Thumper Garage

  ONCE  UPON  A HILLTOP ... (11-26-20)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING from the FOUR-STROKE SINGLES NATIONAL OWNERS CLUB (FSSNOC) ... we have much to be thankful for ... as the photo above illustrates!

Coronado, or perhaps I should say, Francisco Vazquez de Coronado, became very excited when one day at his home in New Spain, which was present day Mexico, he heard of the Seven Cities of Gold to the distant north.

In fact, he was so excited that in the year of 1540, he led a major Spanish expedition out of Mexico and into the area that is now the United States of America.

History sources indicate that he came as far north as Kansas before deciding that the cities with the streets of gold didn't really exist, however, in his writings, he appeared to be quite favorably impressed with the terrain, the fertile soil, and then to the west, the magnitude of the Grand Canyon and other major landmarks.

The photo above is a current day landmark, aptly named Coronado Heights, located about 60 miles northeast of ThumperVille. It is said that Coronado arrived at this spot sometime in the year of 1541. The hill, the highest in what is called the Spanish Buttes area, is 300 foot above the valley floor. It is topped with an amazing hand-built, open-air, two story Castle made of native sandstone.

The Castle was erected by the WPA, the Works Progress Administration, during the depression to honor Coronado's visit to the area and to provide a picnic area for visitors ... the view is spectacular and on a clear day one can see distant towns and wheat elevators in every direction.

Late in the week, last week, I had the opportunity to go for a ride ... so I did. The WR250R (in the photo) was my mount for the day and dirt roads, both improved and two-track, made up my route. Of course, I had a can of beans with me for a much anticipated luncheon atop the hill.

We hadn't had rain for awhile and the narrow, wooded, two-track that is commonly, or I should say, more often than not, a sticky gooey mud slide was quite dry and rideable for a change. I'd been riding for about an hour so I decided to stop and drink-in the solitude of the two-track. I stopped at a low-water bridge in a wooded area to dismount, remove my helmet, and just enjoy the moment.

I could tell you that I heard a rustle in the bushes and trees just off the two-track, but I didn't, I didn't hear anything but the utter stillness of nature. I did, for some unknown reason, glance to my right at just the right moment to meet the gaze of a full-grown buck deer standing astraddle the hump between the tracks and not more that 30 feet away from me and the Yamaha. We were both frozen by the magic of the moment, then without hurry or panic or fear, he turned to his left and then an amazing thing happened...

If you would, imagine a high-school hurdle placed across the two-track and set in the higher position ... that buck deer, once headed south with his backside facing me, did a slow-motion lazy arc over that invisible hurdle, then cantered effortlessly and silently out of sight.

I was so fixated by the spontaneity of what had just occurred and I had my phone in my hand, having just taken a photo to the north, it remained on photo mode, but it didn't seem right to alter the communion between man and wildlife ... a rare and beautiful moment.

I continued on toward Coronado Heights. The wind was about 15 mph at my back, the WR was performing as WR's do, and my heart was singing. Soon I was riding up the winding dirt road that takes one to the top.

A couple of cars were parked near the Castle but nobody was in view, maybe hiking or exploring, who knows ... I rode past the parking area and across an area that you can see part of in the photo. Big rocks, small rocks, their tops worn smooth and slick by the wind of centuries, protrude from the soil. The Yamaha bounced, veered right, left, right again, as we rode across this uncertain surface without a particular problem.

I reached the area where I wanted to park, pulled the clutch, turned off the key and put down the kickstand ... only to have the kickstand hit a huge and definitely immovable rock that levered me to the right. I reacted quick enough to spare myself a tumble, brought the WR back up to vertical, and then attempted to roll it a few inches to give a more desirable kickstand position. I struggled for a few seconds, turning the bars left to right and back ... I did it! Much better ... I'm breathing hard now, this is tough on an old guy, I laughed to myself as I stretched to dismount from the Yamaha's tall seat.

Whew. Okay, now for my lunch. I unzipped the tank bag, retrieved my can of beans and my dime-store can-opener. It was now that I realized that my stomach was rumbling, and for good reason, it was almost 3PM, a long time since my breakfast smoothie!

Across this almost surreal lunar-like stone terrain, about 20 foot away, was a hollowed-out area, maybe five feet down, that contained a crude stone and concrete table and two benches, all constructed seventy-five years ago. There was even a primitive stone wood or charcoal burner if one wanted to cook a burger ... all very rustic and natural, again all made of native sandstone. This particular area drops down the side of the virgin hillside and protrudes out from the general landscape thus rewarding the energetic participant with an excellent view of the valley ... I'm going there to eat my beans.

There was an easier way to get there, but it meant a bit of a hike. Eager to eat my lunch, I began scaling down the steep incline (or would it be decline - grin), stepping gingerly from stone to stone, my can-opener and beans in one hand, my helmet and gloves in the other ... it was going well, or so I thought, until the slick sole of my road-racing-style boot lost its grip on the dusty surface of a sandstone.

Oops! Down I go, plunging down into the rocky abyss. I was determined to NOT hit my helmet or my head on anything hard enough to do damage and I didn't want to lose my can of beans down the hill! One thing about it, I did make good time. In a flash, I was lying on my back in the rocky bottom of the picnic area. I looked up to see my helmet unscathed in my right hand and my beans and can-opener present and accounted for in my left...

They say it is all fun and games until somebody bleeds ... my little finger on my left hand took a hit and I think it may have been the sharpened triangle beer-can opener part of my dime-store old school can-opener that did it.

   I took a well-deserved seat on the bench, looked out over the same terrain that Coronado viewed as he sat his horse atop the hill back in 1541, and began to dine on that very special can of beans.

That's just ONE thing I can be thankful for ... so now, on with the show! - #000

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u48Zpb0JfwI
Nice tool. via Ken Conrad, FSSNOC #4800 - Montana

Thanks, Ken! - #000

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Hello JR,
Hey, it's me again. Third time in 3 weeks. After reading your comments about rain the day before Aunt Sue's, I don't think so. My good friend John Stanley, #3790, Dayton Ohio and I were using two days to get our 500 miles in before meeting everyone at Sue's. I just went back, looking at all the pictures I had taken during those actually 3 days, Oct. 2,3,4 and not one of the pictures had even a single cloud in them.
Sorry for raining on your parade but that must have been a different ride you are thinking of.
Stay safe, Vic Force, #3701, NC

Thanks for the response, Vic! Maybe it was simply the distance. Our group of flat-landers usually figure on making up to a mile a minute and our plans had us staying quite a distance from the event site to allow us a "good" ride before lunch. Perhaps it was that distance that made them late for the food ... and admittedly, after 34 years of thumpin' around this USA, I can get my memories mixed-up, for sure. - #000.

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Jack,
Getting up to 70 degrees here today! November 18th. I fired up the Himalayan and went up to check out this minimum maintenance road. Not too bad except going down the hill to the bridge which was a little slippery and steeper than the video makes it seem. Anyway, another 58 miles today and very much fun. I've also put more miles on the Janus since I got the new battery. Purring like a kitten.
Steve #5266 - Nebraska

Yo Steve ... Hey, next time out or some day in the future, re-shoot that road for us? Quite a road, reminds me of a smaller version of the Natchez Trace! And, of note, your article that you sent about the number of bikes that one might own, I plan to use that in the next Thumper News. That's a good topic! - #000

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   Ron, FSSNOC #5131 writes (with some paraphrasing) ...
Sorry about the financial news regarding the club and the newsletter (as per the article in TN#141). I look forward to supporting the club in the future. Thanks again for not only what you do for "Thumpers" but for all of motorcycling. Great job.

Joe, FSSNOC #4591 writes (again with some paraphrasing) ...
I read about the financial effects the club is facing. I love getting the Thumper News. I'll stay a member if we go digital, but that is not as fun as getting the Thumper News in the mail. I keep the ones that have information that I might need in the future. Keep the presses running. Thanks for your great work!

Kenneth, FSSNOC #3709 writes ...
Thanks for the Thumper News #141 ... it really helps to cope with this wild year!

Gene, FSSNOC #0262 writes (with some paraphrasing) ...
1. Got Thumper News #141 on Friday, 11-13-20.
2. Read with much understanding about the changes in communication.
3. Read your heartfelt comments about the club and its history. I, for one, want to tell you how much I appreciate your many and long term efforts on behalf of FSSNOC. I've been a FSSNOC member for a very long time and want to thank you!

Clay, FSSNOC #2440 writes ...
I received a catalog via the internet, thought of FSSNOC. Not for the content of this particular catalog but for the issue app that the brochure comes on. I receive a number of publications on this app and I think it could work well for Thumper News. Surely it's cheaper than printing and postage. Take care and stay safe.

Karla, FSSNOC #5365 writes ...
What a terrific day! Excellent ThumperGarage (loved the red bike!) and I got Thumper News in the mail! Happy lady here...

Carl, FSSNOC #5106 (with some paraphrasing) writes ...
My neighbor comes over with a fistful of mail. A couple of days ago the P.O. delivered mail after dark. Must have confused his box with mine. Anyway, just finished reading TN#141, cover to cover. I usually read it as soon as I get it. Sad to hear of FSSNOC difficulties. I hope everyone else is able to pony up $100 to keep us going. As usual, TN#141 is good readin'. I enjoyed your trip report and also learning that JANUS stepped up so smartly to replace Steve's engine in his JANUS Thumper.
Good luck keeping the club afloat. Do you think there is any possibility of a ThumperCafe in 2021? The sit down eating will be a problem. Maybe a place that can put together a bunch of freshly made box lunches?
Take care, Jack!

Wow! Good comments (above: Ron, Joe, Kenneth, Gene, Clay, Karla and Carl) and all since our last ThumperGarage. I'm so excited about the future of FSSNOC. When we started back in 1986, I was told that the average national club "life" was one to three years. We've made it 34 years and it'll soon be
"35 and counting"
... looking for 40 or more! We can do this...

And, in response to Carl's question about ThumperCafes ... who knows what the future will bring ... but as for me, I've marked my 2021 calendar for:
August 21, 2021 to August 29, 2021 ... #000
(the note says, "Gone Thumpin'!")

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That's IT for this page, now go see what is on the other pages within this site ... it's all FREE and it's there for YOU! Tell your friends about FSSNOC and the THUMPERGARAGE ... even if they ride something else or don't ride at all, we share all this with you, your friends, your family, and your neighbors - spread the word. And for those who ride Thumpers, we would like to invite you to join in and receive our THUMPER NEWS and the other perks ... don't miss out!
- Jack, FSSNOC #000/DIRECTOR

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WELCOME TO THE THUMPERGARAGE (11-19-20)

GREAT STORY. Just read through the Thumper News #141 magazine! Such a joy and experience ... with a smile on my face the WHOLE journey. LOVE LOVE ... great stories allow the reader to travel along without being there. Looking forward to more great FSSNOC experiences. WELL DONE and thanks for the ride. Mmmmm, brought back so many good memories.
Tim, FSSNOC #5258 - Kansas

THANK YOU, TIM ... Wow, nice comments! You had inspired me earlier in your own story in TN#140, "In Search of Wisdom" , so the beat goes on. Thanks, too, for your encouragement and advice on camping prior to the trip.
To me, a story told is not to say, "Look what I did..", but rather it is to inspire, educate, and perhaps mobilize others by example. A story that remains untold simply stops... #000.

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Hi Jack (000),
  I received my 2021 FSSNOC Calendar October 16th!
I saw the sad news of next year’s price increase. This may cause more people to drop out. I was wondering if you only send out the calendar to cut costs. A lot of other organizations or clubs has been in decline over the years so we are not alone. We just need to find a way to reinvent ourselves. Sadly, next Summer’s riding season looks like another bad Thumping one.

Regardless how bad next Summer looks, I’m going to try to find a way for some Thumping trips.

For feedback, I don’t follow the FSSNOC Facebook site much. But I follow your website weekly.

For me, this has been a bad year for Thumping. The pandemic followed by massive forest fires that kept everyone indoors. The outdoor air was unhealthy to even breathe. The last 6-weeks my doctor said no motorcycling due to my prostrate cancer. With winter coming those last 6-weeks could have been better spent than sitting home.

The only good thing about the Coronavirus pandemic is that with no Vetter Motorcycle Fuel Economy Competitions going on, I’m still number one in the country from last year with the best gas mileage,Ya! It looks like there will not be a competition next year so I’m still number one!!!! I’m still hanging on to that spot as long as I can.

I don’t remember if I sent you a couple of pictures of my friend thumping on a KLR in Africa way back in 1993. Sadly those pictures are not good resolution. See attached photos. Hopefully you can use them.

Alan Smith (5286) California

Thank You, Alan ... for all the times that you sent interesting posts to this THUMPERGARAGE WEBSITE in 2020. If I may speak for the other folks who enjoyed reading your stuff, you are much appreciated and you made 2020 a better year because of your input here, so again, THANK YOU!
Also, in response to your comments above about clubs ... and as you point out, these are indeed trying times for clubs as well. As I commented in TN#141, for us to move forward and do nothing different had a foreseeable outcome. The steps that have been put into action as outlined in TN#141 (read Thumpin' In The USA...) have an excellent chance to alter that outcome in a positive way and I'm grateful for that opportunity ... the reinvention of FSSNOC is underway.
As for 2020 in general, I am so, so happy that I ride motorcycles. While not the planned year or the year that was expected, I found myself thrilled to be able to watch that front wheel go around from sunrise until sunset on many occasions, and who can ask for more...
Oh yeah, those photos you sent, we did use one, Thank You! ... you'll find it on the History Page.
Best Wishes from everyone here at the ThumperGarage, Alan!!! - #000

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Hi Jack,     Thanks for the clear story of our club in TN#141.
The decrease in members is not good to see. I AGREE WITH THE DUES INCREASE!!!   Even if the club loses some members the remaining members can still pay more to make the different activities that you need to do, get paid for. That was not a good sentence. Keep up the great work.

A little story: I am a handyman and the son-in-law of one of my lady customers moved to Montana but did not want to move two early model DR 350cc Suzuki motorcycles. One is all stock and electric start. The other is kick start and has been rebuilt to 400cc (or more?) with flat slide carb.

He said that it is very easy to do wheelies on that one. Actually I don’t know how to do a controlled wheelie—I should learn???? I had to force him to take $200 for each one. He is very easy going and was going to give them to me, with titles.

I am cleaning the carbs , new battery for one. The kick start has some sort of add on item that seems to take the place of the battery???? I will let you know how it goes. They are all stock and have not been beaten up like most dirt-street bikes are….

Take care, stay healthy, and say a GIANT HELLO TO CARRIE….   Tina and Brian Kratz and our cat “Bear” (the animal adoption place gave her that name.) - FSSNOC #561, a 33 year member in FSSNOC. - California

Brian and Tina! - How cool is it to hear from you ... Thank You! A cat named "Bear" - that sounds pretty scary to me - Ha! Ha! Thank you for your comments about the club, you guys have been so loyal over the years and decades ... it is my belief that FSSNOC is made of a time-tested fabric and you two are an example of the endurance of that cloth. Wow! Enjoy those 350cc Suzukis! Many present and/or past owners will tell you that they are the perfect size, the perfect weight, perhaps the perfect Thumper ... high praise! - #000.

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OUT FOR A FEW MILES ON THE DR650 THUMPER...    (masthead photo above) Hello JR,

In this part of the country, we have lots of very old "family" cemetery plots. Usually the markers are so old and weathered it's hard to make out the inscriptions.

Not far from the '08 FSSNOC ThumperCafe site at Aunts Sue's, there is a small sign for the Lynch cemetery. I turned in just to take a break and look at the markers. There was one marker that must have been put up in the last 25 years or so. The cemetery was overgrown and probably hadn't had more that a handful of visitors all year. That marker was interesting because it was for a man that fought in the war of 1812!! Nathaniel Lynch was born in 1790 and died in 1861, just before the Civil War.

Can hardly imagine what life would have been like back then. No electricity, no running water, no refrigerators, no hospitals and only horses to get around on and NO THUMPERS. Life must have been hard.

Stay safe and ride when you can, Vic Force, #3701, NC.

Hi Ya, Vic! What a historic destination, thanks for sharing! I, too, often stop and walk about in old country cemeteries, all the while being respectful of their history and maintaining a reverent mindset that I am but a visitor. As the years on my own personal odometer have added up, I've enjoyed a growing interest in history and much can be learned about an area from reading those aged inscriptions.
Speaking of Aunt Sue's in 2008, as I recall it rained a lot the night before, I think even that morning ... do you have that recollection? I and the group that I was riding with were overnighting quite a distance away so as to get in a "good" ride before the event. For some reason, I had the premonition to continue on to within a short distance of Aunt Sue's before getting lodging ... and I made it in time for the festivities, unlike the rest of that particular group and maybe it was because of the crooked roads, not sure ... what fun we've had, Vic and our 35th YEAR is coming next year! UN-believable! And this is your 22nd year, Vic ... that's AWESOME! THANK YOU! - #000.

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Hi Jack!
I read the latest newsletter with a few misgivings. I am afraid that the $100 annual dues will be too much money for some of the guys and they will be embarrassed to tell you and will just drop away from the club. I hope my fears are ungrounded. - Maynard, #1196 - Colorado

You Need a Harley, She Said

Tamar and I took the train west over the mountains to Glenwood Springs, Colorado, from our home in Denver. After a scenic train ride we stayed in a charming bed and breakfast inn where we enjoyed meeting the innkeeper and the other guests - as we almost always do.

Our innkeeper was a 70-ish woman, educated and well-traveled. She and her Dutch engineer husband own the inn-and-residence in Glenwood Springs, a home in a Denver suburb and one in Provence, in the south of France.

We were finishing breakfast on our departure day, two couples around the table, when our hostess asked me what I do. I write magazine articles, I said, about bicycling and motorcycling.

“What kind of motorcycle do you have,” she asked.

“A Kawasaki,” I said, surprised that she’d ask me that question, surprised that she’d be interested in particular motorcycle brands. What could my answer mean to her?

“Really,” she replied. “I had imagined that a man who would write about motorcycles would be a connoisseur. I would think you would have a Harley-Davidson. Really, you need a Harley.”

I assured her (gently) that I did not.

She told us that her daughter’s husband owns a cigar store in a Denver suburb. His customers are doctors, lawyers et cetera. They all have Harleys, she said, evidently trying to assure me she hadn’t meant that as a Kawasaki rider I was a substandard sort of B&B guest.

She wanted me to understand that clean-livin’, educated American men, successful men, often choose the Big Twin when the midlife urge to own a motorcycle wafts over them. Can all those mature, effective men be wrong in their choice of evocative transportation?

She told us of a motorcycle run that began in front of the cigar store. She said that the sound of the assembled 700 Harleys, all directed to start at the same time, was deafening - but glorious.

This is the same woman who’d just told us of her stomach-turning aversion to conversational use of the phrase “you guys,” as in I hope you guys are enjoying your breakfast.  Somehow, “you guys” grates on her ears but the roar of 700 open-piped twins (straddled, you’ll remember, by those successful men) echoing in downtown canyons sounds sweet.

I shouldn’t have been surprised that she’d want to know if I rode a Harley; I’ve been asked the same probing questions countless times, often enough so that I am reluctant to mention my motorcycling among strangers. The questions so often lead to the same place.

Our innkeeper didn’t care what I ride if it was a non-Harley; other motorcycle brands don’t mean much to her. She just wanted to hear me say those magic words, Harley...and Davidson.

I felt I’d disappointed her. I thought about how difficult it would be to explain to her about our choices in bikes and engine configurations and clothing and sound levels and...culture. How would I explain our reverence for Triumph’s heritage...or Moto Guzzi’s?

How would I explain my loyalty to the Four Stroke Singles Owners Club or my preference for quiet, naked motorcycles? Or my vote for Malcolm Smith for president?

How do I explain that not all motorcyclists aspire to Harley ownership? To the non-riding observer, it may appear that all of us riders want Harleys. The timid or tentative among us might start with a Sportster but at the end of the motorcycling rainbow is a Motor Company Big Twin.

Or so it appears.

I wondered as I often do just why the word Harley means prestige motorcycle to so many people, even people who don’t give a damn about motorcycling. Can’t simply be the cost of those bikes. BMWs are comparably costly but my hostess may not be aware that BMW makes motorcycles. Curious, isn’t it?

As I’ve explained previously in these columns, I am puzzled by the H-D phenomenon. Don’t some of these things make you curious? How ‘bout the clannishness?

I belong to a club for riders of European motorcycles: Ducatis, BMWs, Triumphs, Aprilias and a few MVs and KTMs. I’ve been going to weekly meetings in one tavern or another for a couple of years. No one cares that I ride a Japanese bike.

I don’t believe that Harley-riding clubs offer that same easy acceptance. That’s a shame. There are lots of real riders, fine men and women out there on all sorts of bikes that aren’t Harleys. And many or most Harley riders will never meet them.

Let’s imagine attorney A buys a Harley. His associate at the law firm, attorney B, spends the same amount for a BMW, ST1300, Guzzi Norge or Gold Wing, so-called metric bikes.

Lawyer A’s riding life is kinda predictable. He’ll shun helmets when he can. He’ll wear black leather, biker boots, blue denim and fingerless gloves. He’ll carry a Buck knife for whatever reason.

His friends are fellow Harley riders. A few will wave at metric bike riders or strike up conversations with them during small-town fuel stops. Most would rather not. Their loss, I’d say.

In the rain, attorney A will get wet. On chilly days, he’ll get cold. Is that romantic? As long as you’re not the cold, wet guy, I guess it is.

His colleague, attorney B, will wear armored Cordura outerwear, stiff, protective boots, armored gloves and a pricey helmet. He’ll carry a titanium multi-tool. Some of his clothing is electrically heated. He figures it’s okay to be comfortable on a motorcycle.

Will attorney B, the metric bike rider, look like a brave, tough, pioneer motorcyclist out there in the wind? Perhaps not, but no one’s looking on I-80 between Laramie and Rock Springs.

And attorney B’s friends will probably represent a wider variation in motorcycling types.

The two may do similar annual mileages, the biker to Sturgis or Daytona, the BMW or Honda rider to the brand rally or Sport Touring Association meeting. They may never ride together.

Only one of them will impress my bed and breakfast hostess. I can’t speak for you guys but it baffles me.

END THANK YOU, MAYNARD!
- I'm reminded of what Yamaha said a few decades back when they came out with their XS-1 650cc twin cylinder four-stroke machine, it went something like this, "Different Strokes for Different Folks" ...
I'm a little like Will Rogers and I'll mis-quote here for affect, "I never met a motorcycle I didn't like..." I sold my most recent Harley Davidson, a 2016 personal-build "P" model based on a street bob chassis, earlier this year. I called it "Tator" ... it was my 9th HD and I found it to be utterly reliable with a jewell-like build quality with the exception of the rear shocks.
I ordered it direct from Harley Davidson, it was built in Kansas City and I was emailed as it went down the ass'y line. I took delivery at Salina HD just four weeks from the order date. I didn't ride it nearly as much as my other bikes, managing only 16000 miles in four years, but to be fair, if there was a cloud in the sky, I rode something else. The bike had never been wet, with wash water OR a rain shower in its entire life and while in my care it remained unblemished throughout.
Contrary to common thought, a modern HD is no slug, this thing pulled like a run-away locomotive from any rpm and in any of the six gears. I did have a free-flowing intake system and a Vance and Hines drag-pipe plus a very productive session on the dyno to tune everything in electronically ... it was an amazing performer.
Of note, and contrary perhaps, I wore my typical stuff: roadracing/sport-touring leather pants, my roadracer/sport-touring leather boots, full face F-17 HJC helmet, a padded jacket, and leather gloves.
The bike was in wet-finish shiny charcoal grey with maroon red wheels with polished hubs and 40 chrome spoke wheels ... 19" front, 17" rear. When asked I describe motorcycling as a "solo" sport, and this HD was no exception. It was nigh-impossible to get another like-mounted rider to go for a ride, and this was pre-2020 ... but I have that problem with any bike ... must be my caustic personality, eh?
Maynard ... this was fun, this writing! Thanks for the segue ... #000.

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From Ken Conrad

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COCRnVQkHjo&feature=youtu.be&utm_source=Janus+Motorcycles+Mailing+List&utm_campaign=f5aea928e8-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_04_23_12_58_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_955c0f553d-f5aea928e8-136856153&mc_cid=f5aea928e8&mc_eid=3e4f1f1376

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Hi '000',
My Thumper News was mailed Mon. Nov.9 th.
I got it Wed. afternoon Nov.12 th.
I hope that helps you !!!
Threefenders!
Thump Thump!
   ... Hey, #162 - You bet it helps! I'm tracking delivery time to various parts of the USA. Remember, your copy used to take weeks (!) to get there!! Awesome ... that is First Class mail out doing its thing! - Yeehaw!! - #000.

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#000 AKA Jack

Nov 12, 2020
Received new membership card and Swag, Thank you, Sir !

Newsletter also received Nov 12 ! Pretty good as No Mail on Veterans' Day
Kim Lemke

THANK YOU, KIM! - #000

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Thumper News arrived today. Postmarked 11/9, arrived today, the 13th. Not bad.
I sent a Priority Mail piece to Steve, aka Boris. Mailed it Monday afternoon, 11/9, arrived Omaha around noon on Wednesday 11/11. Pretty good.

Your humble servant,
Larry

THANK YOU, LARRY ... #000

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Received #141 today ,12 Nov 2020.
Sorry to see that the printing is causing problems. My other cycle mags are on line already. Don't like it but no choice. As much as I hate to admit it but we may not have a choice either ,online would be cheaper all around and better than losing the whole show. ( Imho) Terry 4953

THANKS, TERRY! I remain optimistic, in fact, I'm downright excited! I think this is going to give us "wings"! And, it's our 35th year as a national motorcycle club coming next year ... it'll be GREAT! - #000

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Jack,    Thumper News #141 broke through the dust in the mail box today! A magical moment, too. Thank you for a good read and a spiffy calendar!

Throttle up - and spray the fence! Count us in!

The best to you and yours - warmth and good health. Take care of yourselves and each other. Stay safe!

Mike Budd. FSSNOC #3509 - TEXAS

Music to my ears, Mike! THANK YOU ... and THANK YOU for all those years of membership, we are headed for our 35th year of Thumpin' - Awesome! WHAT A JOURNEY - #000

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MORE TO COME - CHECK OUT THE OTHER PAGES (SEE THE MASTHEAD ABOVE TO GET THERE) -----------------------

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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  THUMPERGARAGE. 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 THUMPERGARAGE 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/text 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 THUMPERGARAGE update so be sure to tune back in then... (Address-phone number-email address is below... **)

We also 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 USA membership, WE MAIL ONLY TO USA ADDRESSES. Include your shirt size so we may 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 OR text our club, phone 620-663-1869 or you may send an E-mail: FSSNOCTHUMPERS@yahoo.com

NOTICE: Please understand that your E-mail may 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 (FSSNOC,INC.). All included content in Thumper News or 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 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 THUMPERGARAGE. 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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