ERIC WOLF, PRESIDENT
I joined the club in 2016 in order to meet riders and find out about this ADV thing. With a lifetime on sport bikes, weekend day rides, and lane splitting to work, as well as a career in the Marine Corps, backpacking, and camping, I thought it was time to bring it all together but needed folks to show me the ropes. Since my first club ride to Death Valley, I’ve biked to three national rallies, five 49ers, two ROLs, four MOA Weekend Aways, and dozens of South Coaster events. Yes, eventually I even learned a thing or two about riding in dirt… that I’m no good at it! I am in awe of the experience, ethos, and dedication of this club and its members! As I begin my second term as your president, I hope to lead us safely and creatively to new destinations and great experiences. Last year we collectively rode 122,000 SAFE miles. Let’s top that! Contact Eric at [email protected]
RON ZABLOCKI, VICE-PRESIDENT
I am truly honored and proud to be a member of this awesome BMW South Coast riders club, which I've been a part of since 2017. I'm aging myself here, but I've been riding on and off road for about 47 years on all sorts of bikes, and I've met many great people along the way which eventually led me to this club. I'm looking forward to getting to know each of you along with helping and supporting the club in any way I can, along with the other fellow board members. I hope that you all can enjoy your time with us - riding, socializing (and eating) and exploring these wonderful CA (and beyond) roads! Contact Ron by email.
HARRY HOFFMAN, TREASURER
Before I joined the South Coaster’s, I rode occasionally — just solo weekend rides, logging in a mere 17k miles over eight years. After joining the club in 2019, I’ve ridden over 58,000 miles — on two different BMWs — in just 5 years!! Oh, and always amongst the company of like-minded, fabulous riders and friends! Okay, okay. Enough with the numbers… (Treasury joke, ha!).
As a South Coaster, I have observed, participated in, and heaped more motorcycle education than I ever thought existed! From riding two-up, to packing gear for multiple-week campouts, farkle selection, and riding on everything NOT paved, my fellow comrades have always been there with encouragement, as well as, to help me pick up my GSA a time or two.
Giving back to others and continuing to share these pearls is the least I can do. “Pay it forward”, as they say. So for all of the weekend getaways, the thousands of miles traveled hearing the sweet roar of other “R or K” engines, pleasantly observing our row of cycles meandering through the canyons, and more laughs than I’ve ever had in my life, I am honored and proud to serve my fellow club members. See you on the road, or in the next coffee shop!
RAFAEL CARRETE, SECRETARY
I started riding four years ago and just joined the club this past August of 2022. I enjoy participating in club events and taking advantage of what the club has to offer. I’ve been able to go to places with other club members that I would have never thought possible. Contact Rafael by email.
DAVID VOORHEES, BOARD MEMBER
Joining the club in 2019 at the recommendation of Howard B., a 2021 transition to semi-retirement in the private club industry increased my participation. From Ohio and subsequently suburban Philadelphia, our family moved to Irvine in 1996. Late to the party, I purchased a ’99 Harley FXDX in 2002 and in 2009 a ‘07 K 1200 GT, which introduced me to a different type of riding and ultimately the wonderful people that are the South Coast BMW Riders Club. A 2020 1250 GSA has me quickly racking up miles on Club rides as well as solo touring and some dirt.
Having learned a great deal through the collective knowledge and experience of members kindly willing to share, I enjoy riding and spending time with the ladies and gentlemen of our group. I am proud of the club, honored to serve on the board and will do my best to contribute as did those that came before me.
TRAVERS BELL, BOARD MEMBEER & WEBMASTER
I've been riding with this awesome club for almost two years now, starting back in Fall 2022, and I couldn't be happier to have found such an amazing group of riders. I've been tearing up the streets on motorcycles for nearly 17 years. I dabbled in dirt bikes and pit bikes as a kid, thanks to friends and relatives, but it wasn't until much later that I got my very own bike.
Before discovering the joy of BMWs, I rode a Triumph and a few Victory motorcycles, but BMW has stolen my heart as my go-to ride. Outside of the club, I'm a proud father and husband, surrounded by an incredible family that makes every day better.
I'm thrilled to serve this club as a board member and your trusty webmaster. Here's to many more exhilarating rides and unforgettable memories with all of you on the open road!
VICKI MENEFEE, BOARD MEMBER
I retired from nursing in 2008, although I maintain my state license. I worked everything from hospital ER, OR and delivery, hospice, AID’s units, to home care. I started riding with my husband in 1978 on his 1976 Kawasaki KZ900. It was a test bed for Vance & Hines and had an unusually strong engine. David was well known for his 100+mph wheel stands, and he dragraced it frequently at the old Irwindale raceway’s ¼ mile track. He did not do the wheelies with me; my sister enjoyed it though. We also had a 1971 Harley Davidson FLH that I rode with him on a small seat on the rear fender. In 2004 we purchased a Kawasaki ZZR1200 sport touring bike and enjoyed miles of riding through our National Forests. In 2006 we purchased a Honda Goldwing which I still love. I had Dave get a custom license plate that reads BSTRIDE. The Honda is wonderfully comfortable for me, but a little cramped for Dave. We have ridden to South Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, and our Lake Havasu City home on the Wing. When the previous generation Goldwing came out, we assessed it, but that version was even more cramped for Dave and had a smaller fuel tank. There was nothing to love about it. We test rode a new BMW K1600 GTL, Dave liked it, but it was nowhere near as comfortable as the Goldwing for me, so we passed on that purchase, but I could tell he liked the performance over the Goldwing. In 2018 when the BMW K1600B Grand America came out, we rode it and I liked the comfort, it just needed arm rest. David had the foot pegs lowered an inch for him, floorboards and arm rest added for me. In 2021 we upgrade to the new GA with rear speakers. I love to ride with Dave and experience all riding has to offer.
RIC MAGRATH, PIERS RIDE COORDINATOR
I stumbled onto this club in late 2019. I was looking to connect with some riders that I might fit in with to enjoy some motorcycle touring. Since my mount of choice is a BMW, it seemed a pretty good bet I would not draw a blank. Down the road, this has proven to be very true. I am on my third BMW since 2008. My current mount is a 2012 R1200RT that I purchased in 2019 with 13,000 miles on the ODO. I rode solo through 2020 and 2021, covering over 10,000 miles each year touring throughout California and neighboring states. With the pandemic fading into the past, it was time to find those riding companions.
Attending general meetings and going on as many rides as I could, I was hooked. There is so much knowledge within the club membership that is freely shared, you can’t avoid learning about and enjoying riding more and more each time with this group. That said, I could not keep taking. It was time to start giving back. I joined the BOD.
As a board member, I plan to bring my enthusiasm and life experiences to the table to aid the board in promoting the club, the riding adventures we all enjoy so much, and the camaraderie that is the common bond between all members.
Most of all I look forward to riding many miles with all of you. One adventure at a time. Contact Eric at [email protected]
RYAN GERSBACHER, SAFETY & TRAINING
Forty-three years ago my parents purchased a cabin in Big Bear, California. My brother and I immediately started a campaign of harassment until my parents agreed to purchase dirt bikes for us to ride in the summer on the local mountain fire roads. That was the start of my two-wheeled obsession.
I have ridden countless dirt and street bikes including a few years racing motocross at Ascott Park, trials competitions in the local desert, and commuting on a Harley. When my kids, Kyle (24) and Madison (21), started school, I gave up motorcycles for parenting duties.
My two-wheeled obsession moved over to mountain biking while raising my kids. In 2019 my parenting responsibilities diminished to the point that I had the free time to start riding motorcycles again, so I purchased a used adventure motorcycle. After a couple of years, I decided that it wasn’t quite right for my riding style. I sold it and purchased my RT along with a trials motorcycle.
I joined the club in 2022 with the hopes of meeting other riders who have a sense of adventure. My wife may join me on the RT someday, but for now, I ride solo. Contact Ryan at [email protected]
