ANNOUNCEMENT: Trikes & Bikes Rally

Phoenix, Arizona-Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA) announced today it will bring to an end its planning of the Trikes & Bikes Rally that was to be held in Bowling Green, Kentucky, September 30-October 2, 2011. This rally was to be a continuation of the five year history of trike rallies that have been held in great cities like Bardstown, Kentucky and Branson, Missouri.

These rallies focused on the emerging trike industry and were the first in the industry to be primarily geared toward trikes by GWRRA. GWRRA values its partners in the industry, namely the vendors, hotels, the CVB, facilities, all of our Members and guests and especially the Volunteers for supporting our efforts.

Given the economic conditions as they are for 2011 and the rallies already planned in this region, GWRRA will look to 2012 for a new venue and a way to make it a bigger and better rally for our Members and vendors. GWRRA wishes to extend our deepest gratitude to the many folks who have helped us over the years with the trike rallies and look forward to serving you better in the years to come. 

A Member's M/C Story: (Part 2-Stay tuned for a multiple part story from Jerry.)

Rockies Trip-National Parks Tour      

by Jerry Stevens #301755

Flower Mound, TX 

It was April 2008.  I was done with research without turning it into a government project.  I had to buy or die.  I had everything picked out, color, "essential" accessories, and priced with tax and title out the door.  I already had my protective riding gear in the spare closet.  I did not have the cash in my sock so I had to go the American way, finance it.  I still had a problem.  My wife had no idea what I was up to.  I tell her everything.  I can't hide a motorcycle!  I had not signed the papers yet.  So, I was safe.  I could always call it off.  How do you stop an avalanche after it starts?   My mind was made up!  When do I tell The Wife my plan, before or after the adoption of my new child, aka, motorcycle?  

Tonight is the night.  I want it this weekend, so, I must tell her.  I sat down across from her.  I told her I had something I needed to talk to her about.  I guess I seemed somber as she had a worried expression.  I went through the whole thing about retiring and almost 60 plus, the old man syndrome and I was not enjoying life. Also, how I needed some excitement in my life.  I may have mentioned the foiled motorcycle trip of 1982. Then, I told her I was buying a motorcycle on which to take a long road trip.  Remember, I said this time I have a good wife?  Her response shocked me!  She calmly said, "OK, just don't expect me to ride."  I went on babbling about the financial stuff such as offering to sell my show quality '72 Monte Carlo and all that manly BS before I realized what she had just said.  She said go for it.  Buy it!  She later said she was just relieved I wasn't telling her my oldest daughter was moving back in with us.  That thought scared me too!  The way I presented the subject, I think she thought I had a girlfriend.  Of course, as my Uncle said, "A motorcycle is like having another woman."        

After 26 years of not riding, I had studied up on motorcycles, motorcycle touring, motorcycle camping and I took the motorcycle safety course.  At age 59, I just bought a motorcycle that fit me, a new Honda 2007 VTX 1300R.  I was back in motorcycling.  Wow, it felt great!  Now the "training" for the big one, trip that is, shall begin.  I started riding every chance I got.  I had a rule, if I hit the starter, I must ride at least 100 miles.  I did not always keep the rule, but I'd make up for it with a 300, 400, or 500 mile one-day trip.  I tried to ride several times per week.       

I averaged 1000 non-commuting miles per month, along with a couple of short two and three day camping trips to New Mexico and Arkansas.  I also rode the IBA SS1000.  I surfed the net, at work of course, for all the information I could get for my adventure through the Mountain States.  I checked gasoline availability, camping, average temps, mileage, etc.  By September, I had made room reservations at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone.  I have been to both camping, but I wanted a cabin this time.  I wanted and reserved a cabin at the Grand Canyon on the edge over looking The Canyon from the porch.  Keep this in mind for later. 

The date had arrived.  I knew I was as ready as I could be.  However, I was actually nervous about the trip once it was only a few days out.  The VTX had almost new tires, new battery and had been serviced.  I had packed my clothes, spare parts, tools, maps, travel aids, medications, food, water, electronics, camping equipment, knives, 357 and 9mm, etc.  I'm gone at about 07:00 a.m., July 23rd, only an hour late.  

We had a good spread of ages and motorcycles.  I am 60 riding the VTX, Randy is 49 with his year old 'Wing' and Randy's son-in-law Chad, late 20's, decided to go with us to take care of us old farts.  (He had a rope to tie me up at night, so I would not wander off.)  Also, some jumper cables to jump start Randy's heart were near by.  We all had some dirt bike experience in our early teen years.  Although, I have traveled and camped all over Europe, the US, and Canada, I never took a long motorcycle trip.  All of us have traveled and camped enough.  Chad actually back packed in Europe.  Randy started riding street motorcycles last year.  He raced ATVs (4-wheelers) several years ago.  Chad has owned his 650 V-Star for a longer time.    

Our plan was to camp some and stay in hotels/motels some, maybe a two to one ratio, see as much country as we could without having many long days, have fun, and most of all, be safe.  The beauty of our country is just overwhelming.  Prior to leaving, I realized I would visit at least 20 national parks, monuments, recreation areas, and battlefields.  The Iron Butt Association awards a certificate for visiting 50 national parks, etc. and 25 states while getting your National Parks Passport stamped from each one within a year.  Since I had already earned the Saddle Sore 1000 (1000 miles in 24 hours), I decided to get all of the stamps I could on this trip.  I ended up with 26 parks and 11 states to count towards the IBA certificate.  I will finish the rest by mid-July, 2010.  

I spent most of a year planning routes, reading, and buying stuff.  The early short trips helped to test some of my packing strategies.  I still had too much stuff.  I left from the Dallas area on my VTX riding to Weatherford, Oklahoma (west of Oklahoma City) the first day.  I met Randy and Chad at Randy's home in Weatherford the first night.  We awoke early the next morning to "Born to be Wild".  We had no plans to duplicate the misadventures of the "Wild Hogs".  I just thought this would be a good wake up call.