Merrimack Valley Studio Productions

Stewy's Garage Episode 2025 03

Brother Stewy returns to the podcast with his segment entitled "Stewy's Garage".

Today we talk about his own experiences with his recent transmission failure. While researching his repairs and his discovery of trending failures on the Compensator Sprocket. As the mileage is accrued, the splines wear and could fail entirely. It's an individual decision, but you may want to consider preventive replacement. (Baker Drivetrain Link below)

What do you think about that?

We get sidetracked talking about breaking down on our chapter's return from our DC Memorial Weekend and how that ended up building our Brotherhood. This particular event also caused the chapter to implement the Life 360 group when traveling over the road as a group.

We talk about what to consider throwing in your saddlebags when heading out as a group. A small 1-gallon gas container, a small rechargeable battery charger, a small air pump, and other things we include based on our experiences.

We included some laughs from our own experiences to wrap the episode.

https://bakerdrivetrain.com/products/m8-compensator-sprocket?srsltid=AfmBOoon8j99L35qm2MiC8y3mqOQMPYtoyrlo1kDeW19uJfue1WzZDE0&variant=29823539675214

Appalachian Chapter Calls In

We had a great podcast today with the Appalachian Chapter and welcomed our NK Brother Sig back to the podcast. Brother Sig is no stranger to our podcast and was one of our, if not the first regular call-in guests to join our Group-Casts way back in the day.

As a Career Officer and K9 handler, he reflects briefly on his 27 ½ year career and a chance meeting in Washington DC where he met the Nam Knights MC and bravely waded into the mayhem outside the Hilton Hotel in Crystal City.

He hasn't been the same since.

The Appalachian Chapter is celebrating its 27th Anniversary as the Seventh Chapter of the Nam Knights MC chartered on January 16, 1998. A worthy celebration to say the least!

On the weekend of April 10th to the 12th, they will be pulling out all the stops to mark the occasion.

Even though they've been around for almost three (3) decades, they certainly aren't taking their foot off the pedal. This week, March 22nd they'll be hosting their Bike Night at the Grumpy Old Men Brewery! Brother Sig says they try and host an event a month to keep both the Brotherhood and the Community engaged. "We will have something every month, except December"

The chapter enjoys amazing community support, but that doesn't come without hard work. There are a lot of prominent folks vacationing in the area and some local breweries that are "hugely supportive".

"We've gotten an infusion of new members", says Sig, and with that came a lot of new ideas and energy. "We've got some prospects in the pipeline too".

The Chapter hosts a "Bikes and Brews" event every September benefiting the Georgia Police K9 Foundation. Live Bands, Raffles, and it's a very big deal. The next one is scheduled for September 13th and will be their fourth time hosting the event. The Brewery that helps sponsor the event is moving to a much larger venue, offering the chapter a larger footprint to organize the event. Every year the chapter tries to make it bigger and better.

The chapter runs Trivia Nights, Chilli Cook-offs, the Angel Tree promotion, Toys for Tots, Feed Fannin, and anything the local area needs that we can jump in on. "We are very fortunate that everybody here has embraced the Nam Knights MC" and they're taking that ride as hard as they can because they want to help the community as much as possible.

https://feedfannin.org

Brother Sig says the area is a little out of the way but they still get great support from the local chapters, particularly from the Georgia Area.

He encourages any patch that's coming down their way to ride or for vacation, to please give one of them a call and check in. There are some fantastic riding to be had and they would like to point you in some right directions. "When people come to town, it's like Christmas for us".

2025 Boston Chapter Calls In and our conversation with their VP Sarge

In this episode, we talked with the Boston Chapters Vice President (Sarge) and started out with a brief recap of his service with the US Army in Iraq and his discovery of the Nam Knights MC.

We call out Sensi who had some "miscommunication" and missed his first appearance on the podcast. Sensi has been an outstanding addition to the chapter and prospected with the chapter last year.

We talked about the chapter's transition to their new home at the American Legion in Weymouth MA. From the first night they went to the post, it's been nothing but good.

At 22 years of age, the chapter has undergone many changes and is still finding its rhythm on the South Shore of Massachusetts.

"What we gained in support from the post membership, has been nothing but great. Its been a great partnership."

"It's not a Burger Burn" but the chapter has partnered with the Post on the first Friday of the Month when the post runs its Meat Raffle. Having the food brings in more people into the post.

Boston Chapter's big annual event is their Comedy Night fundraiser. This year the event is planned for October, more information to follow.

We talked about about they maximized the use of a small hall. One of the challenges was that good-willed people purchased tickets to support the chapter but opted out of attending leaving a few empty seats. Something that's being discussed on how to go forward.

The Fundraiser has been successful for the chapter, year after year.

The chapter supports some big local Veterans causes like the Boston Wounded Vets Run and is often involved in one of local efforts that have a huge impact.

We talk about keeping the Brotherhood alive and organizing rides without a purpose or cause. "This is supposed to be fun!"

Another Great Episode and we appreciate Sarge for joining us!

Southern Tier Call In

We welcome Brother Contempt and Bulldog from our New York Southern Tier Chapter.

The chapter started in 2004 and recently celebrated their 20th Anniversary last year.

The chapter is a busy, tight crew that opened their own clubhouse last year.

We talked about their unique geography in the mountainous foothills of the NY Catskills. Great scenery, great roads, there's not a bad direction to head in. We laughed about cold mornings and warm afternoons.

Southern Tier hosts some different events like their Fly In Breakfasts at the local airport. They've been hosting them for about five (5) years now which regularly draws 200 people. The chapter provides the manpower assistance and in turn the chapter benefits via fundraising.

"We leave it better than we got it", says Brother Contempt. Pointing out that they clean the venue thoroughly before they leave. Minutes later perhaps confessing to some nefarious activities as well. (joking).

We talk about their venue for the August Event. The field provides plenty of space of camping overnight, axe throwing, shooting competitions, bonfires, tattoo artists, bands, and more. This will be the 21st Year of the event and in the last two years they've expanded the event even more with bands on Friday and more activities. The event is open to the public and clubs which are encouraged to attend and support our Veterans and First Responders. This year Brother Ambassador promises to "to blow it up and make it bigger and better than ever".

Contempt contends that he will soon succeed in having a Huey or a Blackhawk land in the field one of these years.

The chapter admits they might have "stole" the term Burger Burns from the Merrimack Valley with tremendous success! "We've gotten a tremendous following." It helps us out during the winter, we post that thing on our facebook and people show up.

It's been a huge help to the local Vets Club and Legion Post when the Burger Burn draws the crowd and it's a huge boost to their business.

Contempt expounds on why it's important to have that community connection.

"If something happens in this area, one of the first group people talk about is the Nam Knights." That only benefits the veterans and first responders. That results in some interesting donations.

This year they did fishing gear and tackle for the Vets Home. We get side tracked a little with a discussion about their donation of robotic cats and dogs to the Memory Unit at the Vets Home. What a unique idea. A few years ago they delivered 10-15 electric razors.

This year the chapter hopes to do the Tail of the Dragon and the Blue Ridge Parkway as part of a chapter week's long ride in the Fall.

"We've got a good crew, that likes to ride, likes to do things and hangout. Alot of BS flies and a lot of drinks get dranks!"

IRON HORSE CHAPTER CALL IN

Another great conversation to share, this time with Brother Hammer from the Iron Horse Chapter (NY).

Hammer reaffirms our belief that sometimes you need to step back from the pressure of chasing events and focusing on riding as a chapter and surely up the Brotherhood of our club.

We talk about some of the Iron Horse Chapter's more recent events and some of their upcoming annual events including their annual BBQ. Its been moved from July to October.

We also talked about planning their first ever Golf Fundraiser.

Speaking of riding, our conversation goes to Sturgis and the Tail of the Dragon.

Wrapping up a road report, well not really but its a light-hearted criticism of the NY Roadways.

Thanks to Iron Horse for adding another great episode to our ever growing 2025 catalogue.

2025 White Mountain Chapter Call In

17th Annual "Blues Bash"

February 22, 2025

Doors Open at 6pm

Food starts at 7pm

$20 PP

Indy & Maker welcome WMC's LT and Youngblood to their first appearance on the podcast.

The chapter started in 2007 and is based in Concord, New Hampshire.

More recently the chapter has experienced a change in membership and is currently undergoing a bit of a reorganization and change in its personality.

This year's Blues Bash is the 17th anniversary of the event. The event boasts a unique food fare where each patch brings their own "signature dish" to the event.

Indy points out how the chapter successfully organizes the event.

Many local patches and prospects have cycled through the event over the years. "Its a great event, so much stuff going on, you never see prospects sitting around", setting the bar high.

LT points out some recent changes in the way they organize the room to ensure that everyone is included in the festivities.

The event always dodges the potential of seasonal weather. LT advises that the event is rain (show) or shine.

We asked if they ever had anyone ride to the event. Not that anyone could recall.

The support that the chapter gets from the VFW is strong and a great partnership.

Raffles include 3 items raffle: 55" inch flat screen TV, Blackstone Grill, and $100 Cash.Plus a door prize and basket raffles.

The event always has a big and diverse community turnout, in addition to the Nam Knights chapter attendance.

EVENT PAGE:

https://www.facebook.com/share/17prFXxTDb

TRI BASE CHAPTER CALL IN

Opened up the lines for the Tri-Base Chapter with Brothers Kickz and Webster.

https://www.facebook.com/nkmctribase

They are kicking off their 10th Year of hosting Bike Nights at the Eden Stanley American Legion Post 294 (Pemberton NJ) beginning on Friday April 11th! Six Bike Nights from April through September, 2nd Friday of Every Month.

https://www.facebook.com/share/18WzdzuaSj

In June the chapter celebrates their 10 Year Anniversary! June 7th, Save the Date and mark it on your calendar because you sure are not going to want to miss this one!

You might think that's a full dance card for a small close knit chapter triangulating three posts and bases but I found it was only the tip of the iceberg.

The chapter supports the Field of Flags, Wreaths Across America, and works directly with the Family Support offices on post to provide everything from Pumpkins to Diapers (and everything in between) for the families of those deployed.

And in the vane of supporting the troops, Kickz and Webster enthusiastically introduced the story of a young man named. Vincent Lorenzo

For the past three years, Vincent has been giving veterans handmade Christmas cards and gift cards to a local restaurant, to show his thanks and appreciation for all they have done.

"He started raising money by playing a saxophone on the corner of his street. There he met a group of local men called the Nam Knights of America Motorcycle Club (Tri-Base Chapter), which honor American veterans and police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty," she said. "They were so touched by him that they have donated money to him the past three years so that he can reach more veterans."

https://www.thesandpaper.net/articles/barnegat-teen-on-a-mission-to-honor-veterans

Innovation and creativity are evident in the Chapter's social media, graphics, and support. Brother Webster commented that at times its best to let a graphic or idea stew a little . Such was the case with their 2nd (now) Annual upcoming Ladies Night event, the Dirty Bingo Fundraiser. They were both reluctant to divulge too many details but recounted how the idea first emerged during an evening gathering after attending the Eternal Chapter ceremony in Orlanda FL. At first dismissed, it returned and has now become one of their strongest events.

It's sold out again this year by the way.

2nd Annual Dirty Bingo Fundraiser (Ladies Night)

https://www.facebook.com/events/1628934901040436

Later in the season they're planning a collaborative event at Riv's Toms River Pub. A project that brings an event to a community partner and benefits the club & local veterans at the same time.

https://www.rivstrhub.com

We wrapped with an all too familiar sentiment, that it's important to focus on the reasons we are drawn to the Nam Knights MC in the first place. Brotherhood, belonging, call it what you want but its important not to lose sight of that too.

The Tri-Base is a small close knit powerhouse chapter that is clearly firing on all cylinders!

What an absolutely terrific episode, we squeezed the best of everything into 30 minutes!

Brother Professor of our Merrimack Valley chapter checks in on the phone lines. Despite a few dropped calls, he lays out his adventures riding solo across the country. We discussed some destinations, preferences, and probably his best story of showing up unexpectedly at the home of one of his former students. We can all laugh now (and we hope she can too). Florida, Cleveland, Hilton Head, Vegas Baby, and San Diego. Miles from home and all alone! Brother Professor is on the mend from a knee replacement surgery and very much looking forward to getting back on the bike this spring. No one has a more positive attitude than this guy! Atlanta Traffic He recalls it as being one of the worst traffic encounters of his trip. https://511ga.org/region/Atlanta Hilton Head Expensive but exciting week spent here with his friends. There are current six golf balls he graciously donated to the treeline during his stay. https://www.hiltonheadisland.org/ Navarre Beach (Florida) Recalls as one of his favorite destinations. https://www.getrelaxing.com

And finally tonight, we peeled open the door to Stewy's Garage and recorded a truly entertaining episode. We start by discussing how high temps and humidity steal power and performance from our motorcycles. That discussion evolved into a roundtable about Handlebars, Seats, and Highway pegs. Engine Idle Temperature Management System (EITMS) The idea is that when the engine temperature reaches a predetermined point, the system will turn the rear cylinder fuel injector off, and then proceeds to act as a "air pump" to cool the engine. https://www.sunshinecoastharley.com.au/blog/harley-davidson-idle-engine-temperature-management/2967 Surprisingly we go on to talking about riding the roads in the State of Florida and the potential wildlife hazards that exist, including the LoveBug invasion. A comical way to end our return to the garage! https://www.news-press.com/story/news/environment/2023/05/13/biologist-answers-questions-about-love-bug-season-in-florida/70202840007

Our Annual January Fundraiser and Bash is this weekend.

Indy and Maker sit down in the studio to give you a preview and talk about planning the event.

Doors open at 6, the meat raffle starts at 7:15

$20.00 cover funds six (6) $50 cash door prizes

10 games for assorted meat packages, these aren't your usual meat raffles. We are raffling off $1500 worth of Quality Meat from McKinnon's Market & Super Butcher Shop in Salem, N.H

https://www.mckinnonsmarkets.com

In addition, we look forward to opening our Post Home, the American Legion Post 315 to everyone and are thankful for all the hard work our Bartenders, Floor Sellers, and many many people behind the scenes provide.

https://dracutamericanlegionpost315.com

We are welcoming a New Sponsor this year, The Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers from Boston.

On behalf of the entire Nam Knights MC Merrimack Valley Chapter, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Jeffery Glassman for this donation. That support helps us support local veterans and continue to build our community. We are grateful for their commitment to supporting local riders and look forward to riding together in the future!

https://www.jeffreysglassman.com

https://www.facebook.com/JeffreyGlassmanInjuryLawyers

We welcome back Boyer's Truck Equipment from Hudson NH and are thankful for their generous donation year after year.

https://www.boyerstruckequipment.com

And finally but by no means last, Brothers Sports Bar and Grille from Dracut MA will be providing the food for the event. Brothers has been a staunch support of this and many others of our events throughout the years.

https://www.bsbandg.com