GWRRA Wingin' It

e-Newsletter

"Friends for Fun, Safety & Knowledge"

May, 2011

In This Issue
Joke of the Month
Looking for YOUR Articles
Inspirational Quotes
GWRRA & Facebook
Knoxville Trivia
Your Opinion Matters!
Member Testimonial
New Discount Program
Rescue Plus Reminder
Article by Nick Hoppner
Home Office Reminders
GWRRA Promotion
Trikes & Bikes Rally
Rider Ed Article
Couples of the Year
Member Story
Travelog
May Holiday-USA
May Holiday-Canada
Reminder-Ride To Work Day
GWRRA Benefits
Quick Links
Join Our Mailing List

Joke of the

Month 

turtle

 I went into the gas station today and asked for $5 worth of gas....

the clerk farted and gave me a receipt!

 

by Mike Delladio

GWRRA #296975

 
J & M Ad
Advertisement
 

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.

  

Inspirational

Quotes

 ""In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing. The worst thing you can do is nothing."   

 

~ Theodore Roosevelt

 

 

""Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just sit there."   

 

~ Will Rogers


"You may never know what results come of your action, but if you do nothing there will be no result."  

 

~ Mahatma Gandhi

 

 

 

GWRRA is on

Facebook 

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

 

 
Knoxville & 
 Tennessee Trivia Feature
Let's see how much you know about Knoxville this month.
 
1-Who was the first ever appointed American Admiral, born in Knoxville in 1801?
 
2-What famous actor was born in Knoxville, still calls it home and was in the movies "Officer and a Gentleman" and "Daredevil"?

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

 

Cowhide Covers ad
Advertisement
 
  

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.

 

  

We'd like to give you the results of the last few surveys we have posted on the home page.

 

"How often do you ride?"

 (1299 responses)

 

  >Weekly (50%)

 

 >Daily (32%)

 

>Yearly (9%)

 

>Monthly (5%)

 

>Occasionally (4%)

  

 

"What are you currently riding?

 (2123 responses)

 

>Gold Wing M/C (68%)

 

>Gold Wing Trike (20%)

 

>Other Brand M/C (11%)

 

> Other Brand Trike (1%)

 

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

 

 

GWRRA Member

Testimonial

 "Active LIFE member, Jan Halverson, has been with GWRRA since 1985. In that time period she has participated in almost all aspects of GWRRA, from Wing Ding to COY.

 

She has also passed on the GWRRA "torch" as her daughter Beverly is a member of chapter LA-K. To quote Jan, "There is no better Association in the country!"

 

(Thanks Matt for talking to Jan and passing the information along from Member Services!)

New Discounted

Benefit Program 

4 Points Sheraton

Four Points

By Sheraton Hotel

Located in Phoenix's Northwest Valley business metropolis, Four Points by Sheraton Phoenix North offers a central  location to major sports venues, a diverse selection of  restaurants within walking distance, and is adjacent to Metrocenter shopping mall. The hotel is fifteen minutes from GWRRA Home Office and easily accessible off Highway  I-17 at the Peoria exit. Parking is complimentary. The hotel is a 100% smoke-free environment.

The hotel d�cor radiates a classic ambiance evoking
the Southwestern Sonoran Desert. Two hundred and eighty-four guest rooms and suites feature the Four Points by Sheraton Four Comfort (SM) Bed, complimentary Wireless High Speed Internet Access and 27' flat screen TVs with the Lodgenet digital entertainment system, offering twenty-six free channels and the Nintendo Game Cube for kids or adults!

"We also offer an Olympic-size outdoor heated pool
and whirlpool, spacious sun deck and cozy courtyard patio with fireplace. Enjoy the Copper Creek Bar & Grill offering American cuisine." Four Points by Sheraton is offering GWRRA Members a discounted rate starting at $59, depending on the time of year. Call 800-627-7166 and ask for "Gold Wing Road Riders rate." You can also check out their website here. 

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!

 

Japan Relief Website Set By American Red Cross

By Nick Hoppner

 

As Members of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association, most of us have a special affinity for Honda motorcycles, the company that creates them, and the people who build them. For those who are able, a new avenue exists for us to get out our wallets and to help these people in their time of need.

 

Many of us have watched the heart-wrenching television coverage of the destruction of lives and property in Japan caused by the March 11 earthquake, tsunami and atomic reactor disaster. And many of us have asked ourselves how we might best reach out to the Japanese people who most need our help.

 

Typically, Honda first sought assistance from within its own family. The Honda Corporation pledged to match the total contributions by Honda associates (employees) and retirees through the Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Fund, a charitable fund of The American Red Cross. As of March 24, contributions specifically from American Honda associates and retirees have totaled $25,285. An additional venue for contributions was created for Honda dealers interested in supporting the Japan disaster recovery effort through the Red Cross. So far, this site has collected $67,875.

 

Not bad for starters, but what about those of us who consider ourselves Friends of Honda? Is there an easy way for us to help?

 

The American Red Cross has created an Internet micro-site to accept contributions from customers, suppliers and others interested in supporting the Japan disaster recovery effort through the Red Cross. If you would like to donate, visit http://american.redcross.org/hondaacura-emp.

 

"We are making this special website available for contributions based on the outpouring of support and messages of sympathy and concern we have received from so many friends of Honda," said Stephan Morikawa, assistant vice president of Corporate Community Relations at American Honda." We are humbled and deeply appreciative of the concern shown for our Japanese associates, their families, and all those affected by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami."

 

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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Advertisement
 
New GWRRA Promotion:
 
Bundled Program:   
Wing Ding and GWRRA Membership/Renewal Special
  

RECEIVE A GWRRA GWRRA logo

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.   

 



Greetings! 

It is finally riding season and most of you are probably either out riding or prepping to ride! In most of the country  it has been a long, harsh winter; not in Arizona, of course, although, we did have our share of rain and a very hard freeze :) 

I'm writing this months edition of Wingin' It with mixed emotions. I'm excited to say that this is our 2nd anniversary edition of your e-Newsletter. It has been a lot of FUN and hard work putting together and publishing this newsletter for you, our Members. I have gotten to know many of you and have learned quite a bit about a variety of subjects  through this process.

I am also a little disappointed that I have received fewer and fewer contributions of late. And, this past month did not receive any articles to put in this months newsletter except for the ones you see below. I do want to extend a very gracious "THANK YOU" to all those folks who have sent in articles to be published.
  
This newsletter will only continue if you, our Members, send in articles, stories and contributions. After all, it started as a Member request and will continue only if the demand and supply is there. Enough said!

GWRRA now has a special website devoted to our trike riders. It is located at http://www.gwrra.org/trikesandbikes/index.html Check it out!
  
We want to welcome two new Business Members to GWRRA this month. Cowhide Covers and Eagle Rider of Daytona.

Cowhide Covers Motorcycle Accessories Company specializes in unique Gold Wing accessories not usually found at other seller's sites. In April, 2006 we introduced the leather remote cover to the motorcycle world (thus the name) and now offer over 80 products for the motorcycle enthusiast. See their advertisement on the left side of this edition.

In 1992, EagleRider pioneered the Harley-Davidson� motorcycle rental concept and the guided motorcycle tour business. "Today, we are the world's largest motorcycle tourism company specializing in rentals of Motorcycles, ATVs, Dirt Bikes, Scooters, Snowmobile, and Watercraft. EagleRider understands the needs of motorcycle enthusiasts and adventure travelers; we offer a huge selection of perfectly maintained Harley, Honda  and BMW motorcycles and allow one-way rentals or guided tours between franchise rental facilities located in the most desirable tourist destinations in the world." Check out their ad on the left side of this edition as well. They are offering any GWRRA Member a 10% discount on any rental. 
Discounts will be deducted at time of rental with proof of GWRRA Membership.

  

We also have a few new Discount Programs coming online this month.

Big Bike Parts is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and they have found a way to benefit you, GWRRA's Members. GWRRA's Members will now receive a 10% discount off the price of any accessory purchased direct from www.bigbikeparts.com on all of Big Bike Parts product lines including: Show Chrome Accessories, UltraGard Covers, Hopnel Soft Goods, Prairie Dog ATV products and TireGard TPMS Systems. To receive your discount enter the special GWRRA coupon code "BBP01GWRRA" at checkout.

And, for those of you who come to Phoenix, we have made a special deal with the 4 Points Sheraton of North Phoenix. See their writeup on the left side and click on the link to get a very special rate as a GWRRA Member or check it out on  www.gwrra.org/membership.html

Wing Ding is going very well. We are now, as of this writing almost 40% ahead of last years preregistrations. We also have more vendors signed up than last year, so this years event is going to be an awesome one...don't miss out, sign up here!
 
The Trikes & Bikes Rally is doing well, too. We have added all the Rider Ed seminars, as well as a Commercial Seminar to the event schedule. The Welcome Party announcement is below for you to read. We want to thank the Bowling Green CVB and hotels for bringing back an old friend of GWRRA's to be the DJ for this event...Scooter Davis. For those who may remember Wing Ding 28 in Nashville, he was our DJ there too! Sign up here for the T&B Rally! And we want to thank Wah Bah's restaurant for hosting the event.

Let's not forget all our service men and women who are fighting for our freedom everyday, but especially during Memorial Day. 

And as a reminder, remember GWRRA's 34th Anniversary will be June 7th. Please send me a short story about what your Chapter did to celebrate! I would also like to hear your story about how GWRRA has positively effected/changed your life. Remember, GWRRA started in 1977 with just 7 people. Now, we have over 72,000 Members in 55 countries. We are the largest, Gold Wing owners group in the world! 

 

FRIENDS FOR FUN, SAFETY & KNOWLEDGE!



Have a great riding season.
 
Ride safe and have fun, 
  

Ed Price

  
Marketing Director
GWRRA

 

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

Things to do...

 

Welcome Party at Trikes & Bikes Rally!

 

Kicking it Off 'Wha Bah' Style in Bowling GreenWah Bah's

 

Wouldn't it be nice to find a restaurant that catered to motor junkies with mouth-watering steaks, a full bar, dj's spinning tunes and live entertainment?  While we're dreaming, might as well throw in outdoor seating, a huge grill for cooking your own steaks and a staff full of southern hospitality!  Well don't just dream it... we found it for you in Bowling Green, Kentucky!

 

Join us at Wha Bah Steakhouse in Bowling Green for the Wha Bah Welcome Party to kick off the Trikes & Bikes Rally on Friday, September 30, 2011 at 6 p.m.  Be sure to bring your appetite because there will be delicious BBQ dinners available for only $7 for Trikes and Bikes participants.  BBQ not your thing?  No problem!  You can also order directly off the menu if you would like and choose from legendary steaks, hearty sandwiches, rich pastas and more.Wah Bah's

 

After dinner, settle in for some fun and games while you stretch your legs on the four acres of land surrounding Wha Bah.  Play a game or two of cornhole, a Kentucky favorite at outdoor gatherings.  We know the name sounds a little crazy, but if you have never played, you will pick it up in no time if you're familiar with classics like horseshoes and bean bag toss.  In addition, there will be plenty of locals on hand to show you the art.  You may want to build yourself a set of boards by the time you get home! 

 

There will be other activities to keep the Wha Bah Welcome Party going while DJ Scooter Davis fills the air with great music.  This local celebrity and fellow biker gets his practice every morning on 96.7 FM The Beaver radio station right here in Bowling Green.  Look forward to some introductions and welcoming words to start the Rally off right!

 

If you are still looking to party after Scooter wraps up his mic, stick around for even more entertainment from a great live band.  There will be a minimal cover charge for the band, but it will be well worth it!

 

Wha Bah Steakhouse is located just a � mile from the Trikes and Bikes event headquarters at the Carroll Knicely Conference Center.  Find out more about this great restaurant and check out some pictures at www.whabah.com.Wah Bah's

 

 

 

  

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!

 

Rider Ed Article

Jim & Nan Hall

by Jim & Nan Hall
Directors Motorist Awareness

Hello everyone! It looks like Spring has finally arrived. Hopefully everyone has been preparing their bikes & trikes for that first big ride of the season. While we are talking about preparation, have you thought about preparing your mind and body for the ride? Remember when you took that Co-rider seminar; we were taught that riding is 90 percent mental and 10 percent physical!
  
Now we are another year older and wiser, right? So why not take  the Mature Rider seminar that will teach us how to compensate for age related physical & mental changes. Is it possible that our reflexes are just a little slower this year? Maybe we are on a new medication that could have some side affects. Some of us may react a little different to hotter or colder temperatures.

We know there are folks out there that think that they do not need to take another Experienced Rider Course or even take the first one, because you know how to ride already. Trust us, you will not be disappointed by taking a rider course. You will find yourself saying things like "I had forgotten that," or "I didn't remember that." You will probably say something like, "I am glad I took that course, it really helped refresh a few things and get my mind refocused on riding again." Folks, I try to take a riding course every year. Not just to set a example as a educator but it really and truly helps prepare for the riding season.  See your Chapter or District Educator to get signed up for the next class near you.
  
Do you carry a First Aid Kit in your bike? If so, is it one that would be of use if needed? Does it have a good pair of scissors that would cut jeans or leather? Does it have several pair of sterile gloves? Have you replaced your gloves this year? Have you replaced the contents such as gauze and bandages that have been used? Hopefully, I have you thinking now!

Do you have your personal and medical information up to date in the left fairing pocket in case it is ever needed?  Have you put I. C. E. in your cell phone? This stands for In Case Of Emergency! You may want to put in two or three phone numbers of family or friends that need to be contacted if needed. Have you taken the Motorcycle Crash Scene Response Seminar? It will teach you how to secure the scene of an accident.
  
Did you put that wrench back in the tool kit? Do you have a spare tire for the trailer? Do you have a jack to change a flat? Do you have a chalk block? Have you checked the tire pressure in your spare tire, just in case? You can learn some of these things in a Trailering seminar! I think by now you have the idea that Rider Education plays a big part in our Association by helping us reduce the risk in riding, resulting in us having a safe and enjoyable ride.
 
Until next time, ride safe and often but never faster than your Guardian Angle Can Fly!
Couples of the Year (Part 2)
Ed & Linda Johnson
Ed & Linda Johnson
International Directors
GWRRA Membership Enhancement Program

 

Ed and I just returned from the TN District Convention, "Spring Fling," which was held in Sevierville, TN within a few miles of the site of Wing Ding 33.  We, along with the International Couple of the Year Coordinators, Steven and Tammy Hollingsworth, had the opportunity to visit Chilhowie Park and the Knoxville Convention Center.   We had a great time together visiting the site and making plans for the International Couple of the Year Selection.   

 

 Last month we began featuring the Region Couples of the Year and we will continue each month until all Couples have been featured.  We hope this will help you get familiar with each Region Couple and get to know them a little better.  We encourage each of you to come to the International Couple of the Year Selection on Tuesday, July 8th and support your Region Couple.  It is a fun time and the Couples enjoy and appreciate the support you give them.

                                                                       Ron and Becky Lees                               Ron & Becky Lees                 Region "A"  Couple of the Year 2010 - 2011 


We joined Gold Wing Road Riders Association in 1984. Our home is in Travelers Rest, S.C and we have been together twenty-eight years; we were married on our 20th anniversary at an outside chapel called Pretty Place in the mountains of South Carolina.  

 

We started our motorcycling adventure on a Honda 500 custom while living in Florida.  In January of 1984 Ron purchased the first Wing... a 1983 Honda GL1100 Candy Regal Brown.  We put 228,000 miles on this bike before selling her after buying a 2004 1800 Black Cherry.

 

We have held positions as Chapter Director, Assistant Chapter Director, and Ride Coordinators for a number of years along with various chapter positions to support our chapter. We are Master Tour riders and keep our levels current. We have completed Horizon and Leadership training courses along with the Officers Certification Program. Over the years we have taken many Rider Education Courses and the Road Captains Course; all have been beneficial and kept us safety conscious in the 343,000 miles we have put on our Goldwings.  

 

We are Life Members of GWRRA and are grateful and fortunate for the friends we have made over the years.  The Couple of the Year program from the Chapter, District and the Region Level has given us opportunities and friendships that would not have been acquired without this program. We can't see ourselves doing anything else or being anywhere else that wouldn't include our motorcycle or our GWRRA family.

                                         

Larry and Barbara            Larry & Barbara     Region "I"  

Couple of the Year  

2010 - 2011

 

Larry grew up in Conneaut, Ohio.  He graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration from Kent State University and was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma Business Honorary Fraternity.  Later he completed his Master of Business Administration degree from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.  Upon graduating with his undergraduate degree, he joined the Air Force and went to Officer Training School.

 

Barbara was born in Independence, MO.  She graduated from Central Missouri State University to become a high school teacher. She graduated Cum Laude from the English Department with a Bachelor of Science in Education with English as her major and business as her minor.  Barbara taught seven years at Concordia High School and was head of both the English and Business Departments.  She also earned her Master in Business Education with emphasis in Office Education and taught at the college level in California for three years. While teaching, Barbara decided to also obtain her real estate license.  Upon moving to Wyoming, Barbara decided to do real estate full time.  In 1994 she opened her own real estate firm.

 

Larry started riding motorcycles as a teenager and has owned a motorcycle throughout the years except for the fifteen months he was in Turkey.  In 2001, Larry and Barb bought a 1500 Gold Wing and joined GWRRA.  Since his retirement from the Air Force, Larry has pursued his interest in vehicles.  Larry and Barb belong to the Classical Glass Corvette Club, where he served three years as President and Barb served as social chairman during his presidency; Wild West Ford Club where Barb has served five years as treasurer; Wyoming Wanderers RV Club, where they served as President and Barb served also as recording secretary for two years; Classic Thunderbird Club International; Family Motor Coach Association; and Beaver Ambassador Club (for Beaver Motor homes).  Larry and Barb also belong to The Military Officers Association of America, Air Force Association, Rotary, and of course GWRRA, where  

Larry has been the Wyoming Chapter B Treasurer for about nine years and the Wyoming District Treasurer since May 2010.  Larry was selected Individual of the Year in 2004.  Larry and Barb were selected as Chapter Couple of the Year in 2008, District Couple of the Year in 2009, and Region I Couple of the Year in 2010.  Both Barb and Larry were appointed Certified Instructors in the GWRRA Leadership Program in March 2011.  Barb has also held numerous leadership positions in the real estate community.


Al and Val TuckerAl & Val TuckerRegion "L"
Couple Of The Year

We joined GWRRA in October, 2004. In 2006, we were asked to take over as Chapter Directors for Chapter T, Nova Scotia. It was a great learning process and we stayed on for three years. We became Nova Scotia District Directors in 2009. We have also been Ride Captains for Chapter T, NS and published a Nova Scotia District Newsletter. In January 2011, we assumed the duties of Region L Directors.

We have attended a number of Region L Conventions and had the opportunity to attend Wing Dings in Nashville in 2006 and Des Moines in 2010.  We are looking forward to going to Knoxville later this year.  This will be a very busy Wing Ding as we have commitments as Region L Couple of the Year and attending our first Wing Ding as Region L Directors.

Education and safety are an important part of our lives.  We have completed ten modules/seminars of the Leadership Training Program, the Horizons Program and the Officer Certification Program and always participate in Rider Education, Advanced Rider Course seminars, etc.  We each have a valid First Aid/CPR Training Certificate.

Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge - We have met many friends, have put lots of miles on our bike and continue to learn.

We want to thank Chapter T, Nova Scotia and Region L for the honor of serving as their Couple of the Year and look forward to meeting and making new friends in Knoxville.

 

Member Story:

Jeff Dufoe
Largo, Florida
GWRRA Member
#241754
 
In the summer of 2009 I had an experience much like Michael Kelso's on the same "Wildlife Loop Road" in Custer State Park, while enjoying a ride, oddly enough, on my 2008 Pear White Goldwing.  The difference is that as I was coming down the road I saw the Buffalo coming down my side of the road, so trying to avoid confrontation but hoping for a "Photo Op", I pulled into the pullout on the other side of the road but still facing the Buffalo.  As you can see by the photo's I watched as one came down the center of the road and then went to the other side to graze.  Buffalo

 

I got a little nervous when he suddenly moved out to the center of the road again facing me and then I heard a noise to my left and behind me.  Turning around another big Bull had come out of the woods and had decided to graze right off the front of my Wing (pretty cool shot really, with me in the side view mirror) and then he moved a little closer.  I stayed very calm and didn't move and eventually he moved out to the road and moved on his way.  I really didn't get nervous until after he'd gone and realized just how close he had been.  Buffalo

 

As an interesting little fact, I found out later on that five (5) people are killed each year by Buffalo.  Evidently, I was very lucky or they had met their quota for the year.  They are beautiful brutes, but I consider myself lucky that I received no more than some great photos and even better memories.

Buffalo

Travelog:(Part 2 of 2)
Jerry & Ann BikeRoad to Morocco

 

By Jerry and Ann Larsen,

Master Tour Riders 6872 & 6873

 

 

That evening we had a wonderful dinner with Spanish wine (we had great Spanish wines every night), in a Bedouin tent sitting on FEZ carpets and pillows. The night was pitch black and we thought how lucky we were to enjoy this wonderful evening. Now it is on to Quarzazate, which is known as the Hollywood of Morocco.

 

Now it is on to Marrakech. We go back into the mountains via very twisty roads with deep barren canyons on our right side, which I can only imagine is what the surface of the moon must look like.Larsen's Trip-Morocco

 

We will ride around 100 miles going through the famous Tizi-n-Tichka pass at about 7,000 feet in the Atlas Mountains. The road twists all the way to Marrakech with 1,000 foot drop-offs on our right side. Going down the mountains made Deal's Gap look straight and what a rush it is to pass the large trucks on these tight curves. Marrakech is Morocco's most important imperial city and the medina's main square, Dkemas el-Fina, is an incredible lively place with snake charmers and thousands of little shops. Again we had wonderful food and a very busy beautiful city. Next, we head to Rabat.

  

Rabat is the capital of Morocco, and is more 'western' than Morocco's other major cities. It is here that King Mohammed VI lives. We get to try a rare dish of spaghetti-thin baby eels tossed with garlic, olive oil and guindilla chili. The bougainvillea plants here are enormous and beautiful. Now it is on to Tangier and Ceuta.

 

For centuries this city bounced from one regional power to the next, Phoenicians, Romans, Portuguese, British, Spanish, etc., until in 1923, it was named an international zone. Humphrey Bogart's Casablanca is really based on Tangiers and not Casablanca. From Ceuta we load back onto the Ferry and cross the Strait of Gibraltar and head back to Seville, and taking the routes through the mountains via Ronda. Ronda is considered the cradle of modern day bull fighting and is breathtakingly beautiful. Orson Wells was so taken with Ronda he had his ashes buried on a bull farm just outside town. Our last night in Seville, we have dinner in a restaurant that was once the home of Jose Zorrilla, who wrote Don Juan. Now we tell our IMT tour guides we will be back with them in Madrid in

October for ride through the mountains into Portugal. 

Larsen's Travelog-Morocco

 
Memorial Day-USA
American Flag

 

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May (May 30 in 2011). Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. soldiers who died while in the military service. First enacted to honor Union and Confederate soldiers following the American Civil War, it was extended after World War I to honor Americans who have died in all wars. 

 

Begun as a ritual of remembrance and reconciliation after the Civil War, by the early 20th century, Memorial Day was an occasion for more general expressions of memory, as ordinary people visited the graves of their deceased relatives, whether they had served in the military or not. It also became a long weekend increasingly devoted to shopping, family get-togethers, fireworks, trips to the beach, and national media events such as the Indianapolis 500 auto race, held since 1911 on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend.

(Ed. note: source--Wikipedia)

For Our Canadian Members

 

Canadian Flag 

Victoria Day, also known as May Two-Four, May Long and May Long Weekend, is a Canadian holiday on the Monday preceding May 25.

 

This year it will be celebrated on May 23, 2011. In French, it is Le Jour de Victoria. 

 

In some cities, fireworks displays or parades are held to mark Victoria Day. One of the most notable parades is held in the city of Victoria, British Columbia, which was named after Queen Victoria. Many people gather in parks to enjoy fireworks displays, which are particularly impressive in Hamilton and Toronto.

 

For many people, the long Victoria Day weekend marks the end of the winter and the unofficial start of the spring or summer season.  After this weekend, gardeners can be reasonably sure that there will be no more frost until the autumn so they can sow or plant out delicate crops and plants.  For the same reason, people with recreational homes in colder parts of the country often go to them to open them up for the summer. In addition, many amusement parks and outdoor attractions open for their summer season this weekend. Notably, stores on Prince Edward Island are only permitted to open on Sunday between Victoria Day and Christmas Day. 

 

Ed. note: source-http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/canada/victoria-day

Reminder

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June 20, 2011 is Ride To Work Day.

 

Check out www.ridetowork.org for all the details. 

 
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