Ks. State Trike-in at Emporia, Ks.

 

 

 

The Kansas BTW State Trike-in at Emporia began Friday morning with light showers that continued on & off all day but cleared in the evening for our ride to Braums

for Ice Cream following the Hot Dog fest. Although the day was very pleasant, we were in all hope that Saturday would be a great day.  Some of the OPT members

began showing up Thursday afternoon & evening to help set up for this event.  Saturday morning we awakened to rain that continued through out the day.  I person-

ally along with others assumed the show up town would be cancelled due to the disappointing rain.  But giving credit to Junior Hester, he refused such an idea.  He

had forgotten his rain gear but chose to drive uptown in the rain, very insisted that we set up.  I, a little reluctant, but appreciative of his zeal, agreed to unload the tent

and with the help of others present, set up the tent.  I decided that if we were really going to do this that I was going to get some good rain clothing.  Sarah and I drove

to Wal-Mart and came back with ours and a few suits for other.  I went back to camp, jumped on my trike and drove back into town and had a great time doing it.  I've

in the past been caught in a bit of rain but never was dressed for it.  I have always avoided the rain but this day was different, for my trike, even though my 4.3 V6 was

exposed to the rain, it drove great and this gave me a new perspective about being caught in the rain.  My trike did not die and I did not melt.  So a special thanks to a

special friend, Junior Hester for we all had a great time!  Speaking of Junior, pictured above left, was giving a final tune up to a fresh overhauled engine on Bud Peeks

trike, a member of OPT from Waverly Kansas as well as my brother-in-law, a truly "coolest" triker.  The attendance for the Sunday Morning Christian Fellowship was

around 30.  The theme that I had selected for this year was "Why Christianity".  Earl Davis did a great job of sharing his testimony as so did Lori, a representative of

the local Christian Motorcycle Association. Just FYI:  Hey ya all!  The OPT had the largest number in attendance, won the most awards including Bill Tabor receiving

the award as being the "oldest triker of 83" that had also driven all the way from Wichita in weather, to attend this event.  A special "Thanks" from your chapter

director to all of the OPT members that contributed to this great event. With all things considered and even with the rain, the 08 Ks. BTW trike-in was the best yet and

we hold great  expectations that next year will be even better.                                                                                                                 ...Wayne Eck      

 

           

Black Arts Festival

 

         

 

August 30th:  Black Arts festival Parade was an event added to the calendar of events by OPT member Andrew Harris. Last year the group had such

a fun time we decided to give it another go. Unknowing to the group we have become one of the most requested attractions in the parade. Earlier this

year in the month of June there was another parade; after it was over I received calls wanting to know what happened to us and why we weren’t there.

The group met at Spangle again in Park City around 9am and departed at 9:30 for the Parade; the actual Parade started at 10am; and as last time we

received a big welcome with Dan and Tish Seeley acquiring a coupler riders along the way. When we think of a parade we usually think of the kids;

but I think the adults enjoy it more than the children that is why on our calendar it reads Bring candy for the kids - of all ages! After the ride we all went

to Ryan’s Restaurant and had a fine meal.                                                                                                                            ...Andrew Harris

                                           

 

Yoder Days Parade

 

 

 

August 23rd:  Yoder Days was an early: am daylight ride added to the calendar of events by OPT member Leo Foster. The group gathered on the North

side of Wichita at Spangles in Park City at 6: am and departed at 6:30am to have breakfast at the Carriage Crossing Restaurant in the small town of Yoder

before the parade we were met there by some of the Tornado Alley members and Junior and Debbie Hester. With this August being unseasonably cool

and rain in the forecast, we prepared for that with jackets and drove a little slower; we were lucky by the time we got there the weather cleared up. While

eating we checked out the event pamphlet and there was something for all ages to enjoy from mutton bustingto plowing competitions. After having a good

meal we lined up for the parade and really didn’t know what to expect, when the event started I think everyone in the group was astounded by the number

of people occupying the two block parade there was enough people to cover a two mile parade. And not expecting this we were unprepared, we didn’t

have candy for the kids; but we will have more than enough next year...  ...Andrew Harris   

 

 

 

 

 

Meeting & Evening Lunch at Charlies at Newton, Ks

 

  

 

OLD SETTLERS PARADE

Aug 9, 2008 the OPT Trike group made plans to participate in the Old Settlers Parade but mother nature didn’t cooperate; and the event was cancelled

due to rain. This is an event that Wayne Eck has attended a couple time and asked the group if we would be interested in adding to our calendar of events

last year. The folks there in Halstead were warm and welcoming and we had a blast. I’m sure we will make plans for next year.   ...Andrew Harris

 

 

Shelly Androes Ride May, 13. 2008

 

                                                          OPT ride to Shakey’s restaurant in Halstead

 

 

 

May 1^st was our first bi-weekly scheduled ride and yes, rain had been in the forecast but for that evening the weather cleared and it was a very pleasant ride for those participating in this event.  OPT members with seven trikes meet at Spangles in Park City for a 6:30pm departure for Halstead Kansas, a small town north west of Wichita, where we planned to meet up with Hutchinson area members for supper.  We took the lesser-traveled two-lane roads through Sedgwick and then on to Halstead.   I think the highlight for the evening may of been when we realized how the restaurants in Wichita have totally spoiled us.  In our bigger cities such as Wichita, we are served almost immediately and we expect this to be the norm but we came unannounced to this little town and when our group walked into this small, but very nice restaurant, I think we may of have overwhelmed them.  They had their normal customers but then with all of us, they were very busy trying to get everyone served, but we all had a good time visiting and when we was served, the food was great.  Although I learned a good lesson and that is, the next time we decide to visit a small town restaurant, with a group such as ours, I will make reservations and give them warning.  We did take notice that the local Police came in and stayed till we left.  Probably because we are such a delightful group to have as guests in their town.  As the sun was setting, it was time for the ride home and in spots it was getting a little cool but still a very memorable event and I look forward to us scheduling these kinds of outings again.  ...Wayne Eck

 

 

 

OPT had their Group Planning meeting March 31, 2008 @ Red Rock Grill on 61st north and Broadway in Wichita KS, 26 people were in attendance. We had visitors as far north as KC State; Director Ross Literal and State Road Captain Tom Wing, and as far Southeast as Coffeyville SEK Chapter Director Elroy 'Sandburr' Kettleman and SEK Asst. Director Joyce Ehmke. OPT director Wayne Eck called the meeting to order. The first item on the agenda was an briefing on OPT members Bob Bohnert and David Rix who are presently under doctors care we wish both to have speedy recoveries. Next Wayne open the floor for suggestions for the upcoming trike season, the group came up with a lot of fun filled events including evening dinner rides, parades and trike events which will be posted on the OPT calendar of events. Next on the agenda was 'Triking Safety' Tom Wing gave us some insight into the legal aspects of the law which will bring some changes to our road rules. Everyone in the group was open to establishing guidelines. Next on the agenda was Trike Day, it the equivalent of Trike night only the festivities occur in the day time it will be held April 13, 2008 at the home of Wayne and Sarah Eck, this has become an annual event started by Wayne Sarah and Jeff Eck that not only OPT members, but anyone that has an interest in Trikes can come out and join us in kicking-off the riding season. The cap was passed and $33.98 was collected $52.00 was collected from WE at the last trike night and the group had a balance of 176.87 as of January 13,2008 bringing the grand total to $262.85. Wayne motioned the meeting be adjourned and Dan Seely seconded it.   

                                                                                                ...Andrew Harris

 

OPT TRIKE NIGHT A BIG SUCCESS:  January 25, 2008 OPT had their first Trike night of the year, even though the 30 degree temperature weather wasn’t conducive to Trike riding the turnout was good. Eleven fellow Trikers were in attendance with everyone chomping at the bit to get started. At OPT meeting at Braums Ice cream and Dairy on January 13, 2008 the ladies of OPT decided they would decide what was on the food menu since they would be preparing it and as usual they didn’t disappoint, the chili and deserts smelled good and tasted even better it was a fitting and filling meal that got everyone’s belly full; body warm and ready to work, a big thanks goes out to the women of OPT. Wayne Eck had each member that had a Trike that needed work to make a list of what need to be addressed and the work began. With Junior Hester, Larry Manwiller and Bob Bohnert working on Bob‘s wiring he had tail lights and turn signals working before we knew it. Jason Hester and Jeff Eck worked on a V-6 motor which Jeff plans on using in his new Premier Trike he plans to build. As Andrew Harris and David Harroald walked around the shop discussing their taste in trikes and admiring the craftsmanship of some of the Trikes, Larry Smith soon joined them telling them about his triking adventures . With Kenny Flowers, David Flowers and Wayne Eck working on extensive modification to Kenny’s Trike before long just about everyone in the shop was putting their heads together to figure out how to get the job done. Trike Night brings together some of the brightest Trike builders and mechanics in the triking world; Kenny will be back on three before we know it. The next Trike Night is scheduled for February 8, 2008 same place same time, everyone on our mailing list will receive reminders in the mail.
 

OPT had their first meeting January 13, 2008 @ Braums Ice Cream & Dairy January 13, 2008 on East Rock road in Wichita KS, 16 members were in attendance. Chapter director Wayne Eck called the meeting to order. The first item on the agenda was an idea OPT member Brian (Blackfoot) Willerton came up with to make and sale patches in remembrance of our fallen brother Gerald Grunden, I think it is only fitting that all OPT members wear one.Anyone interested in purchasing a patch should contact Sarah Eck or Blackfoot.  Next Wayne gave a speech he called “Friends Forever” it was a touching honest speech that described his philosophy on friendship/friends. The BTWState Elections will be held March 9, 2008 in Emporia KS all the nominees within our group were announced; GOOD LUCK GUY’S AND GAL’S. Next on the agenda was Triking Safety. Andrew Harris read a couple suggestions he thought would help organize added safety and professionalism to our group in the upcoming riding season. Everyone in the group was open to establishing guidelines and had a lot of great suggestions. Next Wayne introduced Andrew Harris as Sec/Treasurer.   He will be filling in for Laurie Grunden until further notice. Last on the agenda was Trike Night, this has become an annual event started by Wayne Sarah and Jeff Eck that not only OPT members, but anyone that has an interest in Trikes can come out and help each others get their ride ready for riding season. The first night is scheduled for January 25, 2008 snacks will be served @ 5:30 pm feel free to bring a dish or make a donation. Maintenance will start @ 6 – 8:30 pm Wayne will be cleaning the shop before the start of the maintenance session, if possible come little early and help clean Wayne won’t ask but I am sure he won’t turn you down if you offer.The Treasury report was read and we have $176.87. Wayne Eck motioned the meeting be adjourned and Brian (Blackfoot) Willerton seconded it.   

                                                                                                                                                   ...Andrew Harris