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  We finally arrived at the speedway.  The track was definitely not what I had imagined, there were cracks and breaks in the concrete and the corners had much more banking to them than what I thought they would.  I had heard that the top speed was going to be limited to around 35mph.  However, that was not the case.  I took the Ninja up to over 80, and the only reason I slowed down then was because I had already caught up to the slower bikes in front of me.  Another surprising thing to me was the brickyard itself.  I really expected to feel it when I passed over it, but I didn’t.

  After the lap around the track, all of the bikes meet up in another large parking just across from the track.  Shortly after this, they had the prize drawings and said what the total made for the hospital was.  Somewhere about 6000 bikes were in attendance, and a total of over $250 THOUSAND was raised.  It was truly an experience I will never forget.

  In all honesty, I knew that I was going to have a good time, but I really had no idea just what I was in for.  Let me tell you that getting the chance to ride on the speedway was fun, I won’t lie about that, but riding past that hospital and seeing the children was without a doubt the best part of it all.  Even if I wouldn’t have get to opportunity to ride on the track, the main purpose of the ride would have been good enough for me.  Seeing the kids, the fact that I helped to raise some of the money, and knowing that I was a small part of making the children’s day just a small bit better made the entire weekend great.

  As I mentioned earlier, I had only known about this ride eleven days before we left.  Although that was not much time, I was able to collect a total of $320 to donate.  I am already planning on going next year, but with more time I hope to collect a bit more than that.  This ride is probably one of the best things I have ever been involved with.  It made me feel really good to be able to help the children.  So, thanks to those who did make a pledge to the hospital through me, I truly appreciated it.

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  We need to start preparing for the November Ride at the French Lick Springs Resort.  There will need to be more trails cut, along with some maintenance on the existing trails.  We will need to get with John Deel to set up some times to get the work done.  Some things that need to be done are getting the trails mapped, this includes trail markings, painting trees, signs, stakes, and more specific training for trail guides and tail gunners.  Another big factor is the need for more club participation.  Also mentioned was sending out a checklist with the registration of what will be checked during the tech inspection.  The list will need to be reviewed before it is sent out.

 

  Danny Helfen mentioned that the Sierra Club is once again campaigning for the roadless act.  Rich proposed that we get some sample letters, and then the club members each write a letter to our government officials at the next meeting.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 6:10 p.m.

  

BOONIE RIDERS, INC.   June SECRETARY’S REPORT

By Tina Phillips

Adopt-A-Highway clean up was held Saturday, June 14, 2003.  Members who dedicated their time and efforts at this hot event were as follows: Rich and Melissa Reisz, Allen and Brenda Popp, Jim and Tina Phillips, Daniel Weisman, Greg Mauzey, Danny Helfen, and Bill McFall.  There wasn’t a whole bunch of trash and it only took us 3 hours to clean it up.  Afterwards, we goofed off at Rich and Melissa’s while Richard BBQed chicken for everyone and Melissa made baked beans.  Some of us had to throw our chicken back on the grill because it wasn’t quite done yet (It’s OK, Rich.  Honestly, I thought it would have been done enough too!).  A club meeting was held directly after eating lunch.  Everyone who helped at Adopt-A-Highway also attended the meeting.  Nobody had a whole lot to say except Richard…well, I think you can guess by now that he is a little long-winded…  Allen mentioned several IFWDA events coming up.  The one most of us would be interested in is Wilstem in French Lick, IN which will be held August 15-17, 2003.  Indy Jamboree will be on September   19-21, 2003.

 

An informal trail ride will be held at LBL on June 27-29, 2003.

Til next time…smile and be safe!