A Perfect Day for a Ride: Renegade’s on the River – January 29, 2025

On January 29, 2025, sixteen riders gathered at Weedman’s Grocery at 9:00 a.m. for a day
that promised ideal riding conditions and great camaraderie. Present were
Lenny O.,Chris T., Barry B., Mike W., Mike J., Colin F., Jim B., Larry M., John B.,
David S., Francis S., Rob H., Chris H., Doug D., Larry D., and Eric R.

After everyone signed in, Lenny O. conducted a detailed pre-ride briefing—introducing
each rider, outlining our route, clarifying the roles of leader and sweeper, and reminding
everyone of essential safety measures. We then split into two groups:

• Group 1 (11 riders): Led by Lenny O. and sweeped by Larry M.

• Group 2 (5 riders): Led by Chris T. and sweeped by John B.

By 9:45 a.m., motors were humming and we hit the road. Chris T. charted a picturesque
and winding route that took us through some roads new to many riders, making the
journey especially engaging. With minimal traffic, warm sunshine, and high spirits,
the day already felt like a win.

After about two hours of scenic riding, we arrived at Renegade’s on the River, a beautiful
spot overlooking the St. Johns River. The patio offered a serene view of the calm waters
under clear blue skies, with a gentle breeze adding to the relaxed mood. The food and
service were top-notch—so much so that many noted it as a future ride destination.

Following lunch, goodbyes were exchanged, and folks headed home either solo or in
smaller groups, each reporting a safe return. A heartfelt thanks goes out to Larry D.
or capturing videos and photos, preserving these memories for all of us.

A special shout-out also goes to Lenny O., our club Ride Captain, who rolled out the
new ride procedures and standard pre-ride briefing—an initiative he championed
late last year. It truly helped the day run seamlessly.

All told, it was a smooth, scenic, and wonderfully social ride - perfect weather,
great roads, and excellent company. Days like these remind us why we love
hitting the open road together. Ride safe, and see you on the next one!

The 2025 – 42nd Winter Rally was a huge success.

The forecast for rain held off until Saturday afternoon.

And boy, did it come down hard late Saturday night.

I saw Joe Edleson floating by my van about 1:30 am.

If the wind was a little stronger, he might have been able

to catch up to his bike… Kidding aside, it was a hard rain.

But that didn’t dampen any spirits. We had a great time.

The weather for the ride in Thursday and all day Friday was perfect

for riding on the country roads around the camp.

There was a wide variety of events and activities to choose from including;

- Led Rides and solo rides downloadable from the Rally Program

- Seminars by riders highlighting thier experiences

- BDR updates and Off Road Seminars

- And of course the popular Garage Sale

This year we also had the pleasure of having the 2^nd annual

National Airhead Meeting and Event taking place at the campground location.

This included a Tech Day, Bike Show and General Meeting.

Charlie’s Chuck Wagon was back and the Camp Weed Saturday Smoked Pork

and Chicken Dinner was their best yet.

Of course we can't forget the Bonfires each night.

There was no shortage of split wood.

We gave away close to 30 Door Prizes and Grand Prizes

totaling over $7,000.00

The Rally Program this year was over the top.

Steve Wishard did an excellent job putting this together

for our use including QR codes for the rides, articles,

list of vendors and a “Who’s Talking” section.  

Of course, none of this could have happened without

all of the volunteers that worked hard prior to, during,

and after the Rally to ensure its success. Without their

dedication, there would be no Rally. Many, many thanks.

Can't wait until 2026!!!

2025 Winter Rally Video by Larry Dengler

2025 Winter Rally Vendors

New Year's Day Penguin Ride Report

January 1st, 2025

Dear BMWNEF Members and Friends:

WOW!

What a way to start the year!  Approximately 20+ riders assembled on a beautiful 50 degree New Year's Day morning at the BMW Motorcycles of Jacksonville dealership for our annual Penguin Ride.

Ride leaders and "sweepers" split the group in two for safety and ease of handling.

We briefed the ride and headed west from the dealership to Argyle Forest Blvd., up to Normandy, and eventually by Cecil Field.  We took a comfort break at the Starbucks near ST. Rd. 228  and I10 near MacClenny.  The ride continued north, doing a loop back toward Lake City with a traffic free, enjoyable ride on  Big Gum Swamp Rd transiting through the Osceola National Forest.

Cedar Creek Seafood Restaurant was our destination and it did not disappoint.  Several members and guests arrived by car to join the ride group for lunch.  In total over 40 persons attended. (Please enter correct head count) 

Several large table were made available for our use.  Consider the size of our group the service was very efficient and the food excellent.

Happy New Year to All. 

Keep current with BMWNEF events for 2025 by following this link for future events.  Planning and several "Save The Date" events will be posting soon.

Events

Ride Safely

Winter Solstice Ride Report

December 21st, 2024

Dear Members:

14 intrepid souls braved a 37-degree morning to rendezvous at the Jacksonville Beach Lifeguard Station for the Winter Solstice sunrise.

We had to use our imagination to see the actual sunrise; an over-the-horizon cloud bank blocked our view. At the time posted for sunrise, 7:14AM, we mounted up for our morning ride to Keystone Heights.

Our 1.5 hr. route took us south and west thru Nocatee, Green Cove Springs then south on Blanding Avenue into Keystone. We enjoyed a heat wave along the route; the temperature rising to 42 degrees. 

After losing feeling in my fingers, around Green Cove Springs I remembered my heated jacket liner and gloves in my closet...at home!

Clyde's Cozy Cafe was our destination, and it did not disappoint. Early arrivals at Clyde's had secured a large table for our group. The service was great and all enjoyed a hearty breakfast. 

Member Erik Azar joined us on his first ride since injuring his leg on the Smokey Mountain 500 ride earlier in the Fall. Good to have you back Erik.

Thanks to all who joined us on the ride or met our group at Clyde's.

Be sure to register for and attend the Penguin Ride New Year's Day.

Register for the 2025 Penguin Ride

Ride Safely

December Meeting and Christmas Party

December 14th, 2024

There were over 60 members and guests in attendance for our meeting and Christmas Party. Everyone brought a dish to share and a toy for the Marine's sponsored "Toys for Tots". There was plenty of delicious home cooked food for all. The generosity of the club has always impressed me with the number of gifts donated for the "Toys for Tots" program.

We had an abbreviated meeting covering our accomplishments this past year with a total of 60 activities the club has sponsored, attended or supported in one way or another.

An election was held for the 2025 officers with all candidates being approved by the general election.

John Brueggemann - President

Chris Terajewicz - Vice President

Jim Allen - Secretary

Myron Beachy - Treasurer

Bill Botkin - Past President

Chip Kenyon - Director

Larry Meeker - Director

Steve Wishard - Director

Tom Nolan - Ambassadors

Lenny Ovrutsky - Rider Captain

Larry Dengler - Videos

Camp Weed Workday

December 4th, 2024

Fifteen members of the club and one friend put in a full morning extracting downed trees from the woods. Jim Allen's tractor was a major addition to the day. The trees were loaded into the trailer and hauled to the campground where they were unloaded and cut in sections. The logs were then split and stacked in preparation for the Winter Rally.

We all had a good time and with enough help to make short work of the project. We finished in time to enjoy a late lunch before heading off to our other responsibilities of the day.

Bradley's Country Store Ride

Tallahassee, FL

November 22nd, 2024

Five members met up at the McDonald's on HWY 301 and I-10 in Baldwin, FL at 8am. At the time, it was 45 degrees so it made for a good start to the morning. We made a quick jump via I-10 over to exit 301 (HWY41) and met up with JIm Allen and Barry Budnik at the Busy Bee Gas Station. Barry was giving his new 1250GS its first cool morning ride with the group of RTs.

Jim took the lead with his K1600 w/sidecar, and we took the back roads up to White Springs then over to Live Oak. We cruised HWY 90 over to Monticello then north over some of the most beautiful canopy roads in North Florida. We arrived at Bradley's around 11:30 and enjoyed a quick lunch on the picnic benches outside the store. It was still quite chilly with the breeze blowing through the trees for us Florida boys, but we had a good time.

The Poverty Riders International were having their campout at the "At Ease Campground" in Bainbridge, Ga so several of us took the quick ride over to say hello and see how the campout was progressing. There was a large turnout, and everyone was having a good time. Steve and Larry Meeker stayed for the campout. Jim, Larry Dengler and I had other commitments for the weekend and had to say our goodbyes. We took the straight shot home via I-10 and got home just after sunset.

What a great day and fun ride.

Warner Robins Air Force Museum Weekend Ride

Warner Robins, GA

November 15 - 16, 2024

Riders from Jacksonville, Columbia SC and Tallahassee converged upon the Warner Robins Air Force Museum on Friday, November 15^th and were warmly greeted by Dave Rogers and Fred Viator, our hosts and longtime Air Force Service members. Both were formerly stationed at the base. After a leisurely afternoon tour of the outdoor aircraft displays the group gathered in a local Mexican restaurant for a delicious meal. A special treat of the evening was the personal chauffeuring service provided by Fred in his unblemished 1948 Ford Special Deluxe Sedan. With its sleek design and timeless charm, the ride was made even better by Fred’s lively commentary, and observations on all things.

The following morning, Dave and Fred returned as expert guides, leading the group on an in-depth and interactive tour of the museum. Their detailed insights and behind-the-scenes stories brought the exhibits to life, sparking lively discussions. Some members of the group, who were veterans themselves, shared firsthand accounts of piloting, jumping from, or being transported in many of the aircraft on display—adding a deeply personal connection to the tour.

Beyond the impressive aircraft, the museum’s immaculate facilities, the dedication of its staff, and the warm hospitality of its volunteers stood out. It was a weekend of shared passions, personal stories, and a deep appreciation for aviation history—a trip that will long be remembered.

BMWNEF

4^th Quarter Social Dinner

Saturday, October 26, 2024

Salt Life Food Shack

Fernandina Beach, Florida

We had a wonderful turnout for the 4^th Quarter Social Dinner. 25-30 members and guests gathered at the Salt Life Food Shack on the north end of Amelia Island.

Members arrived around 5PM and were seated, upstairs on the patio deck for Happy Hours and conversation. Around 6 the staff began taking dinner orders.

Our large crowd required several tables pushed together with additional  “satellite” tables to accommodate our group. All were eventually seated with no one left out of the evening.

The weather cooperated with clear skies, gentle ocean breezes and comfortable temperatures.

Our large table had one waiter who provided prompt and courteous service. As we have experienced before, the Salt Life’ food was excellent. No complaints were expressed during the meal service.

Thank you to all who took the time to drive up and enjoy our evening together.

Special thanks to Cai Mei Dengler for her photos of the evening.

November has several events and rides on the calendar. Please stay in touch through the BMWNEF.org website.

Bill Botkin

Yalaha Bakery Ride

The weather couldn’t have been any more perfect for the two riding groups totalling 15 bikes winding their way off the beaten track to the heart of the lake district. The ride started with riders congregating with coffees in hand at Weedman’s where Lenny “O’ Florida”, the ride leader, delivered a detailed safety briefing.

An abundance of V Twin biker groups was observed along the way, and why of course, coincidentally it just happened to be Biketoberfest in Daytona.  As we rode further south large amounts of piled up tree and yard debris along the sides of the roads were observed, all as a result of recent Hurricane Milton. 

Four hours after departure our BMW crew arrived at a bustling Yalaha Bakery. It was a long ride, appetites had built up, and some of the group went straight for the baked German cakes and other goodies. Others opted for a the more traditional sequence of Bauernwurst or Wienerschnitzel or other specialties first, to be then followed by desert. The meals and conversation were enjoyed at picnic tables in the Biergarten accompanied by traditional live Bavarian Oktoberfest music. A great day was had by all.    

Iron Horse Camping and Riding Weekend

19 members and friends made it to Iron Horse and enjoyed perfect weather all weekend.  The early mornings were nice and cool in the low to mid 60s which made a great start to our riding days.  After a hearty breakfast and allowing the fog to lift, we grouped off into various sized groups and headed out for the day.  Popular destinations were the “Tail of the Dragon”, Chilhowee, Tellico Plains Bakery, Cherohala Skyway, and many more.  Everyone made it back to Iron Horse before dinner. 

With the exception of “The Dragon” on Saturday, the roads were not very busy.  The leaves on the trees were just starting to change colors the closer you rode to the mountain tops.  Sleeping was excellent after a hard day of riding as the temperatures dipped down in the low 50s.

Iron Horse made for an excellent base camp for the weekend.  They renewed their support of BMWNEF by providing an award certificate to be given out at the 2025 Winter Rally.

No bikes or riders were harmed during our shenanigans. 😛

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