ISRA & You
by: Terry Malpass
ISRA#: 231

ISRA: What does it mean? The simple answer is INTERNATIONAL STAR RIDERS ASSOCIATION. But, what is that? Who and what make up the ISRA? I'll tell you what I know. ISRA is about the members and the free flow of information. Yes, we eat, sleep, and talk Star Motorcycles. We're more than that, though. We are the teacher that just got back into riding after 15 years. We are the wife who decided she was tired of the back of hubby's head as her most common scenery. We are the young buck who want s to put a 21 inch wheel on the front of his Star simply because it looks cool. We are the long time rider who finds joy in sharing wisdom with the new rider on his first bike. We are family and friends who've mostly never met. We are ISRA.

I came to this group of Star nuts in November 1998. At the time it was mostly V-Stars and Drag Stars. They had no place for them so they made their own place. I ride a Royal and I was greeted warmly and soon found friends with a common interest. I became a part of a growing family. Whenever I could help someone, I tried my best. (How many remember me and my HP Baffle Crusade to wipe out the dreaded, "blap," of drag pipes?)

We've had our growing pains like all organizations. Through all the ups and downs there were always those who would stand up and say "I Believe!". When another faltered, one would step in to fill the gap. In our darkest hour, we came together and drew a line and proclaimed, "Here we stand!" We've grown at a steady pace ever since.

ISRA is about the Family of Members. Everything that happens in ISRA happens because some said, "Yes, I will help." There are no paid positions, no profits, and no salaries. We run solely on the generosity and kindness of our membership. Volunteerism is the blood and backbone of ISRA. Nothing happens unless some one steps up and says, "I will do it. Because I believe!" Without these people ISRA would cease to exist. Poof!! A memory of what could have been. My personal heartfelt thanks to all that have stood up for ISRA in the past and present.

My question then to you is this: Do You Believe? Do you want ISRA to become the best Star organization in the world? Do you want to be a part of something special? Do you want to be involved? Do you care if we succeed or fail? If the answer is yes, then here is your chance!

ISRA Cruise-In 2000, Hot Springs, Arkansas, June 23-25, 2000 will be our first "big" event held in the USA. We have members coming from all over the USA, Canada, Great Britain, Australia, and no telling where else. Jim Lee and Tony Orihuela have worked very hard to lay out an enjoyable and safe event. We owe them a great debt of gratitude for their dedication and generosity toward the ISRA family. They have put in long hours and personal expense to bring this event together for us. But all their work will be for little if one important thing doesn't happen. What? you ask?

The answer is YOU! We need volunteers for the Cruise-In. Each event needs someone to head it up. Someone who cares about the ISRA family and wants to be a part of it's success. The only pay is the gratitude of the membership and the pride of helping to build YOUR CLUB! Jim and Tony can't do it alone. Even with the entire Council working around the clock at Hot Springs, it still won't be enough. ISRA needs you to get involved. ISRA needs your help. We need VOLUNTEERS!!

The following positions need to be filled. Those that are willing and able contact Jim Lee at cruisin@star-riders.org

BIKE WASH

• Times: 8:30-10:30
• Days: Friday, Saturday
• Leader: (1 needed to coordinate everything and take responsibility)
• Helpers: (3 needed)
• Notes from Jim
• Projected Number of users: ?
• Supplies Required:
• Water Source- Check with hotel
• Location @ Hotel: Around Back on Northeast Side?
• Hoses and Nozzles
• Soaps
• Towels and Rags
• Detailer Stuff
• The official ISRA Support Van (Jim's) can carry the supplies to the event.

Group, Beginner, and Self-Guided Rides

• Committee Chairman: Needed (would be the coordinator for this event and would work with me and the other volunteers)
• Ride Leader: Needed (would be the ride master- experience required!)
• Helpers: Need about 3 more to work with Patrick and Buck @ Yamaha Sportcenter.
• Patrick has already mapped out about 5 rides to pick from ranging from 50-165 miles. (Jim can digitize maps).
• Jim's Notes:
• Projected Number of riders for self guided: ?
• Projected Number of riders for group ride: ?
• Projected Number of riders for Beginners ride: ?
• Ride Times: To be determined, coordinate with Jim
• Days: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
• Supplies Required:
• Safety Briefing and Hand Signals
• Make sure that the waivers are signed
• Sign up sheets will be at registration booth
• Maps will be available at registration booth

Bike Games

• Days: To be determined- coordinate with Jim for master agenda
• Committee Chairman: Need 1 volunteer to organize and conduct the games)
• Helpers:open (need several to make sure things are done safely)
• Supplies Required:
• open
• Location: North side. Check with Jim and hotel

Registration Booth

• Days: Thursday Evening 6-8 and Friday 8-11
• Committee Chairman: Open
• Helpers:open- need plenty so that a few don't get stuck here!
• Supplies Required:
• Signage in front lobby showing location of registration
• White Board for front lobby for messages, event changes, etc.
• ISRA Signage or Banners
• Tables
• Pencils
• Handouts and Packets
• Entrance forms for Show & Shine
• Final Agenda
• Nametags
• Location: Near front lobby. Check with hotel
• Note: Merchandising Booth could be located next to registration as members come in. Merchandising then could move outside and be open at other times.

Toy Run

• It was mentioned awhile back that many would like to see a charity Toy Run as part of our rally. Well, here is your chance to make it happen. If we are to have a toy run I need someone to organize and coordinate it. If a can't get volunteers, this probably will not happen this year!
• Day: To be determined- coordinate with Jim for master agenda
• Committee Chairman: Need 1 volunteer to organize and conduct the run.
• Helpers:open
• Supplies Required:
• toys from everyone!
• a local hospital or children's home

This is YOUR OPPORTUNITY to contribute to the building of the future of ISRA. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your help and support! Let's make Hot Springs an event that we all can be proud of; an event that will make the motorcycle world sit up and take notice. Let's have a great turnout of members and our friends. I think we can easily have 1000 bikes there if we all get involved. Go to the Hot Springs web page, and check out the Volunteers' section. Download the posters and place them all over your area. Fill out the registration form, then download, and send in the paper version. Make copies of the registration form so that your friends can register as well. Let Yamaha know you're coming! The higher the number of participants, the more Yamaha will get involved. This is YOUR chance to show Yamaha that ISRA is for real. Let's show them that Star Riders are dedicated and we care about what we are doing. It's up to YOU to make Hot Springs a success or failure. I'll be there helping as best I can. Will you?

See you there!