The Power Reader
February 2010 The Newsletter of The Sun Cities Power Riders
What's New!
- It was a big turn-out when 89 trusting souls showed up for Pritchett's annual Valentine Mystery Ride this year. They all arrived in time for lunch at a new Chili's Grill and Bar, Happy Valley Parkway and Lake Pleaseant Road. It was a fine choice for a tasty and hearty lunch that some of us couldn't finish until the next day. Cheers for the real bikers who rode in spite of the rain forecast and kept the Club Spirit alive.
- A Friday social ride leaves at 10:00 from the QT for a pie run to the Rock Springs Cafe on Feb 26. Don't want to look weird eating only pie for lunch? Too late, if you ride a bike at your age you are already weird. See Events.
- We have had some interesting rides this winter including such destinations as Tiburon at the Zoo, Casa Grande Monument, Sunset Park, Motorcycle Institute, and Buddy Stubbs Museum. Note the link (underlined bold letters) on the Ride Schedule within the description of these rides. It will take you to a related website for more information.
- We have some new Pictures of the Valentine Mystery Ride. And in case you missed them, see the ones from the Tiburon and the Casa Grande Monument rides as well.
- Picture browsing tip: If you get "trapped" while viewing a set of pictures, first click on Thumbnails in the top menu and then on Previous Page and Shazam! you have escaped.
- Check the Wednesday Ride Schedule for up-to-date ride information. If you are listed as a ride leader but haven't picked your destination yet, please drop me an email when you do. If you would like to add more information about your wonderful ride, email that to me as well.
- If you wish to subscribe to the monthly newsletter for the coming year, please give your name and $5.00 to the club treasurer. You will receive an issue for each of the eight months (October throught May) that the newletter is published.
Club Events
Monthly Club Meeting
Meet for breakfast on the second Thursday of each month at 9:00 a.m. at My Favorite Martin's (formerly Faylene's) in Sun Village. Pick up a visitor's pass at the entrance to Sun Village which is on Bell Road, about one mile west of Litchfield Road. This is the club business meeting and includes announcements and discussions of upcoming events and rides. The cost is $7.00 per person inclusive.
Pie Run Feb 26, 2010
Jerry Wetak is cranking up the Friday social rides again. We leave from the QT at 10:00 am. and head for the Rock Springs Cafe in Black Canyon City for some of their world famous pie.
Yuma Overnighter Mar 24-25, 2010
Bill and Carol Pritchett are leading this ride that includes a side trip to the Algodones Pharmacias. They are staying at the La Fuente Inn again this year where the room rate is $79.00 plus tax. This includes a hosted cocktail bar, good appetizers, a nice pool, and a free breakfast. Make your reservations by calling 1-800-841-1814 and mention the Power Riders. Some are staying a second night, which can be reserved for the same rate. Let us know if you are going. Bill and Carol at 623-974-5844.
Spring Fling/Farewell Snowbird Party Mar 30, 2010.
Carol Pritchett and her able group of helpers have scheduled this event to be held in the Quail Room at the Sun City West Foundation. They are planning something a little different this year and when the plans are finalized, we will post them here. The big news is that Bob Johnson and his string band have already been booked, so get ready to party.
Wednesday Ride Schedule
| Date | Time | Leader | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2/3/10 | 9:00 | Bob Gordon | Scottsdale, Greasewood Flats for lunch. |
| 2/10/10 | 9:00 | Bill Pritchett | Valentine Mystery Ride. See Events. |
| 2/17/10 | 9:00 | John Elmgren | Phoenix, Buddy Stubbs Motorcycle Museum. Over 100 rare bikes from 30 different manufacturers. |
| 2/24/10 | 9:00 | Lloyd Weber | Casa Grande. |
| 3/3/10 | 8:00 | Paul Lines | Gila Bend with lunch in Buckeye. We will take the Sun Valley Parkway south through Arlington with a rest and/or coffee stop at the Desert Rose. Then on to Gila Bend with a stop at the Shell Station and back north on 85 to Buckeye for lunch at the La Placita Cafe. Total distance approx 145mi. |
| 3/10/10 | 8:00 | Burt Todd | Lunch at the Kofa Cafe not far from beautiful McVay, AZ which has been cleverly diguised as a farm. |
| 3/17/10 | 8:00 | Dan Deubler | ? |
| 3/24/10 | 8:00 | Bill Pritchett | Yuma Overnighter. See Events. |
| 3/31/10 | 8:00 | Wayne Jugenheimer | Payson |
| 4/7/10 | 8:00 | Bob Johnson | Prescott and Skull Valley. |
| 4/14/10 | 8:00 | Tim Evans | ? |
| 4/21/10 | 8:00 | Jerry Reiker | Prescott. |
| 4/28/10 | 8:00 | Greg Haro | ? |
| 5/5/10 | 7:00 | Roy Merriott | Strawberry |
| 5/12/10 | 7:00 | Wickenburg, Copper State Cycles Get-Acquainted lunch on the barbeque at 11:00 am. Details later. | |
| 5/19/10 | 7:00 | Riders' Choice until next October. |
The Wednesday ride is planned and led by a club member who selects the route, picks rest stops and/or gas stops, and arranges for a place to eat. The leader often pre-rides the route to assess road conditions and check the ride distance and duration. Questions? Call Roy Meriott 623-214-7020.
Start Place: Quik Trip at Bell Road and Avenue-of-the-Arts (114th Avenue) in Surprise.
Start Times: JAN-10:00am, FEB-9:00am, MAR-8:00am, APR-8:00am, MAY-7:00am, JUN-7:00am, JUL-7:00am, AUG-7:00, SEP-8:00am, OCT-8:00am, NOV-9:00am, DEC-9:00am
Saturday Ride
A guy-ride to Yarnell for breakfast at the Ranch House. Questions? Call Roy Merriott 623-214-7020.
Start Place: Christian Church parking lot at 151st Avenue and RH Johnson Drive in Sun City West.
Start Times: April through October: 7:00am, November through March: 8:00am
Bikes For Sale
 | 2007 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic. Extra clean white gold pearl HD FLHTCUI one owner bike with 14,000 miles. This bike is immaculate! Extensive add ons: Vance Hines oval slip-ons, Fuelpak system, Arlan Ness Phase I system, alarm, fairing bra, low profile shocks, passenger adjustable pegs, HD lined cover, flame theme chrome..too much to list, box and saddlebag liners, removable rider backrest, and more. Synthetic oil used and all recommended service maintenance up-to-date. Both tires new @ 11,000 miles. SOLD..SOLD..SOLD |
If you would like to list a bike for sale, email your ad and a picture (if you have one) to the Editor.
Meeting Minutes February 11, 2010
The meeting was called to order by president, Jerry Wetak at 9:00 AM. He announced that there were 7 birthdays and 1 anniversary this past month. He commented on the Valentine's Day ride yesterday and mentioned that there is a motorcycle accessory shop across the street from Chili's where we ate.
Treasurer's Report: Report given by the new treasurer, Linda Mann.
Balance forward. . . . . . . . . .$1453.79Safety Report: John Elmgren gave the report. He had talked to a friend who is a retired motorcycle policeman and was the safety coordinator for 10 years. This person emphasized the fact that it is very dangerous to ride with your feet dragging. A person doesn't have as good control of the bike and also runs a chance of breaking a leg.
Raffle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26.00
Dues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .210.00
January 31, 2010 Balance. . . .$1689.79
Ride Coordinator: Roy Merriott gave the report. He thanked everyone who led rides the past month. There were 89 participants on the Valentine's Day, Feb. 10.
Jerry introduced a guest who lives in Sun Village, George Helfrich.
Roster: Keith Nixon passed around the roster again so that any last minute changes could be made before he takes it to the printer.
Web Site: Jerry thanked Bruce McVay for the good job he is doing with the site.
Name Tags: Bob Johnson will order tags for anyone who needs one.
Bill Pritchett announced that the Yuma trip is set for Mar. 24 and 25 for those who want to stay 2 days. Reservations need to be made at the La Fuente Inn at 1-800-841-1814.Carol Pritchett sent around a signup sheet for the Farewell Party to be held Mar. 30 in the Quail Room at the Sun City West Foundation. Bob Johnson will provide entertainment. This will probably not be a pot luck this time. However, the charge should be about $10.00 or less per person.
A motion was made to pay Roy Merriott to make up a brochure telling about our club. This brochure could be left or put on bulletin boards in various places to let people know about the Power Riders. The motion was seconded and passed. Jerry asked if anyone would be interested in hosting the fall welcome back party. The pie ride will be held Friday, Feb. 26. The ride will leave from the QT at 10:00.
Carol Pritchett announced that the club has lost 8 members this year but has gained at least 15 new people. Jerry said that he feels that getting the brochures out to different places should help us gain new members.
Keith Nixon nominated Tom Taylor to be a life member as he will turn 80 years old on his next birthday, Feb. 27. Motion was seconded and passed.
50-50 Drawing: Winners were: Roger Yadro, Pat Thomas, Monica Smith, and Name Unknown.
John Elmgren discussed the ride he is leading next Wed. to the Buddy Stubbs Museum. It should prove to be very interesting.
The meeting was adjourned by president, Jerry Wetak, at 9:40 Am.
Respectfully submitted,
Lou Nixon