Saturday, December 28, 2013

December Newsletter

The Palm Beach Knights Newsletter




The Knights Table

Monthly Newsletter December


Greetings from your President   Will

By Will
Think customer service is dead….not so fast!!

Well this month I experienced something that most Valkyrie owner never get to , my bike wouldn’t start. (Will all the HD owners please stop laughing!)  While I know this is not all that extraordinary, it is unusual for Helga to fail me.  On the day of Bill’s Toy Run, I woke up not feeling all that well.  I decided to at the very least to ride over and have our traditional breakfast with the Knights and then see how I felt.  I went through the pre-ride routine we all do, get showered, dressed in biker gear, say see ya later and off I go. Except this time my trusty friend Helga had other ideas. Turn the key, hit the start and nothing!  I was more shocked at that moment than annoyed. Helga sweetie what’s wrong? Surprisingly, she didn’t answer (yes, I talk to my bike. Ya gotta problem with that???). Then comes the moment when you stand there and have that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach.  OK, so it’s the old pickup. After a nice breakfast I headed home to the reality that my BIKE WON”T @#$%  START!!! After my typical epic fail at any attempt to ascertain and repair the problem, I did the only thing any reasonable man would do….I took a nap.  But this story is not about me. (Refreshing isn’t it?) This is about our belief that true customer service is DEAD.
First I should preface this by saying that this story actually commenced about 14 years ago when I first met Jim Parish. At the time he had an auto repair shop, and my wife had a POS Volkswagen (God I hated that car).  The circumstance of our meeting was that my wife’s car cried when she turned the A/C on. OK, maybe it was actually just a leak. As we passed Jim’s shop, we decided to just stop and ask, fully expecting for it to cost us big time (have I mentioned that I hated that car). When we entered we were approached by a very friendly affable looking laid back kind of guy. After explaining the problem, I expected the usual “well leave the car for a few hours and maybe we can look at it blah blah blah”. Instead what I got was “Oh, that no big deal”. He then grabbed a hanger got under the car and cleaned out some sort of German made water drain trap and presto...fixed. So far so good. Ok, how much do I owe you?  His reply kind of surprised me...” not a thing, hope I see you next time you have a real problem”.  There are those who only care about their bottom line and there are mechanics who know honesty and fairness earns trust and longstanding relationships. There’s nothing worse than being told you need to have something replaced or fixed that isn’t necessary or being quoted a price and in the end its way off what you were originally told. On the ride home my wife and I decided we found an honest mechanic that knew what he was doing. Shortly after that Jim closed his shop and started working from his home. We have been going to him ever since.
Back to the present, when I woke from my nap, I when out to the bike and tried again to start it. The accepted definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over and expect a different result, so I tried one more time. That’s when I called Jim. (First rational thing I did all day)  Can any of you remember the last time your mechanic even answered the phone on a Sunday!!  Jim not only answered, but stayed on the phone and tries to solve the problem.  Now before this I had called UHaul and reserved a motorcycle trailer so I could bring my bike to him.  Even with Jim’s help and his assurance that it was no big deal, I couldn’t get it done. (Again please stop laughing; you’re starting to hurt my feelings!) I told Jim that I would bring my bike to him. He explained that he a plethora of motorcycles currently residing in his shop/garage and could not fit even 1 more in. It was at this point that I really got nervous. ( I believe he could tell that by my trembling voice) Then I heard “well why I don’t just come over to your house”. Really, a guy I just called on a Sunday is not only not pissed off, but is offering to make a house call. Eh, sure thanks (At this point I really do think a tear came to my eye). The next day he could, Jim came by. This is how the repair went.  “OK, turn the key, he smelled something and said “I know the problem” I just stared at him like he had two heads. You can smell the problem?? I knew he was good, but DAMN!  He made me clean the + side of the battery terminal. Now I had already cleaned the Neg side. So I explained to Jim how he could not possibly be correct with his odiferous diagnosis. But Jim has been a friend for 13 years, so I felt obliged to give it a try. After taking about 2-4 minutes of a monuments’ effort of cleaning the terminal, the bike started and worked fine.  Did I just make a guy drive an hour round trip to show me what an Ass I AM??? Yes I did. After talking motorcycles for a short while and showing him my garden I finally released him from the day’s folly. Ok, Jim I can’t thank you enough, how much do I owe you?  Nothing! He wouldn’t take a dime.

Knights, guys like this are hard to find…..I’m just sayin.

Jim Parish 561-798-1643






Congratulations to  Steve "Slick" and Tom "Echoes" for being made an officer of The Palm Beach Knights MRC.

Congratulate both of them next time you see them.



It's not too early to book for our trip to 


Leesburg  April 25th



MUST RESERVE BEFORE APRIL 4TH.
HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS  
1810 SOUTH HWY 27
CLERMONT, FL 
Call  say you are with the Palm Beach Knights.1-352-243-7878 
KING $85 + TAX 
DOUBLE $93 + TAX
30 MINUTES FROM LEESBURG



PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THE ORGANIZER AND OFFICERS WORK HARD TO PROVIDE YOU WITH A FUN SAFE RIDE. WHILE WE WELCOME SUGGESTIONS, WE WON'T CHANGE RIDES THE WEEK OF THAT RIDE.
 I'M SURE THAT THEY WOULD LOVE TO HEAR ANY IDEAS FOR A FUTURE EVENT.
While we try to mix up our rides as much as possible, it's highly unlikely that I'm going to please everyone all the time. I hope everyone has been enjoying the rides that  have been on our schedule so far. I am always looking for feedback and new ideas. Your participation is what makes this club great.


MEMBERS GETTING OLDER!!  



Tom "Echoes" December 31st




We have been having some really awesome rides TIMES:


Knights Holiday Party


Well I'll be honest, I had been stressing about this for awhile. Getting the room. making the video, getting the gift certificates, presents, gift exchange....etc. Thankfully Gunner and Lisa did the decorating. I'm happy to say I think everyone had a good time. I want to Thank our Elves for helping out- Cailan, Karina, and my daughter Kelsie!! The girls were a big help. It was good to see so many of the Knights bring their family. That was really special! The room was actually cool this time, and the service was good as far as I could tell. Congratulations to Paul for winning the 50/50 about $75 and David for winning the $25 gift certificate.  I think  just about everyone participated in the gift exchange and had a good time....I got screwed, Lauren stole mine and then my daughter took what I won.
















Bill's Toy Run

Always a great event. The Knights are always willing to help out our community.


While I couldn't make the ride, I enjoyed our yearly tradition of having breakfast at Hillary's. The ride to the fairgrounds was led by Greenies with Echoes gunning. Thanks guys!! A big Thank You to Paul Sr. for buying me dinner and letting me design the next OCC bike......Oh wait, that might not actually have happened.

Ride and Shoot at Okeechobee Shooting Sports

What a great day. Range fee $15..Bulettes $25-50, great lunch $7.99....doing it all with the Knights...Priceless!! Perfect weather added to a great ride to the outdoor range. With the exception of some challenging roads as we got close, the roads couldn't have been better.
David recruited a new member...welcome Jerry to the Palm Beach Knights. We look forward to seeing you and that awesome wing on many more rides.



























Breakfast/flea market/ lake ride

Rescheduled due to weather








Member of the Month

                                         David Rhodes



David is a great member always has a good attitude. He also has recruited for the Knights and brought in another member this month! Thanks David...


DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT THE SCHEDULE TO SEE THE UPCOMING RIDES!!!






Saturday, November 30, 2013

Newsletter November


The Palm Beach Knights Newsletter



The Knights Table

Monthly Newsletter November

Greetings from your President   Will

I hope everyone had a very Happy Thanksgiving!! 
I am so thankful for the friends I have made in this club. I'm always proud to say I am part of The Palm Beach Knights MRC!!

Oh, and Happy Chanukah too!!



In honor of Roscoe's November, I've replaced my usual article with a chili story. I did not write this, but, when I read it I laughed so hard I cried.


New Mexico Chili Cook off
If you can read this whole story without laughing, then there's no hope for you. This is an actual account as relayed to paramedics at a chili cook-off in New Mexico..


Note: Please take time to read this slowly.
If you pay attention to the first two judges,
The reaction of the third judge is even better.

For those of you who have lived in New Mexico , you know how true this is. They actually have a Chili Cook-off about the time Halloween comes around. It takes up a major portion of a parking lot at the Santa Fe Plaza .. Judge #3 was an inexperienced Chile taster named Frank, who was visiting from Springfield , IL ..

Please let me introduce myself....

 'Recently, I was honored to be selected as a judge at a chili cook-off. The original person called in sick at the last moment and I happened to be standing there at the judge's table, asking for directions to the Coors Light truck, when the call came in. I was assured by the other two judges (Native New Mexicans) that the chili wouldn't be all that spicy; and, besides, they told me I could have Free beer during the tasting, so I accepted and became '

'Judge #3.'

Here are the scorecard notes from the event:

CHILI # 1 - MIKE'S MANIAC MONSTER CHILI

Judge # 1 -- A little too heavy on the tomato. Amusing kick.
Judge # 2 -- Nice, smooth tomato flavor. Very mild.

Judge # 3 (Frank) -- Holy crap, what the hell is this stuff? You could remove dried paint from your driveway. Took me two beers to put the flames out. I hope that's the worst one. These New Mexicans are crazy.

CHILI # 2 - EL RANCHO'S AFTERBURNER CHILI

Judge # 1 -- Smoky, with a hint of pork. Slight jalapeno tang.
Judge # 2 -- Exciting BBQ flavor, needs more peppers to be taken seriously.

Judge # 3 -- Keep this out of the reach of children. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to taste besides pain. I had to wave off two people who wanted to give me the Heimlich maneuver. They had to rush in more beer when they saw the look on my face.

CHILI # 3 - ALFREDO'S FAMOUS BURN DOWN THE BARN CHILI

Judge # 1 -- Excellent firehouse chili. Great kick.
Judge # 2 -- A bit salty, good use of peppers.

Judge # 3 -- Call the EPA. I've located a uranium spill. My nose feels like I have been snorting Drano. Everyone knows the routine by now. Get me more beer before I ignite. Barmaid pounded me on the back, now my backbone is in the front part of my chest. I'm getting sh*t-faced from all of the beer.

CHILI # 4 - BUBBA'S BLACK MAGIC
Judge # 1 -- Black bean chili with almost no spice. Disappointing.
Judge # 2 -- Hint of lime in the black beans. Good side dish for fish or other mild foods, not much of a chili.

Judge # 3 -- I felt something scraping across my tongue, but was unable to taste it. Is it possible to burn out taste buds? Sally, the beer maid, was standing behind me with fresh refills. This 300 lb. Woman is starting to look HOT ... Just like this nuclear waste I'm eating! Is chili an aphrodisiac?

CHILI # 5 - LISA'S LEGAL LIP REMOVER
Judge # 1 -- Meaty, strong chili. Jalapeno peppers freshly ground, adding considerable kick. Very impressive..
Judge # 2 -- Chili using shredded beef, could use more tomato. Must admit the jalapeno peppers make a strong statement.

Judge # 3 -- My ears are ringing, sweat is pouring off my forehead and I can no longer focus my eyes. I farted, and four people behind me needed paramedics. The contestant seemed offended when I told her that her chili had given me brain damage. Sally saved my tongue from bleeding by pouring beer directly on it from the pitcher. I wonder if I'm burning my lips off. It really ticks me off that the other judges asked me to stop screaming. Screw them.

CHILI # 6 - VARGA'S VERY VEGETARIAN VARIETY

Judge # 1 -- Thin yet bold vegetarian variety chili. Good balance of spices and peppers.
Judge # 2 -- The best yet. Aggressive use of peppers, onions, garlic. Superb.

Judge # 3 -- My intestines are now a straight pipe filled with gaseous, sulfuric flames. I crapped on myself when I farted,it's all that BEER and Chili. I'm worried it will eat through the chair. No one seems inclined to stand behind me except that Sally. Can't feel my lips anymore. I need to wipe my butt with a snow cone.

CHILI # 7 - SUSAN'S SCREAMING SENSATION CHILI

Judge # 1 -- A mediocre chili with too much reliance on canned peppers.
Judge # 2 -- Ho hum, tastes as if the chef literally threw in a can of chili peppers at the last moment. **I should take note that I am worried about Judge #3. He appears to be in a bit of distress as he is cursing uncontrollably.

Judge # 3 -- You could put a grenade in my mouth, pull the pin, and I wouldn't feel a thing. I've lost sight in one eye, and the world sounds like it is made of rushing water. My shirt is covered with chili, which slid unnoticed out of my mouth. My pants are full of smelly lava.At least during the autopsy, they'll know what killed me. I've decided to stop breathing. It's too painful. Screw it; I'm not getting any oxygen anyway. If I need air, I'll just suck it in through the 4-inch hole in my stomach,burned by all that CHILI! OMG! one more taste coming up!

CHILI # 8 - BIG TOM'S 'TOENAIL' CURLING CHILI

Judge # 1 -- The perfect ending, this is a nice blend chili. Not too bold but spicy enough to declare its existence.
Judge # 2 -- This final entry is a good, balanced chili. Neither mild nor hot. Sorry to see that most of it was lost when Judge #3 farted, passed out, fell over and pulled the chili pot down on top of himself. Not sure if he's going to make it. Poor fella, wonder how he'd have reacted to really Hot Chili?

Judge # 3 -- No Report!!!.





It's not too early to book for our trip to Leesburg  April 25th

MUST RESERVE BEFORE APRIL 4TH.
HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS  
1810 SOUTH HWY 27
CLERMONT, FL 
Call Manfred Schwartz,  and say you are with the Palm Beach Knights.1-352-243-7878 
KING $85 + TAX 
DOUBLE $93 + TAX
30 MINUTES FROM LEESBURG



Congratulations to Tom "Echoes" on his awesome new Indian !!



DON'T FORGET TO RSVP FOR OUR BIG HOLIDAY PARTY DECEMBER 7TH










 







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PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THE ORGANIZER AND OFFICERS WORK HARD TO PROVIDE YOU WITH A FUN SAFE RIDE. WHILE WE WELCOME SUGGESTIONS, WE WON'T CHANGE RIDES THE WEEK OF THAT RIDE.
 I'M SURE THAT THEY WOULD LOVE TO HEAR ANY IDEAS FOR A FUTURE EVENT.

While we try to mix up our rides as much as possible, it's highly unlikely that I'm going to please everyone all the time. I hope everyone has been enjoying the rides that  have been on our schedule so far. I am always looking for feedback and new ideas. Your participation is what makes this club great.


MEMBERS GETTING OLDER!!  





November birthdays

MJ Bean Cox   11//1
Steve Cohen
11/15/1963



We have been having some really awesome rides:


REMEMBERING OUR HEROES



We joined some friends from other clubs, -Hollywood Motorcycle Riders- Southern Cruisers 101- and other to help honor our Vets.  After we had a nice lunch  at Mrs. Smokey’s in WPB, we made our way over to the VA where we had the honor of meeting some of the vets. It truly was a great experience. As a plus, all the Knights that attended WON RAFFLE PRIZES!!! Man you should have seen the faces of the other clubs when they kept calling our names. A big thanks goes out to our new member "Buzzcap " for making a very nice donation.




Larry & Martha-said
"Great ride Will! Enjoyed meeting and riding with friendly riders, including yourself. :)"














Roscoe's Chili Challenge weekend.








Somehow just saying we had a great time doesn't just do it justice. Perfect weather on nice roads with my best friends can't be put into words. It was a great time. There is nothing like Roscoe's. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it sure is worth experiencing it at least once. 




























This year I came back a changed man....permanently!! As an extra added bonus, some Knights got to see me in a lot of pain as I got a tribute tattoo for my wife Sue. 





Keith Baldwin- said
"What a fantastic trip. Special thanks to Will for all the planning and Gunner for coming thru on the local navigation (even though Lisa was taking credit). I'm looking forward to seeing Paul's documentary!"





Casa Tequila Mexican Grill



This was a little longer ride to Lake Placid to one of the best Tex Mex restaurants.
Some really nice easy roads and a great twisty road that ends way too soon right before we got to the restaurant.
We were a little adventurous and took a different way back to 70 and got to see some of the Lake. Nice to have Larry and Martha join us for their first ride.



paul manna-Said
"great ride,great weather,great food,great friends....what else could you ask for?"





























Archie's Seabreeze


We had the pleasure of having some of the SCRC 101 join us on this ride. 2 of which are members of the Knights. Great ride down some picturesque roads. Some of us hit some rain on the way back, but overall a nice day. The food was even good!!

Neal Alvanos Said
"Surprisingly a decent place with good food and service. Got home just before the heavy downpour."





















































Pilot House Key Largo



We had a very nice turn out for this ride. Thank you Greenie for planning it. Tim joined us for breakfast st the Cracker Barrel. Slick had planned to join us, but at breakfast discovered a leak on his bike and had to cancel to take care of it. (hope it was no big deal) 
The ride up was all highway, but everyone rode great. The keys are always a pretty ride. The Pilot house had good food and great scenery.
 The ride home had us riding in some real heavy rain for about 40 minutes, but the Knights rode like the expert riders they are and everyone was fine. Rain can only dampen our clothes, but our spirits.







Member of the Month

Congratulations to "William" Paul Manna for  becoming 

Paul is always a pleasure to be around.

 November MOTM


UPCOMING RIDES:

Knights Holiday Party

Bill's Toy Run

Ride and Shoot at Okeechobee Shooting Sports