Club History.
1984
A band of gay cyclists formed to create Boston's first gay men's motorcycle club. The effort included people like Bob Graham, J.J. Smith, Don Homer, Jeff Zirpolo, Laurent Perrin (here from Switzerland with his BMW), George Souza, and others. Membership was about 10 men. There were no formalized road rules. Travelling with this band was fun, but it was every woman for herself. The formation of the club started late in July and by fall had waned. Bob Graham was elected as the first Riders M.C. Captain. By 1985, the band had dispersed. This group chose the name of Riders M.C. and all rides originated from the Ramrod.
1988
A group of like-minded interested cyclists resolved to start anew a gay men's motorcycle club. The effort began pre-season and was spearheaded by Jeff Zirpolo, Scott Coviello, Greg Luther, Michael Desplaines and Joe Bradbury. Interested cyclists were attracted by flyers in the Ramrod. Initial meetings were called in early spring. Road rules were discussed and group riding was studied. The association resolved there would be no dues and no officers. The few rules adopted stated, members must own and operate motorcycles, be gay and not drive drunk. Address and telephone lists were available at every meeting. These lists were updated constantly as the membership grew and was the means for all members (new and current) to meet and establish friendships.
This original group, elected to continue this cause with the original name Riders M.C. The first ride of the season was led by Scott Coviello through Jamaica Plain, Milton, and out to route 128. The major runs of this year were the White Mountains with Bob Walsh and the Race Point (Provincetown) Run in September. The club started sponsoring bar activities and special events. These activities helped finance a newsletter for our activities and spurned lots of goodwill. By fall, membership peaked at about 55 members. Fallen Riders Paul Caron, Mark Marino, and Derek Reilly were in attendance for the annual Race Point Run. During this year, Riders M.C. collected gifts for PWA's (Persons With AIDS) in memory of Fallen Rider Paul Caron.
1989
By spring of 1989, Riders M.C. finally chose and refined a logo. This logo was prepared by non-member Larry Poor, and was used to make patches and T-shirts. Through trial and error, and burgeoning membership, the club resolved an elected body of officers was necessary to oversee and facilitate the planning of all club activities. The officers included: Courtney Furno, Captain; P.J. Coache, Treasurer; Scott Coviello, Scribe; Jeff Zirpolo, Joe Bradbury, Rick Brennan, and Bob Walsh, Road Captains.
This year's runs included repeated trips to the White Mountains and Provincetown. A new run took the club to Montreal where friendships were formed with the Spartiates motorcycle club. The club also went to Riverside Amusement Park in Agawam, MA, Hammond Castle in Gloucester, MA, and many visits to the Yukon Trading Co. club in Providence, RI. The club sponsored the first Mr. Boston Leather Contest. (The winner of our contest then went up against other contestants from around the world, at the International Mr. Leather contest in Chicago.) The club also produced the Mr. New England Drummer contest at the Villa Victoria Center in Boston. (The winner of our contest then went up against other contestants, at the Mr. Drummer contest in San Francisco.)
Membership by August included 85 cyclists from all across New England. Most large runs or meetings boasted about 35 cyclists, small day or night rides always attracted a dozen members. Fallen Rider Rick Allen of Maine was lost to a heart attack in the Fall. A spectacular Christmas dinner was provided by Dennis Samson in Middleboro, MA. Christmas gifts were again collected and dispersed in memory of Paul Caron, spearheaded by P.J. Coache, Strider Pineo, and Scott Coviello.
1990
Riders leadership team included: Jeff Zirpolo, Captain; P.J. Coache, Treasurer; Scott Coviello, Scribe; Courtney Furno, Bob Walsh, Bob Long, and Marc Belisle, Road Captain. In July, Scott Coviello passed away. Dennis Sampson was appointed Scribe. Dennis Samson led the troops to Montreal for the second straight year. A $500 3-bike trailer was purchased for club property as a part of a support vehicle. Dan Hardy made his last run to Hill, NH, and passed away shortly thereafter. The club sponsored the Mr. Boston Leather contest again, and this year our winner, Mark Ryan, won in Chicago. The club also repeated the Mr. New England Drummer at the Villa Victoria.
Our first panel of the International AIDS Memorial Quilt, had the names of Fallen Riders Scott Coviello, J.J. Smith, and Mike Toomey inscribed. Memorable events included Dennis Samson blessing the bikes in the Ramrod and the Holiday dinner prepared by Bob Walsh and held at the Ramrod. A different event was held at the Ramrod to facilitate fundraising for PWA's. The Captain's Cup was awarded to Dennis Samson for his love and generosity, contributions over the year. New destinations included the Berkshires. The membership was held at about 85.
1991
Riders officers this year were: Bob Walsh, Captain; Tom Hunt, Scribe; Jim Conroy, Treasurer; George Souza, Marc Belisle, Dennis Samson, P.J. Coache and Glenn Mushnick, Road Captains. Also a new position of Safety Officer was created with Bart Foster serving this year. Destinations included Brattleboro, VT, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Montreal, and Provincetown. Although Mr. Boston Leather was a success for the club, Mr. New England Drummer was not. It was a shared financial disaster at the Cyclorama Arts Center for Riders M.C. and dreizehn (Boston's SM and Leather Club) The season also saw the inclusion of membership dues of $10, and the change of election dates.
Due to financial problems, Jim Conroy resigned as Treasurer, and he was replaced by Mike Benecick, who cleaned up the financial problems. The Christmas dinner was held at Dennis Samson's house with great color and ceremony. Some officers of Riders departed from Riders to form another club, the Iron Eagles, after the annual elections. A fundraiser consisting of a pie toss was held. A donation from the Estate of Fallen Rider Dan Hardy in the amount of $1000 was received. The Captain's Cup was presented to Tom Hunt in recognition of his efforts to re-vamp the newsletter. Membership dropped with the addition of annual dues to about 60.
1992
Officers this year were: Mike Merchant, Captain; Mike Benecick, Treasurer, Neil Allwood, Scribe; Rick Edson, Safety Officer; George Souza, Gerry O'Brien, Rick Baglione, and Steve Wellman, Road Captains. There were two new positions added with Marc Belisle as Quartermaster (property manager), and Jim Conroy as Public Relations Officer. Emergency road service numbers are added for member convenience. Membership resolved to enact bylaws. Membership dues were increased to $25. The winter coat room and fundraisers helped Riders M.C. to recover financial stability.
A free Anniversary Dinner (pictured above) was held to celebrate the start of the 5th riding season at Joseph's in Woburn. Members were also given new registered keychains and colors. Fallen Riders were remembered respectfully at this dinner. New destinations include Quebec; New London, CT; and Newport, RI, and returning rides of Brattleboro and Burlington, VT; Americade Touring Rally in Lake George, NY; Boston Gay Pride Parade; Loudon, NH; Richmond Corners Sauna in Lewiston and Ogunquit, ME; Mystic Seaport, CT; Montréal; Riverside Amusement Park in Agawam, MA; Topsfield Fair; Provincetown, MA; King Richard's Faire, and the display of the AIDS Quilt in Washington, DC. Due to failing health, Rick Baglione resigns as Road Captain. Alan Paonessa replaces Rick as Road Captain. New T-shirts are prepared with full-color club colors, CB Radios are purchased for club use. A buffet-style Holiday Party is arranged by David Oliver and Mark Nelson at the Gloucester grange hall, and is held in January due to a snowstorm. Membership is maintained at about 65.
1993
Officers this year were: Neil Allwood, Captain; Mike Benecick, Treasurer; John Becanitch, Scribe; Rick Edson, Safety Officer; Gerry O'Brien, Steve Wellman, Steve Morrison, Jeff Tucker and David Oliver, Road Captains; Marc Belisle, Quartermaster; and Gerry O'Brien, Public Relations. The Mr. Boston Leather contest raised money for the club and the Hospice at Mission Hill as well. The Anniversary Dinner was held at the Victoria Station in Burlington (pictured above), and leisurely ride led by Jim MacDonald preceding it. Several trips were made to Providence RI for club nights at the Yukon Trading Co. One member, Gerry O'Brien, met up with our friends, Empire City Motorcycle Club, in New York for a trip to Valinor Farms, PA during May. Unfortunately, some trips were cancelled due to weather or other factors, including trips to: Rocky Point Amusement Park,· New York City, Sebago Lake, Laconia, Whitewater Rafting, Fall River, Burlington VT, and Martha's Vineyard. A group of Riders attended the Americade Touring Rally in Lake George NY. After the Americade Rally, a smaller group traveled onward to Louisville KY, for a Gold Wing Rally and Grateful Dead concert.
A trip was made during the 4th of July weekend to Valinor Farms in PA, and Riders hosted several motorcycle and leather clubs. New member Larry Lamond hosted a wonderful weekend in July at his home in upstate ME. Larry made sure everyone had a good time and led us on a run through the wilds of ME. A pair of Riders made a trip to Crane's Beach in Ipswich for an afternoon. During August, a new destination was tried. Several Riders traveled to Maine and ferried across the Bay of Fundy to Nova Scotia. They then traveled around the peninsula and back through New Brunswick and down through Maine. A pair from this group opted to skip the New Brunswick portion and headed back to Maine directly.
Riders made the third annual trip to Lewiston ME, to the Richmond Corners sauna for a weekend in September. Some communications problems almost prevented Riders from making our visit to the Topsfield Fair in October, but the pair that attended had a good time. A final winding run was made to King Richard's Faire in Carver during mid-October. Riders always enjoy themselves at this run. A Halloween Horribles run was not possible on bikes due to rain, but Riders played dress-up at the Ramrod and had a great time. The year was wrapped up in December at the Annual Holiday Party and Elections, held at Donatello Ristorante in Saugus.
1994
Officers for this year were: Gerry O'Brien, Captain; Jeff Tucker, Secretary; Marc Belisle, Treasurer; Rick Edson, Safety Officer; Roger Laton, David Oliver, Steve Wellman, and Jeff Zirpolo, Road Captains; Roger Laton, Quartermaster; Steve Morrison, Public Relations. Our riding season was a very ambitious one this year. We began with an Anniversary Weekend that featured a blessing of bikes, our third annual Poker Run (pictured above) and a Dinner Run at the Mt.Vernon Restaurant in Charlestown.
Over Memorial Day we went to NYC to join up with Empire City M.C., for their annual Biker Weekend celebration in the city and at Valinor Farms in PA. In June we headed out to Lake George and Americade Rally. Gay Pride was a 'riotous' affair and saw the adoption of a requirement that members submit proof of license and registration each year. In July, we went skinny dipping in the Berkshires and in southern Vermont, and fought off the black flies in Milo ME. In August, Montreal suffered the explosive arrival of Riders M.C. to their fair city. In September, we renewed our long-time friendship with Mooncussers M.C. of Provincetown, enjoying the hospitality of Chancellor Inn and Bemie Mackey. Pig wrestling, tractor pulling and fancy rigs kept members enthralled at the Topsfield Fair in October. Also, we journeyed south again to take part in Empire City M.C.'s thirtieth Anniversary Bash, which included a dinner cruise around NYC harbor. On our own, we headed out after the celebration for a couple of days of R&R at Valinor Farm.
The riding season ended with a long run to King Richard's Faire in October. Several day runs had to be canceled due to weather or lack of interest. We held an evening social run every month from April to October. The softball tournament was not held this year, so our fundraising was limited to Mr. Boston Leather in April and the coat room.at the Ramrod in October to April. In December, we had our awards and elections at a dinner held at Justin's Hearthside in Hanover MA. VVe also commemorated our fallen members with a new plaque. Three names were added this year: Roger Laton, Marc Johnson, and P.J. Coache. An Appreciation Plaque was presented to the Ramrod for its support over the last 1O years. The Captain's Cup was presented this year and the member chosen to be so specially honored was Marc Belisle. For the first time in several years the most miles in a season award was not scooped up by Jim Conroy. Papa Smurf took away the honors (age and treachery outdoes youth and enthusiasm every time!!)
1995
Officers for this year were: Gerry O'Brien, Captain; Steven Duguay, Secretary; Marc Belisle, Treasurer; Rick Edson, Safety Officer; Bob Barden, Alan Paonessa, Marc Silver, Steve Wellman, Road Captains; Marc Belisle, Quartermaster; Steve Morrison, Public Relations. Riders had a change this year: the P.O. Box was changed from Newton/Boston to Kenmore Sq, Boston. Riders mourned the loss of another Fallen Rider, Robert Kuntzsch. The Mr. Boston Leather contest was put together by Marc Silver, Steven Duguay, and Taylor Mitchell. Gerry O'Brien and company put together our Anniversary Weekend celebration at the Boston Ramrod (poker run and pizza party), Club 9-11 (night ride), Jesuit Urban Center (Blessing of Bikes Rite), and The Claddagh (Dinner).
Steve Morrison put together a trip to Fall River, MA (Public Relations, indeed-or so thought the Boy Scout camp over)! Steve Duguay led our contingent at the Gay Pride parade in Boston. Jim Lucibello led a GDI-style group to Laconia, NH for the annual motorcycle craziness. Rick Edson led Riders on their pilgrimage to the temple of touring Americade this year. Riders also made return visits to: the Berkshires, led by Alan Paonessa; Provincetown (pictured above), led by Bob Barden; NYC / Valinor Farms, PA; along with many evening social runs. Riders forged a new friendship with the men of the AMGQ (Association Motocyclistes Gaie Quebec). This friendship would grow over the following years. Riders also went camping and canoeing in Maine, also by Alan P. The annual Elections and Holiday Party was held at the Piccolo Venezia in the North End.
1996
1996 saw roughly 20 well planned runs including dinner runs, socials, day trips, overnights, and extended runs. The officers were: Steve Wellman, Captain: Jim Lucibello, Co-Captain; Marc Belisle, Treasurer; Marc Silver, Recording Secretary; Mike Skrip, Corresponding Secretary; and Rick Edson, Safety Officer. Our first run of the season was led and arranged by our Safety Officer, Rick Edson. Eleven Riders rode around the South Shore before ending with supper at an eatery in Weymouth. In May, Anniversary Weekend was a huge success. Activities included a barbecue in Chelsea on Friday Night, a Saturday Day Run to Cape Cod and dinner party at the Mallory Dock in Hyannis for 13 Riders and several guests. Sunday saw a Mass and Blessing of the Bikes Ceremony at the Jesuit Urban Center in Boston. After regrouping with more members, we took off on back roads to a neat family restaurant in Rhode Island called "Wrights Chicken Farm".
Jumping to July we hosted a weekend for 15 or so Bikers from AMGQ (Association Motocycliste Gaie Quebec). They are a very large group of motorcyclists from Canada. We showed them Boston on foot and historic areas as well. Topping the weekend off was a fabulous brunch at Fritz on Sunday. All of our bikes were parked on the street and sidewalk out front. We owned the South End that day. We escorted them to the first rest area in New Hampshire, where we said our good-byes.
There were so many great runs. Too many to list in this history, including: Brattleboro, VT; MA Berkshires; Gay Pride Parade; Camping and Canoeing in Brownfield, ME; volunteering with Moving Violations (NE's Women's Motorcycling Club) during the 2nd Annual Boston-to-New York AIDS Ride; and a well-attended and well-organized run to Sherbrooke and Quebec City in Canada O' Canada. On a sadder note, we saw the passing of our dear friend and Captain Gerry O'Brien, as well as former member Tom Hunt. They, along with other Fallen Riders, will be with us in spirit forever. Marc Silver, our Recording Secretary, left the Boston area to live in Ft. Lauderdale FL. Hey Marc, how about starting a Riders South Chapter? The club celebrated the season with a Holiday Party and Elections at the Piccolo Venezia in December.
1997
The club was led by: Captain Steve Wellman, Co-captain Jim Lucibello, Recording Secretary Alan Paonessa, Corresponding Secretary Jeff Tucker, Treasurer Mike Freeman (later replaced by Alan Paonessa), Safety Officer Rick Edson, and Road Captains Bob Barden, Jim Conroy, Tom Lydon, and Mike Skrip.
The club attempted to hold Anniversary Weekend rides & blessing of bikes during May 2 + 3, but they were canceled due to rain and low turnout. That same weekend, Jim Conroy and Jeff Tucker made a pickup ride to the SuperRide Touring Rally in Moodus, CT. In June, Riders assisted with the From All Walks of Life walk for AIDS Action Committee, attended the Americade Touring Rally, rode in Boston's and New York's Gay Pride parades. In August, a few Riders made a run to Rhode Island, others met up with members of AMGQ in Québec City, and some Riders made a visit to Larry Lamond in Milo, ME. In September, Riders members assisted with road safety crew on the Boston-to-NY AIDS (bicycle) Ride, other members rode the Race Point Run to Provincetown, MA, members went on the Commander Conroy Run to Camp Meade in Middlesex, VT, and went to the Gay Day at Riverside Amusement Park. There was one event in October: the European Motorcycle Day at the Museum of Transportation in the Brookline, MA Larz Anderson Park (pictured above). The club also held a Holiday Party and elections on December 7.
1998
Officers for this year were: Jim Lucibello, Captain; Mike Skrip, Co-Captain; Bill Buckley, Secretary; Alan Paonessa, Treasurer; Jay Thomas, Safety Officer; and Jim Conroy, Jim Christopher, Mike Denegris, and Bruce Wescott, Road Captains. The club kicked off the riding season with a Safety Run (pictured above) during the last weekend in April. In May, the club held an Anniversary Weekend and invitational Poker Run around Boston, MA; attended the SuperRide Touring Rally in Moodus, CT; joined Empire City Motorcycle Club for a ride to Valinor Farms, in Kintnersville, PA; and had a pickup ride to Rockport, MA. In June, the club attended the Americade Touring Rally in Lake George, NY; assisted with road safety for the From All Walks of Life AIDS walk in Boston and the Washington, DC AIDS (bicycle) ride; rode in Boston's Gay Pride parade; also, a few members attended ad-hoc the Art of the Motorcycle exhibit at the Guggenheim Museum in New York City, Bike Week in Laconia, NH, and a pickup ride to Ogunquit, ME.
The club visited member Larry Lamond in (way upstate) Milo, ME during July. In August, the club had a day ride to the Anheuser-Busch brewery in Merrimack, NH, and went camping & canoeing in Maine. In September, the club visited the covered bridges of New Hampshire; assisted with road safety for the Boston-to-NY AIDS (bicycle) ride; visited Riverside Amusement Park; and rode the Race Point Run to Provincetown, MA. In October, the club attended the European Motorcycle Day at Brookline's Museum of Transportation in Larz Anderson park; various members attempted to go to Spookyworld (Halloween themed park) in Berlin, MA, but enjoyed a nice meal instead; and the final ride of the season was to Salem, MA to enjoy the Halloween festivities. The club held a Holiday Party and Elections in Boston
1999
Officers for this year were: Jim Lucibello, Captain; Mike Skrip, Co-Captain; Greg Mailloux, Secretary; Alan Paonessa, Treasurer; Jay Thomas, Safety Officer; and Jim Conroy, Rick Edson, Terry Marzilli, Jeff Tucker, and Bruce Wescott, Road Captains. The club kicked off the season with a Safety Run in April. In May, Jim Conroy led club on an Anniversary Run through metro-west Boston, to the Higgins Armory in Worcester, back to Boston via Norfolk county, to a dinner at the Stockyard Food & Spirits in Brighton, MA. Also in May, members attended the SuperRide Touring Rally in Moodus, CT; and joined the Empire City Motorcycle Club on their run to Valinor Farms in Kintnersville, PA.
In June, the club attended the Americade Touring Rally in Lake George, NY; assisted with road safety for the From All Walks of Life AIDS walk in Boston; rode in Boston's Gay Pride parade; rode around the South Shore of Boston; and rode to Provincetown, MA. Riders took a trip to visit member Larry Lamond in Milo, ME, and to Camp Mead (armed forces themed, pictured above) Motel in Middlesex, VT during July. In August, the club went camping and canoeing in Maine, and visited the Riverside amusement park.
In September, Terry Marzilli led the group to the Yankee Car Museum in Deerfield, MA (before the museum was closed forever). In October, some members joined the City Cruisers Motorcycle Club for a run to the Catskills in New York, and for a Halloween ride to Salem, MA. The club celebrated the season with a Holiday Party and Elections at the Piccolo Venezia, in December.
2000
The officers for this year were: Jim Conroy, Captain; Terry Marzilli, Co-Captain; Greg Mailloux, Secretary; Steve Iannacone, Newsletter Editor; Rick Edson, Safety Officer; John Ingemi, Treasurer; and Bruce Wescott and Chris Crowley, Road Captains.
Highlights of the year included:
September
assisting with road safety crew for the Boston-to-NY AIDS (bicycle) Ride
visiting Riverside amusement park in Agawam, MA
Race Point Run to Provincetown, MA
October
European Motorcycle Day at Brookline's Museum of Transportation in Larz Anderson park
Halloween ride to Salem, MA
December
Holiday Party and Elections at Mount Vernon restaurant in Somerville, MA
April
Safety Run
May
Anniversary Weekend
joining Empire City Motorcycle Club's ride to Valinor Farms in Kintnersville, PA
June
Americade Touring Rally in Lake George, NY
Boston's Gay Pride parade
July
visit to Larry Lamond in Milo, ME
Berkshire Run to western Massachusetts
August
Viking's Poker Run around the South Shore of Massachusetts
joining AMGQ's run in Québec City
touring the mansions of Newport, RI
2001
The club was led by: Terry Marzilli, Captain; Greg Mailloux, Co-Captain; John Ingemi, Treasurer; Steve Iannacone, Secretary; Rick Edson, Safety Officer; and Bruce Wescott and Chris Crowley, Road Captains. The club began an experiment in holding the monthly meetings at members' homes.
The highlights of this year included:
May
Cape Ann run, led by Tim D. from his home in Beverly, MA, up through Manchester, Gloucester, to lunch at J.T. Farnham's in Essex, MA - all after a membership meeting
June
Americade Touring Rally in Lake George, NY, was attended by Rick Edson and Jeff Tucker
Boston's Gay Pride parade (pictured above)
Gunstock Vintage Motorcycle Races (part of the Laconia Bike Week) in Gilford, NH - a joint ride with Moving Violations Motorcycle Club of Boston
a visit to our member, Larry Lamond's home in Milo, ME
July
a ride to meet up with members of Empire City Motorcycle Club in Guilford, VT, followed by an overnight stay in Brattleboro, VT, and a swim at "the Ledges" in Wilmington, VT, led by Rick Edson and Jim Conroy
August
a run, led by Duncan Smith, starting in Providence, RI, and traveling around the NE, NW, and SE corners of Connecticut, ending up at Marcus Dairy in Danbury, CT (for a classic car night)
October
a visit to the European Motorcycle Day at Brookline's Museum of Transportation in Larz Anderson park, led by Greg Mailloux
a three-meals/all-day fall foliage ride, led by Jeff Tucker, along the Mohawk Trail to Northampton, MA
a Halloween Ride, led by Steve Iannacone, up through the North Shore of Boston (Everett, Lynn, Nahant, Marblehead, Salem, Beverly, Manchester)
December
the club celebrated the season with a Holiday Party and Elections at the Mount Vernon restaurant in Somerville, MA
2002
The club's leadership included: Captain Terry Marzilli, Co-Captain Mike Walsh, Treasurer John Ingemi, and Secretary Greg Mailloux. The club also continued the practice (started in 2001) of meeting at the Boston Ramrod and in member's homes.
Highlights for this year included:
January
Bike Show at the Shriner's Auditorium in Wilmington, MA
April
a ride to the Vanson Leather's Open House in Fall River, MA, led by Greg Mailloux
a Safety Run around the Blue Hills Reservation and South Shore, led by Rick Edson
May
a pickup ride around Waltham, Concord, Townsend, Haverhill, and Stoneham, attended by Steve Iannacone and Jeff Tucker
an Anniversary Party ride from Boston to Humarock (Scituate) and on to Chili's in Hingham, led by Terry Marzilli and Bruce Wescott
June
Americade Touring Rally in Lake George, NY, attended by Jeff Tucker and Rick Edson
Boston's Gay Pride parade (pictured above)
July
a club meeting, followed by a trip to Cabot Farms Ice Cream stand in Newton
Worcester's Gay Pride parade, attended by Jim Conroy and Jeff Tucker
a pickup ride to whitewater rafting with members of the Harbormasters club of Portland, ME, was attended by Terry Marzilli
August
a ride to Weirs Beach, led by Terry Marzilli and Mike Walsh
a ride to Ogunquit, ME, led by Terry Marzilli, John Ingemi, and Mike Walsh
a pool party and ride to Vanilla Bean Café, led by Terry Marzilli, and Jim Burrill & Richard Bone
October
a ride to Provincetown, MA, attended by Terry Marzilli, Greg Mailloux, Steve Iannacone, Jim Conroy, Jim Burrill, Richard Bone, John C. & his partner Doug
a Halloween ride to Salem, MA and up the coast to Manchester, led by Steve Iannacone
December
a Holiday Party and Elections, held at the Mount Vernon restaurant, in Somerville, MA
2003
The leadership for the club this year included: Captain Greg Mailloux, Co-Captain Mike Walsh, Treasurer David Gates, Secretary John Ingemi, Safety Officer Rick Edson. Former member of the club, Strider Pineo, passed away in July.
April
a Safety Run around South Shore of Boston, MA, led by Rick Edson, attended by Terry Marzilli, Greg Mailloux, Jeff Tucker & passenger Don LaPointe
May
an Anniversary Run to attend the Pawtucket [Red Sox farm team], RI baseball game, led by Greg Mailloux and Rick Edson
June
Americade Touring Rally in Lake George, was attended by Greg Mailloux, Rick Edson, Hubert Letendre, and Jeff Tucker & Don LaPointe, and this year marked the First Annual Gay & Lesbian Motorcyclists dinner gathering, attended by ~35 Americaders
Boston's Gay Pride parade marked the first time that the club rode - not at the front, behind Moving Violations Motorcycle Club - but in section F5 (in the middle of the parade), as an attempt to heighten club visibility in the parade
a Dinner Run from Meadow Glen Mall in Medford, MA, up to Melrose, MA, led by Mike Walsh
July
a run to the Battleship Cove museum in Fall River, MA, was led by Greg Mailloux
a visit to the Indian Motorcycle Museum (on Indian Motorcycle Day), followed by a visit to the Dr. Seuss national monument, both in Springfield, MA, was led by Jeff Tucker
a run to skinny dip (swim) at "the ledges" in Wilmington, VT, was led by Mike Walsh
September
a ride to the Mystic Seaport museum in Mystic, CT, was led by Greg Mailloux
a ride to the "Big E" Eastern States Exhibition (NE state fair) in West Springfield, MA, was led by Peter Zimmer, attended by Terry Marzilli, Mike Walsh, Greg Mailloux, and Jim Conroy
a pickup ride to Gay Day at Six Flags New England, in Agawam, MA
October
a visit to the Mate's Leather Weekend in Provincetown, MA, gave us an opportunity to meet up with members of City Cruisers Motorcycle Club of NYC, with a visit to Bayberry's Log Cabin in Sandwich, MA on way there, and was attended by Greg Mailloux, John C. & his partner Doug, Jim Conroy, Steve Obartuck, Jonathan Melman
a ride to the European Motorcycle Day at the Museum of Transportation in the Larz Anderson park in Brookline, MA, was attended by Jeff Tucker and Jim Conroy
November
a Halloween ride to Salem, MA and up Boston's North Shore, was led by Greg Mailloux
a pickup run to the Bike Show at the Eastern States Exposition grounds in West Springfield, MA, was led by Peter Zimmer, attended by Duncan Smith
December
the club's Holiday Party and Elections (pictured above) was postponed until January 11, 2004 - due to a bad snowstorm
2004
The club's leadership included: Captain (and Treasurer) Greg Mailloux, Secretary Jeff Tucker, Safety Officer Rick Edson - and that's pretty much it (no Road Captains).
Highlights for the year included:
January
a pickup (drive) to the International Motorcycle Show at the Jacob Javitz Convention Center in NYC, attended by Jim Conroy, Jeff Tucker and his boyfriend, Don LaPointe.
a snowstorm-rescheduled 2003 Holiday Party and Elections was held at Club Café
April
a Safety Run around Boston's South Shore, was led by Rick Edson
May
a ride from Jonathan Melman and Steve Obartuck's house in Sudbury to the Tower Hill Botanical Gardens in Boylston, MA, was led by Glenn Mushnick and Dale Dunne
June
Americade Touring Rally (and the Second Annual Lesbian & Gay Motorcyclists dinner gathering) in Lake George, NY, was attended by Jeff Tucker and Rick Edson
Boston's Gay Pride parade (pictured above) was the second time that the club rode in the middle of the parade (Purple section 15), followed by a dinner barbecue at Jonathan & Steve's house) - the plans were cancelled for AMGQ to travel from Québec City to Boston for the parade
July
an overnight run to Jonathan & Steve's cabin in Center Conway, NH, was attended by Jim Conroy, Jeff Tucker, and Greg Mailloux
August
a ride to the Bike Night at Heritage Farms Ice Cream in Lowell, MA, was attended by Terry Marzilli, Mike Walsh, and Jeff Tucker
September
at a meeting at Bertucci's in the Back Bay, Greg Mailloux formulated a proposal for a new "leaderless" organization for Riders Motorcycle Club of Boston
a pickup ride to Gay Day at Six Flags New England in Agawam, MA, was attended by Jim Conroy, Jeff Tucker and his boyfriend, Don LaPointe (and Peter Zimmer and Terry Marzilli)
a ride to the "Big E" Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, MA, was led by Peter Zimmer
October
a Halloween run to Salem, MA, and up the North Shore, was led by Greg Mailloux and Tim D.
December
a Holiday Party and Elections at Club Café in Boston, MA, was organized by Greg Mailloux, and included a Yankee Swap
2005
The highlights for this year included:
February
a bike show at the World Trade Center in South Boston, MA
May
a Safety Run from Boston to the South Shore, led by Rick Edson
June
Americade Touring Rally (and Third Annual Gay & Lesbian Motorcyclists Gathering) at Lake George, NY, attended by Rick Edson and Jeff Tucker
Boston's Gay Pride parade, saw the return of Riders to the position at the front of the parade, behind Moving Violations Motorcycle Club and East Coast Biker Chicks
a Merchant Ivory ride to visit the sites of manor homes, mansions, and castles, around the Merrimack Valley, led by Jeff Tucker
July
a few members of Riders met up with members of AMCC clubs from the Philadelphia, PA and Washington, DC areas, at the Alley Bar in Boston
September
a run from Beverly, MA, along the shore roads to Ogunquit, ME (pictured above), led by Tim D.
October
a run to Mates Leather Weekend in Provincetown, MA, attended by Jim Conroy
November
a trip to the International Auto Show at the Bayside Expo Center in South Boston, attended by Jim Conroy and Jeff Tucker
December
a stop by the Santa Speedo Run near Boston Common, followed by a viewing of Brokeback Mountain, attended by Greg Mailloux, Jim Conroy, Jeff Tucker
2006
The highlights for this year included:
May
a ride from Boston Ramrod to Jim Conroy and Steve Duguay's house in Medford, MA, and then a dinner ride around the North Shore (Lynn, Nahant, Revere Beach, Malden)
a ride around Western Rhode Island and Eastern Connecticut, led by Duncan Smith and Andrew Shinn
July
a beach run, led by Steve Duguay, attended by Eddie Lever, Jim Conroy, and Roger, and Wayne (new members)
a Berkshire Run (pictured above) along the Mohawk Trail to North Adams, MA, led by Steve Duguay
August
a trip to the White Mountains, led by Steve Duguay, attended by Duncan Smith, Jim Conroy, and Andrew Shinn
September
a trip to Gay Day at Six Flags New England, led by Jeff Tucker
November
a visit to the International Auto Show at the Bayside Expo Center in South Boston, attended by Greg Mailloux, Jim Conroy, and Jeff Tucker
2007
The highlights for this year included:
January
a visit to the Motorcycle Show at the Shriner's Auditorium, attended by Jeff Tucker, Duncan Smith, and Jim Conroy
April
a Safety Run (pictured above) from Boston to the South Shore, led by Rick Edson
June
the club decided to forgo riding in the Boston Gay Pride parade (it misted / rained anyway) and a few members decided to watch the parade and meet at the Fritz Block Party
a dinner ride to the Bike Night at Heritage Farms Ice Cream stand in Lowell, MA, attended by Jim Conroy, Jeff Tucker, Greg Mailloux, and Steve Obartuck
July
a ride to the Mini- & Micro-car Day at the Museum of Transportation in Larz Anderson park in Brookline, MA, was attended by Jeff Tucker and Kevin Hegarty
August
a meeting in Boston, followed by a ride to Bella Luna and JP Licks Ice Cream in Jamaica Plain, MA
a ride to John C.'s barbecue in Woonsocket, RI, followed by a ride to former member, Steve Wierzbicki's pool party in Fairhaven, MA, attended by Jim Conroy and Jeff Tucker
a beach ride to Horseneck Beach in Westport, MA, led by Peter Zimmer
a Labor Day ride to Montréal to cheer on the Beantown Softball League, coached by member Steve Obartuck and sponsored by member Jonathan Melman, as they competed in the Gay Softball World Series
September
a foliage ride to Parker's Maple Barn in Mason, NH, followed by a ride up Pack Monadnock, led by Mike Bromberg
a dinner ride to the Classic Car Night at Fuddruckers Hamburgers in Saugus, MA, followed by Ice Cream at the Dairy Dome in Stoneham, MA, attended by Jeff Tucker, Jim Conroy, and Kenneth Jewell
2008
The highlights for this year included:
January
a visit to the Motorcycle Show at Shriner's Auditorium in Wilmington, MA
May
a Memorial Day ride from Rowley, MA to Ogunquit, attended by Greg Mailloux, David Franco-Rocha, Jim Conroy, Tom Fisher, Jeff Tucker and his boyfriend, Gil Clothey
June
Americade Touring Rally (and Fourth Annual Gay and Lesbian Motorcyclists Gathering) in Lake George, NY, attended by Rick Edson, Jeff Tucker and his boyfriend, Gil Clothey
a "Woody Appreciation Day" (a part of Gay Pride week) to celebrate the hard work performed by Woody of Moving Violations Motorcycle Club of Boston, attended by Jim Conroy and Jeff Tucker
a ride around the North Shore (Wakefield, Lynn, Swampscott, Nahant, Revere, led by Steve Duguay, attended by Jack Donahue
the club decided not to pay the $1,200 registration fee to ride in Boston's Gay Pride parade
July
a Ride To Work Day dinner run from Waltham to Southboro, MA, led by Greg Mailloux
a visit to the Mini- & Micro-Car Day at the Museum of Tranportation in Larz Anderson Park in Brookline, MA, attended by Jeff Tucker and his boyfriend, Gil Clothey
August
a Dinner Ride from Honeydew Donuts in Wakefield, to the Lemon Tree in Andover, and on to Richardson's Ice Cream in Middleton, all in MA, led by Jeff Tucker
September
a visit to Gay Day at Six Flags New England in Agawam, MA
a brunch ride, followed by a ride to the European Motorcycle Day (pictured above) at the Museum of Tranportation in Larz Anderson Park in Brookline, MA,attended by Duncan Smith, Jim Boutin, Jeff Tucker and his boyfriend, Gil Clothey
October
a Berkshire Loop day ride, led by Tom Fisher
a ride to Topsfield Fair, attended by Duncan Smith and Jeff Tucker
2009
The club kicked off the year with a few events:
March
a ride from Lexington, to MotoMarket in Acton, then on to a few motorcycle dealers in Brockton, MA, attended by Jeff Tucker and Ross Harpestad
April
a ride from Waltham, MA, around the Wachusett Reservoir in Clinton, MA, to a late lunch in Oxford, MA, attended by Jeff Tucker, Duncan Smith, Peter Zimmer, and Ross Harpestad
a ride from Providence, RI, through Western RI, and Eastern, CT, led by Duncan Smith, attended by Greg Mailloux, Steve Duguay, Al Cripps, Joseph Napolitano, Tom Neveu, Ken Borsare, and Mike Maheu
a visit to the Canobie Lake Park, attended by Michael Perfit, Jeff Tucker, and his boyfriend, Gil Clothey
2010
The club kicked had many events, including:
Quabbin Reservoir
Maine Run
NH Covered Bridges
Gloucester Fish Fry run
P-Town Run
America's Stonehenge
Bennington, VT, Overnight run
Wachusett Mountain
Mount Monadnock
2011
The club kicked had many memorable events, including:
Mystic River
Memorial Day run
Boston Pride parade
Mount Washington 3-night run
Skinner State Park
Purgatory Chasm
Mt. Grace State Forest
First BBQ at Douglas State Park
USS Salem
Corn Maize
Lizzie Borden (spooky!)
2012
The club has kicked off the year with a few events:
Douglas State Park
Gillette Castle
Keene Swap (Slop) meet
Scituate Harbor
Wachusett Reservoir
Plus many, many more!
The biggest news of 2012 was a proposal to change the current bylaws to reflect 21st century technology. We also had nominations for new officers in November and elections at the Holiday Party and the club officers voted on were:
TREASURER: Kevin V.
ROAD CAPTAINS: Terry M., Tom N., Duncan S. & Steve T.
CO-CAPTAIN: Ross H.
CAPTAIN: Brian R.
SECRETARY: Bryan H.
New patches were discussed and designs for the club logo submitted.
2013
Our first meeting of 2013 was on March 10 and a lot was covered. From bylaw changes being approved to new officer roles to financial info to new patches. Those who attended the Membership Meeting on 3/10/13 included Brian R, Duncan, John, Kevin V, Mike B, Ross H, Steve V & Tom N. Voting in via proxy were Al C, Earl D and Tom H.
BYLAWS
Duncan kicked off the discussion by reading a statement in regards to being tasked with revising the bylaws.
Over the last couple years, for a combination of reasons (including running out of funds & a change of Officers), the need arose to dust off and review our bylaws.
The old bylaws were used as a basis to draft proposed changes that were thought to be simpler and better reflect the club of late (those proposed changes were dated 2/3/13).
Duncan then read through the proposed set of bylaws and any comments or suggested changes were discussed. A handful of minor changes were approved by the group as well as a couple changes that were substantive: the position of Co-Captain was added back in and a statement regarding the ownership of patches was added (they will remain the property of the club).
After reading through and discussing each proposed bylaw, a member moved to approve the proposed bylaw, it was then seconded and a voice vote was taken. All bylaws were approved with no objections.
