GOLD CLASSIC XXI - RUTLAND, VT.
(Submitted by George Ramsey, PA State Director)
Ruth and I left on Saturday the 10th of July for Rutland, VT to attend the 21st Gold Classic. The ride was uneventful traveling mostly on interstates. At least we were dry all the way. We made the 373 miles in 6 ½ hours.
After checking in, we said hi to other early arrivals including Barbara and Joe Lopez, the event coordinators. We also were delighted to see Lana Smith who we hadn’t seen in years. She’s a good friend and we missed her. Later in the day, six of our Chapter B friends showed up and more were to come in on Sunday. Bob and Linda Comeau took us for fried lobster and sea scallops at the Weathervane Restaurant and back to the motel to call it a night.
Sunday morning, we had breakfast at the motel then headed for the Quechee Gorge. Bob and Linda Comeau led 20 bikes on what was a very nice scenic ride. This was the early bird ride and it was good to see so many people take advantage of the Comeau’s hard work in setting up the ride. Though we’ve been to the gorge before, the ride was different and it’s always interesting. For lunch some of us had hot dogs or salads or even corn on the cob cooked in the husk over hot coals. Good stuff!!!! The ride back was just as good.
Monday morning, we walked to Denny’s for breakfast and then back to motel for a group-riding seminar by Bill Naughton of Illinois. He did a real nice job. Bill was to lead a ride to Ben and Jerry’s ice cream plant, but some of us chose to ride to the Floating Bridge. This bridge floats on styrofoam and has about six or eight inches of water at each end. The wood has moss or some slimy material and seems very slippery so we didn’t try to cross. Later we learned that some brave souls did indeed ride across and they said there was no problem. OKAY!! W e had lunch on the way back to the motel where Ruthie and I sold 50/50 tickets until 6:30 when Ruthie went to bingo and I attended my first business meeting as a state director. The meeting was interesting and well run. Later on, Rock Miller of the HOW ARE YOU DOING ROUTINE FAME came by to help sell 50/50s and gave us quite a boost. Thanks Rock.
Tuesday we had a breakfast buffet (included in registration ) and at 9 A.M. we headed as a group (actually two groups ) led by Joe Lopez and Kenny Pichette to Lake George for a dinner cruise around the lake. The food was very good, the weather was good and we had music for dancing. Our Chapter B was well represented on the dance floor. After the cruise, we headed back to the motel where we socialized in the hospitality room until it was time to get ready for the ICE CREAM SOCIAL. YEAH!! What a neat treat the New York group set up for us. Ben and Jerry’s ice cream with all the fixings, including sprinkles (which the Massachusetts folks call Jimmies, I think). After the ice cream, it was time to line up for the light show. I was personally disappointed at the small turnout for something that is a lot of fun. Maybe some of you don’t participate because you think you won’t win, but for me you win just by giving enjoyment to all the spectators. I might be wrong but I think everyone got an award. Congratulations!
Wednesday after breakfast at Denny’s we set out for Smugglers Notch. But it started to rain and since discretion is the better part of not getting wet, we headed back. We just kicked back and relaxed until we went for Chinese food. Later at 7:30, we had a Rockin’ in Rutland Karaoke party and what a blast. The frustrated entertainer in some of us really came out but there was one very talented young lady (Don and Lucille Freeman’s daughter Amy) whose rendition of Crazy really blew us away. Barb and Joe, this was great!!!
Thursday it was raining, so we went to Denny’s in Bob’s Expedition. We met John and Holly Dewald there and talked them into riding with us to the Country Store. We also showed them the Quechee Gorge and the world’s longest two span covered bridge. Every once in awhile the sun would come out and John would comment that we should be on motorcycles, but then it would pour again. Oh well, it was fun anyway.
The banquet started at 6:00 P.M. with a cash bar and then we ate. The food was very good and plentiful. After recognition of the executive board members, the awards were given for bike show, light show, poker run, and field events (held indoors). Our Chapter B members took quite a few individual honors and I was proud of the fact that our newsletter was recognized as the best this year and especially proud that Pennsylvania had the best representation at this Gold Classic. This is a plaque that we all can treasure, at least until next year, when we hopefully will win it again.
In closing, let me say WELL DONE to Barbara Baby, Joe, Lana, Bob and Linda for recommending the Holiday Inn at Rutland and anyone who helped make this Gold Classic a memorable one.
Your Friend In A.G.W.A. Always,
George Ramsey