GWRRA Wingin' It

e-Newsletter

"Friends for Fun, Safety & Knowledge"

March, 2011

In This Issue
Joke of the Month
Inspirational Quotes
GWRRA & Facebook
Looking for YOUR Articles
Knoxville Trivia
Amazing Volunteers
Your Opinion Matters!
Passport Program Updates
Rescue Plus Reminder
Home Office Reminders
Article Headline
Chapter Story
Value of the Gold Book
New Event
Member's Travel
Motorist Awareness Program
Home Office Experience
New GWRRA Promotion
GWRRA Benefits
Quick Links
Join Our Mailing List

Joke of the

Month 

Mike Delladio

GWRRA # 296975

question mark

Our teacher asked us what our favorite animal was, and I said, "fried chicken."  

 

She said I wasn't funny, but she couldn't have been right, because everyone else in the class laughed. My parents told me to always be truthful and honest, and I am. Fried chicken is my favorite animal.  

 

I told my dad what happened, and he said my teacher was probably a member of PETA.  He said they love animals very much. I do, too. Especially chicken, pork and beef. Anyway, my teacher sent me to the principal's office. I told him what happened, and he laughed, too. Then he told me not to do it again.  

 

The next day in class my teacher asked me what my favorite live animal was. I told her it was chicken. She asked me why, just like she'd asked the other children. So I told her it was because you could make them into fried chicken. She sent me back to the principal's office again. He laughed, and told me not to do it again.  

 

I don't understand. My parents taught me to be honest, but my teacher doesn't like it when I am.  

 

Today, my teacher asked us to tell her what famous person we admire most. I told her, "Colonel Sanders." 

 

Guess where I am now...???

 

 
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Inspirational

Quotes

 

"Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else."

 

~Judy Garland

 

 "Failure is never quite so frightening as regret."

 ~Denis Dumulon 

Chapter 'D'

St-Hubert

Canada

 

"You were not born a winner, and you were not born a loser. You are what you make yourself be."

 

~  Lou Holtz 

 

GWRRA is on

Facebook 

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Check out GWRRA's Facebook page and sign up to follow us! It is easy!!

 

Looking for

Articles

Remember, I am still looking for articles for YOUR e-Newsletter! 

 

Travelogs, Member

and Officer profiles, Chapter activities, your stories about how joining GWRRA has positively affected your life, etc.

 

And don't forget those great Gold Book stories.

 

Please send your stories to me here.

  
 
Knoxville & 
 Tennessee Trivia Feature
Let's see how much you know about Knoxville this month.
 
1-What famous soft drink traces its beginnings to Hartman Beverages in Knoxville in the late 1940's?
 
2-Name the Pulitzer Prize winning writer born in Knoxville in 1909?

(Answers to be found in the coupon block below.) 

 

 
Rise With Kids picture

AMAZING VOLUNTEERS

 

In response to your request to recognize volunteers in 2011, I would like to pay tribute to the hundreds of GWRRA Members who support the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation� (PBTF) by volunteering at our 40 Ride for Kids� events each year. In 2010, GWRRA Members also raised more than $775,286 to help us find the cause of and cure for pediatric brain tumors, the deadliest form of childhood cancer.

The Ride for Kids� is now in its 28th year in support of the PBTF. The generosity of event volunteers allows us to hold down expenses and dedicate more funds to our research and family support programs.

 

I am in awe of our volunteers and humbled by their dedication to our cause. It is my honor to give a big "pat on the back" to those GWRRA Members who offer young brain tumor patients and their families a reason to hope for the future.

 

Sincerely,

Mark S. Muhlenfeld

National Ride for Kids Manager

 
 
 
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Your Opinion Matters!

GWRRA logo

 Remember to check out GWRRA's Homepage at www.GWRRA.org

 to let us know your opinion of a variety of subjects in our polls.

 

  

Over the next few months, we are going to be asking you questions about your riding style and your type of ride.

 

"How often do you ride, normally?"

 

>Daily

or

  >Weekly

or

>Yearly

or

>Occasionally

 

  We always have a current GWRRA topic. To let us know your opinion. Check it out!

 

 

Passport Program

Update

GWRRA Logo

 Here are some updates and reminders from Mike Stiger about the Passport Program.

 

         >What constitutes as an event is any scheduled event that any GWRRA Chapter, District, Region, or National conducts.  

 

         >The preferred mode of transportation used for the passport is a Motorcycle or Trike. However, for our northern Members that only have a 5-month riding season (for example), during inclement weather where a safer mode of transportation should be used, for health reasons, having to haul materials or supplies to the event, or any other reasonable reason,  arriving in their car is fine.        

 

     >A Director, or their designated representative, needs to sign the book.   

 

           > The deadline for the program has been extended to 7/31/12.

 

        > Lastly, let's stay on point. The purpose of the Passport Program is to encourage Members to increase their riding and participation in GWRRA events and share the love. It is not about some prize they may be winning. I look forward to seeing the Chapters, Districts, and Regions use this Passport for their own purposes promoting the "GWRRA Experience". Let's take and run with this tool and have lots of FUN! 

 

 GWRRA has a website devoted to this Passport Program and you can see all the sponsors who supported the Program, as well as more information. Check it out at

www.gwrra.org

 

Rescue Plus

Reminder

 
Tow Truck
  Remember to sign

up for

Rescue PLUS!

It will add more

miles and more

vehicles to your

standard FREE

Rescue towing

package from

GWRRA. PLUS,

it only costs

$25 per year

to upgrade the

entire family!!


Sign up NOW by

calling

800-843-9460!


<><><><><><><>

And remember, non-members can

purchase Rescue

PLUS for only $50

with all the same

benefits!


Call NOW!

Home Office

Reminders 

GWRRA Logo

Split Payment Plan

  

GWRRA offers a Split Payment Plan. Simply

stated, you can split the amount of your membership renewal into two payments, spread over two consecutive months.

 

The Split Payment Plan can be done over the phone with a credit card, or can be marked on the bottom of your renewal notice. (Your renewal must be done with a credit card, and the split payment box must be checked.)

 

It is great for any renewals, with or without Rescue Plus!

 

 Examples:

 

1 year Family membership with Rescue Plus $80.00 total; $40.00 paid on 12-1-10 and the remaining $40.00 will be automatically charged on the last business day of the following month.

 

 

3 year Individual membership $120.00 total; $60.00 paid on 12-15-10 and the remaining $60.00 will be automatically charged on the last business day of the following month.

 

So take advantage of GWRRA's Split Payment Plan and renew your membership today! Call Member Services at 800-843-9460 or 623-581-2500 (Phoenix).

 

Please note: You will not receive your membership cards or Rescue Plus cards until the final payment has been processed.

**********************

 

Updating your

"Home Chapter"

 

 In GWRRA we assign zip codes to Chapters based on the areas and Members associated within those areas. It is true that any Member can attend any Chapter, or belong to multiple Chapters. In our reporting system we have the capability to track only one home Chapter that you will be associated with, and you will only show up on that Chapter's reporting system.

 

Initially, we assign Chapters pertaining to the zip code in which you currently live. If you would like to be assigned to a different Chapter, you can call Member Services and request the change. There are a few reasons you may wish to change your "Home Chapter". For example, your primary residence may be in one state, but you want to belong to a Chapter in a different state that you have a secondary residence, or you visit multiple Chapters, but would like to be assigned to one specific Chapter. 

 

Address changes can be a little trickier. If your address changes, your Chapter assignment will automatically change to reflect your new address unless you have given us a specific Chapter that you would like to belong. If that is the case, your Home Chapter will remain the same.  

 

Recently we were allowing Chapter MEC's to change Member Chapter assignments. This was due to a Chapter of the Year recruiting and retention contest, which ended on November 1st, 2010. Members will now need to call and change their own Chapter assignment with our friendly Member Services Team at 800-843-9460 or 623-581-2500 (Phoenix).

 

###################


Message Boards

Sign-In Help:

There seems to be a bit of confusion with the  Message Boards, so hopefully this information will be helpful.

 

 

The website is

www.gwrrabbs.org

A pop-up box will come up when you get there stating:

 

 User name is your GWRRA Membership number (zero's included).

 

 Password is the numbers in your address and the expiration date of your membership (in most cases). (If you are Life Members, it will be your address and then the word life, ex. 1234life.)

 

Once you are in the Message Boards, if this is your first time, you need to go up to the right-hand corner and press "REGISTER". There you will fill out the information asked and create your own user name and password. Keep in mind, the user name you choose can't be changed and it is what everyone will see on the Boards when you are logged in, so choose carefully.  

 

Once you have registered, you will receive an email with your information. Please save this for future reference.  

 

You may be asked to login each time you go to the Board. The first set of logins will confirm your membership, the second logins will be what you created.

 

If you still have any questions on this process, please give us a call. It is easier to walk you through it over the phone.

800-843-9460.

============

 
 
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Join Our Mailing List
Greetings!  
  
From everything I have read and watched on the news this year, it has been a very hard winter in many parts of our country and the world. From the fires and floods in Australia to the above-average snowfalls in the northern U.S. states and Europe.
  
Just looking at the GWRRA Facebook page, everyone is anxious for Spring. Folks are getting their bikes ready to ride. You can also read it on our Message Boards. So, for you folks who have not joined our Facebook page, or ever checked GWRRA's Message Boards, please do. They are great places to meet other GWRRA Friends from all over the world!
  
As you read further in the Wingin' It, you will see some great articles on Rider Ed and see some cool pictures of one of our Members and a buffalo! There is also an update on our new Passport Program from our Director, Mike Stiger. And, make sure you go to the bottom of this e-Newsletter, in the right column, to link to all the latest GWRRA Discount Benefit programs.
  
Registrations for Wing Ding are way ahead of last year, so make sure you get your registration in early to reserve your tours, courses and events so you don't lose out! Also, check out our latest new event, the Trikes & Bikes Rally, in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
  
For those of you who have not read about the new 2012 Gold Wings yet...they are out! Or at least, as of 2/25/11, they will be previewed at the Greenville Motorcycle Show. According to American Honda, the 2012 GL's will be available at the dealers in May. Please check out this site
http://world.honda.com/GoldWing/?r=m. Write me here and let me know what you think of the new features, looks and pricing. I will feature some of your remarks in the next issue of Wingin' It. Remember, I will not be able to answer everyone who writes, but don't let that stop you from letting us know what you think!!
  
GWRRA is looking forward to a great year and an eventful riding season, so get those bikes checked out, take that Rider Ed course to hone up your skills, and above all...be safe and have fun! 
  
  
Ed Price
  
Marketing Director
GWRRA
Rider Ed Article
  

"I Didn't See Him"Joe Mazza

Joe and Gracie Mazza

International Assistant Director

Rider Education
 

 

The title of this article says it all. These are the words usually spoken by a motorist after having made contact with a motorcycle. We think the answer is to make ourselves more visible. Will this solve the problem? Probably not, but I'm sure it will help and give us some peace of mind that we are doing our part in lowering the odds of being hit.

 

One of the best safety features to come along in recent years has been the headlight modulator. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 108 (49 CFR Part 571.108 S7.9.4) is the Federal Law that allows motorcycle headlight modulation systems in all 50 states, provided they comply with the standards set forth in this section.

 

When we first added this safety accessory to our bike, we started to get some interesting reactions from motorists. Some, coming in the opposite direction, would flash their lights thinking we were "flashing"our lights at them. Others would pull alongside us at a traffic light to advise us that our "flashers" were on. One lady pulled over thinking we had an emergency. We passed her and then surprised her when we reached our destination one block later and pulled into a parking lot. She followed and demanded to know why I was in such a big hurry that I had to "flash"my headlights just to go one block. To her credit she was very understanding when I explained the safety feature to her.

 

The difference between flashing one's headlights and having them modulate is that flashing involves the transition from low beam to high beam and back again. With modulation, a headlamp can be wired to either the low beam or high beam so that it operates from its maximum intensity to its lower intensity without changing beams. Your headlights modulate at a specific frequency of 240 cycles per minute or 4 cycles per second. Modulating headlights help!  We highly recommend them!!

 

Ride Safe, Have Fun

Chapter Story

 

CHAPTER NY-NChapter NY-N
Maryanne Faranda 

Adopt-A-Platoon Chairperson

 

Christmas for the troops...

 

For the second year in a row, we did the Adopt-A-Platoon Christmas Project. Our members generously donated items and/or money for this wonderful organization. It is only with our Chapter's generosity that we were able to complete this mission and make another memorable Christmas for our military.  

 

On November 30th many of our 
Members gathered to stuff the Christmas stockings at the Elk's Lodge in Glens Falls.
We all had a great time and we provided seven boxes of goodies for the troops which had to be sent before the 3rd of December in order to arrive on time for Christmas. Each box contained an over-stuffed stocking, a soft pillow, a bag of candy and other goodies for their enjoyment.

 

Another high point of this project was enclosing many handmade holiday cards created by students of the William H. Barton Intermediate School, Queensbury, NY from the classes of Mrs. Cherry (Grade 4) & Mrs. Discenza (Grade 5).   

 

These projects would not be successful if it weren't for our Members and you all are to be commended.

 

THANK YOU ALL!

The Value of the Gold Book

Ron and Karen Knudtson

GWRRA #79122 & 79122-01

Mason City, Iowa

 

We have traveled many states never needing to use the GWRRA Gold Book.  However, we have assisted many who have had problems as they traveled through our city.  We have met many great people and were so glad to be able to help in any way we could.


Late this fall, on our way home from Toronto, Canada, we decided to walk along Lake Michigan in the small town of St. Joseph, MI.  As we pulled into town, we noticed that the heat indicator came on saying we were "overheated".   We pulled over and our car (a 2010 model) was leaking antifreeze.  

 

It was a Sunday so it was hard to find a tow service; however, we finally found one right there in St. Joseph.  They came out immediately. They were very helpful and would tow the car to the dealership.  There were no rental cars available anywhere as it was Sunday, so we knew that we were stranded until the next day.  We needed to find a motel and get a room for the night.  After many calls through on-star etc., we decided to call someone listed in the GWRRA Gold Book.

 

Well, we were very fortunate to reach a Gold Winger, Raymond Londeen. He came out within minutes, helped us load our baggage that we would need for the night, and drove us to the motel. What a blessing for us!!!  Ray called to check on us that evening and again in the morning to see if we needed a ride to the dealership. (However,the dealership sent us a car to use while they worked on ours. The problem was that our radiator split.) 


We were stranded in St. Joseph from eleven o'clock a.m. Sunday until three o'clock p.m. Monday.  Many little shops were open so we did leave a little money in St. Joseph.

 

We want to say a big "THANK YOU" to GWRRA Member, Ray Londeen!   We appreciate the time he took to help us out and we have made a new friend.....all because of the GWRRA Gold Book. 

 

Folks, the GWRRA Gold Book is one of the finest tools that GWRRA has to offer.........The Gold Book alone is worth the membership in the Gold Wing Road Riders Association!  

 

 

New Event...Trikes
  
Trikes & Bikes Rally
September 30-October 2,2011
Bowling Green, Kentucky
  

Welcome to Bowling Green, Kentucky!

 

Get Rolling to Bowling Green for the 2011 Trikes and Bikes Rally!   Where else can you go spelunking, witness an American icon in the works, go for a twisted ride in the air, and get up close and personal with a historic drag strip all in one visit? Nowhere, other than Bowling Green, Kentucky.  Legendary cars, wooden roller coasters, vintage railcars, and underground boat tours drive Bowling Green's ability to entertain and educate visitors.  Less than one hour north of Nashville, TN, off I-65 in South Central Kentucky, this small city rolls out a red carpet experience for anyone in search of an opportunity to sample the Southern hospitality of a unique town on the move.

 

See where America's favorite sports cars are born as new Corvettes roll off the lines at the GM Corvette Assembly Plant.  Visitors are welcome to witness a behind-the-scenes view of an American dream in the making by participating in a plant tour. Also, explore the world's fascination with the famous sports car at the National Corvette Museum, one of Edmunds' Top Ten Automotive Museums in the World, which features more than 80 Corvettes on display and many interactive exhibits throughout its 115,000 square foot facility. 

 

If all that speed makes you long for days of slower travel, then listen to stories of life on the tracks with the push of a button and climb aboard the restored railcars at the new Historic Railpark and Train Museum, located in the renovated 1925 L&N Depot. Bowling Green also is home to the famous cake-mix king, Duncan Hines, so step back in time to the glory days of the automobile and discover how Hines got his start as a travel writer at the Kentucky Museum's 'Recommended by Duncan Hines' exhibit.

 

The core of Bowling Green's uniqueness lies deep within (literally).  Lost River Cave & Valley offers a fascinating exploration of the region's cave system and is home to Kentucky's only underground boat tour on the river that Ripley's Believe it or Not claims is the shortest, deepest in the world. If you prefer higher ground, Bowling Green has that as well.  Beech Bend Amusement Park's Kentucky Rumbler is hailed as the most twisted wooden roller coaster in seven states and will take you on a fun-filled journey that offers a bird's eye view of the park's 40+ rides and newly expanded Splash Lagoon Water Park.  Another breathtaking vista surrounds Bowling Green's historic house museum, Riverview at Hobson Grove, where Victorian d�cor and Civil War stories abound.  

 

The city offers an entertaining lesson in southern living, history, geography, engineering... and agriculture. Amidst the rolling hills of Bowling Green's countryside, you'll find beautiful landscapes and opportunities to experience the area's rural heritage, including Chaney's Dairy Farm, where homemade ice cream and arts and crafts satisfy your appetite for Kentucky-made products.  Local harvests are shared at seasonal farmers' markets and high atop one of Warren County's highest elevations at Jackson's Orchard.  Bowling Green is also home to many one-of-a-kind restaurants that offer a tasteful palate of Bowling Green's rural heritage and its blend of new cultures. 

 

Can't wait to learn more?  Then contact the Bowling Green Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-326-7465 or go online to www.visitbgky.com and get excited about Rolling to Bowling Green September 30-October 2, 2011. You can also call GWRRA at 800-843-9460 or in Phoenix at 623-581-2500 to get registered now!

 

Michael Kelso & RideMember's Travel

 

Michael Kelso

Park Forest, IL 

GW Member  #177137          

 

It's July 2005, and I'm riding through the Black Hills.  I rode into Custer State Park and, at the entrance to the 18-mile long "Wildlife Loop Road", I asked the park ranger if it was safe to ride through on a motorcycle.  I was assured that it was perfectly safe and started on. 

 

BisonImagine my surprise and instant "pucker-factor", when I rounded a curve and found myself stopped in a row of vehicles who were watching a bison meandering down the highway.

 

BisonAs you can see from the photos, I could have reached out and scratched his ears as he walked by the bike.  If you look closely at the last series photo, you can see him looking at me...I often wonder if he was thinking "he's smaller than me, maybe I'll just knock him over."

 

Bison, up closeThe photo of me leaning on the bike was just after my new friend had passed me by...I had to get off and rest (my heart) before traveling on.

 

Motorist Awareness Program

Dave and Sandie NovittDave & Sandie Novitt

Motorist Awareness Coordinators for Region F(UN) 

Do you ever feel how nice it would be if you yourself could make a difference in our world? 

Well, all the ballots are in and the overwhelming conclusions are YES YOU CAN!  GWRRA and the National Team have realized the importance of inheriting a passionate group of Members to share with the driving community about motorcycle riders and our share of roadways. 

Have you ever seen two or three, or more motorcycles parked in a public area and not seen at least a few different folks stop and look at your beautiful machine, and most often comment or ask you a question about your bike? 

Wow! What an interesting opportunity to share a moment or more about how and why we ride motorcycles.  Please remove your helmet for a moment in order for you to better receive this message. This encounter is Motorist awareness; and you just have taken our message to the driving public. 

Now that you can get a better feel for our program, just think if you took it to the social club you belong to, or to your church, high school driver's education, and how about your own Chapter; kind of see how you can make a difference? 

Well, from here it sure looks like you did, and we invite you to become more interested in our Motorist Awareness Team (simply put...Together, Everyone Achieves More).  When someone speaks to you about Motorist Awareness, try to keep in mind the simple examples above and relax because you have all done some of these things to relay our motto, "Share the Road". 

You have invested a considerable amount of time in your Rider Education and prepared yourself to join some of most safe and knowledgeable motorcycle riders in the world.  Let us display our pride of ownership and take it to the world and show them just how proud we really are.  Raise that kickstand and begin one of the most fulfilling rides you have ever started.  We are proud to partner with you on our way into the future of riding safe.

Thank you for all you do for GWRRA

Home Office Experience
Barry & Eileen McMillan

Barry McMillan

GWRRA # 322733

Chapter BC-D 

 

 

In November last year I received an email about the sale of the new GWRRA Custom Riding Jacket.  The measurements for the sizes listed on-line seemed to run on the large size, so I was unsure of what size to order.  I replied to the email and asked what would happen if I ordered a jacket and it did not fit.  Matthew Tees, of Member Services, answered replying that there is a 100% satisfaction guarantee and that merchandise can be returned or exchanged at any time.

My wife and I were planning to head down to California and then over to Arizona in early January to visit with family, so I ordered a Medium jacket to be delivered to Los Angeles.   When it arrived and I tried it on, it was a bit snug, but luckily it fit my wife perfectly.  I phoned the Home Office and asked if I could get a size large jacket.  Unfortunately, the jackets were such top sellers that they were sold out of large.  However, Julie took my name and phone number and said that she would let me know if they happened to get any large jackets returned.  I had barely hung up from that phone call when Julie called back to say that she had just checked with the shipper and there was a large jacket available and she would set it aside for me.

On January 11th my wife and I drove to Phoenix and went to the GWRRA Home Office.  Edward Price, Marketing Director, greeted us and gave us a tour of the Home Office.  We found Julie and bought not just the large jacket but a t-shirt too.  It was an interesting tour and we were treated nicely by everyone we met. I wish to thank Edward for the tour and Julie for saving the jacket for me. We look forward to returning to the Phoenix area on our motorcycle and trying out some of the roads around there, as for this trip we were in our truck.

New GWRRA Promotion --
Bundled Program, Wing Ding and GWRRA Membership/Renewal Special
  

RECEIVE A GWRRA GIFT CERTIFICATE UP TO $30

 

Sign up for WD33 & a 3-year Membership or Renewal and get a $30 Gift Certificate

 

Sign up for WD33 & a 2-year Membership or Renewal and get a $20 Gift Certificate

 

Sign up for WD33 & a 1-year Membership or Renewal and get a $10 Gift Certificate

 

You must call or fax or mail both the WD33 registration and GWRRA application (found in any Wing World) to the Home Office at the same time, 21423 N. 11th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85027, or fax at 877-384-9416 or call 800-843-9460 or in Phoenix, 623-581-2500.

 

Gift certificates are valid for any products at the GWRRA Goodie Booth at WD33 or GWRRA Official Products and must be redeemed by 12/31/11. 

 
GWRRA Member Benefit Discount Program Links!

Here are links to some GWRRA Discount Programs. 
 Liberty Mutual logo


miCard logo






 

Wyndham Hotel logo






GWRRA Prescription Rx Card logo 
Prescription Rx Card
 

 








 
  

GWRRA Vacation Center logo
  
  


GWRRA Visa Card logo


GWRRA Wireless Center logo

 



 
Life Line Screening logo
 

 
  
   TravelNow    

GW Pin & Patch logo
  

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Save 20%
GWRRA's NEWEST HAT
  
Black/red hat with white flames.
GWRRA on front.
EST.1977 on back

velcro strap on back to adjust size

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Answers to the Knoxville Trivia Questions:
1-Mountain Dew
2-James Agee

 

Offer Expires: 03/31--mention March Wingin' It

  

Contents copyrighted by GWRRA, Inc.
�2011