By Dave Pelletier
Well, 2026 is officially half over. How’s your riding mileage compared to last year so far? As I write this, we are in a heat wave with temps expected to be in the 100’s! I, for one, will not be riding in the next couple of days! A bit early for this in New England!
Last month, about 22 of us attended the MOA Rally in Essex Junction, Vt. Well, yes, it was hot there also for a couple of days. Heavy rain overnight on Friday led to cooler temperatures on Saturday. Unfortunately, our club EZ Up tents did sustain a slight bend to the frames. We were able to salvage them and they are packed away until their next adventure! On Saturday, I took a ride with a few others heading North along the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, then headding back through the islands. My little 310 gs handled the ride better than I had expected! (and returned 72 mpg!) As they say…it is more fun to ride a slow bike fast, than a fast bike slow!
At the rally, Max BMW had a tent set up and provided us with a breakfast on Thursday along with free T Shirts! Thanks, Max! (a basic design, not to be compared with our own Orange rally shirt designed by Master Designer Joe Tatulli! Check our facebook page for a group photo in Orange!) I did find a decent deal of new riding gear that I could not pass up.
I was disappointed to hear that two (2) vendors were subject to larcenies during the rally. One having a Garmin GPS taken, along with the cables, and another a Mosko Moto Bag taken. Of all the rallies that I have attended, this is the first time, and hopefully the last, that I have heard of any such incidents. I would have thought that the BMW crowd would have more class!
Last Sunday, I, along with Norm Lamontagne, Bill Kenney and Ray Goppold in their sidecars, attended the Concourse de Elegance sponsored by the Boston chapter of the BMW Car Club. We met several members and enjoyed walking around looking at the cars. Yes, BMW makes cars too! As their sidecar rigs grew much attention, Bill and Ray were answering many questions. The Boston Chapter is hosting a BMW Cars & Coffee in Narragansette RI. on Sunday, August 16th from 10 – 2. Anyone else interested in attending???
While we are on the subjects of Rallies – the YB Rally at Lime Rock is July 17 – 19. Anyone else interested? Also, the Riders Association has announced that their 2027 Rally will be held on July 22 – 25 in Wellsboro, Pa. Wellsboro is in the North Central region with GREAT riding in the area. Something to think about!
At this months meeting, Carl Saccoccio will be giving a demonstration on how to set up a tent for the inclement weather! Stay tuned, this could get interesting!
Our monthly Tuesday breakfast is at the Snug Harbor Marina, 410 Goosebury Rd. South Kingston, RI. Monthly meeting on the 12th. Hope to see you there!
Rubber side down,
Dave Pelletier, Pres.