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2006 Mystery Ride
Photo Albums
A Mystery Ride that has been ridden is no longer a mystery, but a very pleasant memory. A total of twenty-six club members took part in the Mystery Ride and or dinner Sunday evening. The first of what we hope will be an annual event.
From the official starting point of our ride in Lansing MI to the finish of our ride at 16162 Softwater Lake Drive Linden MI, we clocked 630 wonderful, sun filled, perfect riding weather miles. From the launch of the ride at 9:04 am, under the guidance of Jack Cross riding his Red Trike, the fun began. Along roads we had never ridden, we were continually pleased with the scenery and roads we were led past and over by Jack. As riders topped off their tanks in Greenville, in anticipation of the 2nd leg of the days ride, a look at our watches showed that Jack had delivered us to the end of his portion of the ride, one minute before time allotted for the first leg was up.
At Greenville, Richard and Norma Kraus took over the reins of leadership, and what a great job of leadership it was. As everyone knows, bikes don’t travel far without gas, and riders need food. It was about 11:50 am, as we passed several; what looked like and smelled like, good people fueling places, we wondered why we hadn’t stopped. Couldn’t Richard and Norma hear the growls of our stomachs? But, within just a few short miles, our fears were laid to rest, as Richard and Norma led our trail of bikes and hungry riders into a park that was to be the site of a spectacular summer picnic they had planned for our mystery ride. Folks let me tell you, good food, great friends, wonderful weather and smooth roads; it doesn’t get any better than what we were experiencing. With the best picnic of the year behind us and everything loaded back into Jack and Liz’s van, we continued on our way along roads and through small towns and places that neither Karen nor I knew existed. I’m sure that all of the riders won’t mind if we say, Thank you so very much, Richard and Norma, for such a great 2nd leg of our Mystery Ride. That leg and their leadership ended at Custer MI.
Leaving Custer, for the 3rd leg of Saturday’s ride, our club President took the lead spot in the procession of two wheelers, sidecars and trike, and on to Traverse City we went. Curves, forest, light traffic and still great weather were our fare under his turn at the #1 spot. If it would be possible to ask for more, I don’t know what it would be. With all safely off the road, and finally into rooms for the evening, we all relaxed in preparation for the next day.
Sunday, 9:10 am, and it’s off for the second days ride and all which was to be enjoyed. We head out on M72 East under the direction of our first leader of the day; none other than the proud owner of what I believe is the only authentic Police BMW in the club. If for some reason you do not know whom I am speaking of, it’s Jim Spencley, a long time member of our club, and the lucky person that drew the leadership spot for this segment of Sundays ride. For this ride though, he is astride his HD Ultra Classic with sidecar attached. On M66 South, we meet none other than our club Chaplin, JC Csutoras, and he is on the “Gold Wing with Training Wheels”. Jim and JC trade off the lead spot and off we go through JC’s home range, and roads that only someone who rides them would know about. Lunch in Gladwin at a wonderful Chinese restaurant was the signal for a change of ride leaders. Mike and Kathy Persich went to the front of the bikes, riding the only two wheeler that led a segment of the Mystery Ride. And it was perhaps the most important segment of the day, for it ended at the Fairview Inn in Midland, our place of rest for Sunday evening. At the Fairview, the group was joined by Lloyd and Norma Elmer, with Norma having arrived solo upon her new scoot. (continued on right) |
Our Clubs monthly meeting, and also, dinner Sunday evening was at Shirlene’s Cuisine in Midland. Twenty-three members were present at the meeting, with the welcome addition to the group of Kevin and Nancy Kelly. We hope that everyone enjoyed dinner and the companionship of their fellow club members as much as we did.
The Poker Run portion of the Mystery Ride resulted in our Club receiving $62.50 as one-half of the total contributed by club members. Norma Kraus, I think, would especially like to say THANK YOU, to all who took part in the poker run. Monday morning came and most riders began there homeward trek, having things to attend at home. Some of us were lucky enough to be able to continue our ride into the Thumb of Michigan, having nothing that we needed to press home for. Chuck and Diane, Terry and Jean; riding their new Ultra Classis on its break in voyage, Cliff and Bev, and Karen and I struck off, headed for the Thumb. At a good break off point Chuck and Diane headed for home down China way, and the three remaining bikes made for places to be found. We enjoyed a nice lunch in Marlette, setting at two fold up tables the restaurant had placed on the sidewalk to keep us from leaving, and had the pleasure to be served by a young waitress with a great sense of humor, and only “one frigging tray”.
Monday and the MYSTERY RIDE ended for us; after parting ways with Terry and Jean near their home, as we parked our bike safely, with 682 more miles of great memories on the odometer. Memories we would not have, if it was not for all of the wonderful people who have made a great club, the “Mid Michigan BMW Motorcycle Touring Club”.
Karen and I would like to thank all who took part in this past weekend Mystery Ride and dinner. If it were not for you, this weekend full of fun and memories would not have happened. Our special Thank You goes out to the lucky souls that drew, accepted, planned and led legs of the ride. You made the miles and hours of the ride something that all who took part in will be able to remember with a smile. Jack and Liz Cross, Richard and Norma Kraus, Ed and Nora Gross, Jim and April Spencley, JC Csutoras, Terry and Jean Taylor, Mike and Kathy Persich, THANK YOU from us and all who took part in the MYSTERY RIDE
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