Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Turn 1 by Tim Smith As we lean into the first curve of 2009 it is good to know that the tires have lots of tread and the air pressure is right. 2008 brought storms, cancelled rides, job changes, and many other issues that kept many of us from riding as much as we would have liked, but still there were those good moments. There are always good moments when you ride a sport bike and find a curvy road. I found a few this year For me, it was my first ( of many, I hope) year to ride with Caleb, a new young rider that already understands sport touring and has a respect for this group of old guys on fast bikes.

The Louisiana HSTA chapter can be confident as we get up to speed in this new year, because "Ninja" Bob Chappuis will once again assume his rightful place as LA state director. Bob has both hands firmly on the bars (counter) steering us into the twisties of this new year. Bob will really just be taking back the title and getting the credit for the job he has already been doing. Between creating and editing the newsletter and managing the website, we ALL owe a great measure of thanks to Bob. We are very lucky to have someone who loves this sport and cares enough about this group to give so much of his time and talent. As my last act before being promoted to "member" I officially speak for The LA HSTA in saying "Thank you, Bob! Well Done!"

Thanks Tim, for the very kind words and for a year's respite. I needed it! But to be honest, with the name change and lots of great online developments^* I am actually excited about the future of our club - whatever we name it - and many more years of great sport touring club experiences! Note: Yes, this "Holiday Issue" of the LA Sport Touring News is very late due to unavoidable circumstances. I thought about scrapping the Christmas theme but I like it so much I left it! ^*Speaking of online developments if you have not visited www.ridehsta.com recently you need to check out the new website and online forum. Our rarely used Yahoo group site is no more, replaced by our own Louisiana sub-forum (called a "child board" on this forum software) on the new FORUM. Scroll down below the GENERAL and STAR REVIEW sections to the STATES and REGIONS section and find South Central Region. You need not join to view messages (but you must to post). I encourage all Louisiana members to join the new forum and participate. This is a great way to stay up to date national goings-on and optimize your club enjoyment.

MEMBER CONTRIBUTION

Why I ride…
By Dave Dickson

The sensation is very much like snow skiing. It is much cheaper than skiing and more convenient too.

When I have to take a continuing education class for work, or attend a company meeting, I look forward to going because of the ride there and back. I rationalize danger and slight inconvenience of dressing in all the gear by the money I am saving/making on gas over the gas used driving my pick-up. My company pays mileage for these trips. I know that statistically, riding doesn't stack up too well. David Hough's books and the Hurt study help though. In those references, we find the un-schooled, the un-trained and the un-disciplined are over represented. And always they include the alcohol (ETC) impaired. I am an ATTGATT rider and do not fall into any preceding higher statistically crash group. Before every ride I go through the following thoughts…

"Am I ready to put myself in danger and at risk? Am I willing to put my family at emotional turmoil in the case I crash? Am I mentally ready to ride; to pay attention and stifle my road rage if I am infringed upon"? I carry lots of extra life insurance (millions), extra disability insurance and vehicle insurance to mitigate any financial burdens to the family if I am taken out of action or just taken out.

So why do I ride? The joy of being outside, the joy of acceleration, the "aliveness" of feeling and smelling the rushing air, the sense of accomplishment at turning and stopping with precision are a good starting point. The satisfaction of correctly predicting what other drivers are going to do, maybe even before they know themselves is rewarding. I enjoy the strong powerful acceleration of making a pass. I love the camaraderie of friends and strangers, who are envious or just curious.

The focus that riding takes is also similar to being a private pilot. The concentration of operating the machine, navigating and avoiding dangers take all over your thoughts and you forget all else. It is the now, the moment. Snow skiing fast does this too. Some listen to music while they ski or ride. I don't. The noise of the wind, and that is all that I can hear at speed, is enough. I sing badly and the noise of the wind, like the acoustics of the shower, muffle, alter and improve my terrible singing enough to be entertaining.

If flying a light general aviation plane cost the same for the same number of hours, I'd be flying. But the sense of freedom on the bike is my Cessna, Piper or Pitts.

Great read, Dave...now I understand your slalom-like riding style a little better Ed.

CLUB NEWS

LAHSTA CAJUN CHRISTMAS 2008

Cajun Christmas was another great success for 2008, with HSTA members attending from LA, TX, MO, KS, OK, IN, OH, NC and WA. Yes, that's WASHINGTON STATE! We had about 38 people pre-registered but three ended up being unable to attend due to illness or work commitments. Since we usually have quite a few attendees who come down from the FRIGID NORTH there is always a concern that some will be unable to make the trip due to winter weather conditions but this year the winter storms stayed away. Although north Louisiana weather was a little colder than normal we did have a good amount of sunshine and NO rain!

After 3 full hours Friday morning just packing up the Chevy Express Cargo Van, AKA: Mother Ship, with food, equipmant and supplies, Stacie and I headed for Jimmie Davis State Park via Natchez, MS. Stacie had recently researched Mammy's Cupboard http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/3344 on Hwy 61 just south of Natchez and wanted to try it for lunch, which we did. It was quite busy and the customers seemed to be about 2/3rds local, always a good omen. Our sandwiches proved delicious (mine a Rueben, Stacie's a roast pork loin sandwich with two sides plus tea), but most folks were ordering one of two plate lunches. All reasonably priced. !FUTURE LUNCH RIDE DESTINATION!

We arrived at Jimmie Davis State Park a short time after 3:00 pm check-in, just behind other Louisiana members, Cajun Christmas founder Kent Treas & wife Evelyn, in their travel trailer hauling their ST1100, and Tim Cundiff on his Suzuki Bandit just plain HAULING. As we parked at our Cabin we were immediately greeted by two of our Cabin Mates waiting for somebody with a KEY. Long time good friend Jimmie Girton of Kansas and new good friend Bill Van Evera of Oklahoma. After unpacking his Valkyrie Bill immediately began chopping firewood and soon had a nice fire going in our fireplace. Our fourth Cabin mate, none other than HSTA Prez. Dave "Brick" Brickner soon arrived from North Carolina after a long, cold ride. He was no doubt happy to see Bill's fire!

More bikes and autos soon began to arrive steadily including Drew Newcomer our Cajun Christmas co-conspirator and Friday's dinner organizer, and past LA State Director Juan Quinton and wife Beryl. Other loyal Cajun Christmas veterans Dog Maddocks & wife Mary Jane, Buckie and Carol Buckerfield and Brad and Cinda Mobley soon rolled in from Texas bringing with them new friends Vincent and Mayda Wells. Other notable (read notorious) Texans included stand up comic Steve West and Charcoal Engineer Bob Burditt on their FJR1300s; Hank Myers on his VFR, Bob Mizner and Craig Henderson (BMW & HD I think).

Next to arrive were the St Louis, MO. Hooligans, led by Mother LaMear, and Steve "Santa Claus" Kirkendoll from Indiana. The MO Hooligans included Randy Murdick and SO with another couple whose names I failed to record, Jim Coleman, Larry Taylor, and Jeff & Rick Reddington. Long distance honors went to Dan Thomas of Port Angeles, WA. Dan brought along his riding buddy Rod Fors of New Orleans. I guess it was not far enough for Dan so he road an extra 200 miles south and east to NOLA to pick up Rod first!

We spent a lot of time in the parking areas in front of the cabins doing meet & greet and before we knew it, it was time to get ready for our catered dinner. Delton, our caterer and his crew were already setting up. As darkness fell everyone made their way to the pavilion (several squeezing in among the junk in the Mother Ship) for a delicious meal of fried catfish, greens, fried okra, rice dressing, hushpuppies, cake and cobbler. Including Drew's mom & dad we had 36 for dinner. The food was plentiful and ALL delicious, Delton and crew definitely know Country Cooking!

I could see everyone was enjoying the great food and company but the temperature was getting a bit nippy and when all forks were finally laid to rest I quickly offered a motion that the group adjourn to Cabin 12 for our rider's meeting and Egg Nog. The motion was unanimously approved and we all quickly made our way to the warm cabin for more festivities. Drew and I had printed Lunch Ride route sheets and maps for everyone and these were studied carefully by several riders. Meanwhile the eggnog and other adult beverages flowed liberally and conversations were lively. After an hour or so folks began to drift off to their own cabins in twos and threes but the hard core partiers held out til near 11:00 despite the 200 mile lunch ride scheduled for the next day. We may be an aging crowd but some of us still party as hard as we ride!

Saturday morning dawned clear and cold (cold for me anyway at about 35 degrees). Bill already had a fire going when I got up to make coffee around 7:00 am. Jimmie and Brick were up as well. We waited around for the sun to warm things up and by 9:30 it was up to 40. Time to ride. I threw my tank bag on my SV650, hooked up my electric vest and slipped some chemical heaters in my winter gloves. I led a small group consisting Brick, Hank Myers and Bill. Stacie had convinced Jimmie to stay behind and help her cook gumbo and make Jell-O shots. I had programmed Drew's lunch ride route into my GPS but had clearly done something very wrong. Before we were 5 miles from the park the silly device was behaving like it had sampled the Jell-o shots, telling me to make a U-Turn every few miles! Fortunately I had a pretty good idea of the route in my head and I managed to avoid all but one bad turn that cost us about 10 extra miles. Drew had added a nice northern loop to our old route and we covered some gently hilly terrain and fairly scenic farm and woodlands at a moderate pace. We passed three bikes travelling rapidly in the other direction. I wondered if they were lost or just running the route in reverse.

We completed the north loop and then rejoined the old route and Hwy 126 and enjoyed some true twisties but after a few clear miles got stuck behind a pickup truck for several miles. The pickup was not moving slow for a four wheel vehicle, just a little slower than our pace so I opted to obey the double yellow. We arrived at the Caboose Café in Jena shortly after Noon, joined by Tom Bartels who had taken an alternate route on his ST1300. A few of the St. Louis crowd were finishing up a late breakfast. Unlike previous years there was no large crowd at any one time which may have been a good thing as there seemed to be only one waitress working.

After a pleasant meal I led our group back via a shortcut as I needed to get back to prepare for the evenings activities. We stopped for gas in Jena, where Good Samaritan Brick assisted an elderly lady driving an elderly auto to fill up with gasoline. She apparently had some physical infirmities but our Prez was quick to come to her aid! What a guy!

About halfway back to the park, I noticed three of the group had lost contact. I slowed for a while and then stopped. It turned out I had lost my audio mixer and Hank had turned around to retrieve it for me. Brick and Bill had stopped to see if Hank was OK. I had not even noticed the mixer exit my tank bag (I was not using it at the time). Amazingly it was barely scratched and still works. Kudos to John Brown for his great product at www.mixitproducts.com.

When we got back to Cabin 12 around 3:00 pm the delightful aroma of GUMBO filled the air. We each got a small sampler! Yum! I made a run to the grocery store in Chatham for ice and some last minute items. I met with Drew and Grillmeister Bob Burditt to finalize plans. Bob wanted to start grilling early so everyone could eat at the same time so I began making delivery trips to the pavilion, charcoal, hamburger patties, Cajun sausage, lighting for the grill, etc. Everything was falling into place. One of our recent Cajun Christmas traditions, Jim Poulos's Blow- up Santa on a Motorcycle, was inflated and the tables full of condiments and utensils. One more run with the van for Gumbo, Jell-O shots and our passengers.

By 6:00 pm the pavilion was already filling with folks, hamburgers and sausage were coming off the grill and the tables were beginning to fill up. Burditt did an awesome job at the grill and I thought Stacie's gumbo was even better than usual (if that is even possible)! A bonus ENTRE this year was a special new recipe that Evie Treas had been wanting to try: "White Chili". Made with chicken instead of beef, I initially thought it was a rather daring departure from the norm but it proved to be delicious! I will be begging Evie to cook it again next year! Although we again had more burgers and sausage than our crowd could consume, the gumbo and chili quickly disappeared.

With everyone's appetite appeased, it was time for our famous Cajun Gift Exchange. There were 31 participants this year and some truly nice gifts, including a Crown Royal gift set, some fancy tool sets, exotic flashlights, and winter motorcycle gloves which I managed to take home. There was even a Harley Davidson shirt! Several gifts were stolen for the maximum 3 times and went home with some very pleased owners. On the other hand there were a few gifts that could not even be given away but for sure tremendous fun was had by all. With 31 gifts the exchange went on for a while but time flies when you are having a ball. By the time the exchange was completed it was time to pack up. It always amazes me how quickly this happens when everyone pitches in! Vehicles were soon heading back to Cabin Row. A few hung around Cabin 12 for some final refreshments and lie swapping but most had early departure plans and turned in early.

I awakened Sunday morning shortly after daylight to the sound of Bill's Valkyrie warming up. I got up and made coffee as Jimmie and Brick were donning their cold weather gear and riding suits. I grabbed my camera and went outside to see them off and shoot a couple of parting shots. Several groups had made early departures to cover long distances but a few of remaining departees came by to say good bye as I was packing the van. Everyone seemed to have had a genuinely great time and that is indeed rewarding. Stacie and I rolled out about 10:30, moving at a leisurely pace. After a brunch in Chatham (disappointing after all the other wonderful meals of the weekend) we had an uneventful trip home, reminiscing on the weekend fun and making plans for an event better Cajun Christmas in 2009…DON'T MISS IT!

PRODUCT REVIEW

Vaso Heated glove Liners

These are glove liners with small, battery powered heating elements positioned at the tip of each finger and thumb. They are made of a thin, stretchy material and are comfortable to wear. I have have used these 7 0r 8 times now, but so far only down to 37 degrees F and mostly for my 40 mile morning commute. They do not really get hot or even very warm. However they do seem to keep my fingers from getting numb. I have a mild case of a condition (self diagnosed) called Reynuad's Syndrome and my fingers get dangerously numb riding in any temperature below 40 degrees, even with heated grips. If I could keep my finger tips firmly in contact with the heated grips at all times I might be fine but within 30 miles, just using the front brake would have my two brake lever fingers in the cold air stream enough to make them numb to the point I cannot feel the lever. That is just too dangerous in addition to uncomfortable and it has substantially limited my winter riding. With the Vasos on and powered up my fingers do not get got numb. This is using 2700 ah rechargeables, Vaso recommends Lithiums for colder weather. The gloves are far from perfect. Fitment is critical and the large size I bought is slightly to long in the fingers yet too tight elsewhere. It takes a minute or two to get the heating elements positioned correctly. They also take some time to remove gently so as to avoid possibly damaging the wiring. The battery holders do not fit well inside the snug fitting sleeves of may favorite winter jacket. I must take care in zipping my sleeve closures and pulling on my gloves that I do not dislodge the magnetic battery caps. A few times I was thinking the were not working only to find on arrival that the batter caps had lost contact. All in all, I am glad I bought them and plan to use them regularly. I think the underlying vaso technology does work and that they are well made. I cannot say if they would help someone who does not have the circulation problem I apparently have. I use an electric vest rather than an electric liner with sleeves so 12v electric gloves are not really an option for me so these battery powere liners are a good solution for now. Eventually I will switch to a sleeved jacket liner with plus 12v heated gloves when my portfolio recovers. But for now I am glad to have the Vasos.

NOTE: Since I wrote this review the Vaso website that I ordered my goves from http://www.vaso.tv, for $95.00 is gone, replaced by the above website. Also the AA battery version is apparently no longer availabe replaced by what looks like the same glove but using a proprietary rechargeable battery pack. This change would seem to address my main complaint with these gloves but the price has increased to $169.00.

UPCOMING RIDES

JANUARY LUNCH RIDE
Saturday January 31st

MEET: Starbucks on College Dr., Baton Rouge at 9:30, RIDE at 10:00

LUNCH: MORTONS or FRIENDS in MADISONVILLE

This is a route suggested by Rick Spiller: Old Perkins around to Airline Hwy, south to Hwy 42, past Amite River at Fred's landing, take a right on 16 for a few miles, pick up Hwy 22, which hugs the river for a few miles (a few nice twisties), through Springfield (after crossing the Tickfaw River) staying on the old Highway through Pontchatoula south of Hammond and on to Madisonville. Lunch at Mortons or Friends on the water.

TENTATIVE

FEBRUARY LUNCH RIDE
TIME AND DATE TBA

LUNCH will be at Bar B Q Station in Independence

This restuarant, located in an old gas station has been purchased by a fellow Tiger Track Days rider and word on the street is that the food is great. I propose we try it out and throw a fellow rider some business.

MARCH LUNCH RIDE
TIME AND DATE TBA

LUNCH will be at MAMMY's CUPBOARD, NATCHEZ

See my writeup in the Cajun Christmas story above.

SWITCHBACKS by Lee Nangle So the HSTA has voted to change the name.... Well, we all knew that the Honda moniker didn't make sense anymore. There is apt to be a little sadness associated with the history and heritage of the organization, but to have any chance of growing, or even surviving for long, something bold had to be done. If you are concerned that things will not be the same, stop it. They don't need to be the same, they need to be better.

You are not going to change the way we ride, and you aren't going to change your commitment to safety, and you are certainly not going to quit being a group of friendly, caring and helpful people, who just happen to love sport touring on motorcycles. And now, you are not going to be a n organization that pretty soon would have been only a few aging riders who likes to talk about how much fun they used to have. It is a good move. So you need a more accurate name, that describes who you are and what you do. You are a pretty diverse group, you attract all kinds of bikes and all kinds of riders (case in point, ME) You probably have more fun riding than just about any other riding group, and it is time you shared the secret. So what is the new name going to be? Let's review some of the choices that I have heard kicked around. ASTA - American Sport Touring Association NSTA - National Sport Touring Association STAA - Sport Touring Association of America These are some obvious picks, but since you are making a bold move, you could make it more interesting, fun and timely. Let me throw a few ideas out there. USTA -United Sport Touring Association ( with the slogan "we USTA be the HSTA") In this historic electoral year, you could pay tribute, and rename the group BOSTA - Barack Obama Sport Touring association ( you think he knows what Sport touring is?) With Latino immigration a major issue, you could honor your present and future Spanish members and call the group "HASTA" Lets not rule out an influx of Jamaican riders, that might like to be "RASTA"(mon) And of course for the Italians in your ranks..."PASTA" could be a tasty choice. Since we are talking about inclusion, you could just replace the HONDA with the inclusion of all the motorcycles you ride, but you have to know that the literature and propaganda material would be a little cluttered. And those sew-on patches would be a bitch. HYKSTBMWHDVADKTMBMGHSTA .... maybe not. Somebody always gets left out of these things. If you were wondering if "I" had an opinion on all this, then this is obviously your first time to read Switchbacks, because opinions is what I do. I have given it some thought and I think the name choice is staring us in the face. It is obvious, really when you really think about it F.A.S. T. Is this the right choice? "F-ing A it is. But what do I know? I'm just a girl. Ride happy Lea

FOR SALE

Putting the SV up for sale. I bought it new in June 2007. It is the ABS version and has 2100 miles on it. I put padded handgrips on it, a headlight modulator, and hyperlites on the back. Oil was changed at 600 miles and 2000. I dropped it coming off a swingarm stand and there is a little ding in the gas tank. Would like to get around $4200 for it. It is a hoot to ride and in good shape. Garage kept. I am just not riding it enough. Could you please circulate this to anyone that might be interested. Thanks, Drew Newcomer 318-396-6077 ride2red AT comcast DOT net

That is it for 2008! Thanks to each of you who have participated in club activities. And special thanks to those who have helped out and offered moral support. MERRY CHRISTMAS and a Prosperous and Healthy NEW YEAR to all of you. Your input - ideas, suggestions, comments, complaints - are vital to our club's success, KEEP IN TOUCH!
(225)281-0799 (Cell).
and Ride Safe,

Bob Chappuis