is CAM an actual club?

[Mash]

I just got my Duc at the end of the season last year, so this will be my first full season riding it.  I found the CAM threads on this board and TOB and participate a bit.  I've been to a couple Rhodeside evenings, and I'm sure I will again.  I'm wondering if the CAM is an actual club with meetings, get-togethers, group rides, etc. 

[ducrider45]

Our meetings and get togethers are Wednesday nights at Rhodeside.  We have had season-opening picnics in the past.  We piggyback on Mid-Atlantic Ducati track days.   We have group rides during spring, summer, and fall.   They typically are *not* club rides, normally one member posts up that he or she is going to be riding on Saturday or Sunday, and others chip in that they'd like to come along.   Gene knows every great road in the area, and sets up some multi-day rides, but you have to be an experienced, skilled, long distance rider to go along on those.   We have also seen some beginner type rides, some lady's rides, some joint rides with M.A.D., and last year I set up a CAM group contract Experienced Rider Course at Northern Virginia Community College.

Yeah, but we don't have dues, rules, bylaws, club hats, club shirts, officers, elections, or dues.   I did mention that we don't have dues, right?

Tim (NOT the club's designated spokesman)

Don't we have a patch?

[Mash]

Our meetings and get togethers are Wednesday nights at Rhodeside. 

That's kinda what I thought.  Does Rhodeside know they're the Official Headquarters of the Capital Area Monsters? 

I'm new to riding a street bike and the camaraderie with the club and others I meet is helping with my riding confidence.  I know that must sound weird, but I don't have any friends who ride, mostly just friends (and relatives) that try to convince me not to ride.

I've also been a gear head all my life and love tinkering, especially on things related to performance and style.  My last obsession was with old VWs and I think the little air-cooled beasties had as much soul as my s2r1k.

My garage is really just big enough to store my bikes and tools and the driveway is where the wrenching usually takes place. However, I would be willing to lend a hand and the tools to someone with even less resources should you need to do some wrenching on your bike.  Since I'm divorced and have 2 kids in school and I work from home, I'm usually there.  Ping me if you have any ideas.

[Slide Panda]

Don't we have a patch?

Sorta - Skurvy made them up as a pet project, but it wasn't any sort of official thing... since there is no official CAM, like there is MAD.  Like Tim said, we're not any sort of official organization - just a bunch of link minded folks.

That's kinda what I thought.  Does Rhodeside know they're the Official Headquarters of the Capital Area Monsters? 

They know to expect us on Wednesdays, and some of the staff is kinder to us - as regulars.  But there's no special agreement with the management.  Unfortunately our biggest/best social motivator and organizer, Bill Bowen, passed on last year - head was always the spear tip for organizing things like the BBQ, Wednesday nights were his idea - you get the picture.  So the group as suffered a loss without his positive influence.

I'm new to riding a street bike and the camaraderie with the club and others I meet is helping with my riding confidence.  I know that must sound weird, but I don't have any friends who ride, mostly just friends (and relatives) that try to convince me not to ride.

Doesn't sound weird at all.  I came into the fold in much the same way.  Since then I've met some really cool folks that I wouldn't have otherwise.

My garage is really just big enough to store my bikes and tools and the driveway is where the wrenching usually takes place. However, I would be willing to lend a hand and the tools to someone with even less resources should you need to do some wrenching on your bike.  Since I'm divorced and have 2 kids in school and I work from home, I'm usually there.  Ping me if you have any ideas.

[topspin_flyer]

Did we mention there are no dues?

[Lars D]

There are no dues unless you start a rhodeside thread for the week and do not show.

[zooom]

There are no dues unless you start a rhodeside thread for the week and do not show.

and that due/rule results in a penalty round to be bought by that offender apon their next visit to CAM night!

[Statler]

don't forget it's buy a DMF flounder a drink month.   

[jetpuff716]

Don't we have a patch?

I designed a patch and had some made. The design should be visible in my signature line.  If not this is the design.  I'm sure I have a bunch left. 

[Slide Panda]

don't forget it's buy a DMF flounder a drink month.   

I'll buy you a Margarita at your house.

[ducati culture]

I designed a patch and had some made. The design should be visible in my signature line.  If not this is the design.  I'm sure I have a bunch left. 

I sure would like to get one of those patches..  hint hint dc

[ducrider45]

I sure would like to get one of those patches..  hint hint dc

if none can be found, I think that I have two.

[jetpuff716]

I sure would like to get one of those patches..  hint hint dc

You got it my friend.  I'll try to remember to put a couple in my jacket so I can hook you whenever we meet up either at Rhodeside or Asylum in A-M.

//tb