July 2008 Edition, Volume I

The Ember Escapades
Since this is the very first edition of " The Ember Escapades ", we thought it was necessary to provide our readers with the origin of the " Embers " . First of all, what does " Embers " stand for: Easton Monkey Butt Enduro Riders. Second question, who started the club? Well, the original members are Bernie Anderson, John Kennedy and Brian Valley. The club was created last year when the team of three, with Brian's wife Sheri and dog Lexi, went on the first escapade. It included a camping trip to Bald Eagle State Park in central Pennsylvania. Along the way the club stopped at the Shade Mountain Vineyards where they purchased several cases of wine, including "Red Rascal". The club decided that future runs should include winery stops. The trip involved some serious four wheeling by our support vehicle down what had been labeled a "drivable trail". After setting up camp the Embers took their first off-road riding excursion through the state park. Inevitably, crashes occurred. Ask the members for more details, although you will more than likely get different versions. The ride concluded with a longer than expected ride home.

2nd Annual Embers Run

The Embers Second Annual Run was to South Hero, Vermont on Lake Champlain. Brian and Sheri set up base camp on Monday, July 14 at Apple Island Resort and scoped out the surrounding area for points of interest.

With the addition of new member David Ashmore, the motorcycle team of three made the required club stopped at the Lincoln Peak Vineyard in New Haven for my and arrived Thursday evening. As usual, John continued to mused the troops with his grand entrance. Days, John, and Bernie set up can quickly and checked out the resort's facilities, especially if the 10 person hot tub. Everyone agreed that Apple Island was a step above most facilities of its kind.

Friday's event started with breakfast in Burlington off Church Street at Penny Cluse and concluded at the Vermont Brewery Festival at Battery Park on Lake. As usual Sheri was a designated driver with her copilot Bernie. As with most camping trips there were some wet times including an exhilarating pontoon party boat ride across Lake Champlain.

At breakfast Saturday the club began discussing future club plans, including upcoming runs, charity events, membership involvement, new shirts, etc. hence the creation of breakfast with Bernie.

The Saturday afternoon bike ride home was not without challenges, but made safely.

Breakfast with Bernie

Items discussed at the first BWB on Saturday, July 19 included:
Need for increased female membership/involvement
Dues, if any
2008 T-shirt design and color
Plans for upcoming third annual embers run

Subsequent discussions focused around the 3rd Annual Embers run including the participation in the 37th annual BMW international rally to be held on July 16-19, 2009 in Gray Tennessee.

This site is the Appalachian Fairgrounds, located just north of Johnson City. Situated near the intersection of Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia this site has it all. Motorcycling in the area is amongst the best in the US: deals gap, Cherohala Skyway, Blue Ridge Parkway, the Great Smoky Mountains, and so much more. Additional details about the rally can be found on the web BMWMOA site.

Current club plans include staying at the Carnegie Hotel in Johnson City, Tennessee four rooms currently reserved for existing membership. Due to limited accommodations in the Johnson City area and is highly recommended to anyone interested in attending make reservations promptly. The hotel hosts all an excellent restaurant and spa as well a very nice outdoor pool and a fitness center.

New prospects should contact an existing member if interested in participating.

Upcoming events
August timeframe date pending embers picnic
Date pending Pine Creek Little Grand Canyon motorcycle run, including poorer of Armenia Mountain.
Saturday 20 access services bridging the gap 2008 run in association with bluegrass and anthracite heritage Fest. Ending locations Mauch Chunk Lake, Jim Thorpe. Cycle registration fee is $25 we have committed to tee shirt sponsorship at the club cost of $50.

Membership Roster
Bernie Anderson, David and Mel Ashmore, John Kennedy, Brian and Sheri Valley.