Leaderboard

Baby Jack, When I was 1st Officer of 036 Orangeville, I always wanted to return the favour for those chapters who made the trek to visit our area. Not everyone was enthusiastic, but even it it meant a solo ride, I went for it. Not sure what our chapter plans are this season, but rest assured I will see about corralling some of the 'Villians to head on down to your neck of the woods. The new 1st Officer is of the same mind. I know I have been thinking of planning a ride through the Ohsweken Reserve near Brantford. I would also certainly love to come on out for any of your picnic rides Yes it's a bit of a jaunt to travel across portions of Ontario, but meeting up with any CMC Chapter is always an enjoyable occasion. But I fully appraciate the time commitment of family and other responsibilities also. I think I only put 200km on the bike last season and I did not even get a chance to go on any CMC rides. Hope to make up for that this season. Stay positive. You and Jayhawkr are doing great stuff!

Ok, I just had to enter as well

Our chapter is also located in a small city. Picnic rides work great. We had many days of going to a restaurant or pub (no alcohol of course) only to sit and wait for service and food. Now we do picnic rides. The advantages- eat what you want, much cheaper, and the opportunity to sit in the sun with your friends. The disadvantages- none so far. It seems like everyone (here on Vancouver Island at least) likes the meet in the middle rides too. It sounds like you are on the right track. Put a good active program out there and the members will show up. Even if most don't, carry on. As long as you are having fun yourself and keeping active you will eventually get a good core group, and even if that core is only 6 or 7 people, it's good.

After having the pleasure of starting a Chapter and seeing the differences between the two groups I can only do what I can do. It all comes down to what others want out of the group, what they are willing to give. If people are not willing to step up and be part of the group then the group will fade. One person can not be the group. My philosophy is to plan rides and ride. Whoever shows up shows up. At the end of the day you can really only worry about one person and that is yourself (well I worry about Baby Jack all the time) I enjoy the social aspect of meeting the others and going to new places. So lets concentrate on what we want and the others will follow. If not I will have a great time riding with the love of my life, meeting others and yes being an extrovert!!

I'm heading into year 5 of riding - and had no riding experience on anything before. I started riding after a boyfriend convinced me to get my licence, and after we broke up, I thought to myself, Screw him anyway! I can do this! I took a course, but it was a disaster - too challenging (going over a teeter totter) and I crashed I took a few months off, and then my bike mechanic convinced me to try again. I practiced on my own with friends, and I got my full licence two years ago. I joined CMC to find people to ride with and to make new friends - my CMC family helped me immensely! I started with a 1988 Virago 250 for 3 years, and put 28000 kms on it. I got my Vulcan 500 last year and did some challenging kms for me on a ride to Gettysburg - total 7000 kms last summer. I find I have to keep riding to stay comfortable, even with short trips. I prefer riding with my CMC peeps in smaller groups of less than 10, while larger groups really intimidate me. As silly as this seems, I prefer being in third behind the leader. While I can ride anywhere, I really don't like being at the back of a group with a smaller bike. I prefer riding with CMC peeps who use the hand signals - it makes me feel like part of a professional looking group and seems more cohesive. I have faith in the people in front of me and beside me to give me a heads up. Some day, I will take the Surviving the Streets course, as I think it will be good for me. But the last course I took scared the poop out of me, and it will likely be one of those that I just make up my mind to do, and JUST DO IT.

I cannot even begin to properly thank your son for his service Mike. Also happy that you get to have him home again. I too marvel at some who arrive in Canada to start a new life and yet somehow fail to understand what their newly adopted country is all about. They are enamoured with the freedom and opportunity, but fail to give anything back but lip service to our wonderful country. I too am an immigrant. Arrived on these welcoming shores 36 years ago come This August. I cannot express enough the wonderment of assimilating into a new culture. Was not always accommodating or easy; but anything worth having usually never is. Not only do I love this country, but I vigorously pray that many who call Canada home, actually start demonstrating true affection and proper appreciation for it. While I will always be thankful for the country of my birth, I am who I am today because of Canada, and I will not trade that for anything.

Ok here is a first draft First time working with Photoshop - Downloaded a 30 day trial from Adobe.

Hi Grizzz, as you know our chapter 037 doesn't go to restaurants or pubs very often anymore. We found the high cost (including tips), slow service, and often poor menu selections to be a bit much. Most of our day trip rides (and many evening rides too) now are picnic rides. Everyone eats what they want and we can all eat together at the same time. "Potluck" picnics work really well and can be quite amusing when the members try to outdo each other's gourmet addition to the picnic meal. Ah, good times... I can hardly wait for winter to end and to get back on the road with the CMC family.

This one is from Ted N.

OK...here is 036 Orangeville's submission.

Yes, there are a few riding clubs in our area, and they have their membership for a reason. Different clubs have their own "culture" which attract the people that belong there (not sure if I am expressing that right - hopefully you understand what I mean). I wish them all safe riding in their adventures. Some of them like to bar hop - for me personally, I prefer the zero tolerance for alcohol in the CMC. Although I love to have a few cold ones, I don't even like doing so when I have to drive my car. The risks (legal, personal and safety) are not worth it. Some of them seem to have more ego-driven riders than others. I prefer the safety rules, use of Road Captains and such of the CMC. As a new rider, it was more comfortable to know what to expect when in a group ride, than the "everyone for himself" sort of attitude. And then there are the 20-somethings on crotch rockets. I wish them all safe riding on their journeys - but cut their speed in half and they might live to be 30. (Again, not all riders on crotch rockets ride like morons - just a general observation after being on the 401 for 6 hours yesterday) The only thing I wish is that all riders would understand that we are judged as a GROUP. The general public doesn't not generally understand the differences between the clubs, and may have pre-conceived notions about those riding motorcycles. One idiot makes us all look bad. All the more reason for us to participate in the community fundraisers and wear the Madisons proudly.

General Amalgamated Industries, feeling it was time for a shakeup, hired a new CEO. The new boss was determined to rid the company of all slackers. On a tour of the facilities, the CEO noticed a guy leaning against a wall. The room was full of workers and he wanted to let them know that he meant business. He asked the guy, "How much money do you make a week?" A little surprised, the young man looked at him and said, "I make $400 a week. Why?" The CEO said, "Wait right here." He walked back to his office, came back in two minutes, and handed the guy $1,600 in cash and said, "Here's four weeks' pay. Now GET OUT and don't come back." Feeling pretty good about himself the CEO looked around the room and asked, "Does anyone want to tell me what that goof-ball did here?" From across the room a voice said, "Pizza delivery guy from Domino's." Read more: http://www.ajokeaday.com/Clasificacion.asp?ID=93&Pagina=11#ixzz2xaOHxtGA

Looking forward to your blog. I started riding when I was 58 years old. My first purchase was a 2010 Honda SH150i Scooter. In Alberta you can get your Class 6 Motorcycle licence on a scooter and then ride any size motorcycle you want to. Not sure if this is still the case now but it was back in 2009. I now ride a 2009 Honda DN01 which is an automatic transmission motorcycle 700 cc. It was an easy transition from the scooter to the motorcycle. After 5 years of riding I still question my riding skills and will likely plan to take a safety course to upgrade what skills I have. I agree with Duffer, watch, listen and ask lots of questions and look into some safety courses.

Good post Stafford. I knows it an old one and this is the first time I have even seen it, but you hit the nail on the head. I know a lot of people, embarrassingly enough, myself included, have a lot of dislike for crotch rockets, but honestly, that is due too the percentage of these riders who abuse the rules of the road on these bikes. Not all who ride sport bikes use them for anything other than the enjoyment of riding. But those who don't, make everyone look bad. Even those of us on cruisers and tourers like my Wing. New blood and members is what we need for growth. We have too overlook the ride for the rider. CMC is all about family and fun and a riding club with an eating disorder or an eating club with a riding disorder lol. We definitely know where all the Timmies are. Everyone is welcome and every ride is welcome. If we have a member that is not suitable due too riding style or conduct, then we deal with that according too the rules and codes of conduct. But we need too make everyone welcome. They will decide if this is what they want and will definitely see right away, that CMC is a friendly place. And Stafford, i didn't even realize until i read your post, that you hadn't ridden before CMC.

I won't pretend I have experienced racism to the extreme degree that some have nor do I feel I am denied opportunities due to it as sadly many do BUT I would like to throw it out there that everyone will be racially profiled at a point in their life. This is something we should all strive to eradicate but even being a enthusiastic optimist I know in my heart we will likely never get to as a society. So, the best strategy is to not let "the man" get you down. Keep pushing forward, believe in yourself and embrace differences in others....perhaps by being willing to do so yourself, it may just encourage or empower others to stop being afraid of differences and to stop blaming the way someone looks.sounds, lives for why they feel 'less'. Afterall, judgement and hate have little to do with the person it is directed at as much as it is a manifestation of a persons fears and insecurity. The opposite of love is indifference, not hate. Hate stems from a deep seated unhappiness in ones self. Perspective. A little while ago I was listening to a co-worker from NIgeria mention he told his kids to be careful of their actions when out with friends, to make wise choices as they would racially be the one to blame in a group of "white kids" if a crime was committed. At first I was taken aback, but with a little thought I understood that in reality, right or wrong, this was true. THis was just a Dad wanting to protect his kids. I did mention that although that was true we were not the only race that draws racially inaccurate conclusions. "Tell me" I said with a lazy smile "If I walked into a party at your house, are you telling me I wouldn't be judged?" He smiled back and nodded in confirmation. While we have come great strides, we all still have a long way to go. Good news is there are lots of people who want this

Enjoy your prize, an all expenses paid trip to the Bahamas, Rob! ... oh wait, that's the runner up prize. Well, enjoy the $50 CMC Store Voucher then!

Good call Mike. Discretionary decisions such as the one you made, when applied with wisdom gained through life's experiences, goes a long way to keep our club's image and raison d'être, healthy. Keep on enjoying those unplanned late mornings

As a teenager in the 60's rode a 650 BSA, took a spill that scared the hell out of me and never rode again.... Had a heart attack in '04...a short time later thought I'd better create a bucket list, getting back in the saddle was one of the top five on the list. So after forty plus years here I am. Started with a 2008, 650 V-Star Classic, great bike! But after a year riding with CMC moved up to a 2008 1100 V-Star Silverado Classic, Canadian Edition. Looking forward to riding soon...ride safe!

I'm looking forward to following your blog and probably relating to most of it. I started riding roughly 5 years ago and have gone from 60 km my first year to over 10,000 km a year the last couple of years. I owe it all to joining the CMC family and all the support and encouragement that the other members gave me. It's an awesome feeling to go from riding your bike to becoming one with your bike. I believe I have found my passion in life.

It is because of people like your son we enjoy Freedom. I agree with you 100% on your views. Tell him a BIG THANK YOU for his service from this proud CMC'er and Proud Canadian. I hope he enjoys his Freedom!!!

I have had the opportunity to speak to some elderly people who fought in the war for our freedom. The stories they tell or their recollections, are things that we may hope to never see in our lifetime. I remember specifically listening to the stories of a 90 something year old man. He showed me the shrapnel left in his face from bombs and mines etc. I gave him a hug and thanked him very much for fighting for us and told him I was sorry to hear and see what he endured. His eyes got teary, his chin and lip quivered as he whispered "you are very welcome" and "I have never had a civilian thank me for my service". We both shared tears. As our busy lives go on, we should never, ever forget the people who made our lives easier by gaining our FREEDOM. Something that some people take for granted and never think twice about. George and I joined our legion the other day as original members as we both qualify. The president and vice president thanked us for joining and told us that in a legion where a hundred or so come to socialize at one time or another, most people are only members by association. They only have 5 original members and for us to join as originals really means something to them. Even though we both only have a three or four years service in cadets, it shows our interest in the freedom of our country from a young age.

Yes indeed! Thank you for posting this. I am the vife of a vet and a proud Legion Member. We have recently joined the Legion Riders Program and proudly wear the patch along side our CMC Madisson in respect and remembrance. In response to the "white poppy" campaign that emerged from OttawaU to disgrace our veterans I posted an image to facebook which I think sums it up. "The red poppy stands for peace. Honouring those that fought for peace. Remembering those that rest in peace, so we can live in peace." - Stephany Crowley

Thank you very much! It has been quite a blast so far.

Pretty awesome ride Stafford, maybe we'll meet in the middle as myself and a buddy are riding east to Nova Scotia and the Cape Breton Bike Rally and Cabot Trail, it's to bad I'm going to miss the National, I thought I read it's in Coombs?? (on Vancouver Island) *I'm an Islander transplanted to the mainland

Hi Stafford. I have travelled extensively in western Europe over the past few years and loved every minute of it unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) heart problems in 2013 kind of tied my roaming legs (I am a high stress flyer and stress and heart problems are not compatible companions especially when you're in the air for 8 hours or more) so I decided to try motorcycling in Canada. My first objective in 2014 was a grand trip out east (Cape Breton beckoned) but that plan fell through temporarily. One of the views on my desktop is of the Stelvio Pass in northern Italy, and I dream of that almost daily. Anyway back to reality (Italy is an 8 hour flight) as far as Western Canada in 2017 is concerned I would be delighted if you would allow me to join you. I am retired and time for me is not a problem the only question is whether you could suffer an incorrigible Englishman for any length of time. Anyway it appears that one entry on your bucket list corresponds with one on mine so please let me know if you're ok with this. All the very best. Les. CMC 028 London

I wasn't going to mention anything, but ... since Kate brought up the fact of lack of local BMW Service .... I have a few moto friends that have/had BMWs and they are not as reliable as one may be led to believe and parts/service are very expensive! I don't want to sound like I'm Brand Bashing ..... Just something to ponder! If you want to maximize your riding time out West, then the Air Canada option is certainly one to explore. Lots of outstanding riding in all of BC and Banff/Jasper National Parks of western AB. (feel free to PM me for routes/sights to see out there, as I lived out there for over 13 yrs) The prairies have a much more sublime beauty all their own

Thanks for the great advice Ken. I am not sure as yet if I will be going solo. I like the flexibility of not having to abide by schedules other than my own, which of course allows me to set my own pace. I had originally planned for 6 days to get from Ontario to the West Coast (Vancouver Island). I intend to stay in Canada the whole way. One other option being entertained, is whether to ship my bike out and ride back; or acquire the bike out west and ride back. I am not sure of the availability of time for a complete round trip. I am guessing a minimum of at least 3 weeks for a comfortable round trip pace. The shipping consideration has more to do with time convenience. I would like to spend more time touring out West. Based on my initial research in to shipping options (Air Canada/ TFX International etc) the cost will almost equal the gas, food and lodging needed to transit from Ontario to BC. That is not counting my own airfare of course, should I choose not to make it a round robin trip. I am still deciding. I have to admit, I had not considered not making reservations. But I see your point, should I decide I will not make it in time to a certain destination, or if I decide to stop in a different location. The clothing options you mentioned make sense as well. Given that this is planned for the Summer, I will be utilizing textiles for maximum airflow. As far as the range for the bike being sourced, it has to match or beat what I have now: a Suzuki GSX 650F - 20L tank - 400km range. I have narrowed down my search to a BMW K1600 6CYL Touring Bike or a Honda GoldWing. I am leaning towards the BMW as it is almost 200lbs lighter and (amazingly) less expensive than a GoldWing. Other (crazy) options are still on the table though.

1st of all, congratulations for your decision to step outside your 'comfort zone' and commit to a cross country tour! I have travelled cross country many times, one year doing it twice, racking up a total of 41,000 km over the 3+ months of that one ride. Are you riding solo, or with others from the 036? The more people in a group means longer stops for gas, meals etc and usually a 'locked in route' I very rarely make reservations as that locks you in to a certain route and time frame, which I find 'restricting'. If pulling off the road for the night near a major city, grab a room/campsite on the far side of that city so rush hour traffic won't be much of an issue as you won't be riding into the city, but away from it.Also, grab a room by 7 pm at latest and a campsite (if you're camping) no later than 4:30 pm, as campsites tend to start filling up by 5 pm A couple pieces of advice ... ditch your denims and go with nylon/synthetic camping pants/shirts/base layers as they pack down much smaller, wash out and dry quickly. Get a decent fleece pull over as it tends to get cool during long rides in the rain and in higher elevations that you'll encounter west of Calgary! When you get your new ride, put in a couple of 600 km days to break your butt into it's seat. I find a 100% natural sheepskin pelt goes a long way in seating comfort, as this natural fibre keeps your butt cooler when hot out and warmer when cool out. Hopefully your new ride will have a range of at least 260 - 300 km per tank I would budget a full 6 -7 days to comfortably ride from home, through Canada to Nanaimo Anything less that that and it becomes an endurance test, which is no joy and will put you off from long distance touring!!! Dusty

Hey Stafford, Just do it! You will love the ride across Canada; I have done it many times, but in a car. Our country is vast and beautiful. I have not been to our Territories but I will get there some day. We are so very fortunate to be able to call Canada home. You will have a great time at the 2017 Rally and you will meet so many more of our members. Does it get any better? Wow! You will be realizing your dream and I will be returning to Tanzania to attempt Kili again! Every province has it's unique character. You will love the Rockies, the prairies, the foothills. Just ridding through northern Ontario in breathtaking. You will have an amazing ride. It will be great practise for Europe. If I can survive living in N.B. In the winter, and summit Kilimanjaro, and you know I am going back to climb next year; this will be your adventure! I wish more Canadians would visit our own country; all of it. It is stunningly beautiful, from coast to coast. Some day you must ride down here and also get to the Cabot Trail and NFLD. Dreaming is free my friend, but I know, dreams can come true! As much as I would love to attempt this; it is beyond my ability. I will also be training hard to be ready for my climb. I will, however, be thinking of you. I will definitely be anxious to see your pictures and hear your thoughts once you get back. Always great to read your stories; your writing is so eloquent. So find yourself a bigger touring bike and I will keep reading your updates. MOWGLI

Unbelievable video Stafford. Mike says to tell you that he actually held his breath while landing at Billy Bishop Airport. Thankyou for sharing your interesting life with us. We really enjoy! ? Mike says he will stick with motorcycles though, they are less complicated.

Well said, Grizz. While I do not wear a poppy for personal reasons, it does not mean I do not appreciate the sacrifices made by our men and women of the armed forces that gave and are wiling to give their lives for the freedoms we so enjoy today. My father serviced in the military. 35 years. So I know about sacrifices they make. While his was not as great a sacrifice those who have given their lives for our country, it is still a sacrifice regardless. Even though I do not attend the ceremonies in remembrance of their sacrifices, I still honor them all, current and past, with all my heart. We need to thank each and every veteran and active member of the military for putting themselves, without question, between us and those that would destroy what we so cherish. Our freedom. To everyone I know and everyone I do not know that have served or are currently serving..... THANK YOU!! Your sacrifice has not gone unnoticed.

I am thrilled I stumbled upon this article. Very nicely written and it strikes a chord with me as well. I too believe in the CMC and it's people but more importantly in the unique individuals that make up this great organization. Sir George and his friend Mike have moved and we are the lucky chapter that they have chosen to ride with and I can say with all honesty that we too are proud to have them both aboard. Thank you Stafford for your wise words. These are the types of articles we need more of in our lives. Thank you. 1ST Officer Chris (Stewman) Stewart.

I really like you're comments. I am disabled. I ride a cruiser. I have a handicap decal on my license plate. I love the looks I get when I dismount my ride, and open a saddlebag to unfold my canes. Better yet, I love the space I am given on the 400 highways when I wear my colours. I wear a vest with patches, therefore I am a one percenter that needs to be left my space. I have taken advantage of people prejudices for many years, this is just another example. yay for the CMC. We don't care who you are, as long as you ride. Fellowship of the two wheels. Dood

I totally agree Trixie, and you are bang on about perspective. Back in the late 70’s I, along with my family were visiting Holland, Germany and the Scandinavian countries. To a 14 year old (me) and my younger brother (9), seeing all of the Swedish blond-haired blued eyed kids our age prompted us to want to get to know them. Not because of their physical features, but because they were kids like us. (Well...truthfully, I was somewhat enamoured by the Swedish girls) From the perspective of a young teenager who was brought up without colour distinction (one of my great-grandmothers was Scottish and blonde), watching how adults treated our family on that trip affected me deeply. One night on a cruise ship crossing a lake in Sweden, our family sat with people who were on a tour with us. At the dining table, everyone around us were served food, We were never served. Never before and never since, have I heard my father raise his voice. The ship's captain rightfully came and apologized. At 14 I could not reconcile why that would have happened. Some years later I found out my parents had purposely brought their children to Europe to actually prepare us for similar eventualities (unbeknownst to me then) before moving to Canada. They needed their children to learn how to handle the unpleasantness of narrow mindedness and intolerance. I am an adult now and the lessons continue; but much progress has thankfully been made.

Thanks Cheers to all the other GREAT SUBMISSIONS Good Job CMC

After a vote by the National Officer's Board, the winner is Rob! Congrats Rob, and thank you everyone for your entries. The board has also agreed to present Rob a $50 Gift Voucher to the CMC Gear Store. Congrats again!!

Mike, having suffered on occasion myself from the malady of being divinely clueless, the best I can offer is joining my bucket list to yours. Route 66 is also high on my things to see and do, and it would be fantastic to take that trip (30 days is just about right). You are also correct in planning to ride the original route in your own non-standard way. Tell me when you are going and I will move mountains (well, molehills here in Ontario) to accompany you.

Hey Rob. I can relate! Although I've ridden a Honda Shadow 1100 for years, I'm anxious to get my new HD Fat Boy on the road but am nervous about all the sand still and the fact I've never ridden this beast. I like your planned, slow and cautious approach. I have no plans to rush things.Thanks for the tip. Safe riding dude. Stompper Kawartha Lakes 020 - Peterborough

I was 32 years old before I had my first tattoo after the death of my father. I never really thought about them before or why I would want one. After his death I wanted to remember him and carry his memory around with me forever. Ink seemed fitting. Once I started it was a small addiction, slower over the past 13 years. Every one of my tattoos has a meaning, which I am sure everyone who decided to mark their body with ink has a meaning. I enjoy talking to people about their tatts and what they mean to them. A story board of life to many. My tattoos have been mostly hidden do to my work and profession, I have not been comfortable showing them in that setting. But last year I inked my lower arm and so it begins. Now I am finishing my sleeve on one arm, the point of no return. For now I have chosen to keep my ink covered at work but once summer comes I am not sure if the hot weather will drive me to short sleeves but time will tell. So if you see me on the bike or at a meet and greet, feel free to say hey John what is the meaning of your tattoos. I would be more than willing to let you know.

Congrats Rob! Always good to get that under your belt. Something else to consider: It is not only the engine (and yourself) that need to be warm to function optimally. Even if the roads are bare and dry and devoid of sand, if you are attempting to ride in temperature ranges that are within 10C (plus) of 0C, know that your tires will require a longer time to warm up. Your traction suffers exponentially the lower the road temperature. I found that out the hard way myself a few years ago: http://swedwards.com/winter-of-discontent Not to worry though, Spring has got to show up sometime!

I look forward to your insights , I was self taught 34 years ago , not too well but I survived . Wish I had taken a course . Fast forward to 2012 when I got my first "touring" bike it quickly became apparent that I needed more skills on a 800lb bike than I had aquired on 400lb bikes , I finally took an advanced course and boy was it a learning experience . Like what has been stated there is some wise learnings within this group , i know my chapter held a few skills sessions last year that were lots of fun and challenging .

Lots of us started seriously riding in our 40's or later. You are definitely not alone. Smart move starting with a smaller bike first. There's lots to learn and experience before "moving up" if that is what you want to do. Take your time, ride a lot, ask a lot of questions, ride with other more experienced riders and you will be fine. Looking forward to following your blog!

The scenario almost mirrors my own foray into this great lifestyle. Looking forward to your unfolding stories!

Keep your chin up won't be long now.

Snow is gone?? Bikes are out already? Man you Pacific Coasters have all the luck! Woke up this morning to -20C with -30C windchills and the 5 foot snow banks on my driveway have been cured into cement bunkers for the past 4 weeks! Hey, but I am not envious....much!

My bike's name is Victoria.....and the only thing I could think of that would match would be some lacey sort of pattern. Given John's bike is Secret (get it? LOL) maybe the lacey idea would be appropriate. But lacey is SOOOO not me, and neither is nasty skulls and bleeding hearts. I adore turtles.....but who wants to be behind someone with TURTLES on their bike? I'll catch up....ha ha ha

Hey Stafford-as an import myself I can definitely attest to Canada being a great place to live. We just have to replace hockey with cricket as our national obsession and the world would be perfect !! Don't disappoint me and tell me you're not a cricket fan ! you must be coming from there.

Stafford, I really appreciate what you said and want to highlight the "Irma Factor"! You're so right about her being the face of the CMC in many ways. I liken her to the receptionist of many organizations we've all dealt with. Isn't it amazing how that first contact sets up your initial feeling of the organization? I know a few school secretaries who instantly make you feel like "this is a good place"; many others who cause people to shake in their boots a bit. Irma has helped many, myself included, recognize that "this is a good place!" Best to all in the new year!

Indeed. Well said. I share you sentiments. Looking forward to the 2014 riding season. Keep'm coming. RockSteady CMC 011, Road Captain aka Bruce.