WHILE I do not have much to say this news letter,I just want to remind everybody about our rides
coming up 7-12 is go carts at whiteland,and 7-15,and 7-16 will be the ride to missouri led by the
Creagers,I believe starting time is7am so be sure to set your alarm,7-12 will be supper ride tobamboo
gardes in greenfield,more on that to come,7-22 is the ride to Ivanhoes in
Upland 9am at krogers, also staff meeting will be at Creagers on 7-18.
Lonney came and got the survior plack and took it to wing ding with him so I do not know who has it
now,but if it shows up at region-d rally I beleve it should be our
mission to get it back,Shorts what do you say?
Ijust want to remind every body to always check the phone line,and to be careful in this hot
weather,drink lots of water stay away from any thing with caffene in it are alcohol.
I have been told one of the best things you can drink when you are out in the heat
work or play is gateraide. So be safe.
JIM P.

Yesterday I had a terrific experience that I have rarely had over my years of riding motorcycles. I took a
young lady for a motorcycle ride that had never been on a motorcycle before. In fact she told me that she
only knew of one relative that had ever had a motorcycle; he motocross-raced, and so it was not realistic
for her to ride with him.
Robyn is 18 years old. and a senior this year at the local high school. She is the daughter of our new
minister and his wife. She is a very outgoing and and energetic young person who never met a stranger.
She is active in cheerleading, church, sports, 4-H, and works at the local McDonalds. I tell you this to let
you know that she is always interested in a new adventure or experience. When we were interviewing her
father, we had time to visit with them outside of the interview time and getting to know each other. Robyn
learned about our motorcycle and the amount of riding that Sharon and I do; she became very interested
in motorcycle riding. Since then she has mentioned a few times about taking a ride or how much fun it
must be. When we got home from Nova Scotia she was talking about how "cool" it must have been to
take a 4000 mile trip on a motorcycle. Her parents agreed to her riding, if I had a helmet for her to wear. I
assured them that I always wear a helmet and so does anyone else who rides on my bike. So we agreed
that I would call the next day or two and arrange for a ride.
Monday morning after washing all of the trip dirt and grime off the bike, I called Robyn to see if she was
available or if she had changed her mind on the ride. Needless to say she was excited about the ride.
One of the amazing things about this experience was just how little someone who has not ridden a
motorcycle before knows about the sport. We need to keep this in mind as we take someone for a first
time ride. When we were talking about what to wear we discussed long pants, long sleeved shirt, and the
question was asked if flip-flops were ok to wear. We then discussed the need for good footwear while on
a motorcycle.
When I got to the parsonage to pick her up (after a few memory pictures) she started to get on the bike
from the right side. Another thing that new riders hadn't thought about. I told her that normally riders get
on and off the bike from the left side because of the kick stand support on that side. Then there is the
normal look in a new rider's eyes on just how is the best way to get on the bike. It helps to tell them just
step on the passenger foot pad and step across the seat. Once she was on the bike the next question
(which is the greatest hurdle to cross) was how do you fasten the helmet. New riders don't understand
about double "D" rings and how they work. She had sunglasses on, I gave her a pair of gloves to wear,
and she was outfitted to ride. I'm sure she and her parents were wondering just what they had let their
daughter get into, if all of this safety equipment was necessary.
When we started to move she gave a squeal of delight. I might digress here just a moment and say that I
believe the first mile or two for a new rider will determine whether they ever get on another bike. If I had
tried to show off and show her how fast my bike would take off, she might have been terrified and
immediately wanted off. But, instead I eased out of the drive and onto the highway. I asked her if she was
comfortable and that if I did anything that made her uncomfortable to let me know and I wouldn't do that
anymore or explain why I had to do it. (Like lean in the corners, etc) I assured her that we would only be
riding the speed limit unless she thought that was too fast, and then I would slow down for her. She
assured me that the speed limit would be fine. (Adventuresome teenager that she is.)
It didn't take but a very few minutes for her to tell me that "the curves were her favorite part of the ride so
far". So I redesigned our ride to include some roads with curves for her. On one of the more scenic roads
we saw two buck deer and a doe, which was a real treat for both of us.
We were out about 45 minutes. Of course, we had to go by McDonalds and the 4-H fairgrounds(county
fair week), etc so maybe there would be a chance some of her friends would get to see her on a
motorcycle.
We got back within two minutes of when I told her parents we would be. They were pleased that we were
on time. That way they had not started to worry that something might have gone wrong. When she got
off, removed gloves and helmet, and the thank-yous were exchanged, I told her that I would be glad to
take her again if it was all right with her parents (they agreed).
While we were riding, Robyn asked how to get a motorcycle license. I explained about the beginner's
permit and the certification test, etc. I suggested taking a motorcycle safety course. Since I had been
certified to train new motorcycle riders and have successfully taught several people, I offered to work with
her if she ever got her permit.
This has turned into a rather lengthy article and I apologize; but I wanted to share a special priviledge to
turn a first time rider into a lover of motorcycles, and the joy it can bring to one's life. (Sharon was working
in the church office. Robyn came into the church with the words, "WOW! That was AWESOME!")

Your ACD
Jerry Creager