Public School System.

Merlin started riding motorcycles in 1963 on a Honda step-through 50.  Through the years he rode various other cycles, including a 160 Honda, a C75 Honda and a 350 Kawasaki.  In 1999 he acquired a 1996 white Goldwing, which he and Sandy continue to enjoy.  In July of that year, he joined GWRRA and subsequently came to Chapter L to meet and ride with other Goldwingers.  Since then, Merlin and Sandy have both enjoyed the friendship and camaraderie of the Chapter L family. 

The Hopkins indicate Dexter Trail and South Williamston Road to be their favorite local rides.  As for long distance, it's been a six-week ride to Alaska and a four-week ride through eastern Canada. 

One of them says the most memorable ride, though, was a ride from their home in Williamston to Dansville "with my honey on the back."  (editor note:  this is such a short distance, don't you just wonder what made it so memorable?)

They appeared at a recent gathering in their newest "toy" -- a cute little robin-egg blue Miata convertible.  Merlin claims he thought it would be a nice little car they would both enjoy.  Listening to both their "stories" about it and seeing Sandy at the driver's wheel after that gathering, it's really hard to tell which one enjoys it the most.

Happy Trails! To the Hopkins, no matter what they're riding!!

The Hopkins live in Williamston.  Merlin grew up on a farm in suburban Merrill, MI.  Sandy, from across the border (Lake Michigan), grew up in the beautiful Wisconsin cities of Madison and Milwaukee.  Although they were both members of the Williamston Newcomers Club, they have no idea exactly when they met.  But as most happily married couples will tell you, it seems like they've known each other forever!  Merlin and Sandy have since shared nearly 15 years of married bliss, and have 6 children and 4 grandchildren…sadly, all living in other states. 

Although Merlin is a skilled carpenter, he spent 32 years teaching Science in Williamston High School, retiring in 1999.  Rather than letting retirement become boring, Merlin has become an Xbox golfing fanatic and also addicted to Sudoku.  Sandy claims she has too many passions to count.  She also says that because she doesn't have as many years behind her as Merlin does, she's not able to enjoy the leisure retirement hours like he does…she is currently employed by the Okemos