Grand Rapids Road Ryders

4:58:06 PM EDT
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3rd Annual GR Road Ryders Poker / Dinner Ride

this is a MYSTERY RIDE as well ... the route we take is gorgeous (but only I know where we're going - that way if I get lost ... nobody else will know).     The dinner stop, again only me (oops, I told Lori today, may need to tie her up till Saturday) they have great food in a quaint little town. Even the "way" that we will be playing the poker hands, no one will know who wins what ... until we are at dinner. The BEST HAND 'may' not win the most $$.  This will be fun !

September 27th .... with September 28th as a rain date

First off - weather looks to be outstanding this week-end ... sunny, mid-seventies, VERY LOW chance of rain ... for all THREE days !!

Planning to start meeting up at 11:00 am, hittin' the happy trail at NOON !!!

Approximately 2 3/4 hours of riding time, with 2 stops along the way. Great roads, couple lakes to be seen, miles & miles of rivers we'll be scootin' along, some tree-covered stretches, lots of turns. But no tight twisties, sorry - we're not in Tennessee.

We will be doing a 50/50 drawing as usual ... buck apiece or 6 for $5.00

Also will have a FREE raffle drawing ... each poker hand bought will receive 1 raffle ticket. GR sponsor - Shawmut Hills Sales - are donated a few items, and we have a couple other items ... so it should be fun.

The POKER HAND - $10.00 each, can ONLY play ONE hand per person. There will be the option of purchasing a bonus card ($5) at our 1st stop as well. I'm going at $10, just to help keep the costs lower - but obviously, our cash prizes will be lower as well. I also anticipate that we will have several winners (at smaller amounts), rather than one big & happy winner - while the rest of go home crying.

The "way" that you will win will be explained clearly at dinner - this will be a surprise to all - but will be FUN !!!

The dinner itself, and drinks, are on you.

The whole purpose of today, is for fun with each other, great friendships to form, enjoy the great outdoors on 2 wheels, see some scenery that maybe you haven't seen before, and to get home safe and sound - what more could you want ??

The link to Johnson Park in Grandville, MI is below

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=johnson+park++grandville+MI&sll=42.934197,-85.327141&sspn=0.008829,0.023775&ie=UTF8&z=15

I did post a couple of hotels - one at the start of the ride and one at the end of it - with names & phone numbers - for any who plan to stay over.  I might combine this into a 2-day event next year, depending on how this year goes.

Can't  Wait !!

Thanks for reading this - hope to see you all on Saturday !!

Stitch

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11:23:45 AM EDT
Couple updates here ...

First off - below is the 'correct' link to google maps for Johnson Park, sorry about that.  Sheeezz, I DID get you to America at least, on the LAST link - whaddya want anyway ??

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Johnson+Park++Grandville+MI&sll=35.029996,8.964844&sspn=77.087245,194.765625&ie=UTF8&ll=42.917715,-85.765114&spn=0.035325,0.0951&z=14

 
And for any GPS users, you can plug in these streets for your 'intersection' points - I don't have an address.  Wilson Ave  and  Butterworth Street  -- from THIS intersection, go north on Butterworth about 1/4" - this is where we'll be meeting.

Hotels ???  I've had a couple requests from out of towners, who will probably be staying the night, not sure if you would be coming the night before, or staying the night after - so here are 2 options. 

I'd suggest Days Inn - this is the closest to where we are leaving FROM at noon - about 3/4 mile away. Their address is 3825 28th Street SW in Grandville, their phone is  (616) 531-5263.

The other will be Amerihost Inn, in Ionia. I'm giving this location, since it will be about 15 miles from where we'll end up for dinner, but will be in Ionia, which is part way home for most from the east side of the state. Their address is 423 Brown Blvd, in Ionia. Their phone is (800) 310-1229.

Hope this helps, more INFO will be coming.

I know that the weather can play games with the planning, won't know for sure till the day arrives - but if you are fairly sure that you will be joining us for this day, would appreciate dropping me a note ... helps to know.

Cya L8r ... my friends, STITCH  
_____________________________________

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11:23:00 AM EDT
Hello to all -
    Just posting some updated INFO on the upcoming   "Grand Rapids Road Ryders 3rd Annual Poker / Dinner Ride"

Sept 27th - Saturday        rain date of Sept 28th - Sunday

We will be rallying up at Johnson Park in Grandville (google map link below), start arriving 11 am-ish ... kickstands up at HIGH NOON !!  Have a full tank of gas !!!  2 gas stations, straight east over river ... about 1/2 mile away.

http://maps.google.com/maps?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&hl=en&tab=wl

 

This will be a Poker Ride as well, Planning on $10 per hand, can play as many hands as you want. I'm setting the cost low, because gas is NOT, but this also means that the cash prizes will be lower as well. But I'd rather have you folks there and having fun, than not coming because of the cost.

We're planning on a 3-hour ride (several stops for cards, stretch your legs, grab some coffee or snacks, hit the restroom), which will follow some of the more curvaceous roads that we have to offer, alongside some lakes or rivers. Will be stopping about 3 pm at a very nice lakeside pub/bar/grill for dinner.

Here we will wrap up the poker hands, sell off some 50/50's, raffle off whatever we may have, talk about the year that we've had, and the possible dinners coming throughout the winter months.

Hope that many of you folks can make it, this will be fun and gorgeous to boot.

Stitch

Cya L8r ... my friends, STITCH  
_____________________________________

Grand Rapids Road Ryders
in association with the VRCC (Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club)
Gary House #2260 ( aka Stitch )
Grand Rapids, Michigan
ALL bikes are welcome, your camaraderie is what's important here !
website      http://journals.aol.com/stitchinman/grand-rapids-road-ryders/

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10:30:17 PM EDT

  September 2008 Newsletter of the

SW Michigan biking club … in association with the VRCC (Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club)

Yep !  we do enjoy our Valks …. But ALL bikes are welcome … come join the fun !!

 

As we start to wind up this years riding (crap), we still have a handful of riding events and adventures going on. Here is a recap of what is scheduled, please feel free to contact me at the below numbers, if you have any questions or comments. Most of these are being hosted by various chapters, and THEIR CONTACT INFO is included with each.

 

September 14th … hosted by SE Michigan Chapter

 

Hello Fellow VRCC Members,

 

As most of you know, we, the Southeast MI Chapter puts on our annual "Ride in the Hills" ride & BBQ.  Well, this year we're going all out with a catered Pig Roast Charity Event.  As always, there will be many nice door prizes, 50/50 drawings, and of course plenty of delicious food.  This year we are inviting everyone to join us, in hopes to collect enough money to make a local underprivileged family very happy this coming holiday season.

 

Attached, you will find a flyer in JPG (picture) format so not only you, but many others you know will have a great time at the event !!!.   So, if you wish, please copy the flyer and hand them out to the ones you know.

 

When:  September 14, 2008   Kickstands up at 11:00AM

Where:  Meet at the I-94 (westbound) Rest-Area, just 6 Miles West of I-275, between exits 187 & 190

             All Friends and family are welcome to meet us at the park if they can’t make the ride

                 Entrance to Hidden Lake Gardens is on M50 between Pentecost Hwy and Nortley Hwy west of Tipton, Michigan

 

Tickets must be purchased in advance by September 7th

TO PURCHASE TICKETS (or information) CONTACT:

FRANCINE VERDUCE

Phone: 734/675-6484

E-mail: fverduce@aol.com

 

We need you to order your tickets early to pay the caterer (before the 7th of September), so please do not delay. 

 

FEEL FREE TO FORWARD THIS ON TO ANYONE YOU WISH

Regards,

Tony Z.
VRCC # 8089
Chapter Leader
Southeast MI Chapter

 

September 20th … hosted by Capital Chapter

 

 

The "Ride To Brooklyn" has been rescheduled for Saturday, September 20th.  We will stage at the Meijer's in Mason at 11:00 a.m.  Take the Kipp Rd Exit off 127 at Mason.  Go east on Kipp Rd to Meijer's parking lot.  Kickstands up at 11:30.  This is a beautiful ride ending at a great restaurant at Clark Lake.  Hope to see you all there!!

 

--
Gary Swan
Chapter Leader, Capital City Chapter
Michigan Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club (VRCC)
Lansing, Michigan

 

………………………

Also … the CBR (Covered Bridge Ride) … sponsored by the Indiana VRCC Chapters.  This is a 3-day (Sept 19, 20, 21) event down in central Indiana, they do a really nice job on this ride. Charlie & Linda Lane, along with Gary & Lori House will be riding to this event – we’ll be representing Michigan here. Still room for any body else who would like to join us.

 

 

 

 

 

September 27th … hosted by GR Road Ryders

(rain date of Sept 28th – same time and information)

Poker Ride & Extended Dinner Ride

We’ll be meeting up at Johnson Park in Grandville around 11-ish, kickstands up at NOON sharp. Come with a full gas tank and an empty bladder. We’ll be having a very scenic ride, with several stops along the way for drawing cards, stretching your legs, grabbing a snack or coffee … or just shooting the bull !  We will be finishing up about 3 pm for a great dinner, alongside some cool lake or scenic spot. There we will finish up the Poker Hands,probably sell some 50/50 tickets, etc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 4th & 5th … hosted by Tri City Chapter

 

HI EVERYONE,

It seems like summer has gone by so fast but believe it or not it is time to make plans and your reservations for the 2008 fall color tour in Traverse City. The date is Saturday, October 4th and Sunday October 5th.
We will be staying in a new hotel this year. The name is AmericInn of Traverse City, 1614 US-31 North, The phone #1-800-441-1903 or 1-231-938-0288 and make your reservations under VALKYRIE RIDERS CRUISE GROUP in order to get our discount of $69.00 per night which is two queen size beds. We have blocked 27 rooms. YOU MUST MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS BY SEPTEMBER 1st to guarantee a room and discounted price. Specific details regarding the ride will be coming later but I wanted to get hotel info to you now.

Joe (ridingdragon) Errante
Tri City Chapter leader
VRCC #19022

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cya L8r ... my friends, STITCH  
_____________________________________

Grand Rapids Road Ryders
in association with the VRCC (Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club)
Gary House #2260 ( aka Stitch )
Grand Rapids, Michigan
ALL bikes are welcome, your camaraderie is what's important here !
website      http://journals.aol.com/stitchinman/grand-rapids-road-ryders/

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11:09:57 AM EDT
Hello to all -

    Here is our chance to grab ONE MORE ride, before the year is done.  Sept 27th (Saturday afternoon) we'll be having a 'little extended DINNER RIDE'.

    Much more details will be coming, but I wanted to give you a heads up on this, so you can place it on your calendar NOW!

    Sept 27th, take off at 1 pm ... ride for an hour ... take a 15 minute 'Social Break' ... ride for another hour or so ... then stop at a really cool 'mystery spot' for dinner. I say MYSTERY, because I don't have the foggiest idea yet, but I'm sure it will be scenic & next to a lake, with GREAT food & friends. Will have some 50/50 drawings and raffles.

so "write it down"

more later
Cya L8r ... my friends, STITCH  

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11:06:17 AM EDT
Hey folks - it's COLOR TOUR TIME !!    the note below is posted on the Michigan site, from Joe & Pam - who set up the hotel and dinner plans - THANKS Joe & Pam !

If you are planning on riding out of the Grand Rapids area, please let me know, so we can plan on a small group ride up. Lori and I will be heading up mid morning on the 4th.

This is always a nice ride up, beautiful area (especially in the fall), then we have a great time of food & laughs over dinner, usually relax back at the hotel after. Pool & hot tub available for those who wish to use.

Sunday, we have a short ride in the area, before heading home.

Make you room reservations now, for the VRCC discount. I heard that they extended it till Sept 3rd (TODAY), and I just made mine fine.

Stitch

It seems like summer has gone by so fast but believe it or not it is time to make plans and your reservations for the 2008 fall color tour in Traverse City. The date is Saturday, October 4th and Sunday October 5th.
We will be staying in a new hotel this year. The name is AmericInn of Traverse City, 1614 US-31 North, The phone #1-800-441-1903 or 1-231-938-0288 and make your reservations under VALKYRIE RIDERS CRUISE GROUP in order to get our discount of $69.00 per night which is two queen size beds. We have blocked 27 rooms. YOU MUST MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS BY SEPTEMBER 1st to guarantee a room and discounted price. Specific details regarding the ride will be coming later but I wanted to get hotel info to you now.

Joe (ridingdragon) Errante
Tri City Chapter leader
VRCC #19022
Cya L8r ... my friends, STITCH  
_____________________________________

Grand Rapids Road Ryders
in association with the VRCC (Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club)
Gary House #2260 ( aka Stitch )
Grand Rapids, Michigan
ALL bikes are welcome, your camaraderie is what's important here !
website      http://journals.aol.com/stitchinman/grand-rapids-road-ryders/

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10:04:20 AM EDT
Feeling Adventurous
Howdy all -    first off, we hope that many of you are planning on the St Ignace week-end ride, August 15-17 ... this is posted on the Michigan website. This is our 8th or 9th annual, always an outstanding ride, with great friendships and food - a parking lot party that all of St Iggy talks about. If you haven't been there, you should try to. See the Mich site for all details, and BOOK YOUR ROOM now !!

**** and please note here, slight twist to this week-end.  I (Gary aka Stitch) plan to leave THURSDAY morning this year, get there ONE DAY EARLIER. Then planning an all day ride on Friday up to Tahquamenon Falls State Park (there is a fee for this, I think it's $5).  The Upper & Lower falls are just gorgeous (bring your camera), there are miles of wooded, semi-twisty type roads that we'll be riding on. Then we'll be having lunch at the Tahquamenon Falls Brewery & Pub - this place is pretty famous for outstanding food & beverages.

Then we'll be back to St Iggy Friday late afternoon, for when the rest of the group shows up for the rest of the week-end. This is something that I want to do, so I will be riding whether it's just me (and my GPS), or whether some of you folks want to join me. I'd love to have a handful riding along, friends always make the ride just that much more special. If you are planning this extra day, you should contact Trish at the Thunderbird, to extend your stay.  Drop me a note as well, we can probably connect somewhere downstate for the ride up, or I'll just see you in St Iggy Thursday night.
Cya L8r ... my friends, STITCH  
_____________________________________

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11:41:31 AM EDT
Just a quick update, to that benefit ride we just had.  I hear that we made a little over $3,000 for the cause ... this is tremendous - thanks to all who participated in it.


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2:18:23 PM EDT
COPPER HARBOR RIDE - July 10th thru the 13th

All the way to the top of Michigan, shoot - you can reach out and tickle Canada from there. Never been there, but I hear it's gorgeous - and always a pleasure to ride in the U.P.   Thinking about going ???  It may be too late already - I'm not sure ... contact Timberwolf & Chili - our northern leaders.

We have about 40 currently ready to go ... can't wait to get moving on this one !!!

Here is a little bridge, we may see along the way .. not sure though, it's kinda hard to find.






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2:00:28 PM EDT
Had a pretty good ride last Saturday, had 6 of us from the Grand Rapids area attend this benefit, being held in Elkhart, IN.  A good friend of Scott Lane, fighting some lung cancer issues, had this benefit in his honor. Great music, very good eats, made some new friends, helped to raise a bunch of money, to help offset Pat's expenses.

Would have loved to have many more show up, but we still had 6 (5 Valkyries and this goofy BMW - we love ya anyway Kevin) ride down from Michigan, to help a brother in need.

This is one who rode down, hope we didn't scare any folks away.



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