BMW RA Elections

Candidate position statements

President: Debbi Harbour

Got my motorcycle license in 1981 and never looked back. Currently ride a 94 K75 and 06 F650GS with a bike in rehab: 62 R27. My professional background is in Human Resources Management and currently own a manufacturing business. My ultimate goal is to retire early and ride until I drop. Been actively involved with the RA for several years as Secretary and currently serve as Vice President and Rally Liaison.

I can't imagine my life without motorcycles and I am continually amazed by what I discovered about myself. Since I started riding I've never been so cold, wet, hot, tired and you couldn't wipe the smile off my face! The friends I've made, the places I've seen have made my life so rewarding. This is what drew me to the RA for I sensed kindred souls in this organization who share love of the marque, the road and the sense of adventure.

Vice-President: Gordan Boltz

I've never been really good at anything, but somehow with a little cunning and guile (and a lot of stupidity and luck) I've always managed to out last the competition.

RA member since late 80s.

RA prez 2000 to 2004.

RA Trustee 04 to 06.

MOA ambassador.

Rally chairman of hurricane-ravaged rally in Canaan Valley WV.

OTL staff member since early 90s, currently associate editor of OTL.

Ultimate career and personal goal is to become a vagabond, wander Central and South America on my bike until I slowly disappear into the earth.

Secretary: Duncan Holaday

I've been riding motorcycles for almost 30 years, almost all of that time on BMWs. Took my first cross-country in 1980; long distance riding through the backcountry remains my favorite thing to do. We recently moved from metropolitan Northern Virginia to a very small village in Washington on the Columbia River – a whole new set of great roads and country to explore!

I've been a member of RA since 1990. Now that I'm retired I have the time to serve the club, and look forward to being your Secretary.

Treasurer: George Nyktas

I have been riding motorbikes, scooters and motorcycles since I could hold them upright. I have been a CPA since 1973. Believe it or not, I actually enjoy the work I do. Not as much as motorcycling but pretty much never-the-less.

I currently own a 2004 RT that has taken Mary and me across the country on the Peaks of America Tour and on other memorable trips including to the Smokies several times. Also, I have a 1976 R90/6 with a Dnepr sidecar that has been great fun to ride and work on.

I enjoy financial planning, budgeting, cashflow projections and tax work. I have used these skills since my October appointment as Treasurer.

I am a member of the MOA, Airheads Beemer Club and the AMA in addition to the RA. I look forward to continuing to assist the organization in my area of expertise.

Trustee: Jeff Brown

Hello everyone, I would like to introduce myself to you. My name is Jeff Brown. I have been riding BMWs, a member of the RA, and a member of BMW-NC Tarheel Travelers for 18 years and have over 300,000 miles on BMWs. I have previously served as an officer for the TTs and am currently serving as VP.

While I am sure RA is one of the smaller national motorcycle organizations in member count, I firmly believe we are one of the largest when it comes to supporting our riding community. After 18 years of being a member I still get this "big family" feeling every time I attend a national rally.

As a board member, I would hope to continue to project and nurture the "big family" feeling, while supporting programs that will continue to bring more members into the organization. Thank you for supporting me in this opportunity.

Trustee: Roy Jackson

Hello fellow RA Members.

I, Roy Jackson have thrown my hat into the ring for the office of trustee. A brief biography of myself. I've been married for 29 years and have one son. I was in the Navy Reserve for 27 years retiring in January, 2000 as a Boatswain Chief / First Class Diver. After September 11, 2001, I came out of retirement and joined the R.I. Army National Guard as an M.P., serving a year in Iraq. I retired again in August 2004 as a Sergeant First Class. In my civilian job I presently work as an LNG operator for a natural gas company.

I started riding BMW motorcycles in 1978. My first BMW was an R80. I presently own 2 BMW's, a 1994 R1100RS and a 2004 R1150RT. I am a past President of the OceanStateBMWriders, I look forward as serving as one of your trustee's, if elected.

Trustee: Stan Kinney

BMWRA Nr. 1058 – 35 years
BMWMOA Nr. 5190 – Life member
AMA Nr. 430955 – Life member
Hobbies: Amateur Radio (N8RNK) and motorcycling.

Presently own 1999 K1200LT, 1975 R90/6 w 1980EML Sidecar and 1952 R25/2. Previously owned a Honda 160, K75/5, K100LT and K1100LT.

I spent 26 years in the Air Force, 16 years in various Europe countries. Retired 1989 and worked for the Ohio Agriculture Research & Development Center, The Ohio State University as Environmental Health and Safety Officer. I attended most RA & MOA rallies when possible and retired 2003. After retirement I attended the CCR reunions.

I joined the RA club during the early 70's and I am an original Left Lane charter member.

I worked past RA rallies in registration and other areas as needed. Presently I am not a member of any Ohio Club, however I attend state breakfast's get-togethers when possible.

Trustee: Anton Largiader

I've been on the technical and website teams for a few years, and have served as a trustee for two. The biggest thing facing the RA now is finding ways to distinguish it from other clubs. I feel we do a good job of that by having a different focus in our magazine and by bringing sincere enthusiasm and interest to everything we do. We need to keep on doing it, and get better at it, and I'm happy to be part of the decision-making process.

We're fortunate to have attracted some really talented people to the RA board, but the officers and Trustees can't do it all alone. If your name isn't on this page, please think about helping some of us with an area of the club that interests you, and possibly put your own name here two years from now.

Trustee: Hank Rowland

I respectfully submit my statement of interest in joining the RA trustees:

I am a long-time RA member, BMW rider, and enthusiast. I think service to the RA would be service to fellow riders, and I would welcome the challenge of trying to improve the club.

My experience includes business ownership, considerable community service, working and living much of my career overseas (Germany, Belgium, Australia and others), and serving as a committee chair on several rallies. I am a silver medal Iron Butt Rally finisher.

I am retired and have the time and energy to contribute to furthering this organization's growth and excellence.

As a trustee I would assist in strengthening our club's relationships with local, national, and international BMW clubs; with NA and AG; and, most important, with our members. Building youth interest, participation, and membership should be a goal for all of us.

Above all, keep the RA spirit of no nonsense fun strong!

Trustee: Julia Shirley

I've been a member of BMWRA for 16 years, involved with BMW motorcycles for 29 yrs, having married a dedicated Beemerphile. My first motorcycle was a 1959 R60 and graduated up to a 2004 R1150RA. I've been a MSF Rider Instructor/Coach for 10 years and feel very strongly that an educated motorcyclist helps one to be a safer and more skilled rider. My experience with BMW clubs has been serving as Secretary and/or newsletter editor for the BMW North Jersey Club for many years and member of 2 other established BMW Clubs.

My position is that in order for a Club to succeed it needs strong leadership and dedicated volunteers. Whenever attending rallies I make sure that I volunteer to help in some form. I've enjoyed many years of camaraderie of fellow BMW Riders and feel it's time I gave something back by serving in the capacity of Trustee.

Trustee: Jeffery Yost

My choice to continue as a Trustee centers on my lifetime passion for BMW Motorcycles and its culture. My late father's unrestored 1960 R50 sits next to my 04 R1150RT. I was an eleven years old when I rode my father's BMW. The addiction started early. I am a Co-Founder/Trustee within the reorganized Vintage BMW Motorcycle Owners. I've subsequently been selected by the current RA Board to serve as an interim Trustee. As an elected Trustee my goal is to continue to help grow the RA's membership and insure that the organization remains healthy for our membership. Currently many BMW clubs average age is over 50. It is paramount to find ways that will insure future growth and sustainability. Part of my focus will center on generating interest among the younger generation. This is what planted the seed of passion for BMWs within me. Thank you for your vote.

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