No
President, No Treasurer, No Sergeant at Arms, hell, NO Dictator
- This is how we, The Burgundy Topz, have survived for almost two
decades...
In
October 1986, the "scene" here in Sacramento was nearly
non-existent. Little by little we started banding together, and
before long we had secured a nifty little hide-out in the back of
Tower Ice Cream (now Tower Cafe). During this time, the novel idea
of a scooter club sprang, and were it not for the boredom of the
original founders Dave Kopf, Carlton (Cardi) Ashley, and Alex Zangeneh
Azam, there would not be the clandestine spinning fury known as
the Burgundy Topz...
Since
October 1986, we have stuck together and survived based on no structure
at all. During our first meetings, we tried a "democratic"
approach, usually reaching dead ends with a lack of leadership, disorganization,
and flirting with our interns. Later, our structure evolved
based on regular members and we cemented a life-long brotherhood composed
of people more interested in hanging out and riding than just pissing
away time trying to elect presidents and kings and sergeants and whatever
else. In our world, and still to this day, simplicity has always
reigned supreme. We knit, we drink, we discuss the news and we ride.
In
August 1987, we put ourselves on the map with the first Scootouring,
and created a legacy in the foothills of California that kicked off
the arrival of spring. We compliment our springtime folly with an
autumn scooter show humbly called "Worshipping the Beast".
What started as a custom scooter show has evolved into a thematic
event, showcasing Sacramento's sights and scenes. In recent
years, we have taken Worshipping the Beast to beautiful Lake Tahoe.
In December we take part in the Annual Sacramento Toy Run, a motorcycle
ride through the streets of Sacramento proudly riding our scooters
among thousands of Harleys. Following the Toy Run, we proudly
host the Northern California Scooter Council meeting to discuss upcoming
events and other club business.
Together
as a club we've created these great events, and because we have such
determined opinions and thoughts on how to do things, we are thankful
not to have a hierarchy. We certainly rely on each individual
skill and foresight to bring these events together.
Aside
from this, we ride. Nothing beats club rides. Cold, wet, hot, dry
- all we need is the road, two wheels, a bit of fun, and the rest
follows. First one to break down buys the next pitcher!
Our
current roster boasts 15 active members. Though many members
have come and gone, we still hold a spot for brethren as "Inactive
Members," for whom the door will always be open. During our history,
we have had the misfortune of seeing a few of our dear friends pass
away. We will never forget Kim Pease, Lorna Clark, Matt Williams,
Paul Corrallo, Ben Johnson, and Mike Hoerl and will always think of
them fondly.
Yes,
it takes a long time to become a Top... usually a year.
We have seen some come and go, and have thus enacted a common rule
to only accept new members under a unanymous vote and after building
a strong kinship. So far, it's worked just fine...
See
you at the next run!