Michigan Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club (VRCC)

Capital City Chapter

Newsletter Date:

Spring 2008

 

 

The longer days and occasional peeks at the sun remind us that perhaps Spring really is just around the corner. We are anxious to bolt on that chrome that we ordered over the winter and to fire up those motorcycles that have been hibernating in the garage. We had some great rides in 2007, and we look forward to even more in 2008.

For those of you who are visiting this site, reading our Newsletter for the first time, or are new to the Michigan Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club (VRCC), let me tell you a little about the Michigan Chapter and how it’s organized.

The Michigan Chapter Leader is Bill Bunker (SlykWilly). Bill oversees the activities of the sub-chapters and is the Michigan Delegate to the National VRCC.

There are five (5) sub-chapters:

Tri-Cities Chapter is located in the Saginaw area. Chapter Leader is Bob Tasior (RTaz).

Southeast Chapter is located in the Novi/New Hudson area. Chapter Leader is Tony Zerelli (Tony Z).

Northern Michigan Chapter is located in Grayling. Chapter Leaders are Dave (Timbrwolf) and Faith (Chili).

Grand Rapids Chapter is located in the Jenison area. Chapter Leader is Gary House (Stitch).

Capital City Chapter is located in the Lansing/Jackson area. Chapter Leader is Gary Swan (ValkGS)

The season starts with our annual

All State Winter Gathering. This years event was held on February 9th at the Soaring Eagle Inn & Conference Center inMt Pleasant. Every member and friend of the VRCC is welcome to attend. We had door prizes, a swap meet, 50/50 drawings, a great buffet dinner and ride presentations by each of the five (5) Chapter Leaders.

Each Chapter sponsors one or more events each year. One of the great things about belonging to this organization is that you can participate in as many of these events as you want. We are all busy, and it is understood that you have to pick and choose the rides you can attend. Believe me, you will be welcomed if you attend one ride or several. In 2007 there were lots of opportunities to ride. The following list is not all inclusive, but just a few examples:

Bob’s Bike Day & Barbeque (Saginaw – May 6th)

Michigan Madness (Lansing to Jackson – May 19th)

Blessing of the Bikes (Hell, MI – May 20th)

Tony Z’s Annual Pasta Dinner (New Hudson – June 3rd)

Ride for the Gold (June 16th)

Lake Superior Ride (July 14th – 20th)

Lake Superior Loop Ride (July 21st)

St. Ignace Week-end (2 days in God’s Country – August 17 – 19th)

Cheeseburger Festival in Caseville (August 18th)

Lumberman’s Ride (September 1st)

Ride in the Irish Hills and BBQ (September 16th)

Fall Color Tour (Traverse City Area - October 6th– 7th)

Like I said, these are just a few examples…not including Dinner Rides and spontaneous get togethers.

In July, I was joined by my riding buddy, Jim Linaras (aka Big Dog an “honorary member” of the Capital City Chapter, even though he lives in Detroit and rides a Harley) for a couple of great rides. We joined Tony Z’s Southeast Chapter and rode to InZane (the national VRCC rally) in Johnson City Tennessee. We had a great time and learned a lot about group riding from Tony Z! We also attended the St. Ignace Week-end along with fellow Capital City Chapter members Greg, Patti and Gar.

I’ve always wanted to ride in the U.P., but that doggone Big Mac scares me to death. Well, we made it over and back (even with high winds) and had a great time!

This year the Capital City Chapter will sponsor a “Ride to Brooklyn” on June 21st. This event is currently being planned by chapter member Greg Graves from Jackson. Iwill be sending out the details soon, so stay tuned!

For more information on the Michigan VRCC rides for 2008, click on the Michigan web-site Calendar@

http://www.valkyrieriders.com/mi/Pages/Calendar.htm

By the way, if you need any work done on yourValkyrie,we have an excellent resource in our good friend, Fuzzy. Last year the Fuzz Man worked on my bike…oil and filter change, brake and clutch fluid change, anti-freeze change, carb sync, valve adjustment, etc, he has earned the reputation as the Michigan Valk Guru!

In closing, I want to welcome some potential new members to the Capital City Chapter, Dean from Jackson, Richard from Eaton Rapids and Brian from Mason. Hope to share some wind with you this summer. If you have any questions about the chapter, please send me an e-mail at: Cap-VRCC@ Comcast.net

Remember, while we love our Valkyrie motorcycles, all bikes and brands are welcome - it’s the ‘good folks’ camaraderie we’re lookin’ for!!

GARY (VALKGS) SWAN