Two Decades of VRCC History
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
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