Cruising into the fall and the cold!

    

     Greetings all! I hope that everyone enjoyed the spring/Summer riding season. We as a Chapter put together some great rides, and I hope that if you took part in any of them, you enjoyed the ride and the camaraderie. We stayed on the Island, ventured upstate, cruised Connecticut as well as New Hampshire!

 

     The weather now is getting cooler, and makes for some great riding. There should be some rides upstate to take in the colors. I personally love this time of year to ride. Just need a Light jacket and a cool breeze to enjoy the ride and sights!

     

     The chapter as a whole has grown to 78 members. I am amazed on the amount of growth in just a few short years. We added a bunch of new members earlier in the year and will now be adding about 13 more within the coming weeks. I hope you all enjoy and take advantage of being part of the Chapter. You get out of the Chapter, what you put into it! The fact that our chapter has grown so much has brought the chapter very positive recognition. Either through our “Richie’s Ride,” a benefit ride in honor of “Founding Member” Richie Ortiz or our December “Ronald McDonald House Toy Run.”  Our participation in Suffolk County Harley Davidson 60th Anniversary Ride. Many clubs and participants have expressed satisfaction and how well run the rides went, with their comments to members of the Chapter. This is all because of everyone in the chapter doing what we need to get things done.

      

     In the coming weeks after the Holidays, The Road Captains will be getting together to start laying out our Ride Calendar for next year, so if you have a suggested ride, please bring it to the attention of Head Road Captain Frank, so that we can put the ride together and get it on the calendar.

         

     At the end of the summer, Head Road Captain Frank decided to add two additional Road Captains. This was because the Chapter has grown so much, and with more and more members participating in rides, it was a needed addition. Of course, this is for the safety of the members participating. Road Captain Frank added our first “Couples” Road Captains, which also included our first “Female” Road Captain, Christina and Cliff Saunders! This is welcome addition! With that said, lets welcome them both to the Road Captain ranks! Having known, and ridden with these two individuals, I have no doubt, that their knowledge of routes, and riding skills, will be a welcome addition, not to mention a few laughs!

        

     Now when we turn our attention to the colder weather, we will be looking to have some “Impromptu rides” This will be when Mother Nature allows. If these rides come about, the members will all be notified through the Member Planet app. These rides usually consist of an "on island" ride for a few hours, weather permitting. Again, any member with some ideas, please bring it to the Chapters attention.      

        

      Our Chapter will also be getting ready for our Third Annual Ronald McDonald House Toy Run, on December 18. This ride benefits the Children and Families residing at the House, while their child is receiving treatment at the Hospital. Last year we had over 300 people participate. Would like to surpass that this year, and give much needed help and smiles to the House. I ask members to try soliciting donations, to the House. That being, Toys, Gift Cards, Cash, and Household products. Every bit helps!  A box for donations, along with a list of items needed will be set up at the dealer. You can bring your donations, there prior to the ride. Let us all pitch in and bring some joy to the residents of the house. On a side note, due to our charitable donations to the house over the years, Ronald McDonald House has commissioned a brick in their “Garden of Love” in honor of our brother Richie Ortiz. My hope is that by the date of the Toy Run, the brick will be in place for all to observe. This honor is a “Thank You” to the Chapter, for our past and continued support of the Ronald McDonald House.

 

     As we get ready for the Holiday’s I wish you all, a very Happy Holiday, and a great New Year. Be safe, and see you on the road!