Introduction!

[Patrick McNeil]

I hope this is the appropriate place for the, but I thought I would post an introduction for the group about Wendy and I.

Wendy grew up in the Duluth area.  She has 4 sisters, most of which still live in the MN area. Her father was a firefighter.  So she has a thing for them! LOL!  Wendy is a Behavioral Intervention Specialist with St. Paul Public Schools.  She deals mostly with kids with Autism.  In the summer she is the Director at Camp Hand in Hand, a camp that caters to children wit Autism.  She has two boys, Niccilo, age 11 and Angelo, age 8. 

I grew up in Edina.  I have an older Sister and brother.  I spent most of my adult life in investigations and corporate security.  I decided to have a mid-life career change and attended Century college.  I graduated in 2008 with a degree in Radiologic Technology.  I have worked mostly in Special Procedures/Interventional Radiology.  I currently work part time at Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center, part time at Multicare Associates (clinics in Blaine, Fridley and Roseville) and I teach part time at Rasmussen College in Brooklyn Park.  I have two kids, Matthew, age 19 and Mindy, age 16.  I also have a one year old grand-daughter, Calli.

Wendy and I met last two years ago.  The first time we met was at the Minnesota Irish Fair, where I am the official photographer.  Yes, I do photography as well.  I have been shooting people and landscapes for over 30 years now.  It is a hobby, but is becoming a larger part of my life.  We currently live in Bayport.

We purchased our 2009 V-Star 950 Tourer in December.  It has been stored at Tousley since then.  I have several mods that i will be making to the bike when we finally get it.  Things like adding a Cobra Slip-on muffler, a Cobra Fi2000 fuel management system, an airbox mod (not sure which one yet) and some lighting changes (passing lights, rear running lights, etc).

We look forward to meeting everyone in the group.  We did attend the "All Chapter" meeting.  Wendy said the best part of that meeting was the reading of the Charter.  LOL.  We also look forward to some awesome rides this summer.  Feel free to drop us a line. 

[Pat Calkins "Corn Dog"]

Whichever Chapter you decide to join, we all welcome you and Wendy.  You will find that our group is fond of riding, riding and of course having fun and eating.  We have a real diverse group of skills and professions. 

But most of all we like to have fun and ride.  Keep checking our calendars for upcoming events, meetings and gatherings. 

Welcome aboard. 

[Papa Chachi]

Welcome again Patrick sounds like our families have a lot in common.

I have one daughter, Jennifer, that has been a Special Needs TA for the St. Paul School District for years, wonder if she's ever met Wendy.  Our other daughter, Tracy Schimidt, worked in a home for Autistic Kids in Bayport until a couple of years ago but had to give it up due to health issues (which she over now).  She'd like to get back into that but hasn't been able to find a job.

My wife Joan and I also have a blended family.  We have 3 kids from her first marriage (Tim Tracy and Kari) and I have 2 from my first marriage (Jarred and Jennifer).  Of course, ours are all much older than yours, the youngest being 27.  And of course our wonderful 6 grandchildren.

If you need help with any of those mods let me know.  I've done them all and have the garage space and tools needed to get them done.  What airbox mod are you considering?  I'll be switching mine again before spring comes and will have a standard K&N filter available that's only been used one season.  Clean it and it'll be good as new.

Hope to meet up soon.

[Patrick McNeil]

Papa Chachi,

We did look for you at the meeting, but of course you were not there.  I look forward to meeting you.  What school is Tracy at?  Wendy was asking.  Wendy also runs the summer camps.  Maybe Tracy would have some interest there?

As for the mods, i will take all the help I can get.  I should have the bike out of storage in mid March.  Maybe sooner, depending on the weather.  As for the air mod, not sure yet.  Any suggestions?  Feel free to call me anytime.  651-226-1580

[Bear]

It is good to know more about you. Jim would be a great one to work with on your mods as he has the same bike and has done the same mods to his.

Bear

[JIMBO]

Patrick and Wendy, I meant you briefly at the All Chapter Charter signing, Sorry i could not spend more time with you, but welcome to the MN Star and be assured that no matter which chapter you join you will have a blast, By the way I am known to all Chapters as jimbo (or sometimes Tin Man) I was the founder and past 3 year president of chapter 444 and am now the Minnesota State Ambassador. I hope you both decided to join one of our great chapters and become a part of the Star Family.  

[Patrick McNeil]

Jimbo,

Thanks for the warm welcome.  I am sorry about the "All Chapter" meeting and not having time to spend talking with you as well.  There were just to many people to meet.  But, time will make that happen. 

I believe that we became part of the Star family when we made our purchase, but being at the meeting kind of put the topping on the cake...so to speak!  Everyone was AWESOME!!!  Oh, and the food was fabulous!

[Papa Chachi]

Yeah Patrick I was really looking forward to the meeting too but I had one of those family comes first moments.

If you do a little searching on the YMF you'll find references to the drilled mod and the Stryker mod.  If you like the Strkyer mod I have one of the protoype V-Star kits I'm not planning on using.  It will need painted or chromed but that's no big deal.  Then of course there are quite a few intake kits if you want to go that way.  I'm switching out my stock airbox for a Cobra Powerflow myself.

Thanks for your number mine is (651) 398-3522.  Booked this weekend and working in Rochester everyday shoots my week.  Should have some weekend time after that.

Cheers.