Star Days 2006 After 1,600 miles and three days of travel from Michigan to Longmont, CO, three members from Ann Arbor Star Touring & Riding Chapter 317 arrived safely.
John Nelson, our Star Vets Rep served up a fine route that included portions of Route 34 through Iowa, Nebraska and Colorado. As our Road Captain for the trip, he got us there safely. Thanks, John for all the preparation. It paid off.
For those traveling through these states, consider 34 rather than I-80. It?s a pleasant ride that provides a good pace and a more scenic journey. Plus, there?s the added bonus of eating at some of the heartland?s better local restarants rather than enjesting fast food.
Karol Clampitt, Chapter 317?s Shepard, required an electrical fix along the way. Hats off to Kearny Yamaha for taking care of us after hours. It also provided an opportunity for Karol to get a custom fit set of highway pegs?personally installed by the parts sales staff at the dealership. And there was the added bonus of visiting with other Star members from Maine who?d stopped in Kearny for a needed rest.
The dealership also had food and drink for us. What a place!
Tom Neil, the Chapter?s President, tagged along for the ride. His Tour Deluxe worked just fine, except for the stock seat. Got to do something about that?it wasn?t the miles, but the time in the saddle!
Riding through the Rockies was outstanding. Do it when you have the chance, and take time to stop and take pictures. The scenery is not to be believed.
Tom attended the Wednesday night president?s meeting and worked registration on Thursday, Karol worked the Star Tent and served as our ?Ladies of Star? representative for their annual meeting. And if that weren?t enough, he modeled apparel at the Friday night auction.
John represented 317 at the Vets Rep meeting on Wednesday and found time to ride the trails more than the rest. He sure made the best of the riding opportunities.
The Poker Run and Swampazz rides were lots of fun. We hooked up with friends from Lansing Chapter 235 and Lapeer Chapter 322 for the Poker Run.
The Feed the Children program and ride were, as usual, eye opening. You can?t imagine the conditions some folks are in until you?re standing there, handing them a box of goods that will, literally, help get them through the night. One family walked to the distribution point, another came on a bicycle. They had no car, and the temperature was hovering around 100 degrees.
It seems Richard and Linda from 235 and John from 322 had so much fun with our gang from Ann Arbor 317 that they decided to ride home with us.
Bottom line, we made it home in fine fashion. A little tired, quite hot for some stretches, and in one case, one less helmet?those darn flying helmets.
Ride safe!
