First Capitol Wings, Missouri District, Region H. Prelude

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1 A HISTORY OF CHAPTER O First Capitol Wings, Missouri District, Region H A name most of you have probably never heard. A request from our Chapter Director Brian Heideman has me writing a bit of history about our Chapter. Our 25 th Anniversary is coming up in April 2015, and believe it or not, a lot of Chapters never make it that long. First a short story on how the Chapter evolved. Prelude French Canadian fur trader Louis Blanchette founded the town of St. Charles as Les Petites Cotes (The Little Hills) in before the American Revolution, which makes St. Charles the oldest city on the Missouri River. Lewis and Clark embarked on the Missouri River from St. Charles in 1804 to explore the Northwest Territory and the City served as the First Capitol of the new state of Missouri from 1821 to This last fact is the namesake of the Goldwingers of St. Charles. The original name of the chapter was taken from the proud tradition of the city it represented. The Goldwing Road Riders Association started in Phoenix, Arizona in 1977, by seven people with a common interest in riding their motorcycles. Who knew then it was the start of something big. Like a flower blossoming in spring, the organization grew. More changes and excitement came in 1988 when GWRRA s new Rider Education Program was unveiled in the March issue of Wing World magazine. Levels I, II, and III were to provide the only cumulative, skills-oriented safety certification program in amateur motorcycling. The first Chapter in the St. Louis area was Chapter C, Missouri District, Region H, which formed in early The first Newsletter was published in July by Steve & Donna Shaff. Activities that were listed included attending the Indiana Spring Wing Warm up in Vincennes Indiana, the South Central Regional Rally in Hot Springs Arkansas, and the Illinois State Rally in August. They also had an Observation Run and had to count how many red mailboxes, railroad tracks, 20 MPH or less speed signs, churches, and greenhouses that they passed. In August they had their first Poker Run. With all this activity, the Chapter grew quickly. In January of 1986, Chapter A was created out of Chapter C. The State had decided that the Greater St. Louis area was big enough for two Chapters, one South of Highway 40 and one North of Highway 40. The Area Representative of Chapter A was again Steve & Donna Shaff, 1

2 and Assistant Representative was John Rennels, and both these names you will read about again. On April 12 th, 1990, 10 couples from Chapter A met at Isabell s Restaurant in Lake St. Louis to organize and establish Missouri Chapter O, to represent the growing members located in St. Charles County. They had their first official meeting on the 28 th of April at the Old Country Buffett in St. Charles. Notes from the original meeting stated. The weather was very bad for the first kick off meeting, and even though the attendance was small, we had a lot of fun. Our only visitors were several members from Chapter J. An auction was held to raise a little money to operate from. Charter members listed in the first Newsletter were: Jim & Doris Beilsmith, Art & Jaynee Belt, Richard & Louise Burton, Harry & Norma Carrigan, Elton & Noma Carroll, Archie & Candy Ervin, Jesse & Alice Freeman, Dennis & Rachel Hundsdorfer, Bill & Joyce Miller, Nick & Debbie Millich, John & Norma Rennels, Louis & Barb Rickard, Wayne & June Rotz, Steve & Donna Shaff, Bill Taylor, and Les & Kim Turner. 2 A little background on the writer Debby and I bought our first Goldwing in February of We purchased it at Twin City Honda and along with the bike we received free membership into the Honda Riders Club of America and a copy of the Missouri GWRRA Newsletter, which at that time featured articles from ALL the Chapters in the State. We quickly laid the newsletter aside however, and started putting miles on the new bike. Later that month we were at Cycle Sports, a little motorcycle shop in Cave Springs and ran into Paulette Wolz, a friend from high school and she told us about a GWRRA Chapter O out of St. Charles and invited us to the next meeting, which was held at the Ponderosa in O Fallon. Monday night rolled around and off we went to the meeting. We walked in, and everyone at the meeting stared at us until we responded that we were invited by Paulette. They then asked us what kind of bike we had, and we responded A 1994 Black Goldwing and they all applauded. That started our 20 year relationship with Missouri Chapter O. Almost everyone in the meeting was dressed alike, soft yellow shirts with black vests on. The tables in the room were in the shape of a U with the officers sitting at the bottom of the U. Bill & Joyce Miller were Chapter Directors, and they and their staff all sat together at the end of the U. One thing we noticed were the ages of the membership. Almost everyone was older than we were, but new folks were joining, giving us promise for the future. Although the riding events were pretty much what they are today, running the chapter was a bit different. There was no Web site, , or Cell Phones. Newsletters were printed off, and then copied 50 to 75 times, which was then folded and sealed with the last page being an

3 address page used for a mailing label and stamp. That s right, a label and stamp for every newsletter, followed by a monthly trip to the Post Office. The Chapter had developed a Phone Tree which was used to let folks know about impromptu rides and to verify everyone made it home safe from an event. The Chapter also prided itself in wearing the identical color shirt, and vest. We also had a Secretary who took minutes of the meeting, which were published the next month in the newsletter, a practice that was later dropped. In an attempt to create this history, few newsletters exist before 1995, however there are Photo Albums that reflect some events, some years better than others. To insure the history continues, my suggestion would be to have a Photographer position on Staff or for each event. Events have not changed much in 25 years, however the routines have, along with the dress. I hope you enjoy this look back.. Allen & Debby Biddlingmeier 3

4 The couples below were instrumental in establishing and organizing Chapter O. I am sure they never thought we would still be here 25 years later Steve & Donna Shaff Jesse & Alice Freeman John & Noma Rennels Richard & Louise Burton Bill & Joyce Miller MO-O Logo

5 A HISTORY OF CHAPTER O 1990 Our first Officers were: Area Representative Steve & Donna Shaff, Assistant Area Representative - Jesse Freeman and John Rennels. Treasurer - Louise Burton, Ride Coordinator - Bill Taylor, Public Relations - Bill Miller, Activities Coordinator - Richard Burton Region Director Neal Dewberry State Director Robert Stewart The Missouri State Rally was held in Hannibal which was the FIRST rally for Chapter O. Later they attended the Region H Rally at the Holiday Inn Holidome in Springdale Arkansas. A picnic Ride was held in August to Council Bluff Lake, and they later took a ride to Kentucky Lake. Support for the MS150 in Herman, MO. Also on tap was supporting the kickoff meeting for Chapter P. As you can see, rides and support for chapters was the same as it is today. Chapter A and O had a Halloween Party, and the State Staff meeting was held at Lake of the Ozarks State Staff meeting (Notice CH. O Banner to the right) 5

6 Wing Ding XII was held in Knoxville Tennessee with no indication that any Chapter members attended. Chapter P Kickoff Picnic Ride to Council Bluff Archie & Candy on the Kentucky Lake Drive Archie & Candy Ervin 6

7 1991 The Staff: Area Representative Jesse Freeman, Assistant Area Representative John Rennels, Richard Burton, Treasurer Louise Burton, Newsletter Ed Steve Shaff, Ride Coordinator Bill Taylor, Charles Jordan, David Cooke, Membership Coordinator Kathy Odle, Rider Educator Les Turner, Phone Tree Joyce (Miller) Rose Region H Director Jerry & Ginger Sailor The only Newsletter we have for the year is the April edition. The Chapter was a year old and growing. The State Rally was held at the Ramada Inn in St. Joseph Missouri. Jesse Freeman won the award as the oldest rider coming to the Rally. One obvious thing was that Chapter O was well dressed, as shown below. Wing Ding was held in Tulsa Oklahoma, and I just had to share this picture notice the Podium.. Somebody lost a Fairing Getting Ready for the Parade In April the Chapter participated in the MS SUPERCITIES Walk held in St. Charles, and later joined Chapter A on their Poker Run, which ended in St. Peters. The Christmas Party was held again at the St. Johns Church on 5 th Street. Dress attire was Black ties, vests and pants with white shirts. They looked sharp.. 7

8 Jesse Freeman Oldest Rider Award Parking for the MS Walk At the State Rally Folks arriving for the Walk Nick & Debbie Millich at the State Staff Meeting Lunch at Gingham s with Marty Hall 8

9 Pictures from the State Rally held in St. Joseph Missouri Banners Lining up for the Parade Talent Show On the Parade Route 9

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12 1992 The Staff: Area Representative Richard Burton, Assistant Area Representative Charles Jordan, Lou Rickard, Treasurer Noma Carroll, Secretary Joyce Rose, Newsletter Ed Steve Shaff, Ride Coordinator Dave Cooke, Bill Odle, Activity/PR Bill Miller, Rider Educator Les Turner, Photographer Jesse Freeman January started out with Chapter O hosting a Bowling Party at St. Charles lanes, followed by a lunch and February had the first Progressive Dinner Ride, with stops for salad and soup, the main course and then dessert. They also hosted the semi-annual O NO 99 games with Chapter A. Around this time Steve & Donna Shaff retired and moved to Colorado. With his departure, newsletters were no longer put in photo albums. Bummer! The 1992 District Rally was held in Branson for the first time. The District Parade was preceded with a dinner at Tommy s Restaurant and Lounge. Good turnout May 23 rd found Chapter O hosting its First Mall Show at the Belz Factory Outlet Mall in Wentzville from 10AM to 9PM. Lots of Bikes and interest. In August the Chapter took a ride down to Lamberts and Chapters shirts turned to RED. Dress attire was still white shirts and black ties. 12 Don t you wish you could find one like this today!

13 Also in August there was an All Chapter Picnic held at St. Francis State Park with a large turnout. October found us participating in the St. Charles Oktoberfest Parade again, and attending a MSF Safety course. All Chapter Picnic Oktoberfest Parade in front of Lindenwood College Jesse Freeman receives an Award 13

14 Dinner Ride to Lambert s June Dinner Ride on the side of the road Everyone was asked to wear their Dress Uniform for Pictures after the Christmas Party (This picture is similar to the one on our Web Site) 14

15 1993 The Staff: Area Representative Richard Burton, Assistant Area Representative Charles Jordan, Lou Rickard, Treasure r Noma Carroll, Secretary Joyce Rose, Newsletter Ed Steve Shaff, Ride Coordinator Dave Cooke, Bill Odle, Activity/PR Bill Miller, Rider Ed Les Turner, Photographer Jesse Freeman The year started out with a Progressive Dinner ride in January, and March found them at Cycle Sports for Bike inspections, followed by a dinner ride to Big Boy s Restaurant. April 17 th was the date for the Second Mall Show at Belz Factory Outlet Mall Belz Outlet Mall Show On April 18 th Chapter O celebrated their 3 rd Birthday with a visit to the Golden Rod Showboat. At the Golden Rod Showboat 3 rd Birthday Bash for Chapter O 15

16 The Missouri Rally was once again held in Branson, with a large crowd. Pictures from the event show Chapter O in all its colors L-R: Barb & Lou Rickard, Eva & Charlie Jordan, Kim & Les Turner, Joyce & Bill Miller Best Dressed Chapter Competition Is that Shoji Tabuchi and the Norris Twins?? Bill Miller rubbing shoulders with the Norris Twins Turns out the Norris Twins eventually found their way to the TV show Hee Haw, and are now still performing in Nashville as Jesse s Girls. April found the Chapter at the Golden Rod Showboat Dinner Theater catching the Sound of Music, followed by a trip down to Alto Pass Illinois visiting Bald Knob Mountain. 16

17 Niehaus Appreciation Days 1993 The float was re-assembled for the Oktoberfest Parade, with a different bike on the float. Not sure what happened to the original bike.or why there is a tent on the float The newly re-designed Float with a Tent 17

18 The worker bees for the float Ride to Pilot Knob Cross in Illinois The Christmas Party was held once again at St. John s Church, with Dress Attire 18

19 1994 The Staff: Area Representative Bill Miller, Assistant Area Representative Dennis Stone, Jim Schwent, Chapter Educator - Bob Bauer, Treasurer Hedy Bauer, Secretary Joyce Rose, Newsletter Ed Phyllis Harper, Sue Vaughn, Ride Coordinator Wayne Rotz, Lloyd Harper, Activity/PR Paulette Wolz, Phonetree Coor Jack & Candy Vogel, Photographer Walt Deyer District Director: Jerry Sailors - Region H/Ernie & Linda Black-Region M Ernie & Linda Black The Polar Bear ride started the year off, with a ride to the Arch. And yes, the water skiers were out. Looked like a pretty mild day for January. A Covered Bridge ride to Terra Haute occurred in May, along with Niehaus Appreciation Days. Al & Recie Scoggin s provided a Chapter O Fish Fry. Jim Schwent & Wayne Rotz Jim Schwent, Bill Miller, Joe Vaughn at the Fish Fry Wing Ding was held in Albuquerque, New Mexico but no pictures were found from the event, and the Red bike re-appeared at the Oktoberfest Parade. 19

20 That fall we had the Halloween Bash in Hannibal Missouri. It was there that the announcement was made that Missouri and Kansas was now part of Region M at which time Ernie & Linda Black became District Directors. Dinner Ride to Washington MO 1994 Oktoberfest Parade 20 Chapter O getting ready

21 1995 The Staff: Chapter Director Bill Miller, Assistant Directors Dennis Stone, Jim Schwent, Chapter Educator- Bob Bauer, Treasurer Hedy Bauer, Secretary Joyce Rose, Newsletter Ed Phyllis Harper, Sue Vaughn, Ride Coordinator Wayne Rotz, Lloyd Harper, Activity/PR Paulette Wolz, Phonetree Coor Jack & Candy Vogel, Photographer Walt Deyer District Director: Ernie & Linda Black The Polar Bear ride was too cold for Bikes, so cars only! Nothing new there. A new meeting place was chosen for the Chapter, Ponderosa Steak House in O Fallon, and how lucky can you get, Les Turner won the Goldwing at Niehaus Appreciation Days. We supported the Chapter H Poker run, and Chapter O along with Chapter P sponsored a P&Oker Run where 148 bikes attended, and an Eastern Regional Missouri State picnic was held at Meramec State Park. Chapter H Poker Run Allen & Debby & Bill Miller Joyce Miller with John & Nancy Hofmann Around May a group split off from Chapter O to create Chapter W2, with Dennis & Sarah Stone as Chapter Directors. We now had two Chapters representing St. Charles County. The Missouri District Rally was held again in Branson, and Wing Ding was in Greenville, S.C., with no mention of it in the Newsletter. Also that summer Chapter O attended the Park Hills Rally which featured an 8 mile Parade. We had a Week End for Kids ride to Jefferson City to support the Shriners, our charity of choice at that time, supported the Chapter I Fun Run and a State Dinner Ride to Columbia Missouri. Also on tap was the St. Charles Octoberfest Parade which featured our float designed to hold a Goldwing.. Later that month we had a Region M Halloween Bash in Hannibal. 21

22 Sue Vaughn, Paul & Tina Johnson, Judy & Jim Schwent, Jack Vogel, Joe Vaughn New Bike Purchase Picture taken for a Newspaper Article 1995 Halloween Bash in Hannibal October 28 th 22

23 Weekend For Kids A little Rain on Chapter J s Poker Run A stop for Ice Cream after the Poker Run First Christmas Party without Black Ties & Vests By October, Bill Miller handed the Chapter to Jim & Judy Schwent, with Joe & Sue Vaughn and Jack & Candy Vogel as Assistant Directors. I along with Phyllis Harper signed on as Newsletter Editor, and Debby Biddlingmeier was the Treasurer. A planning meeting was held at Jim s house with the entire chapter invited to participate, and Chili was provided by the Chapter. Plans were made for the 1996 season, and the only thing left this year was our Christmas Party which was held at St. Johns Church in St. Charles. 23

24 1996 The Staff: Chapter Director Jim Schwent, Asst. Chapter Director s Jack Vogel, Joe Vaughn, Rider Ed Jerry Rothermich, Bob Bauer, Treasurer Debby Biddlingmeier, Secretary - Judy Staten, Newsletter Allen Biddlingmeier, Phyllis Harper, Activities/PR Jeanne Rothermich, Greeters/Membership Coordinators Dick & Louise Burton District Director: Randy & Carol Roberts Region Director: Ernie & Linda Black Our January Dinner Ride was to JJ s in O Fallon (sound familiar?). The Chapter Directors from the greater St. Louis area met on Sunday, January 7th, to discuss the possibility of reducing the number of poker runs in the area. Attending were the Directors from Chapters A, C, H, J, O, P, Y, Z, W2, and the State Director. The spring event was a Hillbilly Luau held at the Holiday Inn at Lake of the Ozarks, and for a while we had Saturday morning get-togethers at the Denny s located at I-70 & 5 th St. Of course there were Niehaus Appreciation Days followed by the Missouri State Rally, which was a huge success with 28 States represented, along with the Arizona Drill Team putting on a very nice performance. Chapter O sponsored the FIRST 2 Up ERC class in the state of Missouri on June 1 & 2. Together with Chapters A, W2 and J we had 24 couples show up for 4 hours of classroom training and 4 hours of course time. The Instructors were Bob & Glinda Carter and Fred & Linda Wissen. Since this was the FIRST Class to be given, notes were taken to share with other chapters. Jerry Rothermich, our Rider Ed at the time gets the credit for putting this together. 24

25 The Region M rally was held in Moline, Illinois. I remember this rally because prominent GWRRA staff members entered a female beauty contest. It definitely put a thought in my mind of NEVER becoming an Officer in GWRRA. Wing Ding was held in Madison Wisconsin. Our own Don Collier won first place in the Light Show. The District staff was providing two picnics, one for the eastern side of the state and one for the western side. The eastern side was held at St. Francis State Park, south of Festus. And Chapter O sponsored a 50 s 60 s Benefit Dance for Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children and the Halloween Bash was held once again in Hannibal on the 26 th of October. Not sure what kind of dance this was Our Chapter Director getting mobbed by the girls Region M Rally 25

26 1996 Hillbilly Luau - Joe & Sue Vaughan, Jerry & Jeannie Rothermich, Jim & Judy Schwent Leonard & Sondra Klingensmith Ch A Directors, At the Halloween Bash 1996 Christmas Party at St. John s Church 26

27 1997 The Staff: Chapter Director Jim Schwent, Asst. Chapter Director s Jack Vogel, Joe Vaughn, Rider Ed Jerry Rothermich, Treasurer Debby Biddlingmeier, Secretary - Judy Staten, Newsletter Allen Biddlingmeier, Activities/PR Jeanne Rothermich, Ride Coordinator Lloyd Harper, Paul Johnson, Greeters/Membership Coordinators Dick & Louise Burton District Director: Randy & Carol Roberts Region Director: Ernie & Linda Black The year held the promise of some exciting events. From the Newsletter. The next couple of months are going to be full of things to do. We have the Hillbilly Luau in February, the St. Louis International Motorcycle Show in March, the Hillbilly Reunion in April and the Fun in the Sun Region Rally and Niehaus Appreciation Days in May. These are all fun events but the big thing you have to remember is, you get out of the chapter what you put into it. Come on out and join the fun. You won t regret it!! All dressed up at the Luau Really?? And thanks to Floyd Jochimsen, GWRRA had a vendor booth set up at the St. Louis International Motorcycle Show held at the Cervantes Center. Floyd & Carolyn were awarded a Certificate of Appreciation from the National office for their work in obtaining a booth. 27

28 The District Rally in April found Chapter O winning 1 st place in the Newsletter competition, and John & Nancy Hofmann were selected as District Couple of The Year. The Talent show was exciting with Chapter A doing a skit of Big Bad Irving and Angie Rickena of Chapter W2 doing a standup comedy routine. On May th, Creasy s Honda was sponsoring the 9 th Annual Gold Wing Classic for St. Jude s Children Hospital. Archie & Candy Ervin, Joe & Sue Vaughn, Allen & Debby Biddingmeier, Jack & Candy Vogel and Jim & Judy Schwent made the trip. We had a 125 mile escorted ride from Lexington to St. Jude s Hospital in Memphis where Creasy s Honda presented them a check for $ Jack & Candy, Joe, Debby, Allen, Jim, Judy Candy, Archie

29 On June 8 th the 3 rd annual St. Louis Fun Run was held with over 400 folks participating. Organizations included AMA, BCA, CMA, the Shadow Riders club, and many GWRRA Chapters. This was the first year we had TWO Wing Dings July 2-5 th in Billings Montana, and August th in Greenville, South Carolina. Also in July two new Chapters, B2 and C2 had a Kickoff Poker run to raise operating funds in Sedalia, Missouri. The Region M rally was Fun in the Sun at Lake of the Ozarks. And on Labor Day Chapter O had its first Roller Ride, heading south on Highway 19. We didn t make Arkansas, but we did ride the hills just south of Highway miles in two days. From the Newsletter: Well it all came about quite spontaneously. Here we were at Coco s Restaurant after our trip to Shriner s when Sue Vaughan said Hey, anybody want to go for an overnight ride this weekend, since its Labor Day? Well the first thing you know 6 or 7 couples are saying yes, and I have to plan the route. I remembered a trip Debby and I took back in the 70 s which took us through Eminence, so the route was planned. It was also the weekend Princess Diana died in the car wreck Break on the Roller Ride Is this the way to the Bathroom?? 29

30 From the Newsletter: On September 28th the annual State Picnic was held at the Eldon Airport Municipal Park. There was a good turnout and good food! Randy Roberts announced the new State Staff after lunch; Rich & Sandy Mueller are our new State Directors, along with Assistant Directors Dennis & Sarah Stone, Floyd & Caroline Jochimsen and Frank & Mary Williams. Joe & Kim Lopez will handle Public Relations, and a District Rider Educator will be named later (Sonny Heidebur). Sounds like we have a real good crew helping us out so let s give them all the support we can! The Octoberfest parade in St. Charles was held October 4th. With help from Chapters W2 & A and our Chapter O members, we had 17 bikes in the Parade. Great Job folks. On October 5th the Annual Witch Run was put on by the ILL-MO Road Riders. It was a beautiful day for their Poker Run and Chapter O did a good job collecting the gold! Cecil & Kathy Wallis took 1st place, I got 10th place and Steve & Patricia Hames won the Leather Jacket. The Bikers for Babies benefit was held October 12th, with over 2500 participants and more than 1500 motorcycles taking part in the event. The biggest joy was knowing the event collected more than $58,000 for the March of Dimes. Our Weekend for Kids Shriners ride to Jeff City was a hot ride, but the GWRRA Chapters presented Shriners $13,000 dollars. The parade included 175 Goldwings. In October, Jim Schwent handed the Chapter over to Jack & Candy Vogel Archie & Candy at Krystals Creasy s St. Jude Ride Dinner Ride to Smokers Bar-BQ 30

31 H 31 A LATE OCTOBER RIDE By Allen Biddlingmeier aving put in 50 plus hours this week at work, I was eagerly awaiting my weekly Friday night ride... you know the one, where you just get on your bike, with no idea where you are heading. Let the bike do the leading, you just hang on and go where it leads you! Well, this Friday was no exception. Got home from work, had a quick bite to eat, and out the door I went. I headed south on Hwy. 94, a road I know like the back of my hand. With the sun going down so quickly these days, it was already dark when I crossed over Highway 40, but the full moon rising behind me helped light the road. The bike was running smooth, the breeze was warm, thick with humidity, and soon a fog was settling in. After years of riding this highway, it was fun doing it at night. You know what I mean...getting that thrill in the pit of your stomach when you take those curves a little too fast, but knowing you ll pull it out cause you ve done it a thousand times before. I don remember exactly where I was the first time I saw the lights in the rear-view mirror. I guess I noticed them a little late, because they were on me like a speeding train, close enough to make goose bumps run up my neck...so I pegged the throttle, and in the darkness, pulled away, out of sight for a moment...but what s this...they re back!!! Again and again I would speed off only to have the lights pull up close behind me...who was this...what kind of fool rides like this? I was heading for the curves near Augusta when I saw them again, so close I could swear his front tire was rubbing the back of my bike. Realizing what lay ahead, I let the bike scream by me, and the sight was burned into my memory for life! A Black Wing... unlike any Wing I had ever seen before... With a headless rider draped in a black cape! I swear, as he went by I could see his head lying on the trunk rack, his eyes glowing in the dark!... Howling this hideous laugh that turned into a banshee scream. Caught up in this strange sight I found us racing now, side by side, my eyes unable to break away from his stare...like I was in a trance! With all my might I turned my head forward...only to see us heading for a curve I knew we couldn t make. I forced my mind to think...to break this spell I was in. I backed off the throttle, shifted down, and was braking hard as his bike screamed ahead... His eyes fading in the night and his hideous cry screaming in the fog... but when he hit the curve the bike just soared off the road into the night. When I reached the curve, I stopped, but he was gone! No bike to be seen, no sounds to be heard, just the crickets and frogs singing in the warm October night. Now you may not believe this story...but I swear it s true..., and believe me, it is going to be a LONG time before I ride Highway 94 on a late October night!!