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THE BRITISH LINE II
D&D CYCLES RAT PACK
“THE JOLLY HOOLIGANS”
Newsletter for owners and enthusiasts of Triumph
and Other British Iron, and European Motorcycles
Sponsored by D&D Cycles, Inc., Pensacola, Florida
Telephone: (850) 456-0354 or Fax (850) 456-0402
Web Site: www.danddcycles.com
JUNE 2008
Big Cheese: “Dink” McLendon at D&D Cycles
Vice Big Cheese/Chancellor of the Exchequer: Julie McLendon
The Scribe: Dennis Cutler sales@danddcycles.com
During the month of May D&D Cycles welcomed two new employees to their staff. Terry Monteiro, recently from Cycle World Suzuki/Kawasaki will be working in Sales, while Dennis Cutler will assist in Sales, Parts and computer related work, and be taking over as the Triumph RAT Coordinator. Because of this Travis Stowers will move back to being Parts Manager and assist in Sales as needed.
In spite of some wet weather we had a reasonable crowd for our June 17th dinner meeting at the Golden Corral. A dinner ride is planned for the second Saturday of the month in July (1st Saturday is 4th of July weekend)on the 12th. This would be a roundabout ride from D&D to eventually end up at the Steak and Ale restaurant at the intersection of Davis Hwy and I-10. So as usual meet up at D&D Cycles at 3 pm and we should be leaving about 3:30 pm. Please ensure you start off with a full tank of gas as we do not plan on stopping till we get to Steak and Ale.
On a related note, your input for ride suggestions is GREATLY wanted and needed. How about some new members' ideas????
Don't forget the July dinner meeting at Golden Corral on 9th Avenue in Pensacola. Meet at 6:30ish on July 15TH.
Be sure to stop in for flyers on most events listed in our "Events" Calendar, as there is too much info to list. On that note please also check the events calendar for any upcoming rides, poker runs, etc.
LET'S GO RACING................
D & D Cycles has returned to the racing circuit, at Road America in Wisconsin Ted Cobb and Rob McClendon placed 3rd for Team Cycle Dynamics. On June 27 - 28 at Harpersville, NY Rob will be appearing for AHRMA Dirt Track Racing. Then on July 18 - 20 at Barbers in Birmingham, AL where he will once again team up with Ted Cobb for Team Cycle Dynamics. Then on July 25 -27 Rob will be racing at the AHRMA event at the Mid Ohio Vintage Days. Rob will stay over in the same area to be racing at the AMA Racing Formula Extreme event on Aug. 1st thru the 3rd.
If you have not already heard about our spectacular results,
check out the Race section
Much thanks to Triumph Motorcycles for their sponsorship
this season!
Rob, Dink & Julie would like to extend a special thank you to the following for their assistance during this VERY hectic two weeks of racing:
Jeremy Fields, for his mechanical assistance before and during the racing events, and also his enormous assistance to Rob during the dirt track races.
Dan at First Choice Automotive for his continuing support of our race program. Dan supports the sport, so please support him when you're looking for your next auto.
All the other unnamed people (you know who you are) who have helped in large or small ways, wished us luck, or congratulated us on our great finish, we THANK YOU.
Remember, accept no imitations when choosing someone to service your bike. There is no substitute for professional
factory trained dealership technicians.
Dealership technicians MUST submit to periodic factory required training to keep informed of the newest service
techniques as the new bikes are constantly coming out.
WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS:
John Downing-Royal Enfield Bullet
Jared Webster-Triumph Thruxton
Derek Bader-Triumph 675 SE
Denver Johnson-Triumph Street Triple
Jamie Howell-KTM Super Duke
Richard Sullivan-Triumph Speed Triple
Stephen Webber-Triumph America
James Kilroy-Triumph Rocket III
Stephen Furney II-KTM 525 ATV
Jesse Fisher III-Triumph Daytona SE
Reginald Barnsdale-KTM 690
Patrick Seager-KTM 250
Michael Cameron-Triumph 675 SE
Timothy Maier-Ducati 1098
Jere Williams-KTM Super Duke
Brett Hubbs-Ducati M696
Joseph Nangle-Triumph Bonneville
Robert Morrow-Triumph Bonneville
Leonard Solchenberger Jr.-Ducati MTS 1100S
Carroll Sullivan-Ducati-S2R 1000
William Higgs-Triumph America
Linda Schwader-Triumph Street Triple
Charles Robinson-Triumph Tiger
Flemming Cunningham-KTM 530 EXC
John Holzbar-Triumph Tiger
Charles Fiveash III-Triumph Speed Triple
John Mead-Triumph Speedmaster
Sidney Mullis-Triumph America
Jesse Adams-Triumph America
Joseph Baxter-KTM 250
Robert Strzelec-Triumph Daytona
Bryan Kincaid-KTM 690
Randall Garrett-Triumph Rocket III
Joshua Brigan-Triumph Daytona
Kenneth Davis II-Ducati 1098
Glen Maclean-Triumph America
This is a new feature we're adding to our newsletter section
monthly, so be sure and introduce yourselves when you see one of our new members at the meetings and rides.
Again, welcome to all our newest customers and club members, we wouldn't be here without you!!
The “Big Cheese” Slice:
We still have mileage patches and upgrades as your mileage increases on Hinckley and vintage British bikes; patches go for $10.00 and add-on mile patches (25,000 intervals) free. Get recognized for your accomplishments. Get your patch and mileage patches at D&D Cycles.
Ramblings:
Pete Peterson has retired as the Triumph RAT Coordinator and Dennis Cutler will be taking his place. If you have any announcements, ride flyers, etc... please ensure that they are marked for Dennis when sending them to Sales@danddcycles.com
Pete and Norma Peterson have sent this account of their recent trip on May 3, 2008.
The following takes place in the vicinity of Bandera, Texas, the hotspot Cowboy Capital of Texas; home to Drugstore Cowboys from the cities, gateway to the beautiful Texas Hill Country.
In a last-minute frenzy caused by the threat of really lousy weather, your erstwhile travelers decided to scrap a ride to Hiawassee, Georgia, and head west to the Texas Hill Country. A spot on the map north of San Antonio looked inviting, so after searching the Internet for suitable lodging, we settled on the Old Texas Square in Bandera, Texas. What a wise decision it was, even though there were three separate Harley Davidson gatherings within a 100 mile radius of our planned destination. One thing we discovered: loud pipes don’t do anything but tick of the locals!! Otherwise, another adventure for Pedro y Chiquita (names earned on our last foray into Mexico in January).
Upon arrival in Bandera, we found our palatial lodgings and were assigned the Clint Eastwood Room (each room has a theme: Pancho Villa, Grandma’s Attic, etc.). Our particular room was named after Clint Eastwood because there was an old movie poster hanging on the wall; otherwise, accommodations were a bit Spartan.
Once we killed a few bugs, checked out the loose plumbing, swapped out a light bulb, and cleaned up a bit of flaking paint in the bathtub, we headed for the adjacent watering hole and dining facility. Mediocre food cooked right before our very eyes (a smoker took up one end of the outside dining area), but pleasant surroundings and outstanding service made the meal a delight.
A walk after supper revealed an exciting nightlife in the town of about 950 persons. There were a couple of bars with live bands, a longhorn steer with a saddle that tourists could ride, and a horse and buggy ride down main street--more excitement than we could handle. But, we toughed it out and finally called it a night when the town closed down around 9:00 p.m.
The next morning was cold and windy, but we were in the Hill Country and we were going to ride those hills! Off we went, freezing our ---‘s off. After an hour of fighting cross winds, we spied an old converted gas station named the Hog Pen. Yup, you guessed it, a Harley hangout. Not to worry, out European presence was welcomed with warm greetings, hot coffee, and boudin balls fresh from the smoker. Warmed us up a bit and we were again ready to hit the road.
Some of the local riders at the Hog Pen told that the Twisted Sisters routes, consisting of three different roads that somehow came together in various places, would be our best bet. We were warned that when a corner speed advisory said “10mph” to not go faster than recommended, but we found that overall the roads were not all that challenging and we were able to negotiate the corners with no surprises. We discovered the lure of the Hill Country: good roads, tight corners, virtually no traffic, but lots of critters alongside and smashed on the road.
One area was particularly amusing—a ranch with llamas, ostriches, kangaroos, wallabies, and a few head of cattle right along the highway, which necessitated a photo stop. A group of Harley riders had also stopped and we had a good conversation about which roads were worth traveling. The consensus was that all of them are good, and we agree!! There was some discussion regarding the rubber chicken hanging from our license plate, and we had some pretty good jokes going by the time we parted ways.
Off again into the curves, bumps, and cattle guards, when on the left side we saw a blur, and then suddenly a deer decided to come toward us at full speed (apparently something had spooked the little darling, as it was late morning). What to do? Slow down and risk being broadsided by Bambi? Come to a stop? Reaction was to hit the throttle, which resulted in a collision with Bambi’s neck. There was a hard hit on the front wheel, followed by a light tank slapper and a jump from the rear wheel crossing over Bambi’s neck; the bike then regained balance and was brought to a stop with nothing more than a small dent on the plate near the front fender, some deer hair and deer fluids long the side of the bike, and a couple of shaken up riders coming to a halt. Of course, all this activity caused Bambi to suffer near immediate demise. Just as we were turning around, another deer ran across the road and disappeared into the woods.
We went back to ensure Bambi was indeed dead (he was), then dragged him over to the side of the highway so some poor soul would not be forced to swerve or hit the carcass. We rode some more back roads, then returned to our hotel for the remainder of the day.
Moral of the story: Be sure to always carry a hunting knife. Our only regret was that we were unable to bleed and gut the deer out, bring him back to the hotel, and put him in that big old smoker in the outside dining area.
We’re still beggin’ for input. Here’s your chance to get your name in print, receive praise and adoration, and otherwise become known as a contributor. Please, let us know if you’ve taken any good rides lately. All we need are a few details, how many (or how few) riders, high or low points, or anything else you want to tell us about, and we’ll make sure it gets into this newsletter and the D&D Cycles Web Site. Please send us some good photos and stories soon!! On that note if you are sending photos please send them as an e-mail resolution photo (usually in the 240X320 ir 480X640 format. This will make it easier to include those photos in the newsletter. Thanks.
REMEMBER: Check your brakes, tires, battery, and everything else on your bike when you bring it out for spring riding, or bring it in to D & D Cycles for a complete service and check over.
Be sure to get it in soon, before the service department gets really busy.
And as always, we appreciate your business!!!
Upcoming Events:
Tuesday, July 15th: Monthly dinner meeting at Golden Corral on 9th Avenue. Meet at 6:30ish.
VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE DAYS AT MID-OHIO: A notice from the RAT Pack Leaders Group regarding Triumph participation at Vintage Motorcycle Days at MidOhio is quoted for your information. If you haven’t already heard, Triumph is the featured marque; this is special, as it’s also the 50th Anniversary of the Triumph Bonneville:
“It has been brought to my attention semi-unofficially by Will Stoner, organizer, . . . that Triumph is considering a National RAT Raid at VMD this year. Triumph has been raced with presenting the ‘Marque of the Year Display’ at MidOhio. It is the 50th Anniversary of the Bonneville.
“We are looking for pristine examples of the Triumph brand to display in the Museum tent at VMD. Will has asked me to handle the Hinkley models only. If you have or know someone with any Hinkley model of significance, please contact me. The following models will be desirable based on their limited production: Speed Triple Challenge bikes, Daytona Super 3, Daytona 1200SE, Sprint Sport, Sprint Executive, Centennial Edition Daytona…actual bikes in movies. This list is not all inclusive. There ill be other bike shows to enter for highly modified/tricked out bikes.
“Of course, Hinkley pre ’95 models will be extremely rare finds. I believe Canada started importing in ’94, U.S. in ’95, so these will be even harder to find, but all the more interesting.
“Will Stoner has spoken with Monica Boutwell at Triumph and she has indicated to him that they are considering a National Raid weekend event there on July 25-27, 2008. Since Triumph is the marque of the year, I suspect this will result in a full blown action packed weekend very much unlike last year. Will Stoner sounded very pleased with the effort from Triumph at this point. Please keep our calendars open and your eyes/ears open for more official details.
“In the meantime, please contact me about possible entries for the museum tent. Only Hinkley Triumphs, please. Ping me at triumphnutter@yahoo.com.
“Thanks, Jonathan West, Cleveland RAT Pack Leader”
Also for all you Triumph Rocket riders out there, a gathering of Rocket III riders is currently being planned for Eureka Springs, Arkansas, dates: September 5-7. Several hotels/motels still have rooms available, see Dennis for details or go to the R3owners.net site and look for either the thread on "Rockets Across America III" or RAA III Lodging & other info under the Bearclaw section in the Forums area. So far there are about four of us going between Pensacola and the Ft. Walton Beach area.
Sep 12-14 - Indy Moto-GP Races: An E-Mail from Richard Corn regarding the GP Races is quoted for your information:
“Guys,
“The Indianapolis RAT Pack has put together a ticket package and dinner for the Indy Moto GP races next September 12-13-14, and are hosting a regional RAT Raid for the event. They have a block of 300 seats reserved, so you can cheer on your favorite racers while surrounded by a rabid bunch of Triumph riders. AMA flat track racing at the state fairgrounds is also happening that weekend.
“I am going to work on getting a group of riders form the Knoxville area to ride up to the races. Maybe you can join us. Attached is the ticket order form.” (--EDITORS NOTE: CCONTACT RICHARD CORN AT tntriumph@charter.net for the ticket order form--)
“Here’s a link to the Brickyard Moto GP website: http://tinyurl.com/2o8mnv
“Cheers, Richard.”
Ride like your life depended on it. It does, you know!!
Wear your helmet, take an MSF course, don’t drink and ride, and look after each other!!
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2008 1098's ARE AVAILABLE NOW!!! COME IN OR CALL US TODAY TO RESERVE YOURS!!!
New Triumph Shirts!!
Come and check out the new Kids shirts, they are so cute, Julie couldn't stop
ooo-ing over them for hours! We also have the new line of shirts in various
sizes. Come check them out and get yours TODAY!
NEW!!!
We now have TRIUMPH front license plates for your car or truck.
ONLY $3.50!!!
GET YOURS TODAY!!!
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