trail gazette - october 2012
TRANSCRIPT
October 2012
President Gene Walker
5531 Lardon Rd NE
Salem, OR 97305-3248 (503) 428-6641
(503) 371-4363
Treasurer Tom Ruttan
3761 SW Olson Ct
Lake Oswego, OR 97034 (503) 638-1746
Vice President Gary Kelley
20000 NE Jaquith Rd
Newberg, OR 97132-6694 (503) 537-0802
(503) 860-6442
Secretary Shannon Kelley
20000 NE Jaquith Rd
Newberg, OR 97132-6694 (503) 537-0802
(503) 784-0760
Visit us online at amcaotc.org
OTC Ride to Lunch
No meeting minutes for September since the
September Business Meeting was cancelled. Gene decided in lieu of our usually exciting business
meeting, we should ride to the Marquam Inn for
lunch.
We met at Iggy’s in Brooks on Saturday morning and spent some time in the parking lot talking
about the various road runs attended this
summer and enjoying the morning sun. As it
came time to leave several members had arrived.
Along with Gene were Jim & Rosie Singhose, Don Woodard, Nils Olson, Gary & Shannon Kelley and
returning to his chase truck duties and looking as
good as new was Pat Smith.
We headed east from Brooks to ride a loop that took us through several small towns on our way
to the Marquam Inn.
Once we arrived, we got down to the business of
eating some of the fine food served there. Here we see Pat taking a few pictures of members in
attendance.
Pat taking his best shot.
Gene was busy answering questions about the article in the fall Antique Motorcycle magazine.
The article about one of his ancestors travelling
across the US on a Flying Merkel drew a host of
questions.
Gene Walker answers questions on the article in Antique Motorcycle
Rosie and Jim Singhose joined the fun from
Cottage Grove. It was a great way to spend a sunny day in Oregon. Good conversation and
food.
Rosie and Jim Singhose wait for their meal at the Marquam Inn.
Oregon Trail Chapter
October 2012
Visit us online at amcaotc.org
A Visit with Dick Mann
By Dave Peterson
Dick Mann is a really charming man and a legend
in motorcycle racing. Dick is a two-time A.M.A. Grand National Champion and was inducted in
the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 1993
and Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1998. Dick is also
famous for his custom motorcycle frames. Dick now specializes in restoring and selling vintage
race motorcycles. The bike pictured below was
just completed by Dick and is on its way to
Oregon. Dick also continues to participate in AHRMA Vintage Moto-Cross racing.
Dick Mann, Theo Battaglia and Rick McMaken in Dick’s Shop
We stopped to visit Dick at his shop during our
ride to Nevada. When he stepped out of his shop
after hearing the sounds of our bikes arriving, he
stood with a smile and one hand on his hip with a
slight nod and the other hand up.
I instantly remembered Dick from when my dad
(Pete Peterson) took me to a Sacramento mile
with Bill Brownell when I was about 12 years old.
Dick Mann won the race that day.
Dick was working in his shop when we arrived.
We needed a metric yoke nut for one of the pre-
16 bikes, but Dick said he usually throws those
out since he uses English thread on the bikes he builds. He’s known my dad over the years and I
told him they started racing around the same
year. I believe it was 1947. We also spoke of Bill
Brownell who ran a Honda/Triumph dealership in
Chico CA. Dick remembered Bill fondly saying there is nobody like Bill and will never be.
Sometimes they don’t make it to the barn. Dick Mann’s Shop
Dick said his labor is cheap these days! He told
me "I don't have one of those" every time he thinks about getting a pre 16 bike they just keep
getting more expensive as Theo and Rick rode
away first. That was after I explained I wasn't on
one because I can't afford it and was mounted on a BMW. Just before we left, I told Dick I was
supposed to take pictures for the club and if he
wouldn't mind a pose. Rick tried to escape out
the door as I shoved him in the shot!
He waved as we rode off on his loose angled and
long dirt driveway almost as if the driveway was
intended for dirt riding only as my bike slid
around in it with the wide slick street tires. It was
pretty fun dropping back into those moments of time and memories from childhood and the
things and people that meant so much and had
an influence on me.
AMCA President’s Newsletter
By Richard Spagnolli
Since my last newsletter relating to Chapter compliance with IRS Rules and Regulations in the
USA, I am pleased to report many Chapters have
responded to the Board's request to contact
Chuck Deluzio, the CPA retained by the Club. Those who responded have agreed to file the
appropriate tax returns, where required, through
Chuck's office or their own tax advisor.
Unfortunately, more than half of Chapters with a potential tax reporting issue did not respond. The
Board does not know if these Chapters have filed
the required returns through their own tax
advisors or didn't address the issue at all.
Oregon Trail Chapter
October 2012
Visit us online at amcaotc.org
Also of concern to the Board are those Chapters
that were advised, based on Chapter financial reports filed with the AMCA Treasurer, that they
did not have a potential tax reporting issue, but
still had an obligation to file an IRS Form 990N
"post card" return online. The Board has heard
from only a few of the Chapters in this category. There is no way to know if these Chapters have
filed the 990N and didn't advise us, or simply
didn't file this form.
I can't emphasize enough that all USA-based Chapters must file a form with the IRS as the
Board advised through my previous President's
Newsletters. If any Chapter needs copies of those
Newsletters, e-mail AMCA Operations Manager Bill Wood at [email protected]. If you
have made arrangements with own tax advisor,
please e-mail or call Chuck to let him know, so
the Board has a record of your Chapter's compliance.
If any Chapter hasn't contacted Chuck or its own
tax advisor about its tax situation, I urge you to
do so now so your Chapter will be in compliance
with all IRS Rules and Regulations. Contact Chuck at [email protected] or (724) 838-
8322.
If your Chapter did file a Federal and State tax
return and eventually receives a letter from the IRS or the state assessing interest and penalties,
it is important that the Chapter appeal the
assessment of penalties within the time period
allotted. Chuck will file the appeal for any of the Chapters that receive such a letter, or you may
have your own tax advisor file the appeal. The
important point is that you must file the appeal if
your Chapter wants the chance to have the
penalties abated.
Editor’s Note:
The OTC Treasurer has been in contact with
Chuck and completed the necessary IRS filings.
At its fall meeting on October 4, in conjunction with the Chesapeake Chapter National Meet in
Jefferson, Pennsylvania, the AMCA Board will be
discussing ways to help our Chapters formally
appeal the assessment of penalties. The Board will also discuss the interest assessment.
As I write this Newsletter, a group of dedicated
people, many of them AMCA members, are riding
their old bikes across the USA in the 2012 Cannonball Motorcycle Endurance Run, organized
by Lonnie Isam Jr.
Members from our Chapter (Allegheny Mountain)
met the Cannonball riders in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, at the first overnight stop of the
run. Not only did we see riders having fun (at
least at that stage), but we were inspired by their
courage and a little envious of their desire to ride
nearly 4,000 miles to their final destination in San Francisco. A little crazy? Maybe, but a real
tribute to the participants and their support
crews, and to the strength of our sport. If you
get the chance to see any of the Cannonball Run when it reaches your area, I encourage you to do
so. It's a truly marvelous experience.
I have attended most of the AMCA National Meets
this year. And I am pleased to report, as I did last year, that the National Meet scene is alive,
vibrant and growing. Thanks again to all the
volunteers, vendors and AMCA members who
make our National Meets and Road Runs a success. I truly regret not being able to attend
any of the National Road Runs this year. My plans
for attendance at the Maggie Valley Road Run
have been sidetracked by, yes, AMCA business
required before the October 4 Board Meeting. But the reports I have received indicate that this
year's AMCA National Road Runs have been well
attended. Chapter interest in sponsoring future
Road Runs has increased significantly in the last few years—certainly a healthy sign for the Club.
The AMCA Judging Program has remained an
important part of our National Meets, with
member participation strong. Satisfaction with the system remains in line with the results of the
Judging Survey taken over a year ago that
reported a majority of the participants pleased
with the program. Revitalization of the Judging
Committee will take a priority in the coming year, and Judging Seminars, which have been very
popular this year, will continue, with the idea of
encouraging more members to become involved
in the AMCA Judging Program.
The Board also has been sponsoring AMCA Town
Hall Meetings at National Meets. The meetings
have been well attended and will continue to be a
part of the National Meet program. Although all Board members do not attend every Meet, at
least one Board member will be available for the
discussion. Except for one incident at a single
Town Hall Meeting, I think that the members who have attended have been appreciative of the
opportunity to meet Board members and have a
respectful discussion about relevant issues within
the Club.
Oregon Trail Chapter
October 2012
Visit us online at amcaotc.org
The AMCA Youth Program has seen excellent
participation at National Meets this year under the guidance of Brittney Olsen (Yes, Brittney
Wuertz married Board Member Matt Olsen on
August 13 this year). I firmly believe this
program is a great way to increase family participation in the Club and inspire our children
and grandchildren to become interested in old
bikes.
After advertising for applicants for open Board positions for almost six months, the Board
received applications from six members. For the
first time in its history, the entire Board
interviewed each applicant during a
teleconference. I am pleased to report that all applicants proved well qualified to serve on the
Board. Those interviews will provide a basis for
discussion when the Board votes for Board
membership at its October 4 meeting.
I regret to announce that AMCA Treasurer Jim
Graulty has submitted his resignation from the
Board, citing his business obligations, unexpected
family issues and the amount of work involved in maintaining the AMCA's financial accounting
system. Jim did an excellent job of setting up
that system and creating an AMCA Accounting
Handbook for all future Treasurers. Jim also set a
new standard for the preparation of Club financial statements, which we all have seen in the Club
magazine and website.
Jim will be difficult to replace. The Club will need
a volunteer with basic accounting and/or bookkeeping experience. A background in
handling the books for an organization would be
most helpful. The Board is considering retaining
an accounting firm to prepare all financial statements, in order to keep up with the
standards of reporting set by Jim. Of course, this
may not be necessary if someone with Jim's
qualifications steps forward.
I am requesting your help in the search for a
Treasurer. Please advertise this opening in your
Chapter newsletter and by word of mouth. I
would be glad to answer any questions an
applicant may have about the position requirements. I am sure Jim would also.
In my “Wheels in Motion” column in the fall issue
of the Club magazine, I made reference to the
Virtual Library and Verbal History projects. Before the Board makes a decision on the future of
these programs, we need to know the extent of
membership interest. The Virtual Library project
involves accumulating and copying motorcycle
literature for uploading to the Club website. The
Verbal History program involves interviewing our Club's senior members for uploading to the Club
website.
We would like to determine if any members want
to volunteer to help with these projects. You can send email to AMCA Operations Manager Bill
Wood at [email protected].
Thanks for listening. If you have any questions or
concerns, please email or call.
Richard - 724-861-4681
Oregon Trail Chapter
October 2012
Visit us online at amcaotc.org
Oregon Trail Chapter
October 2012
Visit us online at amcaotc.org
Once Upon a Time
By Ron Peck, submitted by Dave Peterson
I’m sitting in the Parts Department office at Bill
Brownell Honda – Triumph, ordering parts. In walks Evel Knievel! He starts ranting on about
how someone has stolen his car and kidnapped
his wife! He needs a ride to the Police Station,
but first he calls the Enterprise Record to let them know what’s happening.
I take the CB-750 off the showroom floor, Evel
jumps on the back, and off we go to Chico City
Hall. He tells the dispatcher that he was visiting his bone specialist and when he came out to
leave, his car, along with his wife who was
waiting in it, was gone! By then the reporter
arrives and asks what all the fuss is about. Evel goes into his diatribe (You see it’s 1968 and not
many people have heard of Evel Knievel.).
Here is the real deal. Evel went to the doctor and
after the appointment slipped out the back door,
called a cab and showed up at Brownell’s. His car and wife were still parked in front of the doctor’s
office! Evel gets a blurb in the paper (he was
jumping 12 cars at the Orland Fair in a couple of
days) and bingo a few more folks attend the event. Cool.
We get back to the shop, after the police found
the car and wife parked at the doctor’s office, and
Evel gets on the phone and calls Merv Griffin! He tells Merv about the kidnapping and wants to get
a spot on his show. (Now here is some true
hustling.) Anyway, Evel would stop by the shop
when he was passing through town and bring his
Rolls Royce, 18-wheelers with ramps, bikes and roadies and take over the shop. First it was
Triumphs’ then American Eagles’ then Harley
Davidson motorcycles, always a new sponsor.
In fact, when he was at the shop, all those phone calls, working on the bikes, putting up with the
roadies and whatever else he could beat out of
Brownell, he never mentioned or paid for! Evel
was a hustler of the first magnitude. I bet he got someone to sponsor his underwear. This guy
truly has an ego the size of Montana, but also the
ka-hoons to back it up. Never, that I know of, did
he fail to put on a show, even when the conditions were far from perfect.
One of the far from perfect times was at the Cow
Palace in San Francisco. It’s storming bad that night. It was an indoor AMA short track race and
the pits were full of motorcycle racers. The deal
was Evel would go outside to the parking lot, gas
it up to speed in the driving rain, enter the arena through the front doors, go down a ramp and
onto the main floor then up the jump ramp over
some fire trucks, on to a ramp and into the pits
and pitch it sideways to stop! Piece of cake.
Well there is one more factor. The Hells Angels
are there and heckling Evel. They are all sitting
right over the entrance where Evel makes his
approach. As Evel is doing his pre-jump warm up
runs, he and the Angels exchange gestures. When Evel makes his final run through the door,
one of the Angels throws a Coke cup at him; he
makes the jump and then comes back, jumps off
his bike and starts shaking his fist at the Angel crowd to come down and get it on.
Well the Angels jump down to the main floor, the
pits on the other end of the track empty on to
the main floor and it’s fargin’ war. There were about 12 Angels and 200 racers/pit crew; it was
ugly, took 15 min. to break up. It looked to me
like most of the Angels were removed on
stretchers, some looked real bad.
Anyway, back to the point. This guy (Evel) was doing this back before Super Cross triple jumps,
12” suspension, and technique were in place.
Let’s see, go x-miles per hour depending on
distance, up the center of the ramp and hold on till it lands on the other ramp. Wow! No
knowledge of using brake and throttle to control
motorcycle attitude. Only 4” suspension on most
bikes he rode with no practice or training. Truly amazing.
Every time I saw him (4 or 5 trips to Chico) it
was always a show. At the time I didn’t think
much of it, B.F.D. some egomaniac with a stunt. I’ve looked through my stuff and I don’t even
have a picture or an autograph to show you. Oh
well. I may be one of the few people on earth
who ever gave him a ride on the back of their
bike! (Another B.F.D.)
I have started working in my shop full time.
Anything from oil changes to complete
restorations. Contact me to schedule your
project.
Cheers,
Ron Peck
Oregon Trail Chapter
October 2012
Visit us online at amcaotc.org
Minden Nevada Pre-16 Run
Ever year a group meets in Minden Nevada to
share an opportunity to run their really old iron in
the surrounding Lake Tahoe. This year one of the OTC Members in attendance sent back pictures to
share. These event photos were taken by Pete
Peterson’s son David.
Quite a good showing of old iron.
Rick McMaken on a 1914 Triumph
Theo Battaglia and Rick McMacken heading out to Markleeville
Old Blue.
Looks pretty fun.
See more Minden Pre-16 Run photos on Facebook.
Deadline for articles, advertisements or other
submissions to the Trail Gazette is the 20th of the
month. Send submissions to [email protected]
Oregon Trail Chapter, AMCA
20000 NE Jaquith Rd
Newberg, OR 97132-6694
There’s still a few of these left along the trail.