1975 May

I finally sat down and updated our European Listing in March. No sooner had I distributed it to our European members when new applications came flowing in. What are you people trying to do to me? You could’ve at least waited and submitted your applications prior to March and saved me the trouble of updating the listing so soon again. All kidding aside, I’m glad to see the increasing interest. It is amazing when one considers that prices are going up at an unbelievable rate and the dollar is shrinking every day. I guess it goes to prove that there’s something going for BMW motorcycles and BMWMOA. By the way, if you wish a copy of the European Listing, write to Jean Rihl or me.

Help! One of our new members to our shore, Fred Kiger #1736, gave his address as, Rosenaustr. 65, Augsburg 89, W-Germany. However, my letter to him bounced back “not known at this address”. If anyone knows of his whereabouts or his correct address, please let me know. Thanks.

While we’re still asking for help, I’d like some input from you European members. The theme? Favorite rides, tours and places you’ve visited in Europe that our stateside members would enjoy reading about. Include good restaurants you’ve eaten at. I’m sure there are plenty of members with different tastes (pun intended) who’d like to hear about them. One of my favorite rides, for example, is along the twisty Mosel river going from Koblenz in the north to Trier in the south, between the Eifel and Hunsrueck mountains. This scenic trip may take one to two days depending upon your taste (pun not intended). The hillsides are covered with many vineyards producing some of the best white wines in Germany such as Bernkasteler Riesling, Schwarzekatz and Nacktarsch.

While on the subject of touring – Joe and Alice Hanes of the Chicago BMW Club are planning to have the entire club tour Europe sometime in the summer of 1976 or soon after. They need our assistance; our experience with Europe will be invaluable to them. So, European members, here’s your chance to give them a helping hand. Write to me or directly to Joe and Alice at Rt. 3, Box 33, Crete, Ill 60417.

This issue of the News is devoted to the National to be held in Missouri next month. While most, if not all of us here in Europe will be unable to attend, our wishes for a successful National go with you; we will be there in spirit. My family and I will not be able to make it as we said we would a few months back. The Army is under an austerity crunch, thus my leave was disapproved. Here’s hoping we can make the next one!

While the National is out for us, the Isle of Man is in. In fact, the last of the famous TT races is to be held there from 31 May to 6 June. And on 3 June, Fred Secker #2692, the General Secretary of the B.M.W. Club (of Great Britain) will again be sponsoring the BMW International Assembly at St. Helens’, I.O.M. A gathering you don’t want to miss. If that doesn’t turn you on, remember that this year’s ISDT will also be held there from 13 to 18 October.

European members. If you’re getting ready to return to the land of round doorknobs, be sure to let BMWMOA know of your new stateside address ASAP so that you can receive your News without interruption.

Auf Wiedersehen

P.S. Mandatory helmet law comes to Germany starting 1 January 1976.