NOTE FROM OUR WEBMASTER

I want to express my genuine appreciation for all the wonderful gifts, the patches, the terrific card and the beautiful plaque presented to Bonnie and me by Stan & Jean yesterday on behalf of the group. Just as I was beginning to feel down in the dumps, my spirits were lifted immensely by your gesture of friendship and concern. I think of you all as my extended family and I am really grateful to have you in my life. Thank you so much.
I will be off my foot for at least another month. I go back in November and hopefully they will be able to put me in a "walking" cast at that time. Up until now, I have had to keep my ankle elevated at all times. Although I can now leave it on the floor for longer periods of time, it still begins to throb after about 30 minutes.
One of the things I have missed most in the past three weeks has been messing around on the computer. I will be checking on my e-mail more frequently now and I will also try and bring the website up to date in the coming days...just bear with me! :) 
Thanks so much for the beautiful plaque...receiving such wonderful recognition for doing something you love to do is really great.

Ride Safe
Your Webmaster 
Eddie Garner

Covered Up Cover Story Uncovered

As most of you now know, our website has been down lately because of an accident our webmaster was involved in. At the last meeting, it was pointed out that I had failed to cover this breaking story and the membership was beside themselves and threatened to pull my press pass, stub pencil and felt hat if I didn't shape up. Well, here's the story in the words of the victim. Now, please leave me alone…….. bj

On Saturday, Sept. 20, our newly acquired family member (Darla - 8 months old - part Labrador Retriever) got away from Bonnie and ran down Cooper St. I put on a pair of house shoes (first mistake) and thought that I could catch her (second mistake). As I was hastily going down the bank in our front yard (third mistake), the slick bottom on my house shoe lost all traction with terra firma. My right ankle bent at a 90 degree angle (to the outside) causing me to lose balance, thereby falling on top of it. Thankfully my neighbors were outside and helped me up and into the house...they also retrieved Darla for us.
Went to the emergency room when I discovered that my foot was dangling freely from side-to-side. After x-rays revealed that my ankle was indeed broken in two places (one break on each side), they put a temporary cast on it and told me to get in touch with an orthopedic surgeon as soon as possible. 
Had surgery on Wednesday, Sept. 23, where I received a plate with six screws on the outside bone and 2 pins on the inside bone. I have had to keep my foot elevated above my heart now for the past three weeks (I'm tired of looking at my toes) 
The doctor said that I could leave my foot down more now, but it starts throbbing after about 30 minutes. I go back to the doctor Nov. 4, and they think that I'll be ready for a "walking" cast by then. After that I will need some physical therapy to loosen up and use my ankle correctly. Hopefully by Christmas, all will be well……………Eddie

The October meeting of the Memphis Tour Riders was officially gaveled to order at 6:55PM. We began the meeting with a moment of silence for Jimmy Rogers, who passed away October 4th. Adios Jimmy. We will miss you.

The following members were in attendance: Margaret Rogers, Floyd Nunnelee and grandson Rusty Higgins, Dick and Fran Salveson, Dan Randall, Don and Marion Oller, B.J. and Hildia Max, Charley and Darnell Gibson, Tim Hendrickson, Kevin Cardwell and daughter Stephanie, Jean Viets and yours truly. Everyone reported that they received their September newsletter. 

We appreciate all those that took off from work and put other day to day activities on hold in order to attend Jimmy Rogers funeral. Twelve bikes from MTR joined thirty-eight others for the funeral procession from the Peebles Funeral Home in Somerville to the cemetery near Whiteville. We also sent (MTR) a spring flower arrangements with the note "We miss our Friend Jimmy". And Eddie has posted a picture of Jimmy on the website. Everyone reported they received his or her Happy Trails okay. 

At our last meeting we agreed to present our Webmaster, Eddie and Bonnie Garner, a plaque and a gift certificate to the Outback Steak House in appreciation for their hard work on the web site. The plaque was passed around for all to see and since Eddie is unable to walk due to a broken ankle, instead of a gift certificate to the Outback Steak house, we opted for an assortment of goodies instead. We also included two sets of MTR patches with rockers. Jean and I delivered and presented the award on behalf of all the MTR members. Thanks again Eddie for a great job.

Ongoing Business:
Several members have recorded their motorcycle mileage for our Long Distance Motorcycle Award. We have the forms available to sign up at the various events. It's never to late. 

A reminder that everyone's dues will be payable at the same time. April 2004. If you have not renewed yet and have a question about what your current dues are, or the date you joined, please check with me. We still have a few who haven't renewed. 

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new BMW Dealership's Open House with food and music in Little Rock, November 15th from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM and invited us to join the RAMS November Ride to the event. See additional details in this issue. 
Dick Salveson distributed Flyers and registration forms for the Veterans Day Thunder III at Bally's Casino in Tunica, November 7-9. (See ad this issue) This will be a great weekend for a great cause. Pre-register by October 31, pay only $15.00 and you will get a free tee shirt and event pin (while supplies last) Bally's also offer a special $50 Veterans Day Thunder room rates. Call 1-800-38BALLY, ext. 0 and ask for the Bikers Special. More information at http://www.locojoemc.com/VDTIIIpage.html

New Business:
We will continue to post rides/events as they come up both in Happy Trails, web site, when Eddie is able to work on it and at our meetings. In case you haven't used it yet our web site has a Member Page, requiring a password to view, for your right of entry. As always if anyone has any suggestions for rides or events please let B.J. know.
Officer nominations for 2004. 
There was a unanimous officer nomination from the floor, seconded by Floyd Nunnelee and by a show of hands the present offices were elected for another year. It looks like y'all will have to put up with us for another term. We appreciate your support! President: Stan Viets-Vice President: Terry Scott-Secretary: Darnell Gibson-Treasurer: Danny Parker-Road Commander: B. J. Max.

Our next meeting will be Thursday November 13th, 2003. See y'all then.

Ride Safe and have fun. 
Stan and Jean 
The meeting was officially adjourned at 8:04 PM

October 50-50

                    Winner 50/50 Jackpot: Dick Salverson