everglades chapter of the antique motorcycle club...

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EVERGLADES CHAPTER OF THE ANTIQUE MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF AMERICA INC.®

BACK IN THE SADDLE

By Flathead JackThe summer riding season is in full swing with no shortage of events this

year. The Everglades Chapter has already hosted three Chapter rides. The first was the Palm Bay Ride held on April 24th and 25th. We met up on Friday evening at Mr. Tony’s for dinner and to check out their Friday night cruise-in before returning to Bob Anderson’s shop to camp out in the parking lot. It was a beautiful cool night, just perfect for sleeping out. The next morning we saddled up and headed out for breakfast and then off to a scenic coastal ride that brought us to Mel Fisher’s Museum. Mel Fisher spent a lifetime recovering treasure from sunken Spanish galleons off of the Florida coast and his display of Gold coins and precious gems and artifacts is simply astonishing. The return ride brought us to Rooney’s Tavern for lunch and a short business meeting before heading back home.

For our second ride we invited The Sunshine Chapter to join us on our scenic Bok Tower Ride held on Saturday May 30th. For those that arrived the night before the ride we met for dinner at the Olive Garden in Winter Haven. It rained during the night and early into the morning with the roads still being wet when we arrived for breakfast at Bob Evans. We were joined here by several members of the Sunshine Chapter. Bob Evans was crowded so it took a while for all

Everglades Chapter Summer 2009 Newsletter

Annual Meeting & Elections of Officers & Board of Directors Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at Clewiston Inn

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of us to be seated, but the weather had definitely taken a turn for the better by the time we came back out to ride, blue skies and bright sunshine, that’s more like it. After staging at Bok Tower we headed out to Camp Mack’s Fish Camp on a scenic, quiet route that takes you through some of the nicest parts of inland Florida. We were almost to the fish camp when the group came to a stop and we were treated to a lesson in removal, repair, and replacement of a back tire on a 1939 Triumph T100 ridden by Mark Berry from the U.K. Mark is the son of chapter member/director Alan Berry and was here on holiday. We were all glad that you were able to enjoy this ride with us, Mark, and hope you will be able to join us again soon. Also many thanks to all who helped make the “demonstration”a success. By now we were ready to enjoy some refreshments at the camp. The rest of the ride was less eventful, but no less beautiful, and on our return we were able to check out the splendid Bok Tower, a truly “must see” if you visit the Sunshine State.

The Everglades Chapter had our first ever Night Ride on July 4th, meeting at Flossie’s Bar & Grill in Dania Beach. After barbecue cooked on Flossie’s outdoor grill, the Original Nightrider (Roy) led us on a scenic ride around the Fort Lauderdale airport, and then through Broward County, as fireworks sparkled all around us until we reached the park for the main fireworks event. The patriotic show was grand, and the ride back was nice and cool, for the middle of summer.

On a sad note, AMCA long time member Peter Heintz passed away on June 20, 2009. Peter Heintz was a long time member of the AMCA and the Confederate Chapter; AMCA Director from January 1, 1990 through December 31, 2008; Assistant Chief Judge effective August 30, 1990 ; Chief Judge effective January 1,1992; and approved AMCA Honorary Member on February 29, 2008. Peter was instrumental in refining the judging process as it is most commonly used today. Kelli and I were very fortunate a couple years ago to have ended up staying in the same hotel Peter and his Wife were staying at in Davenport. He was there again last year and we ate breakfast with he and his Wife both years and picked his brain about judging. He was very nice to Kelli and I and was excited to hear we were newly appointed judges. I believe judging old motorcycle was his passion ~ you know how you can just tell when you talk with someone that loves old bikes. I was looking forward to talking to him again this year. There is so much to be learned from the people who have been in the AMCA for so long. We both are very sad to hear of his passing

Ride Safe, Flathead Jack

“Copyright, 2009, A.M.C.A.® Everglades Chapter, Inc. All rights reserved. Content and photographs may not be reproduced without express written consent.”



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ANNUAL MEETING & ELECTIONS OF OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2009

AT 1:00 P.M. AT THE CLEWISTON INN,. A RIDE FROM CLEWISTON IS PLANNED FOR THE MORNING ~ DETAILS TO FOLLOW. THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT MEETING OF THE

YEAR, SO PLEASE PLAN TO ATTEND.

JUST A FEW THINGS TO MENTION…By Kelli Stauffer

In the article entitled “2009 A.M.C.A. ® National Meet in Eustis, Florida”Spring 2009 edition of the Newsletter I inadvertently left out one of our members when mentioning the members who won trophies. Alan Berry has had his 1932 Triumph CD in the last few shows and it took a Senior trophy this time around. Next year it will be a Winners Circle bike – congratulations Alan. Alan’s 1932 Triumph CD was also featured in the Antique Motorcycle Summer 2009 magazine with an informative article and a beautiful picture of it. What a gorgeous bike!

Alan has also been busy having fun this year. He and his son, Mark, went on the British in the Blue Ridge Ride where Alan entered his 1938 Triumph Speedtwin, with Mark driving. The Speedtwin earned a Third in its Class as well as the President’s Pick and the Oldest Triumph. On Sunday after that event, Alan and Mark decided to ride “the tail of the Dragon” which has 318 corners in 11 miles. Mark fixed his camera to the head stock of the Speedtwin and filmed the whole ride, which he is going to put on YouTube. I’m sure that is an interesting video and can’t wait to see it.


Annual Meeting & Elections of Officers &Board of Directors Saturday,

September 19, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at Clewiston Inn

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While mentioning articles in magazines, the June 2009 edition of American Iron featured Jack Stauffer’s 1967 FLH original paint Electra Glide. The bike looks a little rough (I know, it is only original once), but it certainly is photogenic. That bike was the bike we had at our wedding and had numerous pictures taken on it. This year the old FLH became a Winner’s Circle bike. The American Iron article had three pictures of the FLH, one of which was a two page spread. The article told a little story of the bike’s history that Jack knew. It was a very nice article.

One other note of interest, one of our member’s, Tommy Rosegger tied the knot on Saturday, June 27th, 2009 with Lynne Pennington. They used as a wedding invitation a picture that Jack and I took of them on one of our Corkscrew Sanctuary rides. The picture just captures the essence of true happiness and was a perfect choice for their wedding invitation! Congratulations you two. We wish you worlds of safe riding and lots of fun, not to mention a long and happy marriage!

"It is good to have an end to journey towards; but it is the journey, that matters in the end."


Annual Meeting & Elections of Officers & Board of Directors Saturday,

September 19, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at Clewiston Inn

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Meeting was called to order at 2:47 p.m. Those members attending were President Jack & Kelli Stauffer (newsletter editor), Bob (V.P.) & Penny Anderson (Secretary), David Porter (Treasurer), and Alan Berry & Roy Wasson (Board members).

Discussion was made concerning a possible Chapter Winter Show. Event locations under consideration and to be researched by club member(s) are as follows: Centennial Park, Ft. Myers area (Kelli), Ft. Lauderdale, Miami area (Roy) and Brevard County, Melbourne and surrounding areas (Penny & Bob). Alan mentioned the club involvement with the “Thunder Bay” motorcycle event located in Sarasota, early January time frame. Alan to explore that possibility. If the opportunity presents itself with the club participating in an existing event, we would promote the entire event by all advertising means.

In regards to the scheduled May 30th ride to the “Bok Tower”, a designated route is needed. Tommy Rosegger to be asked to coordinate the ride. Alan to make the preliminary ride and send out postcard reminders to members prior to the event.

A “night” cruise was once again discussed. Roy to pursue a suggested date & route and report such by May 30th.

In accordance with time availability, post cards may be distributed with ride information during the Bok Tower event.

Alan proposed an “Events Calendar” to be made listing 4 scheduled club events throughout a year. The event listings would be finalized by October for the following calendar year. This would advise club members of upcoming rides/events in advance and promote club activity. Proposal accepted and passed.

Discussion was made in regard to obtaining commercial sponsors for advertisement purposes in the club newsletter therefore defraying publishing costs. All were in agreement with a business card size ad costing $40. (Four issues/1 yr.)

Everglades Chapter/Antique Motorcycle Club of AmericaGeneral Meeting – April 25, 2009

Rooney’s Restaurant – Palm Bay, Florida



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Proposal was made to drop from the club roster any non-paying member since 2008 and discontinue their newsletter issuance. Proposal accepted and passed.

Meeting adjourned 4 p.m.

Minutes recorded by Penny Anderson – Secretary

QUIPS & QUOTES

Always back your bike into the curb, and sit where you can see it.

The only good view of a thunderstorm is in your rearview mirror.

Only a Biker knows why a dog sticks his head out of a car window.

If you can't get it going with bungee cords and electrician's tape, it's serious.

Oh What Joy…By David PorterOh what joy it is to ride

Through Florida’s scenic countrysideThrough south and central, east and westOur chapter rides seek out the best

Classic Harleys, Indians tooTriumphs, Nortons, quite a few

Hondas, Matchless, all join togetherRumbling through warm and sunny weather

Everglades Park, Big Cypress tooCorkscrew Swamp, that’s just a fewOf those spots we like the bestThose classic bikes of ours to test

Smooth winding roads, no holes or cratersMake sure you dodge those alligators!

Clewiston, the “Sweetest City”It poured that day…oh! What a pity!Naples and, of course, the KeysThose gleaming, iridescent seasFort Myers, La Belle and A1ALake Istokpoga and Palm BayAnd every year we’ll share a ride

With Sunshine members side by sideSo join our chapter, it’s not just ridesThere’re many other joys besides

Our “Mission”… Classics RestorationAnd, of course, their Preservation


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Bok Tower Ride. 5/30/09By David Porter.

Pictures by Kelli Stauffer

It had been three years since our last chapter ride in the area of Lake Wales and Bok Tower. We were hopeful that the recent heavy rains would hold off. As it turned out, the weather was perfect. Alan Berry had planned the route, a total distance of just about sixty six miles all through very beautiful countryside.

Those of us who arrived on Friday evening met up for an enjoyable dinner at the Olive Garden. The following morning we congregated at Bob Evans for breakfast. First to arrive were Bob and Penny Anderson with their Honda CBX and Roy Wasson with his trusty 1971 Triumph T120 with me in my pickup, of course. Jack and Kelli Stauffer arrived shortly thereafter, with their 1969 FLH Harley Davidson. They had recently bought this machine and Jack declared that this would be it’s “maiden voyage”. Next Alan Berry and his son Mark rumbled in, Alan on his 1934 Triumph Speed Twin and Mark on Alan’s 1939 Triumph T100, both of which are very interesting machines. Alan and Mark had ridden all the way from Alan’s home in Rotunda West, about 100 miles.

We were very happy to see three of the Sunshine Chapter members turn up to share our ride as well. Joe Gimpel (Sunshine Chapter President), Chuck Pio and Jim Busse all rode in on their BMW’s, a 1972 R75/5, a 1976 R90/6 and a 1976 R75/5 respectively. All fine machines in great shape. Tommy Rosegger and Lynn also showed up, but not on a bike as expected. They came by car, since Tommy had recently bashed up his arm, but was now recovering nicely.

After breakfast we left for Bok Tower Gardens with Alan leading. The weather was perfect. Here we unloaded the remaining bikes and set off for the ride. Bok Tower is the highest point in Florida at 296 feet. The views in several directions are quite beautiful and of course it is unusual in Florida to be able enjoy such distant views. The road was totally clear of traffic and we trundled along up and down the hills and around several curves. All was going well and we had gone about ten miles when our group ground to a halt. Mark had a flat rear tire. It was a shady spot among lovely trees. Close by, was a small


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pig farm. The pigs and piglets were romping around and wagging their tails, evidently very happy. The owner came over to the fence and greeted us with a smile and inquired as to whether we needed help.

Initially I thought Alan would want to load his bike onto my trailer but...oh no…great…..he had a much better idea. Just fix the flat. It turned out he had a spare inner tube in his tool bag. Now, aided by Joe and several others Alan removed the rear wheel. This required removing the drive chain, removing the lower half of the rear fender and then withdrawing the wheel. That took about ten minutes. One of our group pulled out a set of tire irons and he and Alan removed the tire and the tube. They found where a slice of broken glass had entered the tire and punctured the tube. While all this was going on Jim of the Sunshine Chapter started running a small, portable electric air pump and semi-inflating the new tube. Handy tool this is, I think I shall get one. Then they installed the new tube, completed the inflation and reinstalled the wheel. The whole thing took about twenty five minutes. Pretty swift I thought.

So now we were off again and this time all went well. We drifted along for about twenty miles and then entered into Camp Mack’s River Resort. This is a sixty acre area located on the Kissimmee River.



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There are several RV’s, boat docks and a small shop with benches outside A few boats drifted along the river front. All was quiet. Here we sat around for quite a while and talked about all manner of things which are of interest to classic bike owners and, of course, several other subjects such as fishing and so on.

Finally we decided to move on. The undulating road continued to wind around mostly through citrus and cattle country. A few of the curves were quite steep and needed to be treated with caution. Now we were arriving at our second rest spot. The almost unpronounceable Lake Hatchineha. I wonder where these names originate from. We pulled in by the edge of the lake and sat under the trees


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Then the last twenty miles or so and we were back at the Bok Tower Gardens. We had a snack in the cafeteria (very comfortable) and went in the visitor’s center. There was all the information about the founder, Edward Bok, and the history of the Tower.

At that point it was getting a bit late and Roy and I needed to set off for home so unfortunately we couldn’t join in for the Pinewood Estate tour. Well, I think I’ll try to drive up there again sometime and take a closer look at the Tower and the gardens.

One of our nicest rides. Thank-you Alan for all your hard work.

Rhinebeck 2009

By Flathead Jack

The Rhinebeck National Meet for 2009 is already in the history books, and what a great meet it was again this year. The northeast part of the country had experienced one of the coolest, wettest springs in recent memory with an unusual amount of rain keeping everything soggy for weeks. This didn’t seem to dampen the spirits of the participants for this year’s event as what seemed like a record number of cars, and especially motorcycles, filled the parking lot when we arrived on Saturday morning.

This year the now famous Timeline of Motorcycles wrapped around the California Hell Riders Wall of Death. The Wall of Death was just one main feature along with high flying motocross jumpers, and riders in a steel sphere. All shows being put on for free, thanks to the event promoters. There certainly was no shortage of vendors as throngs of shoppers walked around, many carrying those hard to find pieces scored for that special project. The weather co-operated and by late afternoon even this southern boy had a sunburn. We stayed for the banquet dinner, but left before the quest speakers as we had been on the road since 5:00 a.m.



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Sunday morning we were back bright and early for the judge’s breakfast with another warm sunny day. There were a lot of bikes to be judged, and fortunately, a lot of judges. Everything went smoothly.

So there you have it, great weather, great old motorcycles, catching up with great friends, and a great show in scenic upstate New York. I can’t wait ‘till next year. Thanks and a great job by the coalition of chapters that put this event together.


Annual Meeting & Elections of Officers & Board of Directors Saturday,September 19, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at Clewiston Inn

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ON YOUR MARQUEBy Robert Scharf

It was 1969 and a 17 year old young man stood in the moonlight at the Amoco gas station he worked for that year's summer job pumping gas (remember those days when the attendant would come out to meet you and wipe down your windshield and fill your tank for no extra charge)?

He had worked in the steel mills of Youngstown , Ohio for last year's job and somehow came up with the money to pay for the 1967 Moto Guzzi V7 (700 cc) motorcycle that stood on guard shiny and silent close by. He stared at the beautiful red and silver of the used bike that cost him $700 and which, he decided, was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. And he meant that. Every waking hour was used to polish and clean and every night held a dream of the far away places that he and his new Italian big bike would visit. It was incredible to him that he could be so lucky as to have purchased that beauty from the used Honda dealer that was left behind by a man who decided to trade it in for one of those new, fancy 4 cylinder Honda rockets.

That was the beginning. I was the young man and I rode that bike everywhere for the next few years. It didn't take much to ride and was far more affordable than the big Harleys that were the rage back then. And it sounded almost as loud and more pleasant in its deep tone. I rode that beauty all over eastern Ohio and shared so much of my life with that wonderful Italian masterpiece.

It was a real friend. It took the young girls on its back and I learned that with this it would not take a lot of money to date because all we had to do was to go for a "ride". The first experiences at life. What a thrill.

Then one day in 2006 I saw her again on eBay. An older restoration which had been finished about 15 years prior by Cycle Werks of Barrington, Illinois. It had sat cold and silent for those years in the front window, an advertisement for the classic restorations which were being performed by that company inside. I can't imagine that it would ever have dreamed that it would one day be back on the road riding again but that is what happened. Not the same bike I had owned but another exactly like the original in all her glory .

I won that bike and shipped it to Fla. where I live now. Semi retired from 32 years at the practice of law and part time Arbitration Judging. I was thrilled to get the chance to relive the old memories of my youth and good times that the bike had shown me. It was a dream come true. I had the bike thoroughly gone over and found that the years of sitting were hard on the old girl. Almost every internal part had to be


Annual Meeting & Elections of Officers & Board of Directors Saturday,September 19, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at Clewiston Inn

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redone or replaced. Lots of work and lots more money. But I wanted to get her back into shape no matter what and that is what I did. She is presently in Arizona getting a new clutch and most likely some new tranny parts by one of the best Loopframe Guzzi experts. I made a promise to her and I am going to try to keep it.

The V7 is the first of the big twins that Moto Guzzi (the Italian Harley Davidson) ever made. Established in 1921 it is the oldest European Motorcycle maker in continuous production.

Wikipedia describes the bike and the manufacturer as: "Though Moto Guzzi has employed engines of myriad configurations, none has come to symbolize the company more than the air-cooled 90° V-twin with a longitudinal crankshaft orientation and the engine's transverse cylinder heads projecting prominently on either side of the bike. The original V-twin was designed in the early 1960s by engineer Giulio Cesare Carcano, designer of the DOHC V8 Grand Prix racer. The air-cooled, longitudinal crankshaft, transverse cylinder, pushrod V-twin began life with 700 cc displacement and 45 hp (34 kW) – designed to win a competition sponsored by the Italian government for a new police bike. The sturdy shaft-drive, air-cooled V-twin won, giving Moto Guzzi renewed competitiveness. This 1967 Moto Guzzi V7 with the original Carcano engine has been continuously developed into the 1200 cc, 80 hp (60 kW) versions offered today (2006).“

I am glad that I found that bike again after all the years. It is a chance to relive the old memories and make some new ones.



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SPOTLIGHT ON OUR MEMBERSKeep this page going ~ email pic’s to [email protected]. Thanks.

Robert Scharf’s 1967 Moto Guzzi V7 (700 cc)

Mike & Gina Pruszynski& their 1964 BSA Royal Star

(500 cc)

Larry Biagi on his 1969 Red Triumph Bonneville & Larry’s Son on Larry’s 1972 Norton Combat

Commando

Eric Kahn on his Norton

Alan Smith’s 1925 Harley Davidson J Model

Brad Nelson on his ’46 Knucklehead& Lisa Nelson on her ’48 Big Twin Flathead

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A.M.C.A.® Everglades Chapter

Membership Enrollment & Renewal Form

Also available online ~ http://evergladeschapter.tripod.com/

Check One: New Chapter Member: ___________

Renewal: ___________________

Name: _____________________________________

AMCA Member Number: _______

Address: _____________________________________________________

City: ________________________________________

Zip Code: _________________

Phone # 1: ( ) __________________________

Phone # 2: ( ) ________________

Email Address: ____________________________________ Facsimile: ( ) __________

Motorcycles Owned/ Riding Experience/AMCA Background (optional information to allow us to get to know one another): _____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

By signing below the applicant represents that he/she is a current member of the National A.M.C.A. and agrees to abide by the By-Laws and rules and regulations of the Everglades Chapter.

Return this page with $15.00 dues to and make check payable to A.M.C.A. Everglades Chapter.

David Porter ~ Everglades Chapter Treasurer

13250 S.W. 224th Street / Miami, Florida 33170

Signature: ________________________________________

Date: ________________

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ANNUAL MEETING & ELECTIONS OF OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO BE HELD ON

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2009 AT 1:00 P.M. AT THE CLEWISTON INN, LOCATED AT 108 ROYAL PALM AVENUE CLEWISTON FLORIDA 33440. A RIDE FROM CLEWISTON IS PLANNED FOR THE MORNING ~ DETAILS TO FOLLOW. THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT MEETING OF THE YEAR, SO

PLEASE PLAN TO ATTEND.

HTTP://EVERGLADESCHAPTER.TRIPOD.COM

EVERGLADES CHAPTER A.M.C.A.®4286 HARBOUR LANENORTH FORT MYERS, FLORIDA 33903

everglades chapter of the antique motorcycle club...

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