Northern Colorado IMRG Informer Newsletter (June 2023)

NORTHERN COLORADO IMRG UPCOMING EVENTS

Week of June 12th—Durango Rendezvous. The DURANGO RENDEZVOUS® was established in 2015 as a unique social and riding Destination Experience in Durango, Colorado for all Indian Motorcycle Riders Group® (IMRG) members and for all Indian Motorcycle® owners and collectors of vintage and newer production models. All motorcycles are welcome.

The purpose is to create new friendships and memorable experiences while enjoying a variety of scenic ride destinations, outdoor opportunities, daily activities, and entertainment in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Southwest Colorado.

For those of you planning on going to the Rendezvous and want to ride with our group to the event, we are leaving on the morning of Wednesday June 14th. Meet us at 7:00 a.m. at the Maverik gas station (107 Laura Court, Dacono, CO). The gas station is located on the south side of Highway 52, on the east side of I-25 (Exit 235 on I-25). We will return Sunday June 18th.

Saturday, June 24th—Chapter Meeting and Red Feathers/Dowdy Lake Ride. Chapter meeting followed by a chapter ride through Red Feather & Dowdy Lakes. Please note: The June meeting is pushed one week to June 24th this month due to the Durango Rendezvous. After our June Chapter meeting, we will ride to Dowdy Lake for a picnic lunch. This will be a relaxing ride–one that will have you enjoying the easy ride there and viewing the scenery along the way. On this ride, you will bring your own BROWN BAG picnic lunch. Red Feather Lakes has a few areas that are common use areas and Dowdy Lake is one of them. There are restrooms in the area at the lake where we are planning to visit.

There’s a drop-box to pay a ~$5 day-use fee (per vehicle). Be sure to have cash or a check on-hand. We’ll enjoy our lunch and comradery and then head to Ted’s Place (junction 287 & Hwy 14) where the ride will end.

Saturday, July 8th—Road Survival Skills Training. Paul Carroll will host our rider skills training session for Chapter Members. These sessions are designed to build and enforce safety, emergency, and general riding skills for beginner to advanced riders. Topics include slow speed riding skills, parking skills, obstacle avoidance maneuvers, mental alertness while riding, and much more!

This training is well worth your time. It is open to all skill levels and is useful to riders on both two and three wheels. You may save your own life one day by something you learn!!!

More details to come (Road Survival Skills Training).

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For up-to-date information on all Northern Colorado IMRG rides and events, visit our Events Calendar.

SAFETY TIP: WET WEATHER RIDING

A Safety Tip from Paul Carroll

Most motorcyclists obviously do not prefer to ride in the rain, but if you spend a lot of time on the bike, it will be inevitable you will have to deal with wet road conditions. However, with the right clothing, the proper technique and a bit more concentration, the ride in the rain can be enjoyable as well. The rider and the bike have to be up for the challenge.

The dynamics are usually no different in the rain than on a dry road. The difference is that acceleration, braking, turning and cornering have to be done much more gently and smoothly. Due to the decrease in traction, you cannot lean as much during cornering.

Shifting and braking should be gradual and smooth. Abrupt acceleration and deceleration on a wet surface could result in a loss of traction.

When riding wet city streets, particular attention should be paid to manhole covers and street striping. Avoid leaning the motorcycle on these surfaces. I prefer to ride in between crosswalk striping when turning at an intersection.

If on an interstate or highway, increase you’re following distance and decrease your speed. Shifting your lane position can also help reduce the amount of road spray you encounter.

The key phrase to remember here is, “smooth is safe.”

Until next time, Ride Safe!!

GROUP RIDING FORMATIONS

Proper group motorcycle riding formation is important for safety and enjoyment. A good formation will allow riders to see around each other, and to avoid obstacles and potential collisions. It will also help to keep the group together and make it easier to communicate. Formations should be kept tight, particularly when going through cities so cars will treat us as a single entity and not try to wedge somewhere in between. This helps the Lead so he isn’t trying to keep the Sweep in sight in his mirror who ends up being a “mile” behind. This also makes it easier to get through traffic signals and to minimize getting split up. Equally, we need to stay far enough apart so we have maneuvering room and adequate reaction time. Momentary deviations from formation are fine, but get back into position quickly.

When riding on straight roads, we want to use a staggered formation with the leader starting in the left of the lane and the next rider in the right of the lane. The rest of the riders in the group will follow the same pattern. Trikes will ride in the center of the lane with no riders lining up beside them. Stay at mini-mum one second behind the rider staggered in front of you, and two seconds behind the rider directly in front of you. This staggered offset will provide you with a clear path if the rider diagonal to you brakes suddenly.

On curvy mountainous roads, we want to be in single file with at least two seconds spacing between riders. When the road gets twisty, throw the staggered formation out the window. Forming a single file line gives you the space you need to lean and adjust your line if necessary. Remember, this might also mean giving the rider ahead of you some extra space.

When it comes to lane changes, the Lead will indicate his intention to change lanes by turning on his turn signal. This is not your cue to immediately shift over into the next lane. Each rider should turn on their signal to pass it back to the Sweep. In general, the Sweep will move into the next lane to block or secure the lane. When the Lead sees a clear path back to the Sweep, he or she will then begin to move over. Only then should the other riders begin to change lanes. However, never assume that the lane is clear for you to move over. Always use caution, use your mirrors, and turn your head to make sure that no cars have made their way into the lane.

CUSTOM SPORT CHIEF BUILD FOR NORMAN REEDUS

Indian Motorcycle commissioned Powerplant Motorcycles to create a one of kind Sport Chief for Norman Reedus. Known for his star role in, “The Walking Dead,” and his show, “Ride with Norman Reedus,” Norman has a deep passion for motorcycles and lives life on two wheels. Powerplant Motorcycles, located in Hollywood, CA, is a custom build motorcycle shop. Their unique design philosophy attracts many customers, and build-off awards.

The custom Indian Sport Chief by Powerplant is a unique and stylish motorcycle designed specifically for Norman Reedus. The bike features a number of modifications, including:

• Repositioned rear shock mounts and relocated swingarm mounts for a sleeker and more streamlined look, and giving the bike a lower stance and improved handling.
• Lifted and narrowed fuel tank giving the bike a more aggressive look and improves weight distribution.
• 3-inch louvers on the tank and side covers help the engine cool.
• Custom-made rear fender made from lightweight material to help improve aerodynamics.
• Custom 8-inch risers providing a more comfortable riding position and viewing of the Sport Chief’s 4-inch round RIDE COMMAND.

The result is a motorcycle that is both stylish and performance-oriented. Watch the reveal of this Custom Sport Chief.

POLARIS XCHANGE

The Polaris Xchange is a newly launched marketplace for online buying and selling of motor-cycles and other powersports vehicles – ATVs, Autocycles, Side-by-Sides, Snowmobiles, and Motorcycles of all types. The Polaris Xchange is a one-stop shop to sell, buy, and trade powersports vehicles online. They offer the tools and resources to save time and shop for a vehicle on your terms.

Search thousands of powersports vehicles online. Filter by price, location, accessories and more. If you find a vehicle you like, you can review a free vehicle history and condition report to make sure. Buy it online and pick it up or have it delivered.

If you’re not satisfied with your used vehicle, there is a 3-Day Used Return program that lets you return it within three days of delivery, minus any delivery fees and a $199 restocking fee.

Visit the Polaris Xchange.

RIDING FREE

My knees in the breeze,
The sun on my face,
The roar of the engine,
As I pick up the pace.

The road stretches far,
Inviting me to explore,
The freedom I feel,
Is what I’ve been searching for.

The curves and the hills,
Are challenges to overcome,
But with each twist and turn,
I feel more alive and strong.

The world around me fades,
As I focus on the ride,
My heart beats with excitement,
As I take it all in stride.

I am one with my machine,
As we glide through the air,
Riding free on my motorcycle,
Is a feeling beyond compare.

– Unknown

IMRG CHANNELS (REGIONS)

As Indian Motorcycle begins to explore bolstering the IMRG program once again there is a revitalization of IMRG Channels. IMRG Chapters in North America are separated into what is referred to as Channels, or otherwise known as Regions. There are a total of seven (7) Regions and each Region has a Channel Leader. The Northern Colorado IMRG is part of the Southern Region, which is comprised of Chapters located in Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado, and New Mexico. Our Southern Region Channel Leader is currently Jeff Bacca, who is also President of the Kansas City IMRG.

The purpose of the IMRG Channel leaders includes:

There have been a couple of group meetings now with Officers from the Southern Region Chapters to introduce the Channel and its intention, as well as to share some information regarding the National IMRG. Indian corporate is actively soliciting input on improving Chapter experiences and learning the culture of IMRG. They acknowledge that they don’t know rider group culture like we do. Here are some small wins regarding National IMRG regeneration:

• A new full-time leader has been brought in to help manage the IMRG program.
• An IMRG leadership conference will be held at the Durango Rendezvous with Indian Corporate representatives.
• Indian Motorcycle is actively promoting 4 IMRG Regional Events this year.
  • North West Chapter Tour
  • Durango Rendezvous (Indian has created a local radio campaign to promote)
  • The Gathering
  • Western Canada IMRG Celebration

Approved (coming soon)

• Point-of-sale postcards sent to new buyers introducing IMRG.
• Auto email to new buyers introducing IMRG.
• Downloadable social media content that Chapters can use to help promote IMRG.

You can also come be part of the IMRG Southern Region community on Facebook. Join the Group.

HAPPY JACK ROAD: INTERNATIONAL FEMALE RIDE DAY

Every year, on the first Saturday in May, International Female Ride Day (IFRD) celebrates women motorcycle riders. The day encourages and empowers women to get involved in powersports. Several members took to the road in celebration of IFRD.

We began the ride at the Indian Motorcycle of Fort Collins and rode to Laramie, and then traveled across Happy Jack Road. Happy Jack Road is a scenic route connecting Laramie and Cheyenne. The road itself is approximately 37 miles long and winds through the Medicine Bow National Forest. Along the route, we saw a variety of landscapes, including towering mountains, and rolling hills. From Cheyenne we rode south on highway 85 and ended the ride in Ault.

The windy Wyoming ride was challenging, but exhilarating at the same time. As usual, as soon as we crossed the border into Wyoming, the winds began. The wind on this day was exceptionally strong, and never let up until we neared Cheyenne. We stopped at the Abraham Lincoln memorial site in Laramie at the start of Happy Jack Road and took a short break from battling the non-stop wind.

The Abraham Lincoln Memorial in Laramie is a 12.5 foot tall bronze bust of Abraham Lincoln. It sits atop a 30 foot tall granite pedestal at the Summit Rest Area on Interstate 80 east of Laramie. The monument was dedicated on October 18, 1959, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth.

On Happy Jack Rd, several miles from the main city of Cheyenne, we stopped and ate lunch at the Bunkhouse Bar & Grill. Having to lean our bikes toward the direction of the wind for so long to counteract it pushing us made us a bit fatigued and definitely very hungry. The hospitality at the Bunkhouse was awesome, and is a place that is very biker friendly. The food and service were equally terrific. The location of the restaurant, and the decor was great. We had lots of fun at the Bunkhouse.

After lunch, we continued into the city of Cheyenne, then turned south for a much less windy ride to Ault where this group ride ended. We saw some beautiful Wyoming countryside, and there were times when the wind literally took our breath away. However, all-in-all it was a fun ride, and we were happy to share the experience (at least in spirit) for this International Female Ride Day.

MORNING FRESH DAIRY FARM

After our May Chapter meeting, some members took a post-meeting ride to the Morning Fresh Dairy farm in Bellvue, Colorado, where we had lunch at the Howling Cow Café located on the farm. A little later, others took a tour of the farm. Morning Fresh Dairy Farm is a fifth-generation family dairy farm, and has been in operation since 1894, and is known for its all-natural dairy products. Morning Fresh Dairy does not use artificial hormones, pesticides, or preservatives in its products. The farm’s cows are free to roam in a large pasture and are fed a diet of grass, hay, and grain.

Morning Fresh Dairy was founded in 1894 by William Charles Graves Sr. and his wife, Arista Rose. The Graves family had been farming in Illinois for generations, but they decided to move to Colorado in search of a better life. They purchased 160 acres of land in Bellvue and began farming beets, corn, and alfalfa. They also raised a few cows.

In 1933, the Graves’ son, Charlie, and his wife, Helen, took over the farm. Charlie and Helen had a son, Robert, who was born with a heart condition. The medical bills were high, so Charlie and Helen started selling milk to help pay for Robert’s care. They bottled the milk in their basement and delivered it to neighbors by horse and wagon. The milk delivery business was a success and Charlie and Helen expanded their operation. They built a new dairy barn and bought more cows. They also started selling other dairy products, such as cheese, yogurt, and ice cream. In 1992, Charlie and Helen’s son, Robert, and his wife, Lori, took over the farm. Robert and Lori continued to expand the business, and they opened the Howling Cow Café on the farm in 2000.

The farm currently milks about 1,000 cows. One cow produces about 10 gallons of milk a day. Cows get milked three times a day in a rotary parlor that was specially built for them by Noosa Yoghurt, who is also headquartered on the farm. The milk is processed on the farm and then delivered to homes and businesses in Northern Colorado.

Morning Fresh Dairy Farm is a great place to learn about the dairy industry and to enjoy some delicious all-natural dairy products. The farm is a fun and educational place to visit with family and friends if you are looking for something new to do.

THE FUNNY SIDE

Why did the motorcycle fall over?
… Because it was two tired.

What kind of a motorcycle does a farmer love riding?
… A Cow-asaki Moo-torcycle.

What kind of a motorcycle does a pirate ride?
… An Arrrrrley Davidson.

Ride. Seek. Explore.