Big Sandbar Chapter. Antique Motorcycle Club of America. Steve Sorensen Winter 2015/16 Issue 16:1. Long Island New York

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1 Big Sandbar Chapter Winter 2015/16 Issue 16:1 Antique Motorcycle Club of America Long Island New York Steve Sorensen Larry McLaughlin

Big Sandbar Club Officers Co-Director Keith Mudfish Moser mudfishcycle@aol.com Co-Director Ronnie Wilson sayvillewilsons5@gmail.com Treasurer Alice Moser curly110653@aol.com Secretary Karen St.

2 Big Sandbar Club Officers Co-Director Keith Mudfish Moser Co-Director Ronnie Wilson Treasurer Alice Moser Secretary Karen St. John Membership Pip Sarser Newsletter Layla Ferrante Board Members Artie Gould Kevin LoBasso Doug St. John Website Facebook Sandbar Knights & Ladies Back in March, Big Sandbar members went to Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament in Lyndhurst, New Jersey. Pictured from left, Pip, Alice, Mudfish, Layla, Claire and Sandbar friend Red had a great day feasting on the tasty vittles and enjoying the jousting matches between the knights on horseback. To our surprise, we did not see any of our Colonial brethren, who we thought, since we were in New Jersey, might be exhibiting their skills in the show! 2

Letter from the Co-Director Hello to all Big Sandbar (BSB) members once again. We have had many events in 2015 since I wrote you last. I really don t know where to begin. Well, here goes.

Held the last week in April, it was very cold, but Oley never disappoints with finding that right part, enjoying the wonderful antique cycles or taking a ride on winding back roads.

! Six days later was the 2 nd Annual STAR Wild Care Run, which started at Suffolk Harley- Davidson in Oakdale and finished up at The Maples with a nice BBQ, music and BSB T- shirt sales by Mudfish.

3 Letter from the Co-Director Hello to all Big Sandbar (BSB) members once again. We have had many events in 2015 since I wrote you last. I really don t know where to begin. Well, here goes. The BSB was well represented at the national Oley swap meet. Held the last week in April, it was very cold, but Oley never disappoints with finding that right part, enjoying the wonderful antique cycles or taking a ride on winding back roads. May 3 rd found BSB members once again at The Brooklyn Bowl Antique Bike Show. Thanks to Girard Fox for the great show!! Six days later was the 2 nd Annual STAR Wild Care Run, which started at Suffolk Harley- Davidson in Oakdale and finished up at The Maples with a nice BBQ, music and BSB T- shirt sales by Mudfish. Thanks to Bill Karvecky for being our liaison and coordinator for this event. The AMCA National event at Rhinebeck s Duchess County Fairgrounds was held on June 11 th and 12 th. Rhinebeck will be held on July 1 st and 2 nd for A special THANK YOU goes out to Don Spence and Mudfish for all the hard work they do all year round for this event! June 27 th was our first annual BSB and American Legion Post 1146 swap meet and show in Bohemia. The weather held out for the most part, and it was a great local event at the Legion Hall with vendors, judging and a great burger vendor truck, too! On August 8 th, the Big Sandbar had a Car/ Bike show at the Riverhead Library, and a few of us also stopped by the European Vintage Car show in Stony Brook, which was being held on the same day. The weather was great, and it was interesting learning about the Mudfish refrigerator project!! The annual Shelter Island Run and BBQ was the very next Sunday. Once again, we had a wonderful ride out east, including the ferry ride to and off the island. Thanks to all who attended! The 2 nd annual America s Love Affair with the Motorcycle display was July 11 th through September 7 th at the Ward Melville Heritage Organization & Cultural Center (WMHO) in Stony Brook. Thanks again to Gerry Duff for coordinating with WMHO and all the BSB members who participated and loaned their precious machines to the museum for most of the summer without you there would be no display! October 4 th was the Lou Rocket Re Ride out east to see the antique Shell station. The ride got even more interesting when Lou had us dodging Buffalo chips. We ended up back 3 at Lou s for food, cake and birthday gifts! He even had professional staff dressed in tuxedos helping out serving drinks and snacks to us all. It was another great time! Thanks, Lou, and happy belated 50 th birthday. Be cool! October 18 th was the BSB /Bayport Aerodrome Vintage Car, Bike and Plane show. It was very well attended even though we had a quick blast of snow, which might have been responsible for the many BSB T-shirts and sweatshirts we sold at the club s vending table. That was a cold one, and I was warmer on the bike if that s possible!! The fall show is in the works again for 2016, and we may also have one in the spring as well, so we will keep you posted. The Maryhaven brunch was on December 13 th at Benchwarmers again. As always, every child received a gift and the Big Sandbar members did an outstanding job buying, wrapping and delivering the gifts for the Maryhaven children. Thank you to all who participated; it really makes for a wonderful annual event! Wow! It really was a busy year for the club! Unfortunately, we had a veteran BSB member, well-experienced rider Steve Sorenson, be the victim of a modern-day driver not paying attention to motorcycles on the road. While riding his motorcycle on the Long Island Expressway, Steve was cut off and sideswiped by the inattentive driver. We all hope you make a full recovery soon, Steve!** On a sad note, we lost our brother Larry McLaughlin in The members of the Big Sandbar extend their heartfelt condolences to Linda McLaughlin and the McLaughlin Family. It will never be the same sharing a room at an AMCA National event and being woken up by Larry yelling at Billy to stop snoring like a freight train! I m really going to miss you, buddy!!! I would like to thank all the members for all you do to make the BSB the great chapter it is. As I reflect on 2015 and another year full of great events (I even got a ride in Pip s BMW Isetta!!) with great friends and family, it makes me look forward to 2016 and the wonderful memories we will create. Until next time You join for the motorcycles, but you stay for the people. Respectfully, Ron Wilson **Editor s Note: Since Ron wrote this, we learned that Steve Sorensen passed away. Please see the memorial to him on page 13.

Perkiomen National Oley, Pennsylvania April 24-25, 2015 The Perkiomen National meet was held on the cold, wind-swept weekend of April 24-25 in Oley, PA.

Upon arriving on Saturday morning, the fields were still packed with vendors, antique motorcycles and spectators alike.

! Also of particular notice were all the signs we saw on our way to the meet touting Jim Smith for judge. Who knew our own Smitty was running to be a judge in Pennsylvania!

Bob Provencher, who received a Winner s Circle award for his 1967 blue and birch-white Harley-Davidson FLH Hi-Fi. The highlight of the show 4 appeared to be a most unusual.

In addition to the vendors and bikes, there was a central food court, with plenty of picnic tables for all.

4 Perkiomen National Oley, Pennsylvania April 24-25, 2015 The Perkiomen National meet was held on the cold, wind-swept weekend of April in Oley, PA. However, the chilly temperatures did nothing to dampen attendance at the meet. Upon arriving on Saturday morning, the fields were still packed with vendors, antique motorcycles and spectators alike. It was a most memorable trip for Sandbar s Membership Office Pip Sarser as he was actually able to find some BMW parts!! Also of particular notice were all the signs we saw on our way to the meet touting Jim Smith for judge. Who knew our own Smitty was running to be a judge in Pennsylvania!?! The Big Sandbar club was well represented with many members showing bikes and vending, including Mike Miletto, Kevin LoBasso, Keith Mudfish Moser, Bob Preven, Donny Spence, Ron Wilson and Bob Provencher, who received a Winner s Circle award for his 1967 blue and birch-white Harley-Davidson FLH Hi-Fi. The highlight of the show 4 appeared to be a most unusual. motorcycle-type vehicle which seemed to be made of wood. It certainly garnered a lot of attention, especially when it was started. In addition to the vendors and bikes, there was a central food court, with plenty of picnic tables for all. The highlight of the delectable offerings were the homemade pies, which were being sold out of the side of the food building. Overall, it was another great meet for Perkiomen!! Pictured from top left: Mike and Kevin braving out the weather, the wooden motorcycle, Mudfish and the Indian he had for sale, and proof of the BMW parts Pip found. Pictured on the next page, clockwise from top left: Bob Preven and his metal artwork, one of the many signs touting Smitty for judge, Donny Spence, Bob Provencher loading his award-winning HarleyDavidson, Pip and yet another BMW part, and (center) a woman who walked around the meet with the sign selling a 1946 Cushman. LF

5 Perkiomen National Oley, Pennsylvania April 24-25,

The Rhinebeck Grand National Meet June 13, 2015 Rhinebeck, NY Last year s Rhinebeck National Meet turned out to not be the last year...as we have since found out Rhinebeck will continue.

I was also told it was to be Lou Rocket Re s last jump and I wanted to see that as well.

We had a great ride, encountering just the tiniest bit of rain on the way.

Besides the great ride up and back home (thanks to a friend of Pip s who turned us on to a beautiful back-road route), the highlight of the event was definitely those daredevils: our own Lou Rocket

6 The Rhinebeck Grand National Meet June 13, 2015 Rhinebeck, NY Last year s Rhinebeck National Meet turned out to not be the last year...as we have since found out Rhinebeck will continue. It will be held on July 1 and 2 of this year. However, last year, I thought it was the last year so figured I d better get my butt up there to check it out before it ended. I was also told it was to be Lou Rocket Re s last jump and I wanted to see that as well. Pip and I left the Island at top speed on our bikes, pausing only for breakfast at the Cracker Barrel just south of Rhinebeck. We had a great ride, encountering just the tiniest bit of rain on the way. The skies cleared as we got to the fairgrounds, which were packed with vendors, spectators, motorcycle parts, motorcycles and a few daredevils, too! Besides the great ride up and back home (thanks to a friend of Pip s who turned us on to a beautiful back-road route), the highlight of the event was definitely those daredevils: our own Lou Rocket Re and Doug Danger. Lou and Doug put on one fantastic motorcycle stunt show, which includes Lou s crowdpleasing jump on his 1969 American Eagle Laverda 750S motorcycle. I believe I speak for the club when I say a HUGE THANK YOU to Lou, Doug and their team for putting on a spectacular show. Thank you, Lou and Doug!! Pictured left, from top: Lou at the height of his jump, Doug Danger riding through the wall of fire (which Ronnie helped set up), and Ronnie, Pip and Layla. Pictured on the next page, clockwise from top: Lou on the ramp, an elder gentleman whom we spotted having the time of his life on that scooter, Bob Provencher intently focused while judging, Mike Mileto relaxing with the goodies he found at the swap meet, and Karen Valentine from Colonial and our own Wendy Spence working the registration table in the main building. LF 6

7 The Rhinebeck Grand National Meet June 13, 2015 Rhinebeck, NY 7

American Legion & Sandbar Motorcycle show and swap meet Bohemia, NY June 27, 2015 The Big Sandbar Chapter has been looking to host a motorcycle show and swap

The show was at Post 1146 s Bohemia clubhouse and featured three bike classes: Antique (1900-1950), Vintage (1951-1990) and Contemporary (1991present).

, 1937 Indian Scout; and 3rd- Smitty, 1946 American Moto-Scoot (pictured at right with Mudfish).

The Contemporary Winners were 1st-Layla, 1993 HD Sportster; 2nd Joe H., 2004 Indian Chief; and 3rd Stan H. 2003 HD Heritage Springer.

For a first-time event, held on an overcast day (Pip, Kevin and I were pelted with raindrops on our way home on 347), it was a wellattended event that all

8 American Legion & Sandbar Motorcycle show and swap meet Bohemia, NY June 27, 2015 The Big Sandbar Chapter has been looking to host a motorcycle show and swap meet with another group of local motorcyclists. Thanks to the efforts of Doug St. John, the club partnered up with Post 1146 of the American Legion. The show was at Post 1146 s Bohemia clubhouse and featured three bike classes: Antique ( ), Vintage ( ) and Contemporary (1991present). The Antique Class winners were: 1st -Paul L., 1946 Indian Chief; 2nd-Billy D., 1937 Indian Scout; and 3rd- Smitty, 1946 American Moto-Scoot (pictured at right with Mudfish). The Vintage Class win- ners were 1st -Tom, 1972 Triumph; 2nd Lou, 1974 Laverda SF2 750; and 3rd LW Murphy, 1983 HD FLHT. The Contemporary Winners were 1st-Layla, 1993 HD Sportster; 2nd Joe H., 2004 Indian Chief; and 3rd Stan H HD Heritage Springer. The meet also featured vendors, a food truck and a 50/50 raffle to benefit the American Legion. For a first-time event, held on an overcast day (Pip, Kevin and I were pelted with raindrops on our way home on 347), it was a wellattended event that all enjoyed. It went so well that we will be having another joint event with Post 1146 this year. LF It was great to see old friends while making new friends! Pictured above left, from left, with Charlie (white hat) are Doc, Charlie s nephew Randy, Charlie s daughter Kristy and Karen; above right, from left, Mike, Priscilla and Bob; below left, from left, Post 1146 s Dave, Jen, Ed and Big Joe; and below right, from left, Mike, Ronnie, Bill, Mudfish, Lou and Kevin. 8

American Legion & Sandbar Motorcycle show and swap meet Bohemia, NY June 27, 2015 Pictured above left: Pip and Sandbar friend Peter Nettesheim with one of Peter s first BMWs (and how long ago was

Shelter Island Run & BBQ August 14, 2015 by Claire Sarser As the sun peeked through the window and the alarm went off, my first thought was, Nooooo! Let me sleep!

We caught up with Layla riding on 347, and as we drove up to the diner were shocked to see about 15 motorcycles! Then we realized they were all BMWs and not our group.

Bob lead us on some lovely roads through Manorville, Calverton, Jamesport and more points east to the North Ferry.

9 American Legion & Sandbar Motorcycle show and swap meet Bohemia, NY June 27, 2015 Pictured above left: Pip and Sandbar friend Peter Nettesheim with one of Peter s first BMWs (and how long ago was that!?!), a 1951 R51/3, which he recently finished restoring about three years ago. Pictured above right, is Sandbar member Tom Duignan with his 1948 Indian Chief. Shelter Island Run & BBQ August 14, 2015 by Claire Sarser As the sun peeked through the window and the alarm went off, my first thought was, Nooooo! Let me sleep! Then I remembered it was the day of the Big Sandbar Shelter Island Run and BBQ. Up I leapt (OK, crawled) out of bed, got ready and headed off to the Paradise to meet up with everyone. We caught up with Layla riding on 347, and as we drove up to the diner were shocked to see about 15 motorcycles! Then we realized they were all BMWs and not our group. Minutes later the rest of our group Lou, Ronnie and Sammie pulled up and off we headed to meet Bob in Wading River. Bob lead us on some lovely roads through Manorville, Calverton, Jamesport and more points east to the North Ferry. The ride was pleasant, meandering, a good pace, had beautiful scenery, very little stopping and, best of all, no traffic! The club should elect Bob as the official ride leader!!! After the ferry trip (where Layla bought Lou, but that s a story for another time), and a quick ride, we arrived at the Shelter Island home of Mary and Ron Sr. where we were, as always, greeted warmly. Ron Sr. lent us his van for a quick supermarket run, where Pip unexpectedly met up with a friend in the parking lot. We picked up basic BBQ essentials, including $23 cherries, and headed back to the Wilsons where we found that Ali, Bill, Wendy and Donny had arrived. We spent a beautiful summer afternoon feasting, chatting, laughing and catching up with friends. This is what summer is about. To those who couldn t make it, you missed a great day. Special thanks to Mary and Ron Sr. for your hospitality and to Ron Jr. for your grilling skills. The usual crew of suspects on the ferry, from left, Lou, Ronnie, Pip, Layla and Bob. 9

Maryhaven Center of Hope Christmas Toy Brunch December 13, 2015 With record high temperatures for December reaching into the 60s, Big Sandbar members brought out their motorcycles in force to the

For the second year in a row, members brought the children s wrapped gifts to Benchwarmers in Mount Sinai rather than Maryhaven s Port Jefferson facility.

During the brunch, the club got to meet and welcome new members Tim Micca and Mark Booth. Welcome, Tim and Mark!

Members who rode included Doug 2010 HD Ultra Glide, Karen 1986 Honda Rebel, Pip 1937 R12 BMW, the transformation.

10 Maryhaven Center of Hope Christmas Toy Brunch December 13, 2015 With record high temperatures for December reaching into the 60s, Big Sandbar members brought out their motorcycles in force to the annual Big Sandbar-Maryhaven Center of Hope Charity Toy Brunch. For the second year in a row, members brought the children s wrapped gifts to Benchwarmers in Mount Sinai rather than Maryhaven s Port Jefferson facility. By doing this, it allows the children to experience all the joy of Christmas presents without the added stress and stimulus of an audience. During the brunch, the club got to meet and welcome new members Tim Micca and Mark Booth. Welcome, Tim and Mark! Unfortunately, due to a back injury, I was unable to ride, but it was great to see so many members on two wheels. Members who rode included Doug 2010 HD Ultra Glide, Karen 1986 Honda Rebel, Pip 1937 R12 BMW, the transformation. Also at the brunch were Laura, Joe, Smitty, Mudfish, Alice, Wendy, Donny, Claire, Ronnie, Henry and Jude. With so many generous Sandbar members participating, every child at Maryhaven received the gift they wrote to Santa and asked for, with many receiving additional gifts as well. A big thank you to all the members who helped make the holiday a little more merry for those in need, and a second thank Tim 1963 HD Pan/Shovel Chopper, you to Donny, Ron and Mudfish for Bill and Ali 1976 HD Shovel, Andriving their gift-packed trucks to dre 1998 HD Heritage Softail, Stane- Maryhaven to delivery the presents. ly 2004 Victory, Jim and Ann MaPictured above left, from left, with rie 1968 HD Electra Glide and Bill s custom motorcycle are Mudfish, Mark 2007 HD Street Bob. Ali, Ann Marie, Wendy, Pip, Karen, Pip won the award for oldest bike Tim, Jim, Doug, Laura, Joe and Bill; ridden with his 78-year-old BMW. the same members, minus Ali, Bill and Instead of a trophy or plague, though, Tim are pictured below left with Jim s his bike was turned into the motorcycle. Pictured below right, from Porcupine Bike by Lou, who painleft, are Alice, Karen, Mark and Henry stakingly added toothpick and drinking with Mark s motorcycle (better late straw quills to Pip s motorcycle for than never, Mark!). LF 10

11 Maryhaven Center of Hope Christmas Toy Brunch December 13, 2015 Pip and his Porcupine bike Pictured above, from left: Lou, Layla, Ron, Karen, Pip, Alice and Mudfish, and, below, from left: Bill, Ali, Wendy and Donny. Mmm, where else can I put quills? On the road again...heading back home after a great holiday brunch, compliments of the club! 11

Larry McLaughlin 1949 2015 Fond memories are forever to be cherished... As the acting director of the Big Sandbar Chapter, I am sometimes called upon to speak of the loss of one of our members.

In the past 40-plus years of my life in the motorcycle world, the loss of my friend Larry Mac has been one of the hardest. I first met Larry about 10 years ago.

I agreed to take on the job and, between us, we went about the job of procuring the necessary parts and doing the research.

When we first met we realized that both our children were collegiate soccer players, and we shared many hours discussing the woes and triumphs of the kids.

12 Larry McLaughlin Fond memories are forever to be cherished... As the acting director of the Big Sandbar Chapter, I am sometimes called upon to speak of the loss of one of our members. I have been involved in the motorcycle business and in the AM- CA for many years, and there have been some very close friends that have passed away throughout my involvement with the hobby. In the past 40-plus years of my life in the motorcycle world, the loss of my friend Larry Mac has been one of the hardest. I first met Larry about 10 years ago. He came to me with a recent purchase of a 1965 Panhead that he had just got and wanted to see if I could do some work on it to bring it up to 100 points in the AMCA judging system. I agreed to take on the job and, between us, we went about the job of procuring the necessary parts and doing the research. It was the love of the research and the passion we share for the old motorcycles that kindled our friendship, but we came to become good friends and even business partners for many other reasons. When we first met we realized that both our children were collegiate soccer players, and we shared many hours discussing the woes and triumphs of the kids. As I got to know Larry more and more, I found that his love of family and his dedication to his friends was what drove him. Our conversations and trips to all over the country were filled with great fun, and I know that his friendship and wisdom has made me a better man. I could go on and on about our escapades, but those memories are there for all time and will stay with me as I ride my bikes and go to AMCA events and do my research and hug my children and kiss my wife. That is what good friendship brings me. I am a lucky man to have been friends with Larry Mac. Keith Mudfish Moser 12

Steve Sorensen 1954 2016 To the surprise of the motorcycle community, it was announced that longtime Big Sandbar member Steve Sorensen passed away in his sleep on January 23, 2016.

Steve was also very active in the local chapter of ABATE, as both an officer and member. With plans to move south, he sold his school.

Driving School, taking on the world of big-rig driving instruction and helping students obtain their CDL licenses.

13 Steve Sorensen To the surprise of the motorcycle community, it was announced that longtime Big Sandbar member Steve Sorensen passed away in his sleep on January 23, The cause of death is as of yet undetermined. Well-known in the motorcycle world, Steve founded the popular On The Road Again motorcycle riding school, where he taught countless numbers of riders. Steve was also very active in the local chapter of ABATE, as both an officer and member. With plans to move south, he sold his school. Before he made the move, though, he realized he missed teaching and started not only Steve s Motorcycle School, which would continue his personal style of motorcycle instruction, but also ONTRA Driving School, taking on the world of big-rig driving instruction and helping students obtain their CDL licenses. ONTRA s tractor trailers could be seen throughout Long Island and, when not in use, parked prominently off the Long Island Expressway as a mobile billboard. A true rider, it seemed Steve was riding motorcycles before he could even walk! The man thought nothing of riding up to Massachusetts for lunch and then riding back to Long Island for dinner. He rode hard and he rode long...and was always available to help friends, students and strangers alike in furthering their riding knowledge and experience. Whether it was a short hop to a local country-and-western bar with a few friends or leading a group ride on an extended day of touring throughout Jersey, Upstate New York, Connecticut and beyond, Steve was always ready for the ride. Unfortunately, this past fall, Steve was forced off the road by a driver who claimed not to have seen Steve while changing lanes on the Long Island Expressway. After a hospital stay, Steve was home recuperating and in true Steve fashion turning his negative experience into something positive for the motorcycling community. Just two days before he passed, he posted an announcement on Facebook about his newest LI ABATE project: producing wallet-sized, trifold emergency contact cards for bikers to keep in their wallets should they be injured in an accident and unable to provide critical information to first responders, police and/or hospital personnel. The cards would include emergency contact information, as well as if the rider had pets that would need looking after. On the day Steve passed, he had plans to pick up the Harley Davidson dresser he was purchasing to replace the Harley he lost in the accident. At present, it is not known if his death was related to his recent accident. LI ABATE has stated that they will provide updates on their Facebook page as to the cause of death and when and where a memorial motorcycle ride, which will be held in place of a funeral, will be held, projecting that it will probably be some time this spring or summer. Steve will be greatly missed by all. Layla Ferrante 13

2016 Calendar 2016 Date Event Location March 4-5 Sunshine Chapter National Meet New Smyrna Beach, FL April 22-23 Perkiomen Chapter Meet Oley, PA May 20-22 Southern National Meet Denton, NC May 27-29

14 2016 Calendar 2016 Date Event Location March 4-5 Sunshine Chapter National Meet New Smyrna Beach, FL April Perkiomen Chapter Meet Oley, PA May Southern National Meet Denton, NC May European Chapter Meet Raalte, Netherlands May AMCA Lucas Oil Vintage MC Classic Birmingham, AL June 1-2 Phoenix Road Runner Chapter Nat. Meet Kanab, UT June Viking Chapter Meet St. Paul, MN June Fort Sutter Chapter Meet Dixon, CA July 1-2 Rhinebeck National Meet Rhinebeck, NY July Wauseon National Meet Wauseon, OH August 5-7 Yankee Chapter Meet Hebron, CT September 6-8 Roosevelt Chapter National Road Run Detroit Lakes, MN September Blue Ridge Chapter National Road Run Ashville, NC September 30-October 1 Chesapeake Chapter Meet Jefferson, PA October 3-5 Sunflower Chapter National Road Run Junction City, KS Swap & Shop Please send your ads, including photos, to: layla.ferrante@yahoo.com 14 For Sale: Serious Buyers Only Assorted New York cycle plates 1916 to 2016 Complete 100 year 1916 to 2016 run 25 dealer plates Large amount of 2- and 3-digit plates Smitty

Maryhaven Center of Hope Annual Christmas Toy Run

Big Sandbar Chapter Winter 2013 Issue 13: 1 Antique Motorcycle Club of America Maryhaven Center of Hope Annual Christmas Toy Run Long Island New York AMA Sanctioned Vintage Motorcycle Show & Swap Meet