| Date:
May 22-25, 2009 (Click HERE to jump to pictures)
This year marked the sixth consecutive year that Chapter 111 has
sponsored a day of fun at the Macon Star dealer on the Saturday before
Memorial Day, followed by a ride to Andersonville National Cemetery on
Sunday for the remembrance ceremonies there. This year we had 51 people
register for the weekend event. On Sunday, approximately 40 bikes rode
into Andersonville Cemetery. The amazing thing about all this was that
the entire weekend was threatened by overcast skies, drizzle and light
rain. But, despite the weather we had one of our best turnouts ever and
participation in all the events was fantastic.
This was the first time we have had to deal with wet weather. I think
everyone coming to the event came through some heavy rain. Saturday
morning was cool and damp with light rain and drizzle. Saturday
afternoon saw the sun break through before rain moved in for the
evening. Sunday's ride to Andersonville again saw overcast skies and
cooler temperatures, but remained dry. The sun (and heat) came out for
the remembrance ceremonies. After that, the afternoon rains came. The
one advantage to all of this was cool temperatures, which were a start
contrast to the heat we have had the previous five years.
Attendees began arriving on Friday. Some of the first to show up were
the three returning STAR members from Ohio. This year they brought two
more of their members with them. As in years past, the Peach Room was
the checking point. As participants arrived, they could come there to
receive their packets and say hello. By dinner time we had a decent crowd checked in with many more
planning to arrive Saturday and Sunday. Around 5:30 we started getting
everyone together and headed to Margaritas for dinner. This year we had
decided to try the new Margaritas. The skies threatened rain, but we all
headed out and made the trip to and from the eatery with no rain.
About 25 people made up the group eating there. We had good food, good
service and a lot of fun. From there everyone headed back to the hotel and the Peach
Room for some socializing.
The Peach Room has always been the place to be in the evenings. This
year was no different. Everyone stopped by for a little while after
dinner before heading off to bed. We spent the evening joking around,
saying hello to old friends and meeting new ones. There was plenty of
laughter and lots of talk. The Peach Room did not disappoint!
Saturday morning
we awoke to grey skies. On the plus side...it was not raining. We headed
over to Capitol Cycle to get everything set up. It was nice and cool as
we set up the tents and got things ready for the day. We had our normal
activities planned for the day. First was a trivia ride, followed by
lunch prepared by Capitol Cycle, a bike show, silent auction items, bike
games, the 50/50 drawing and raffle items throughout the day. The Trivia
Ride was scheduled to begin at 9:00 am and despite the heavy skies we
had people signing up at 9:00 ready to go. As we did last year, we took
the funds from the Trivia Ride and split it 50/25/25. Half going to FTC
and the remaining 50% split between best hand and worst hand. This
year's ride took everyone through downtown to several historic sites.
There were nine questions. Each correct answer allowed the participant
to draw one card. The best five cards composed the poker hand. The Macon
Visitor and Convention Center assisted us this year with the ride by
providing points of interest, questions & answers and a starting route.
We made a few adjustments and came up with what we thought was a good,
fun and interesting route. Winners were announce towards the end of the
day with John Short having the winning hand and Tony & Rhonda Stone
having the worst hand.
With everyone back from the trivia ride, it was lunch time. Capitol
Cycles grilled out hamburgers and hotdogs
and provided cold drinks for everyone. The food was good and I think
everyone got their fill.
As lunch was winding down we began registration for the Show 'n' Shine.
Fayetteville Chapter 304 took responsibility for the bike show this
year. They handled registration, assisted with bike classification and
handed out and counted ballots. This year we had 15 bikes participate in
the Show 'n' Shine. That is the most we have ever had. Thank you to
Chapter 304 for doing such a great job. After entries were closed,
ballots were passed out to anyone willing to vote. Votes were tallied
and at the end of the day winners were announced. This year winners
received awards similar to the ones we used last year. We think our
awards are unique and something to be proud of. THANK YOU Chapter 304.
Winners are listed below.
STOCK CLASS - FIRST PLACE - Harry Hyaduck
SECOND PLACE - Tracy Gordon
THIRD PLACE -
Glen Brewer
SEMI-CUSTOM CLASS - FIRST PLACE - Chris Eddelman
SECOND PLACE - Tony Stone
THIRD
PLACE - Dan Mrowlzywski
CUSTOM CLASS - FIRST PLACE - Rich Gray
THEME BIKE -
FIRST PLACE - John Davis
SECOND PLACE - Emma Kate
Dowis
PEOPLE'S CHOICE - WINNER -
John Davis
DEALER'S CHOICE - WINNER - Harry Hyaduck
Although the bike games didn't go over very well last year, we decided
to try them again this year. Participation was about the same as last
year with only three or four bikes in each game. Those who didn't
participate had a lot of run watching. The first game was the Ball Drop.
In the game four cones are set up and the passenger has to place a
tennis ball on each cone while the driver tries to stay close enough to
the cones and drive slow enough to allow the passenger to complete the
task. Second was the ring toss. This is also a game for a rider and
passenger. The passenger has to toss rings over cones that get further
and further away. Third was the balloon
toss. This is a lot of fun as the passenger tosses a water filled
balloon over a bar and then has to catch it on the other side. There
were a lot of busted balloons and a few wet riders. The best moment was
when Rick and Barbara Campbell successfully completed the challenge,
then Barbara slammed the balloon on the top of Rick's helmet soaking
him. Last was the slow race. Bikes compete two at a time with the last
one crossing the finish line without putting their feet down went on to
the next elimination round. The biggest challenge for the riders in this
event was beating Emma Kate. (see picture below). I think she would have
won, but her bike battery died in the first elimination round.
Winners were:
BALL DROP - Doug
& Teresa Turco
RING TOSS - 3 way tie with 1 ring (no award given)
BALLOON TOSS - Glen Brewer (& rider)
SLOW RACE - Tony Stone
Barbara Campbell took charge of the 50/50 drawing, selling tickets all day long.
At the end of the day, when it was time to draw, she had sold $240 worth
or tickets. This resulting in a winner's share of $120. A ticket was
drawn. Mike Simpson had the matching number and won the money. Thank you
Barbara for your time and effort.
This year we had several good items available for purchase in the silent
auction. Star Motorcycle, Capitol Cycles, Parts Unlimited, the Argos and
the Kohls all contributed items. We had three helmets, a couple heavy
jackets, some light jackets, a laptop bag, and more. Each item was on display and you could bid by placing your name and bid
on a card and dropping it in the appropriate box. At the end of the day
we opened the boxes and the highest bidder got to purchase the item for
their bid amount. It is a fun way to do the silent auction because you
never know what the highest bid will be. A lot of people got some great
deals. All proceeds from the auction go to FTC.
The activities
at the dealership were now complete. Everyone headed back to the hotel
to freshen up and relax before dinner. This year we had made
arrangements to head back to Buffalo's. They treated us so well last
year that we arranged to do the same thing this year. By the time we
were ready to leave for the restaurant, the rains had moved in. We had
several four wheeled vehicles available, so many of us wussed out and
went in cars. A large number suited up in rain gear and headed over on
their trust iron stallions. The restaurant brought in extra servers for
us, and as we drove up the servers clapped. They thought the rain was
going to keep up away and that they had come in to no avail.
Management came through as promised and had a parking area blocked off
for the bikes. They had the entire patio reserved for us and extra
servers on hand. Despite the rain, it worked out
great. We had to move a few tables away from the edges of the patio to
keep dry. Everyone was seated together allowing us to talk and enjoy each
others company. The food and the service were both excellent. Once
again, the
servers and management truly seemed delighted to have us there. By the
time dinner was done, the rain had pretty much stopped and we headed
back to the hotel and the infamous Peach Room.
Saturday night in the Peach Room this year was not quite as wild as last
year. No S&%t John was missing in action this year and no one was
willing to step up and take his place. Still we had a great time. We
talked, got to know one another, told funny stories, and learned
funny things about each other. There was plenty of laughter.
Sunday morning we assembled in front of the hotel for the ride to
Andersonville. By the time we were ready to roll out we had 33 bikes.
This day was like the previous day, as
we headed out. The skies were grey and the air was cool. Doug led
us along our normal route through the Georgia farmland and forest. It
was a nice peaceful ride. A great time to think about the day and the
reason we were headed to Andersonville. Some say the ride is boring, and
granted, there is not much out
there. But if you just look around you see lakes and ponds,
farmland and fields. There really is a lot there if you look. The ride
was pretty uneventful. We had one rider stop to fix his face shield and
one bike quit running for no apparent reason, but started right back up.
We arrived at
Ryan's for lunch a little after eleven. This allowed us plenty of time to have
our food and drink and still get to the park in plenty of time. A
few more bikes met up with us there and we picked up a few bikes who
just wanted to ride in with us.
After lunch we
made sure everyone had an opportunity to refuel before lining up for the
ride into the park.
. At the 'staging
area' where we lined everyone up. As is our tradition, we put all our vets in front as a
position of honor. They are the men and women of STAR who have served
our country defending our freedom. This was their day and they should
lead us into the cemetery and the park that honors their fallen
brethren.
Riding in to the cemetery is always an experience. The roughly nineteen
thousand graves are each marked with an identical headstone. The day
before (in the rain) a small American Flag was placed on each grave by the
Boy Scouts. Just riding into the park and passing all those graves makes
you realize what Memorial Day is all about. After parking our bikes, we
made a group picture and then headed over to the area where the ceremony
was to be held. Each year we preset a wreath in honor of our fallen
soldiers. We quickly found the wreath that our
Vets would present and made pictures with all our Star Vets around the
wreath.
The ceremony is a little over an hour long. The ceremony started with a
selection of patriotic and spiritual music played by a military band.
This year the band was the Albany Marine Corp Band. After the
music, the ceremonies were opened by Fred Boyles, Superintendent
Andersonville NHS. There was an invocation, welcoming and recognition of
veterans and several short speeches by several dignitaries. The featured
speaker was Lt Col Robert J Sweet, Deputy Commander of the 23rd Fighter
Group, Moody AFB and former POW.
By the time the
service started, the skies had cleared leaving a blue sky with white
puffy clouds. The service started a few minutes early based on weather
reports of another band of rain moving in. The sunshine heated the air
quickly and with the previous rain make the air very muggy. Even with
the heat and humidity, it was still the coolest year I can remember.
Each year I write the same thing, but each year I am even more convinced
how important our fallen soldiers are. As I sat there and listened I thought of the sacrifice
American soldiers have made and are still making on MY behalf and YOUR
behalf. It became personal. I was so very aware that my endurance of a
hour of heat and humidity was nothing and could not compare to what our soldiers
endure. I was ashamed of the fact that most Americans see this weekend
not as a chance to honor these men and women, but as an opportunity for
self indulgence, forgetting that they are able to boat on the lake, have
a picnic and grill burgers, or
lay in the hammock sipping a cold beer, because somewhere a fellow
American was willing to lay down his life for our freedom. Yet, I was
proud, proud to be there, proud to be a part of a group that was willing
to give a little of our time to honor those men and women. As long as
our group attends this ceremony, I will sit in the hot sun or even the
pouring rain to honor the men and women who have died to let us be free.
After the speakers had spoken it was time for the presentation of
wreaths. Each year we present a live wreath as STAR Vets. This year the
wreath was presented Rick Curtis and Jim Willing. Rick is a
vet from Chapter 111 and Jim a vet from Chapter 304. After the
wreaths, the ceremony was closed with a 21 gun salute and the playing of
taps. I never served in the military, but my dad was career Air Force. I
understand taps and it always gets to me. I think of all the men and
women who have died fighting for freedom and defending our country over
the last 250 years. But beyond that, I think of all the parents,
husbands, wives and children who lost their children, spouses and
parents. We have to realize that the cost is even higher than the single
human life lost. The cost includes the loss to families, friends and
loved ones. How many times have taps been played? How many times has
someone wept as they heard taps played for their, child, husband, wife,
dad, mom, brother or sister? For us to remain free, it will never end.
We need to thank them all. They have all given so much.
With the ceremony ended, some needed to head back home, others
immediately headed back to the hotel and the remainder went over to the
POW museum to tour the facility. The museum provides a history of POW's
and their treatment throughout history. It really gives you an
appreciation for freedom and life. You get a really good idea of how war
prisoners loose all their freedom in an effort to preserve ours. As we
toured the museum dark clouds were moving in. A number of rider hastily
headed to the bikes, suited up in rain gear and head back towards Macon.
Within minutes of their leaving the skies opened up and it rained, then
rained some more. We calmly sat in the the museum and waited for it to
pass. By five o'clock the rains had stopped and the center was closing
so those of us left suited up and headed back. It was a wet ride. We
seemed to stay of the back edge of the rain all the way back. It was
just a light rain, just enough to keep it wet...that is until we got
about 10 miles from the hotel, then the bottom fell out. That lasted
only about 5 minutes and by the time we arrive at the hotel, it was just
a light drizzle.
BThe event was now officially over. A few headed home that evening, Most waited until Monday morning. Those who hung around headed to
their room to dry off or freshen up. Around dinner time, we did as we have done
the last few years and ordered pizza. A few people went to local
restaurants, but about 20 of us gathered in the Peach Room to share
pizza, drink and good times. Once again, we
managed to get in some more good laughs.
Monday morning those of us who were left said our goodbyes. Some left
early and others later. Some trying to beat the predicted rain, others
trying to put off leaving as long as possible.
Each year, I look forward to this weekend. I anticipate it as much as
STAR Days and maybe more. It has a meaning that other events lack. And,
every year, I hate to see this weekend end. We always have a great time.
We make new friends, enjoy old friends and honor our Vets. We laugh, we
eat, we tell stories, we eat, and just simply enjoy life. It really is
all about friends. The riding of motorcycles is the conduit to making
friends...kind of a bonus. If I had to quit riding
tomorrow, I would hate it, but I know I will always have the friendships
and memories of these events. AND, in the process we honored those who
have served and are serving, those who have died and will continue to
die. To top it all off, we raised a little money for Feed the Children.
It was another win, win, win weekend.
Next year I suppose we will do it all again. We hope to make it even
better and we hope for a better turnout. If you have ever been, plan on coming back.
If you have never been, plan now on being there. Go ahead and put it on
your calendar. Next year it will be May 29-31 (Friday through Monday). Make
it the one event you do on Memorial Day weekend. When something else
comes up...you have plans already. Don't miss it. You won't be sorry.
Attending (From Chapter 111):
Doug & Teresa Turco
Gary & Maria Kohl
Malon & Cindy Metz
Steve & Kay Argo
Mitch Argo
Rick Curtis
Preston & Stephanie Howard
Rick & Barbara Campbell
Chuck & Cindy Pierce
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