Ann Arbor Star Chapter 317 Members

He traded his 1999 Royal Star last fall for an 2005 Tour Deluxe and works on it in his spare time, as we all do. Winter additions include a J & M radio set, Utopia back rest and a number of chrome goodies. In addition to riding the bike, Tom enjoys the shooting sports and music. He ís married, and has a daughter and son.

Slav started out riding a '99 Yamaha V-Star 1100, which he liked a lot, but eventually traded up for his all-time favorite, a Honda Valkyrie. He picked up the bike in Houston Texas, and rode it back to Michigan in mid-November, over the course of 3 days. The Valk is stock for now, but aftermarket improvements are sure to follow. Slav enjoys long distance trips by motorcycle, and because of his spontaneous nature, never plans his trips in advance in any detail. Slav also enjoys flying (he's an instrument rated private pilot), shooting/target practice with a .45 Magnum and fully automatic assault rifles, and tinkering with mechanics and electronics. He maintained the V-Star himself, and plans on doing the same with the Valkyrie.

John McDonald rides a 1999 Royal Star Boulevard that his wife Pamela lovingly named "Marilyn." John and "Marilyn" have enjoyed many hours together, riding the backroads of Washtenaw County, Michigan on the weekends. Longer trips include Jay and Paula's Color Tour to Mackinaw City, Michigan; and three trips to the "Tail of the Dragon," (TOTD) also known as US 129 along the TN and NC border. TOTD is a legendary motorcycle road that crosses the mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina with 318 turns in just 11 miles. They've also ridden more than 250 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway in one day (This photo is on top of Mt. Mitchell), and cruised thousands of Interstate miles in between. "Marilyn" is cared for by John, who added Cobra slash cut drag pipes, soft-sided saddle bags, a four-way flasher safety modification and curved fender rack. John's brother-in-law Dave gave "Marilyn" a pewter Indian ride bell, which John and "Marilyn" scalped on one of the TOTD rides. But the bell worked admirably and all returned safely. John is a charter member of STAR Ann Arbor, Michigan Chapter 317, and was its first Vice President, serving with chapter founder and President Tom Neil. John, "Marilyn" and Pamela reside in Scio Township, just west of Ann Arbor.

Al is presently treasurer of chapter 317. My first bike was a Yamaha 535 Virago which served me well for all of one year. I loved that bike. But, it was just too small. Along came my V-Star 1100 which taught me well how to install mods and re jet a carburetors. I sure loved that bike. But, you know how it goes as soon as you get her just how you want, your desire just gets the best of you. The owner of that V-Star was lured away by a shinny new white 2004 Road Star and the V was history. Now the Road* is well on the way to becoming my true love. Lowered, air kit, Roadhouse Duels, carburetor out and re jetted three times and counting. AIS is history, upgraded shock and spring and too many various do dads to mention. This bike beats them all.
This is the one, I'm sure of it, I really love this bike.
To all prospective Star members, you won't find a better ridding group anywhere.

Hi, I'm John Nelson on my 2004 Midnight Star (yet to be named). I used to define myself by what I do, but now I am better defined by what I ride. When not on the road, my work is at a GM metal fabricating plant. I've retired from the US Army nearly 8 years ago, but still am active in my local American Legion post, and I am my STAR chapter Vet Rep. My wife really loves to take short hops with me on the weekend. I have been riding seriously now for three years, after devoting myself to priorities of family and career for 25 years. This is my third motorcycle in the past three years; the other two are now dearly departed due in large part to my mature-aged inexperience. After injuries from each of those accidents, I am now pursuing all of the available motorcycle rider training available in Michigan. I encourage each of you to get the best motorcycle rider training available in your state. Ride Safely and Enjoy the Road.

John joined the Ann Arbor Chapter at its first meeting. He rides a 2002 Yamaha Roadstar. He has added some extras for more comfort for long trips. He has 22,000 miles on this bike; it does not stay in the garage. This bike has gone to the Blue Ridge Parkway in 2002, Upper Peninsula in 2003 and 2004. We rode the Smoky Mountains and Dealís Gap twice in 2005 and still planning more trips. John loves his backrest and road pegs. He enjoys long trips on his bike with his wife Ollie and good friends.

Olive (Ollie) joined the Ann Arbor chapter 317 at its first meeting. Itís been great fun with nice people and great rides. We love to stop at ice cream parlors. I ride a Yamaha V Star 1100. My husband John and I like to travel with our bikes to different places. Tennessee is one of our favorite places to ride. Great roads and our son and his wife and their son live there. So itís always a great time seeing them and all the great riding. We love boating, fishing and just being on the water. Most of all we love to ride.

Brandi is presently Secretary of Chapter 317. Brandi has been riding since 2001. Her first bike was an 1100cc 1998 Honda Shadow Ace, which she is hard-pressed to remove from her two-wheeled collection. Quickly outgrowing her black and teal beauty, she fell for this 1700cc 2004 RoadStar Silverado. She met up with Chapter 317 in early 2005 and has since enjoyed sharing the road with new friends and supporting FTC. Brandi has put many miles on her chrome: with the STAR 317 chapter all about MI and national STAR Days events, through Canada/VT/NH, Deals Gap(#3)/Blue Ridge/Skyline Drive, the UP, and hopes to cruise West across the US to visit family and friends. Though biking has supplanted summer bicycling, she does enjoy the human-powered version, plus time spent with friends, camping, hiking, x-country skiing in the winters, and especially enjoys supporting children in need.

I purchased a V Star 1100 in 2002, while serving in the Army in Lawton, Oklahoma. Unlike John I have not yet retired from the Army (22 and a half years and going strong); I work at the University of Michigan with the Army ROTC Program. I really have not done much to my bike (windshield, saddlebags, and mirrors), due to an extended stay in the desert. I can say I have ridden on Route 66 numerous times. I live in Ann Arbor with my son Daniel and yes he wants a motorcycle too!! I have a number of interests; from wood working, mechanics, country music, Special Olympics, and it just goes on and on and on. I am looking forward to being an active member of this chapter and enjoying the ride! YOU MEAN I AM SUPPOSED TO GIVE MY BIKE A NAME???

I started riding over 6 years ago on a used but well cared for black Kawasaki Vulcan 500. It was a great starter bike, very forgiving and a wonderful bike to learn to ride on. But my kids kept telling me that if I was going to really ride, especially on the highway or travel long distances, I needed a bigger and better bike. So spring 2002 I bought a brand new 2001 Yamaha Royal Star Venture left over from the prior season with 98 horsepower coming from four big cylinders, electronic cruise control and several other nice features. The Venture rides like a dream, weighs over 800 pounds to hold you to the road at high speed and among itís many standard features I have added a six disc CD changer, luggage rack, some chrome and just about all the luggage you can get for the bike. I especially enjoy using my hp iPAQ 4705 with Garmin iQUE GPS navigation system connected thru the bike's stereo system for real-time navigation. Sure beats trying to look at directions while you drive on the highway. I have been as far east as Syracuse, NY, as far north as Toronto, CA, as far west as Milwaukee, WI, and as for south as Parkersburg, WV. I'm going to ride to or thru all 48 one of these days.

Dan is an active member of the Chapter, attending all of the major Chapter functions and helping members with mechanical issues and questions. He rides a Yamaha RoadStar.

I joined the Ann Arbor Star chapter in Aug. of 2005. I ride a black 2000 Royal Star Tour Classic. The Royal Star is my 5th and best bike! I have been riding for over 14 years and actively touring since 95. To date I have collected 38 States and 8 Canadian Provinces as well as many interesting stories.

I ride a 2006 Venture...purchased in December 2007 and by September 2008 have almost 12,000 miles, so I'm another member who never parks the bike. I am a transplant, originally from Texas (where we ride year round) and really love the scenery here in Michigan. I enjoy riding with the 317 group and plan to attend many more rides in the future.

Pamela Kerr – Member first year. I am a biking Jesus freak. I started riding on a little Kaw 34 years ago. Since that first bike, I’ve had another Kaw, a Honda CB 500 twin, a Virago, and my latest and greatest, a 2000 VStar 650 Custom on which all my birthday and Christmas gifts from John (who was a fisherman until we got married, when I lured him off the water and on to the asphalt) are fastened; namely Cobra pipes, engine guard, Lindby bars, shaft cover, new mirrors, luggage rack with Star emblem, Mustang seat, silver bell, etc .I have worked with 5 year olds for the past 18 years (which should explain a lot); I sing solo and duet with John at Christian Motorcyclists Association rallies, and also with the Livingston County Women’s Chorus. I have 3 sons; Davin (29), Justin (27) and Colin, my only biker with a Yam FZ 6 (25). I also like to cook

John Kerr – Currently the Chapter Chaplain. I love serving the Lord first, and being able to minister on a motorcycle is a plus. I ride bike number 4, a 2002 Vstar 1100 Custom and love it. It has Cobra pipes, Lindby bars, and other goodies. I like to fish when possible. I sing gospel & contemporary Christian music, doing solos and duets with my wife. I’m retired, but am seeking to return to work part time soon. I have a son Tom (33) who rides a Honda CBR600F Smokin’ Joe Camel edition. Love riding with the group.

		STAR Touring & Riding Ann Arbor Chapter 317 TRUST, HONOR, PRIDE

TRUST, HONOR, PRIDE