DesmoOmaha Blog -
March 4th, 2008

Club Notes from Vice President Jayme Frye

March! I don't think I have ever been so happy to tear off that last day of February from my desk calender revealing the first day of March. Along with a couple of warmer days, the turning of the calendar brings Spring and a new riding season tantalizingly close. If the enthusiasm shown at the Annual Member Meeting is any indication, this season looks to be the most exciting and event filled in DESMOmaha's three year history.

The member meeting on Feb. 23rd was by all accounts a great success. Over 30 members and their +1's filled the Fox & Hound party room. We reviewed for the first time with members the boards proposed club by-laws and with them the intention to incorporate the club. The board will be working with Craig Kelly over the coming weeks to finalize the by-laws and walk us through the legal steps of incorporation.

One important piece of the incorporation process is having a full slate of board officers. Missing from the DESMOmaha board is a Secretary and Event Commitee Chairman. Kimberly Hanfland has graciuosly volunteered for the Secretary position. Although, we didn't get a volunteer to chair the Event Committee, we did have lots of hands raised to participate on the committee. Thanks to PJ Hartman, Randy Farmer, Ryan Mascarello, Matt Hanfland, and Robert Steib. Still looking for a committee chair volunteer, so don't be shy. The board and event committee will be meeting in March to prepare the events schedule for the Spring. Watch for the meeting notice on the DESMOmaha home page.

Club Treasurer Michele Frye, presented the clubs finances. With right at $1000 dollars in the bank we have a good base to build upon while funding club activities and events for the year. Michele also, described membership expiration and dues. The board decided to extend all 2006 and 2007 memberships through 2008. The board felt it was a good faith gesture as after collecting dues for those years members saw little benefits. In March of 2009 these memberships will expire. Our hope is that by then members will have received the full benefit of their $35 club dues and be happy to reup. The first of these benefits were handed out to those attending the member meeting. All members will be receiving their personalized club card, club patch, and Desmo Owners Club sticker. Unfortunately, we weren't able to hand out the DESMOmaha club stickers at the member meeting as they were a day or two late in shipping. Club packets have been prepared and posted, so watch your mail.

Jarel Jensen, club communication officer went over the current calendar of events. Lots of track riding opportunities this year. Between TrackAddix and MotoMania Mondays you're sure to find a few track days to fit into your schedule. DESMOmaha will be represented at as many track days as possible so look for the banner and park your rig near by. Jarel let us all know about a charity event ride in May. The Midlands Chapter Alzheimer's Association Ride to Remember will be May 17th. This will be a great opportunity to support the community and show off some Ducati Power among the HD crowd. Other calendar events of note are the monthly tech seminars. Starting on March 15th, Saturday Morning technical seminars hosted at Ducati Omaha will be offered. Special thanks to Kelly and Ducati Omaha for putting this together. I know I'm looking forward to exploring the Desmo valvetrain somewhere other than my own bike. Once again Euro Bike Night will run from April through October the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Finally, a number of members have expressed interest in a standing Sat. or Sun. morning ride. Nothing official on this one yet, for now check the message boards (http://www.riderforums.com/) often to find new about rides.

Finally, I want to let you know about a new friend of DESMOmaha. Craig Kelly, who will be helping with the club incorporation followed the club business meeting with an informative presentation on the ins and outs of insurance coverage for motorcyclists. Thanks Craig, we all walked away with a better understanding of what we are and aren't covered for. If you are interested in more information you can take a look at http://www.inserra.com or give Craig a call (402) 391-4000 (800) 642-1242.

It's going to be a great year for the club, and I encourage everyone to get involved and enjoy all the club has to offer.

Jayme Frye
Club Vice President