Sunday, November 30, 2014

November 2014

The Palm Beach Knights Newsletter










The Knights Table


Monthly Newsletter November 2014


Greetings from your President   Will


Zen and the art of motorcycle RIDER maintenance

by Will

This narrative begins like many other tales of woe, with a nice ride.  It was the day we had been anticipating for quite some time, the Friday we go to Roscoe’s. This year had the added treat of Gunner leading and my getting to tail. This is a luxury for me because I get to see the Knights and how great a riding group they are. After we all had breakfast together, we headed out to beautiful weather and what was a perfect riding day. Gunner did a great job leading and I got to spend more time to do some Zen contemplation of the wildlife and scenery. Another benefit was having the SENA intercom system. This allowed for some friendly banter on the trip.  Regrettably I have to report that the trip was about to change.  As we made our approach to the city of Sebring, I abruptly found it very hard to shift. I couldn’t seem to get the bike into gear, and it finally locked up entirely. Luckily, I was able to pull into a store’s parking lot. Now when something like this happens, you quickly get a bad feeling way down deep into the very depth of your viscera. There is even a momentary feeling of panic when you realize that the ride is about to change due to your bike. Everyone was very helpful, but in the end we had to call a local mechanic. Our Sgt at Arms Echoes did some searching and found one close by. After answering the mechanic’s predictable queries on the phone, I finally had to accept the inevitable and have him come to where we were.  I was fortunate that he was even willing to do that, considering we were stuck. There was even a momentary discussion of renting a U-haul and my taking the bike back home, but I choose to go with the mechanic. I was yearning that it was an easy solution, but no such luck. Watching Helga get put on a trailer, sent that unmistakable sinking feeling to my stomach again. As you all know, your bike is so much more to you than just a machine. We give our bikes human traits and characteristics. So when seeing her being taken away, it’s comparable to seeing a friend being taken away by ambulance.

 The bike then was taken back to the shop where I was told about all the things that was conceivably wrong. None of them were quick or easy!( I think this is where my Zen like breathing started) Bart, the mechanic seemed to know what he was doing and explained that he had just worked on a couple of Goldwings. While this made me feel a little better, it did little to relieve my building anxiety.  It ended up that I had to accept the inevitable conclusion that the bike would be staying right there for a while. 
Now came the time for the decision of what to do next.  I immediately wanted to send everyone on and get myself home. Echoes said he wouldn’t leave my side and the rest wasn’t having any of that either.  All I can say is “thanks” for sticking with me. This is where the art and Zen of maintaining this rider comes in. The emotional turmoil that was raging within took a great bit of Zen calming to overcome. (Although I probably didn’t look calm)  The thought of ruining everyone’s weekend was foremost on my mind.  We had lunch at what was later discovered by Gunner as a place we had been to before. After some further discussion it was decided that I would take Stogie’s bike and ride him to Lakeland. This was mainly due to my fear and overwhelming anxiety of riding on the back of anyone’s bike.  I have to be honest and say that I was more than a little nervous!! Not only was I on a strange bike, but I had Neil’s well being to worry about.  My apologies to Neil for any jokes and kidding he got for allowing me to do this.  We made our way through rush hour traffic to Lakeland and got to the Hotel just before dark. All of us were tired and a little stressed.  That evening was spent in the best way possible, in the company of the Knights. We had our own veranda and plenty of libations. The evening (and the moonshine) helped to relieve much of my stress. While I still had no idea of what was wrong with my beloved Helga, at least I was with my friends. Thus ending our first night of our yearly Roscoe trip.
The next day some of the Knights took a ride to a local dealer. I took this time to find a rental car. Later, we rode/drove to our long awaited destination. I have to say that this year Roscoe’s was a bit disappointing. The event seemed smaller and not as exciting. One highlight was Keith getting his club vest done! The chili was awesome as always, but there were fewer vendors and the space itself was ½ the size. That evening we had dinner at a local Steak house. After dinner, I decided to save the expense of another night at the hotel and drive myself home. I should say that I would not have done that if I was not fully confident that Gunner and the rest of the Knights would do a great job of getting back.  The short end to this tale is that Helga blew her clutch and rear bearings. I took Amtrak back to Sebring a week and ½ later. Paying the $900+ bill was painful, but it was good to get her back.  I still find myself taking a Zen like moment when I reflect about all that occurred. Isn’t Karma a bitch!!


Your Brother Will


The Palm Beach Knights MRC is sponsored by:


Force-E Dive Centers has the best dive staff in South Florida.  We have staff members ranging from Photo experts to, Blue Heron Bridge masters, to Free Diving experts. 


Please look for more info coming soon about special events for the Knights and others.

Diving can be a wonderful experience, but it takes you out of your element and puts you somewhere that can be very dangerous!! When you go diving or snorkeling always go with someone who knows the rope and you can trust with your life...like Force-E Dive Centers. The best dive center there is.

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https://www.force-e.com/






Knights don't forget to RSVP for our Holiday party. Last year was a great one and this year will be even better. Free Door prize gifts, 50/50(bring cash, this helps our club!)  raffles and more. Of course we will have our Knights White Elephant Gift Exchange!!!!! If you want to participate, just bring a wrapped gift (no more than $25) and get your ticket!! When your number is called you pick a gift from the prize table, or you can steal someone elses.  This the fun part!!

We will also have T-shirts and Patches for sale.

12/20/14 

Hurricane Grill & Wings       7pm

4075 State Road 7, Wellington, FL

Knights may purchase anything from the menu, just make sure they have a check just for you.



Who has the COOLEST VEST ???









































We have-small patches and now a  limited 
supply of  large back Patches available.

WEAR YOUR SHIRT SHOW YOUR PRIDE!!




MJ Bean Cox   11//1
Scott Lord 11/8/1962
Joe Ciancio 11/9/1943
Steve Cohen 11/15/1963


Please join me in congratulating 
Kris Kollar as the Knights new
Safety Officer. Thanks you Kris for always watching out for the Knights!



We have been having some really awesome rides /TIMES:

November 1            Fishermen's Village - Punta Gorda, Florida




The was a little longer ride , but what a great day!! The weather was really excellent, even if it was very windy. It was a great way to spend a day out with the Knights. I think we all got home before dark.


David Rey said" Glad I went. If it weren't for the Club, I am not sure I would have made this ride to Punta Gorda"






November 2       
Meet for breakfast at Cracker Barrel and ride to Harley Davidson Beach Party.

Greenies took the club to the HD Beach Party. Seemed like everyone had a great time.







November 7                    Roscoe's Chili Challenge weekend. 






Well for the whole story see the top. This is always an interesting weekend getaway. This year was smaller and seemed less exciting, may just have been me.


Rick Pirozzoli Said" Even riding in the rain is better with the Knights , good luck with Helga Will





November 16                     Bluewater Beach Grill

Since my bike was not yet back from repairs, I asked Gunner to fill in for me. As usual he did a fantastic job and everyone had a great time. We should also mention that it was his birthday!!! I did get to stop by in the morning and have a Donut with the Knights. We had some new Knights and some we haven't seen for awhile....always a good thing! Welcome to Rich and his wife Deb. Good to see everyone.



Rich Love said" What a great day thanks for sharing your ride what a nice group of friends We had nice time"  


Gunner said" Thank you everyone for breaking in to the Happy Birthday song for me. For those of you that missed it, it was a great, I never expected it. THANK YOU ALL"




November 29      

      Short ride to Harry and the Natives.
 I posted a last minute ride to get out of the house. Lauren joined me and we had a great breakfast and even meet with a prospective Knight.






































November 30th                        





All I can say is Thank You!! This had to be one of our nicest events. First a big thanks goes to Kris, for all the cooking, and everyone else who brought food and drinks. So many people brought so much great stuff, we all had a ball. Days like this are so rare to most people, unless you're a Knight! The new and old faces just make for a great day. I can't help but feel that we are so much a family. Sons, Daughters, and baby's  were all there. While we did not do a lot of tech stuff, we did do a lot of motorcycle talking. We also got some patches sewn on! The weather could not have been better. Those that couldn't make it were missed, but I think you'll want to be at the next one.



Slick Said" I had an awesome time today with my brothers, new & old. Special thanks to Chef Kris for an amazing job keeping us fed. So looking forward to many more adventures with my friends-"