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| July 2006 | Louisiana HSTA Newsletter | Page 1 |
July is coming to a close, and not much activity to report. Only three riders attended the July lunch ride, see my report below. Hot weather and afternoon thunderstorms may keep some of our motorsickles parked. However we have big plans for the coming months so please read and mark your calendars.
Just three of us met at Starbucks in Baton Rouge on Saturday, July 15, but it was an exciting morning none-the-less. I was hoping for a strong turnout since we schedule no lunch ride during June due to an extended road trip for many of us to Avon, CO for STAR 2006. I was also looking forward to putting my evil electrical gremlin repair to the test. I had recently installed a replacement main wiring harness in an attempt to solve a 6 month long problem with the PGMFI system that was threatening to end the Interceptors useful life. Accordingly I left the house early planning to be the first to arrive. About two miles from home I ran into a brown dog in the middle of a right hand turn and went down. I picked up the VFR and it started right up. I returned home to check out the damage, which proved strictly cosmetic and fairly minor. I hopped back on and headed back out. Kevin Yeats and Tony Crowell were there already. We discussed my mishap, of course, had some coffee and then headed for River Road after waiting to see if there were any late arrivals. We rode a shortened route, in consideration of my swelling ankle, following the river to the Sunshine Bridge and then Hwy 22 to Taste of Bavaria where we had some fine German vittles. After lunch we each headed home and I made repairs to my right turn indicator with some JB Weld. Some scrape and scuff marks remain on my upper cowl, mirror and the GIVI side case. The GIVI bore the brunt and probably prevented more extensive damage to the pretty red bodywork! The VFR never missed a beat. At 71,000 miles I guess a few battle scars only add some character. Just like its rider!
Here is what we have planned for the next two months, hopefully something for everybody! I realize I have been bad about getting rides scheduled and published with enough lead-time for members to make plans. I intend to improve on this and hopefully this will make for better turnouts. Additionally I am moving the meeting place around some to try to accommodate everyone. If YOU still feel left out e-mail me with a meeting place, suggested route and lunch destination and I will put it on the future calendar if at all feasible. This is YOUR club, participate!
Meet at McDonalds on Highway 61 St. Francisville 9:00 AM
Depending on the weather we will either stay close to base and ride some of the many good country twisties in the Felicianas then hit a local eatery or head up towards Natchez if the heat and threat of rain permit.
Tony and Kevin are planning to go plus Drew and I are probables. The even motel is booked, but we have reservations at the "clean but rustic" Apple Creek Motel one mile away. E-mail me if interested and I will provide more info.
Meet at Bayou Conway Chevron Hwy 22 Sorrento 9:00 AM
Hello Thibodaux! Hoping to intice our new members
Scott & John down there not to mention old timer Paul!
Route and lunch destination to be announced. Ideas solicited!
MAP of meeting place:
Stacie and I are planning to attend this year's event and I think Tony, Kevin, Paul and Bill and Sherri are also in. Remaining non-smoking rooms are getting scarce so hurry.
MEET AT CABOOSE CAFE IN JENA for LUNCH at NOON
This is the location for our Cajun Christmas lunch ride. It was a hit in 2004. We will check it out and make sure it is still a good choice. We will also pre-ride some or most of our Cajun Christmas Lunch Ride route. That means LA 126, the best motorcycle road in Louisiana! I will lead a group from South Louisiana that will meet at the McDonalds in New Roads (TENTATIVE). Our Northern Liaison Drew Newcomer will be coordinating with me to get our North Louisiana contingent in sync. It would be great to get ALL members together for lunch! E-mail me with if you have any questions or suggestions.
Three years ago I wrote about some changes to our Cajun Christmas event in an attempt to revive this tradition. The changes worked and we went from our lowest ever turnout in 2002 to a record turnout in 2004. We still have Friday night restaurant dinner and the great fun, food and camraderie of our Saturday Night Cookout and Christmas Party with gift exchange, but we now stay in spacious modern cabins with heaters that actually work. In addition we have added the Saturday lunch ride. Last event saw participation from Texas, Missouri, Ohio, North Carolina and Florida! We are expecting an even bigger group this year. We already have several cabins booked and we expect them to sell out so MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS SOON 1-877-CAMP-N-LA (877-226-7652)
Well, that's all for now. Keep riding & keep safe..
Bob Chappuis, Editor
(225)281-0799
chappuis@demco.net