Newsletter

May 2004

From the Director
Steve Stokes

I know you probably think I harp on safety a little too much.  Maybe I do, but that’s part of my job as Director.  You see, I consider the Emerald Coast Riders as part of my family and when something happens to one of them it really seems to bother me.

On April 24^th the day started out beautiful for the ride to Hotel Talisi in Tallassee, Alabama.  Fifteen bikes showed up and the weather was perfect for the 410 mile round trip.  Everything was great until we got within 20 miles of our destination and in the blink of an eye, things got real sour.

A new acquaintance by the name of Mike Seabaugh, who Raymond and I met Wednesday night at Sonic, was riding with us for the first time.  As we went through a sharp left hand turn, something distracted him for a split second and he found himself in a no-win situation.  He was headed for the ditch and the outcome was not in his favor.  The bike ended up against a culvert and he ended up a few feet away with a broken leg and a few broken ribs.  He was transported to a local hospital and may I add that every single Retread present followed the ambulance to make sure he was going to be ok.

His wife, Ann, made the trip to Alabama to pick him up and we managed to get his bike home.   Surgery was scheduled for Sunday and needless to say, he has a long road to recovery.  The only humorous moment of the day came when Mike asked me at the hospital if he would still be able to join the Retreads.  Of course I told him yes.

Other than our big scare, the ride was great  I did tell Mike that these types of stunts are really not necessary to join our club.  Mike, we are thankful that you are doing ok and get well soon because we have some riding to do.

Don’t forget the next few weeks will include the annual picnic and the Miracle League ride.  We will talk about this more at the meetings.

Until next time, Ride Safe
Steve Stokes

Raymond Gambill
Assistant Director

With May here I would like to remind everyone of our busy schedule.  There are several charity runs in the area and a couple of them are on our calendar.  We, as Retreads, need to, as best we can, support these worthwhile endeavors.  For these rides, we will be gathering at our normal meeting place and then ride over as a group.  Check the calendar and try to attend.

Ride carefully,
Raymond

Annual Picnic -- May 8, 2004
Claude Kelly State Park (near Atmore, Alabama)

The group ride will depart from the Nine Mile Road K-Mart parking lot at 10:00 a.m. -- rain or shine !!

As in the past this is free to all members, and a donation of $5.00 for non members.

Please bring a door prize.

FUN ** FOOD ** 5/0/5 ** DOOR PRIZES

April Birthdays

More Biker Bylaws

Don't lead the pack if you don't know where you're goin'.

Hunger can make even road kill taste good.

Everyone crashes.  Some get back on.  Some don't.  Some can't.

Some bieks run on 99-octane ego.

Southern Signs

What's your "Southern Sign"?  Some of us, especially Southerners, are pretty skeptical of horoscopes, and it has become obvious that what we need are "Southern" symbols:

Possum (Apr 21 - May 21)  When confronted with life's difficulties, possums have a marked tendency to withdraw and develop a don't-bother-me-about-it attitude.  Sometimes you become so withdrawn, people actually think you're dead.  This strategy is probably not psychologically healthy, but seems to work for you.  One day, however, it won't work and you may find your problems actually running you over.

For Sale

2000 Yamana Royal Star Tour DeLuxe.  Warranty until October 5, 2004./  Showroom condition, lots of chrome, new tires and maintenance on February 2004.  Dealer maintained.  All records available.  $8.995.00.  Call Bill Lawson at 850-626-5919.

All views and opinions expressed by the author of articles in this newsletter are purely their own, and do not necessarily represent Retreads International, Emerald Coast Riders, Members or Officers, or Webmaster of this site.