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Welcome to the BMW Club of Houston's Photo Albums. Explore the galleries, use the tools to add your comments (please no flames!), and let us know if something doesn't work. Please send in the best pictures from your two-wheeled travels to Robert Stallones - gstraveler@gmail.com - along with some description or explanation of the ride they were taken on.

To go to the main website of the BMW Club of Houston, click here.

Featured Galleries

Club Maintenance Day - November 8, 2009 :

Club Maintenance Day - November 8, 2009

Updated: Nov 08, 2009 6:33pm PST

39th Annual South Central BMW Owners Reunion : 39th Annual South Central BMW Owners Reunion
October 16-18, 2009
Vernon L. Richards Riverbend Park
Smithville, Texas

39th Annual South Central BMW Owners Reunion

39th Annual South Central BMW Owners Reunion October 16-18, 2009 Ver ...

Updated: Oct 25, 2009 2:25pm PST

Galleries

Club Maintenance Day - November 8, 2009 :

Club Maintenance Day - November 8, 2009

Updated: Nov 08, 2009 6:33pm PST

39th Annual South Central BMW Owners Reunion : 39th Annual South Central BMW Owners Reunion
October 16-18, 2009
Vernon L. Richards Riverbend Park
Smithville, Texas

39th Annual South Central BMW Owners Reunion

39th Annual South Central BMW Owners Reunion October 16-18, 2009 Ver ...

Updated: Oct 25, 2009 2:25pm PST

BMW Club of Houston Exemplary Service Award : The BMW Club of Houston has initiated an Exemplary Service Award to recognize the contributions of outstanding club members. The first recipients of this award are Ron Goodall, a founding member of the Club, Dorothy Goodall and Floyd Crow.

BMW Club of Houston Exemplary Service Award

The BMW Club of Houston has initiated an Exemplary Service Award to re ...

Updated: Jun 15, 2009 11:24am PST

5th Annual Texas Clubs Ride : These photos of the 5th Annual Texas Club Ride were sent in by Robert O'Neill.

5th Annual Texas Clubs Ride

These photos of the 5th Annual Texas Club Ride were sent in by Robert ...

Updated: Mar 16, 2009 9:32am PST

2008 International BMW Rally. Gillette, Wyoming July 17-20, 2008 : Photos by Robert Bolton

2008 International BMW Rally. Gillette, Wyoming July 17-20, 2008

Photos by Robert Bolton

Updated: Jan 20, 2009 8:20pm PST

38th Annual South Central BMW Owners Reunion : Photos from the BMW Club of Houston's 38th Annual South Central BMW Owners Reunion on October 17-19, 2008. Vernon L. Richards Riverbend Park in Smithville, Texas

38th Annual South Central BMW Owners Reunion

Photos from the BMW Club of Houston's 38th Annual South Central BMW Ow ...

Updated: Nov 11, 2008 10:30am PST

Continental Divide Ride:  August 4th - 16th, 2008 : Carl Chapman (Suzuki DR650) and Gary Solera (Kawasaki KLR650) started riding at the Canada/Montana border near Carway, AB and rode 2,886 miles along the Continental Divide to the Mexican border at Antelope Wells, NM. Ray Hooper (Honda XR650R) met them in Steamboat Springs, CO and rode to Mexico with them. Floyd Crow trailered them to Montana and then picked them up in New Mexico.

Continental Divide Ride: August 4th - 16th, 2008

Carl Chapman (Suzuki DR650) and Gary Solera (Kawasaki KLR650) started ...

Updated: Oct 20, 2008 4:20pm PST

Robert Stallones' X-Challenge in Big Bend : Robert Stallones recently acquired a new BMW G650X-Challenge and took it to Big Bend for a workout. He put together this sampling of photos from that and earlier Big Bend adventures.

Robert Stallones' X-Challenge in Big Bend

Robert Stallones recently acquired a new BMW G650X-Challenge and took ...

Updated: Jun 25, 2008 4:44am PST

Off the Bridge : Over the hill and through the woods, and OFF THE BRIDGE!

Off the Bridge

Over the hill and through the woods, and OFF THE BRIDGE!

Updated: Jun 24, 2008 9:17am PST

Dunesday : Can you have too much fun in the sand?

Dunesday

Can you have too much fun in the sand?

Updated: Jun 24, 2008 9:15am PST

Klaus on the beach : Klaus Seger & riding buddy were having a peaceful ride along the beach when the tide started to come in. At a certain point they noticed the water was taking over the whole beach. Where was that beer stand?

Klaus on the beach

Klaus Seger & riding buddy were having a peaceful ride along the beach ...

Updated: Jun 24, 2008 9:12am PST

Tony Clasen hits the hail : So you're riding along a twisty mountain road and notice a funnel cloud up ahead... now what? Hail for Tony Clasen. Hail yes!

Tony Clasen hits the hail

So you're riding along a twisty mountain road and notice a funnel clou ...

Updated: Jun 24, 2008 9:09am PST

Carl Chapman's Dual Sport Ride : Carl Chapman’s Report on the East Texas Dual Sport Ride, January 26 & 27, 2008 with the folks from “Two Wheeled Texans” motorcycle forum.

Carl Chapman's Dual Sport Ride

Carl Chapman’s Report on the East Texas Dual Sport Ride, January 26 ...

Updated: Apr 29, 2008 2:59pm PST

Breakfast Club - Denny's regulars : A group of BMW Club members meet with family and friends nearly every Sunday morning at the Denny's on FM 1960, just north of US 290. This photo was taken April 13, 2008, by Jamie Villareal. While Jamie shows up for breakfast, he is undergoing "extreme and excessive 'fishing therapy' per doctor's orders." A second group meets at the Goode Co. Taqueria on Westpark and Kirby.

Breakfast Club - Denny's regulars

A group of BMW Club members meet with family and friends nearly every ...

Updated: Apr 15, 2008 3:17pm PST

Club parts sale at Murphy's garage : The former BMW Motorcycles of North Houston and BMW Motorcycles of North Houston/South donated to the BMW Club of Houston boxes of "New Old Stock" parts prior to their going out of business. A parts sale was held for the Club at Mike Murphy's garage on February 9 & 10, 2008. Barb Smith took these photos, and writes, "The weather was perfect for the BMW parts and accessories Yard Sale! Thanks to all club members and friends who came out to look buy, chat and have lunch."

Club parts sale at Murphy's garage

The former BMW Motorcycles of North Houston and BMW Motorcycles of Nor ...

Updated: Mar 21, 2008 1:36pm PST

Westphalia 2008 : Over 60 riders from the Ft. Worth, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio and Houston areas rode to Westphalia to have lunch at the historic Old Store. Beverly Ruffin organized the Houston contingent and plotted the scenic route up there.

Westphalia 2008

Over 60 riders from the Ft. Worth, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio and Hou ...

Updated: Mar 03, 2008 5:00pm PST

Andy Kammel's new used ride : My name is Andy Kammel I bought a 2005 R1200GS in November 07. It had 30k on it and now it has 37k. The GS has been my dream-bike since it came out in the 80's while I was still living in Germany. So I'm just glad & thank God I was able to buy my dream-bike!

Andy Kammel's new used ride

My name is Andy Kammel I bought a 2005 R1200GS in November 07. It had ...

Updated: Mar 03, 2008 4:51pm PST

New Year's Day Brunch 2008 : The annual New Year's Day Brunch was held again at the Galvez Hotel on the seawall in Galveston. This year the weather turned out pretty well for an after-brunch ride, led by club president, Klaus Seeger.

New Year's Day Brunch 2008

The annual New Year's Day Brunch was held again at the Galvez Hotel on ...

Updated: Jan 26, 2008 11:21am PST

37th Annual Reunion : The 37th Annual South Central BMW Owners Reunion was held October 19 - 21, 2007 at the Vernon L. Richards Riverbend Park in scenic Smithville, Texas. This year's "gathering of friends and neighbors" marked a "back-to-basics" approach to the rally. Floyd Crow led a crew that cooked one bratwurst per rider for Friday night's dinner, and the inimitable Beverly Ruffin rounded up a posse that cooked spaghetti for Saturday's dinner. Major supporters for the rally included Wild West Honda, who underwrote the cost of the dinners, and Lone Star BMW/Triumph, who underwrote the entertainment - the Hi Bice Band! Additional support was provided by Gulf Coast Motorcycles, BMW of Ft. Worth, Perry's Motorcycles, 4DStar Motorsports, Aerostich Rider WearHouse, and Silver Eagle Outfitters. For links to the Web sites of our generous supporters, go to the main rally page at www.bmwclub.org/resources/rally.html.

37th Annual Reunion

The 37th Annual South Central BMW Owners Reunion was held October 19 - ...

Updated: Nov 09, 2007 9:11am PST

Floyd Crow's photos from the Arkansas Fall Colors Ride : Floyd Crow joined the Lone Star BMW Riders at their annual event, which this year was held October 26 - 28, 2007. Centered out of Eureka Springs, the Ride offered great motorcycling roads through the Ozarks in northwestern Arkansas and southwestern Missouri.

Floyd Crow's photos from the Arkansas Fall Colors Ride

Floyd Crow joined the Lone Star BMW Riders at their annual event, whic ...

Updated: Nov 02, 2007 9:12am PST

The Meinens run the Dragon : Doug and Diane Meinen visited North Carolina in May, 2007, and sent these photos. The two pictures taken on The Dragon were photographed by Killboy.com.

The Meinens run the Dragon

Doug and Diane Meinen visited North Carolina in May, 2007, and sent th ...

Updated: Oct 22, 2007 4:19pm PST

Barb Smith returns from the 2007 BMW RA Rally at Biltmore : The 35th ANnual BMW RA International Rally was held June 7-10, 2007, on The Biltmore Estate outside Asheville, North Carolina. For the first time in Biltmore Estate's history, they allowed people to hold a rally, camp and stay on the premises. The Estate provided a central location for three days of touring the Biltmore House, the gardens, the winery and much more. Then there was the riding: western North Carolina's mountains and valleys, pavement and dirt roads, and a little thing called the Blue Ridge Parkway. Barb Smith sent us these pictures of her trip. Her ride report can be found on the main Web site at www.bmwclub.org.

Barb Smith returns from the 2007 BMW RA Rally at Biltmore

The 35th ANnual BMW RA International Rally was held June 7-10, 2007, o ...

Updated: Jul 02, 2007 1:58pm PST

Westphalia RTE, March 24, 2007 : Over 40 riders from the BMW clubs in Houston, San Antonio, Austin and Dallas/Ft. Worth rode to the historic Old Store in Westphalia, TX, for the third annual multi-club rendezvous. Houston members participating in the ride included Jim Knight, Bill Treadway, Mark Ittleman, Jeff Johnson, John Redford, Dave McConnachie & son, David, Robert K. Graulty, Floyd Crow, Ron Goodall, Dorothy Goodall, Richard Markle, Les Rhodes, Hi Bice (center!), Klaus Seeger, and Beverly Ruffin. BMWDFW President Mike Moon sent us these pictures. The group photo was sent by Mark Ittleman.

Westphalia RTE, March 24, 2007

Over 40 riders from the BMW clubs in Houston, San Antonio, Austin and ...

Updated: Jun 29, 2007 4:08pm PST

Texas National BMW Rally at Lake Belton, April 20-22, 2007 : The "no-frills" Texas National BMW Rally is held each Spring on the shores of Lake Belton, just west of Temple. BMWDFW President Mike Moon sent us these photographs.

Texas National BMW Rally at Lake Belton, April 20-22, 2007

The "no-frills" Texas National BMW Rally is held each Spring on the sh ...

Updated: Jun 29, 2007 3:48pm PST

Kevin Graulty's Classic Hack : Kevin Graulty bought this classic 1966 R60/2 from Morton's BMW in Fredericksburg, VA, in February, 1977. He says he bought it, "when I was trying to live cheaply and afford flight school (finally became a professional pilot).  I intentionally didn't own a car, and I lived in downtown D.C. at the time, so it was relatively easy to park in that otherwise 'car-parking-challenged' environment.  With the sidecar, I could handle any weather, and carry stuff.
 
I racked up the miles on it, but eventually migrated away from using it as a sole transportation provider.   I finally began a restoration, dismantling it myself, but bringing components to skilled shops and service providers including Bob's BMW, Speed's Cycle, Capital Cycle, Blue Moon Cycle, and Mike Haven at MPH here in Houston.  I re-assembled it myself, and have had fun showing it, and occasionally riding it.  I trucked it up to Mid-Ohio Vintage Days last July, and won Grand Marshall's Choice in the "Ride-Em, Don't Hide 'Em" event, selected by Giacomo Agostini himself.  Mr. Agostini was a delight to meet, and was very affable with his autograph pen.
 
I also received an invitation to the AMA's annual Hall of Fame Concours, at their Museum and Headquarters in Pickerington, Ohio, last October.  My brothers, Jim and Mark, accompanied me and helped with logistics and detailing.  We won First Place in Vintage Class, 1965 - 1975. Thank you for showing these photos.  I am humbled by your attention and interest."

Kevin Graulty's Classic Hack

Kevin Graulty bought this classic 1966 R60/2 from Morton's BMW in Fred ...

Updated: Jan 23, 2007 3:56pm PST

2007 Buescher State Park Camp-In : Barb Smith sent in these photos and writes, "The nasty weather kept attendance light at the 2007 Buescher State Park Camp-in, but it didn't keep us from enjoying a roaring fire and excellent beef and chicken fajitas grilled by our own club president, Mike Doyle.  We had a few brave souls show up on their motorcycles.  On Saturday a small group car-pooled out to Lone Star BMW for a visit.  On Sunday many headed south to Moulton for an early lunch at Kloesel's, before the group scattered and headed for Houston."

2007 Buescher State Park Camp-In

Barb Smith sent in these photos and writes, "The nasty weather kept at ...

Updated: Jan 22, 2007 1:30pm PST

2006 Rally photos from Rex Hosea : Rex Hosea rode his GS from Plantation, FL, to join us at our 2006 Reunion. He also took several hundred photographs of the people and events of the rally. These are a sampling of those. For more from this and other rallies Rex attended this summer, go to his website at www.waypointphotos.com. Thanks, Rex, for joining us, and for sending us these great photos!

2006 Rally photos from Rex Hosea

Rex Hosea rode his GS from Plantation, FL, to join us at our 2006 Reun ...

Updated: Nov 13, 2006 4:07pm PST

2006 Rally photos : The 36th Annual South Central BMW Owners' Reunion was held October 13-15, 2006, once again at Lady Bird Johnson Park outside Fredericksburg, TX. Friday was a beautiful day for riding, but Saturday saw successive squall lines move through and dropping temperatures. Nevertheless, a half dozen or so intrepid souls went on the GS off-road ride, and a dozen or more rode the Poker Run. Danny Liska's daughter, Johanna, visited with people throughout the day Saturday, and Saturday evening she showed many of his photographs and talked about his two historic rides. Perry Bushong showed up with a beautiful /6 that was voted Best of Show in the Bike Show, and several folks were there with antique and side-car bikes that Perry had restored. Smokin' Willie's fajitas on Friday and BBQ on Saturday were also highlights, as was a presentation by new BMW MOA board member, Greg Feeler. Although the turnout was low, due to the weather, a great time was had by all who came.

2006 Rally photos

The 36th Annual South Central BMW Owners' Reunion was held October 13- ...

Updated: Oct 31, 2006 2:41pm PST

September dual-sport ride : Carl Chapman organized a back road dual-sport ride held Sunday, September 17, 2006. Kickstands clanked up and wheels rolled at 8:30AM at the Shell station in East Bernard, Texas at the corner of Hwy 90A and Hwy 60. The ride was about 250 miles with about 50% county gravel roads and 50% 2 lane paved roads. The group stopped for lunch at the Orsak Cafe in Fayetteville, Texas. Robert Stallones kindly sent these photos of the ride for our enjoyment.

September dual-sport ride

Carl Chapman organized a back road dual-sport ride held Sunday, Septem ...

Updated: Sep 22, 2006 8:16am PST

Floyd and Carl hit the Colorado back country : Floyd Crow writes, "Carl Chapman and I just got back from Ouray, Colorado, where we did three days of trail riding across some of the passes out there. I thought would send these pictures if you think anyone would be interested in dirt bike riding." Well, we ALL like riding, but WHERE are the BMWs? ;->

Floyd and Carl hit the Colorado back country

Floyd Crow writes, "Carl Chapman and I just got back from Ouray, Color ...

Updated: Aug 03, 2006 3:33pm PST

Barb Smith and Mike Murphy back from MOA : Barb Smith writes, "These are some photos taken on our trip up to Burlington, VT, and the MOA rally.  We had perfect weather the entire way up to VT.  We took 5 days to get there, so that I could do some stamp hunting and finish out the IBA National Parks Tour.   We pretty much ate slab the first two days, stopping in Birmingham, AL, long enough to catch breakfast with Bob and Kathy Steber, old friends of Mike's.  We then got off the Interstate on day 3 to collect stamps at Shenandoah, Antietam, Harpers Ferry, and Gettysburg.  We rode up to Saratoga National Park in Stillwater, NY, the 4th day and visited that national historic site, then took the scenic route on up to Lake Champlain and then over to Burlington.  BMW MOA rally broke an attendance record, and Mike and I set up camp with a group of Mike's friends from previous years' rallies.  Ben Muller was there, and we ran into the Goodalls and a few other folks that Mike knows.   BMW Motorad had an impressively large demo fleet there, and the vendor turnout was impressive.  We packed our soggy camping equipment and clothing in the rain, lugged it all to the UPS booth and shipped the sodden mess home so that we make the return ride less cumbersome.

Barb Smith and Mike Murphy back from MOA

Barb Smith writes, "These are some photos taken on our trip up to Burl ...

Updated: Aug 02, 2006 4:58pm PST

5ht Annual Ride the 3s, May 5-7, 2006 : The Fifth Annual Ride the 3s was held the weekend of May 5 - 7, 2006. With Leakey as a home base, the dauntless motorcyclists rode some of the prettiest roads in the Texas Hill Country (once the rain let up). Mike Moon, President of the BMW Motorcycle Owners of Dallas-Fort Worth, sent us a CD of photos, and Bob Seekley let us download a few from his website. Thanks to you both. Looks like a great time was had by all.

5ht Annual Ride the 3s, May 5-7, 2006

The Fifth Annual Ride the 3s was held the weekend of May 5 - 7, 2006. ...

Updated: May 22, 2006 5:00pm PST

Texas National Rally, Lake Belton -- April, 2006 : Long time club member, Kenny McGee, sent us these photos from the Texas National Rally. The weekend provided beautiful weather for riding and plenty of bluebonnets were on display. Kenny says he has the name retention capabilities of a howler monkey, and apologizes for not remembering people's names. If any viewers can identify any riders, please send an email to pyeager@fyi-media.com.

Texas National Rally, Lake Belton -- April, 2006

Long time club member, Kenny McGee, sent us these photos from the Texa ...

Updated: May 09, 2006 3:53pm PST

Robert's sister-in-law takes her first ride : Robert Stallones' sister-in-law, Gail, flew in from Memphis, TN,
to visit Robert and his wife, Gay. Gail (Gay's oldest sister)
is seventy years old, and has never ridden on a motorcycle before.
After visiting for a week, she asked if she could go for a ride!
So, Robert and Gay gathered up a helmet, a too-large jacket, boots and
gloves and they were off. Afterwards, Gail was so thrilled she said that
if she lived closer she would want her own motorcycle so they could all
ride together.

Robert's sister-in-law takes her first ride

Robert Stallones' sister-in-law, Gail, flew in from Memphis, TN, to v ...

Updated: May 04, 2006 9:50am PST

Kenny McGee's Bricks : Long-time member Kenny McGee sent this photo of his 2 1985 flyin' bricks. The one on the left he bought new and it now has over 250,000 miles on it. The one on the right he bought a couple of years ago from Mike Haven at MPH Cycles with about 30K on it and it now has over 85,000. With mileage like that, it's a wonder the dealers can stay in business! Kenny was transferred to Denver a couple of years ago, and gets back to his wife, Carol, and his Houston home at least once a month. Kenny keeps the blue bike here and the white bike in Denver. Kenny writes, "I know Colorado has great rides, but so does Texas, and I can actually afford to live in Texas!" Look for Kenny's blue brick out on the roads here.

Kenny McGee's Bricks

Long-time member Kenny McGee sent this photo of his 2 1985 flyin' bric ...

Updated: Apr 26, 2006 9:41am PST

Spring Ride Through the Piney Woods : Floyd Crow organized the Spring Ride Through the Piney Woods of East Texas, which was held Sunday, April 23, 2006. Riders met at BMW of North Houston to receive a route map and directions and for a brief riders meeting. Thirteen bikes of varying makes and models arrived for the ride. Wheels rolled promptly at 9:00 AM, and Floyd set a leisurely pace over the hills and through the woods. The morning was cool and generally sunny, though fog rose off the Trinity River when the caravan crossed. Jasmine and other flowers permeated the green woods. The first stop was almost 2 hours later at the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Reservation, then more riding. Lunch had been scheduled for 1 at the Cedar Tree Restaurant in Jasper, and despite being very crowded, the good folks there arranged for everyone to sit together. By the time lunch was over, the day had warmed up into the high 80's, letting everyone know that summer is getting close. The riders split up for the ride home. The total loop as originally mapped was just under 400 miles. Thanks, Floyd, for a great day in the Piney Woods.

Spring Ride Through the Piney Woods

Floyd Crow organized the Spring Ride Through the Piney Woods of East T ...

Updated: Apr 24, 2006 2:47pm PST

Chasing the Presidents : The Presidential Tour has concluded. Here are a few photos from Guy Pickrel, Floyd Crow & Paul Yeager. Floyd visited 15 towns or county courthouses named for Presidents, and received 5 bonus points for the Bush Library, making him the WINNER! 

The next tour is the Texas World Tour, with points for towns named for continents, countries and capitals. For complete rules, go to the club website.

Chasing the Presidents

The Presidential Tour has concluded. Here are a few photos from Guy Pi ...

Updated: Apr 18, 2006 1:36pm PST

Crawfish Run to Natchitoches, LA - April, 2006 : Barb Smith and Mike Murphy joined members of the Lone Star BMW Riders in their annual Crawfish Run to Natchitoches, March 31 - April 2. Natchitoches, the oldest town in Louisiana, was hosting its 11th Annual Jazz Festival. On Saturday morning, the riders traveled down to Mamou and Famous Fred's Lounge, home of the French Cajun Music Breakfast. Barb and Mike also stopped at Oakland Plantation on the Cane River.

Crawfish Run to Natchitoches, LA - April, 2006

Barb Smith and Mike Murphy joined members of the Lone Star BMW Riders ...

Updated: Apr 04, 2006 7:12am PST

Jacksonville MTF Ride-in : Barb Smith rode 1000 miles in 17 hours (or thereabouts) to attend the Jacksonville Motorcyle Tourer Forum Ride-in, and the Iron Butt Association's annual Bike Week dinner. Barb posted many of her pictures at  http://barb-smith.fotopic.net/c887553.html, and gave us permission to re-post some of them here.

Jacksonville MTF Ride-in

Barb Smith rode 1000 miles in 17 hours (or thereabouts) to attend the ...

Updated: Mar 14, 2006 7:04am PST

Danny Liska's bikes : Danny Liska was the first person to travel by motorcycle from the Arctic Circle in Alaska to Tierra del Fuego at the tip of South America. He rode a BMW R60/2. He began his journey in the summer of 1959, reaching his northern-most point, Arctic Circle City, Alaska, in August. When the days began to get shorter, he returned to his home in Niobara, Nebraska for the winter. In the Spring of 1960, he headed South and made it to Panama City on Thanksgiving Day. He shipped his bike from there to Medellin, Columbia, then walked across the Darien Gap on "the Smuggler's Trail." He retrieved his bike in Medellin, rode throughout much of South America, and made it to the end of the road in Ushuaia, Argentina in 1961.

This is a major feat today, but in 1961, it was unheard of. BMW was so pleased, they gave him a brand new motorcycle, which he rode from North Cape, Norway to South Cape near Capetown, South Africa.

Danny Liska's daughter, Johanna, lives with her husband in the Houston area. Recently, Ben Muller, Mike Murphy, Barb Smith and Ron Marek visited with her, and Ben took these photos. Subsequently, Mike asked Johanna to join the club for our annual South Central Rally in Fredericksburg, to bring the bikes, and to set up a booth where she might sell copies of Danny's book "Two Wheels To Adventure." (Hardback copies of this book are now selling for $250 or more, depending on condition.) Happily, she has agreed, so we will all be able to see these historic machines and get a copy of the book.

Danny Liska's bikes

Danny Liska was the first person to travel by motorcycle from the Arct ...

Updated: Mar 13, 2006 12:40pm PST

Beverly Tries Out a Harley : Barb Smith writes, "Beverly wanted to rent a Harley Davidson for the day, to become familiar with the particular model she's planning to rent in Hawaii later this Spring.  Charlie and Mike followed her over there, and I zipped over there with a camera, since Republic Harley Davidson is less than a mile from my office.  Here are the photos of that adventure.  (Unfortunately for me, I was unable to take the time off to ride with them for the day.)
 
They didn't have a Heritage Classic, which is what she'll be renting in Hawaii, but they did have a Softail Deluxe.  In one of the photos, she's being shown how those weird Harley keys work.  Despite having ridden up on her BMW tourer, they made her do the U-turn test in the parking lot, which is another of the photos."

Beverly Tries Out a Harley

Barb Smith writes, "Beverly wanted to rent a Harley Davidson for the d ...

Updated: Mar 08, 2006 10:24am PST

Copper Canyon, Mexico : Ron Scrivner writes about his trip in January, 06, "Riding the dirt roads of the Copper Canyon. Interested in riding the back roads?"

Copper Canyon, Mexico

Ron Scrivner writes about his trip in January, 06, "Riding the dirt ro ...

Updated: Mar 02, 2006 1:00pm PST

Dave Beck Draggin' a Knee : Dave Beck on his SV650, practicing trust in his tires. The first three pictures were taken in October, 2005, at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, AL. (Notice the note taped to the top of his tank in the second image!) The last three pictures were taken Sunday, February 26, 2006, at the Grand Bayou Circuit, Belle Rose, LA, about half way between Baton Rouge & New Orleans. Comparing the two tracks, Dave says, "Barbers ranks #1 in the best track condition category, Grand Bayou Circuit is #1 in the Most Fun Knee Draggin' category." About his ride latest ride at Grand Bayour Circuit, AKA NPR, Dave writes, "Very twisty, as fast as you can go, SAFE and noe LEO's... Aaaa, life is good when your knee slide wears a hole in it." The Suzuki is lighter than his K1200RS, but you can't help but wonder how he would have done on the more powerful bike.

For another view of Dave on two wheels, nearly riding what appears to be a GS, go to this link:
 http://media.putfile.com/MVI_158542 . (If the link is not hot, cut and paste it into your browser address line.)

Dave Beck Draggin' a Knee

Dave Beck on his SV650, practicing trust in his tires. The first three ...

Updated: Feb 27, 2006 11:03am PST

Tech Day at Murphy's Garage, Feb. 2006 : Mike Murphy hosted one of his nearly famous Tech Days on Sunday, February 19. Despite the cold and damp day, several folks turned out for hot dogs, gear oil and communal wrenching.

Tech Day at Murphy's Garage, Feb. 2006

Mike Murphy hosted one of his nearly famous Tech Days on Sunday, Febru ...

Updated: Feb 20, 2006 11:09am PST

Big Bend Freeze Out, Jan. 2006 : Fred Boothe organized this ride to Big Bend. Riders left before sunrise Friday, January 27 and returned on Monday, January 30. Riders included Dick Bishop, Doc Cherry, John Botros, Joe and Gina Krebs, Gary Rife, Randy Gleason, Beverly Ruffin, Laurie and Doug Meister, James Parker, Ollie Leveritt, Heinz Kugler, Terry Shinn, Kevin Churchill, Jay Fleming, Dean Jones, Daniel Vacek, Austin Ihlefeldt; Andy Desjarlais and Fred Mullins. Ollie Leveritt took photos and posted them with a ride report on the Delphi forums.  For Ollie's ride report, go here:
http://forums.delphiforums.com/scrchou/messages/?msg=7757.1 (If the link isn't hot in your browser, cut and paste the full string of text and numbers into your browser address field.) His photos are below, as well as photos from Joe and Gina Krebs.

Big Bend Freeze Out, Jan. 2006

Fred Boothe organized this ride to Big Bend. Riders left before sunris ...

Updated: Feb 11, 2006 8:46am PST

Dinner & A Movie -- "World's Fastest Indian" : Morris Kruemcke called Beverly Ruffin about this movie, and Beverly put together the Dinner and A Movie event. Nearly 50 folks from the BMW Club and the Houston Re-Treads showed up for the dinner, the movie, and the after-movie gathering. The movie, "The World's Fastest Indian," tells the moving story of Bert Munro, whose land speed record for normally aspirated motorcycles under 1000 cc's still stands. More information on the movie can be found at www.worldsfastestindian.com.

Dinner & A Movie -- "World's Fastest Indian"

Morris Kruemcke called Beverly Ruffin about this movie, and Beverly pu ...

Updated: Feb 06, 2006 9:27am PST

NYC Motorcycle Show, January, 2006 : Floyd Crow sent these photos from the motorcycle show in New York City in mid-January, 2006.

NYC Motorcycle Show, January, 2006

Floyd Crow sent these photos from the motorcycle show in New York City ...

Updated: Jan 25, 2006 8:45am PST

2006 Buescher Park Camp-In : Thirty or so riders attended the 2006 Buescher Park Camp-In. Barb Smith and Robert Cline took photos of the festivities. The weather was absolutely perfect for riding, though perhaps a tad coolish for camping out! (Maybe that's why so many stayed inside!)

2006 Buescher Park Camp-In

Thirty or so riders attended the 2006 Buescher Park Camp-In. Barb Smit ...

Updated: Jan 12, 2006 11:52am PST

2004 Club Rally : Long time club member John M. Lawson came upon these hidden in the recesses of his PC, taken during the 2004 Club rally.

2004 Club Rally

Long time club member John M. Lawson came upon these hidden in the rec ...

Updated: Jan 09, 2006 12:01pm PST

New Year's Brunch : Bob and Gabrielle Seekely organized the club's Annual New Year's Day Brunch at the Galvez Hotel on the Galveston's Seawall Blvd. The brunch began at 11 PM, and a couple of hours later a full and happy group emerged for a photo. The riders then headed south for the traditional ride along the island, across the San Luis Pass bridge, and down the peninsula to Freeport. By all accounts, a good time was had by all.

New Year's Brunch

Bob and Gabrielle Seekely organized the club's Annual New Year's Day B ...

Updated: Jan 03, 2006 9:20am PST

December ride to Marshall, TX : Leo Salinas organized the club's December ride, and sent in this: 
The December 2005 Houston BMW Club monthly ride was an overnight stay to Marshall, TX to see the city's Wonderland of Lights display. Four couples participated in the ride, braving high temperatures in the mid 50's and lows in the mid 30's.  A bit brisk, but nobody complained about the cold. Heated clothing from Gerbing, BMW, Widder, and Warm-n-Safe were all well represented on the ride.  :-)

Attending were Sally and Ray Griffiths, riding 2 up on their K1200GT, David (K1200GT) and Julie (R1200C) Littlefield, Leo and Elsa Salinas (2 up on their R1200RT), and Floyd and Dessie Crow graciously providing designated driver duties (they rode their auto there) after the Saturday evening festivities. Thanks to Floyd and Dessie for participating. Their stories are wonderfully interesting.

Dinner was hosted by the Red Headed Lady, a nice restaurant just off the main town square. They set aside their VIP table for us, and treated us fabulously. Food was super, too.

The Marshall Chamber of Commerce had arranged a bus tour of the Marshall lights for us. Everything went perfectly as we purchased the bus tour tickets and boarded the bus. Marshall decks out the entire city in lights. Quite a show driving through all the neighborhoods and seeing each succeeding house appear to top the previous house in the beauty of their display. From somber religious displays celebrating the birth of Christ to lively secular displays full of Santa Claus and Disney characters, Marshall had it all.

The drive back home on Sunday was quite pleasant as the sun came out and kept us toasty. Perhaps a ride with an overnight stay during the busy holiday season in December is fated to have small participation. No matter. A great time was had by all. Merry Christmas to all, and here's hoping for a wonderful 2006 for you and the Club.

-Leo Salinas

December ride to Marshall, TX

Leo Salinas organized the club's December ride, and sent in this: Th ...

Updated: Dec 27, 2005 9:28am PST

Steve Henderson's last ride : The first 6 images are from Steve's memorial service. The images following are from the Sunday, Nov. 20th ride to FM 3090 to release Steve's ashes into the wind. Additional photos, taken by Dave & Jessica McConnachie [davem@pobox.com], can be seen at Dave's gallery, http://www.thruthelensphotos.com/. (Cut and paste the web address into your browser address line.)

Steve Henderson's last ride

The first 6 images are from Steve's memorial service. The images follo ...

Updated: Dec 12, 2005 9:39am PST

2005 Christmas Party : The club's 2005 Christmas party was held Saturday evening, December 3, at Harry's Restaurant. The food was good, the wine flowed freely, and the conversation was spirited. Club President, Ken Webb, thanked those who helped support the Be An Angel Fund, which provides holiday gifts and services to over 3000 multiply-handicapped and profoundly deaf children in the Greater Houston Area. For more information on the Be An Angel Fund, go to www.beanangel.org. 

As in years past, the highlight of the evening was the White Elephant gift exchange. If you have some photos from the party that you'd like to have posted here, please send them to pyeager@fyi-net.com. Merry Christmas!

2005 Christmas Party

The club's 2005 Christmas party was held Saturday evening, December 3, ...

Updated: Dec 07, 2005 8:05am PST

Mike Murphy Bows to the BMW Gods : Barb Smith writes, "Here are a couple of photos (only took two; having too much fun or freezing our buns off, not sure which!) of our most recent trip to Memphis and parts north over Thanksgiving.  
 
Mike Murphy and I rode Houston to Memphis on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, then spent the holiday with his family.  Early Friday morning we departed in freezing temps to head to Chester IL.  I got my national park stamp there and we continued east toward Evansville IN for the night.  High temps that day were high 30's, and by the time we got to the hotel, in the dark, temps had dipped below freezing (what would we ever do without electrics?!).  Saturday we headed to Lincoln's boyhood home in Lincoln city IN, for another park stamp, then into Kentucky to Land Between the Lakes.  We returned to Memphis Saturday night and returned to Houston on Sunday.
 
In the "abelincoln1" photo, Mike is paying homage to the BMW gods.  In the chesterillinois photo, the height comparison between a R1150GS Adventure and an R1150R is most evident."

Mike Murphy Bows to the BMW Gods

Barb Smith writes, "Here are a couple of photos (only took two; having ...

Updated: Dec 02, 2005 9:38am PST

Searching for Smokie the Bear : Barb Smith is doing the Iron Butt Association's National Parks Tour. She writes, "I took (these photos) on a road trip last month through OK, KS, MO, AR, and TN.  I picked up a few park stamps along the way to the BMW RA Rally in Shelbyville.  I started the trip on a Saturday and 1,463 miles, 4 states and 8 national parks later, made it to Hot Springs by Monday afternoon.  Mike Murphy joined me in Hot Springs on Wednesday and we rode together to Shelbyville to the rally site."

The object of the National Parks Tour is to visit at least 50 sites in at least 25 states in 1 year. The sites include National Parks, National Monuments, National Historic Sites, National Recreation Areas, or any othe site or park listed in the "Passport to Your National Parks" book. For more information on the Iron Butt National Parks Tour rules, go to  http://www.ironbutt.com/ridecerts/getdocument.cfm?DocID=11 . For more information about the Parks or getting the Passport book, go to www.eParks.com, or call (877) NAT-PARK. 

Go Barb!

Searching for Smokie the Bear

Barb Smith is doing the Iron Butt Association's National Parks Tour. S ...

Updated: Dec 01, 2005 8:35am PST

Guy Pickrel's 1st Ride to Big Bend : Here are a few pictures of my first trip to Big Bend.  I didn't get to see everything and would have spent more time there, but I also wanted to explore the back roads of the Hill Country.  The weather was great!  I was a great trip: 3,002 miles and the route was something like this:
 
Wednesday (Nov 16th): Seabrook to Uvalde.  Thursday (17th): Del Rio, Langtry, Marathon, & Alpine.  Met with 4 riders from North Houston BMW in Alpine (they trailered). Stayed in Alpine 2 nights.  Friday (18th) rode from Alpine to Study Butte, Terlingua, Presidio, Marfa & back to Alpine.  Did the reverse on Saturday (19th): Alpine to Marfa, Presidio, Park (Basin, Santa Elena), Alpine, Ft. Davis, MacDonald Observatory, and back to Alpine (498 miles). Sunday (20th): Alpine to Marathon, Del Rio, Rocksprings, Leakey (all the 3's clockwise), Fredericksburg.  Monday (21st): Fredericksburg to Luckenbach, Sisterdale, Johnson City, Wimberly, Austin, Georgetown, Marble Falls, Inks Lake, Llano.  Tuesday (22nd): Llano to Hilda, Doss, Harper, Kerrville, Vanderpool, Leakey (3's counter-clockwise), Bandera. Wednesday (23rd): Bandera to Comfort, Boerne, Sisterdale, Canyon Lake, San Marcos, Nixon, Gonzales, Moulton, Eagle Lake, Wharton, Houston, & Seabrook.

Guy Pickrel's 1st Ride to Big Bend

Here are a few pictures of my first trip to Big Bend. I didn't get to ...

Updated: Dec 01, 2005 7:40am PST

Floyd & Carl go to Colorado : Floyd Crow and Carl Chapman toured the Colorado Rockies in the summer of 2004.

Floyd & Carl go to Colorado

Floyd Crow and Carl Chapman toured the Colorado Rockies in the summer ...

Updated: Nov 18, 2005 5:29pm PST

35th Annual Gathering of Friends and Neighbors : Photos of the 2005 Rally in Fredericksburg, the "35th Annual Gathering of Friends and Neighbors."

(If you can help identify any of the riders, or bikes, please send the info to pyeager@fyi-net.com. Note the picture number in any information. Likewise, if you see that anything has been mis-identified, please send an email. Thanks!)

35th Annual Gathering of Friends and Neighbors

Photos of the 2005 Rally in Fredericksburg, the "35th Annual Gathering ...

Updated: Nov 15, 2005 8:12am PST

Independence Pass, Colorado : Ron Scrivner's shot "from the top of Independence Colorado taken on the '100,000 Foot Ride' on August 6th, 2005. The route took us over many of the beautiful passes in Colorado covering 486 miles and more than 100,000 feet of elevation.  This is a great event held every year."

Independence Pass, Colorado

Ron Scrivner's shot "from the top of Independence Colorado taken on th ...

Updated: Nov 08, 2005 5:56pm PST

Vermont : On-going photo contributions from Floyd Crow and other members, in anticipation of the BMW MOA National Rally in Essex Junction, Vermont, next July.

Vermont

On-going photo contributions from Floyd Crow and other members, in ant ...

Updated: Nov 08, 2005 5:45pm PST

Lake Belton National Rally - April, 2005 : Floyd Crow sent these. "These pictures were taken at the Texas National this year at Lake Belton. All present are members of the BMW Club of Houston."

Lake Belton National Rally - April, 2005

Floyd Crow sent these. "These pictures were taken at the Texas Nationa ...

Updated: Nov 08, 2005 5:29pm PST

September Run to Perini's : Ken Webb's trip to Perini's Steakhouse in Buffalo Gap (Pop. 499). Ken said, "We had a great time this weekend.  There were 14 of us from the Houston BMW club, and 13 more from the DFW and Hill Country clubs.  We took a lot of the rooms at the motel in Hamilton, and with the cool dry air in the evening, had a teriffic BS session in the parking lot until pretty late.  Next year Mike Moon and I will put together another ride, and maybe make a few changes to cut the mileage down a bit.  I turned a little over 800 miles, and some probably beat that as they live farther from Sealy, our starting point.  We are thinking that Lampassas would be a good meeting spot in 2006.  I'll write up a blurb for the news letter and web site.  My camera stayed packed away most of the time, but some of the other folks took some shots.

September Run to Perini's

Ken Webb's trip to Perini's Steakhouse in Buffalo Gap (Pop. 499). Ken ...

Updated: Nov 08, 2005 5:09pm PST

August 14, 2005 : Breakfast with the Beemers-West, Sunday ride, August 14, 2005. Terry Shinn said, "It was a good ride. Started out dry and not too hot. I turned off at Burton after lunch and headed back to Houston on 290 only to meet the rain at Brenham. It didn't last long and cooled the temperature down considerably."

August 14, 2005

Breakfast with the Beemers-West, Sunday ride, August 14, 2005. Terry S ...

Updated: Nov 08, 2005 4:39pm PST

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