OPEN LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
8/29/2024
I want to take a moment and welcome two new Riveter board members at large. We had a couple open slots according to our by-laws, and after spending two weeks with these two dynamic, talented women, we invited them to join the board to fill these vacant seats. The chapter will hold board elections this fall, so check your inbox for information on nominating and voting procedures.
Meanwhile, please join me in welcoming Kellie Rendleman and Leslie Chapman to the Riveter board. Kellie is a graduate of motorcycle mechanic school, and is a talented wrench. She provided support on the Chix at the Crossroads event - her first time working in that capacity - and she demonstrated both her talent and her sense of humor, endearing herself to all of us. Leslie is a long-time rider of vintage iron, and truly dove into the spirit of the Crossroads event. Her shovel was the only vintage bike that did not need repair or support once she fixed a few small items during tech. She is a pleasure to ride with, and I hope more of you get the opportunity to join all of us on the road and meet Kellie, Leslie and the rest of us.
Speaking of.... it is official, the Riveter Chapter is hosting an AMCA National Road Run May 20-22, 2025 in Berea, Kentucky. You can sign up for our email list to get any updates we send out (we honestly don't hit that list too heavily so you will not be spammed to death - we hate that too), and the registration for this event will happen on the AMCA page. We will post links and info as we have them; however, registration will not go live until after the first of the year 2025.
Being from Kentucky myself, I may or may not be biased when it comes to the incredible beauty of my home state, but the area around Berea, Kentucky, where we will be riding, is stunning. Between the beautiful winding rural roads - well banked and well maintained - and the spectacular natural rock formations that the interplay between the limestone rock and the rivers have created over the centuries - Kentucky is one of the most naturally beautiful states east of the Mississippi.
I encourage you to sign up for this road run - ALL AMCA members are welcome. This is not a "Chix" event. It is an AMCA National Road Run.
Please join us. We look forward to your company!
Karan Andrea
President, Riveter Chapter
A word about membership.
Remember that your chapter membership runs on the calendar year – 1/1/2023 – 12/31/2023, for example – so your chapter membership will likely expire at a different time than your AMCA membership does.
1. If you are not a current AMCA member, click here to join.
2. If you are a current AMCA member and just need to renew your Riveter Chapter membership, send your dues via PayPal to our Treasurer Kathy Strobele. The PayPal email is kathys@riveterchapter.com.
3. If you have any questions about membership status, contact our Membership Director Joann Mikulec.
How do we keep the Riveter Chapter visible between these annual events?
Share what you are doing in your own communities, home chapters, riding organizations, wherever you participate in motorcycling events. If you are at an event, please post, share or tag Chix and Riveter social media (we are on Facebook and Instagram).
FB Riveter Private Group
FB Chix Vintage Riders Public Page
Instagram Chix Vintage Riders Page
• The purpose of this chapter is for us to get to know each other and see what we are all doing. Social media is the perfect outlet for us to make this happen. Our members are spread across the country, so large gatherings of members are going to be few and far between, but sharing the events we attend, the work we do on our bikes, etc., is a great way to support each other and become more aware that we are not all operating in a vacuum.
• If you have an idea or want to create an event or believe that there is something that the chapter can offer its members, please get in touch with one of our board members (see the complete list of board members on the Riveter Chapter website www.riveterchapter.com). This is your chapter. If you are willing to put an event together where you live or know of an event where you would like to see a Riveter presence, we can help you make that happen.
• We are always looking for members who want to be active on a more committed level. There are committee opportunities – either a committee the board has established, or you can propose a committee if you have an idea that would require more planning and execution than you are willing to do on your own.
This sounds like something I want to dig into. What else can I do?
If you want to play a larger role in your chapter, here are just a few ideas for you to consider. Some I have already mentioned above, and some are simply needs that we do not yet have personnel for.
• Social media coordination – we are still looking for someone willing to manage our social media content on Facebook and Instagram – this is one of the best ways to stay in touch with our members and share what Riveters are doing with a wider audience. This could be shared among several people.
• Membership recruiting – do you know women who might be interested in joining the Riveter Chapter? Forward this site to them. Bring them to an event you are attending. Introduce them to other members.
• Event planning/attendance – if you have an idea for an event – no matter how small and local it may be, or if you gather a few Riveters to attend an event – maybe a local bike night, a road run, one of the bigger rallies like Sturgis or Daytona, etc. – let us know, and we can help coordinate meetups or whatever you have in mind.
• Education – riding techniques, mechanical instruction (repairs/maintenance, etc.)
• Promoting Riveter contributions to motorcycling, etc. If you or someone you know is participating in a motorcycle event – maybe having an antique bike judged, or racing at Sons of Speed, or participating in something like the Chase or Cannonball – we will promote the event and our members through our social media channels.
Thank you for your support of the Riveter Chapter. We are excited about our future, and we are happy that you have chosen to be part of our adventure.
Karan Andrea
President
716-445-5487