FSSNOC THUMPER GARAGE
******************************************* photo above: "Simple and Single"
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THIS WEBSITE UPDATE IS FOR ........................................ 06-20-19
OUR NEXT ANTICIPATED UPDATE IS ... 06-27-2019
See "Website Details and Instruction" section at the bottom of all this great conversation.
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WELL WISHES FOR CARRIE...
Hey Jack!
I would imagine that you are very busy with your nursing duties for Carrie. Please tell her that Carol and I wish her the best and a very speedy recovery. Sounds like she broke her leg the same way I did when I killed the buck last Fall---broken tibia, fibia and talus (the big round bone in the ankle). The orthopedic surgeon called it a "Pilon fracture with dislocation". Plus seven other broken bones, internal injuries, a concussion and about an acre of road rash. Yes---I was "ATGATT" but after tumbling and sliding from 60 MPH to 0 MPH, all of my gear & Shoei helmet were ruined. Pic of my lower left leg attached!
Yes---that really is the point of one of the 17 screws sticking out of the bone on the other side!!!
Other items of business: I rode Carol's (#661.5) CBR250R out to Ohio for Craig Vetter's Economy Run (AKA "High-mileage contest"). I need to change the tires, chain & sprockets on her bike before we ride out to Montana next month and wanted to wear them out a bit more first. The good Scotsman in me hates to replace stuff before it's fully used-up!! Man---did I baby that bike during the contest! Usually in 3rd gear before leaving parking lots or crossing the intersection and spent as much time in 6th gear as I could. Refused to hunker-down behind the windshield, though, so as to not look like that monkey we've all heard about...
Anyway---my efforts on a 147-mile loop in the rolling hills of SE Ohio returned about 85.6 MPG---not too bad, IMHO. Good enough for 1st place in the "Non-streamlined Bikes" class. No, I'm not going to reveal the overall size of the class---you'd just make fun of me for bragging!!!
Carol and I plan on attending (on separate bikes) both ThumperCafe's this year. And you know we like our stickers! Please reserve a sticker for each of us for both events. Thanks!
Knowing how much I abused Carol's good nature during the first few weeks of my convalescence, please cut Carrie some slack on her "bad days".
See you in a month!
Joe Gilmore #661 - Maryland
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museum@nationalmcmuseum.org You may have to cut and paste on this, but should you desire to check out a single cylinder motorcycle built in 1919 called the Rudge Multi-gear, it'll be worth your time. - #000
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LAST WEEK'S MYSTERY ROYAL ENFIELD...
Jack,
I was disappointed you didn't mention where you got the picture of the Enfield you led with on the Garage. Is it a member's modified ride or a new model from Enfield itself? Let me know as I was very interested in it (owning two Enfields myself).
The shoulder is getting better and I am definitely going to give the FSSNOC ThumperCafe at Wisdom, Montana a shot.
Hope Carrie is recuperating well. No fun going down.
I will say as an aside, when Natasha went down on the Kawasaki she also kept her leg under it and the bike didn't get scraped up at all. Fortunately, she did not break any bones doing it. You have one courageous wife there! Wish her well from both of us.
Steve #5266 - Nebraska
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Greetings, all ... this is #000, your club director.
Thanks to all who replied this week! As for you, Joe ... congrats on that 85.6 MPG on the Honda CBR250R and I'd be remiss if I didn't tell you how tickled I am that you guys will be riding Thumpers to the ThumperCafe (grin). And, for a fact, you do know a little about doing damage in a get-off, for sure. So happy that you apparently healed satisfactorily from all that carnage! Lastly, even on your good days, Carol surely has her hands full with your erratic behavior ... Ha! Ha!
And, Steve ... the random photo of the Royal Enfield that I posted last week was just that, a random pic, but what a beauty, eh? You'd think that FSSNOC members would email pics to the Thumper Garage every week of Thumpers that they either own or ran across in their travels, but alas, we are a tight-lipped group, or so it would seem... (FSSNOCthumpers@yahoo.com)
So, with that said ... yet another random photo of a Thumper featured above on our masthead. I actually know where this one came from. It's my own trusty XT250 Yamaha dual-sport, now showing 4500 miles since December 15th.
Everyday when Carrie is resting, I hop on one of my limited stable and do a fifty-miler, or so ... the wind in my face puts a smile on my day. Don't get to do any bigger miles, except once in awhile when someone volunteers to watch her so that I can do a burger run, etc.
I'm getting a brake tomorrow, I'm thumping to the LiL' Rascal's Bar and Grill in nearby Pretty Prairie, Ks for a burger and homemade chips, that'd be Thursday at 1PM so should you happen to be in our area, drop by and enjoy some conversation and chow. It's what we call an NYPD ride.
(That means Nearly Your Perfect Day, btw...)
I am now making plans to head out to our ThumperCafe in Wisdom, Montana in a few weeks. In preparation for the trip, I installed a fresh countersprocket and a new masterlink on the Repsol Honda CBR250R. Both had about 10,000 miles and were still good. The sprocket showed a little wear but no "leaning of the teeth" at all, the masterlink was still greasy inside and showed a tiny amount of wear ... but ya just can't beat new stuff!
I've been telling folks all winter that the bike has 90,000 miles, but to my surprise, when I woke it up from its long winter's nap, the odometer only said 89,000 miles! I hate it when I mess-up! It now reads 89,489 miles ... unless when I go out into the garage, I discover that it has lost even more miles!! Might be a leaky odometer?
Not sure if I'll have company on the Wisdom trip or not. A couple of new members from here in ThumperVille, well, one actually lives in Hawaii but is home visiting right now and has delayed going back to picking pineapples so that he can do the ride to Montana.
He rides a KLR650 Kawasaki, likes to dry camp in the wild behind tombstones and the like, maybe believes in zombies and phantom spirits or not, and is 25 years old. And, I could add that he is a great guy, lots of fun, full of humor and always happy and loves his KLR ... and he has invited his brother to join in on the event as well, but I trained him well, he is signing on his brother into FSSNOC!
Oh, did I say that he is loaning his fully-loaded late model Harley Davidson to his brother for the trip? Yeah! It grandly sports acres of black leather, silver studs, straight chrome pipes with fishtails, and more luggage capacity than a Ford van.
I told him the other day, as he was changing the worn and faded Shrinkos on his 2009 KLR for a new set of princely-like Conti TKC80s in my garage, that I was going to do an article on the trip to Montana for Thumper News and I was planning to title it, "THE ODD TRIPLE" ... this drew a now familiar blank gaze so I hastened to explain about the TV show called "THE ODD COUPLE" that was popular a few decades ago. The blank gaze continued ... so I threw in the towel and changed the subject.
In the interest of clarification here, if our group were birds flying over your head, when you looked up, you'd see a red bird (Honda CBR250R), a crow (Kawasaki KLR650), and an Owl (the H-D) ... all flying in unison and headed for the distant horizon. Not your everyday sight...
Speaking of the upcoming ThumperCafe, if you plan to be there and you want a FREE FSSNOC commemorative sticker to celebrate the occasion, you are to let me know your plans to attend in advance, okay? If you don't tell me and you don't get a sticker, don't blame me, right?
Email your intentions to us at: FSSNOCthumpers@yahoo.com or drop us a USPS letter soon, or call 620-663-1869 (should I not pickup, leave a message). This also lets me give a heads-up to our venue so that they can serve us better ... it is truly a WIN-WIN!
Also, as you pack for the trip, remember that wearing FSSNOC gear helps with your overall experience ... you know us, we know you, it's why we came...
Wisdom, Montana sets in the heart of the Big Hole Valley ... 75 miles southwest of Butte, MT ... 75 miles southeast of Hamilton, MT ... and 65 miles northwest of Dillon, MT. Below are a few random examples of lodging availability, use as you wish.
Butte, MT:
Best Western 406-494-3500
LaQuinta 406-494-6999
Holiday Inn 406-782-2000
Hampton Inn 406-494-2250
Fairfield Inn 406-494-3000
Dillon, MT:
Comfort Inn 406-683-6831
Best Western 406-683-4214
Sundowner Motel 406-683-2375
Dillon Hotel 406-683-9973
Fairbridge Inn Express 406-683-3636
Hamilton, MT:
Quality Inn 406-363-6600
Holiday Inn Express 406-668-0262
Town House Inn 406-363-6600
Deffy's Motel 406-363-1244
Sure sorry to hear about Carrie’s “get off” and all the damage … going to slow her down a bit but she’s tough (was going to say “tough OLD bird” as the saying goes but then thought better of it!!!) and will bounce back.
And what’s this about “color sorting clothes” before washing??????
REAL MEN just toss ‘em all in, they all get wet, they all spin dry, and then you pop ‘em in the dryer at “who cares what temp setting”………and they all get dry!
You’ve got to simplify your life, Triple ZIP…………..it’s way too short to bother “sorting”!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Give Carrie our best.
Rocket and “The Misses”
Yo Rocket ... Just take note of who (you) is telling me how to wash clothes, eh?
Errrr, your "slip" is showing there, big guy ... (grin) - #000
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Hi "000"
I was very sorry to hear about Carrie's GET OFF !!!!!!!!!
How did it happen? Is everything going to heal OK?
It sure puts a crimp in Summer !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Say HI ! Thump Thump!
She fell down, went boom ... and got a ride to the hospital in an ambulance. In the ambulance, I told her (within ear-shot of three attendants), "Carrie, you did good! You threw your body underneath the motorcycle, skin grows back, paint doesn't!!"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fce7qpijpnw
Great looking little machine
What kind of bridge is it ??? (Bridge For Sale in an earlier post)
I think GRUNGE FITS !!!!!!!!!!! (description of #0162's tank bag in an earlier post)
Three Fenders - Oklahoma ... #0162 FSSNOC
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Hi Jack (000),
In last week’s photo, I forgot to include that the Suzuki DR650 is a new member’s motorcycle, Brian Kelley. Joe and I played tag team to encourage him to join FSSNOC.
Sir Alan ... Keep up the good work. We NEED to sign-up some new guys and gals to continue to exist in this current level of splendor!!! Listen-up, FSSNOCers out there - invite your friends to join our group, pay half or all their first years dues if you have to... #000
Yes, that C-2-CTT decal from 2014 is still a great conversation starter. Of course, my streamliner is also a great conversation starter.
Tell me! I was with you half-way across the USA in 2014. I was riding an orange motorcycle and no one noticed me! People thought you were Roger Ramjet!! - #000
Regarding how Joe Gilmore did in the Vetter motorcycle fuel economy competition. Joe got 85 MPG on his Honda CBR250R Thumper. To give Joe credit, the fuel economy of the top three streamlined motorcycles was 133, 132, and 126 Miles Per Gallon. Normally the top motorcycles get at least 160 MPG. The steep mountainous course and speeds kept the fuel economy lower. I predict that if the conditions were milder, Joe would have gotten 90-100 MPG.
That is really good mileage! Well done, Joe! Those bikes are pretty slippery through the wind. - #000
I don’t remember what Joe’s gearing is on his Honda CBR250R Thumper, but I know it is much higher than stock. I remember Joe said it was really mental to compete. Joe said he had the urge to open up the throttle but that would have wasted his gas. These competitions shows that you can still go fast, have fun, and sip the fuel.
We had a NYPD ride today locally (Nearly Your Perfect Day) ... 82 miles, I used one gallon flat in my own Honda CBR250RR Repsol. - #000.
I plan to see everyone in Wisdom, Montana next month. I already have my motel reservation there. I’ll be there with something more normal looking, my KLR650.
Alan ... you had Wyoming in the above sentence! Better check to see just what state your motel is in, eh? And, only someone who works for UPS or FedX would describe your KLR as "normal", my friend (big grin) ... - #000.
Oh, I almost forgot, while I was in Ohio my latest Thumper News arrived. I especially liked the article from Clement Salvadori about his early days on a motorcycle. I know a few old-timers that told me their own fascinating stories of early days on motorcycles. Sadly those old-timers are gone now.
Come over here, Sonny ... I'll tell you a story. Remember back in z-z-z-z-z-z-z-z-z-z-z-z-z-z-z-z-z- -#000.
Alan Smith, California (FSSNOC #5286)
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Hi Jack,
I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the latest Thumper News, Issue #135. I even read it from cover to cover. :)
Thank You very much, Doctor Dirt! (TN#135 is Free ... right now to anyone who joins our group! Go to www.fsssnoc.com Oh, wait, ... you are already there!! That's even better!! Click on "More" on the masthead above, then click on "membership application" and you could have your very own copy of Thumper News #135, simply the best publication ever, just ask any FSSNOC member! - #000.)
Now if I could just finish the “book” I am writing about my latest South America adventure, you could fill up another issue.
Awww, shucks, that's alright! ... "Patience" is our middle name ...
Four-Stroke Singles Patience National Owners Club ... - #000 (NOT! ... grin)
I just returned from a great ride on the Kentucky Adventure Trail in Kentucky with a little Virginia and Tennessee thrown in the mix. My friend Randy rode his DRZ and I took my travel ready Honda CRF230F. We started in central KY but previous rain turned the clay into a challenge for two loaded bikes. With more rain threatened, we got on the highway and rode a hundred miles southeast. In the AM, we hopped on the GPS track and rode 830 miles over the next five and a half days. We rode the 4 X 4 route, skipping the ADV (hard) sections. It was an awesome ride with 40 percent great blacktop and the balance dirt and rocky two track with many stream crossings. I fell twice, once on a slippery and steep curving climb and the other in a tough section when I momentarily stopped and couldn't touch the ground. We had camping gear, but only used it one night. (Could I be getting too old for roughing it?)
Did ya see any sites in that area that would make a good ThumperCafe destination? - #000.
Be sure to look up the KAT for some two wheeled excitement. Barbara and I are planning a Jeep trip there in the Fall. She has retired from being the great two wheeled back road travel companion.
Hi ya, Barbara! You are a wise woman! No more dry camping behind someone's barn! - #000.
In a week or so, I am leaving with the same Honda CRF for a new try at the Trans America Trail. It has been heavily rerouted since my last ride on it in 2010, so it’s time to check it out. I plan to trailer out west part way and and then ride further west. Instead of riding to the Pacific coast, the route I will take curves north and then back to the east making the return closer to where the car will be parked.
You might be close to Wisdom for the ThumperCafe? - #000.
Enjoy your summer. Every day is precious to this Michigander. ...DR. DIRT.
Truer wheels were never spoken, DR. DIRT! - #000.
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************************************************************************************* Be sure to check out the other pages on this site ... more Thumper info!
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.................... Posts below are from earlier updates .................................................................................................................
FSSNOC MEMBER'S STREAMLINER NIPS COMPETITION IN OHIO ... by one mile per gallon! ...Alan Smith, FSSNOC #5286 - California
Last weekend I competed in a Vetter motorcycle fuel economy competition in Ohio. As in past years, I brought my streamlined Ninja 250. Last year, my motor blew the day before the California competition with 104,800 miles on the motor. So, I had to use my backup Ninja 250 and took second place last year.
At this year's Vetter motorcycle fuel economy contest, it looked like serious competition against two streamlined Honda CBR250s. I beat second place by one Mile Per Gallon. Third place was about 7 MPG less. It was "rally" close.
Note Alan's fully enclosed F-16 aero-streamlining ... Joe's red CBR250R in standard trim on the right.
I was able to get fellow FSSNOC member Joe Gilmore (Maryland) to join us on the competition on one of his CBR250s. Jack, remember when we did our coasting runs on some steep hills way back in 2014? Anyway I thought it would be nice to bring in some new blood, also known as cannon fodder. Actually we really need stock motorcycles to compare them against the modified motorcycles. Joe actually did really well with a basically stock CBR250 with taller gearing.
As a fellow C-2-CTT participant and a CBR250R owner/rider, I'd be curious yellow what Joe's Honda did?
While I was with Joe, I noticed that we both still have our 2014 Sea-to-Sea TT (C-2-CTT) decals on our windshields. So I've attached a photo of us for a mini Sea-to-Sea TT reunion.
Still have my windshield decal on my CBR as well ... is a fantastic conversation starter at fuel stops, etc.!
Alan Smith Ca (5286)
Well done, Alan ... thanks for the report! Hope to see you and, of course, Joe and Carol in July at our ThumperCafe in Wisdom, Montana. - Jack, #000
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E-MAILS GONE TO CIBER SPACE ... ???
Jack, are you getting mine? Sent you a picture of my latest thumper acquisition, a Kymco Yager scooter. Sent it twice but haven't seen it yet in the Garage. Maybe spam? Later, Vic.
HI YA, VIC ... NO and YES ... Got the email above but that's it, looked in trash, spam, folders, etc, etc, - Can you send it again JUST LIKE the email above and remember, the photo needs to be an attachment and the photo also has to be in the horizontal format. We'd love to see that Yager, never heard of that one!
Best Wishes - see you August 21st at our ThumperCafe in Alabama! - Jack, #000
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GOOD MEMORIES ABOUND ...
Hey, Jack,
It seems like the time has finally come to give up my 60+ year love of motorcycles, according to my medical “professionals”. Balance issues have made me very uncomfortable. As I’ve aged, I’ve downsized from a HD, Super Tenere, KLR’s, DR650, Ducati, Cagiva, and many others I can’t remember.
So I’m selling a 2017 Versys X 300 and a 2018 KLX250 and lots of riding gear, Shoei Neotec helmets, a 2 piece Roadcrafter and Combat touring boots. Aerostich got a lot of my money over the years!
It’s been quite a ride and I hate to see it end.
Chris #3220 clfarren5944@gmail.com
clfarren5944@gmail.com
Hi Chris ... Very sorry to read of your plight, my friend! We used to say in racing, it's far better to be a "used to be" that a "never was" ... not much solace but we all understand... I'd suggest that you email us the sizes of that gear. If you would do that, I think it'd amp up the pressure for those who would benefit from buying your gear, eh? Also maybe a cell phone number for those who want to call or text would be helpful as well. Almost my last thought, who pays the shipping, might tell us that as well ... now here is my last thought: A sidecar? Those guys in Indiana at Janus Motorcycles showed up at a FSSNOC rally a few years back with the coolest little 250cc sidecar rig, really looked fun and it would keep us old duffers behind handlebars for a few more years, right?
Keep On Thumpin ... Jack, #000 (Their website is ... janusmotorcycles.com or just google it to check it out)
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THUMPER NEWS #135 GETS A GOOD REVIEW FROM LEARNED CRITIC FROM NEBRASKA ...
Jack,
Got my Thumper News today and thought I might have met Mr. Lemke in Drummond, Mt. one time when he and a friend pulled into the café for pie and ice cream. I mean, what are the odds of that happening and then a couple years later seeing him on the cover of the News?
I don't know the odds of your meeting but I do know a good cover when I see one and I agree with you, TN#135 has a really good cover! Our thanks must surely go to the girls down at Wayne's Printing in Hutchinson, Ks for really knocking this one out of the MotoCross Park ... and, of course, a big Thank You to Kim Lemke as well. I hope to meet him in person in July at the Wisdom, Montana ThumperCafe ... and that Royal Enfield Continental GT535 in glorious red is absolutely stunning!
Also, impressed to see not just one but two stories of crashes. Deja Vu! You might mention to #4251 that the Himalayan might fit him out nicely.
Hopefully he'll read this and take your hint, eh?
As usual, an impressive edition all the way around.
Keep it up.
Thank You! Show it to five friends ... then invite, invite, invite.
Steve Oakman, FSSNOC #5266 - the Corn Husker State
YO STEVE ... Wanna read of another CRASH? Visit the Event Page when you are done here!
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FOR SALE ... WORLD'S LOWEST MILEAGE SUZUKI DR-Z400SM
HOW LOW IS IT, ONE MIGHT QUERY?
Try 5 miles! Yeah, really ... check it out on the History Page. Make it yours!
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"I would love to accept a new one if you bought !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Thump Thump!"
The above comment is in reference to my comment on the ugly tank bag in last week's photo of the beautiful British green Royal Enfield GT with the yellow brass bar-end weights ...
In all fairness, FSSNOC #162 - Oklahoma ... Kansas Karla did take me to task for my, in her view apparently, rude comment! She commented, "It's not an ugly tank bag, it's experienced ... kind of a grunge patina..."
I replied back to KK, "I like that ... grunge patina ... kinda like ventilated vintage jeans? Very hip ... or not?"
KK responded, "Phil's bag is hip, ripped jeans aren't my thing ... but I'm older, so that's probably why...
So there you have it, Mr. party with the "ugly" tank bag ... you have a "hip" tank bag that exudes a "grunge patina".
I've got a call into Amazon for your new tank bag ... heh, heh ... if you believe that, I got a bridge to sell ya'...
Thump On, Sir! - Jack, #000.
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************************************************************************************* Be sure to check out the other pages on this site ... more Thumper info!
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(Website Details and Instructions: )
Hello Thumper Enthusiasts...
I'm Jack Robinson (FSSNOC #000), your club Director. It is an honor to introduce you to THE THUMPER GARAGE. This mini-venue is in addition to our legendary hard copy THUMPER NEWS quarterly magazine. After enjoying this page, please visit our other pages on this site. Go to the masthead above to make it happen...
You are encouraged to thump by the THUMPER GARAGE weekly. This is a FREE site for you and your friends.
Members may contact us anytime 24/7 with comments, conversation, stories, or questions via a mailed letter, a phone call or an e-mail. When you E-mail, please give us your first name, your FSSNOC member number, and your state. You'll receive a courtesy confirmation E-mail back. Our actual response to your E-mail will generally be posted on the following Thursday's THUMPER GARAGE posting so be sure to tune back in then... (Address-phone number-email address is below... **)
We encourage you to join our club: Complete the application found elsewhere on this site (click on "more" above) and mail it to us with $40 dues for a 12 month membership or save a few bucks by sending $75 for a 24 month membership. Include your shirt size so we can gift you a FREE club t-shirt if this is your initial membership.
A subscription to THUMPER NEWS magazine, mailed to your mailbox, is included in your membership as well.
Our U.S. POSTAL address is: FSSNOC P.O. Box 1809, Hutchinson, Ks 67504-1809.
To call our club, phone 620-663-1869 or you may send an E-mail: FSSNOCTHUMPERS@yahoo.com
NOTICE: Please understand that your E-mail will likely be reproduced on this site. Any/all subject matter and information submitted may be used in-part or edited and will become the property of the Four-Stroke Singles National Owners Club and FSSNOC,INC. All included content in Thumper News or The Thumper Garage is solely for entertainment, not advise....
THE CLUB STORE ... CLICK ON IT WHEN YOU ARE DONE HERE?
The Autumn season means awesome riding for many areas ... time to get some new club gear, eh? Order yourself a bright new yellow and black club cap, a couple cotton t-shirts, and at least one sweatshirt to wear under your riding gear. Remember, every day is FSSNOC gear day. Tell the world about our club ... Thanks!
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YOU'VE JUST VISITED THE THUMPER GARAGE. PLEASE CLICK ON THE "MORE" ON THE MASTHEAD ABOVE ... AND CHECK OUT ALL THE OTHER PAGES OF THIS SITE. PLEASE CONSIDER BECOMING A MEMBER OF THE FOUR-STROKE SINGLES NATIONAL OWNERS CLUB (FSSNOC) TODAY ...Thank You! - Jack, FSSNOC #000/Director
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******************************************* photo above: "Simple and Single"
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THIS WEBSITE UPDATE IS FOR ........................................ 06-20-19
OUR NEXT ANTICIPATED UPDATE IS ... 06-27-2019
See "Website Details and Instruction" section at the bottom of all this great conversation.
*******************************************
WELL WISHES FOR CARRIE...
Hey Jack!
I would imagine that you are very busy with your nursing duties for Carrie. Please tell her that Carol and I wish her the best and a very speedy recovery. Sounds like she broke her leg the same way I did when I killed the buck last Fall---broken tibia, fibia and talus (the big round bone in the ankle). The orthopedic surgeon called it a "Pilon fracture with dislocation". Plus seven other broken bones, internal injuries, a concussion and about an acre of road rash. Yes---I was "ATGATT" but after tumbling and sliding from 60 MPH to 0 MPH, all of my gear & Shoei helmet were ruined. Pic of my lower left leg attached!
Yes---that really is the point of one of the 17 screws sticking out of the bone on the other side!!!
Other items of business: I rode Carol's (#661.5) CBR250R out to Ohio for Craig Vetter's Economy Run (AKA "High-mileage contest"). I need to change the tires, chain & sprockets on her bike before we ride out to Montana next month and wanted to wear them out a bit more first. The good Scotsman in me hates to replace stuff before it's fully used-up!! Man---did I baby that bike during the contest! Usually in 3rd gear before leaving parking lots or crossing the intersection and spent as much time in 6th gear as I could. Refused to hunker-down behind the windshield, though, so as to not look like that monkey we've all heard about...
Anyway---my efforts on a 147-mile loop in the rolling hills of SE Ohio returned about 85.6 MPG---not too bad, IMHO. Good enough for 1st place in the "Non-streamlined Bikes" class. No, I'm not going to reveal the overall size of the class---you'd just make fun of me for bragging!!!
Carol and I plan on attending (on separate bikes) both ThumperCafe's this year. And you know we like our stickers! Please reserve a sticker for each of us for both events. Thanks!
Knowing how much I abused Carol's good nature during the first few weeks of my convalescence, please cut Carrie some slack on her "bad days".
See you in a month!
Joe Gilmore #661 - Maryland
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museum@nationalmcmuseum.org You may have to cut and paste on this, but should you desire to check out a single cylinder motorcycle built in 1919 called the Rudge Multi-gear, it'll be worth your time. - #000
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LAST WEEK'S MYSTERY ROYAL ENFIELD...
Jack,
I was disappointed you didn't mention where you got the picture of the Enfield you led with on the Garage. Is it a member's modified ride or a new model from Enfield itself? Let me know as I was very interested in it (owning two Enfields myself).
The shoulder is getting better and I am definitely going to give the FSSNOC ThumperCafe at Wisdom, Montana a shot.
Hope Carrie is recuperating well. No fun going down.
I will say as an aside, when Natasha went down on the Kawasaki she also kept her leg under it and the bike didn't get scraped up at all. Fortunately, she did not break any bones doing it. You have one courageous wife there! Wish her well from both of us.
Steve #5266 - Nebraska
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Greetings, all ... this is #000, your club director.
Thanks to all who replied this week! As for you, Joe ... congrats on that 85.6 MPG on the Honda CBR250R and I'd be remiss if I didn't tell you how tickled I am that you guys will be riding Thumpers to the ThumperCafe (grin). And, for a fact, you do know a little about doing damage in a get-off, for sure. So happy that you apparently healed satisfactorily from all that carnage! Lastly, even on your good days, Carol surely has her hands full with your erratic behavior ... Ha! Ha!
And, Steve ... the random photo of the Royal Enfield that I posted last week was just that, a random pic, but what a beauty, eh? You'd think that FSSNOC members would email pics to the Thumper Garage every week of Thumpers that they either own or ran across in their travels, but alas, we are a tight-lipped group, or so it would seem... (FSSNOCthumpers@yahoo.com)
So, with that said ... yet another random photo of a Thumper featured above on our masthead. I actually know where this one came from. It's my own trusty XT250 Yamaha dual-sport, now showing 4500 miles since December 15th.
Everyday when Carrie is resting, I hop on one of my limited stable and do a fifty-miler, or so ... the wind in my face puts a smile on my day. Don't get to do any bigger miles, except once in awhile when someone volunteers to watch her so that I can do a burger run, etc.
I'm getting a brake tomorrow, I'm thumping to the LiL' Rascal's Bar and Grill in nearby Pretty Prairie, Ks for a burger and homemade chips, that'd be Thursday at 1PM so should you happen to be in our area, drop by and enjoy some conversation and chow. It's what we call an NYPD ride.
(That means Nearly Your Perfect Day, btw...)
I am now making plans to head out to our ThumperCafe in Wisdom, Montana in a few weeks. In preparation for the trip, I installed a fresh countersprocket and a new masterlink on the Repsol Honda CBR250R. Both had about 10,000 miles and were still good. The sprocket showed a little wear but no "leaning of the teeth" at all, the masterlink was still greasy inside and showed a tiny amount of wear ... but ya just can't beat new stuff!
I've been telling folks all winter that the bike has 90,000 miles, but to my surprise, when I woke it up from its long winter's nap, the odometer only said 89,000 miles! I hate it when I mess-up! It now reads 89,489 miles ... unless when I go out into the garage, I discover that it has lost even more miles!! Might be a leaky odometer?
Not sure if I'll have company on the Wisdom trip or not. A couple of new members from here in ThumperVille, well, one actually lives in Hawaii but is home visiting right now and has delayed going back to picking pineapples so that he can do the ride to Montana.
He rides a KLR650 Kawasaki, likes to dry camp in the wild behind tombstones and the like, maybe believes in zombies and phantom spirits or not, and is 25 years old. And, I could add that he is a great guy, lots of fun, full of humor and always happy and loves his KLR ... and he has invited his brother to join in on the event as well, but I trained him well, he is signing on his brother into FSSNOC!
Oh, did I say that he is loaning his fully-loaded late model Harley Davidson to his brother for the trip? Yeah! It grandly sports acres of black leather, silver studs, straight chrome pipes with fishtails, and more luggage capacity than a Ford van.
I told him the other day, as he was changing the worn and faded Shrinkos on his 2009 KLR for a new set of princely-like Conti TKC80s in my garage, that I was going to do an article on the trip to Montana for Thumper News and I was planning to title it, "THE ODD TRIPLE" ... this drew a now familiar blank gaze so I hastened to explain about the TV show called "THE ODD COUPLE" that was popular a few decades ago. The blank gaze continued ... so I threw in the towel and changed the subject.
In the interest of clarification here, if our group were birds flying over your head, when you looked up, you'd see a red bird (Honda CBR250R), a crow (Kawasaki KLR650), and an Owl (the H-D) ... all flying in unison and headed for the distant horizon. Not your everyday sight...
Speaking of the upcoming ThumperCafe, if you plan to be there and you want a FREE FSSNOC commemorative sticker to celebrate the occasion, you are to let me know your plans to attend in advance, okay? If you don't tell me and you don't get a sticker, don't blame me, right?
Email your intentions to us at: FSSNOCthumpers@yahoo.com or drop us a USPS letter soon, or call 620-663-1869 (should I not pickup, leave a message). This also lets me give a heads-up to our venue so that they can serve us better ... it is truly a WIN-WIN!
Also, as you pack for the trip, remember that wearing FSSNOC gear helps with your overall experience ... you know us, we know you, it's why we came...
Wisdom, Montana sets in the heart of the Big Hole Valley ... 75 miles southwest of Butte, MT ... 75 miles southeast of Hamilton, MT ... and 65 miles northwest of Dillon, MT. Below are a few random examples of lodging availability, use as you wish.
Butte, MT:
Best Western 406-494-3500
LaQuinta 406-494-6999
Holiday Inn 406-782-2000
Hampton Inn 406-494-2250
Fairfield Inn 406-494-3000
Dillon, MT:
Comfort Inn 406-683-6831
Best Western 406-683-4214
Sundowner Motel 406-683-2375
Dillon Hotel 406-683-9973
Fairbridge Inn Express 406-683-3636
Hamilton, MT:
Quality Inn 406-363-6600
Holiday Inn Express 406-668-0262
Town House Inn 406-363-6600
Deffy's Motel 406-363-1244
Sure sorry to hear about Carrie’s “get off” and all the damage … going to slow her down a bit but she’s tough (was going to say “tough OLD bird” as the saying goes but then thought better of it!!!) and will bounce back.
And what’s this about “color sorting clothes” before washing??????
REAL MEN just toss ‘em all in, they all get wet, they all spin dry, and then you pop ‘em in the dryer at “who cares what temp setting”………and they all get dry!
You’ve got to simplify your life, Triple ZIP…………..it’s way too short to bother “sorting”!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Give Carrie our best.
Rocket and “The Misses”
Yo Rocket ... Just take note of who (you) is telling me how to wash clothes, eh?
Errrr, your "slip" is showing there, big guy ... (grin) - #000
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Hi "000"
I was very sorry to hear about Carrie's GET OFF !!!!!!!!!
How did it happen? Is everything going to heal OK?
It sure puts a crimp in Summer !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Say HI ! Thump Thump!
She fell down, went boom ... and got a ride to the hospital in an ambulance. In the ambulance, I told her (within ear-shot of three attendants), "Carrie, you did good! You threw your body underneath the motorcycle, skin grows back, paint doesn't!!"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fce7qpijpnw
Great looking little machine
What kind of bridge is it ??? (Bridge For Sale in an earlier post)
I think GRUNGE FITS !!!!!!!!!!! (description of #0162's tank bag in an earlier post)
Three Fenders - Oklahoma ... #0162 FSSNOC
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Hi Jack (000),
In last week’s photo, I forgot to include that the Suzuki DR650 is a new member’s motorcycle, Brian Kelley. Joe and I played tag team to encourage him to join FSSNOC.
Sir Alan ... Keep up the good work. We NEED to sign-up some new guys and gals to continue to exist in this current level of splendor!!! Listen-up, FSSNOCers out there - invite your friends to join our group, pay half or all their first years dues if you have to... #000
Yes, that C-2-CTT decal from 2014 is still a great conversation starter. Of course, my streamliner is also a great conversation starter.
Tell me! I was with you half-way across the USA in 2014. I was riding an orange motorcycle and no one noticed me! People thought you were Roger Ramjet!! - #000
Regarding how Joe Gilmore did in the Vetter motorcycle fuel economy competition. Joe got 85 MPG on his Honda CBR250R Thumper. To give Joe credit, the fuel economy of the top three streamlined motorcycles was 133, 132, and 126 Miles Per Gallon. Normally the top motorcycles get at least 160 MPG. The steep mountainous course and speeds kept the fuel economy lower. I predict that if the conditions were milder, Joe would have gotten 90-100 MPG.
That is really good mileage! Well done, Joe! Those bikes are pretty slippery through the wind. - #000
I don’t remember what Joe’s gearing is on his Honda CBR250R Thumper, but I know it is much higher than stock. I remember Joe said it was really mental to compete. Joe said he had the urge to open up the throttle but that would have wasted his gas. These competitions shows that you can still go fast, have fun, and sip the fuel.
We had a NYPD ride today locally (Nearly Your Perfect Day) ... 82 miles, I used one gallon flat in my own Honda CBR250RR Repsol. - #000.
I plan to see everyone in Wisdom, Montana next month. I already have my motel reservation there. I’ll be there with something more normal looking, my KLR650.
Alan ... you had Wyoming in the above sentence! Better check to see just what state your motel is in, eh? And, only someone who works for UPS or FedX would describe your KLR as "normal", my friend (big grin) ... - #000.
Oh, I almost forgot, while I was in Ohio my latest Thumper News arrived. I especially liked the article from Clement Salvadori about his early days on a motorcycle. I know a few old-timers that told me their own fascinating stories of early days on motorcycles. Sadly those old-timers are gone now.
Come over here, Sonny ... I'll tell you a story. Remember back in z-z-z-z-z-z-z-z-z-z-z-z-z-z-z-z-z- -#000.
Alan Smith, California (FSSNOC #5286)
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Hi Jack,
I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the latest Thumper News, Issue #135. I even read it from cover to cover. :)
Thank You very much, Doctor Dirt! (TN#135 is Free ... right now to anyone who joins our group! Go to www.fsssnoc.com Oh, wait, ... you are already there!! That's even better!! Click on "More" on the masthead above, then click on "membership application" and you could have your very own copy of Thumper News #135, simply the best publication ever, just ask any FSSNOC member! - #000.)
Now if I could just finish the “book” I am writing about my latest South America adventure, you could fill up another issue.
Awww, shucks, that's alright! ... "Patience" is our middle name ...
Four-Stroke Singles Patience National Owners Club ... - #000 (NOT! ... grin)
I just returned from a great ride on the Kentucky Adventure Trail in Kentucky with a little Virginia and Tennessee thrown in the mix. My friend Randy rode his DRZ and I took my travel ready Honda CRF230F. We started in central KY but previous rain turned the clay into a challenge for two loaded bikes. With more rain threatened, we got on the highway and rode a hundred miles southeast. In the AM, we hopped on the GPS track and rode 830 miles over the next five and a half days. We rode the 4 X 4 route, skipping the ADV (hard) sections. It was an awesome ride with 40 percent great blacktop and the balance dirt and rocky two track with many stream crossings. I fell twice, once on a slippery and steep curving climb and the other in a tough section when I momentarily stopped and couldn't touch the ground. We had camping gear, but only used it one night. (Could I be getting too old for roughing it?)
Did ya see any sites in that area that would make a good ThumperCafe destination? - #000.
Be sure to look up the KAT for some two wheeled excitement. Barbara and I are planning a Jeep trip there in the Fall. She has retired from being the great two wheeled back road travel companion.
Hi ya, Barbara! You are a wise woman! No more dry camping behind someone's barn! - #000.
In a week or so, I am leaving with the same Honda CRF for a new try at the Trans America Trail. It has been heavily rerouted since my last ride on it in 2010, so it’s time to check it out. I plan to trailer out west part way and and then ride further west. Instead of riding to the Pacific coast, the route I will take curves north and then back to the east making the return closer to where the car will be parked.
You might be close to Wisdom for the ThumperCafe? - #000.
Enjoy your summer. Every day is precious to this Michigander. ...DR. DIRT.
Truer wheels were never spoken, DR. DIRT! - #000.
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.................... Posts below are from earlier updates .................................................................................................................
FSSNOC MEMBER'S STREAMLINER NIPS COMPETITION IN OHIO ... by one mile per gallon! ...Alan Smith, FSSNOC #5286 - California
Last weekend I competed in a Vetter motorcycle fuel economy competition in Ohio. As in past years, I brought my streamlined Ninja 250. Last year, my motor blew the day before the California competition with 104,800 miles on the motor. So, I had to use my backup Ninja 250 and took second place last year.
At this year's Vetter motorcycle fuel economy contest, it looked like serious competition against two streamlined Honda CBR250s. I beat second place by one Mile Per Gallon. Third place was about 7 MPG less. It was "rally" close.
Note Alan's fully enclosed F-16 aero-streamlining ... Joe's red CBR250R in standard trim on the right.
I was able to get fellow FSSNOC member Joe Gilmore (Maryland) to join us on the competition on one of his CBR250s. Jack, remember when we did our coasting runs on some steep hills way back in 2014? Anyway I thought it would be nice to bring in some new blood, also known as cannon fodder. Actually we really need stock motorcycles to compare them against the modified motorcycles. Joe actually did really well with a basically stock CBR250 with taller gearing.
As a fellow C-2-CTT participant and a CBR250R owner/rider, I'd be curious yellow what Joe's Honda did?
While I was with Joe, I noticed that we both still have our 2014 Sea-to-Sea TT (C-2-CTT) decals on our windshields. So I've attached a photo of us for a mini Sea-to-Sea TT reunion.
Still have my windshield decal on my CBR as well ... is a fantastic conversation starter at fuel stops, etc.!
Alan Smith Ca (5286)
Well done, Alan ... thanks for the report! Hope to see you and, of course, Joe and Carol in July at our ThumperCafe in Wisdom, Montana. - Jack, #000
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E-MAILS GONE TO CIBER SPACE ... ???
Jack, are you getting mine? Sent you a picture of my latest thumper acquisition, a Kymco Yager scooter. Sent it twice but haven't seen it yet in the Garage. Maybe spam? Later, Vic.
HI YA, VIC ... NO and YES ... Got the email above but that's it, looked in trash, spam, folders, etc, etc, - Can you send it again JUST LIKE the email above and remember, the photo needs to be an attachment and the photo also has to be in the horizontal format. We'd love to see that Yager, never heard of that one!
Best Wishes - see you August 21st at our ThumperCafe in Alabama! - Jack, #000
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GOOD MEMORIES ABOUND ...
Hey, Jack,
It seems like the time has finally come to give up my 60+ year love of motorcycles, according to my medical “professionals”. Balance issues have made me very uncomfortable. As I’ve aged, I’ve downsized from a HD, Super Tenere, KLR’s, DR650, Ducati, Cagiva, and many others I can’t remember.
So I’m selling a 2017 Versys X 300 and a 2018 KLX250 and lots of riding gear, Shoei Neotec helmets, a 2 piece Roadcrafter and Combat touring boots. Aerostich got a lot of my money over the years!
It’s been quite a ride and I hate to see it end.
Chris #3220 clfarren5944@gmail.com
clfarren5944@gmail.com
Hi Chris ... Very sorry to read of your plight, my friend! We used to say in racing, it's far better to be a "used to be" that a "never was" ... not much solace but we all understand... I'd suggest that you email us the sizes of that gear. If you would do that, I think it'd amp up the pressure for those who would benefit from buying your gear, eh? Also maybe a cell phone number for those who want to call or text would be helpful as well. Almost my last thought, who pays the shipping, might tell us that as well ... now here is my last thought: A sidecar? Those guys in Indiana at Janus Motorcycles showed up at a FSSNOC rally a few years back with the coolest little 250cc sidecar rig, really looked fun and it would keep us old duffers behind handlebars for a few more years, right?
Keep On Thumpin ... Jack, #000 (Their website is ... janusmotorcycles.com or just google it to check it out)
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THUMPER NEWS #135 GETS A GOOD REVIEW FROM LEARNED CRITIC FROM NEBRASKA ...
Jack,
Got my Thumper News today and thought I might have met Mr. Lemke in Drummond, Mt. one time when he and a friend pulled into the café for pie and ice cream. I mean, what are the odds of that happening and then a couple years later seeing him on the cover of the News?
I don't know the odds of your meeting but I do know a good cover when I see one and I agree with you, TN#135 has a really good cover! Our thanks must surely go to the girls down at Wayne's Printing in Hutchinson, Ks for really knocking this one out of the MotoCross Park ... and, of course, a big Thank You to Kim Lemke as well. I hope to meet him in person in July at the Wisdom, Montana ThumperCafe ... and that Royal Enfield Continental GT535 in glorious red is absolutely stunning!
Also, impressed to see not just one but two stories of crashes. Deja Vu! You might mention to #4251 that the Himalayan might fit him out nicely.
Hopefully he'll read this and take your hint, eh?
As usual, an impressive edition all the way around.
Keep it up.
Thank You! Show it to five friends ... then invite, invite, invite.
Steve Oakman, FSSNOC #5266 - the Corn Husker State
YO STEVE ... Wanna read of another CRASH? Visit the Event Page when you are done here!
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FOR SALE ... WORLD'S LOWEST MILEAGE SUZUKI DR-Z400SM
HOW LOW IS IT, ONE MIGHT QUERY?
Try 5 miles! Yeah, really ... check it out on the History Page. Make it yours!
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"I would love to accept a new one if you bought !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Thump Thump!"
The above comment is in reference to my comment on the ugly tank bag in last week's photo of the beautiful British green Royal Enfield GT with the yellow brass bar-end weights ...
In all fairness, FSSNOC #162 - Oklahoma ... Kansas Karla did take me to task for my, in her view apparently, rude comment! She commented, "It's not an ugly tank bag, it's experienced ... kind of a grunge patina..."
I replied back to KK, "I like that ... grunge patina ... kinda like ventilated vintage jeans? Very hip ... or not?"
KK responded, "Phil's bag is hip, ripped jeans aren't my thing ... but I'm older, so that's probably why...
So there you have it, Mr. party with the "ugly" tank bag ... you have a "hip" tank bag that exudes a "grunge patina".
I've got a call into Amazon for your new tank bag ... heh, heh ... if you believe that, I got a bridge to sell ya'...
Thump On, Sir! - Jack, #000.
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************************************************************************************* Be sure to check out the other pages on this site ... more Thumper info!
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(Website Details and Instructions: )
Hello Thumper Enthusiasts...
I'm Jack Robinson (FSSNOC #000), your club Director. It is an honor to introduce you to THE THUMPER GARAGE. This mini-venue is in addition to our legendary hard copy THUMPER NEWS quarterly magazine. After enjoying this page, please visit our other pages on this site. Go to the masthead above to make it happen...
You are encouraged to thump by the THUMPER GARAGE weekly. This is a FREE site for you and your friends.
Members may contact us anytime 24/7 with comments, conversation, stories, or questions via a mailed letter, a phone call or an e-mail. When you E-mail, please give us your first name, your FSSNOC member number, and your state. You'll receive a courtesy confirmation E-mail back. Our actual response to your E-mail will generally be posted on the following Thursday's THUMPER GARAGE posting so be sure to tune back in then... (Address-phone number-email address is below... **)
We encourage you to join our club: Complete the application found elsewhere on this site (click on "more" above) and mail it to us with $40 dues for a 12 month membership or save a few bucks by sending $75 for a 24 month membership. Include your shirt size so we can gift you a FREE club t-shirt if this is your initial membership.
A subscription to THUMPER NEWS magazine, mailed to your mailbox, is included in your membership as well.
Our U.S. POSTAL address is: FSSNOC P.O. Box 1809, Hutchinson, Ks 67504-1809.
To call our club, phone 620-663-1869 or you may send an E-mail: FSSNOCTHUMPERS@yahoo.com
NOTICE: Please understand that your E-mail will likely be reproduced on this site. Any/all subject matter and information submitted may be used in-part or edited and will become the property of the Four-Stroke Singles National Owners Club and FSSNOC,INC. All included content in Thumper News or The Thumper Garage is solely for entertainment, not advise....
THE CLUB STORE ... CLICK ON IT WHEN YOU ARE DONE HERE?
The Autumn season means awesome riding for many areas ... time to get some new club gear, eh? Order yourself a bright new yellow and black club cap, a couple cotton t-shirts, and at least one sweatshirt to wear under your riding gear. Remember, every day is FSSNOC gear day. Tell the world about our club ... Thanks!
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YOU'VE JUST VISITED THE THUMPER GARAGE. PLEASE CLICK ON THE "MORE" ON THE MASTHEAD ABOVE ... AND CHECK OUT ALL THE OTHER PAGES OF THIS SITE. PLEASE CONSIDER BECOMING A MEMBER OF THE FOUR-STROKE SINGLES NATIONAL OWNERS CLUB (FSSNOC) TODAY ...Thank You! - Jack, FSSNOC #000/Director
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