First Coffee, Donuts, & Comradery in the Books for 2024
By Tom Johnson - North Canton IMRG Chapter President
Incredibly, this past October, we ended all rides for the season. Before we knew it, Halloween was here, and Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's have also passed. We start a new year/new season with a group that I feel will be ready to ride for the 2024 year. It's always fun to walk into Dunkin Donuts and tell the girls behind the counter..." I'm here for the donuts," they stare at me strangely, "Sorry, I'm here for the IMRG order I placed a few days ago." Then they don't stare at me as strangely.
I walk into Bair's and see an endless supply of Indians from one side to the other. Then, we had to play the game Tetris and move bikes around so that we could fit. I see people walking in, just window shopping or whatever they are doing, and they see all the moving around. They see all the donuts and coffee boxes brought in. At that point, they know something is about to happen. It's so good to see familiar faces, handshakes, hugs everywhere, and new faces from people who want to see what we are all about.
After we all get lit from the sugar and coffee rush pouring through our veins, it's time to talk some shop for a little bit. I brought in a sizeable dry-erase board from home with all the rides I thought everyone would get a kick out of. I don't think anyone was disappointed. We have a draft of 24 rides planned for the year. Let's hope Mother Nature and the Zombie Apocalypse can cooperate this season.
Our new 2023 Rider of the Year, Larami Ball, was officially added to the wall, by our 2022 Rider of the Year, Rick Kendall. She will be ready to lead and be a more significant part of the group this season.
We briefly talked about doing February and March winter activities. That will be dealt with shortly and added to the webpage. The ride schedule will be ready after some tweaks.
So to everyone, I say this: Be ready, Have your machines shined up, and make this our best season. Let's ride and ride safe!!!!!!!
