1Jan12BlessingoftheBikes

1 Jan 12 - Blessing of the Bikes

Happy New Year Everyone,

On Sunday, 1 Jan 12, some members of the Chapter "U" ventured out to the Blessing of the Bikes held at Javelina Harley Davidson in Boerne, TX. We met at Kent's Power Sports (YOSA) at 9:00 AM for the trip to Boerne. Those members were Ken & Connie Jordan, Court & Diane VanSickler, Sam Morris, Gaylord & Barbara Touchstone, Hilmer Merz, Steve & Donna Van Gilder & Rick & Diana Briones. It was great to Gaylord Touchstone up and about and feeling much better. Jack Dowda also stopped by to say hello and wish everyone a happy New Year. As we departed for our trip to Boerne, we heard Jack shout, "Happy New Year to all, and Safe Riding this Year".

The ride to Boerne was crisp but not bad as the Air Temp showed 54 degrees which is pretty good for 1 Jan. We pulled into Javelina Harley about 9:40 and there were already 50 or so bikes there. Mike Whiteside was waiting for us as we pulled into the parking lot. Got the bikes parked up and started to head toward the coffee pots. I must say, the folks from CMA were very well organized and had everything well in hand from parking all the bikes to the registration tables and food.

As we headed toward the coffee pots and food, we met up with Brad & Jill Severe, who had arrived before us. We also met up with Bill Johnson & Sal Pesta, Earl & Diana Bartolomea, Gary Skorman, Tim Gressler, and Robert Hunt. We had a total of 24 members show up at some point in the day, but we could never get everyone together in one bunch. As we mingled and had coffee, Ken & Connie gathered us all up and they presented Brad & Jill Severe with their long overdue Certificate of Appreciation for a job well-done as Chapter Educators at this event. They stepped down in August of 2011. We all appreciate the time and effort they spent while holding this position.

By the time the blessing was about to start at 11:00, there must have been around 400 bikes in the parking lot. After the message was given, we all headed back to the bikes and received our group blessing of the bikes. This was very well done and meant for all of the Chapter "U" members and riders.

Now it's off to PoPo's for lunch. After a quick ride down I-10, we arrived at the restaurant and pulled in to park. When we walked in, Joyce Whiteside was there and had a table ready for us. The restaurant had great food and we all had plenty to eat and of course we all caught up on what each other had done for Christmas. Leaving the restaurant, some members headed directly home, but some of us rode Tower Road (one we have never traveled before) to downtown Boerne. Nice ride. There was no traffic in town since no stores were open! Then on to Ammann Rd. into Bulverde and home.

It was a great day with great friends and we look forward to riding in 2012. Until the next ride, "HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL and TO ALL, LET'S RIDE"!!!

Write up and photo's provided by Connie Jordan and Steve Van Gilder

Chapter "U"