on and on. Everyone I met was really nice and made me feel like part of the family.
Promised myself I would come back each year, and have been lucky enough to do it so far.

2004 Covered Bridge



Cattman
I lurked on the boards for 9 months before finding Blue Ice in Jacksonville FL in Feb,2002 I flew down from Indy and bought the bike and made it to Daytona Sunshine Mall the next day for the first day of bike week.
Met Lamont, Hal, Chris and many others and then had the ride of my life back home to Indiana on the first day of March. 6 hours of thunderstorms in Florida followed by temps down to 30 degrees by the time I got to Birmingham and 8 degrees when I pulled in the garage. Rode to IZ2 with Sarge, RJ, Blackdog and others and then met Mosa, DB, Vicki and the wild Canadians.
Then the past 2 years at the Hoot and Lamont's BBQ I had the chance to introduce my wife to many more new friends, Highlander, Yogi, Rocket and their special Dad Big Ern, V-man, Holmes, Big Jon and Leann, and Lamont's special lady Chris. Lamont is a special person to all of us and we all owe him many thanks for his love of all motorcycles and putting up with all of us.

2010
Steve Eads - Southern Indiana Fall River Ride ( Slide Show )
 https://youtu.be/_EqGGswaCic

2012 Southern Indiana Bedford Fall Ride
http://curvetube.com/vrcc_ind_fall_ride2012/xaxb3EXbOkM.video

2014 Dragon Roundup (with over 80 Riders)
http://valkyrieriders.com/indiana/  



At the age of 50, Wizzard became Valkoholic after 4 earlier bikes, LOL



Dragon Round Up (DRU) / Fall Ride – Corydon

Editor’s Note
By looking at the countless enthusiastic responses on the board, the DRU has recently become one of the great events to be.  
As Rams put it in 2017:
The DRU is a wonderful event, IMHO the focus is on the right things with a ride added in for fun.
I always try to make the DRU, the camaraderie is the event focus.   We all love our bikes and I enjoy the hell out of riding mine and seeing others but, I go for the wonderful people that attend.
That my friends, is what gets me to an event.   While I enjoy a spirited ride now and then as much as anyone, almost every time one occurs, someone ends up dumping a bike and getting hurt.    My "spirited rides" are always when I'm solo or, when I'm riding with someone that I've shared a lot of wind with and know how they ride.   Large group rides should be done at the speed limit or, at the capability of average riders.   I consider myself an average rider.  This is how Steve leads his rides and I fully support his method.

2013
Cashman – A few DRU pics



DRU 2015 – Over 70 Riders from 10 States
Rams

Just got home from The Dragon Round Up.   One of the best organized motorcycle events I've been to.   The roads were great, the friends/family were wonderful.   Rainman and Gavin did an excellent job of working out the details.    Thanks Steve and Gavin.    I sincerely appreciate the effort you went to.
Gavin_Sons
We also just got home. This was biggest ride yet, on Saturday we had 64 bikes on the ride. A little drizzle a few times and a little rain during our lunch stop, but over all a great day. These things could not happen without you guys. Thanks for putting in the miles. Hope it's even better next year
Regis
This was a great event, wish I would have had more time to spend and the ride was the best 1 yet . Steve goes to a lot of work putting this on and it shows by the distance people travel to be there. Was cool to see the bike "ALI" and talk to DDT about it 1st hand. What a great story there. I’ve noticed that a lot of other brand bike forums come and go but the VRCC is still a thriving group. Hope everyone got home safe!
JoeValkIS
What a GREAT weekend!!!  Thanks to Rainman for setting this up.  This was Monica and my first Round-up and it won't be our last.  It was a great time, the weather was (mostly) excellent!!  And it was good meeting the folks...seeing old friends...and making new ones.  
For us, it was a 798.5 mile weekend...and we only hit a total of 8 miles of interstate.  The back roads through Illinois and Indiana were fabulous!!!  Here are a few pictures I took from the ride on Saturday.
 


Jabba
Some things I proved while at the DRU...
You can do tight circles and figure 8's on a Valk with a Car Tire in the parking lot.
300 lb. men CAN do cartwheels while intoxicated.
Jabba can drink enough to get intoxicated.
Just because you drink tequila, it does NOT guarantee waking up in the morning with one or more of the following:
       In Jail.
       With your nose splattered all over your face.
       In bed with a fat girl.
I also confirmed that the VRCC is an awesome bunch, and we can party and have a great time without fighting or causing any serious trouble.

Danny’s pics
http://s603.photobucket.com/user/gabby1951/embed/slideshow/DRU



DRU 2016 by Steve , Gavin and spouses & Crew
Great set of pics by Rainman http://s760.photobucket.com/user/rainman_56/slideshow/DRAGON%20ROUND%20UP%202016



Gavin_Sons
There was a few hairy moments with wet leaves on the road but we all managed. We had right at 100 people show up. It was raining the morning of the ride so only 46 bikes went with us. The others met us at Lunch. I'd say there was a total of around 75 bikes. It was and is always a great time. Lots of lies were told and even fixed a couple bikes in the parking lot. Can't wait ‘til next year.
Gig
I want to thank everyone that went the extra mile to bail me out Friday.
Needed to go 320 miles to reach Ground Zero that day, but battery & alternator decided to take a crap at the 300 mile mark around 5pm. Called Gavin and told him the situation, he let me know that Bill Bakin had a spare alternator I could use. Cool.    
I had two (2) embedded mechanics with me, so Ryan ran to auto parts store and scored a new battery while Ben & I pulled all non-essential fuses so we could shoot for a quick sprint to GZ before the new battery died. Just made it. Cool.    
Ben & Ryan are both good mechanics, but neither had done a Valkyrie alternator job before, so I allowed them to gain knowledge of that job on my bike in the parking lot.
Gordon, Bill Bakin, and others assisted with Mitcho adding technical supervision. Roger da Bull added tools and even a battery charger (we ran the power cord through his hotel room window all night for the charger!). A true group effort, LuLu & Wimp even provided the liquid refreshment.
Thanks to one and all for getting my sorry ass back on the road!
You guys rock!  
Now I need to get alternators repaired and get Bill's loaner back to him    
Thanks again.

DRU 2017 by Kep

This had to be the best DRU yet. Excellent weather, great ride , great people , great food. My daughter and her fiancée now know why we attend , they thoroughly enjoyed the weekend. A great big thanks to Steve and Diana and everyone that has a hand in putting this together, we are truly blessed to call you family ! I really hope my daughter’s wedding doesn't interfere with next year’s DRU. Would sure hate to miss it. I am seriously considering having another Northern Indiana ride-in near the end of October at my place like I did last year...I will give a good heads up. Thanks again for such a great time in Corydon

[Beer van Huet]

New England Chapter
http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/board,15.0.html



Dalai Lama
I joined the VRCC in 2000 and met Randy Govertsen who was the CT VRCC chapter leader.  The CT VRCC chapter leader previous was non-responsive and nothing was happening, so Randy petitioned to oZ and Lamont to take over the chapter and did so. Randy joined the other VRCC representatives who pretty much decided that we were really a New England group about that time.

Because each state here in New England is pretty small and within a (sometimes long) day’s ride, each state pretty much sponsored a couple of rides per season.  So people from all over would go to Maine on one weekend for a “Pie Lady” (pies were on the kitchen counter and you went in an helped yourself and left money in a box) ride up in the north woods of Maine, another weekend CT would put on a poker run, another weekend a ride to Newport VT, later in the fall an October Fest ride up in VT, and NH a pumpkin festival ride, etc.  You get the idea.   

During the winter months, the CT VRCC chapter representative, Ron Bouchard (who no longer has a Valkyrie but is still quite active), setup a series of breakfast gatherings once a month here in CT and we regularly get folks coming from NH and MA, etc.   Pretty much once during February we have a gathering of the New England folks, the early years were in Plymouth MA, and lately have been in Portland ME.  We end up with probably 25 to 50 members showing up for these events.

We became a close-knit family over the years.   We have watched each other’s kids grow up, celebrated triumphs over adversities, and mourned our tragedies.  The New England forum was/is the means of us staying together.   A core group of folks have been friends for nearly 18 years through the VRCC.  Many have moved on from the Valkyrie to other rides, but are still members, friends, and riders.   

At ring of a phone, most all here will drop anything to go help a fellow rider.  For example, my pickup and trailer were used by a friend (I was on vacation) to go help a fellow rider that went down in Baie-Comeau Canada, a 750-mile one-way trip.
The New England forum is how we stay in touch.
We pretty much police ourselves on the board and try to stay positive and not let things like politics come into play



2000
Don of Stamford - Connecticut Yankee in Yosemite Valley the Trek
 


Orca - My first New England VRCC ride.
 
My fascination with the Honda Valkyrie started long before the bike hit the showroom floor. I had V90 Honda Magna that I bought new at Green River Power Sports in Gill, MA. I was reading magazines about the new Valkyrie and couldn't wait to see one in person. I went to the Honda dealer in Auburn, MA and asked when they would be getting one. I went there the same week it was delivered. WOW, I had to have one. I signed up to the VRCC just to hear about other riders and their bikes. I was a member for well over a year before I got my Valkyrie.

I looked on the NE board and read about this ride going to Marcus Dairy in CT. A bunch of riders were all meeting in Marlboro, MA, then head to CT. Well I got on my bike and headed out. Just before the meeting spot I figured to top off the tank so I'm ready for the trip. I'm on Rt. 20 filling my tank at a gas station by myself. I hear someone yell from the other side of Rt. 20, at another gas station, "Hey, buddy, are you going on the ride to Marcus Dairy?" I said "Yes”, and they said for me to come over after you fill up and we'll ride to the meeting spot. Cool. I pull into the gas station were these four bikes were and noticed they all have Maine plates on the back of the bikes. I thought to myself, either Marcus Dairy has the best cheeseburgers in the nation, or these guys are just nuts. They all introduced themselves. Olaf, Laddyboy, JeffL & V-Man.

So off we went. We get to the meeting spot and I park the bike. Not knowing anyone I start to wipe the bike down and clean my glasses. Within minutes there was fifteen or so Valkyries in the parking lot. I thought that was the coolest thing. You always see Harley's together or Goldwings... but this bike had something special about them, I didn't realize until later what that was. Just then, I guy all dressed up in his biker gear, he looks like Alice Cooper, comes over to me with a box of fresh pastries from a bakery and say's "Dig in"...... I'm thinking, I'm going to like this club!!!! We haven't ridden one mile yet and we're already eating!!!! Valkrocket was his name. Then I meet Tangeman. I see him eat like six of these pastries; I think I'm going to like this group. These guys are crazy. They ride hundreds of miles for food. After some ball busting, we all gear up and headed out.  The ride was a full day and everyone made me feel like I've been part of the group for years. I've never looked back..........
 
Since that first ride I've been to Zanesville, OH for InZane 1, Key West, Canada, & 21 states in 15 days.  Road trips that will be remembered for a life time.
It didn't take long before I realized what was so special about these bikes. It wasn't the bikes; it was the people who ride them. A member from the club once told me, that we don't have to see or talk to each other for months and he can call me just to tell me I'm a "Fat Bastid”, that's it.....and we all laugh..... but it's true. I hope to be back on two wheels very soon and continue this journey.
After a few winter meetings at various places, the archives mention Marcus Dairy's ‘Super Sunday’ on Sunday, April 15th 2001.

Rabbai
Well the title just about covers it all. Sunday, certainly was SUPER.............
VRCC members from all over New England were there to catch the "deals" and the "rays". Yes, it was hot! Connecticut set records for not only its temperatures (92’ an all-time high for the day), but also its humanity. The Humanitarian Award of the year (NE-VRCC Style, of course), goes out to the Connecticut Yankee, who after finding out about ValkRocket's electrical problems, loaded Ron’s bike onto a trailer and drove Ron and TwoMaidens back to Plymouth, Mass.
After a well-deserved dinner the Connecticut Yankee headed home, not returning till 2:30 AM the next morning. Of course, had ValkRocket not been held back by that "RustBucket" he probably would not have developed the alternator problem to begin with. Way to go Don Hibbard!!!!! You sir, are the essence of what makes this New England Valkyrie Riders Cruisers group, the best there is.
I read in the Danbury news that they estimated between 10 and 12 thousand bikers made the trek to Marcus Dairy’s Super Sunday, another record. I sure hope all of you get to experience the Super Sunday some time when you’re looking for something to do on a lazy Sunday morning.

Connecticut Chapter

2001 Trip Reports
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/ct/weedonit.htm

The Adventures of the New England VRCC

Take a look at this great website with trip reports and some very nice pictures from wayback
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/ct/

Want to see more....http://www.valkyrieriders.com/ct/weedonit.htm

Mystic/Abbots Ride – Randy "Rabbai" G and the Mrs.

We had a delightful trip out to Mystic via all sorts of back roads (and one bad move on my part which led us into a "dead end - with a view") touring a lot of Connecticut's coast line and ocean views. Abbott's turn out (once again) to be a big hit and the ride home was fantastic. Thanks to Buffalo Bill for sharing his knowledge of the local area and leading us down that terrific Route 217. It's five miles of pure ... I want to do that again, but faster!!!
Thanks too, to Clue Collector for leading us to a great spot (one of his afternoon favorites), Harry's in Colchester, for "more" ice cream and refreshments on the trip home. To those of you here in Connecticut who didn't make the trip, if you had the day off and chose not to come, you blew it. I believe everyone had a great time.

Depot Honda-Rye, New Hampshire – VMan
Don "V-Man" Chembars posted on the NE Bulletin Board that there was going to be a few motorcycles at the open house at Depot Honda in Rye, New Hampshire. Little did that tidbit declare the storm of motorcycles that over took the place that day. You could tell by the hoard of bikes that motorcyclists were tired of the long cold winter and were not about to let an opportunity for a gathering pass them by. VRCC Members "guestamated" at about 40 - 50 showed up and just "covered" half of the parking lot. For the Dalai-Lama, the BoZ, the Clue-Collector and I, it was a fantastic 2 ½ hour, 80 MPH ride up, to near the Portsmouth Circle and the same coming back. What a terrific way to "bring in the New Year". CJ (Dragon 1) showed off his latest chrome goodies, and new VRCC members were met and greeted, some for the first time. If V-Man posts this for next year, I suggest you find the time.... it’s a fun ride.
Of course, the annual Inzanes were not the only place where Valkyrie Riders would meet. Dozens of rides were organized by the Chapters as well as by individuals, within or thru special Biker events every year like the “Covered Bridge Ride” in Indiana and other States, "Cheaha Mountain Rally” in Alabama “Dragons On The Beach” and “Valhalla”, multiple State events successively in Florida and the NW.



My first group VRCC ride I did was "Covered Bridge" hosted by JJ and Snowdog (Jack and Andrea). This ride was a New Hampshire ride but living in a border State we joined in.
I met some very good people that remain friends today.
New England was full of riders at that time ... I've ridden 250+ miles just to get to the departure point many times! Many of us agreed that we needed to have a BIG get together that was somewhat of a "central location" and easy to get to. After talking to all the State Reps at the time (DC, Smitty, JJ, Olaf) it was decided Southern Maine would be a good spot. I live about as Southern Maine as possible so I offered my house/yard. Thanks to "O", Kim and my girls we put out a good spread of food, music and plenty of laughs. This became known as the "Annual BBQ" but I think it only went a total of three years (times change not always for the better). After the BBQ I lead a seacoast NH/ME ride and we stopped for some photo ops. I wish I had a better camera at the time and I also wish I had more experience editing pics ... they could have been better!
I've met a lot of really great people that I consider "family" through the VRCC for that I am thankful. Many of us don't own a Valk anymore and some did not own a Valkyrie when I met them (but do now)!
Here are some pics I dug up!



Redvalk
Between the BBR, the VRCC, the Southern Cruisers, the Rune group.....and yes, even to a certain extent, even my early days with the VOA....I have so many fond memories I wouldn't know where to start. I've been to every InZane...worked on the Staff lately (and enjoyed the heck out of that) ...been to many Hoots and Daytona’s over the years where I have met up with so many of you I can't mention all of ya'. Now I can be hanging out at just about any major rally...just hanging out on Main St....and folks I know will come by and say hi. That’s GREAT!
 
But I actually think I have even more fun at the smaller rallies (by both the VRCC and the other groups). The Helens, the Panama City Beach rally, the Cheaha rally I put on, the first BBR rally in Ashville. I really like going to those smaller regional rallies.... cause it seems like you get to do much more face time with more people.
I like that. At bigger rallies, it seems like folks kind of pair off into groups of folks they know and hang out. When the rally is say more like 100 folks or so.... seems like everybody just kind of acts like one big happy family!

I just know over the years.... thru ALL these organizations...I’ve met some mighty fine folks...and have been fortunate enough to gain a lot of lifelong friends.

2002 Mt Washington trip by Dalai – Elev 6288’
 


 

2003 Trip Reports
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/ct/VRCCtrip.htm

The Sturgis Trip 2003 pictures are really great. Thank you, V-Man!

2004 - Plymouth lunch 



New Hampshire Chapter
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/NH/home.htm


2000 - Bridge Tour



NH, MA and ME VRCC ride to North Conway



2001 BBQ




Hoy´s Fundraiser



Massachusetts Chapter
http://valkyrieriders.com/ma/

The Massachusetts Chapter is also one of the members of the VRCC New England Chapter.  In New England, we like to refer ourselves as a one big family and therefore, most of our functions and rides are planned on a regional level with members attending from all over New England. One of the goals of this website is to try to bring together more members from Massachusetts in order to have a better representation of the Bay State in our various activities. Remember, the more we are the more fun we have! 

Ride to the Trebuchet





The 'Yankee Siege' catapult is actually called a "Trebuchet". It is a counterweight, gravity driven machine with a sling at the end of a long throwing arm. Trebuchets are thought to have been developed first in China, refined in the Middle East and refined again in Europe.
Trebuchets would be built on the site of an actual battle campaign. The materials would be gathered locally and the machine would be constructed about 250 yards away from the castle wall. This distance was just out of reach of the bow and arrows that the defenders would use. When the trebuchet was completed, it would hurl huge rocks at the castle walls. Castle walls would range from 6 feet to 15 feet thick. The rock projectiles would weigh about 250lbs each. Repeated firings of the machine would hurl the rocks at the same spot on the castle walls until the walls themselves were pulverized. A gap in the castle wall would then allow the attackers to enter the castle and lay siege to the occupants.
For two hundred years, 1300-1500, the trebuchet was the ultimate military siege weapon. The invention of the cannon, around 1500 A. D., spelled doom for the trebuchet.

2003 -  Teddy Bear Run
https://www.flickr.com/photos/beer1952/44797081754/sizes/l/
David's Teddy Bear Run was a large success! David was an awesome guy and was lost way too soon!

2012
Teddy Bear Ride Pics by Terry

 
  

Rest in Peace

Our prayers are with David, Botman and Dave and their families – We will never forget


                     David D’Angelo                                                                 Dave "DC “Charron                                             Botman Nick                   
                
 http://www.valkyrieriders.com/ct/davidds_page.htm                                                                                                       http://valkyrieriders.com/BotmanMemorial.htm 
                                                                                                                                          

The VT, RI and ME Chapter links are no longer public or active and now resort under
http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/board,15.0.html .












 

[Beer van Huet]

New Jersey Chapter
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/nj/





9Ball
There was a small NJ contingent that got together frequently when the VRCC was a young club and the Valkyrie was still in production.  Dan Stocker was the first State Leader...then Pack Rat

Oss in 2013
Dan Stocker passed away about 4-5 yrs ago (andym: spring 2008) of a sudden heart attack. He was always willing to share his knowledge of these bikes and is missed for that and his friendship

Packrat


Presently listed Chapter Rep is Floyd aka "FarmerValk"

 
NJ 2003 event pics website with great hot links
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/nj/2003eventsmain.htm

2003 - Hooters Bike Night in New Castel DE



Freehold Kruise Night



Roar to the Shore







CT BBQ









Bike show and Meet/Greet with GWRRA



2009
BigMac NJ – Cranberry Harvest Time



2010
mhalloc – New Jersey to Nashville.....Natchez Trace....Back to New Jersey

What a GREAT ride!!!
Total Miles - 2,452
States Visited - New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi
Cool Roads - Skyline Drive, Blue Ridge Parkway, Natchez Trace
Parks (sites) Visited - Shenandoah Valley National Park, McGavock Confederate Cemetery. Shiloh Battlefield
Memorable Events - Watching my Dad fly his R/C model airplanes, visiting my sister's horse farm, Music by Lee (??) in Luray, Hearing my brother-in-law’s band in Nashville
Valk Sighting - I/S on 109 bypass in Gallatin, TN on Saturday, May 29th, 9:30 A.M.




2014 - andym

There are lots of NJ Riders and yes we are all busy and its hard to find the time to gather BUT ..........I can say with certainty that some of the nicest folks I have ever met are Valkyrie owners. I have been a member of other groups and found there was always a good percentage of macho a**holes in the group but never with the VRCC and VOA . I would like to propose that we locate a diner or place to meet on Sundays about once a month during the nice weather somewhere central to the folks in North and South . I realize there are some folks way north and way south so maybe it would make more sense to do a north and south gathering?
I have tried to get a list of active Valk riders in NJ but got a limited number of responses . If you guys are open to this idea I can post the list I have and see who is interested. Im thinking the best idea is to get 2-3 guys who will meet and then post the Sunday breakfast meetings on this website and hope more people join us as time goes on. We can do a ride after breakfast ..Thoughts?
Some places I cant think of for breakfast (We can shortlist 5-6 places and rotate)
The Clarksburg Inn - Millstone
The Cabin -Howell
The Pavillion in Avon (NJ Shore)
Dan and I went to a beautiful old cabin in the Pinelands past the Vincetown Diner for pancakes
I need a show of hands and some input . I don't mind doing the work and organizing but I need to know there is an interest

[Beer van Huet]

New York State Chapter
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/ny/



Our mission is simple.  It is to ride the "dragon"! It is to establish friendships with others, promote freedom of expression, and preserve our right to ride. Don't be mislead! There are those that would have your bike look like a metal box on two wheels!
Our chapter encourages brother/sisterhood among all motorcyclists. For no matter what kind of bike one rides, there remains a common ground. But for those of us that have chosen the Valkyrie, there has been an awe-inspiring experience that cannot be denied. For it is a motorcycle that blends beauty and performance, power and strength, speed and agility! And because of the hard work of others, and the loyal owners of the "dragon", we have the VRCC. A club that has made it possible for Valk enthusiasts to meet and ride with others, to communicate and participate from coast to coast and even around the world! Our NY chapter wishes all other chapters the very best and safe riding year after year. Ride on!

Dino
Years ago I was President of the NY State Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club (VRCC) For several years we hosted a "Meet and Eat" event for members attending Americade in Lake George NY., one of the largest MC gatherings in the country every year. Here's a pic of a customized Honda Valkyrie. The bike is iconic, powerful, and can be customized in unique ways. Incredible bike!



1st Annual VRCC "Meet and Eat" at Americade

Burnt Rubba

The days events will begin at Roaring Brook Ranch with the Valkyrie Judging... A ride of 75 +/- miles is planned following the judging, motoring through the Adirondacks rolling twisties!!! This should be Awesome!!!!
Following the ride we head towards Warrensburg to the BBQ location.
If you cannot make the ride, the BBQ is scheduled from 1pm till 4pm...
At the closing of the BBQ we can all ride down to Canada St. Friday evening for some site seeing and adventure...Canada St. in the evening can be much like Daytona or Laconia...
Fireworks are scheduled at 9:30 pm @
Prospect MT. But again, only registered Americade participants can climb the MT. Watching them from below is just as spectacular!!!!
This promises to be a great event, but only if you join in the fun!!! Meet VRCC members from all over for this one!!!



2nd Annual VRCC Americade



2003 - Who could resist such a great invitation



Dino
The past two years we have met at the Mobil Station on 9n South, just a 1/2mile from the Valkyrie Judging at Roaring Brook Ranch. Last year, with over 140 riders, the Mobil Station was a problem as we jammed traffic and had a difficult time getting started safely. We proceded up the Northway (87)to mile post marker 63 where there is a good sized rest stop and we reorganized and then continued with our ride. I believe this is the best spot to START the ride. The rest stop is at mile post marker 63 about three miles north of exit 23. I am looking to have a "roach coach" there to serve everyone coffee, water, juice, whatever, to hold folks off until the bbq. The bbq will again be at Schroon Valley Resort off of exit 24. Check out our NY website for the info or e mail me. This year we will have a DOUBLE food line to get everyone through much faster and we should have individual road captains for each group of 30 or so bikes with each captain knowing the route. Ride will start at 11:30am instead of 11am. I will change the flyer and get that out to everyone. Ride safe and hope to see you there! Ed Mulligan will be one Road Captain and we are looking for others...I can only ride part way due to preparations for the bbq, which will be the best ever and the best deal in town for $10.00...Hope to see you there!


Oss - (Ossining) NY Chapter Rep

AKA known as ossiningvalkyrie in the old chatroom. Shftr and others asked me to shorten it to ossvalk and  for a few years ..around the time of d.o.t..s. Oss became my handle.
Oss is a very active Rider and has maintained a great weblog with nice trip reports, videos and pictures https://ossvalkyrieride2014.wordpress.com/category/oss-rides-west/



It is indeed unusual, actually a miracle if I stop long enough to ponder it but it is true nevertheless
Due to the fact that someone on a Valkyrie parked next to my 750 Vulcan at Americade I avoided a big mistake.
Instead of getting the brand new 1500 Nomad that I had all but put a deposit down on, I got to hear the dragon song and lust after my own machine
I showed a picture of an Interstate (altho the one I saw was a black standard) to my wife who immediately noted that the back seat looked "wonderful" and would I mind getting one
Who has a wife like that to say get yourself one of those Valkyrie's so we can ride off into the beyond together
So I did, and now on my 2nd and 3rd ones having had all 3 years of Interstates the 99 has 170000 and my 01 has only 108000 (got it with 3000)
And this club, to be able to be welcomed into a family of wonderful open hearted people, some of whom do speak kinda different, but who all are just the best folks you could meet


2009
Pow Wow #5 by Oss, pics from Chrome, ONT CA

Can’t remember the last time I had this much fun with a group of people.
Friday was just an awesome day with a best of the Hudson valley that folks have been talking about all weekend, Croton Dam from below and from the walkway, 301 to Cold Spring, the tunnel on 9D, the Goat Trail, Cliff Road from West Point to Bannerman Island overlook, Perkins Memorial Drive Seven Lakes Drive and great  fellowship.
Guess who came for dinner Friday and moved in.  Gig from Michigan who just started a job in Jersey, but he is gone now to ride a 10 speed thru NYC
Got to share great times with BigD and Little D from near Buffalo, see Dyno Dave from Wappingers Falls, Dan-Bury from Ct, Karen from Mass and Ron-Bou from (where is he from anyways lol), meet Matt and Lynn from Mass, my good friends, Rick and Deb from Shippensburg PA and Chrome and Sue from London Ontario, meet Stewart & Kristin (D's brother and fiancé from Lagrangeville NY
Saturday we added my friend Bonzo from Chester NY (Mazel Tov on your daughters upcoming wedding)and my good riding buddy G-Man and his son Eric (Cheryl, Gman's lovely wife and daughter Keiko came later in the evening)

Saturday ride we went straight up 9 to the Goat Trail and over the Bear Mtn bridge where Bonzo was waiting and he led us all into 7 Lakes to Arden Drive and 17A, across the ski area ridge roads the back way to the Delaware Water Gap  Port Jervis and up to Hawks Nest and lunch 30 miles beyond.  IT poured at lunch but only sprinkled on us for about half an hour on the way back.  
A stop at Orange County Choppers where Chrome got Sue a T shirt that he will have to say what it says cause I am a gentleman but it sure is a nice shirt.
We took 84 to the Taconic back home and Bonnie and I prepared a nice spread for dinner. Was a fine evening and day.
Yesterday was supposed to be T storms all day so we took 3 cars to NYC and the sun was out all the way.  We boarded the Circle Line at 11 and what a terrific view and experience if you have never had the opportunity it’s one of the great values in NYC, and a fine 2 hours on the water and feeling the breezes in the harbor.  

Outdoor lunch at a diner on 10th Ave and then back to the docks where the line for Intrepid was too much so we went back home for ice cream and telling of tall tales till dinner. The rain started as we drove home and it was a good thing we had the cars. NYC is tough sometimes even for me and for folks from small town America or Canada it could have been a bad scene. Sometimes prudence is best and it was in this case.
Thanks everyone who came. Hope you had as much fun as I did and see some of you in 2 weeks at the Blue Grey



JoeValkIS

Marcia and I rolled in this evening about 7:15p CST from our first PowWow.  We left London, ON this morning around 7:00 EST and arrived home 13 hrs. later with a mere 711 miles (10 hrs. 54 min moving time). For the weekend, we logged 2011 miles.  Not bad for a 6-day vacation.    
We want to thank our gracious host and hostess, Adrian and Suzanne, and their boys, Adrian Jr and Jacob, for all your very hard work in pulling off an excellent time.  We also want to thank Dougger and Sandi for hosting us on our wet trip up to London.  
 
Storms chased us out of St. Louis early Wednesday morning and didn't catch us until we got to Ft. Wayne, IN.  And when they caught us, they hit with a vengeance.  We finally made it to Dougger's house near Ann Arbor late that evening appearing a lot like drowned rats.  Our drive from there to London went MUCH less eventful.  Heck, even the border crossing was without incident.
Dinner Thursday night was EXCELLENT!!!  Those steaks were HUGE!!! And expertly prepared.  Thanks Rick for being the appointed grill master.  
During the ride on Friday, my bike developed a nasty grinding noise/feel.  Once we got back from the ride, we tore into it only to find the left rear wheel bearing was toast.  Our attempts to pull the bearing was met with frustration and I ended up having to take the wheel to the local Honda dealer to have them pull the outer race out of the wheel.  About an hr. later, and only $20 lighter (including a new dust seal...we had a bearing), the wheel was ready to go back on the bike. It was a great ride once the bike was back together...  

Today was an uneventful day, other than the heat and the 711 miles (which is Marcia's longest day ever on a bike).  She did great but is paying the price with a sore hiney.
It was very good seeing our old friends, meeting new friends, and riding with both.  Thanks so much for opportunity to see the London areas.

Hotdog
I've had a couple of trips that I think I will never forget (for the right reasons). A solo journey that was just me and machine for 1000 miles on day one. Lonely but precisely what I needed at the time. Then there was the trio of valkyries scorchin the asphalt on the way to Daytona. Mosa, George and me, Ethan.

http://f6rider.com/Daytonapics/daytona_ ... member.htm

Lamont, you just had to start this thread the day after I filled up the tanks on both bikes and treated them with Stabil! You cut me deep brother, you cut me deep. 
Hey Mosa, I have five weeks vacation next year..

2016 - Columbus Weekend Ride by Oss

Yesterday was a lot of fun but I took just a few pics. From here at home we were 11 bikes if I remember,
The colors made a substantial improvement with the cool temps of Friday night and Saturday saw reds popping and burnt oranges on the goat trail, all thru the 7 Lakes Drive and 106
The reflections off of the lakes on either side were serene and as expected we saw no traffic.
Also as expected I made a right on 94 instead of a left and Dan caught me and made a left onto a side street and the rest of the group did not. I rode about 5 miles down the road and found them at a pull out and we regrouped only losing about 20 minutes or so,
Pine Island highway, really just a street stretches all the way to route 6 winding thru black soil farm country and then 6 is downhill like lolo pass only much shorter down to Port Jervis

We stopped down the road for the 1st scheduled break at Hawks Nest and then xman led to a gas station in PA as Harry and The Bull did not fill up before we left.  It worked out as we all topped off and emptied bladders that may have been full  at the Exxon
Looking at the time we went further west instead of north on 55 to that good restaurant overlooking the Delaware River and that stop was a long stop as only one waitress working,
By then its afternoon and we only had gone 90 something miles so considering some had driven already 3 hrs. to get to my house I decided Not to head up into the catskills and risk getting back at 8pm,   NJf6Cowboy and MHallock rode home to Jersey from the lunch stop and Xman lived only 10 minutes away so he split as well
 
We took 97 back to Hawks Nest for another look from another pullout then 84 to 17 to 6   6 is a great climb and then a long descent over the Shawgunk chain which stretches to Mohonk and New Paltz before becoming the Catskills   Colors were popping and since Meathead and Brenda missed it yesterday we rode up to Perkins where we enjoyed a nice stop
Bonnie said when I called her it had just started to rain in Ossining so we headed home and caught no rain at all.
Dinner at a Portuguese restaurant and I will let Meathead talk about the ride home. Baldo by the way arrived as we were leaving our house for dinner in the mommyvan so he climbed in as well.
Now it’s still raining windy but should stop in an hour or so. So the ride will go on but probably closer to 11am as when I was out at 8 in was slippery with wet leaves
Thanks to all who came

 

2017
Oss-Hudson River Ride

Like HarryC said in the other thread I had a great time
The folks that put in the effort and the miles to come is what makes the ride so great

Today we headed up the goat trail in some pretty fair fog and upon crossing Bear Mountain Bridge and looking up I made the call to head to Fort Montgomery, (below the fog line) which was the site of a bloody battle 240 years ago today for control of the Hudson River.
Luck was with us as today was a re enactment and there were camps set up on site of the fort grounds including a Scottish - British group and of course our Colonials with tools and things they used at the time. Very cool stuff.  After walking over to the cannon emplacements with the commanding view of the turn in the river I walked over to the re enactors in a few areas.
I got a lesson on the 75 caliber musket long gun (cant wait to see the pics) from what was supposed to be Scottish (but the reenactors were Irish lol)  and I think we all had so much fun that the ride became well behind schedule asap.  But who cares
(except for Stan and xman waiting on the route lol)

Climbing over route 6 the fog broke the sun became bright and the view of the valley beckoned us onward to route 208 where
we saw Stan waiting for us next to his magnificent Valkyrie Interstate (one of my favorite valks I have ever seen) and we headed north on 208 to 52 around Walden NY
Next stop was at the top of the Shawangunk mountain where the fog had also burned off and the view was stunning from the overlook
About half an hour later we found xman at the turn for Claryville Rd and headed for the covered bridge which eluded me for a spell, No fear after a change in direction we made it there and it was definitely a covered bridge
Claryville Road into Frost Valley Road from 55 to 28 is about 25 miles long and was epic as Harry said, just yellows burnt oranges and reds and riding mile after mile no traffic no other vehicles just us and the road in the woods This is now my favorite road for its solitude, incredibly long length free of any stop sign or road crossing, diversity and sheer quantity of twists and turns one can take at whatever speed feels best to the rider.

Same with heading up 42 from the 28 turn off climbing mile after mile with stunning reds and yellow on mountains and hills.
It rained during the lunch stop and Stan and Tom split off from there as they live well west of the Hudson. The road was slick descending into the canyon by Catskill NY east of Tannerville but the Taconic was dry the whole way  No speed appreciation awards but the cops were out.

Ice cream after a stop at Croton Dam (upper and lower) where we got pics of a B24 flying overhead ! And then I got some help putting LED's into my fog lites then dinner at the Portugese restaurant
Now the crew has gone and all are heading home at 1st light

Thank you Jim, Bob, Craig, Mark, Larry aka George, Harry, Stan, Tom and of course my wingman G-Man for helping make this ride weekend   It truly was epic and it felt great finally getting to show off this 250 + mile  route to southerners and new englanders
Next year I hope to do this again   Cant wait to see the pics which I hope Jim and the others will post once they get home.



Check out jim@98valkyrie.com photo's. Password VRCC

https://98valkyrie.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Rides/Hudson-River-Ride-2017/n-GbQ7gj/i-2tmR7J7

[Beer van Huet]

Delaware Chapter
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/de/

2003
Charlie Cavanaugh
The Delaware VRCC Chapter has been here since its inception back in early 2001.  We have engaged our members into meeting for different rides and events.  We met in the beginning, but since we are spread across the whole state, sometimes it was difficult to get together.  Last year I sent out emails to all our members to invite them to a "Bike Night" they have every Wednesday night at the New Castle Hooters located on route 13 near the New Castle County Airport.  Before the summer ended we had a couple of good get-together's.  One night we ended up with 10 or 12 Valks not only from Delaware, but also New Jersey and Pennsylvania.  Met quite a few members at Hooters Bike Night and had a real good time. There are a lot of awesome Valks out there!!







Michigan Chapter
http://forums.mivrcc.com/index.php



RTAZ

I am the local chapter leader for the VRCC. We are located in the Saginaw, Bay City, Midland area of Michigan but also cover areas from Flint and all places beyond. We are primary a Valkyrie club with over 900 members in Michigan and 30,000 members worldwide, however we do not discriminate on what kind of motorcycle you ride, everyone is welcome to ride with  

MI Chapter has a significant number of Valkyrie Riders with lots of activities, during its history divided into
Capitol City  by Gary Swan
Macomb  by Bill/Julie  
Rogue Riders  by Gary aka "Romeo"  
Southern  by Greg  
Southeast  by John aka "bounty hunter"  followed by Momz
Genesee - Shiawassee  by Norm  
Grand Rapids by Gary “Stitch” House
Northern MI by David “Timberwolf” Spencer
Tri-Cities  by Joe “Riding Dragon” Errante
St Claire by Joe van Poucker
Washtenaw/Wayne by Brian "GiG" Leggieri

Note from the editor
An apology is at order. Michigan is a very active Chapter with lots of great stories by RTAZ and other members of annual St. Ignace-, Bunkers Picnic, Fall- and various other rides.
Unfortunately, the majority of pics are stored by Photo Bucket and not accessible for non-registered members. In order to keep the history readable, I decided to omit all stories w/o public pics.
Additions are always welcome info@vrcc.nl  Let’s make Michigan complete!



Marquette Madness Ride-In 2000 by TLValk
https://web.archive.org/web/20050113044902/http://home.att.net:80/~tlvalk3/GALLERY.htm





Southern Chapter
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/smc/

2002 - Suzi’s Party



2002 - Midnight Ride



2005 - Tri City Chapter
http://tri-cityvrcc.blogspot.nl/ and http://www.valkyrieriders.com/mi/pages/Tri%20Cities%20Page.htm

 

RTaz
Our Tri-City Chapter has ridden over 5000 miles in group rides in 2005. We start the season out with a BBQ at my place in Bridgeport around the 1st Sunday in May. We have had an organized ride in June, to the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. We rode around Lake Superior in July, and to Paducah Kentucky. In August we rode to St. Ignace, Michigan for the weekend. September is our Lumbermans Monument BBQ and October is our Fall Color Tour to Traverse City.

Some album pics


Biker BBQ at RTaz's place



Check out this 2009 Activity Calendar

Michigan, Regional and National Events of Interest
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/mi/Pages/Calendar.htm

2007 - Capital Chapter
http://capitalchaptervrcc.blogspot.nl/2007/

ValkGS
We are located in the Lansing/Mason area, but our members are from Eaton, Ingham, Livingston, Jackson and Clinton Counties. We are a new Chapter, (one of seven Chapters in Michigan) just getting started. While we love our Valkyrie motorcycles, all bikes and brands are welcome - it's the 'good folks' camaraderie we're lookin’ for!! Come ride with us!!

Michigan Madness
http://capitalchaptervrcc.blogspot.nl/2007/09/michigan-madness-2007_6891.html

Michigan Madness 2007 was held in Mason in May. This was the first event sponsored by the new Capital Chapter. We met at the "City Limits”, had a great lunch, 50/50 drawings, door prizes, blessing of the bikers then rode to Jackson for ice cream. A great time was had by all!

Grand Rapids Chapter - 2011 Poker Ride

Stitch
Just wanted to say THANKS to all who came out and enjoyed our Poker Ride today, there were about 35 all together, and I think all had a great time. Weather started out stupendous, warm & sun-shiny - then 'Michigan' happened ... what can I say??
Congrats to Ray (happened to be a Wing rider) who won the poker hand for $165, and to Jim T. for the worst hand - still netted him $65. Then we gave out $95 in various prizes.
Had about 20 raffle prizes, and some THANKS to Adrian, who donated several patches from his store, and to Scottie who had a couple tool kits to offer. Dawn, Scott & Bernie had the privilege to split up the BUG SPLAT contest - BIG bucks here!!  
Here's where we started


                                                                                                A pic of Dawn's winning SPLAT          About 25 different folks won 'something' - which is what I try to do

Look at the weather (to start with anyway) with a shot or 2 of all the great folks who ventured out  

Charles Schell
Back To The Homeland, Back To The Birthplace -- Marysville, Ohio
On my way home from my grandson's birthday party, I stopped in Marysville to take a quick look at the Honda plant.  This is where my bike was created back in 1999.  They do not make motorcycles there anymore, once they were done with the Valkyrie the plant was transitioned into car manufacturing.



After I took a few pictures of my bike at its birthplace, I hit the Highway heading west again and stopped at the next little town to grab some lunch.  After parking my bike in front of the Waffle House, a company that should be paying me for all these mentions in my blog, I cut the engine and got get off my bike.  As I did, an elderly woman came out of the diner and then gave my bike a rather stern look and frowned.  I braced myself waiting to hear something derogatory about motorcycles.
"Do you know why that bike runs so good?"  She asked staring at me with piercing eyes.
"No M'am" I said not sure where this was going.
"Because it is a Honda." She said forcefully “Do you know why that 1999 Valkyrie Interstate still looks so beautiful?"
I was impressed, I don't think I ever met a woman in her 70s who knew anything about motorcycles – – let alone enough to recognize both year and model just by looking at it.
"No M'am" I said again.
"Because, we built it right here and we did a damn good job."  She said this and didn't bother to wait on my response or reaction – – she just continued on to her car.
"Thank you" I said to her as she walked by, she gave me a small wave with her hand but did not stop.
Now, that is pride in where you were from and what they do there.  Made me smile all the way home.

2011 - Tony Z

I feel compelled to say what’s on my mind.  I have never been the type to participate on these forums boards as you can tell by my posting stats, though due to my recent medical condition I have had a lot more time on my hands and recently been on here more frequently. You guys kind of sucked me in.
In the past years I was an active member and held the position of Co-Leader of a local VRCC chapter, the once great “Southeast Michigan Chapter“. It became the largest and most active group in the state, thanks to my co-leader Big Bob, captains Momz & Ed, past leader Big Bill, Hypre Dave, and to all the members willingness to participate as a group. We held weekly group rides, dinners, BBQ’s, charity drives, and a whole lot more. And did we have fun doing it.  Some of my best friendships resulted from the membership of this club.  

Two years ago, I resigned from the leadership position and was blackballed from the state chapter due to inner-circle politics (but that’s another story).  Though I was never a big participant national level, I also pulled away from entire club, until now.
When I recently got sick my good friend George “Momz” posted on this board for well wishes, and I was overwhelmed by not only the replies to the thread, but all the calls and e-mails I received from this club membership.  Needless to say, it touched me. I never realized how many of you cared, enough so to respond the way you did, about something so trivial as a gallbladder removal.  
In closing, I want to say THANK YOU to all my VRCC friends and declare “ I‘M BACK.”



Momz



2011 - Skinhead

Smokin'Joe and Highbinder have put together their ride this year to Franklin WV.  The motel in Franklin is sold out.  I reserved 4 cabins 1 mile north of the motel, they each have 2 double beds, and 2 have kitchens.  So far it looks like I have 4 definite and 3 somewhat interested participants.  The cabin's owner said there is room for additional air mattresses or sleeping bags in the cabins, but I'd rather not make it too crowded, unless there are no other accommodations nearby.  These are all of the cabins at this site, so we will have the place to ourselves.  All you fence sitters need to give me a thumbs up or down sosen I can nail down the participant list.
Participants:

Me
Binky
Poohbear
Hozz
Romeo

2013 - Cracker

What a great trip, started off a bit wet with 2 days of riding through storm after storm, but after that the weather was Great!
Time was limited, so we had to ride the interstate much more then we'd like too, but we had 3 full days of awesome riding, sightseeing & meeting some good people & good times!

[Beer van Huet]

New Mexico Chapter
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/nm/  and http://nmvalkyries.freeservers.com/



Red River Run - 2000



Hot new info 2001
Kathy Camarenas has graciously agreed to take over the helm as our new fearless leader. Kathy loves organizing rides, so expect to see a lot more in that department! Thanks Kathy!!

Members List of 2004 - active links
https://web.archive.org/web/20041222144855/http://www.valkyrieriders.com:80/nm/Home_page/name.htm
 


2004 Albuquerque Blast
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/nm/Blast_Page/Blast_page.htm
http://valkyrieriders.com/Blast/ and https://web.archive.org/web/20040820215123/http://www.valkyrieriders.com:80/nm/Blast_Page/Blast_page.htm



According to http://valkyrieriders.com/nm/Blast_Page/People_attending.htm  120 Riders attended.

Comment from participant.
A great time was had by all or it would appear so by the photos presented.  We had some great weather, sights, food and brew - as only one can in New Mexico.  I would like to thank Kathryn aka Dragonryder2 and the crew in Albuquerque for making the event a great one and all the riders that showed.

YouTube contribution from oZ

Rally held by the New Mexico Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club
Valkyries in New Mexico
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JV6GdTNcpTY


                                                                                                        Los Alamos                

Thor’s Hammer Pics

                                     Arrival Arizona Chapter                                                F6Gal" signing "Thor's Hammer" banner
 


                                     Dropping out of gas                                                  Hand off to Aaron "LIVESTN" in Soccoro


                                      Aaron horsing around at Ruidoso Downs                   Handoff to “D" from Texas who offered ‘Drool Beer’ in return.



                                      Gettin' gas, kickin' tires                                                     On the way to Red River

Another great 2005 NM vid by oZ from F6RiderStore https://youtu.be/642IY9FTMmo

 
2009
Gary – A short Ride’s better’n no Ride
http://forums.okvalks.com/index.php/topic,1362.0.html

Albuquerque Annual Balloonfest
http://forums.okvalks.com/index.php/topic,1424.0.html



2010
Gary - Leaf Peaker Ride/ Jemez Mountains

I had originally wanted to head up to do the Cumbres Toltec Hwy 17 ride between Chama, NM & Antonito, CO but alas had to stick closer to home and went with my backyard mountains instead.
I always seem to either be too early or just too late to make the Jemez colors but decided to go for it since it was a beautiful day and I was up for a ride anyway.
The weather was clear, temp running about 50 degrees, yep that's t-shirt weather for some. Got to take advantage of it now since the colder temps are on their way.
I did bring along a long-sleeved t-shirt and gloves in case it gets cold. Temps can easily drop 5-10 degrees where I was headed. Heading out Hwy 4 I make my way upward.



The temp was dropping, good thing my window thermometer is on the Standard and not the IS otherwise I probably would have listened to my hands when they were telling me "now would be a good time to put on them gloves and maybe them sleeves!!!" I left them in the saddlebag to keep them nice and warm. Still only teaser colors so far...



Here's what I'm calling today's Money Shot. This is what I was referring to as one of my favorite spots.
I continue on due west via hwy 4. I didn't really find the reds and yellow/oranges I was hoping for so I took a stroll along the stream.  At this point I was somewhat out of road for colors but the weather was still great, the tunes were flowing through all 4 speakers of my new-to-me-this-year IS so I headed on further west and looped around and down to Santa Fe to have lunch in the old town plaza area, finally rolling back in about 5:00. Another great day and ride.



Annual Tucumari Ride with 62 registrations   http://www.angelfire.com/crazy/vrcc_rbbqtbg/

Bandit and Ladybug

Wow, what a weekend!  It was great seeing so many familiar faces and some new faces as well.  We enjoyed each one of you more than you know.  You are so generous and with your donations we will be able to deposit $1,670.09 into the Food Pantry account.  This is so exciting and will be a blessing to so many.  Again thanks so much for traveling such a distance and we are truly blessed to call you "family".  Look forward to sharing the wind with you again.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!



Misfit in 2010  - about incorporating a Tech Session
I think that most folks coming to Tucumcari do a fair amount of wrenching on their bikes. I am not sure that we need a tech session here. I could be wrong but I think that if someone is having a problem or has a tech question that we will be able to help them. This is supposed to be a ride in like a backyard BBQ. Not a rally with vendors, tech sessions, formal rides and such. I just don't want the folks that put this thing together to think that they have to do new and better things each year to keep us interested in coming back. One of the best things about this gathering is the informalities. I vote that we just hang out and enjoy the company and if someone has a problem or a question that we all do all that we can to help them out. There are other gatherings that are shutting down because it turned into too much hassle for the folks laying out the $$ and putting in all of the time and effort. Sometimes less is more. On the other hand, folks that know me know that I will do whatever it takes to make this year a success and if that means that the folks showing up want a tech session then I will do one. Does anyone have an idea on what they need a tech session on? I can't wait to hang out with all of you again. Bring it on!

Lyn-Del
I have to agree.  Sometimes it feels like the original spirit of gatherings gets lost in the constant quest to get better, when best was what you started with - good friends, good food, good times.
 
Remember the start about the folks who took their first cruise?  They didn't want to "waste" the money they spent by just sitting around, so they participated in every game/function on the ship's calendar.  And didn't enjoy the trip at all.
I think the Tucumcari gathering is exactly what it should be.  And how could you top a wedding, anyway?

2013
MrArn - Ride to Silver City and the Catwalk Trail

It's been sometime since I last posted a ride report in this forum. While I've never stopped riding, I did stop making the reports for a while. I must admit it was easier, no taking pictures and struggling to capture the ride using words. Then a few weeks ago I spent some time looking at my old reports and the memories it evoked made all that extra effort worth it.

Here is a ride report of a ride I did with my daughter to Silver City this last weekend.
http://bikersroadreport.com/2013/04/24/ride-to-silver-city-and-catwalk-trail/  



Gary - Ride Report - Mammoth Lakes Run July 2013  (long)
http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,59108.0.html  and https://plus.google.com/photos/105160531471858684770/albums/5915339301601487937?authkey=CLq2uo-sr_DqugE
 
Some examples



Heading toward Arizona to meet up with Michael later today in Kingman...


….we took a cruise around several of The Mammoth Lakes followed by June Lake Loop

Chuck's Motorcycle Rides and Road Reports

Chuck AKA MrArn has an excellent 2011-2013 blog with great pics
http://bikersroadreport.com/










 

[Beer van Huet]

California Chapter

California, the cradle of the VRCC is divided into several area Chapters

State Representative is Brice aka "Valk Man”
 
Fresno by Bill aka "F-106”
Central Cal by Bob aka "Bob"  
http://www.ccvalkyrieriders.com
SoCal by David aka "Big Mac”
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/socal
San Diego by Mario aka "damnatu"
http://valkyrieriders.com/sandiego  



NorCal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2348KNGILo

2009 - Big Rick Stuart

A ride north from Alice's on Highway 35, Skyline Blvd, in the San Francisco Bay Area. It is a really popular riding and driving area. It can be very crowded on weekends, but this was on a thursday so it was pretty empty.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7n1baEZgRA

2015
Meathead (AZ) went to Russell Day Long shop
http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,82251.0.html



SoCal Ride Archives

Notice the transition in 1999 from VOA to VRCC
https://web.archive.org/web/19990819023828/http://www.f6rider.com:80/socal/home.htm vs https://web.archive.org/web/19991004042557/http://www.f6rider.com:80/SOCAL/Home.htm



SoCal has a very well documented and extensive Ride archive. Excellent collection with hot links as of 2002.
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/socal/Ride_Archives/socal_%20ride_archives.htm

2001 South West Message board - Vegas Ride

Dennis from Blythe
This weekend, today, this evening..
Az Riders And I are meeting at the Hacienda Casino, just north of the Hoover Dam, at 3:00 our time. The Vegas Riders are going to escort us.
Although they are booked for the weekend. But there has to be something around there.
Just in case any of you awsome Riders are interested.
See you at least in Laughlin..
Just a month away. Oh Ya !!

Sue & Vic
We are here from 4 states. F6Gal, Sue & Vic, Irene and Lenny, Dennis from Blythe, Psycho, Medussa, Rick and Debbie, Chuck. We are having a barbecue at Lenny's and etc.
And Dennis from Blythe ( His name has been changed to Disco Dennis because of the way he was caught dancing while riding his bike and listening to his CD player in the desert)says he cannot wait to see the Vegas Riders show up tomorrow for Breakfast.

Rick Taylor
It was a great time indeed. The Saturday ride was a hoot. I'm sure glad the Ranger that pulled us over didn't take you and Madussa to jail.


                                         Las Vegas Ride 2002                                                                             Laughlin 2002


                                         Laughlin 2002                                                                        Blythe 2003


                                          Calico 2003                                                                         Death Valley 2004

2001 – oZ - to Devil' Punch Bowl, California

It was a great November ride. Temp. about 70, blue skies, great friends. Great thing about California is we rode thru places that had the leaves turning color as they do back east, then through mountains, desert and pine. Devil's Punch Bowl was remarkable and amazing to see the power of Mother Nature.
Devil's Punch Bowl was created from the movement of the San Andreas Fault, that sucker moves a little too much and I'll be treading water... But the fault is what shaped most of California making the beautiful works of nature including the Devil's Punch Bowl and for that matter the mountains that we look up on every day from the LA area.




We all gathered at Hansen Damn, had a 50/50 "New Guy" won a hundred bucks. Some coffee and donuts thanks Rob & Daryl and we were gone.
First stop, Bear Divide in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mtns. Highest Peak, Mt San Antonio (Mt. Baldy) 10,080 feet


Marty Rood, many time contributor to F6Rider Webzine and author of "Group Riding" which get published for all our ride-ins was there, as well as Gary & Sally, our SoCal leader and his Navigator Pook!  
Devil's Punch Bowl was his idea for a ride, and a great one it was.  And not to forget, Rob & Daryl, Rob's our SoCal Webmaster and Daryl the spark plug that gets everything done.
To explain Devil's Punch Bowl would take an article, maybe I can get Pook to do just that. These rocks were formed laying flat. It is the famous San Andreas Fault movement that tossed them about.


The group included Donna, Joe, Mark, Lyn, Workerbee, oZ, Pook and Don Mark & Lyn of CAT Specialties. Members first, vendors second.
I love vendors that actually ride Valkyries! I love these guys; they've done much 4 VRCC

2001 -Bakersfield Bash
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/socal/Bakersfield/home.htm

This is going to be a big ride, so consider the following a MUST READ. Attended by 224 Riders.
WOW. Must have been awesome!









It was GREAT - But Never Again
Psycho Crash

Yep folks, I have to say that the VRCC Bakersfield Bash was a Great Event, but there were things that we would hope should never happen again.
Unfortunately, the worst of it was that we had two riders go down.  Timmer/Tim Powell never even made it to Bakersfield-had a get off in Big Bear, and the other was Psycho/Michael Bradford.  As I understand it, Mike was the worst of the two with a broken shoulder.  We all hope that they are on the mend, and that their recovery will be quick and complete.  As an aside, I asked F6Gal, as both these individuals were from the Arizona contingent, was there something about the fabulous scenery/roads or amenities in California that made riding out here more distracting?  All I got in reply was something to the effect that one of them was actually from TEXAS, hmm?
I would be remiss if I did not mention our Guardian Angel that once again was there when the need was greatest.  Sonny from Lemore has a new moniker.  We call him “St. Sonny” now.  He provided transportation, trailer, and a lot of his personal time going back and forth to help out our fallen brethren.  Thank You Saint Sonny……

There were some other issues that I will mention later but to the good part first.
Well actually, the bad luck struck even before the event got started.
Chris, from Direct Line, deserves a big round of applause for making all those "Chrome Addicts" not suffer withdrawal symptoms.  Unfortunately, their truck never made it to Bakersfield due to some mechanical difficulties.  Chris pulled some strings and waved a magic wand and got as much as he could on short notice shipped to Bakersfield.  As I said, a lot of people went home with some good stuff, but others have to wait for another day.  Chris just sold most everything.
CAT (alias Mark) was there with some neat T-Shirts and other assorted paraphernalia.  (I’m still wondering why there was no access port in those briefs.) And not to be forgotten was the neat stuff that CAT & Direct Line donated for the raffle.  Can you believe folks were starting to moan cause we were giving so much stuff away?  Think it might have had to do with looking forward to the 50-50 drawing.  We had stuff from Stemnut, Chaparral, CAT, Direct Line and F6Rider.

As the charity of choice this year, “Make a Wish Foundation” was the benefactor, we brow beat, and head locked several folks, & Daryl and Dottie twisted arms to the point that we had over $500 in the kitty for the eventual winner, Kevin/Torknot, and the Bakersfield Make a Wish Foundation.
On a personal note, I would like to thank the guy that gave me what I thought was the NEATEST taillight I have ever seen.  I failed to get his name, but it was won by this other party, and then, for who knows whatever reason (by the grace of my lucky star), gave it to me.  A Big personal Thank You.  It’s installed and is so COOL!!!

Marty R. has to get the biggest Thank You (if his hide hasn’t been tanned and hung on the barn by now, but more on that in a minute), for making this all happen.  He went out of his way, only he knows how far, to lay the groundwork for all the great riding, accommodations, and various other sundry items.
At this point I wish to mention something that was an unfortunate situation that caused Marty considerable distress and probably some embarrassment to the VRCC.  Allow me to explain.

Due to the fact that there were a specific number of registered individuals that indicated that they would partake of the dinner ride and breakfast ride, Marty had to make arrangements with the local eateries and concessionaires to provide the necessary staff and "vittles" to feed a mass of hungry bikers. Well, as it was on an "honor system" as to participation, a considerable number of folks had a change of plans.  No one is being blamed, as we all know SHxx happens.  [Gary D. & Sally had an unfortunate death in the family but elected to honor both personal events and spent the whole day commuting.]
The problem is that when venders/merchants expect us, on our verbal promise, to provide them with a customer base that does not come to pass, they, in turn, incur losses.  That does not bode well for them to provide further support to our activities.
I mention this now because when the question comes up as to why we might charge $25 for a catered meal (that one might think they could go get for $10 at the local beanery), it is not just that we are trying to be benefactors for a charity, but there are "guarantees" that we have to make to continue doing these events.
Example:
Breakfast that was to be $6 for 200+ riders turned out to be $9 because fewer than 100 showed up (as I remember there were less than 30 bikes).
So be forewarned, doing anything on the "honor system" has gone by the wayside.
We all hope that Marty has not had to sell his home and move out to town.  Maybe just keeping a low profile will suffice. Thank You Marty and we know you have "Survivor Skills".

One final note, LaMonster is alive and well as is his bike, just ask the motel mgr.  With the new engine and sufficient rubber on his rear tire, he provided late night entertainment with a sole burn-out contest, obviously he was the winner.  I was approached by some of his admirers to participate but I don’t get the deal on my tires that LaMonster does.
Everyone had a great time and the weather could not have been better.  
To quote Lamont, “Do you realize it is 10:00PM and we are sitting here in our T-Shirts?”
Eat your heart out you easterners………………

 





There was talk on the boards about how some folks might be making money at the Zanesville Ride-In

Below page explains the goal is to make fabulous memories, and all the money goes to Make-A-Wish.
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/socal/Bakersfield/rally_info.htm

2000/2004
Yosemite Ride
https://web.archive.org/web/20001007112542/http:/www.f6rider.com:80/Yosemite/home.htm
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/socal/0604yosemite/detailsyosemite.htm



Co sponsored Central and Southern California Chapters

Who is going
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/socal/0604yosemite/whosgoingYosemite.htm


Our first All-State Valkyrie Ride-In was such a success we would like to have another large Valkyrie Ride-In. This time instead of riding the Southern Sierra as we did before, this time we'll  ride Yosemite!
This once in a life time ride is open  to the whole nation, heck the world, and not just Valkyrie riders (all bikes are warmly welcomed!) but anyone who enjoys beauty and is willing to help two great causes. AND THIS MAY BE YOUR LAST CHANCE TO RIDE THROUGH THE VALLEY AS THE NATIONAL PARKS SERVICE IS WORKING TO CLOSE THE PARK TO VEHICLES (see article) which is actually not a bad idea, but I know I want to ride Yosemite once more in my lifetime!
The fact that we'll be riding magnificent Yosemite with other Valkyrie owners and with knowledgeable guides from the area makes this a once in a lifetime opportunity. Riding your Angel* through Heaven by day and gathering the Valkyries for cavorting, fellowship and swapping stories in the evenings. It don’t get better than this.
I am sure there are 100’s of Valkyrie owners from all over who will be delighted to ride their Valkyries through truly one of the most spectacular wonders of the world, Yosemite! Participation is limited so register early. Entrance to  Yosemite Park which is now $20.00 (USA) per private, non-commercial vehicle for a 7-day stay.



Extract from Daniel Meyers Life is a Road

The California high desert is an astounding place. Passing just to the west of Death Valley (the lowest elevation in the U.S.) and then climbing thousands of feet above sea level, the road showed us weeping vistas, rugged small towns, and great salt lakes. Huge mountain peaks above us to the west, and desert valleys far below us to the east created views that seemed to go on forever. On several occasions we would round a turn or crest a hill and the view over hundreds of miles of desert would make me gasp. It was a recipe for absolutely intoxicating riding. It was dark when we pulled into the hotel parking lot many hours later. I was surprised to find my hands shaking from exhaustion. It had only seemed like minutes.
We spent the next three days exploring the park and surrounding country from the saddles of our motorcycles. Winding roads, high passes, steep grades�in one case, a published 26%--all kept us moving. Hundreds of miles of curves, granite outcroppings, sheer cliffs, and huge trees kept us looking. Hearty cooking from small town café�s and restaurants kept us nourished.
There is a grove of Sequoia trees here. The largest living things on the planet, they are another sight that is impossible to appreciate in pictures. The scale of these behemoths simply must be experienced to be understood.
Standing there, awed by the towering trees, I burst out laughing as a busload of tourists began unloading in the parking lot. Here, in the shadows of the mammoth grove, they were getting out of the bus and photographing the motorcycles in the parking lot. They hadn�t even noticed the trees. Perception colors experience, and there is a difference in how a place is perceived that is created by how the observer travels there.



All too soon my time in California came to an end. It was time for Steve and I to part ways. He needed to head home to Los Angles, and it was time for me to start finding my way back to Dallas. As we shook hands outside the hotel, preparing for our departure, he looked at me and asked, �The short way or the long way.�
I thought about the land between here and home. Hmmm, I�ve not seen Death Valley yet, and the Mojave Desert is just around the corner. Once more through Yosemite would be a welcome distraction too. Maybe I could squeeze all that in a day or so. Of course, time was running out, I had to be back at work soon. The long way now might mean a long, fast, and hard run the rest of the way home.
Ah well. The journey is the reward. I grinned and grasped his hand. �The long way of course!�
I�ll see you on the road.

My Blog Entry:

All I can say is "Wow!"
1200 miles of twisties in 4 days, and that doesn't count the Los Angles freeway system!


Left Los Angles Thursday morning for Yosemite National Park. My friend and host Steve took me up the "back way"...an extra couple hundred miles...but well worth it for the 350 mile romp through the high desert, and then the climb into the pass in Yosemite (I'll post pass names later...my brain is a bit fried).
We spent all day Thursday, Friday, and Saturday banging through and around Yosemite. Amazing roads there, and gorgeous mountains. Oh yeah, of course, there are the BIG trees too. Unbelievable! (I'm pretty sure that particular forest is actually part of Texas...things are only supposed to be bigger in Texas!).
A personal note: TKAT...I'm not gonna make it over! Thought I could, but I've broken some stuff (and fixed some stuff) and damaged some other stuff...and now I've got a front tire acting up. Ah well...the fun of motorcycle trips. I'm only 1200 miles away from home or so...(she'll make it).
Today...that's TODAY alone...I ran through Yosemite (and the pass), and then through Death Valley. I have some strong impressions of both, but those will have to be written up later. From 9950 feet to 282 feet BELOW sea level in just a few hours. Temperatures ranged from about 44 degrees at the summit in the morning, to 114 in Death Valley this afternoon.
So, basically, I'm fried....oh, and I turned down the girl the motel room came equipped with (gotta love cheap motels) so I'm intensly lonely too.



Mikes1800 - a 2016 Impression
On the Valkyrie Interstate in Yosemite National Park, September 21, 2015. Riding down Wawona Rd through Yosemite Tunnel towards Yosemite Village. Tunnels are cool.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdEiIJb2Uio

Death Valley Raid





Laborman
I wouldn't have met all of you if it had not been for getting in the VRCC. When I bought the Valk, I didn't know anyone who had one, much less anything about the bike. I searched the net for Valk and stumbled on to the VRCC. I sat back, lurked for a while, and then joined in. I was treated to many great stories and a lot of advice from the "stars" of the board at that time...Lamonster, Dragbars, Mosa, Smilin Jack, Tennessee Iceman, TNT and JDubya, Speedie, and many, many others. I went to Daytona and met up with the group. What a thrill it was to meet all these people...and, what a treat it was to be accepted by other riders who I had never met. There ain't nothing like the brotherhood of the group.

Later I went to Hotglue's 5B's BBQ and met more of the group. La. chapter was started, I met Jack in New Orleans and Anita and others. I have been treated to the wit of Sarge, the craziness of Craze, the hospitality of Hotglue, Lamonster, DB, TnIceman, Big Jon and the Razorback wife, Mosa and his parents (at Inzane), Smilin Jack, Hurricane, RescueRoy and his wife, Gary Williams and Connie, and many others I can't think of......that's the problem with getting old....speaking of old, can't forget RJ...HA!  

I met lifelong - best friends - Michael P, Beverly, RPBrown and Cheryl, and Trap in Helen. I've ridden to New Mexico with Michael P, and then to Sturgis in 2004 with the entire group. I have been blessed to meet and keep such great friends that are friends for life. Like Lamont, DB, Mosa, TnIceman, BigJon, and others who formed lifelong friendship, I too have formed lifelong friendships with all of you. I have been treated to "open house" from TNT and JDubya, ridden with Speedie and others from Tn.

For me, it’s not just the memories of where we all came from, but it is where we landed today. Anytime, anyplace, anything you need, I know I can count on all of my friends and riders. My memories are of the rides, the gatherings, and the longing to get some planned for 2005. I miss all of you and look forward to the rides next year.
So, what are we waiting on????????Let’s get some trips planned for 2005. Just think, in a couple of years the question will be "What are your best memories of the BBR







Blythe story
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/sandiego/vrcc/sd_vrcc_2-23-2004_blythe/vrcc_blythe.htm

2004 - Moon Ride
This mooning of Amtrak is a 25 year tradition that we'll participate in so shine up those (butts) bikes.



2005 - London Bridge Ride

 

Inland Empire Run - Make your own shirts



2006 - Beach Ride



2007
Dave - South Coast Ride

First of all I want to say how great it was to see Terry and Janice today. Terry has a stroke a few years back and I can't believe how well he is doing. I know he appreciated having lunch with us and all the good wishes from us. He has such a great laugh and still knows how to have fun.
 22 bikes started out with us this morning with Phil and 2 of his friends meeting us at Hell's Kitchen. He got the time wrong and thought we had left from Tom's Farms when in fact we hadn't even arrived yet. 2 new riders meet up with us. Sergio Meiron and Mike McIntee. It was great to see them and hope to see them in the future. 4 riders broke off early for personal commitments but it was nice to have them with us even it was for just a short time.
Joe's Crab Shack took good care of us and the food was pretty good also. They have a nice view of the boats and Newport harbor. Greg R and Wayne helped with the 50/50 and wouldn't you know it I was the big winner. It was a nice $70.00 pot. Thank you Terry for picking my winning ticket. He really got a kick out of it.   For those of you who didn't make this ride you missed another nice day and I hope to see you next month for the Ride to Death Valley. It will be a long one with some roads that I know I have never been on. I'm looking forward to it very much.





2008 - SoCal VRCC  Rides Up the Central Coast Details
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/socal/0708%20Central%20Coast%20Ride/Details.htm


…………………it's a long one but hopefully it won't wear you out like it did Joe

SoCal VRCC Ride to Borrego Springs, CA 11-15-2014
https://youtu.be/Ue49epAIoZI



San Diego Chapter
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/sandiego/

Archives 2004 - Inland Empire Run
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/socal/0104Barbecue/home.htm









2004 - Big Bikes in Blythe III



Mr.  & Mrs. Blythe & Carolyn & Michelle have pulled out all the stops for our adventure to Blythe!
With a catered lunch, dinner and riding in the middle you're sure to have an adventure to remember!



The San Diego Ride to Blythe (long)
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/sandiego/vrcc/sd_vrcc_2-23-2004_blythe/vrcc_blythe.htm



2004







2012 Michael K (Az.) - Video ride report of the Salton Sea Loop Ride
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2h187gXsj2o

2014 Greg Cremer
Riding down the Pacific Coast Highway on a motorcycle has been on my bucket list since I first rode it in the rain on a Yamaha 650 twin back in 1978. Well, fast forward to February 2014. The bike is a 6 cylinder Honda Valkyrie. Smoothest sport cruiser on the road. My brother and his wife and I took a trip down to Santa Barbara, CA from southern Idaho in February. We trailered the bikes to Sacramento (mainly because there was so much ice on the road and it was -17 outside). Then rode from Sacramento down, and then back up again on Coast highway 1. What an awesome trip! Enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jwLHUhQiTI

2017 Magellon - San Francisco, Oakland, Concord, Sacramento, San Jose Valk'ers


















 

[Beer van Huet]

BV Chapter - Bouvet Island
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/BV/



Wayback shows the first appearance in 2004 and last in 2013. Bouvet is a brother chapter of SoCal and located at the most remote island in the world in the Antarctic.
Occasionally, the BV Chapter published a Captain Webb Memorial Swim.
https://web.archive.org/web/20041026031644/http://www.valkyrieriders.com:80/BV/brdc.htm
 
There is a nice Inzane VI, Frisco CO Trip report published on the BV website with many pictures still online. Open the links to read the ‘to the point’ accompanying comments.

Bouvetoya Riding & Drinking Club would like to thank the Southern California Valkyrie Riders for making their first trip to the United States a success. InZane is the first motorcycle rally we've ever been to, and we are having a great time!  We wish to say a very special thanks to Dave Ritsema for joining us for dinner & making our First InZane a memorable one.  In return, we invite all our SoCal Brothers and Sisters to our 5th Annual BVI VRCC Event

On the Road to InZane
https://web.archive.org/web/20081226022743/http://www.valkyrieriders.com:80/BV/IZ6/OnTheRoadToIZ6.htm



Still On the Road to InZane https://web.archive.org/web/20081226022753/http://www.valkyrieriders.com:80/BV/IZ6/StillOnTheRoadToIZ6.htm



At InZane
https://web.archive.org/web/20081226022730/http://www.valkyrieriders.com:80/BV/IZ6/At%20IZ6.htm



Still at InZane
https://web.archive.org/web/20081226022946/http://www.valkyrieriders.com:80/BV/IZ6/StillAtIZ6.htm





1000 Valk March & Dinner at InZane
https://web.archive.org/web/20081226022736/http://www.valkyrieriders.com:80/BV/IZ6/DinnerAtInZane.htm





On the Road back to BV Island
https://web.archive.org/web/20081226022940/http://www.valkyrieriders.com:80/BV/IZ6/OnTheRoadBackToBV.htm
No Pics, just comments

Still On the Road back to BV Island
https://web.archive.org/web/20081226022953/http://www.valkyrieriders.com:80/BV/IZ6/StillOnTheRoadBackToBV.htm
Fake pics

[Beer van Huet]

Alabama Chapter
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/al/bama.htm

State Director is Red Valk https://web.archive.org/web/20010506030051/http://www.hamsnet.net:80/k4tk/



27 May 2001 website with active linksto State areas: https://web.archive.org/web/20010527033808/http://www.valkyrieriders.com:80/al/bama.htm

Birmingham   - Area Rep Rex https://web.archive.org/web/20040519150733/http://www.valkyrieriders.com:80/al/bham.htm
Dothan         -  Area Rep Kurt  
Huntsville      - Area Rep SIX-GUNS RIDER (John Froberg)https://web.archive.org/web/20020822132832/http://www.valkyrieriders.com:80/al/hunts.htm
Mobile          -  Area Rep Sundownkid (Melvinhttps://web.archive.org/web/20011007141414/http://www.valkyrieriders.com:80/al/mobile.htm
Montgomery  - Area Rep REDVALK https://web.archive.org/web/20011007142616/http://www.valkyrieriders.com:80/al/mont.htm

DDT
I fell into riding with the AL bunch on a spur of the moment whim... back in '99. Yep, I just showed up unannounced at one of their local rides, then rode with a couple of them the next day up to Cheaha (my first time up there). That's where Tim RedValk shared his idea of starting an annual event ride to that place, and the rest is history... In a round about way, that weekend is largely responsible for subsequent events that lead to my living in Wetumpka for seven years!

.....greetings from Wetumpka (just north of Montgomery). I'm afraid if you're looking for a 'group' to hang with, you'll likely be disappointed... There hasn't been anything 'organized' for a couple of years now, and nothing seems to be indicating there will be. Lots of reasons for that, the primary one being there simply aren't a lot of Valks concentrated in one area.
We're scattered all around, though, and for a reason (meal, over-night ride, long weekend excursion, etc.), I'm sure several of us would be inclined to meet up. The point has been made that there are lots of things to see and explore in our state (and in the adjoining states, as well), and that is certainly true. Our area is rich in history and natural wonders, and there is much to stimulate adventurers and the curious.
If you are free to ride most of the time, let me suggest you start up some conversations on the board, perhaps even toss out an idea of your own regarding where you might like to ride or what you might want to see. You could even just pick a town and/or a restaurant and announce when you'll be there... Then, see who shows up!
Meeting up with SmokinJoe on his ride would be an outstanding way to meet some of the more colorful and interesting characters in the Southeastern US (possibly even a Yankee or two), and I assure you that you would be glad you did... I'll be there too, so we can talk more, if you'd like...

2001 pic of Gary Williams - links/pics go back to 1999
https://web.archive.org/web/20010517042918/http://www.garywilliams.com:80/

My first post since moving to AL.  over the weekend took an 800 mile trip to Cherokee, Gatlinburg, Pigeaon Forge, Deals Gap and the Cherohola Parkway. Great Ride only got rained once.  



Redvalk
To be honest....between the BBR, the VRCC, the Southern Cruisers, the Rune group.....and yes, even to a certain extent, even my early days with the VOA....I have so many fond memories I wouldn't know where to start.
I've been to every InZane...worked on the Staff lately (and enjoyed the heck out of that)...been to many Hoots and Daytonas over the years where I have met up with so many of you I can't mention all of ya'. Now I can be hanging out at just about any major rally...just hanging out on Main St....and folks i know will come by and say hi. that's GREAT!!!!

But i actually think I have even more fun at the smaller rallies (by both the VRCC and the other groups). The Helens, the Panama City Beach rally, the Cheaha rally i put on, the first BBR rally in Ashville. I really like going to those smaller regional rallies....cause it seems like you get to do much more face time with more people. I like that. At bigger rallies, it seems like folks kind of pair off into groups of folks they know and hang out. When the rally is say more like 100 folks or so....seems like everybody just kind of acts like one big happy family!

I just know over the years....thru ALL these organizations...I've met some mighty fine folks...and have been fortunate enough to gain a lot of life long friends.


2001 - Ride to Panama City Beach, FL





2008 Craig Adrien - Valkyries ride Talladega
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYNkye9n6W8



Daniel Meyer in Life is a Road
At the Cheaha Mountain Ride in... well, RedValk had a treat for us. He arranged for us to tour the Talladega Speedway...and by "tour" I mean, run laps. Yeah, okay, they didn't let us really open 'em up...it was three laps and they kept us under 100mph (for the most part). They didn't want us on the high banks on the corners seeing as how we're "untrained"...but nevertheless...whipping that big Valkyrie around the superspeedway was a really cool experience.


  
There's a couple thousand miles worth of running to get there and back again, as well as the outstanding Cheaha Mountain event itself...but those are other stories...



Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club (VRCC)
Alabama Chapt
CHEAHA MOUNTAIN RALLY
April 22 – April 24, 2005
At Cheaha State Park

We will have dinner on top at the restaurant for those that want to watch the sunset Friday night. Immediately after we will have a dessert social and fire in the Pavilion (Pavilion #1) (bring your adult beverages!). Saturday we will have a breakfast buffet at 0830 up top, followed by a group ride starting at about 1000. The group ride will be about 175-185 miles and will include a stop for lunch at Sinclairs on beautiful Lake Martin. After the ride we will have a FREE cookout starting at about 500-530 PM, followed by FREE door prize drawings, followed by either a band playing or DJ from 7-11 PM. During the band/DJ…. there will be a 50/50 drawing. Make your reservations now by calling 1-800-846-2654, as space is limited. This year we will again have the VRCC CAT Store (Valkyrie clothing and related items) producing a rally shirt available for sale!

If you need directions to Cheaha State Park e-mail to Tim (REDVALK) at the email address below.
All bikers are welcome to attend this event (though it is mainly a Valkyrie event)









2007 - Cheaha Rally
Day 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJNxuKXVx-k
Day 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KomxOn1pVcw
Day 3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnoYrgEZ13M
Day 4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUO2RVe0yCY

Scott’s Pics   http://forums.okvalks.com/index.php/topic,695.0.html

Stanley Beasley’s Talladega vids
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYch-YQ_dXU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNWm9LTNdek&t=70s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0QK1_h62F8

2009
First, thanks to Blinker Buddy....we got the units...and they'll make GREAT prizes!
Now....on with Cheaha updates. 120 registered....14 states and Canada.
the shirt cutoff for ordering is 15 April ...that's just a few days away! we'll put all the order for shirts in THIS week....so.... Git-R-Done.......
Now for some updated info from our Scouting trip this last weekend.

1. it was a typical Cheaha APRIL experience (and why we moved Cheaha back into May last year...like the good old days!). You guys know the drill.... SEVERE storms moving thru the mountain and that part of Bama ALL Friday evening! Sirens going off.... hail...high wind.... when hail starting getting pretty big...we went in and looked at TV...and bingo, they were showing video of a TORNADO...up on CHEAHA. we recognized from the video...the tornado was going over the radio tower...about half a mile from our Chalet!!!!  that’s a bit close.......... Dropped down into the high 30s Saturday night.... we HAD to have fires both nights. But then..........we aren't going in April. But I thought I’d bring back some memories for you Cheaha veterans!

2. Then, something funny happened. Some guys on BMWs and sport bikes...about 6 or 7 of them...were staying at the chalet right across from us. they heard us ride up on the Valks...and a couple of them came over to talk. They asked us if we were going to be up on Cheaha ...."for the big Valk thing".... the first weekend of May? We said "yep". They said.....man, we wish we knew who was putting that thing on. I said "you're looking at him!". then ...the funny part. They said how the heck did you block off the WHOLE mountain? They belong to some group of riders...and they waited until the race dates were posted at Barbers...and as SOON as they got posted...THEY....TRIED...to get all the rooms up on the mountain top. but "some Valkyrie group" already had em all!     they wanted to know how we got em', how we put on the event, on and on. They basically picked my brain for quite some time...trying to figure out how their group could put something on up top. I of course invited them to join us! Don't know if any of them will, but I just thought it was kind of funny how they wanted to know if WE KNEW...who those Valk folks were that "hogged all the mountain top" during race weekend. And... they also commented, that "those Valks sure do have a distinct, cool sound" when they're running up and down the mountain      

3. As for Barbers....EACH REGISTRATION PACKET...will include a map of the Barbers grounds for race day info. It includes the Tram pick up points (from the sound of things, we're going to want to park our bikes...and ride the Tram...the day of the event.... but you can ride your bike around the perimeter.... but you'll be competing with the traffic of about 30,000 folks....and all those Trams stopping at about 10 pickup points along the way!). The map also shows other details and location of things.

4. THOSE GOING TO THE RACE...you need to have your RACE TICKET...available....cause the group ride will terminate with a left turn on Barber property...taking us right to the gate. to speed up the process of getting thru the gate...you NEED THAT TICKET! Once in the 'park', we'll go to the Expo area.... where the Fan Zone and vendors and Honda exhibit are. We'll be parking right near the Honda exhibit...in the Fan Zone/Expo.....and there will be a sign that says "VRCC".... just for us! another thing, I recommend bringing a kickstand "foot"...as it looks like some of us will be parking in the grass.

 
5. those going to the MUSEUM....you'll have special parking too...with a sign that again says "VRCC". You guys are parking in the parking lot....so no kick stand "foot" is needed. all you need is your CHEAHA DISCOUNT COUPON...which will be in your registration packet. It gets you 20% off your museum ticket.  there will be ONE food vendor in the museum. (there will be NUMEROUS food vendors in the race area...as well as motorcycle vendors.... but you need a race ticket of course).
6. Make sure you get in the right group...race or museum. First two groups.... are me then Sherry...and ARE RACE groups. Third group is Santa/Tom...yet to be determined if it will be a race group or museum group...depends on how many tickets we sell. Fourth group IS a MUSEUM group, led by BamaJack.

7. Bass Pro is right next door and has an excellent sandwich shop inside it ...if you prefer to eat OFF SITE.

8. If we sell out of discounted race tickets (they are $25...verses $40 at the gate) ...we can PROBABLY get more if needed. Don't worry about ticket availability. (but we MUST sell out the 100 tickets we already have...if you don't get one Friday...and you show up at the gate...and WE DON'T SELL OUT THE 100...you won't be allowed to get one for $25 at the gate...it will cost ya' $40. GET YOURS UP TOP...........for $25)

9. They also have Paddock tickets you can get...if you want to be RIGHT THERE...in with the pit crew. that's extra.... but I know of some who are doing that! (you can get those on site from the race folks).
Shirt cutoff is 15 April.....THIS WEDNESDAY. the order goes in THIS week. we won't get any extras....so...GIT-R-DONE!!!!!!!  And get those registration fees in too!!!!!!! you know the drill........$15 per person....don't delay....if you haven't sent in the $15 and you are registered....better....Git-R-Done!!!!

2009 - Arrival at Cheaha
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fb10P5C8ATY

flatsixrider
Cheaha is my favorite event of the year. The riding is great, the festivities are great, the food is exceptional and the company is without equal.

2010 - 01interstate - Cheaha 2010 ride through rural Alabama



Diesel Valk What a Valk sounds like running on diesel.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUby79sGx_c
Diesel stop Draining the tank on a Valk filled with diesel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFh-75XzJJ0
Riding up the mountain https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5WkZm1RQ-0
Road at top of the mountain https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bbw9ukBg8Y
Riding at top of the mountain https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0GyZ5R7SeM
Crossing bridge https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTXPgLdW_vc
Back of Pack This is after the group got temporarily split due to pulling out from a gas stop. 18 bikes total in the whole group. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrHKEs0lE4s

ChrisJ CMA
Queen Dinky and I rolled in home at 12 noon.  Not one drop of rain the whole trip...that’s the ride up, the whole Cheaha and the ride home.  Never has happened before.  I hope all the rest of youse guys and gals have a safe and easy ride home like we did.  The trip was great, food was the BOM riding was good and I got to carve some twisties with Willow.  It’s all about the people at Cheaha



2011 - 11th Annual Cheaha Mountain Rally With over 50 registered participants
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/cheaha/



2013 hubcapsp

I look at this again every so often, it always makes me smile... the King of the Hill part and
the way it ends with so many different colored Valkyries all lined up....  
I went to the last two Cheaha’s where we had the lodge... I never win anything, but I bought a
bunch of tickets and won all the Big Mike chrome the first year, and a Rattlebars radiator cover
the second year, plus the Daniel Meyer compendium book, a neck cover, a Red and White Valkyrie
model, and I don't remember what else...

Britman
Apart from all the great people I met at various Cheaha's; doing 135 on the back straight at Talladega and being overtaken by Coot will make me grin every time I think of it.
That and pulling onto I20 being followed by Coot on his Connie 14 and Sam on his older Suzuki GS 1000. Giving the ST some gas, looking down at the speedo and seeing the needle flick by 115. OOPS! Still in the moment I guess.
Then of course there's the weather. Ah the weather. Having to block the entrances to the cook out building with the picnic tables to try and stem the rainfall slicing thru the air.
Oh yeah, and the black-haired woman with cowboy hat who showed us how to really use a stripper pole. Lotsa tongues draggin on the floor and husbands checking it out with their peripheral vision.  



RIP
The Cheaha Rally is now dead! After 11 years, the event is no longer being held. We had a good run, including a LIVE BAND up top in 2010, running the Talladega track for 3 laps, several visits to Barbers Museum, and many great rides, dinners, DJs, and parties up top of the mountain!

[Beer van Huet]

Kansas Chapter
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/ks/

State Rep is Whistler

Hoser

A good reason to live in Kansas.  You've got the chance to go any direction at about the same distance.
Got to keep an eye on those twisters, though.

2007 Willow - Kansas Dragons to the Sea (long)
https://web.archive.org/web/20070814164359/http://www.valkyrieriders.com/articles/pcbwillow.htm



2011
Whistler  
The wrench party did get changed till after November 1st due to a conflicting event at the proposed location. Not sure of the exact date yet, but I am sure Joe will chime in and get it set soon. Joe Studebaker is our state go to guy about our Valks, pretty good wrench who loves these machines and working on them.  You'll find the VRCC is a family who are all willing to help with projects and problems, country wide and internationally too! You found us so I am assuming you have found the tech board as well, a great resource for anything Valkyrie related.

This Kansas board is new and in its first few weeks of operation so we are learning here too. We also have a face book page called the Kansas Valkyrie Riders if you’re so inclined. Guys and Gals are stilling learning about this board.

I am in North Newton we have several riders around the Wichita area. There are several in the El Dorado area, Augusta, etc. I will let them intro themselves. I work a 24/7 job that has me in and out and all kinds of weird hours and no schedule, but I try to keep up with the boards when I can and meet up with riders and rides when I can. The Kansas group is a growing fun bunch and I am sure you will find it the same as well. We try to get together when we can and that is the best way to meet a lot of us, just show up.  We will try and post rides, eat and meets, whenever they happen. We love out of the way, hole in the wall type places, so if you have one set a date and give us directions. We are not real formal, although we are trying to get a bit more organized, we usually start out by talking about riding and then doing it.
 John

Nov 2011 Ride
John it was good to see ya! I glad you were able to make it especially having to leave so early to get south here, but it was worth it. Dana pegged it when he said the best chicken fried steak around, it was awesome. A real "Daniel Meyer" kind of place!
We had a great group Wayne and Marlin, William, David, Gary and Ginger, John, Cyndi and I, all led on a nice ride by Dana. After we waddled out of the 160 Cafe we rolled down to Dexter and the Henry Candy Factory.  
They weren't making candy, but they had a bunch on the shelves. Wayne, Hoser, and Marlin left us after eating. Dana, Gary, and Ginger took off after the candy factory. David, William, Cyndi and I all rode the Grouse Creek road, up and back from Dexter. It was fun and pretty. We met some other bikers that were riding as well and they said we should come back in spring when everything is green. Told us this was voted the #1 ride in Kansas, I had not heard that but I could see why.
The last of us split up at Winfield and went our separate ways. All in all, a great day to ride, great roads, great friends, great food, and everyone went home safely what more could you ask for.

2012 Whistler

I have accepted the Kansas Representative's job from Valkhound, Dana McCoy.   Joe Studebaker had expressed interest as well, but with everything he has going right now, declined it at this time. We, Joe and I, have discussed maybe changing this to a term limit type position to let everyone have a shot at it and keep fresh blood and ideas flowing. For now, I will do it unless there is some opposition to it.  I have a lot of ideas, but I want your ideas as well. This will not be a dictatorship, well at least to start.  
My first order of business is I would like to get a contact list together of the Kansas Riders. I am looking for names, handles, addresses, phone numbers, email, etc. I will make a contact list and send it to those on the list only, in other words if I don't have your info I'm not giving you anyone else’s. That sounds bad doesn't, hopefully you understand what I am doing here. Please be respectful of everyone’s privacy and don't give out anyone’s info unless you have their permission. Also if you have a cycle trailer, shop, etc. in case someone travelling needs help and you’re willing to assist if you can, make a note of that as well.  Send this to jdwhistler@hotmail.com please.

Another thing I want to try and get established is a monthly meeting. You can ride to it, drive your minivan, or walk in. This is just an opportunity to get together socially and catch up, plan some rides, maybe work on some projects, or something. It will never be mandatory to attend, if you can great, if you can't try next time. I am putting up a poll thread for this and will have it up for a week, so be sure to vote, majority rules!
I will stop there for now. I have been thinking about this for some time so I have lots of things to throw at ya, but I think this is enough to get started with. If you don't have my cell number email me I will get it to you.


2013 - Hoser
The weather has broke, I've done two lunches with two different Romeo lunches.  Gonna do the SE group tomorrow, did Central today, Eastern group yesterday.  Anybody got some spare gas and lunch money?  Should total 400-500 miles by tomorrow evening.  Here are some random pics from today and in the past.  




21st FFR (Friends, Food, & Riding)
Whistler is in the house! What a great day for riding clear skies, mild temperatures, light wind, and great people to share it with! The day started for me meeting Dale and Alina just down the road from the house. A quick hi nice to meet you lets ride!
Over to El Dorado to meet up with Gene and Dawn who were patiently waiting for us, then came Larry and Marsha, with Kenny not far behind. Intro's all around, a quick safety chat, and then we let Kenny lead us, on six Valkyries, on a very pleasant, easy going, stress relieving ride through the Kansas country side. Man, I so needed this!!

A short break at Strong City with a little tire kicking. We stopped outside the Casey's who was baking fresh rolls. It was too much for Larry who had to indulge in a fresh pastry! I was good and did not partake, awesome will power at work here I might add, but I had to keep my eye on the ball, LUNCH! Kenny says you mind if we go by the historic courthouse? Nope, not as long as we are not late to lunch! I don't care where we go! A guy has to have priorities don't you know!

We pulled into Emporia and followed Dave to the Casa, who turned the corner right in front of us coming from the other direction. More intro's while a table is being set up to hold us. Just as we sit down Lori, Carl and Kaden show up, followed by Ginger and Gary! What an awesome turn out. The staff did an excellent job getting us taken care of. The food was plentiful and good. I muttered to myself all the way home "I can't believe I ate the whole thing". It was a great meal and conversation all around. Carl was gonna table dance for us but Lori put the brakes on that!! LOL! It was good to see Carl and see him in the wind again! Folks started trickling out here and there, off for other important engagements. Goodbyes and come agains were heard all around.

Dawn, Gene, and I took an easy ride back east on 50 and made a quick stop to check out the prairie grass preserve just north of 50 on 177. Kinda of neat, you could spend a bit of time there wandering around the trails, etc. We then continued on to Cassody where we stopped for a cool drink, thanks again Gene! We took a county road west out of Cassody that leads straight to Newton. Just a nice ride through the green countryside.
At Newton I bid Dawn and Gene a goodbye as they went south to the big city and I went north a few miles to home.
It was a great day, with great friends, both old and new. We missed many who couldn't make it and look forward to doing it again, hopefully sooner than later!

2014 Whistler - Weekend Ride

Well, we had a great weekend with friends, fun, and of course food! Cyndi and I arrived at Midland Railroad Hotel in Wilson about 15:30. Huh, we weren’t expecting to get there till about 16:00 to 16:30, but that darn throttle just kept creeping backward the closer we got. Well so much for the easy cruise up! We checked in and decided to explore the town. It has changed quite a bit since we were there last. We did find a great old fashion soda shop to quench our thirst.

Dave and Pam arrived a bit later, after we got them settled in and a short discussion, it was decided we were it, so………..Let’s eat! The Midland has a nice little bar/hospitality room in the basement. It just occurred to me that we spent a lot of time in basements this weekend! So, while we caught up and were enjoying our salads in pops Lori and Carl, surprise!  It was a pretty good meal and the waitress was kept hopping!
After a small walk it was of course, Ice Cream time, back to the soda shop! We had a good time with the staff and enjoyed homemade waffle cones/bowls and ice cream. Once the cracks were filled it was back to the Hotel where Pam and Dave introduced us to the “Mexican Train”. About 11 it was determined we ought to get some sleep, someone has kickstands up scheduled for 8 a.m., WHAT!

Saturday we woke up to cool cloudy skies, jackets and chaps in July? Really! Dalen and Jeremy, on his super sharp 1100 Blue Shadow, arrived around 7:30ish. Introductions and tire kicking began and someone said a lie was told, but it has not been proven yet! Fuel up and we are off!
We had a very strenuous ride by Wilson Lake, across the Dam and into Lucas! Someone in the planning department neglected to see what time the city of Lucas opened, huh! So, our 9:00 arrival time found everything shuttered and quiet! Well, almost.
We were given a grand tour of the city’s Public toilet, and it was impressive! Lots of creativity. Not sure who gave us the tour, but he was sure knowledgeable and informative.

The manager of the Flying Pig Art Museum is walking around fresh out of bed looking for coffee. So I ask, what time do you open? Eleven, um that’s problematic. It must have been the “Oh” as he said, are you wanting to see it? Yep we were, well come on in! What a neat place. Small town America you have to love it.
Off to the Butcher Shop for free samples of some awesome sausages and cheeses. It was great fun watching Carl trying to City Slicker the Country Hick owner! The owner wins, it was great fun! This business is 92 years old, third generation, very cool and worth the trip.
Went to another Museum and seen some really interesting handcrafted art, made out of everything from recyclables to pop tabs, including a motorcycle. A wooden farm scene where everything moved was very cool.
 
We finished the Lucas tour with a stop at the Garden of Eden, another example of being slightly off center! It is truly a unique formation of concrete and recycled items, built before it was popular to do so!
We had decided to skip the Cathedral on the Plains at Victoria, so there would be no rushing through Lucas. I truly wanted this to be a relaxing social event. The only thing really on a schedule was a tour in Ellinwood at 3 pm.
So off to Russell and Meridy’s a very well know establishment in this part of the country. Most of us had the traditional Chicken Fried Steak. It was pretty good, we have had better, but we have had a lot worse for sure. Once everyone was full it was off to Ellinwood.
We rode to Ellinwood via a cruise through Hoisington, passed Barton County Community College, and into the back way of Ellinwood. Ellinwood has a yearly “After Harvest Festival” with a parade, etc. We arrived after most of the activity, but still had time to get “eyeballed” by the Kansas Sidewinders Chapter, who has a clubhouse downtown.
We were here to tour the underground city, which we did! It was very interesting and informative. Carl even came close to getting a haircut and shave with the cut one, pull three clippers. He passed at the last minute! I do think he was seriously considering the 5-cent bath though.

After the tour it was off to Ellsworth, past Claflin and into Holyrood for a fuel stop.  It was determined we were way ahead of our 6:30 dinner reservation, so we changed directions and headed back to Wilson, via the county roads! When we got to Wilson, Dalen and Jeremy went to get Shay so she could at least have dinner with us.

After a short respite we headed for Ellsworth to the underground, back alley entrance that you would expect for a place called “Pretty Boy Floyd’s”! The decoration was neat and the food was great, from Alligator to Rib eyes, it was all good. Great conversation, great food, and great fun! No dessert again, man these meals were awesome.

We bid Shay and Dalen goodbye, Jeremy passed on the return trip so we did not get to say bye to him, but he is welcome anytime we ride. Enjoyed meeting you Jeremy! A quick ride back to Wilson got us there right at closing time for the Soda Shop. Despite mine and Dave’s best efforts at begging in the front window at the cleanup crew we could not convince them to let us in! Well maybe it wasn’t such a great place after all. No, it was pretty awesome.

Back to the Hotel for the finish of the Mexican Train and a midnight turn in. It was a great day.
Sunday brought the dreaded goodbye depression. Carl and Lori headed for the big city. Dave and Pam followed Cyndi and I to McPherson,
where I got called to work (really) and we lost Dave and Pam somewhere around a Braum’s!  
Cyndi and I hit the interstate and flew home. I unloaded the bike and changed clothes, grabbed my bags and off to my 12-hour train job, ugh.  It was a great weekend, very relaxing, and very enjoyable. Now back to the grind!
 

[Beer van Huet]

Illinois Chapter
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/il/



The Illinois Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club is represented by the Southern Chapter, Fox Valley Chapter  and The Greater Chicago Land VRCC.

Initial Chapter Reps
 
Greater Chicagoland Area - Terry aka "TLVALK/TAZMAN" #978
Southern Illinois Area       - Bill aka "Highlander" #4638
Fox Valley Area                - John aka "John" #7229

Southern Illinois Chapter




https://web.archive.org/web/20041010072927/http://valksoflittleegypt.100megsfree5.com:80/index.html

Higlander observation
A 30 year quest for the ultimate motorcycle. …The phrase instituted by Honda many years ago could be said to be the spirit of The Valkyrie Riders and Cruiser Club. The nicest people in the world are Valkyrie Riders.

Look at this great website from 2004 with active links

Baraboo Too......When The Rain Made You a MAN by TLValk





2000 Greater Illinois Valk Round-Up Pics - Great Time Was Had By All......Time Was Just To Short



Fox Valley Riders
We started out as a gaggle of Valkyrie riders in the Fox Valley area of North-Central Illinois. The group was formed, in November 2000, to allow us a simple and fun way to get together for rides, meetings, and other types of fun. We consider ourselves somewhat informal, although we did become a chapter of the VRCC (Valkyrie Riders Cruisers Club) in January of 2001.
During  2002 and early 2003 a number of members traded in the 'ole reliable Valk for other bikes. At the same time we had an increasing number of non Valks showing up and discussed a name change. At that time we picked up Fox Valley Riders by simply dropping the Valk part. We are, and always have been, open to riders of all types, kinds, ages and sexes.

Read more about the FVR at their 2004 active website https://web.archive.org/web/20041203045721/http://foxvalk.org:80/

Steve Morgan formally known as Cond

Well let me see. When I bought my 1st Valk in 2000 the 1st thing I did was do a search on the INTERNET to see what info I could find out on the bike I just bought. I found the VRCC site and also the VOAi, joined up on both right away. Through the VRCC I found out a wealth of info right away,and still do. I also got my 1st let down as I learned the Valk was being discontinued.
During the spring of 2001 I was getting ready to attend a Fire Convention in Indy and sent an e-mail to Sarge and had a few phone calls with him in reference to info on the area, found out that we both shared the same ideals on life. When the BBR first started he was the 1 who sent me the invite to join up.
Now shoot ahead a little, I saw a message posted by RJ & Dave Ritesema about a Power Tour that RJ was doing and that he was supposed to be in the South Bend area. I had been wanting to meet some of the VRCC members and got involved in the tread, well Dave invited me to his house, not knowing anything about me, had a small BBQ in his back yard. Unfortunately RJ ran into problems and wasn't able to make it so I didn't get a chance to meet him until last year at INZANE IV.
Now we move to the 1st Asheville meet. My plans were to ride from Illinois to somewhere around Lamont's, sent him an e-mail about somewhere to stay and he told me that I could just stay at his place, again he had no ideal about me but was going to open up his home. Unfortunately my plans got canceled and I wasn't able to go.
I do get down in the dumps with the VRCC at times due to the various attacks that still go on, ( I wish the differences could be put to rest) but for the most part I have made a lot of cyber friends there and here.
Now we shoot to the recent past and INZANE IV this was my 1st motorcycle rally that I have attended, there I was finally able to meet face to face a lot of the people I have talked to, met RJ, Sarge, Rat Dog, Oz and his wife, TNT and husband, f6gal and a lot more so sorry if I didn't mention your name. This also being the 1st for my wife also, she has never really been into motorcycles, and was Leary about going, she had a great time (so much so that we are going down earlier next year)
But above all the best thing about both the VRCC and BBR is when someone has a problem everyone jumps in to do what they can to help, (re: When Badnuff had his accident and the recent passing of Botman Nick)
Sorry if this was long, but I could go on, so I will leave it at this.

Valhalla Trail Ride



Highlander
My greatest VRCC moment was going to the Honda Hoot in 2000. I had been lurking on the VRCC board for about a year and decided to try the Valkyrie. It was a Tuesday. I test rode the Valkyrie, for about two hours, and bought it the moment I got back to the dealers. I joined the VRCC that night. The next morning I took the Valkyrie in for the 600 mile check before leaving for the Honda Hoot. I had found a someone looking for a roomie at the hoot on the VRCC site, Ray Pilot. Did not know him, never met him, just said heck yes, he rides a Valkyrie. I was going because I had heard some guy named Lamonster would be there. I also met Dragbars, Mosa, Hoosier Daddy, Chris and Hal, and put many faces to the names on the board. I also got a Lamonster T-Shirt, still have it, always will. As the result of this meeting, I decided to become the Southern Illinois Rep. I had always ridden alone before Lamont came along, because Lamont was the VRCC to me. I learned so much from everyone, and as a result, formed a close group of riders in our area. We ride at least once every weekend, every month of the year. None of this would have happened if I had not gone to meet the humble man we all call our friend Lamonster.
By-the-way, recently, I received a package in the mail. Since Lamonster is now the proud owner and rider of a Boss Hoss and does not own a valkyrie anymore, he decided to send me something. I was more than surprised to find his vest, his VRCC vest, in the package. He knows that I love the Valkyrie, and do not plan to change bikes, so he sent it to me. Words cannot express the way I felt. I rode all over Southern Illinos to see my friends in the “new” vest. I must admit that even as I write this I get a lump in my throat, and a tear in my eye. Lamont is perhaps the most generous person I have ever met. He is always there for advice, technical details, a call to someone in the hospital to lift their spirits, and just the best friend anyone could ever have. Those who ride with him, and join this forum know this as well as anyone. We are all of the same spirit. If you do not believe it, let any one of us need a friend, and everyone is there for us. I owe him more than he will ever know.   You will always be #1 in my book my friend.


2008   Valhalla Voyage – Iowa to Illinois to Indiana handoff



2016 Chris Bodnicky - Great gathering in southern Illinois



2017 Patrick Russell – Facebook discussion about riding in Illinois

Just got back from a 3-day Ozark Ride (Pig Trail, Arkansas Dragon). Completely spoiled me because I live in Illinois where roads are generally flat and straight.  

[Beer van Huet]

Iowa Valkyrie Riders
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/iowavalkyrieriders/info

Initial State Rep in 2003 was the late R J (Russ) aka "RJ # 173

Present State Rep is Robert. He is looking for a replacement in 2018.

Rich’s June 2001 Trip



2003 Albertson





2004 Baraboo



2006 - Elk Horn Ride



2007 – Brad’s Ride



RJ  
Let's see here. I bought the Valk in late 1996, rode it 7,000 miles in 2 1/2 months and put it away for the Winter.
Got it out in March and went to Daytona. Met up with Dragbars, Smilin Jack, Lamont, Earthdog, Warren in Atlanta, and a whole bunch of others.......
Went back home, rode a bunch of miles that summer, like 48 to 50,000, which included Sturgis. Now this is where it is sticky. I don't remember if it was this year or the next one I met up with LaMont again in South Dakota, he was a doing Trigger Wheels in Custer. I tried to assist him on one but I was more in the way than helpful. He had it down to a short procedure.

It had to of been the 2nd year as I had 113,000 miles on the Valk and he was amazed. Told him I was retired and on the road about 3 1/2 weeks out of every month. Only came home to get more $$$ and stay for a couple of days before leaving again. That was the year I made 4 round trips from my house to the West Coast and 2 round trips to the East Coast on MGM. One of those trips was my 2nd time around on the 4 corners. Did the 1st 4 corners on a Wing when I retired in June 96. Wore out 2 sets of Bushtec Trailer tires during this summer bunch of runs.

Somewhere in there, Vicki (TNT) met me in Mississippi at the Casino when we stopped there on Hot Rod Power Tour. I had the Trike. She rode down from Memphis to meet me and JDubya showed up later. We all had a good feed, conversation and etc. Don't remember if I made any $$$ on the slots or not, I think I did.
I attended one of Vicki and Jim's BBQ's, met TJ, Danny, Little Jon and LeAnn, TN Iceman, Mosa, mamasue, Inky and a bunch more I have forgotten. Old age and the forgetter isn't retaining stuff in memory any more like it used to.

Went to Hotglue's BBQ after I met him and Flamingo Babe up in Wisconsin at the VOAi Rally. I met JeffK, JoK and some others at Hotglue's.
Went to Bakersfield Bash and met Master Blaster, Physco, and renewed my acquittance with f6gal. Met 2ftAGL and Katy when we hauled Physco's bike to Phoenix after he wrecked it. Met Sonny in Lemoore, Rudd, Mark & Lynn, Dennis, Tammy and their girls, also. Saw Sue & George again, Met Sue on Hot Rod Power tour in Bakersfield the year before.

At InZane I met a bunch of hoodlums, LOL, and struck up some good friendships. Sarge out of Indianapolis, I met him after he gave me assistance on locating some trailer tires and a wheel...... Met Doc Moofsa, Hoosier Daddy, Shooter and some others at InZane.
I sure hope I got all the first time meeting places right. Nape came up to me an introduced himself at InZane at Denny's one morning. Met Hal and Chris that same year..... Also met that other Canuck with the Black/Silver flamed Tourer, Steve & Jen. eh.

Well to you I have failed to list, again my forgetter has forgotten more than most people has remembered. So I'll apoligize for it now. I know I have left out a bunch of people.

2008 - 1st Annual Iowa Ride In






Iowa Monthly Rides 2013

#1.    May 18, 2013 -   Randy and Debbie Heath the road Captain.

#2.    June 22, 2013 -  Kevin & Jody Smith.

#3.    July is InZane @ LaCrosse, WI.

#4.    August (date open) - Iowa State Rep and his better 1/2.

#5.    September 7, 2013 - Mike and Robin Harvey.

2013 - Club Ride to Missouri by ksmith50229

Thanks to those who were able to join us today. (Rob & Terri, Fuzzy & Eve, Brad, and 2 extras from the Atlantic area whose names I can't remember~sorry!)  The weather cooperated, but we had a heck of a tail wind on the way home.  We wound our way down to Bethany and had lunch at Toot Toot's yummy buffet. We then split off at different spots to head home.  We ended up coming home by way of hwy 69 and having fond memories of Frank Flickinger (especially the arguing he engaged in with RJ!!) as we came through Osceola.  Brad headed on to Ankeny and Kevin and I swung by Route 65 HD Shop in Indianola to see if our oldest son was done with work and wanted to stop at Dairy Queen with us.  He is their detail kid, aka: shop rat, grunt help, gopher, wash & wax boy.   They don't seem to care that he rides a Kawasaki KLR650 and we don't seem to mind that he has a full time job!!

Hope to see some of you that couldn't make it this time later this summer!
Mike & Robin...we missed you today.  Sending you thoughts and prayers as you deal with this bump in the road.  Take care.

RIP

RJC TJC
Russ “R.J.” Bullard passed away at his home Thursday, November 26, 2015. Russ was born in Panora, Iowa to James and Alice Bullard.

He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps for three years, during which time he earned two Purple Hearts. Russ retired in 1996 from the State of Iowa. He had a passion for motorcycles and riding his Honda Valkyrie. Russ enjoyed charity poker runs with his son, Rex and visiting 48 of the 50 states with his daughter, Valarie on his motorcycle. He also loved attending the sporting events of grandsons, Austin and Noah and dance recitals of granddaughters, Meghan and Addison. Russ was a member of the American Legion, American Legion Riders, VFW, AMA, VRCC and various other motorcycle enthusiast clubs.

Russ is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Bev; children, Valarie Meyer, Rex (Amber) Bullard and Debbie Shepard; several grandchildren; and a host of extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project in loving memory of Russ.

A memorial service will be held, Noon, Sunday, November 29, 2015 at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. Visitation will occur one hour prior to the service. A burial will occur at a later date at Iowa Veteran’s Cemetery.

2018 - RJC TJC
I was wondering if anyone was interested in being the state rep for Iowa?  I will try to do things if there are no takers. The State Rep is not a hard job. Just try to plan some rides and some winter get togethers with help from others in the club, Yes some will not be happy with the way you do things but most will. You just have to remember you cannot please everyone just do the best you can. We would like this to be our last year to be the State Rep. We have had a great time meeting and making new friends.

Iowa Riders at Deals Gap                                                         Just got over the bridge into Nebraska before they closed it on the way home.  Bit damp on the mighty Moe.  

                                                                                    Pics from Hoser





 

 
 

[Beer van Huet]

Louisiana Chapter
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/la/index2.htm and https://web.archive.org/web/20040817073039/http://www.valkyrieriders.com:80/la/


Registered logo by Cat Specialties*


Our goal is to have the best and most active VRCC State Chapter in the U.S.A.!

In 2002, the State Rep was Kerry aka "Rockin'" #5632
 
Area Reps
Jack Guenther                                          - New Orleans soon changed to Southeast Louisiana
Dennis aka "Grunt of New Orleans" #7130 - Kenner, later Delta Area      
Dusty Rhoads                                          - Lafayette, later Southwest Louisiana

In 2004, two additional Area Reps joined the team
Bruce Pincock                                          - North Louisiana  
Neal Boudreaux                                       - Capitol Area


In 2003, the Louisiana Chapter consisted of 360 Riders
https://web.archive.org/web/20030117044036/http://63.208.254.172:80/membership/search-members-results.php3?active=Y&club_num=0001&state=LA&country=US


Laborman  

I wouldn't have met all of you if it had not been for getting in the VRCC. When I bought the Valk, I didn't know anyone who had one, much less anything about the bike. I searched the net for Valk and stumbled on to the VRCC. I sat back, lurked for awhile, and then joined in. I was treated to many great stories and a lot of advice from the "stars" of the board at that time...Lamonster, Dragbars, Mosa, Smilin Jack, Tennessee Iceman, TNT and JDubya, Speedie, and many many others. I went to Daytona and met up with the group. What a thrill it was to meet all these people...and, what a treat it was to be accepted by other riders who I had never met. There ain't nothing like the brotherhood of the group.

Later I went to Hotglue's 5B's BBQ and met more of the group. La. chapter was started, I met Jack in New Orleans and Anita and others. I have been treated to the wit of Sarge, the craziness of Craze, the hospitality of Hotglue, Lamonster, DB, TenIceman, Big Jon and the Razorback wife, Mosa and his parents (at Inzane), Smilin Jack, Hurricane, RescueRoy and his wife, Gary Williams and Connie, and many others I can't think of......that's the problem with getting old....speaking of old, can't forget RJ...HA!  

I met lifelong - best friends - Michael P, Beverly, RPBrown and Cheryl, and Trap in Helen. I've riden to New Mexico with Michael P, and then to Sturgis in 2004 with the entire group. I have been blessed to meet and keep such great friends that are friends for life. Like Lamont, DB, Mosa, TnIceman, BigJon, and others who formed lifelong friendship, I too have formed lifelong friendships with all of you. I have been treated to "open house" from TNT and JDubya, riden with Speedie and others from Tn.

For me, its not just the memories of where we all came from, but it is where we landed today. Anytime, anyplace, any thing you need, I know I can count on all of my friends and riders. My memories are of the rides, the gatherings, and the longing to get some planned for 2005. I miss all of you and look forward to the rides next year.

So, what are we waiting on????????Lets get some trips planned for 2005. Just think, in a couple of years the question will be "What are your best memories of the BB"

2009 Sugarbee

Warlock took us on some awesome roads in Mississippi yesterday  
I have to say, I think this has been the best ride so far on my trike.  Lots of curvy roads and decent weather, well, at least until we were on our way home.  We hit a bad patch of rain.  My trike started to fish tail and that freaked me out, but within a few minutes it cleared up and all was fine.

First, we met up at Fernwood, I got a pic of Monte, Warlock, and Bird


I don't know what Warlock and Beekeeper were doing here, looks like an exchange of money


After riding lots of twisties, we made it to the famous Old Country Store for some good grub.  It might not look like much from the outside, but they serve the best fried chicken and home cooking...


All Valks, 6 total


Moonshine on her Valk, let me tell you, that girl can ride, she was right behind Warlock the whole time  


Thanks Warlock, you never fail to put on a great ride!  We put in a little over 400 miles, loved it!

Various pics from the Louisiana Chapter

















2009
I am Strider - the Grand Poobah of the VRCC Chapter of the great state of Louisiana!!!!  


Thor’s Hammer
The banner was passed from Gregg Buchanan, representing Arkansas, to Ron Moore at Springhill on Thursday, February 12th, 2004.  It was then passed to John Charles and TB at Natchitoches.  JP Sonnier, Dusty, Rick, and others brought it to Baton Rouge where members of the Florida VRCC and the Southeast La VRCC met them.  From there it was taken to New Orleans and then Mississippi on the 18th (Wednesday).  Mississippi handoff was at Kentwood from Steve Walters to David Hamilton of Magnolia


2008
Strider - Valhalla Voyage
I left out of Lafayette at 8:00 am and turned Traveler north towards Alexandria - the meeting place of the Louisiana gang.
It was mid 40's and warmed up into the upper 70's throughout the day. When I left out, it was perfect chaps and light jacket temps. The sun was shining and it was one of those days that you KNEW was perfect for riding, greeting, eating and meeting.
It felt so good to be back in the saddle again, I twisted the throttle a little harder than I normally do and made Alexandria in a little over an hour.
The Valhalla Voyage package was heading out of Arkansas with Curley Wolf and was Louisiana bound.......
When I arrived at the meeting place (Shoney's in Alexandria), Green Eyed Dragon was already there and we drank a cup of coffee and waited for the others to arrive. Green Eyed Dragon had worked shift work the night before and hadn't gotten off until 5 am. He was operating on an hour or two of sleep.
Hard6 and Valkyrie John left out of Lake Charles around 8 am as well and arrived about 30 minutes after I did.
About 5 minutes later, Aurox arrived from Houston, Texas. Aurox is another of our adopted Cajuns, since he far rides to everything we put on. He had left around 5 am in 30+ deg temps and would put in almost 700 miles yesterday.  We went kickstands up and rode the hour or so to Winnfield. Curley Wolf was already there when we arrived............


2010 - Strider
What a great country this is.....just throw your leg over a saddle and go out and dig on it....It's all there for the taking (in)....Sure brought some great memories to this ol' outlaw.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ttYU5Xjo9Y

2011 - Sugarbee
There are a bunch of good Valk riders in the Louisiana/Mississippi area.  Magoo, Beekeeper, Bird, Moonshine, Monty, Dragonfly, X-Ring, Warlock.  We are on the east side.  On the west there's Strider and Hard6

2011 - Wolfgang1952
This was taken a couple of weeks ago at my LOCAL (Louisiana Open Carry Awareness League) club meeting.  I had it posted on one of the gun forums. It was suggested that I post it here on the VRCC also and there are few more at home.





 

[Beer van Huet]

Minnesota Chapter
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/mn/

State Rep in 2004 was Jerry aka "Ebony Rider" #161 soon accompanied by Tom  aka  " T.P." #21957

Locations of past VRCC Minnesota Annual Ride In's
2002  Little Falls
2003  Spicer
2004  Cloquet
2005  New Ulm
2006  Red Wing
2007  Kasson
2008  Alexandria
2009  Nisswa
2010  Preston
2011 Two Harbors
2012  Bemidji
2013  Motley
2014 Grand Rapids
2015  Glenwood

2007 - Great Fun at the 5th Annual MN VRCC Chapter Ride!
Hosted by Jerry & Cathy McEathron

On August 18th & 19th the 5th Annual VRCC MN Chapter Ride took place in Red Wing, MN; the historic rivertown nestled along the banks of the mighty Mississippi. On Friday early afternoon the group met in Wal-Mart parking lot and took a 2-hour scenic tour of the rural Red Wing and surrounding area. The tour ended almost on top of the world at Memorial Park where everyone took in the breathtaking view of Red Wing. We then ventured to Miesville, MN to indulge in the famous and delicious hamburgers at Kings Grill & Bar! Then the Valkyries took us back in time to the Little Log Village near Miesville where for a couple of hours we envisioned a simpler life. Friday ended with food, laughter and camaraderie at McEathron's in Red Wing.

Saturday morning the group met again at the McEathron's with new comers too. Together we enjoyed breakfast and conversation. Everyone got to meet our leaders of the day Brent & Emmy Bauer. Brent and Emmy lead the group throughout the scenic hills of rural Wisconsin. We fed trout and ducks in a trout pond in Plum City, Wisconsin, we enjoyed lunch at the top of the bluff in Arcadia, Wisconsin at Hanson's Hideaway. We devoured ice cream cones at Nelson Cheese Factory and road more scenic rural roads than one could imagine! We saw eagles, a raccoon, deer including a fawn with spots but thankfully not on the road, and so much more! The Annual event ended with more conversation, "Valk Talk", when we would get together again and even some group discussion about the 6th Annual event ...and of course we had to bring out more munchies as we didn't want anyone to go away hungry!

What a great group of fun folks and a fun weekend. We are so happy that everyone made it home safely and talk about coming back for the 6th Annual Chapter Ride, where ever it may be in beautiful Minnesota. A sincere thank you to all who participated!

2009 - Strider
Thanks again to TP and Nancy for showing the Northern Hospitality that they did for all of us out of staters that came up and enjoyed the Minnesota Ride In, P in the Headwaters, Eat some Walleye Fishies, Groove on the Lake Superior, Stand on Straight Down Bluffs, Check out a Cascading River, Iron Mines, Wheel Wrenching, Check out the Bobby Dylan Homesteads, Ride a Lutsen Alpine Ride, Ride the Mississippi thing that you fine folks put on!  Even the day that we just spent enjoying fellowship and allowing me to wash (the softest) clothes was greatly enjoyed.  You two ROCK!!!!  The reason that this video is going to be in PARTS is you filled every minute with awesome memories!!!!!!!!!!!!  From the moment I left home until I pulled back into the garage, I passed a very large time!!!!!
Folks, I passed a VERY, VERY LARGE TIME UP YONDER!!!! AGAIN, I thank you!!!!!  Just don't get no better!!!!!!
I mean, this was one of my more favorite rides ever!!!!  I can never reciprocate the hospitality that was shown to me up yonder - and I THANK YOU!!!!  This is one of those rides that lets you know why you ride - also let me remember, THAT IT IS ALL ABOUT THE PEOPLE!!!!  You sure are a brother and sister to me - AND I GOT TO SPEND SOME TIME WITH some other brothers and sisters - IT IS ALL ABOUT THE PEOPLE!  Thanks again!

2010 - Minnesota Ride In
Part 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Uqrm9kXrf4
Part 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBCdH7gnXI4
Part 3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncOOV1x-Ntg

9th Annual MN VRCC Chapter Ride In announcement
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/mn/9th%20Annual%20MN%20VRCC%20Ride-In.htm

2012- Fall Color Ride
Nancy Paradeau - Back at the motel after 180 miles of fabulous color and a great ride.



2013
Motley MN Ride









                                                                                                                                          Phelps Mill

2017 Dan Schultz -  City of Forest Lake
It was a great day for a ride in MN, there's about 12 of them each summer.



 
 

[Beer van Huet]

Missouri Chapter
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/mo/

Missouri Area Chapters
St. Louis Slayers- St. Louis
SEMO Dragon Riders- Cape Girardeau

State Representative Mike #5503

2010 stude31 - Fall Color Ride





St. Louis Slayers
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/mo/Slayers%20Photos.htm



Chip Bratcher pictures


            2017 – near Olympian Village                                            2012 - Fall Color Ride

 

[Beer van Huet]

North & South Carolina Chapters
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/nc/



Early State Rep North Carolina Rich aka "Acuna" #13879
Currently listed NC Rep is Matt aka "TruckRacer" #22351
Currently listed SC Rep is Mike aka "hubcapsc" #26351

Look at this 2014 NC event calendar...impressive
https://web.archive.org/web/20141003082856/http://www.ftcarolinas.com:80/mpcalendar/(4hrteqeyasst3l45aod3iv45)/Default.aspx

Mosa
I met many GREAT people along the route, and interestingly felt like each one of you guys was family from the moment we met ( either on internet or first time meeting in person)...

The VOA ride-in to Montrose in 98 was the first time I met a lot of you guys - LeMont, Gale, Paint it Black in Toronto ( yes...thats PIBIT to you newbies), Tim/Redvalk, Hotglue... a lot of great memories... rode from Virginia out there, flew in my ( then girlfriend, now wife) Sandy, we toured around, then she went back and I decided it was only another 900 miles to LA to see my folks so I scooted out to LA for a 2 day visit, then raced back to Virginia solo... That BTW was the beginning of the VRCC and by the time I got back to VA, the membership #s had grown so I only got #279....

The trip meeting up with LeMont was almost surrreal in how we clicked with all we met....remember how those guys liked MY bike better'n Lamont's at that Kentucky Hotel? lol... ya ya, blower bike, wow LOOK at that BLACK one... hahahaahah... Hookin up with Dragbars and then TNT on that trip ( remember us picking up yer Valk for ya Vicki??? )...I gots pics of that trip somewhares...

The Yosemite cross country last minute trip... Rode from VA to Nashville to pick up Dragbars, that nite got a call from PIBIT, ,met him in StLouis next day... then the 3 of us ROCKETING cross country into Denver where I got that bald rear tire changed... left at 6pm next nite and rode... and rode and rode... 28 hours strait if I remember right.. from Denver to Yosemite NONSTOP ( well PIBIT got some sleep waiting for us to catch up, and woke up in the sprinklers at that gas stationi...lol)... riding thru the fires outside of yosemite in that escort, no sleep, was real real strange... fire burning at side of road as we went by... arrived in Yosemite at 10pm or sumething liike that and I got VALKCABBIE's old room as he got MARRIED that day and got the honeymoon suite...lol... REMEMBER THE 4-WAY burnout contest there in the parking lot? 4 blower bikes all nose to nose....
Aaron did the wheelie in the parkinglot and almost went into the lobby... hahahaha...

I remember the Daytona trip with Ethan and George... MAN we TORE that stretch of I95 UP!... from DC to Daytona in about 11 or so hours!... I rember Ethan got the nickname BARBIE since at each stop he either put clothes on or took em off...lol.. and George.. always takin up the rear,,,, he got the nickname " Whar's George" ... we seemed to find just the right openings between the pylons ( i mean cars) and could get 2 bikes thru but not the 3rd... always George left behind...lol...

VRCC in Rolling Thunder ... Had several gatherings over the years at my townhouse south of DC ... Saw Crazy Rick and WIA ontheir Hoss's .... had a rained out picnic in MD, but didnt phase most of us, went anyway... the Northeast riders were there ( a little late but still there...lol)... the Mid Atlantic guys were there... with that newly done up TRAILER QUEEN bike that yellow Dragon ( what an AWESUM bike!)...

Rocket, Yogi and Big Earn visiting... again seein them at TNT and JDubya's BBQ and helping pick up that downed Interstate.... racing back home on the tennessee and virginia interstates.... what a trip!...

2009 Big IV – Trip Report
We met up in a large parking lot on the edge of Lincolnton, NC about 11:00. Just a few friends getting together. 6 bikes. 9 people. The ride could have used more Valks. Otherwise, 78 degrees, beautiful.
We rode to Kings Mountain State Park. We looked around the museum for a little bit.  Then we took off and rode down to Cowpens, SC.  We ate at a little place in Chesney, SC that had a giant Rooster on the roof and motorcycles in the parking lot. The food was good, a museum inside the restaurant of the 50s. Then we ran around through Gaffney, into Shelby, out through Cherryville, and back into Lincolnton NC. Not a bad 150+ miles.

First INZANE! what a trip! Second INZANE! just as fun!
EACH one of em a unique and full memory...  
All I can say is that on my motorcycle, and because of my motorcycle, I have met and feel I have my BEST friends anyone could have... I know I have been scarce round these boards recently, but in my mind, and my soul, I am still here!...  
We gotta do this more often! create some NEW memories!


                                 Inside the State Park road                                                                                               Shadow pic

2011 – MITM (Meet in the Middle)

Thumper
It was a great ride!  Cherohala Skyway....Hellbender....Blue Ridge Parkway....on the greatest motorcycle ever built with some of the greatest people I know.


                                    Joe & Wimp                                                                            Valks on the Blue Ridge Parkway                          

   The Gang

2012
Stanley Beasley – Teasers
Franklin/Highlands NC area......GA, NC, SC all have a few  3,000-6,000 foot "hills" where they come together
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZs0Tz1slPc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJgqTUfCaLM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEP5PEOoWLU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7CDgL1Kzbg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unxa9QT6XBc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6HTd2ZeXMs

2014 Skeep (courtesy bestbikingroads)


2017 Jerry Scott Sheffer - Having some fun in North Carolina.



Wayne Smith - Fall Color ride



Guest
As long as I am alive and Joe and Britman and Stanley and Lucky 13 and Willow, Motomama, and Strider and Frog and Strong Eagle who never rides with us, and 1000 others are around. the VRCC will thrive.
Come to the Fall Color Ride in the North Carolina Mountains and you will see it is going to be around for a long time. I will pay for your room and treat you too whatever you like beer, wine or whiskey or wild woman if you just show up.
Your opinion will change and you will start having a good time. That was an official Invitation by the way, not empty talk. Bring a few friends we will bend over backwards to make you feel at home. Safe winds Brother
Big Al here if you need me.

South Carolina Chapter
https://sites.google.com/site/scvrcc/
 
2013 Duffy -  Last Sunday we had a group of 12 bikes led by Britman to Lake Hiawassee NC. A beautiful day.



Santa
Met up with Duffy and his friends from England at Winghot restaurant in Cullman, Al. Had a good time.
We rode right into the rain on Friday and it rained all night in Memphis. Next morning sunshine!
  
Duffy
Good to see Santa and Winghot in Cullman. Of course the lunch was great! Thanks again Wayne!  
Steve n Glynis can't wait to go home and tell their two granddaughters they met Santa riding his Valkyrie in Alabama, USA!! They got a picture of him and his Valk with his S Klaus tag.  
Thanks for coming out and meeting us Tom! See you at Smokinjoe's Fall Color Ride.


      Beale Street in Memphis Friday night                                                                           At the Downtown Grill in Cullman: Steve, Glynis, Wayne and Tom
    
2014 hubcapsc – Trip Report & Mason Dixon Pics
http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,71607.0.html  




2017 John Repik‎ - The dragon meets the chief...



2017 hubcapsc -  hillbilly ride pictures
I got invited on a ride this weekend back before Reb announced the Hillbilly ride... I ended up riding all weekend with these hillbillies: Britman, Ian, Mark, Steve and Duffy...


headed out to meet them at Cashiers NC, and stopped along the way at Smokin' Joe's "lake that looks like a Christmas tree"...


We stayed at this house on this lake:


Britman sent us explicit directions for the ride and told us all to commit them to memory, so we all knew every detail of the ride route... Crabtree Mountain Road out of Canton North Carolina is a good start to any ride...


Duffy got a little squirrely going over the top, but he kept it out of the ditch... the debris in the road was only partially responsible for the close call.  I have other pictures going down this hill, any ride that goes down this hill is a good ride. Crabtree Mountain Road dumps out right above The Rattler


There's a Rattler Loop, where you peel off onto 63 at Trust...


We bounced off the side of Asheville but never got into any tourist traffic, even though it is Memorial Day weekend, Britman had all kinds of little roads planned out that took us under I-26 and past Asheville...


A cow leaped out into the road among us, crossed all the way to the right and back again, but it all happened so fast my "picture every five seconds" camera only caught the retreat to the left.. After "snaking" us past Asheville, Britman took us on 19w up through a little bit of Tennessee... 19w is one of several great roads I got introduced to on this ride... here's a Wiki picture by some guy named Mark Clifton, not my picture:


19w's too curvy for trucks, but not curvy enough for Britman, so we took Piney Hill Road for a while. I was hoping for some good pictures there with maybe the other motorcycles coming back at me on some of the tight switchbacks, but the camera battery pooped out somewhere along the way... not before we came to this tree in the road, though...


You know you're on the real back roads when you have to clear the trees out of the way yourself. We got back to the house on the lake after about 275 miles or so... very few stops, a nice big loop and numerous new-to-me roads, a great ride!
Duffy discovered that he'd worn his tire down to the threads when we got back It was raining this morning (Sunday). We all left out to find a phone and or some Internet service - I hoped I'd remembered correctly that Schroader's Honda in Hendersonville (40 miles away) was open on Sunday. We found their number and HOORAY they were open and could fix his tire. I split off from the group at that point and headed back home down the hill to South Carolina. I hope Duffy made the 40 miles OK and that they're all headed back to Georgia on good tires as I type this...

Editor’s note (not related to the above report)
Riding at sandy beaches can be fun. And who can resist a nice picture of his Valkyrie right at the shoreline……I couldn't .....until it gets deep enough and loose enough so she can’t power through it.
This picture is Wizard’s Valk…in sand that got too deep. And BTW...Forget about deflating your tires with this baby...















          








 

[Beer van Huet]

Oklahoma Chapter
https://web.archive.org/web/20050307113137/http://www.okvalks.com:80/archives/2004/01/  and http://forums.okvalks.com/



2004
The Sooner State Valkyrie Riders is the Oklahoma Chapter of the Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club or VRCC for short. If you are a VRCC member you are automatically a part of the SSVR, but not exclusively so. We are an online community of Valkyrie riders in Oklahoma, and our community is open to all riders regardless of affiliation. In other words, we don’t care what you ride, as long as you ride! We are a little biased about what constitutes a great motorcycle but don’t let that scare you away. We get together and ride as often as possible, and have several groups rides throughout the year. This website, like the VRCC is offered free to everyone. Our site consists of the main website, message boards, photo gallery, and event calendar. If you have questions about the awesome Honda Valkyrie, or the SSVR post a message on our message board or click the email link on the sidebar.

2004

Trix
This was once a very active group and many of us OKC'rs did get together regularly.  The BBQ's we had on a yearly basis the first few years grew bigger and bigger each time.  
It takes a lot of phone calls and emails and reminders, tho... lemme be the one to tell ya!!!!
Quite a few of these guys and gals aren't really big into group riding, it just seems to take forever to get from point A to point B that way, but if you post a ride/event, make a few calls, really push it, they'll come out of the woodwork eventually  
It's a really good group, with lots of great people!

2005
w0qnx - Valkyrie on Oklahoma Skyline Drive
Robber's Cave Oklahoma Honda Valkyrie meet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wA8hFn5Vn3A

Scott - SixGuns Ablaze at Robbers Cave
https://web.archive.org/web/20060624163947/http://www.okvalks.com:80/archives/2006/05/04/robbers-schedule-2006/  and
http://forums.okvalks.com/index.php?action=search2;params=YWR2YW5jZWR8J3wwfCJ8YnJkfCd8MXwifHNob3dfY29tcGxldGV8J3x8InxzdWJqZWN0X29ubHl8J3x8Inxzb3J0fCd8cmVsZXZhbmNlfCJ8c29ydF9kaXJ8J3xkZXNjfCJ8c2VhcmNofCd8Z2FyeQ==;start=90



Wow, did we ever have a good time!  We had riders from Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, and even one guy from New Mexico!  Don rode in from the Clovis, NM area so he could get a chance to check out what the VRCC was all about and see what others had done to their bikes.  Oh, and did I mention Don only has one arm?  That’s right, he rides with his left(only) arm only and he's one hell of a good rider!  He also tried to blame a few guys for stealing his right glove a few times...



Scott
I want to thank everyone for your participation here on the message boards, and the various emails and PM's of support and interest in "Sooner Valks" in general.  With that said, a little news of the "what’s going on" category... 
We've grown quite a bit in the last 3-4 months, and with that I had to bump up our hosting plan this week because we're already running out of disk space.  A welcome upgrade as far as I'm concerned, as I was tired of juggling backups around to save space.  Right now, we're averaging about 50-60 unique visits to the forums, and website per day respectively!  Not much compared to larger more popular websites, but quite a bit for our little corner of the web.  Compared to the number of posts on the website per day, we've got lots of folks lurking in the shadows just seeing what’s going on.  
I also finished installing an update to the main webpage today.  Mostly back end stuff to make my life easier.  It will however, add some nice new features once I get time to get them set up.  One of those is a Link section, which I setup tonight.  I added a few links off the top of my head and welcome any links you might have that are appropriate.  So, be sure and let me know if you have some links you want added or think others might find useful.
Rides?  I'd like some feedback on this.  I've put a considerable amount of effort into the Ride-In in May and look forward to those that will be able to make it.  However, my gut feeling is that most folks would rather attend a shorter day ride type of event or even less.  If you are interested in meeting some other Valk riders in Oklahoma, and would like to participate in a ride, what would it be?  A dinner ride?  A lunch run?  A day ride? Destinations?  Would you like a ride that’s closer to where YOU live?  Heck, I and several others just need an excuse and we'll show up in your town for a ride.  
Invite us, I dare ya.: shock:   Drop me a line and let me know your thoughts. I'd really appreciate the feedback.
Speaking of rides.  If you are looking for place a to ride on a mini vacation this summer, be sure to consider attending Inzane IV in July.  I've been to the last two "Inzanes" and had a great time each year.  This year however, is going to be the biggest and best ever.  Pre-registration is double what it was this time last year.  I'm on the event committee and let me tell you, we've got some great stuff in the works.  The location is Paducah, Ky, which if you are on a tight schedule is only a day ride away.  However, if you have plenty of time, there are some GREAT roads to explore between here and there.  
Well, I better quit before I fall asleep at the keyboard.  
Oh, and I'll be in OKC on Saturday for the poker run (unless the weather craps on us).  If you'd like to get together later in the afternoon, or for dinner drop me a line.  I'm always up for a Valk meet.
 
2011 - Dragons to the Cave



Note from the editor
On the Sooner Valks BB http://forums.okvalks.com/index.php/board,1.0.html  I came across Gary’s Trip Reports. He makes many cross-country trips with his Valkyrie, is a very gifted photographer and frequent uploader.
If you fancy nice scenic pictures, his reports are a must read. Some examples.

Bandelier National Monument                        http://forums.okvalks.com/index.php/topic,1392.0.html
Buckhorn Cafe & Ruidoso New Mexico Run      http://forums.okvalks.com/index.php/topic,1474.0.html
Back from short road trip - AZ, NV, UT            http://forums.okvalks.com/index.php/topic,1385.0.html
Just got back in from: CO, UT, AZ, NV, CA       http://forums.okvalks.com/index.php/topic,1466.0.html
Leaf Peaker Ride - Jemez Mountains -             http://forums.okvalks.com/index.php/topic,1480.0.html
Meers Run Pictures                                        http://forums.okvalks.com/index.php/topic,1417.0.html


Beavers Bend State Park  by Oss

2005
Rumblebee – Yale/Keystone Run
http://forums.okvalks.com/index.php/topic,372.0.html
 
Goose, Blackjack & I met at Mazzios in Stroud at 2pm today. We went north on hwy99 headed towards Yale
Yale OK on hwy51, was the home of Jim Thorpe. This was very interesting to visit; this elderly lady was the tour guide for the Okla Historical Society. She was very compassionate on accurate history of this athlete.


After learning Jim Thorpe history, we headed to Keystone Lake area.  

We had a good time today and hopefully we can put together some type of ride about once a month from now on. I got back to Yukon about 830pm with about 260 miles today.

2008
LadyDraco - The trip to the BIG Falls RR
http://forums.okvalks.com/index.php/topic,1593.0.html



2009
LadyDraco - Our run to Shiloh and a few other points
http://forums.okvalks.com/index.php/topic,1431.0.html



2009 – Blue/Grey Ride
LadyDraco

We are going to Gettysburg to check out the History !!!
It's called The Blue/Grey ride....
Heck you might even want to meet up and hear a bunch of Valks roaring down the Super slab...
We have Valk riders coming in from all over the US & Can...

Pics by Normandog - on the way to the battlefield
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Valks at the battlefield. There was that many more in the other direction  

Sean Davis‎ - My old 97  
Shop Fire...


 

 

[Beer van Huet]

Tennessee Chapter
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/tn/

The Tennessee Chapter was formed in June 2003 by Steve and Sue Silva and counted 380 Riders.

Mission Statement
Our goal is to highlight the Valkyrie community here in Tennessee, as well as provide riders everywhere with information about riding in Tennessee. We feel our state has beautiful scenery and some the nicest motorcycle roads you'll find anywhere.
From the mountains to the rolling hills and lakes, you'll find something to float your boat here. Throw a leg over and come ride with us!

Highlander
My greatest VRCC moment was going to the Honda Hoot in 2000. I had been lurking on the VRCC board for about a year and decided to try the Valkyrie. It was a Tuesday. I test rode the Valkyrie, for about two hours, and bought it the moment I got back to the dealers. I joined the VRCC that night. The next morning, I took the Valkyrie in for the 600-mile check before leaving for the Honda Hoot. I had found someone looking for a roomie at the hoot on the VRCC site, Ray Pilot. Did not know him, never met him, just said heck yes, he rides a Valkyrie. I was going because I had heard some guy named Lamonster would be there. I also met Dragbars, Mosa, Hoosier Daddy, Chris and Hal, and put many faces to the names on the board. I also got a Lamonster T-shirt, still have it, always will. As the result of this meeting, I decided to become the Southern Illinois Rep. I had always ridden alone before Lamont came along, because Lamont was the VRCC to me. I learned so much from everyone, and as a result, formed a close group of riders in our area. We ride at least once every weekend, every month of the year. None of this would have happened if I had not gone to meet the humble man we all call our friend Lamonster.
By-the-way, recently, I received a package in the mail. Since Lamonster is now the proud owner and rider of a Boss Hoss and does not own a Valkyrie anymore, he decided to send me something. I was more than surprised to find his vest, his VRCC vest, in the package. He knows that I love the Valkyrie, and do not plan to change bikes, so he sent it to me. Words cannot express the way I felt. I rode all over Southern Illinois to see my friends in the “new” vest. I must admit that even as I write this I get a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye. Lamont is perhaps the most generous person I have ever met. He is always there for advice, technical details, and a call to someone in the hospital to lift their spirits, and just the best friend anyone could ever have. Those who ride with him, and join this forum know this as well as anyone. We are all of the same spirit. If you do not believe it, let any one of us need a friend, and everyone is there for us. I owe him more than he will ever know.  You will always be #1 in my book my friend.

Lamont
I have so many VRCC memories.  I guess one of first and greatest memory was when I rode my Valk from HDL in Shady side Ohio to HDL in Sunrise FL and along the way I met Mosa in Kentucky and we rode to Dragbars place in TN.
Mosa was like a long loss friend and I had never met him before. He loved to ride and he kinda knew where he was going and that was a good thing for those of you that know me.  We got along great and we both liked to ride at a good clip. We got to TN and met Dragbars for the first time and the same thing happened, it was like we were old buddies again.  I really can't remember all the other folks I met during that time but this is back when a hardcore bunch of riders and friends were being formed. I do remember meeting the famous TNT on that trip. I still consider these folks some of my best friends. I've told Dragbars that if I never made another friend for the rest of my life I have already made more friends than any one man deserves.
That trip is one of the main reasons I live in East TN now, I fell in love with this place then and told my wife that someday this is where I want to live. I guess dreams can come true.



Here's a link to some of the pics from that trip. http://www.valkyrieriders.com/JustPics/hoot2k/hoot.htm

Honda Hoot 2002 with Lamont and Dave Despain (and Hal with orange shirt in the background)
This Valk was supercharged with 8 lbs. of boost, a progressive shot of nitrous and had flame throwers so I could shoot 6' flames driving down the road. Those were the days my friend


SmokinJoe
The first 12 years or so in Asheville, NC, and Knoxville, TN the Honda Hoot was pretty cool to check out however the last few years wasn’t much .... Honda ran off most of the other brands and the vendors went with them.
I guess you couldn’t expect much more after all Honda killed the greatest cruiser to ever roll down the highway when it dropped the Valkyrie.

TnIceman
I miss my Valk a huge amount... I love to ride so much and to be bikeless a terrible disease... LOL but worse than that... I miss meeting up with some of the best friends a man could ever ask for and sharing a ride with them. Any ride is a good ride but a ride with your friends is a great ride.
I have made so many great friends over the years and I have an entire album of pictures that I pull out from time to time just to remind myself of all the great times.
One of my very first rides... Met Dragbars for the first time and we headed for the mountains of East TN... It was a great ride and I think he was testing me a little... LOL... as the Speedo kept climbing... Man that was a great day and one heck of a cold ride home... Stopping every 30 miles just to warm up.
A few months later I headed out to meet up with the group riding (or was it flying) to bike week... Pulled my baby out of the garage and it was flurrying just a little... Just bundled up and hit the road...
(that was the trip that we almost got thrown under the jail for speeding, image that...)
The trips to Vicki's... the BBQ is Texas... Ashville... Niagara Falls... Toronto...
Lamont’s sewing party...The Hoot... InZane... Way too many stories... but they all put a smile on my face.
To all those friends I don’t get to see as often... (as life seems to get in the way, LOL) I may not get to ride with you guys right now....but I never forget the rides we have shared.

Motorcycle Daily - Honda Hoots no more
http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2008/12/20december08_cancelthehoot/

Tinman
If it wasn't for the VRCC I wouldn't know any of you now. The day after I joined, Steve Myers from Greeneville Tn. e-mailed me saying he was another Valkyrie rider and had seen my post on the VRCC. He invited me for a ride with a group that met each weekend. That's where I met my best friend to this day.....RayO. Since that day, my list of friends kept growing because of the Valkyrie and the VRCC.
I first met WIA, Dragbars, and a few others on a very cold wintery ride in Knoxville. Remember the day Socrates went down? That ride has been etched in my brain all these years. How everybody stopped the ride and blasted to UT hospital to check on him. Thats when I knew I was part of a special family. Vicki, TnIceman and Lamont came the next year in Daytona, then again when I hosted a dinner during the Hoot as the East Tn. Rep. A lot has changed since then, but two things remain the same..... our friendship and the love to ride.


DOTS
Dragons over the Smokies



Dragons Over The Smokeys was held in Johnson City, Tennessee in 2006. That was the year InZane was held in Frisco, Colorado.  Redvalk did an excellent job on that gathering and helping with the two subsequent InZanes in Johnson City.

Oss
This one was set up by Tim and Dave in 2006 as the big rally was out in Colorado.  It was the days of the old chat room with dozens in the place at a time. Met lots of great folks some of whom are still with us. Bonnie and I took 3 days riding down pulling the Bushtec trailer. Stayed in Front Royal then next day rode thru Skyline Drive and had a nice ride to Peaks of Otter around mile 88 on the BRP and stayed the nite.  Great restaurant and we walked around the lake and sat out watching the bats flying and eating bugs.  Very peaceful place.
 
Next day continued south on BRP in occasional heavy fog and rain. She was not a happy camper for sure but never complained once. We did see some awesome sights such as fog rising very fast and pouring up into the heavens over the road and over the peaks.  Very surreal. Deer crossing occasionally and very light vehicle traffic. We stopped often for pictures and to just take in the scenery.
We left the BRP around Roanoke to pick up 81 and made it to Johnson City in time to go swimming in the pool. It was HOT.  Had met Don and Tracy earlier in the summer and met Raymond, BlackPearl's captain and his wife Rhonda at the pool. Dana was his best friend and was doing belly flops and really making some big splashes! Funny thing I could not close the trunk of the Valk once I got to DOTS and Hard6 and Rusty and Warlock took the whole trunk apart finding the tiny magnet battery from a led kits light inside the latch.  Have no idea how it got in there. When they put the trunk together there were no extra parts. What an experience.

Next day we rode to Wheels Thru Time with some nice folks from the Deep South Rusty & Donna, Warlock & Coolbreeze, Bird and Moonshine and her brother Magoo   Once we got past the fact that they talk funny we had a great time.  
Bird was a pretty steady rider what with Cindy totally standing and turning around while taking pics.  That would un nerve me no doubt.
I know that DOTS is where I met many folks.  Detn8er, Strider, Hard 6, maybe Smokinjoe and many others I did not know who they were but they loved riding their Valkyrie as much as we did…we had a great time
Thanks Redvalk for the effort it took to set that event up  and if I am wrong and it wasn’t dots don’t correct me, sometimes one is better off in their memories than realitywas there too
On the way back we made it to near Allentown a bit over 500 miles before Bonnie said she needed to stop and sit in a swimming pool   It was pretty damn hot and I found us a place with a cold pool lol!  Last time she would ride for 8 hrs. nonstop Now I fly her to rides that are more than 500 miles away or we take multiple days to get there





John Schmidt
I remember DOTS that year (2006), it was the year I also attended InZane the first time it was held in Frisco, CO. One highlight I remember about DOTS is I got the "Oldest Rider" award at the tender young age of 68 if I recall.
I wish they would have another InZane up there, great riding, great memories.  
GOOD times! Don't forget Wicked Wanda and Bones helped plan that. Lori had me in the movie “Diary of a Mad Black Woman" after I won the prize at the tent...
Yep, Doc/Lady Di and Sindee/I still remain close along with Murdoc/Messy, Threevalks/Janellen, Bones/Wicked Wanda, Wegs/Momma T, OP2/Candy, Navy Dad/ Navy Mom, KC Kid, Screwtape/Blinkie, Shaggy, Highbinder/Lady Draco and many friends...





Always a pleasure to see GIG, Fudgie, Blackdog, Hardsix, Strider, WQNX Raymond, Willow/Motomama, Normandog, Dave Ritsma (Da Boss) and all of our buddies...
Who could forget Paris chasing everyone's daughter around the parking lot at wee hours of the morning... Or the famous "I have A Dream" speech by the great Tennessean Smokin Joe!
Sadly we lost our great friends RJ, Big Dan, and B.S. Nicely and others but they are not forgotten...
I know that I've truly been blessed with some of the best times in the VRCC over the last 17 years





2011 Hillbilly Ride
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3RXcAyX7Rk





Highbinder
I almost forgot how much fun that ride was...I especially liked the video and music, loved the way you left the sound of the bikes in there, good job. I'm starting to get excited about this years ride...I'll see you when we do the scouting ride..

T-Bird
Ron,
You did a great job on last years ride, making one of the best events of the year.  The 4-H club was great group and some pretty good cooks too  cooldude

2012 - DubsValk
I penned this the day before our Hillbilly gathering in Marion.  I hope you like it.
Tomorrow morning I will hoist my leg over the two-wheeled beast and point her head North to Marion, Va.  Saturday morning a 100 or so of us will ride into the West Virginia hills.  To the land of fresh air, smokey blue mountains, fog gently rising from the valley floors, fading into the warm morning sun.  Maitwan and the Molly Mcguires, Williamson and the Hatfields and McCoys, Coal Field and Rocket Man, home of Chuck Yeager, Jerry West and Bernie Watkins!  A hundred bikes will crawl their way into the West, Virginia coal fields, visiting, Bishop, Big Creek, War, Coal Field, Welch, Maitland, Keystone, Northfork, Bramwell, Bluewell, Bluefield and other obscure dots on the map that used to be thriving communities.
A place where bald eagles still soar high and proud, deer and cattle graze together in high mountain pastures and sip from the same cool, fresh streams with beginnings high in the lofty peaks of the Blueridge.
I'm going home for a brief respite where fond memories abide.  Where the heart beats faster and the brow lines fade as the tension from a hectic world is devoured by this special place of places.
The roar of our bike's exhaust will herald the return of a son, trumpet his arrival, announce his presence and, sadly, his departure.
Ah, Beautiful West Virginia, you haunt my memories and I will always love you!
 
Meet in the Middle (MTM)
Hubcapsc -  2016 Trip Report
I left out of Seneca, SC, on Friday... most of South Carolina was covered by the hurricane rain, but my corner is still shriveling from drought. I have a way I like to get up to Knoxville from here... I pass through Georgia and North Carolina before I get to Tennessee. Right before I get to Tennessee, I pass The Fields Of The Wood. I stopped this time and got this picture:


The trip is all great roads. Until you get to Knoxville. The way to Wimps house gets gnarly where 129 (part of 129 is The Dragon) hits I40.
I called Wimp when I was about an hour out. He said I40 would be a parking lot, and sure enough it was. He told me an alternate route, and I made it right to his house  
We left from Wimps house and got on I75 (which was busy, but not a parking lot) and headed out to Clinton where the motel was. We all went to eat nearby, Joe and his wife carried some folks to the Restaurant so they didn't have to ride their bikes. We've stayed at this motel before here's us getting ready to leave from the Hardee's next door:

With last year's several bad accidents on our minds, Joe has started several rides recently with a prayer. He called on me to say the prayer this time, everyone gathered around there in the Hardee's parking lot...
Joe took us up into the Great Smoky Mountains on our way through to Cherokee...

 
The problem with places like The Great Smoky Mountains is that there’s good trails here and water falls there and all the trail heads turn into nasty quagmires of congestion...



I didn't see any...
We finally got to the gas stop at Cherokee around 1:30 or 2:00... with 230 miles of BRP still to go  
Here's Lance, looking like a secret service agent, Wimp trying to figure out where to feed dollar bills into the gas pump, and Dennis, smiling as usual...



Punisher and Gordon hiding in the bushes, Joe's bike, JimmyT's bike, Barry's Bee and Wimp's nephew..
We headed off down the parkway, planning to eat in Asheville. Some of us missed the exit. I was following along behind the bike in front of me when all of a sudden we all pulled off to a side area... we realized we weren't with The Group anymore.
Out came the cell phones... Some folks decided the heck with it and headed to Ground Zero on main roads, some folks headed back to The Group who were already sitting down to eat at a Ryan's in Asheville, and me, Roger and Roy took off down the parkway towards Sparta. We got to roll hard from there, it was kind of a relief, we didn't hit any real clogs until past Craggy Gardens...
We stopped and actually put on our long sleeve shirts... I'll miss summer, but this great cool air was real fine    We decided we couldn’t make it all the way to ground zero on the gas we had, so we dropped down to Linville for gas... hmmm... it's only 6:30, let's eat at this good restaurant! It was good too, but it was almost 8:00 by the time we got back on the parkway. Deer were crouched in every field waiting to pounce into the road at dark.
We passed a couple of Valkyries. Then made a quick stop, right at dark. One of the Valkyries pulled up behind us, it was Bill and Trish... the other Valkyrie was Mitch, he'd gone the other way looking for a group of four or five others – apparently The Group had split further after we had left out at Asheville. They were glad to be with us because they thought we knew how to proceed    ...
Off through the darkness we went, 40 or 50 miles of BRP left to go. Then we came upon another big group of Valkyries... it was what was left of The Group, and they were at an intersection, Joe had led some down the hill to get gas. So we were mostly all back together. We all ditched the BRP at that point, so off through the darkness down some secondary road on a route unknown to me     ... some of the folks behind me were falling behind, so I fell back and
barely kept The Group in sight in front of me and the others in sight behind me.
Finally we passed a sign that said we were on 221, I knew how to get all the way to the Motel from 221. We came to an intersection, so I let the ones in front go on and waited for the ones behind. Before we came to any turns, we came up to The Group waiting on us again, and finally one more
jog to the motel, a little after 10:00... whew!
Mitch didn't show up until a half hour or so later, then pretty much every one chilled. I chilled until about 1:00 am, some folks chilled a couple of hours longer than that    ...
A bunch of us headed to a sit-down breakfast place nearby Sunday morning and we talked about our plans. I had brought the North Carolina red book with me, and my plan was to "go south"... Punisher and 3Fan and "Ginger" liked my plan and off we went on pretty good roads, some gravel, but no
traffic. Until we hit Boone... good grief... Labor Day... we didn't get sucked irretrievably into the traffic with the help of the red book, and pretty soon were zooming down 105 (instead of stewing miserably in the combined 221/321 Boone traffic snarl).
Mark and Debbie peeled off when we hit 40 and headed to Maggie Valley.
Me and Punisher continued on back roads until we got to hiway 11 in South Carolina. We had to pass near Lake Lure to get to hiway 9... gahhh... holidays and tourist traffic... turning onto 9 across the flow of tourists from Chimney Rock/Lake Lure was exciting.
Carolyn fixed a great supper and Punisher stayed in our plush, well-lit guest cabin... we took him out to the good breakfast place near I85 so he could head on home and got bitten by the holiday again... the good breakfast place was PACKED and it took long enough for him to get halfway to Atlanta...
We've changed the plans for next year... we'll gather from all our disparate places directly at the Sparta hotel on Friday next year, ride in a group or groups all day on Saturday, and get back to Sparta Saturday night with plenty of time to hang out in the parking lot each night... no riding on the parkway in the dark...

-Mike "unless you want to..."



RayO
It's really hard to come up with ONE favorite time, especially if you narrow it down to the VRCC stuff. I have met a lot of great people through the internet, related to bike events. I've made some great friends, some of the best friends I have ever had.
One great trip I will always remember was the trip to Daytona when a few of us stopped over at Smiling Jack's and he fed us an excellent steak dinner and put us all up like we were family. This happened AFTER spending a night at TNT & JW's, where we were so welcome also. The ride was great, but the friendships were what made the trip stand out so much. Once in Daytona, it was "another Bike Week" but it was the reason for the ride, just like the bikes are the reason for this board, but it sure has created a lot more. Thanks to all of you for the comraderie.

Lamont
I guess one of first and greatest memory was when I rode my Valk from HDL in Shady side Ohio to HDL in Sunrise FL and along the way I met Mosa in Kentucky and we rode to Dragbars place in TN.
Mosa was like a long loss friend and I had never met him before. He loved to ride and he kinda knew where he was going and that was a good thing for those of you that know me.   We got along great and we both liked to ride at a good clip. We got to TN and met Dragbars for the first time and the same thing happened, it was like we were old buddies again. I really can't remember all the other folks I met during that time but this is back when a hardcore bunch of riders and friends were being formed. I do remember meeting the famous TNT on that trip. I still consider these folks some of my best friends. I've told Dragbars that if I never made another friend for the rest of my life I have already made more friends than any one man deserves.  
That trip is one of the main reasons I live in East TN now, I fell in love with this place then and told my wife that someday this is where I want to live. I guess dreams can come true.

http://www.valkyrieriders.com/JustPics/hoot2k/hoot.htm

 

BigJon
Where Do I start?
Who knows!!!
But I do know this, Met Jim and Vicki at Wal-Mart in Memphis.
Vicki invited us on a ride, that was in June or July 2000.
Then met Danny at a Bike Night sometime there soon after.
They both invited a Wing Rider to visit the VRCC.
So I got to visiting the board and lurking.
Then in 2001 LeAnn and I went to Honda Hoot, Inzane I, and who knows what else.
But since buying the bike we have made some really great friends all over the country (not even going to try to start naming you guys and gals.)
Picked up and moved to East Tennessee, Thanks to LeMont moving out here and asking for help in building Mrs. LeMont a sewing room and us coming to help with it, and discovering how gorgeous it was on the "right side of the state".  
I am greatful and proud to call all of you friends.
I would definetly, be happy to introduce you to any of my blood family, as family, you might as well be!!!  
 

TnIceman
I miss my valk a huge amount.. I love to ride so much and to be bikeless a terrible disease.. LOL but worse then that.. I miss meeting up with some of the best friends a man could ever ask for and sharing a ride with them. Any ride is a good ride but a ride with your friends is a great ride.
I have made so many great friends over the years and I have an entire album of pictures that I pull out from time to time just to remind myself of all the great times.
One of my very first rides. Met Dragbars for the first time and we headed for the mountians of East TN.. It was a great ride and I think he was testing me a little.. LOL.. as the speedo kept climbing.. Man, that was a great day and one heck of a cold ride home.. Stopping every 30 miles just to warm up..

A few months later I headed out to meet up with the group riding (or was it flying) to bike week.. Pulled my baby out of the garage and it was flurrying just a little.. Just bundled up and hit the road..
(that was the trip that we almost got thrown under the jail for speeding, image that..)

The trips to Vicki's... the BBQ is Texas.. Ashville.. Niagra Falls.. Toronto..
Lamonts sewing party..THe Hoot... InZane... Way to many stories.. but they all put a smile on my face..

To all those friends I dont get to see as often.. (as life seems to get in the way, LOL) I may not get to ride with you guys right now.. .but I never forget the rides we have shared.

[Beer van Huet]

Florida Chapter
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/fl/home.htm



DDT
It all started with a couple in Ocala, FL... Mark & Pat Croft. Mark had a Valkyrie and posted on our Florida board.
I responded, and we rode together for a time. I'd been pondering on the difficulty we'd had trying to put group rides together... Mark and Pat were also perplexed by this...
Members in Florida were scattered all over this geographically rather large state, and hooking-up meant everybody had to make a long ride just to join up with other riders to then begin a group ride. An idea popped into my thinker muscle one fine day... I called it 'The Great Florida BBQ Quest'...
I just so happen to really like BBQ. Mark & Pat do too. The idea of the 'Quest' was that we'd simply announce some BBQ joint somewhere in Florida we would be trying out on the following Saturday, and we would invite any interested riders to join us for lunch. The idea was that we would visit that place to 'evaluate' its offering, but the real reason was to provide an excuse to ride and meet fellow Valkers.
Since meeting early in the morning and doing a group ride seemed impractical, our thinking was that we could all ride from our various locations and still meet up... Those who lived close enough to each other could join up for a mini group ride, and everybody was free to ride wherever they chose. Eventually we even did a few 'overnighters' to extend our time together and our ability to ride together.

The response was very light at first. In fact, it was not unusual for only the three of us to show up for the 'meet & greet'... Still, we kept it up, and we would post a little write-up about the ride, food, etc. In time, a few folks at first began to show up... then more and more... until we had rather impressive turn-outs and loads of fun!
The VRCC had already been established... more or less. The message board was operational, and we did use it. However, a couple of other boards were also used back then, and hearing about this one elsewhere is how many folks got attracted to this board...
 
The VRCC was an interesting innovation at the time. It just sprung up out of the minds of a couple of very creative folks, and it used a novel and previously unheard of business model... No membership dues!
All successful clubs before this one had relied on dues for much of its funding, but the VRCC relied entirely upon advertising mostly, but donations and contributions too. What a concept!!! Membership rolls exploded immediately!!!
The success in Florida came from a couple of important factors, I think... First, the no-dues aspect of the club was extremely attractive and offered no participation barrier to anyone. The second was the message board. This provided what I call 'an electronic club house in cyberspace' that neutralized the huge obstacle of distance. The third, and in our case arguably the most important, was the participation of couples and not just solo guys.
We were richly blessed in that way, but it didn't occur to me right at first. In short order, however, it became obvious, though, and more than anything else, I credit that to the long-term success. Mark and Pat are a wonderful couple and perfect 'hosts' or center pieces for such an activity to revolve around. Other couples soon, too, began to become 'unofficial leaders', catalysts of a sort, around which still others were drawn...

That was more than fifteen years ago! I recently moved back to Florida, and I've had the great pleasure to join in on a couple of their activities... Things have naturally evolved over time, and new faces have replaced many of the ones I'd known way back when... But, the participation levels, closeness, affection, and friendship are still alive and well!

New 'leaders' have stepped up to fill the void when the old ones have stepped aside, but... The VRCC with its 'culture', message board and the Valkyrie motorcycle at the core, this group has found a unique way to come together and celebrate that special bond that we know on a much larger scale... Good folks treating each other with genuine respect and affection... sharing a slice of life that simply cannot be found anywhere else.

Mark47
I wanted to connect with Florida Valkyrie riders and posted on the national board.  DDT responded.  We met, took a ride and the rest is history.  
Pat and I would ride during the week finding places to meet and then post that we would be at a place on Saturday at x hour and things went find.  After a few regular eating places DDT came up with the idea of BBQ.  After that BBQ was the primary nutritional component.  We had 42 one Saturday and once there was me. My passenger wife and one other.  Never was there a time that no one showed up at one of my posting.  Amazing to me but rewarding to know that others wanted to gather and talk bikes and be with other riders.
Not much else to report but that I am still grieving over having to put my helmet on the shelf and I still have thoughts of buying a bike for riding by myself since my bride can't ride anymore because of back discomfort.

Valkyrie Central Website http://www.valkyrieriders.com/mark/home.htm
Excellent archive with over 50 great and still active Event/Trip Reports and other memorabilia. Pictures are better quality than the ones below and contain comments.

John Schmidt
Saw a pic of myself in Eustis, '05, hadn't realized it was that far back. I see Paul (Easygoer) and Dave Bastedo in a couple shots, often wondered whatever happened to them. We used to have an impromptu gathering loosely referred to as the Breakfast Club, usually met at Luigi's in B'ville. Dave and Paul often showed up. Another couple whose names I don't recall, he was a retired local LEO, sheriff's dept. I believe. Never forget Red, traded bikes about as often as weather changed so you never knew what he was going to show up on. Think he was involved in a lot of rental properties.
So many regulars in the past often wonder where they are now. I often have been kidded about my slow riding, Jeff Parker (Flavalkrider) used to joke about "John actually got out of 3rd gear."  But I can't hold a candle to Easygoer when it comes to "easy" riding style. If he were to match DDT's mileage, Paul would have to live to be 150.  I miss the really good old days of riding in Florida

"It's a hard life but somebody's got to live it."



Ocala 2000
A friendly and diverse group of Valkyrie riders gathered on July 22 in Ocala Florida to kick tires, share experiences and cruise the back roads of Marion County. The group consisted of eight bikes and ten people.
1997 through Y2K bikes were represented and no two bikes were identical. One bike was so unique and customized that the owner had been invited to ship and display the bike at a motorcycle rally in Germany, at the rally sponsors expense. In contrast one bike seldom gets washed by anything other than rain. One bike's odometer was pushing 70,000 miles while another had barely past 2000. Paint finishes ranged from Honda's bumble-bee black and yellow, to "extreme" custom airbrush motifs.

The riders of these bikes consisted of young retirees to working folks with many years to go. Their attitudes and interests around motorcycles ranged from the 'fast long-distance rider' to the 'local poke along'. With regard to the care and maintenance of the bikes, diversity was evident in these two quotes "I do all my maintenance myself if at all possible", "These hands don't fit a wrench". Though experiences and attitudes about riding were diverse there was uniformity in their spirit to help each other out with answers of 'how do you do that' and "where did you get that.'

Starting with a breakfast at Denny', followed by 'Show and Tell, the gathering was topped off with a ride through the horse country of Marion County and a few twists and turns through the Ocala Forest. Bruce led our parade which started with 7 bikes and concluded with 2. The decline during the ride was due to other commitments that some of the riders had which required them to drop out part way along the route. A good time was had by all.
The common thread that drew such a diverse group together is the love of riding and in this particular case the love of riding a Valkyrie. The Valkyrie is in a unique class of its own. It has the classic lines of the hot-rodding cruiser bike but the comfort of the ride meets or exceeds any tour bike made. It has a 1500cc engine with a motor sound that combines the whisper of a 747 jet and the rumble of a 1960's mussel car Hollywood Glasspack muffler. With its sport look and its touring comfort, the Valkyrie has been a hit with many rider types. It has more power than any interstate hiway will allow and it can be set up with more creature comforts and gadgets than any two-wheeled toy could ever use.


                                   Neil, Bruce, Ralph, Mike, Jimmy, Karla, Hank, Pat

Daytona 2000





2000 - Smilin Jack
I purchased my Valkyrie in Southern Ill, drove all night to get it and returned to GA the following day. Joined the VRCC and soon was involved in many of the activities such as the fund to help fellow members who were hurt. It was Lamont and Sonny in California who really got me involved with the VRCC. Although I had not ever met either of them.

Then....I had a ride to Daytona with a lot of folks TNT. JW, Christian Earthdog and a host of others. What a blast.... I knew I found a great bunch of folks and met Lamont in Daytona also with Highlander whom I had posted with many times on the board. The rest is history.... Some of my dearest friends are right here. My daughter also joined us in Daytona and made a special friend with Christian....after a comment she'll never forget at dinner.

There are so many folks that ride Valkyries in GA because of Jeff and I letting them on our bikes. we have a great group here in GA and really feel great to belong to this group on the BBR. I have had the opportunity to see a lot of folks on the road while traveling such as RJ and others in Arizona. Folks like Ray Hall, Ray Oubre, Big Don and a host of others have made a life time of memories.

Dennis from Blythe
There was the first ever Honda Valkyrie Charity Custom Cruiser Bike show, held in Daytona, in 2001
https://youtu.be/RccFTCAldEA

Laborman
I wouldn't have met all of you if it had not been for getting in the VRCC. When I bought the Valk, I didn't know anyone who had one, much less anything about the bike. I searched the net for Valk and stumbled on to the VRCC. I sat back, lurked for a while, and then joined in.
 
I was treated to many great stories and a lot of advice from the "stars" of the board at that time...Lamonster, Dragbars, Mosa, Smilin Jack, Tennessee Iceman, TNT and JDubya, Speedie, and many, many others.
I went to Daytona and met up with the group. What a thrill it was to meet all these people...and, what a treat it was to be accepted by other riders who I had never met. There ain't nothing like the brotherhood of the group.
Later I went to Hotglue's 5B's BBQ and met more of the group. La. chapter was started, I met Jack in New Orleans and Anita and others. I have been treated to the wit of Sarge, the craziness of Craze, the hospitality of Hotglue, Lamonster, DB, TenIceman, Big Jon and the Razorback wife, Mosa and his parents (at Inzane), Smilin Jack, Hurricane, RescueRoy and his wife, Gary Williams and Connie, and many others I can't think of......that's the problem with getting old....speaking of old, can't forget RJ...HA!  

I met lifelong - best friends - Michael P, Beverly, RPBrown and Cheryl, and Trap in Helen. I've ridden to New Mexico with Michael P, and then to Sturgis in 2004 with the entire group. I have been blessed to meet and keep such great friends that are friends for life. Like Lamont, DB, Mosa, TnIceman, BigJon, and others who formed lifelong friendship, I too have formed lifelong friendships with all of you. I have been treated to "open house" from TNT and JDubya, ridden with Speedie and others from Tn.

For me, it’s not just the memories of where we all came from, but it is where we landed today. Anytime, anyplace, anything you need, I know I can count on all of my friends and riders. My memories are of the rides, the gatherings, and the longing to get some planned for 2005. I miss all of you and look forward to the rides next year.

2002-2005  - Panama City

 







Branford



San Antonio





Eustis - Friends at Friendly's
Thirteen riders started the year off about as good as anyone can; with a motorcycle ride and hooking up with fellow riders. They all arrived at Friendly's Restaurant near 441 and 19 for some tire kicking and conversation.



San Antonio
San Antonio Florida was invaded by 19 riders on Saturday of Aug 10. We had warm temps (not really hot) clear skies, good conversation and lots of nice rides to check out.
It was a demonstration that last minute events can work. The announcement was sent out on Friday evening around 7 PM.
It was good to see and chat with the regulars, the infrequent and the new folks. The beauty of our group is that you do what you want when you want without any criticism. Come when you can. You'll always be welcome.
When you get a chance to ride the back roads around San Antonio take advantage of the opportunity. There are more hills and turns in this area than most anywhere in the state.


                                         Gab and gawk period                                                                Phil & Jean

Florida Boy's Barbeque in Brooksville
Red showed up with a new (Debbi dubbed) "baby bike" and Bill showed up with a new Goldwing. Jim had the biggest surprise as he brought a new woman; just a family friend so you gossips will have to look elsewhere. Deb was exhausted from her late-night hours. She and Fred brought some picture she took at Fall Panama City event. It was good to see Tom back with an Interstate after his flirting with a sport bike. Rick's bike is still a chrome thief's dream.

 

Minneola
 It started with a "Friendly's" meeting in Eustis. A little introducing and tire kicking developed into Bill suggesting a ride to Minneola. Bill was proclaimed ride leader and started our excursion. About a third of the way there Jimmy became the leader. About halfway there Robert and Ela got caught at a light, so mark dropped back to serve as a connecting dot between Robert's vision and the lead group. Finally, the cars turned off and the gang was together again just in time to see Bill and Jimmy switch leader position again. It was a merry ride with all arriving safe and sound and together. What more can one ask for. The weather was absolutely terrific and the surroundings of the outdoor Grill was relaxing and fascinating. The lake had skiers, sail boats, motor boats and two airplanes. Yep two Pontoon planes, one departing and one arriving, served as part of the floor show. Thanks for the suggestion Bill. We'll do it again sometime.



BIKERS CREED
Submitted by Debie

I ride because it is fun. I ride because I enjoy the freedom I feel from being exposed to the elements, and the vulnerability to the danger that is intrinsic to riding. I do not ride because it is fashionable to do so.
I ride my machine, not wear it. My machine is not a symbol of status. It exists simply for me, and me alone. My machine is not a toy. It is an extension of my being, and I will treat it accordingly, with the same respect as I have for myself.
I strive to understand the inner-workings of my machine, from the most basic to the most complex. I will learn everything I can about my machine, so that I am reliant upon no one but myself for its health and wellbeing.
I strive to constantly better my skill of control over my machine. I will learn its limits and use my skill to become one with my machine so that we may keep each other alive. I am the master; it is the servant. Working together in harmony, we will become an invincible team.
I do not fear death. I will, however, do all possible to avoid death prematurely. Fear is the enemy, not death. Fear on the highway leads to death, therefore I will not let fear be my master. I will master it.
My machines will outlive me. Therefore, they are my legacy. I will care for them for future bikers to cherish as I have cherished them, whoever they may be.
I do not ride to gain attention, respect, or fear from those that do NOT ride, nor do I wish to intimidate or annoy them. For those that do not know me, all I wish from them is to ignore me. For those that desire to know me, I will share with them the truth of myself, so that they might understand me and not fear others like me.
I will never be the aggressor on the highway. However, should others mess with me, their aggression will be dealt with in as severe manner as I can cast upon them.
I will show respect to other bikers more experienced or knowledgeable than I am. I will learn from them all I can. However, if my respect is not acknowledged or appreciated, it will end.
I will not show disrespect to other bikers less experienced or knowledgeable than I am. I will teach them what I can. However, if they show me disrespect, the teaching will stop.
It will be my task to mentor new riders that so desire, into the lifestyle of the biker, so that the breed shall continue. I shall instruct them as I have been instructed by those who came before me. I shall preserve and honor traditions of bikers before me, and I will pass them on unaltered.
I will not judge other bikers on their choice of machine, their appearance, or their profession. I will judge them only on their conduct as bikers. I am proud of my accomplishments as a biker, though I will not flaunt them to others. If they ask, I will share them.
I will stand ready to help any other biker that truly needs my help. I will never ask another biker to do for me what I can do for myself.
I am not a part-time biker. I am a biker when, and wherever I go. I am proud to be a biker and hide my chosen lifestyle from no one. I ride because I love freedom, independence, and the movement of the ground beneath me. But most of all, I ride to better understand myself, my machine, the lands in which I ride, and to seek out and know other bikers like myself.

Pic by DDT
Sweetcheeks and the giant flask


Rick Flanders, 'Flask', from Florida is renowned for always having an assortment of flasks with him, and all contain various chemical concoctions sure to lubricate the imbibers!
One of those 'special containers' is the largest of that type I've ever seen, and it always gets passed around... Nope, I didn't get a selfie, but I surely took a turn!











 

[Beer van Huet]

Arizona Chapter
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/az/



First Chapter Rep was La Manza Davis in Glendale, CA shortly afterwards followed up by F6gal, Phoenix.

Look at this 2001 website with active links https://web.archive.org/web/20021218100554/http://azvalks.homestead.com:80/AzValks.html

Roosevelt Lake Ride by Connie

Sunday's ride has got to be dedicated to Lynn Morris, who gave up her anniversary weekend in Laughlin because she could tell hubby, Ken, really wanted to ride with us.  What a gal !!
Yes, it was another absolutely gorgeous Arizona winter day.  Eight bikes made it for the ride.  New folks today were Ken & Lynn on a Black Tourer, Doug & Charly also on a Black Tourer, and Randy's son Cameron on his red Magna.  And our returning compatriots: Jerry & Donna, Red Wing; John Q, Blue/Silver I/S; Randy, Black I/S; Diane, Purple/White Std; and, of course, moi on my Dark Red/Cream Tourer.
The route we took today is one of my personal favorites; no matter what time of year the scenery is always breathtaking, and today was no different.  We headed out SR60 under sunny skies.  SR60 heading into Miami has a fair amount of twisties... pretty good entertainment value.  We stopped for Mexican food and socializing in Miami.  Then it was on up 88/188.  Long, lazy curves with the lake and mountains for a back drop... just incredible.  I only wish I could take pics while riding so I could share the experience.  We stopped for pics and more socializing at the lake station and again at a rest stop before heading down 87.  87 is another beautiful scenic route, although I thought this stretch was a little bit prettier last time when the fall colors were at their peak.
I know I say this everytime, but it's true... Another great ride!!!  Thanks everyone who made it, hope you had as good a time as I did.  BTW, I love that Valkyrie, what a machine!!!!!


Southern California Valkyrie Riders and the Arizona Valkyrie Club Present


                                                Lots of Fun and Lots of Valkyries

2002 - River Ride Central Valkyrie Rally
http://valkyrieriders.com/f6gal/RiverRun.htm
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/socal/0403laughlin/riverridecentral.htm

Shade, you say....Nearby!
Rest Rooms, you say....We Got Em !
Gasoline, you say....Just Down The Street!
Something to Slake Your Thrist, you say....We'll Have It!
Plenty Of Valks & Valk Goodies to Oogle At, you say....OF COURSE!    
A Place To Rest Your Road Weary Bones & Some Shade So You Can Stop
Workin' On Your Tan For A Bit, you say....Well NOW, You're Askin For Alot,
BUT WE'LL HAVE IT!


                                                                                                                                  Valkyrie March Down LV Casino Dr.

2002 and 2003 - Prescott, another joint effort by both Chapters
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/socal/0903westernregionrally/home.htm
https://web.archive.org/web/20031008165134/http://www.valkyrieriders.com:80/socal/0903WesternRegionRally/home.htm





 












Scott  - Ride the Rail Winner                                          Sandy – Bite the Weenie Winner                 Scott (left)  - Slow Race Winner  


     Grand Prize (W&W)                                                  Mild Custom                                             Wild Custom



2016 - John is hosting a BBQ for Arizona and SoCal VRCC.……and has been a great succes ever since
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/socal/John%20G's%20BBQ/Details.htm

Laughlin





April 2003 - Seems like some Riders got inspiration by a real-life event in Baghdad.


2004 Graig -  Made it home safe

Total trip = 4,514 mi. What a bike. She ran strong and purred like a kitten all the way home. On Sunday I got an unofficial Iron Butt ride in. Made it from Paducah to just short of Tucumcari NM. I would have made it all the way but I was freezing my butt off. I wasn't ready for 50 deg. and rain. I got lost in one hell of a thunder storm (frog drownder) just North of Memphis that added about 100 mi. to the trip. Glenn... you should have been there to keep me from getting lost. I'll need a new rain suit... that old one just didn't hold up to 90+ MPH sustained winds all day. I managed to hold it together with duct tape until I got home. At the speeds I was running.... I managed to hit reserve at 95 mi. and at one point, ran out of gas at 140 mi. Good thing I had that extra gas can.

2016 ke6aza - 1st Annual BBQ At The Barn
I want to thank everyone for coming out and making this event the success that it was.  We had at least 29 people. I am not sure of the count.  It was really good seeing old friends and making new ones.  I didn't get any pictures so I hope other people did and will post some. We have met some really great people through this club.  I have gotten a lot of enjoyment, good memories, and great friends from riding with the VRCC.  It is nice to be able to give back a little.  I am looking forward to sharing the road with my VRCC friends, old and new.  Donna and I sure had a great time. Donna is already talking about doing a BBQ again next year.  I hope everybody has a safe trip home.   Again, thank you all for coming.  


                                                                      Great Line up

                       Montezuma’s Castle                   Our fearless leader and our Gracious Host


                                       hackberry general store
 






 

[Beer van Huet]

Nevada Chapter
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/nv/




2008 - OneWay Wayne invites SoCal to Vegas
Well the first thing I want to do is give a big Thank You to Wayne for setting this great ride up and making the hotel arrangements. I know you will all agree that Wayne did a great job.
It was a great day to ride. Wayne served up some wonderful weather and roads for us. We all meet at Buffalo Bills for a nice lunch at the Buffet. I think it was around 15 bikes total. Curmudgeon from the Nevada chapter joined us as well as a new VRCC members Doug and Helen. It was Doug's first ride with us and he emailed me and said he had a great time. Looking forward to seeing him and Helen again in the future.
After lunch we all loaded up and Wayne lead the way to Lake Mead. A few of us even had a little fun with some roll on drag racing down hwy 93. I must say all are bikes are equal. We made a couple of stops along the way for gas and a break but the most beautiful spot was at Lake Mead. The lake was very low but nice all the same. We finally got to the hotel around 6:30 to check in and we meet for dinner at 7:30 in the buffet. They were very nice in seating us all together and it was fun. Wayne and Teri were the big 50/50 winners. It was his first time and I think it was great since he planned the ride and all.
Although the weather was great on Saturday it was a different story on Sunday. I was a cold and windy ride home. Lou, Rick, Rob and I did make a stop in Baker for a strawberry shake despite the cold though.
That's about it. Hope to see you all next month for Darkwing's Joshua Tree ride.





2009 - HotRod
Went up to Mt Charleston this AM to escape the heat for a little bit, had a nice breakfast at the lodge out on the balcony, nice cool 70 degrees, rode around the mountain for awhile enjoying each others company and the beautiful senery. Then back down the hill to hell! It's starting to get cooler in the evening and mornings finally, been working alot of hours latley and hav'nt posted in quite a while but think about all of you often. I hope all enjoyed Inzane,wish I could of gone, heres a few pic's from today.

 Took off Saturday with two other couples to head to Kingman AZ to meet a bunch of other hooligans but one of out brother had nothing but trouble so it took us way to long to get there and the had left. We did finally make it to Kingman and had a bite to eat, I had planed all along to split off and ride to Flagstaff and spend the night, so that's what I did and the other limped into Laughlin for the night and then back home in the morning. I woke up in Flag and had breakfast and headed north to Page AZ and then across to Kanab UT, then ST. George UT then home to Henderson NV.  Nice ride just just the last 300 miles were total $hit. Gust of wind up to 50 mph, cross winds from both sides, head winds, cold and clouds coming in like crazy, needless to say I was high tailing it for home so as not to get wet if it could be avoided, and it wasn't my day to get wet, thank God. The wind beat the hell out of me and it was time for the hot spa, oh yeah baby.

[Beer van Huet]

Arkansas Chapter
Natural State Dragon Riders
https://web.archive.org/web/20000829070812/http://www.zyworld.com:80/vrccarkansas/main.html



2000 - David R. Wooten

The Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club Arkansas Chapter is only now getting its feet planted firmly on the ground, and so it falls to the membership to help us fill out the "weakest" section of our site. We need PHOTOS, STORIES, TECH NOTES and TRIP ROUTES
In short, we need everything and anything that might be of interest to fellow Arkansas Valkyrie riders. Email me as much or as little as you want - if it fits, we'll add it! 
You will find our members friendly and helpful. There is NO political structure here and therefore NO politics. This club is all about the love of the Valkyrie and the people who ride them.  What more do we need. The VRCC will be around for the long haul just like F6Rider Webzine, we ain't going nowhere folks! Oh I forgot to mention, it's FREE!

Gregg Buchanan
In years past, we had an Arkansas Valkyrie Riders Cruisers Club group. I've also enjoyed many rides with the VRCC group and have met more good friends there than I can count. A great event VRCC has done in the past is the Robbers' Cave Event where AR, TX, OK, etc., met at Robbers Cave State Park in NW OK and rode Hwy. 1 (I believe) through Queen Willimena where we lunched before looping back to Robbers Cave Park for social time.
David Mills lived in Fayetteville/Springdale-area and was very active in the AR Valkyrie Group in years past. A group of us who attended Bikes, Blues, & Barbecue rode together in the parade and had a get-together that was led by David and his wife.

Don Taylor, David Mills lived in Fayetteville/Springdale-area and was very active in the AR Valkyrie Group in years past. A group of us who attended Bikes, Blues, & Barbecue rode together in the parade and had a get-together that was led by David and his wife. Last I heard, they had an accident and I don't know if they're still riding. 

2005


https://web.archive.org/web/20050404234328/http://www.okvalks.com:80/archives/2005/02/11/hot-springs-ridein/

The Arkansas VRCC chapter is hosting a Valkyrie ride-in on April 28-30. The ride-in will be located in Hot Springs Arkansas at the Clarion Inn. Plan to arrive the evening of the 28th and join the group ride on Friday the 29th. The ride on Friday will be up Hwy 7 to Jasper for lunch and winding back down to Hot Springs for dinner in the evening. The route will be roughly 300 miles. Saturdays ride has not been decided yet, leaving Sunday for your trip home.
If you have never had the chance to ride the mountain roads in Arkansas you don’t know what you are missing! So, don’t miss this one! 
Check out Scott’s pictures from the early days
https://web.archive.org/web/20050405184758/http://www.oakesranch.com:80/gallery/bikes


2014 - Hot Springs Ride Pics









Jack B
My wife and I had never been to the Smokie Mountains and wanted to go there to see and ride along the mtn roads on our way to InZane. I e-mailed Vickie to find a good place to stay in the area since I knew she had recently moved there. Vickie and J-Dubya offered us a room and their hospitality. My wife was apprehensive since she had not met Vickie and I really didn't know her except over the web at VRCC and Big Bike Riders. Vickie was persistant and we stayed with her and J-Dubya for the few days we were there. We even took our dogs, Sasha and Oakley. While there, we met TJ and the Boyz. Vickie showed us the area as well as Southern Hospitality I think most of us think is dead.
Another time was HotGlue's BBQ in Friendswood(aptly named). Mark and Flamingo Babe throw an awesome party. Best food and hospitality in Texas. While there, Texas riders showed us the area. We met DC, Speedy, and many more of the folks we had "met" thru the VRCC and BBR. All treated us like family(heck, better).
Since then I have been to Vickie's for her BBQ, been back to HotGlue's again, and had Mark meet me in New Orleans for a few beers. Sarge has come to visit New Orleans. Yogi and Rocket and Big Ern has come to visit.
Wow, too much and too many good folk to mention. I guess bottom line is I have the VRCC to thank for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this. 

[Beer van Huet]

Utah Chapter
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/ut/home.htm



2000 - Moab Ride





A few sublime pics by Reed England


2011 - Des - Weekend trip to Zion National Park (very nice pics)
Kendall, Michael K, Duane (Wizard) and I spent a wonderful weekend riding to & around Zion National Park in Utah.  Kendall & I had been to Zion a few years back with some Cajuns -- but it's such a beautiful experience that it's certainly worth a 2nd, 3rd, 4th trip.  
The ride up was glorious once we got up around Payson and beyond.  Weather was much warmer over the weekend than we expected but once we were north it was a nice weekend -- until Sunday afternoon when we dropped back down into this hell we call the Valley of the Sun.
All total we rode about 1040 miles, which is a short trip for Kendall and I -- but this is our 1st real ride since we came home from Elko, NV in May.  We headed out on Friday morning and was back home before bed on Sunday.
Stayed at a wonderful little place called Mt. Carmel Motel & RV Park.  Owner was an elderly lady and couldn't have been sweeter.

High points (outside of the companionship) was the couple of close calls with a pair of Bambies and the tourist chasing a herd of sheep back and forth across the road right in front of us!  ***#$%@#$% tourist #$%@#$***

On the way back home Sunday Michael took us around be Jacobs Lake which is a really nice area and spectacular ride --- swung back up the hill to the look out on the way to Page so we could catch a couple of the road side vendors (looking for me a new watch) --- parked the Valks and no sooner did we get 2 steps away from our Dragons they were swarmed by about a dozen tourists off a bus that was there checking out the vendors.  It was hilarious (pictures included)
If you've never been to Zion I would highly recommend adding it to your bucket list -- it's worth the kick!
https://get.google.com/albumarchive/115641274842795544115/album/AF1QipNIdQaf2ZsRqU-cPBJ2ZxL8tfJ9UfsiZSBzc4c7?source=pwa

2012 – MrArn - Ride to Moab Utah & Monument Valley
http://bikersroadreport.com/2012/05/08/ride-to-moab-utah/

Pic by MarkT


Mike McDonald  - Near Uvada, elev 5700’


2018 - fudgie's X country trip
Left July 26th and got home last night. 4,176 miles. Trip was mostly Utah. Did Rocky Mntn NP, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Arches, Escalente, Capitol Reef, Capulin Volcano, and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
I been putting off Utah for many yrs. Ever since I talked to strider about his "Billy & Wyatt" trip, Utah has been on my list. Made it happen this yr.  smitten

Did some Pony Express stuff and center of the US in Kansas.
Stayed in Estes Park which was ok. Hotel was awesome. RMNP/Colorado I coulda skipped. No offense! RMNP reminds me of Beartooth pass/ Chief Joeseph HWY so I got bored fast. Now the wind river Canyon? was really neat. Went to Shooters grill in Rifle Co also.
Spent 2 nights in Moab. Rented a Jeep and did 8 hrs of off roading in Canyonlands NP. Wow is all I can say.
Dixie National forest South of Torrey UT was awesome. They had a light up sign that said "motorcycles use caution. curves next 100 miles". Awesome mountain roads.
Bryce Canyon was my fav but Zion made you say wow!
Did 2 nights on the North Rim. Had a forest fire there so they shut one of the roads down but we made it before they did.
2 nights in New Mexico. Gorgeous mountain riding. Better then CO imho. Stayed at the haunted St James Hotel. Hit 4 corners again also.
Stayed the night in dodge City KS and won my money back at Black jack in the casino.  Evil Got me a souvenir Harley shirt from the dealer.  Evil
We rode curves for 7 straight days and I was tired of it.  crazy2 Was so glad when we got to Oklahoma/KS. Had a lot of 100 deg days but wasn't bad. Thx heavens for Yeti, sheep skin, and long sleeves. No humidity so its a lot more tolerable. It was 100 in Moab and we were walking around town and I didn't even sweat. 7 miles of rain so no rain gear needed. Also was stopped by 4p so no clear glasses were used. 2 yrs in a row for it!
I think were done with the travels for awhile. Going back to Sturgis next yr. I miss it and my friends.

Finally got my cd of pics back for our annual Jul/Aug trip. Here is a sample of over 400 pics I took. 16 days and 4200 miles. 38 deg to 110 deg. Loved every min of it together.  smitten
Ready to roll!
Awesome pics - http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,103086.0.html