East Texas Biker

Final Ride of Feb ... ?

KRAKEN (L) and KRIMSON (R)

I've been all over the map this month. Got back to Tejas a few days ago. Hell, didn't unpack until literally an hour ago. But two days ago Bear posted to the Chapter asking who wanted to Ride! Well... huh .. nobody but myself replied so off we went yesterday at 1300.

I rolled up to the VFW in Tawakoni at EXACTLY 1300... whew! I hate being late; perfect. I decided to ride KRAKEN this time out... I've had that bike just over a year and had ... 350 miles on the odometer. Whoops! I need to start riding all of them in the mix a lil more vs just KRIMSON that I got about a year ago.

Well, we roll south to the Ball Joint in Wills Point for a couple of colds ones. Bear knows the new bartender (the infamous Anna), swap some stories, chat with the other patrons and decide to roll towards Emory to Sidekicks. Few years ago they had a "NO COLORS" sign up which is a no no off limits for CVMA so wanted to see if they'd really pulled it down. Yep... so we're in there for a few cold ones.

Finally, back on the bikes and back to Tawakoni with the temp right around 70 deg and Sunny ... perfecto!

Got them both out front for a bike wash and oil change (500 mi and 10k miles) .... damned this weather is finally awesome again. Ready to do some riding in March!

Lets Roll!

Ball Joint (Ultra: Official Beer of Riding Days)

Sidekicks

Groups IO | GIO

Written about this subject a few times. Found this where I'd covered it the most : GroupsIO .. Tricks!

At the core, our Meetings are our official communication tool/process. Minutes are produced from there for historical purposes and distribution to members. But what about between meetings? GIO has become our defacto Communication tool in the Chapter. I got drug in screaming 4 years ago when it was instituted, but .. I'm probably the biggest proponent of it today. Proof? As I type this there are 4180 messages in the general area for all members, of which I've authored over 1,000 of them. I about shit when I saw that yesterday. In that mix of over 4,000 messages are 469 Topics. That's what .. about 10 messages/replies for every topic on average? Sounds about right.

Kicker is, it's an awesome tool to get info out and more importantly, to keep it all archived and visible for searching past data out. Problem is.. most don't know how to use it. Every week or two I hear something along that line. I honestly don't get it. I know guys that were computer studs back in the day and they can barely operate a smart phone nowadays. I know guys that are gurus with some of this stuff and use nothing but a smart phone, but no desktop or laptop at home. I'm not that guy. I use my Samsung Smartphone religiously. But, I'm typing this and most of my communication from a wireless keyboard attached to my laptop, connected to a large monitor. Fuck that tiny phone keyboard crap. JS. Hell, my cell phone is wirelessly connected to my laptop and I can text from this keyboard on my phone. I can take my calls on my laptop.

Hopefully, if you're reading this you went to the first link I posted above to review GIO basics. It's so simple and efficient it's scary. But, too many people don't get it. But, those same people don't necessarily understand FB or X/Twitter or god knows what else they use. Tik Tok? LMAO. No thank you .. js. I used billboards and forums religiously for decades, maybe that's why I find GIO simple to use? Hell, the CVMA has a National Forum that by my calculations, less than 10% of the Association utilizes. There is a HUGE amount of data in there that most .. all .. should be aware of. But, like I said.... maybe 10%. SMH. I've said for years 20% do 80% of the work in all aspects of life. Ten percent .. twenty percent..... close enough.

Sadly, I don't have an answer for a 'best' option for communication. Email? Some never reply. Cell phone? Some never reply/answer. FB? Some don't use it. Those that do, sometimes don't check it. So, what to do? GIO. Get with the Program or .. left in the dark. I don't have the answers. You can only spoon feed this stuff to a certain degree.......

First Ride of 2025

Aaaaahhhhhhhhhhh..... Snow is gone and mostly melted. Woke up to 31 deg temp this morning, sipping a hot cup of Java and thinking ... "it's a Ride Day!"

Announce it on GIO for the chapter to be aware, pull the bike out, start it up for the first time in a month (on a tender) and ... throwing codes. Have no idea what's going on but after several restarts and 10 miles, they finally clear. Only error left is one saying I've got a problem with my FOB; guessing it needs a new battery in it. Oh well. Four of us are meeting up in Lone Oak to drop off a Patch/Vest with one of our members whom ... well... had to 'repatch' in, due to missing annual dues. Great excuse to ride?

We head out on 2 laners to Longhorns' place, then find some BBQ for lunch and work our way home the long way. We decide to blow post our homes and head to SWG for a cold one. Well, for the others besides me; I'm still in "Dry January" mode but have to admit I was tempted. If I'd realized there were some Zero Alcohol Heinekens in the cooler I'd have had one or two. Oh well; water it is.

When we roll up home 140 miles later, over 4 hours has gone by. Temps are into the low 60s. Sun is out. I've got a smile on my face. It's 2025 Riding Season and I'm ready. GOD BLESS TEJAS!

Nationals 2026/2027

I'm a mess ... I know ;) Sitting here planning 2 years out and still have GA for 2025 to complete.

Iron Butt Association

Next, year, 2026 is the really interesting one. Around 1500 miles. If done in a day and a half, qualifies as a Bun Burner 1500; that's 1,500 miles in less than 36 hours. BUT, there are two other better options. So, go for the Gold, Silver if necessary, Basic 1500 if one hits a wall. That 1500 is almost a guarantee if no bike issues. Basically, knock out the 1k in 24 for the FTM, then double down for the IBA. NOW, we are talking. NOW, we've got a mission/plan!

Serious Miles!

Nationals 2027. NE is about 600 miles north of Greenville.... but, one needs 1,000. So, take the scenic route. I dig it... less Interstate! Have to admit, surprised it shows less than 16 hours!

Nebraska or Bust

Got a Plan!

Riders-Share Motorcycle Rental

Headed to Hawaii in 2025 with some friends, so got to checking and found a place to rent bikes. I read up on one company a few years ago, and started looking for it (Twisted Road), but stumbled across what looks to be a much better site. Did some searching and thinking "damned.. great prices and lots of options!" So I do what I always do and research it. Looks to be legit, so ... I'm in! Create a Profile, update all my pertinent info for renting and start the process.

When the smoke clears I've 'rented' an '18 CVO Road Glide. Clean, low miles and after selecting Insurance, etc. ... about $350 for 48 hours. A LOT less than I thought it'd be. For what I'm wanting to do, looks like a great deal. Look around for our friends and come across two trikes, similar cost, same owner. Damned. This will truly simplify things. We can pick them both up at the same place. No brainer I'm thinking! Interestingly this guy with the account has TEN diff' HDs listed, all newer nice shape. I'm thinking he's got a helluva business going there, writing off his toys. Hell, I even messaged him asking if they were his personal bikes or a business renting them. Led me to believe they were mostly his. Huh... maybe I'm missing a business opportunity here in Tejas?

Thyago

Dec 14, 2024 @ 7:35 pm

Yes, indeed, I understand where you're coming from and I'm happy to help clarify things. The bikes listed on the platform are a mix of my personal bikes and additional ones that I've added specifically for rental purposes. I've been riding for quite some time myself and I've always had a passion for various models, hence the diversified portfolio. My Ride Share activities are more of a side project compared to my main occupation. However, rest assured that I take it very seriously.

As for the reviews, I appreciate that you've noticed. We haven’t had a million rentals yet, but the ones we’ve had liked us a lot and that's why we only have a few. Also, it's natural that not everyone leaves a review after their rental experience, but I can assure you that all our bikes are well-maintained and ready to offer you a great ride.

The FLTRX and Tri Glide are both excellent choices. I'm confident that you and your buddy will have a fantastic time riding these bikes.

Well, I get my bike locked down, paid for , and pass the info to my friends. Now, the fun begins. First part is weird because they had trouble creating their profile on Riders-Share. It's not 100% obvious the first time and I got my butt kicked. Well, after a crazy amount of time and with my help having to use my own phone, we've got it setup. Last night they attempted to lock it down and then ... the fun begins. Ride-Share won't authorize the credit card, so they are considering the PayPal option. However, the guy renting them is giving his own PayPal address saying they are having issues and don't worry. Well now, EVERY FLAG is going off. We chat back and forth and I tell him I'll look into tomorrow (i.e.. today). Well, my reservation is now CANX by Ride-Share. I'm guessing he initiated it. So, I go to look at it all and his listing for the '18 CVO is gone. ALL the bikes he listed are gone. Check my CC and Ride-Share has been refunded by $350.00 so no problem there (though I'll keep my eyes open). Supposedly this guy had been on Ride-Share for over five years. Supposedly had 10 bikes. But, only five reviews. Huh.

Well, now I'm in full blown investigative mode as I type this. In fact, I'm going to pause and check on his phone number and email address. Hell not sure his profile is still active.

Profile on Riders-Share: GONE Was under "THYAGO"

Phone number he's texting me from: Out of SC with an 803 area code. 803.368.3634

PayPal he's using ties back to Frank Lem*****. Search of that name shows a lot in TX but not SC

Gmail he's using: ffaban***@gmail.com

The part that bugs me is ... his profile showed active for many years. Showed rentals that went back a few years, but only a handful. That's the only I thing that made me question if it was legit. After I post this I'll reach out to that site with more questions...

When I was getting texts from him last night, again .. my flags were going on. The English was pretty good, but not the way most of us 'talk?'

Cell Texts:

Thyago: Hi William, You are renting my HARLEY-DAVIDSON ROAD GLIDE CVO in April. Please confirm if this is the best way to reach you.

Me: Shot him a screen shot from my friends convo' with him

Thyago: Yes, Definitely. I am unable to take your buddy's booking on riders-share.com

Me: Weird .. why not?

Thyago: Not weird. It is due to an ongoing issue that I am currently facing. The site seems to have some technical difficulties in releasing payments from previous rentals. Emphasizing that my previous rental experiences have garnered excellent reviews, which is a testament to my credibility as a responsible renter

Me: I'll chat with my friends tomorrow . My charge went clean via Ride Share yesterday. They're concerned as you can imagine.

Thyago: Yes, I can understand your friends’ concerns. But please reassure them there’s absolutely no need to worry. To further alleviate their concerns, could you let them know that the tri glide is directly from me? Moreover, I’ll be personally delivering it to them as they request for delivery.

Was going to research more to day .. but then ... reservation was canx.

Looking at the texts my friend had ... now REEKS of BS which is why I left some of their info there. Wanted the payment via FRIENDs and FAMILY. No refunds when you do that. I'm feeling back I brought them into this but mine went smooth and appeared legit. I believe they are good to go now as well not sending it to the 'correct' email

Lesson Learned here? Not sure there is one, except do NOT send funds outside the system. Rings true with Airbnb's as well. Spoke to the site and they are supposed to be crediting me someway, somehow. The guys account was hacked and the account suspended I'm told. We just happened to stumble into the mix.

On a positive note .... no money lost, but wasted hours over the previous 24 hrs. with this scammer

"ARE YOU SAFE?!?!" Life360 App

I've touched on this subject before but never expounded on it. I've got a Samsung, wife has an iPhone. Point being, iPhones have a simple process to track each other if they choose to participate. Samsung's, not so much. But an App that installs on either is available; Life360. This allows users of both brands to cross communicate shared location. (ie Iphone <> Iphone, Samsung <> Samsung and/or Iphone <>Samsung)

Here's the example of why I'm promoting this..... and I'll go from there. I'm referencing the motorcycle world, but it applies to everyone's 'world.'

Group of folks that ride together often, are out on a ride. After the Ride, someone will usually say " Ride Safe ... let us know you got home okay ..." Then a large percentage of the time, they forget. Does the National Guard get called out? No. Does the rest of the group call their phone at 0200 hrs. asking if they got home? No. A week later if they haven't been heard from them, is a missing person report initiated? No. But, had they used LIFE360, within a few seconds if someone cares and checks their App, they know the answer.

Second Example. Via Social Media or News outlet, one sees a "Biker went down" in an area near where we all ride. Few inevitably put a post on Social Media about it with " CHECK IN please!" . There could be a hundred members seeing that post and something like 5 or 10 will comment 'safe', 'okay' .. whatever. But, Ninety percent ... no answer. Once again, does anyone check on the remaining group? No. So, what was the point of the question? If someone WAS involved, 99% sure once they are identified, the news will travel fast .. eventually. However, a quick look at LIFE360 would tell you if one of the members was at that location. Takes a few seconds.

Here's a more frequent one, that happened to one of my folks just this past weekend. Several folks riding to an event with a stop along the way. But, one of our guys missed the meet point with the others. Had they had LIFE360 running, the folks traveling could have seen the other was running late. Could maybe have waited. Then, in this particular situation, that person running late couldn't locate the others. BUT, had they had LIFE360, they could have seen where the final destination was fifteen minutes later and caught up with the group. Instead, they were in the dark. Mission Failure.

Now, a few naysayers chime in about security, but let me try and clarify something first. PRIVACY. Folks don't want the world knowing where they are 24/7. This app leverages Location Services on the one's phone. This can be turned off at the phone and/or app level. Me personally, I normally turn it on at the app level when I'm Riding on my Bike. If I'm on a cruise ship in the Caribbean, not sure I see the value... but .. have left it on before. Point being, one can decide when they want their locations advertised to others in the group. The info is NOT public, but contained in specified 'circles'. Now ... more specific info about this particular app.

It uses what it calls 'circle of friends' One could have 1, 3, .. hell ...dozens of circles. For discussion sake, I have two. My riding group and Family. They are 100% separate. Location Services can be on or off, for each, separately. Me personally, I leave my family circle on 100% of the time for obvious reasons. They all do as well. My Riding Group Circle, if I think about it and not on 2 wheels, I sometimes turn it off. About 25% of the others seem to as well. But, if they don't turn it on when riding, sort of defeats the whole purpose?

I've had this on my phone for over a year now. I use it almost daily. I've been able to find my spouses phone when they misplaced it (okay.. she found mine). I've been able to verify others are enroute to a meetup vs. bug them with "have you left yet??". And, most importantly, when I've heard "Rider Down", a quick check and know.... those in my 'circle' are safe and not at the site in question.

https://www.life360.com/

Chapter Life Member

Earlier this year I was down at a 23-3 meeting, and heard someone mention something about "Chapter Life Member." Thought I'd heard wrong so asked about it. Sure enough, they have that in place. I'd never heard of it. Turns out at least 3 chapters in Texas have this initiative. Looking into it deeper, realized it needed a By Law Change (BLCP) to create it. Along the way, Boomer saw a comment of mine and gave me his perspective on it (he's a great mentor BTW). So, I'm game on....

Been in the Combat Vets' for almost seven years now, and never been a fan of BLCPs. Seems like they are always over menial issues, typos, wording changes, whatever. Now, I find myself in the fray figuring out the system. Pretty straight forward, so I ask our CEB internally for opinions and perspectives. Everyone seems okay with it, zero against it. So, I start the long odorous task. Actually, wasn't that big of a deal, just seemed to drag on and on. Come September, the chapter unanimously voted it in and ... finally .. few days ago, we get the NBOD blessing. Our updated Chapter ByLaws are official and posted.

So, this morning I brought up my PayPal account, shot the funds over to our treasurer and now Lucy and I are the first Lifetime Chapter Members of 23-11. What's changed? Well.. nothing. But, it reiterates our commitment towards the CVMA and more specifically, our Chapter.

Good Days Ahead!

CVMA® on the High Seas!

Wrote about this from a 'civilian' perspective earlier today >> High Seas Rally 2024

Few years ago I remember seeing that the High Seas Rally folks invited the CVMA® and even offered up rooms for our National, Regional and State folks. I'm sure they weren't high end state rooms but got them on the cruise.. don't know about drink packages, etc, .... but how awesome is that? Well, dozens of CVMA® folks rolled in that year... and last year .. and ... hell I don't know, but a shit load this year!

Interestingly, we were easily the biggest 'official' group. I saw a few Legion riders... a few various MC folks ... don't recall any VFW riders. Again, CVMA® was all over the ship ... Still, 100 out of 1500 isn't 'huge' but ... was cool to see folks every day, on and off the ship. The majority of folks were just Bike Riders looking to hang out with fellow Bikers and have a great time. As they advertise, it's basically a "Rally" out at sea. The Pool Parties with great Live Bands, and lots of various activates (ex Belly Flop Contest, Male topless contest, Beard Contests) were a hit. Throw in around a dozen custom bikes parked around the ship in lobbies and bars, unlimited alcohol (assuming you got the drink package), the stage was set for a memorable time.

On the 31st, we had a CVMA® meet and greet. I'd already met up with some other Texas and LA folks that I didn't realize were on the ship (ie 8UP and Ollie), but our National Chaplain (Preacherman) and his better half, VA State Rep (LowSide) ran the show and knocked it out. Hell, they even pulled out the 'swiper' for folks that wanted to run their cards (was NOT sanctioned... lol) Most were donning their Cuts during that meet and greet as well as on the Patriotic theme night and ... sometimes. .... just because. Me, I was in soft colors most of the time. Best part about this cruise was pretty much .. zero dress code.

Well, the tickets went on sale for 2025 yesterday and they are selling fast. Inside rooms are taken for now (they may get another block assigned), but balcony rooms (my fav) and suites (okay ... what I did) are still available.

Next year, I'm flying into Tampa a day early and may stay an extra day to enjoy the downtown area and not feel rushed. Spend all that money, you might as well milk it for all it's worth??

Note: I said it in my last post. This isn't a Vaca / Cruise for the cheap and/or frugal. The cost is 2x what you'd normally pay. BUT, there are numerous Bike giveaways, thousands of dollars raised for charities (ex Wounded Warriors) ... and LOTS of entertainment. This isn't your 'normal' cruise!

Now ... you know what to do. See you there!

Texas State Meeting 2024

Hard to believe ..... wasn't 100% thought through .. but .. I've never missed one. Hell, I'd have to go back and look but may have never missed a Regional (V) either. Sometimes I'm in the right place, right time. But this one, I'd been planning well .. since 2023 as I am the 2025 today! We never get 100% turnout ... hell, I'm not sure we've ever had our Chapter show with 50% though it's been close a few times. When you get to the National level, it's really hard to get folks to show up sometimes due to the distance. Back in 2022 we had a great showing (Kentucky). There was well over a dozen of us total, in at least 4 groups. I'm hoping 2025 Nationals is a good showing... so far, so good getting folks motivated. All in all, nothing like getting folks together and forging friendships, Brotherhood, and Sisterhood. Every year you see many of the same folks and they are strengthened. Every year, we add to our cadre of relationships.

Well, as we came up on State, it was obvious we had two main groups with a few stragglers. Thursdays main group rolled down '19 towards Round Rock as did Friday's group. Kept you mainly on 2 lanes and off I35 and all the crazy traffic. This years location would be the Kalahari Resort down in Round Rock. They had a convention center, plenty of parking and rooms and it'd prove to be a success. Seemed a notch pricey for a few but if you were a family man, you just scored since this is a great place for just that. For the majority of us, lots of bar, restaurants and pools.

I'd originally planned to go down Thursday but Lucy had decided to ride down with me and for some reason was fighting me on the 'extra' day so I changed my reservations to Friday. Once less day of drinking and eating like a King; maybe she was looking out for me ... LOL. Well, Friday we roll into KIMs of Lone Oak, meet up with our group and we're rolling. Dutch (our CRC) led us off headed South taking the route I'd recommended. Goldyloxx is near the rear in her Sling and BigT is following up with his Jeep Gladiator. We've got quite the mix. The entire trip minus maybe a five mile stretch rocked. No major construction, traffic or issues. One of the highlights was when we were stopped in Buffalo we were approached by a lady that worked at their newspaper whom began asking questions. When the smoke cleared she had our picture, Dutch's contact info, and we'd find ourselves in the Paper a few days ago. Well, maybe two stops along the way and we're rolling in about 5 1/2 hours, less than 300 miles later. We're here.

Finally get checked in. We'd worked our way up to the Kennedy's room for a few glasses of wine waiting for our room to be ready and we're soon in our Suite. Nice rooms overall, and we're soon unpacked and headed downstairs. Few more drinks then find the Steak House on site. Great Service , lil pricey, my food was awesome.... the others.... .. not so much. Oh well, mine rocked! Afterwards, we'll find some of our other Chapter Members ... find the Piano bar, Lobby bar and... and.... you get the picture. Hey, we're at State!

Saturday up early and headed down for the State Pic. Majority of folks make it into the overall pic and our chapter pic. Not sure what the total count was... we had folks from AR and LA attending and I assume OK. But, hell of a showing overall. By 0900 we're rallied into one room and the fun begins. Nothing like the Pledge of Allegiance with 500 Patriots to start the morning! Dudeman is soon running the show and everything flows smoothly. Earlier this year, Ocho stepped in as SSAA and he'll be elected to the position over Herc. Both great guys and no doubt a close vote; was hard for me to hit the selection on that keyboard since both are great guys and deserving. By noon or so, we're out the door and looking for grub and drinks. Got time to chat with my AR buds (Anita!) ... one of my mentors (Boomer!) and some great folks from LA. I'm the worlds' worst on names but so many folks from around Texas as well. Well, eventually, many of us when find the Adult pool over at the water park area dubbed the Grotto. Gotta tell you, what a blast. They have a poolside bar and they pour them Strong! By number 2, I've hit the wall and in the groove. I swear 1/2 our group was pretty fired up .. what the hell did they put in them drinks? Eventually, make it back to the room, clean up, find some food ....... then ..somewhat early night. Gotta Ride!

Sunday folks are rolling back in smaller groups. BigT wants to take Interstate so I allowed myself to get talked into it, 1/2 dozen of us roll out. Lucy jumps in his cage and we roll for 150 miles to Italy, then break off of Hwy 34. I've got Lucy back on my bike, weather is perfect and 90 minutes later ..... home!

State 2025 .. on the calendar. Now .. just need to the specifics to lock it all down!