2005 Newsletter

Hey, Strang-ers!

Let’s get right to it. TeamStrange is pleased as you-know-what to be celebrating our 21st birthday this year, and we’ve got some extra-special stuff planned for you.  Read on for all the gory details.

1)   The Minnesota 1000 "Goes to 11"

…years, that is.  You know all about the Minnesota 1000.  Fun.  Frivolity.  B.S.-ing.  Nazi-level rule enforcement.  We truly believe it’s the most fun you can have and still keep your clothes on.  Mark off June 17-19th on your calendar, and send the kids off to the neighbors – this one will be fun.

2)  Minnesota 1000 details

All of the pertinent, need-to-know details can be found right here.  Well……most of the details.  Ok, some of the details.  Lots more info in a pre-rally newsletter as we get closer to June.

Entry form here.

3)  Ya gotta give us something..!!

How’s this……due to the surfacing of many certifiable nutcases in our midst, TeamStrange is sorta proud (but nowhere near humbled) to announce that the 2005 Minnesota 1000 will be the first endurance event ever to have a sidecar class.  Rumor is that Bart "follow the damn rules!" Bakker has announced his “coming out” at this event.

4)  Is he up to it?

Rev. Eddie James has accepted the challenge of competing in the MN1K …..on an ’81 Yamaha XS400 Special.  Anyone remotely familiar with TeamStrange knows of Eddie’s obsession with these underpowered machines – Eddie actually has over 100,000 miles on them – but he’s never done a 1000 mile day on one.  Will he survive 1000 miles on that paint mixer?  Will he plan a route, or just follow the Metallic Waste hack rig around? Will Adam join him as they compete in the 2-Up class? We invite you to c’mon down and find out.

5)  June 17th??  I can't wait ‘til June!!  What can I do before then…?

Plenty, that’s what.  Read on…..

6)  Afraid of the dark?

Well, get over it, and join us for the TeamStrange Night in Niobrara.

Come see the town that’s quickly becoming the Long Distance Riders favorite destination of the mid-west.  Join us for the first ever “Night-Light Competition” where we’ll scientifically determine which driving lights actually work – and which should be left on the shelf.  The Poker Run is back – and you actually have the option of RIDING this one……you know Arlene Liska will be there with her tales.  We’re working on many other additions to this event as well – not 1 but 2 special guests, a special 1-of-a -kind shirt, a typical feast by our hosts at the Two Rivers Saloon and more.  We’re not sure if this will be done in a pay-in-advance or at-the-door style – watch the website for details. The event will be held on May 12th, but we wouldn’t be surprised if riders begin arriving the day before.  Hey, you say……May 12th is a Thursday…!  Why are you doing that?  Easy answer to that one……because on Friday A.M. (that’s Friday, the 13th), we all take off on a scenic 175 mile ride to Omaha for the……

7)  Iron Butt Association National Meet

For those of you who haven’t heard, the Iron Butt Association is holding their first annual National Meet in Omaha.  Plenty of bench racing, seminars, meeting and greeting, and a whole lot more.  TeamStrange will be there in force!!  For info on attending, see the Iron Butt website page at:

http://www.ironbutt.com/natmeet

8)  I’m satisfied with May and June events.   What’s next?

TeamStrange is pleased to present the “TeamStrange 21st Anniversary, Michael 'MAC' Clair Memorial, World's Largest Poker Run” (TS21AMMACCMWLPR).  How many miles will you ride?  How many stops will you get to?  How many cards will you draw?  That’s all up to you.  Just think of the fun you’ll have beating Noted Animal Psychiatrist Bob Waitz's 4-5-6-7-8-9-10-J-Q Straight with your 11-of-a-kind 6’s.  Played poker much?  Not like this, we bet…!!  Mark your calendar for the weekend of July 30-31 for this one.  Starting location will be in the Twin Cities area.

Rules later.  (hey, we saw that eye-roll…)

Entry form here.

9)  Isn’t it about time you guys did another Grand Tour?

We think that’s a great idea – and hereby announce the TeamStrange 21^st Anniversary World Tour.  It’s an event that you can ride on your own, anytime from March to October, with a simple concept – spell “TeamStrange Airheads 21” using city limit and highway signs.  You could be piling on the miles as you ride your scooter hither and yon to the next stop, or you might ride much fewer miles as you compete on a different level.  Dave McQueeney Award…?  We’ve got one of those for all who complete the special challenge.  Throw in our typical door prizes from Aerostich, Battery Tender, Dunlop Tires, etc., and you just know you wanna go.  Our advice – get out the maps and start studying….!!

Rules here.

Entry form here.

10)  I’m not really sure..….entice me to enter this Grand tour….

Ok, how’s this……since Adam’s wife doesn’t ride her BMW anymore, we’re giving it away as a door prize for the Grand Tour!!  This really nice R65 will come with new paint, a full tune-up and service, new battery, and several accessories installed.  She may not have ridden it, but you’ll have thousands of miles of fun roaming the countryside.  Ever been scolded by Adam at an event?  Denied points because you did the bonus wrong?  Think of the revengeful satisfaction you’ll have knowing that you’re riding the bike he paid for!!

11)  Now that sounds cool! Any other way I can win the bike?

Yes, there is!  While every Grand Tour finisher will automatically have a ticket in the drawing for the door prizes, riders can earn an extra ticket for the bike drawing by finishing the Minnesota 1000 and/or the Memorial Poker Run (up to 3 chances total).  Now what’cha gonna do this summer?  The drawing for the Grand Tour door prizes and the bike will be held in October – with a special guest to draw the winning ticket.  Everyone will be invited to this fun, social event!

And last, but far from least....

12)  Thanks for everything, MAC.

We now return to your regularly scheduled programming…..<fade out>