Tuesday, May 27, 2014

May 2014

The Palm Beach Knights Newsletter






The Knights Table

Monthly Newsletter May 2014



Greetings from your President   Will






“Rain” is a four-letter Word

By Will  
                                                                               
If you really want to raise the hackles on the neck just say the word “rain.” Now I know that no one in their right mind goes out riding just because it’s raining, living in Florida chance are that you will get stuck in the rain at times. What can you do to improve your riding in the rain?
Well the first thing you can do is not waiting until it’s raining to do something. There are things you can do well ahead of the first few drops of rain. Most of this is not rocket science, but you’d be surprised how many of us don’t even bother. Even in the summer in South Florida I still get a negative response when I ask riders if they have a rain suit with them.   Much as you hate to think about it, selecting and purchasing a rain suit is something that you just gotta do. A rain suit should serve two purposes. First, it should keep you dry (see I said it’s not rocket science). Second, and equally important, it should increase your visibility. I went shopping and they range in price from $40- $200. I found mine for $10 at Harbor Freight. Mine is the old yellow PVC. It is bright and keeps me semi dry. When your evasive maneuverability is reduced by lack of traction, you want to be sure other drivers see you.

 Rain Gear
Lots of lights also help you to be seen in the rain. I installed a light bar on my bike, and boy it makes a big difference. Of course, you keep your lights clean, but have you checked all your lights lately to see if any have burned out? Do you carry any spares lamps and fuses with you? Next time you take your bike in for service; why not restock any spare bulbs you might be missing? You should stock spare fuses as well. I went to show off my light bar the other day and when they didn’t light up, I went looking for a spare fuse.
The other important part that needs maintaining ahead of time is your tires (more brilliance). Have you looked at them lately? Both of them?  The number one major cause of hydroplaning is worn tires. It’s too late to check them after the rain starts falling. The sole purpose of the tread design on a tire is to carry off the water, but it can’t do its job if you don’t allow it enough tread depth to work with. Some Knights have been using different tire guys,find one you like or ask another Knight!


Hydroplaning occurs when the tires are not in full contact with the road. The result is an elevation in blood pressure, increase of heart rate, and an enhancement of ones vocabulary. You’re riding on a thin layer of water, and sometimes oil, on the road. Hydroplaning occurs frequently in light mist or drizzle. When it’s really raining hard, the oil actually get washed away, of course if it’s raining that hard, go have a cup of coffee!  I always carry a cigar just for this reason. Proper tread depth and tire pressures and slowing down are a big help. I was amazed how it helps reduce the chance of hydroplaning. Sometimes I try riding in the tracks of other vehicles. The change in sound, or any decrease in steering or braking may means you’re hydroplaning. If this happens, slow down without braking and avoid any sudden moves.
Plan alternate routes in case of rain.  I will change a route home if we think we can miss the rain. We love those scenic, twisty asphalt roads, but they are a lot more fun when it’s dry. When the rain starts to pour, the scenery turns gray, the turns aren’t nearly as much fun, and the asphalt doesn’t provide the traction you really need. It’s time to look for an alternate route along a duller, but straighter road. When we are out west, we sometimes can see it coming for miles. We can then choose a road that the rain may miss altogether.
Once it starts raining, there are still things you can do to increase your safety, if not your comfort. Pull off the road as soon as you find a place to get out of the rain. The underpass of I95 is a perennial favorite(although not always the safest). This gives you a dry place to put on your high-visibility rain suit, and more important, it puts you off the road during the most dangerous first fifteen minutes of rain. When the water first enters the pores of the road, it forces up the oil that has been collecting there. A few more minutes of rain will wash this oil off the road.
Though the main danger of rain is hydroplaning, increasing your following distance, taking curves more slowly, and increasing your scanning distance, and being seen all help your rain riding. One good thing about living in Florida, if you don’t like the weather….just wait 20 minutes.
Riding in the rain may suck, but it can be safer. 


Hey Knights if you haven't had the chance, make sure to go to our sponsor's restaurant!
Enjoy the very best American Greek Restaurant and sports bar in West Palm Beach, Bull Bar and Taverna, ideally located a few minutes away from Downtown West Palm Beach and Palm Beach International Airport. Taste the incredibly delicious Greek food menu as well as the family friendly atmosphere for all to enjoy. If you’re looking for late night entertainment then take part in our live karaoke and no limit live poker action. And of course, we would’t be the best sports bar in West Palm Beach if we didn’t offer you your favorite team’s game on any of our big screen TV’s. So come on in with the whole family and cheer on your team!  Don't forget to mention that you are a Palm Beach Knight and you'll get a 20% discount!! Then tell us, and get 50 miles.











Hey Knights,
Want to look really cool? We have T-shirts,



We have-small patches 
and now a very limited 
supply(only a few left) of
 large back Patches available.

BECOME A PATCH MEMBER!!

Purchasing any item from the Knights helps support our club and makes you look even better!!
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.


We seem to have a shortage of people coming out to:
 Club night June 21st !!! I'd love to see more Knights join us, and I'm not just saying that because it's my BIRTHDAY!!! 




MEMBERS GETTING OLDER!! 


No may B-days?






We have been having some really awesome rides TIMES:



Short breakfast ride to Harry and the Natives May 4th
 

I had to cut my part short as it was my Daughter's birthday. We took a nice ride there and had a great breakfast. After, Stogie took the Knights through Jupiter Island. Thanks!! 


Joseph Ciancio Said" I had a awesome time as always.good friends, good ride, good food add it all up and you get priceless............"


Lunch Anyone? May 7th









































Slick lead a great 
mid-week ride. The Knights also paid our sponsor The Bull a visit!!. 

We got to welcome our newest Knight Jonathan Munoz....welcome !




Jonathan Munoz-Said"Was great to meet you all today. What a great ride and day. Can't wait to do it again. I'm free tomorrow lol. :-)"


































Day/ Knights get together 

May 10th


Well I can't say that I wasn't a little concerned when we went from somewhere around 20 to 7, but I was very happy with the 7 that showed!! A couple of Knights got sick and a few had things come up, stuff happens. 


Thanks to Semi for bringing those special sausages...
.they were a big hit. Lauren's potato salad was also a favorite. It was great to have AJ there, I hope to see her on many rides and events. Sax and I actually did some tech...we changed a bulb. Fill in your own joke.  Greenies left before all the desert put him in a sugar coma.



Joseph Ciancio-said"Thanks Will,thanks Sue,thanks Bob for the delicious sausage BBQ . I had a ball,too bad we were missing so many brothers,but that meant more cake and brownies for moi...."









Ride and Shoot Indian River County Shooting Range  May 18th

Well the ride up was just a highway event that should have been nothing but boring! Unfortunately, our brother Crash (Keith) lost his wallet when a bird flew down out of no where and opened his pocket and made it jump out!! Well thats our story and we are stickin to it.
When we did finally get off 95, we stopped at a gas station. I decided that Crash and I would go back and look for it while Greenies led everyone else to the range. We look for over 30 miles, but no luck. Sorry Keith. Crash continued looking and I went to the range. I found the Knights already blasting away.
Thank you Jonathan for helping Greenies figure out which end the bullets come out of my gun.....Seems we have a Knight range officer.  As a special add on Semi(Bob) finally got his decal and is now a core member...way to go Semi!!

Neal Alvanos-Said " All good excepting Keith's lost wallet"











Casa Tequila Mexican Grill

Well the original plan was to go to the Tattoo show, but due to a lack of interest in needles and INK, I changed it. The ride to Lake Placid is always nice along 70 and we also took the opportunity to take Fox Brown road, which is one of my favorites.
The road that leads to the restaurant, is nice and curvy. We managed to miss most of the love bugs, but we did hit our share. Slick invited some guest to join us, and they gave us a real nice route home. The food at this place is always good!!  Congrats to SAX on getting his PATCHED vest...


Slick- Said "Man O man I needed that BAD. Once again Knights thanks for the GREAT time. It's always a good day being with friends & tryin out new fun places to stuff my face. Good job Mr. President-"





Member of the Month


Semi and Sax both get the honor!! Semi made CORE and SAX got his PATCHED VEST way to go guys, you make this club great!!!!

































































































Check out next month














Sunday, May 4, 2014

Article from the Palm Beach Post Friday April 2, 2014

Article from the Palm Beach Post


Boynton Beach High Relay for Life event spreads awareness
BY ALEXANDRA SELTZER - PALM BEACH POST STAFF WRITER
BOYNTON BEACH — 
For the past year, Susan Heckman has been on a journey of surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation while battling breast cancer.
The cancer was caught early, when Heckman spotted a lump during a self examination.

Susan Heckman
Now cancer free, Heckman, 47, and her husband, Boynton Beach High media specialist William Heckman, say it’s awareness that is most important. And, he says, it’s events like Saturday’s Relay for Life at the high school that do just that.
“The kids in the school here and the staff have been very, very supportive,” William Heckman said. “It’s wonderful. It really is.”
It’s the first time in at least five years that the high school is hosting the event, which raises money for the American Cancer Society. The walk starts at 6 p.m. at the football field and ends at 6 a.m. Sunday. As of Thursday afternoon, nine teams had signed up and about $1,000 had been raised by the students, according to Cassey Stank, a Boynton High English teacher who is organizing the event.
Stank said many staff members, students and family members will participate in the event.
Heckman said he won’t be able to attend, however, because he will be with his wife who is having her last round of radiation today.
But to honor the Heckmans, the students created a 3-foot purple ribbon for the couple and signed it.
The media specialist said he was too overcome with emotion and told the children to leave. Then later, he thanked them.
Susan Heckman, a teacher at Grove Park Elementary in suburban West Palm Beach, spotted the lump in her breast in June. Test results showing cancer came back in July. Heckman had a double mastectomy, reconstructive surgery, months of chemotherapy and six weeks of radiation. The Heckmans and their daughter Kelsie anxiously awaited results of the BRCA gene test to see if the cancer was hereditary. It’s not.
Even though Heckman is cancer free, her husband said its return is something they’ll both worry about, even though the chances of that happening are low.
Heckman said he wants the public to know that anyone, no matter how young, can be diagnosed with cancer.

“The more aware we are, the better it is. The quicker you catch it, the chances of you surviving are exponentially better,” Heckman said. “The Relay for Life, it brings a lot of awareness. It also gives the kids a chance to show how much a part of the community they are.”






Thursday, May 1, 2014

April 2014 Newsletter

The Palm Beach Knights Newsletter

The Knights Table

Monthly Newsletter April 2014



Greetings from your President   Will


And now a word from your sponsor!!

Hey Knights if you haven't had the chance, make sure to go to our sponsor's restaurant!
Enjoy the very best American Greek Restaurant and sports bar in West Palm Beach, Bull Bar and Taverna, ideally located a few minutes away from Downtown West Palm Beach and Palm Beach International Airport. Taste the incredibly delicious Greek food menu as well as the family friendly atmosphere for all to enjoy. If you’re looking for late night entertainment then take part in our live karaoke and no limit live poker action. And of course, we would’t be the best sports bar in West Palm Beach if we didn’t offer you your favorite team’s game on any of our big screen TV’s. So come on in with the whole family and cheer on your team!  Don't forget to mention that you are a Palm Beach Knight and you'll get a 20% discount!! Then tell us, and get 50 miles.



http://bullbarandtaverna.com/







I am very sad to have to report on the passing of a friend and Knight. While many of you did not have the chance to get to Know Shari Carney, she was a friend of mine for many years. On Saturday we lost Shari while she was riding home on her bike. The accident happen very close to my home. I did not find out the news until  we returned from our Leesburg trip.
Shari was a loving , kind and spiritual person. She was a talented artist and a will be missed by all who knew her. I will always think of her coming to my house with her dog for a play date with mine. Both my wife and daughter were very sad when I had to tell them about the accident. They had just ran into her only a few weeks ago. Shari gave them a big hug and her best smile.

 Shari will be greatly missed, and I ask that all Knights keep her and her family in their thoughts. 
Shari will remain on our member list as a Knight  for all eternity.
Thank you and God bless,
Will








Hey Knights,
Want to look really cool? We have T-shirts,



We have-small patches 
and now a very limited 
supply(only a few left) of
 large back Patches available.


Purchasing any item from the Knights helps support our club and makes you look even better!!
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.
Don't forget Tech day is MAY 10th !!!

MEMBERS GETTING OLDER!! 








Tim McKim 4/20/1965
Lynette Radlauer 5/8/1951
Billy McCord 5/12/1969



We have been having some really awesome rides TIMES:


Hump Day Ride The Pelican Cafe and Beach

Greenies took the Knights to The Pelican Cafe and Beach, They had a great day with a very nice ride.
paul manna Said" Good weather!!good friends !!good food!! "


Elliot Museum

April 6th for Elliott Museum’s Classics at the Beach juried car show.The Knights got to see over 80 classic cars, showcasing some of the best vehicles from the Treasure Coast and beyond. welcomed a new Knight...Tony, and welcomed back Marc who has been very busy these days. 

JERRY PARKER  Said" Had a great time!! Was a safe ride and made new friends. "



South Florida Ride for Kids


I want to thank all the Knights and others who helped us raise almost $900 for this worthy cause. Wow talk about a rainy day!!
We got soaked to the skin on this one, but still the Knights were there and even rode in the down pour!! Knights Rule!!












Bob Pitic Semi Said "We are best :-)"


Wheels Across The Pond British Classic Car and Bike Show 




This was a great car show!! We had a big turn out for this event in Carlin Park. The weather was much better than the weekend before! I even made a short GoPro video. After we went to a restaurant owned by one of Semi's friends and had a great meal.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-zH0cVHcRw&feature=youtu.be

Lauren Said "I had a good day, thanks to you all and to the Florida sunshine for turning up at the right time."




18th Annual Leesburg Bikefest 2014






Well I have to say that this was the best overnighter ever! We had one of the easiest and nicest rides up, then had dinner at a so so place....Echoes got hosed on his Prim Rib.  The hotel could not have been nicer! They even changed my room when I told em that the freakin bikers were too noisy under my window!!!  The next day we rode to the Ozello trail. What a great road and I even managed to find the restaurant I remembered from like 10 years ago. The food was great and the service was awesome!! Man those girls ran their asses off for us!  We then headed in to Leesburg and did the Bike fest thing. Crowded, but doable. We did find the best place to eat, a place called the crooked spoon( I think) great food and people. It will be on our list for next year.


Neal Alvanos Said" The actual Leesburg event didn't compare with three days of rides, eating, and fellowship with my fellow Knight"


Tom "ECHOES "Casella Said " Couldn't have been better everyone enjoyed the weekend good friends good food good times"

Gunner said "Every trip is better the the last. I enjoyed everyone's company, you are all great!"




























This month we say so long to a great Knight Ricky "Shades" as he heads back up north. We'll miss him and look forward to his return in the Fall.!!


Member picture of the month!!
All who braved the rain in The ride for Kids