Ann Arbor Star Chapter 317 Members

Tom started Ann Arbor Chapter 317 in 2004 and served as President until 2009. He was named the Michigan State Director for STAR Touring and Riding in 2008, working with all the STAR Chapters in the state of Michigan.

He traded his 1999 Royal Star a few years ago for an ’05 Tour Deluxe and works on it in his spare time. Modifications and additions include a Dyna 3000 ignition module, ChromeWerks pipes, a little air box work with K&N filters, stainless brake and control lines, a reworked seat done by Pacific Coast Star, a custom made sheepskin seat cover (courtesy of his wonderful wife!) a J&M radio set, Utopia back rest, some custom paint work, enhanced front and rear lighting, and a number of chrome goodies. In addition to enjoying the bike, Tom enjoys the shooting sports, music and tinkering with his 1947 Plymouth rod. He’s married, and has a daughter, who loves to ride with Dad, and son, who's gone out on the bike too. The wife still needs to be convinced to ride, but loves the folks in Chapter 317.

Olive (Ollie) is a charter member of Chapter 317. She is currently the chapter President. Also along with John, they belong to Star Chapter in Cleveland, TN., with the hope of one day moving out there. Ollie rides a 2003 Yamaha 1100 VStar, this is the first and only bike she has owned. When bought it was black, 2 years later she had it painted white with silver shadow flames, cobra pipes, re-jetted, bought used saddle bags off eBay, added passing lights with shades and a few other upgrades. Unlike most women she does get excited over chrome. Loves to ride on exciting roads. Going to Star Days 2009 out West was the best riding to date. The biking has left little time to spend on the water.

Dan is the chapter vice president, despite the fact he rides a Harley. Members support Dan by following him on rides and picking up the parts that fall off along the way. As leader for the Chapter's annual Emily Ann Griffin charity ride, Dan has done a wonderful job of getting support for this worthwhile effort. Dan's wife, Maggie, also rides a Harley. For some reason, her bike has lots of chrome and extra pieces. Maggie usually follows Dan on the rides.

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 back roads of Washtenaw County, Michigan on the weekends. Longer trips include Jay and Paula's Color Tour to Mackinaw City, Michigan; STAR Days in Chattanooga and Bentonville, AR; and six 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, curved fender rack and trailer hitch. 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, Past President, is serving as the current chapter Road Captain. John, "Marilyn" and Pamela reside in Scio Township, just west of Ann Arbor. Their son, Sean-David serves our country in the United States Army. He was stationed for two years overseas in South Korea, and has repatriated to his current duty station at Ft. Polk, LA. He recently married Maria Cornwell of Maine.

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. There might be a new one coming by next season...

To all prospective Star members, you won't find a better ridding group anywhere.

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 Deals 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. John is currently the chapter "Tail Gunner" and chapter Vet Rep.

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 Harley Police Edition. He and Vice President Dan share a roll of duct tape, tube of Super Glue and ball of bailing wire on rides longer than one mile. Dan is currently the Chapter "Sergeant at Arms."

I ride a 2006 Venture...purchased in December 2007 and by August 2009 have almost 23,000 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 am currently the Chapter Webmaster - yep, I'm the guy updating this stuff. (Except for this entry ... Stan is the only Chapter member who seems invisible on camera. This is the only known photograph of Stan. Apparently he is also part Indian, as he feels that cameras will steal his spirit!)

Hi, I’m Jean, more formerly known as Anita Jean, and I became a member the summer of 2008. I currently ride with my husband Matt as a passenger. I’ve also been recently nicknamed “AJ” because of the name differences. I just got my own motorcycle endorsement, and a beautiful 1999 Yamaha 650VStar that I’m desperately trying to learn to ride. The 1^st time I rode in a group ride last summer for our annual Heritage ride, it was an amazing experience. I hope to experience more pleasurable rides as a passenger, or especially on my own bike. I’m currently the Chapter Secretary for 2009.

Matt

Matt got into riding again several years ago and his love for motorcycles was re-kindled, when a co-worker sold him a 1981 Gold Wing a few years ago. From there, he purchased a 2007 Yamaha Road Star and loves to go for relaxing rides on it. Along with wife, Jean, he too joined the Chapter in the summer of 2008. Matt & Jean live in Freedom Twp., in Washtenaw County, and have one daughter, Michelle, who fully supports her parent’s fun new hobby of riding. Matt enjoys gardening, cooking (believe it or not), hunting, golf & NASCAR when he’s not on his motorcycle.

Pamela – 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 – 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.

Hi I am Heather, known as one of the “650 Chix” of the Ann Arbor Chapter 317. I have been a member since 2008 and am currently the chapter L.O.S Rep.. I have always loved being a passenger on the back of a bike but with the encouragement from the other women in the chapter I was able to get up the courage to take the “Riders Edge” class and received my cycle endorsement in May 2009. Two months after that I had my own shiny bike. A black 2007 Yamaha 650 V-Star Silverado with Vance & Haines pipes, Star saddle bags, and passing lights with Star shades. I have logged over 6000 miles of riding time and appreciate the support & encouragement of everyone in the chapter as I learn to ride. I look forward and plan to ride every chance I get. My first long distance rides this year (2009) were “Tip of the Mitt” and Grand Rapids, OH. I’m hooked to my Chapter 317 family, the thrill of the open road, roaring pipes, and wind blowing my hair. Ask me where my helmet is?

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.

Hi, I'm John 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. 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.

Eddie has been a member since 2005. He lives in Pinckney with his wife, Lynn, of 26 years. They have 5 children, 10 grandchildren, 1 dog – Radar and 1 cat – Willie Nelson. He is retired from Ford Motor company and from being an air show stuntman.

His interests now are riding his 2005 Roadstar Silverado, four wheeling, snowmobiling, golfing and boating on Portage Lake during the summer. He also keeps busy doing Lynn’s honey-dos around the house and at the up north cabin.

John and Bobbie have been riding together for 25 years. They've been members of Star since 2005. Chapter 317 is their home of choice and they enjoy the friendships they've found here. So far John has been to the east coast and the rockies with Star and they've both ridden to Star Days in Bentonville, Arkansas. Plans are for both to be heading to the Land of the Big Sky this year. John, known as Taxman, retired from the federal government after over 39 years military and civilian service. Of his prior career and reputation he fondly says, " My friends call me Taxman, so do my enemies. He plays in an orchestra, enjoys writing, and is a fraternal club hall manager. Bobbie is a retired nurse and is an artist, cook and master gardener. They have 12 grandkids. April 15 is Taxman's favorite day (his birthday wouldn't ya know), and his ride is an '04 Heritage Softail Classic. He is a firm believer and supporter of MSF goals and Bobbie is thrilled to participate in the many charitable Star riding events

Hi, I'm Dave and I ride a Yamaha 2001 V-Star 1100 custom. I have been riding for 30 years mostly in Northern California and Northern Nevada. I have also ridden in Canada, New York, Ohio and Indiana. I have put 80,000 miles on three different bikes out West and 30,000 miles on bikes here in Michigan. I'm also a member of the Christian Motorcyclists Association.

Bob is a retired beer truck driver. He bought his Honda Shadow 1100 in 2002. It had been 30 years since he last owned a motorcycle. He likes the freedom of the ride and enjoys the fresh air. Bob is an avid sports fan and he sings with two musical groups (and also while he's riding).

Hello, my name is Brian and I am a self employed dentist in Saline Michigan. When I am not at work, I spend my time with my beautiful wife Anne and my five dogs Cap, Nitrous, Flash, Floss, and Lexie. I enjoy riding my motorcycles as much as possible in southeast Michigan and especially the Leelanau Penninsula. I also race my border collies in a game called "Flyball" on a team named "Frontrunners" with the Ann Arbor Dog Training Club. I currently have several bikes, my favorites being my Star Roadliner, Honda Valkyrie Rune and most recently my Gen 2 Vmax. My goal is to retire someday and spend as much time touring on my bikes (as much as my wife will allow!).

We are both retired, Charles from GM and Claudia from Ford. We enjoy Motorcycle riding and traveling and spending time with friends. We have a home near Fife Lake, MI that we are planning to move to in the near future. We ride a 2000 Valkyrie Interstate that we recently had Triked out . What a ride, it is a whole new world. We very much enjoy riding in the mountains and in the country. We are also planning a trip out west summer of 2010 with friends.

I am a Nursing Home Administrator for HCR Manor Care. They are the largest nursing home company in the United States. My hobbies are riding my 2005 Midnight Star and hunting. The bike has 1700cc, so power is not an issue! Nothing compares to the freedom of the wind blowing in my face on a beautiful day. I bought the bike used with several accessories already on the bike, including a lot of chrome, Bub pipes, and saddle bags. My wife Heather bought a 650 V-Star Silverado this past summer, and we love hitting the country roads. It's great riding together and allows us to spend time together with something we both enjoy!!

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???

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.

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 it's 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.

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.

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

TRUST, HONOR, PRIDE