Newsletter of the Potomac Area Road Riders

April 2009

Issue 001

     An Old Friend Revived

 

     Long, long ago in a galaxy far, far away…. well maybe just long, long ago before the internet and website technology, PARR members got news and information about their motorcycle club via a newsletter known as the Spoke ‘N Word.  Some of you have been around long enough to remember those days.  I certainly do since I was the editor for many issues of the Spoke ‘N Word. Well, we believe a newsletter, as part of our website that  can be emailed to our members, could still be a very useful tool.  So it was decided to revive it and see how it does.

     Each month, I’ll produce the newsletter summarizing PARR activities.   You’ll read highlights of the rides that were held, and dates and descriptions of rides scheduled, including overnighters. I also welcome submissions to the newsletter.  If you have an interesting story or info you’d like to pass on, just email it to me. 

Overnight Rides—2009

 

     Get ready to mark your calendars as another exciting year of overnight rides await you.  In between overnighters, we’ll have an assortment of day rides that will satisfy even the most selective motorcyclist.  Here’s a list of the overnight rides so far:

New England — June 17-21

     Tom Southard will lead this 5-day tour into our northern-most states.   Daily mileage will vary with no predetermined stops.  Contact Tom on 703-878-6784 for further details.

Endless Mountain Tour — June 26-29

     Mike Wascak leads this 4-day ride which was the original Endless Mountain Tour first enjoyed by PARR members in 1997.  We’ll not only enjoy some of the best of the back roads, but we’ll visit three historical, unique bridges in American history.  It will be capped off with a visit to the site of the original Woodstock Music and Arts Festival in the Catskill Mountains of New York.  This year marks the 40th anniversary of Woodstock.  Contact Mike on 703-963-1860 to obtain your reservation for the tour. 

Southwest Virginia (Tennesee) — July 18-20

     This 3-day ride will be led by Chet Phillips.  Chet will take the group on various back roads down to southwest West Virginia stopping around Wytheville for 2 nights.  From there participants will enjoy a day ride into the surrounding region.  Part of the ride down or back may include the Blue Ridge Parkway. Contact Chet at Phil4255@aol.com for further details.

Amish Country Tour, Lancaster, PA — September 11-13

     This is a ride into yesterday.  Our three-day adventure will cover some of the best roads and scenery the Amish country has to offer.  Of course you can’t wander into the Amish territory without enjoying some of the food — we’ll sample plenty of it.  We are changing the original Covered Bridge Tour for a day tour route from Motorcycle Touring Magazine.

Fall Foliage Tour — October 10-11

     Tom Southard will lead this 2-day ride through the Piedmonts to enjoy the beauty of Virginia’s Autumn.

Annual Dues Now Due

 

     I’m afraid it’s that time of the year once again:  No, I’m not talking about Income Tax filing.  Your PARR annual dues come due in April.  The fee for continuing membership in one of the best motorcycling clubs in the Washington, Maryland, and Virginia area is $24.  What a bargain!  For this small fee you get to be associated with some of the finest motorcycling men and women around.  Not only that, you’ll be eligible to experience some of the best motorcycle rides one can imagine — day rides and overnight rides.  And this year, we have some of the best in store for you and don’t forget about our social gatherings.  Fun, fun, fun!  So don’t delay!  Send in your check or you can pay online through PayPal.  You can also come to the monthly meeting with check in hand. 

May Ride to Graves Mountain Lodge

 

     Mark your calendar for May 3 for our Sunday Ride to  Syria, Virginia and Graves Mountain Lodge.  Be ready to ride some of the crème de la crème of Virginia  back roads. This 150-mile ride will begin in Ashburn, Virginia promptly at 8:30 at the IHOP near the intersection of Ashburn Village Blvd and Farmwell Road.  For those riders meeting at the Masonic Lodge in McLean, you’ll need to leave McLean at 8:00 for your ride to Ashburn.  We suggest skipping breakfast and saving your appetite for the all-you-can-eat buffet at Graves.  The ride will be led by Mike and Lynn Wascak.  Cost of the buffet is $16.75 and includes the buffet, salad, beverages, and desert.  You must call or email Mike if you plan to attend since reservations are necessary.  (smichaelwascak@aol.com   703-963-1860)