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 GWRRA Wingin' It
e-Newsletter
"Friends for Fun, Safety & Knowledge"
November, 2011 |
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Joke of the
Month |  |
Executive
An executive is a person who can take two hours for lunch without anybody missing them.
Experience
Experience is the thing you have left when everything else is gone. |
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
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GWRRA's 35th Anniversary Cruise
10/28/12-11/4/12 Norwegian Jewel
Ports of Call: Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas Falmouth, Jamaica George Town, Grand Cayman Cozumel, Mexico Rates start at $678 per person
all fees included (port charges, fees, & pre-paid gratuities) Click here for more information and to register.
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Featured Associate
of the Month
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My name is Cory Kwiatkowski. I have worked for GWRRA for only a few shorts months, but have learned so much about the organization and what it is about. I am amazed at how "close" this organization is and especially impressed at how loyal the Members are to GWRRA and each other.
I am pleased to be a part of the Wing World magazine sales team. In the past, I have done Real Estate and Insurance sales and most recently managed a local restaurant in Phoenix. I also have a Business degree in Marketing from the University of Phoenix.
I have a 10 year old daughter that is the center of my life and definitely keeps my busy!!
We hope you enjoy Wing World each month.
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Looking for
Articles
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Remember, we are looking for articles for YOUR e-Newsletter!
Travelogues, 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.
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Inspirational
Quotes
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"Happiness depends upon ourselves." Aristotle
"Try not to become a man of success but a man of value." Albert Einstein
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Members Comments:
I would have to say that one of the most important things that the Association has going for it is the great monthly magazine. I receive many military monthly publications and do not look forward to getting any of them as much as the Wing World. Next in line of importance is having a well managed Chapter in the area. We have met plenty of great folks at Chapter functions. It is a great social and learning environment. Ray Borchert #100029
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I joined GWRRA in August 2002 right after I purchased a used Gold Wing. For me, the attraction then and still today, is a sense of belonging to a group of people who share my interests in Gold Wings. I fell in love with belonging to a Chapter, purchasing our first Chapter jackets, going to our first Virginia District Rally, becoming fantastic friends with a group of great people, people who have proven many times over, that they care for me and will be there for me. The camaraderie I found, with not only my Chapter (Chapter VA-E Fredericksburg), but with other Chapters has been the sustaining factor in my decision to step into leadership positions and keep my membership with this first class organization. The Members are the driving force of this organization, and in my opinion, will always be the key to its success. Thank you Paul Hildebrand for your vision and guidance which has now become a memorable part of my life.
GWRRA lives up to its motto "Friends for Fun, Safety & Knowledge". Never let that change.
Gordon Combs
Chapter Director / Membership Enhancement Coordinator
GWRRA VA-E Battlefield Wings
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Dear Ed,
I enjoyed your article in the Wingin' It NL. You proposed a very interesting question. Many of the things you mention all go into making GWRRA successful. I feel some of the biggest reasons are the appointment of Officers (Not election), and the willingness for people to volunteer. For the past 24 years Chapter O has had a Ral-a-vention (my new word). It has been successful because everyone in the Chapter helps out. This past year (April 2011) we had 238 people attend the Ral-a-vention. It would not have been the success it was without everyone pitching in to help out. The bottom up approach of GWRRA (putting the chapter first) is a winning concept.
In addition to the above, I personally love the training and ability to improve my riding skills. Riding a motorcycle is inherently dangerous, the training and instruction improves your chances of survival. The ability to get out and ride with like-minded individuals is a winning combination.
Tom Sprague CD Texas Chapter O ============================ Ed,
Great idea and I hope I can write with the passion of my interest in GWRRA.
First allow me to explain that our membership was not our idea, but rather the vison of the folks we purchased our first Gold Wing from as the membership came with the bike. We felt intrigued enough to go a find out about this newly aquired membership. We went, we saw and found something that we have not experienced quite like this before.
You see, it's the people (friends) that you come into contact with and come to know and trust. The simple fact that you are never alone because you have family. Not the family you inherit with a blood line, but those who share your interest and lifestyle and seek to be with you and have you around them. I think good people are attracted to fine things, and a Gold Wing is a fine thing and these good people want to take a good thing and endeveor to make it better. I am not talking about trying to make the Gold Wing better, but rather to allow their owners a safer and more fun way of motorcycling life.
It is my feeling that the founding group had a simple idea of having more fun together and the added family simply improved that vision and developed the best known and often envied organization in todays motorcycling world. I am drawn to the fact that the organization is upbeat and positive in their thinking. There is also a concerted effort to be consistent throughout every Region. Our training has elevated and does not take a back seat to any other known program.
Thanks for the idea and to every volunteer who has stepped up and contributed to the current success of Gold Wing Road Riders Association and our pride of ownership which I feel allows us the priviledge of belonging to the best riding organization in the world. My friends, if you are proud of what you have accomplished in GWRRA stand up and let everyone know. That's from my heart and I hope you ride along with me. Dave Novitt #204258
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GWRRA is on
Facebook |  |
Check out GWRRA's Facebook page and sign up to follow us! It is easy!!
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RIDER EDUCATION ARTICLE
by
Joe Mazza
#161788

The G.W.R.R.A. Family
My wife " Gracie " and I have just returned from a birthday party for one of Chapter FL1-T Inverness, Florida participants. This social gathering of G.W.R.R.A. friends brought to mind the very essence of what our organization is all about: FAMILY.
A while back I received a phone call from Larry Franklin, the Chapter Educator for Chapter FL2-R Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He explained that one of their Chapter participants, Howard Allen, had been in a motorcycle accident not too far from my home.
Since FL2-R is quite a distance from the accident site, he asked if I could help in securing the bike from a local auto shop where it was being kept. Apparently, the auto shop was charging quite a bit for storage of the bike and Larry wasn't sure when he could pick it up and return it to Howard's wife. You see, while in a local hospital, Howard suffered a heart attack and passed away.
The only person I could think of with a trailer to help me secure the bike was John Darbyson, of FL1-T Inverness. He lives an hour from me but, after receiving my call, immediately hooked up his trailer and came over. FAMILY. After we secured the bike in my garage, I thanked John and he said " no need to thank me, it's what we do." That say's it all as far as the overwhelming feeling of family helping family in the Gold Wing Road Riders Association.
By the way, that birthday party
"Gracie " and I attended was for John. You see, John Darbyson is 85 years old.
Drive Safe, Have Fun
Joe
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Fort Wayne Updates
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Did you know that Fort Wayne, Indiana is not only home to Wing Ding 34, but also home to the nations largest public genealogy collection?
Both novice and experienced genealogists can get free hands-on experience and will enjoy the immense, yet still accessible, collection.
We can't wait to host you in
Fort Wayne. For visitor
information, please contact
us at 1-800-767-7752 and
you can make your housing reservations at
1-800-753-3823!
Or, visit us online at www.VisitFortWayne.com/WingDing!
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Your Opinion Matters!
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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 survey we have posted on the home page.
"How many years of motorcycle riding experience do you have?"
(934 responses)
>1-9 years (15%)
>10-19 years (13%)
>20-29 years (11%)
>30-39 years (23%)
>over 40 years (39%)
We always have a current GWRRA topic. To let us know your opinion, Check it out!
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Officer Appointment
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Randy Rodriguez, Assistant International Drill Team Director
Bio:
I live in Port St. John, FL, in the shadow of Kennedy Space Center. I have ridden motorcycles for 38 years. Owning a Honda 500 when a 4 cylinder was a radical idea corrupted me for life. As much as I love leaning low and running mountain roads, I love touring bikes. I especially love touring bikes that handle like a sport bike.
I have owned a Gold Wing for 20 years, (wearing out number 5 now), been a Member of GWRRA for 18 years, an Associate Member of HOG for 5 years and a drill team rider for 19 years. I have ridden on the Space Coast FL2-N GWRRA drill team, the Daytona USA drill team, the Florida GWRRA drill team and currently I have the privilege to be Captain of the Central Florida Motorcycle Drill Team. I've performed on two continents and won World Championships on two teams, including my current team.
Our usual season will include more than 40 shows including roughly 150 routines and demonstrations, at 20-something events. We have performed in 10 states and in Blackpool, England in the past 5 years. Indiana will make 11 states next year.
At home, I put on the Christmas parade and the 4th of July event for my community. My riding is occasionally interrupted by work; I am a Realtor by career and the editor/owner of the monthly community newspaper (we're a very small town). |
Featured Business Member
Gonia Consulting, LLC
MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT
VALUATION & CONSULTING SERVICES
So how's business? Are you expanding, contracting, merging? Maybe considering selling out, or maybe you are buying. All of these scenarios have one common trait -- They all require professional valuation services to assist with the process, and in some instances even regulatory compliance. Joel Gonia is one of our new GWRRA Members.
His company, Gonia Consulting, LLC, is a professional valuation firm, based out of Louisville, Kentucky, that specializes in Industrial and Commercial Machinery & Equipment, including all types / classifications of assets.
So why join GWRRA? "I've been riding bikes my whole life, beginning with a Honda ZR75 at age seven, touring bikes for the last 17 years. A lot of my clients ride and many ride GoldWings! I believe in the GWRRA's mission and exemplary service provided its Members, and I wanted to be part of it," says Joel.
Joel is an avid ATGATT rider, and does not use his cell phone while riding. So if you get the voicemail, please leave a message. Joelgonia@aol.com
502 235-0727 cell
Gonia Consulting, LLC
9462 BROWNSBORO ROAD, #204 LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY 40241
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Indiana/Fort Wayne Trivia
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1- What is Fort Wayne's connection to the movie "A League of their Own"?
2-True or false? "Ft. Wayne is one of the best cities in the Nation?"
(answers in the coupon section below)
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Featured Member Benefit
of the Month
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Liberty Mutual Auto & Home Insurance: Your Member benefits include a special discounted rate on Auto Insurance and Home Insurance from Liberty Mutual. We're proud to provide our Members with a great benefit from a Fortune
100 company that protects millions of people across America. Find out more about Liberty Mutual Home & Auto Insurance Online or call 1-800-524-9400 and mention client #117743.
(Liberty Mutual Insurance Company offers Gold Wing Road Riders Association Members savings on Auto and Home Insurance as part of the Liberty Mutual Voluntary Auto & Home Program. Motorcycle coverage is an optional coverage, sold together with Auto insurance. Standalone motorcycle coverage through Liberty Mutual is only available in MA, CA, NH, NY, and NC.)
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Home Office
Reminders
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GOLD BOOK
It is time to update your Gold Book listing. Remember to make sure you have a current phone number listed on your Member listing, as well as the correct listing you wish to show in the Gold Book. (i.e., tools, phone calls, etc.) Also, remember if you select "Do not list me in the Gold Book" as one of your selections or have no codes marked, you will NOT show up in the Gold Book!
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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).
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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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Greetings!
I don't know about you, but I cannot believe it is November already! Where has 2011 gone? It seems like we were just getting ready for Wing Ding and now we are talking about the holidays and 2012.
This month we have a lot to be grateful for and I hope that everyone has a great Thanksgiving and we all remember to celebrate and give thanks to all our Veterans on Veterans Day, November 11th.
Check out some other holidays, in the box below, from other countries around the world in November.
It was such a thrill to get so many emails and responses to my editorial from last month about what has made GWRRA survive and thrive for the past 35 years. It was the most emails I have received in a long time :) 70% of them were very positive about what has made GWRRA so successful. Others were suggestions on how we can make GWRRA better and few were just complaints.
The suggestions ranged from adding practical applications to our Officer Certification Program, the lack of contact from local Chapters to new Members, message board sign in-too complicated, too much time in getting someones Rider Ed patches from their local Rider Ed folks, poor Officer appointments, to having GWRRA's Hotel Benefit Program with Wyndham be able to be used at check-in. All are great suggestions and we have answered your emails. All your suggestions are valuable to us and we are working to see if we can make them work for everyone.
Please see the Members Comments for the additional emails we received. Again, I want to thank everyone who took the time to write and give us their opinion on why GWRRA has been so successful for 35 years and how we can improve for the next 35 years. Please continue to write me here. As I mentioned in last months Wingin' It, next year is GWRRA's 35th Anniversary and there is a new level of excitement here at the Home Office that will translate into new programs, events, products and projects for 2012! We are currently working on a NEW website for GWRRA, a special event for our 35th Anniversary, along with some special products for our anniversary. You will also be seeing a new layout for your Wingin' It! We have taken your suggestions and it should prove to be more easily read and take up less space in your email. Stay tuned!!
JUST ANNOUNCED AT PRESS TIME! GWRRA HAS ANNOUNCED THERE WILL BE A 35TH ANNIVERSARY CRUISE!! The GWRRA 35th Anniversary Cruise will depart from Miami on October 28, 2012 for seven (7) days to the Bahamas, Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Mexico and back to Miami on November 4, 2012 on NCL's "Jewel". More details will follow in upcoming issues of Wingin' It and Wing World. See side ad for information on registration. Join us for this "Friends for FUN...event with your GWRRA family!
GWRRA's Liberty Mutual Home & Car Insurance Program is our "Featured Benefit of the Month." (See more details on the left column.) We encourage you to check them out, to see if they might be able to save you money. Check it out at http://www.libertymutual.com/gwrra
We also want to bring your attention to our "Featured Business Member" this month, Gonia Consulting, LLC. Please read their article on the side column and contact Joel. Our Business Members support GWRRA all year long and help GWRRA and our Members save money and provide great products/services. Check them out at http://gwrra.org/businessmembers.htmlI also want to remind everyone about GWRRA's main page on our website at www.gwrra.org. This page is your portal to many resources in GWRRA, as well as a way to support our advertisers at the top of the page. Folks like gl1800.net (who is a new advertiser and sells some unique stuff), Eaglerider & Wingstuff. And don't forget about J&M Corp. John Lazzeroni and J&M have supported GWRRA in many ways since we both began business, back in 1977.
I thank all the folks who continue to support our efforts and sent their articles...THANK YOU!
FRIENDS FOR FUN, SAFETY & KNOWLEDGE! Have fun,
Ed Price

Marketing Director GWRRA |
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Worldwide November Holidays
Chile > November 1 > All Saints Day
France > November 1 > All Saints Day
Finland > November 5 > All Saints Day
Canada > November 11 >Remembrance Day
Brazil > November 15 >Proclamation of the Republic
Italy, Portugal, Peru and Poland also celebrate All Saints Day in November (Ed.-Source is Wikipedia-World Holidays. If you know of others for future editions, please send to me here.) |
A Member's M/C Story: (Last part of 4 part story)
Rockies Trip-National Parks Tour
by Jerry Stevens #301755
Flower Mound, TX

I walked the half mile from my cabin through the forest to the canyon with the Yellowstone River below. I walked some of the same trails along the canyon I had walked on previous visits. It was a good feeling to reflect on past visits and who I was with then. The first time in the early 70's I was with my mother and sister. A good friend of mine and I were here in the mid '70s. My good wife and three daughters were here in the late '90s. Even after visiting the Grand Canyon in Arizona I was still impressed by the views. I made a quick trip to Fishing Bridge and Lake Yellowstone. I think I found the exact camp site I had with my family several years ago. The weather was good and my cabin was fantastic. I enjoyed the two nights here so much I would have stayed a week if I could have, but the wind in my face and the bugs on the windshield called me.
I rode north out of Yellowstone through the NE entrance after stopping at the Roosevelt Lodge. I dropped my cycle again. This time I have an excuse as flimsy as it is; I was on loose gravel and a hill. Teddy Roosevelt had stayed in this part of the park. This exit took me through Beartooth Pass at almost 11,000 feet. In 1974 my buddy and I made the trip up the pass into Yellowstone and it was good to be back. Somewhere along here, highway 212, I became extremely tired, so I found a part of the forest along the road which appeared relaxing, made myself comfortable, and slept for about 20 minutes. It was better than the Iron Butt Motel. After feeling refreshed, I rolled on to Red Lodge, Montana. I had sunshine until after Red Lodge. A good rain came, but I suited up for it at a gas station, good gas mileage coming out of Beartooth pass, and pushed on towards Billings. Wow, this has been an awesome trip, I could do it again.
My arrival in Billings, Montana was greeted with sun so I stopped at a refinery parking lot to get out of my Frog Togg rain suit, I was getting hot. So far I have been pleased with the Frog Togg. A friendly security guard, retired from the WWF, was quick to arrive on the scene and she asked if I needed help. I am sure this was code to see what I might be up to. I assured her that I was just getting out of my rain suit. She said that was fine and to have a safe ride. Nice lady.
I wanted to get to the Custer National Battlefield before it closed so I pushed the speed limit. I had toured it twice before so a stamp for the IBA was my main goal. This is really wide open country. Rain was again threatening as I arrived, but never materialized. It sure had changed since I was last there in the early 80's, new and improved. Now there are markers where the warriors fell; I like this addition. It is very different from my first visit in 1974. I called my good buddy, Don, who was with me in '74 to let him know I was here and to make him jealous. I seem never to have enough time to walk all the way to the river, maybe the next time. 
After leaving Custer I topped off the tank and checked into a pretty nice KOA camp ground not far away. After I checked in I realized it was the same campground I stayed at 35 years ago. At least it seemed like it was. No rain but I did get a good light show from distant lightning. The sunset was awesome. I camped next to two couples on motorcycles from British Columbia. We had good conversation. Good people.
I tried to get out early but did not succeed (I think there is a pattern here). I ate a very good breakfast at the Purple Cow down the road. I was on the road again at 09:00 heading for the Southern Unit of Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota, I made it. It is a very interesting park. I hope to return and visit the nearby neat, little town of Medora. I was pushing sunset so I headed south toward the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore.
On the way south I stopped for fuel and I asked if there was a camp ground farther south. The lady was funny. She said yes in Bella Fourche. She started giving me directions. A fellow in the "honk and holler" asked her why was she telling me to go the way she suggested; she said it was so I would avoid traffic. I laughed. I politely told her I was from the Dallas area and traffic was not a problem. Rain appeared probable and day light was running low, so I stopped at the town of Bella Fourche, French for Beautiful Fork, to camp. There were a lot of bikers from the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally camping there. It was really just a big field with not very good facilities. However, it was a grassy place to camp. I did not use the showers as the weather was cool so BO was not a problem. I set up my tent and just finished cooking some Denny Moore Beef Stew when the rain came; It rained all night. Although the rain fly leaked, I stayed dry so nothing was ruined. The rain stopped in time for me to take down the tent and pack up. God was good to me. Beautiful morning!
With a mix of rain clouds and sunshine, I headed south to the Black Hills. I "blew through" the Sturgis "Carnival", rode on some great roads, got lost, ate some buffalo BBQ; saw fantastic scenery, plus Mt. Rushmore, Jewel Cave, and the Wind Cave. It was great riding; I always enjoy the Black Hills. This was the first time on a motorcycle and the best way to really see things.
From the Black Hills, my primary target was Rocky Mountain National Park for the next day. I was planning on sleeping in my tent, but some very black clouds with plenty of lightning was all but upon me. I opted for a motel in Newcastle, Wyoming. Seconds after getting into my room a very bad storm roared in. Was I ever glad to have seen it coming and I was in one of the few towns in the area. The next town on my route was 86 miles to the south and a sign informed me of no services for 86 miles. I ate jerky and peanut butter crackers as I did not want to go out in the storm. TV sounded good after over a week without it; I sure haven't missed it.
After a good night of sleep I could not resist a side trip to Agate Fossil Beds National Monument in Nebraska along with Scotts Bluff National Monument. Then a stop at Ft. Laramie National Historic Site back in Wyoming could not be skipped. (Three more stamps for IBA and another state.) Then I was back on the trail south to Cheyenne and Colorado. I almost waited too long for a fuel stop, but I made it with at least a half gallon left. No sweat.
I wanted to get to Rocky Mountain National Park before the visitors center closed and park. I made it. The ride through Rocky Mountain National was a fantastic ride. Dark clouds were ever present but no rain and enough sunshine to keep me happy. In 1974 during the same time of year, I ran into rain, sleet, hail, snow, and sunshine on this road, thank God I was in a car then. This is the highest, 12183' at the highest point, paved "through road" in North America. Big horn sheep and mountain goats can be seen along the drive, including many hiking trails.
I finished the trip through the park in time to seriously look for a camp site. I found a camp ground (?) that was pretty sorry; I passed on it. Camping is free in parts of the national forest but I could not get my motorcycle far enough off the road and the "regular" camp grounds were full. I could continue to Winter Park or get a room. I opted for a room in Grand Lake Village at the edge of the park as I just about burned all of the daylight. It was a good choice. The place was cheap and very comfortable. The bonus was the owner told me of an excellent Mexican restaurant in town. Good food and good sleep was obtained at this stop.
This morning I "smelled home". I decided to be in my home bed after one more night on the road. It was 42 degrees so I dressed a little warmer and "hit the trail". This took me near Mount Evans, Colorado, the highest paved road in North America. I could not resist a 16 mile trip up to a 14,200 ft mountain peak; It was very well worth the time. I passed several bicyclists peddling up the monster. The air is mighty thin at 14,000 feet. My motorcycle did great, but I was out of breath by the time I reached the top. I passed glaciers, mountain goats, other wildlife, and one guy jogging up the thing.
Following this latest of the magnificent scenery, I made a quick stop at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, interesting place. From there I headed to Colorado Springs and south to Raton, NM. My adventure was fast coming to an end. I was sad but looked forward to getting home. I felt as though I was home when I crossed into New Mexico even though I still had over 500 miles to go. I have made this last leg of the trip many times by car so I knew what to expect, heat.
I did make an attempt to get my National Parks Passport book stamped at Caplin Mountain National Monument. The visitor's center was closed and it was almost dark. I took a picture of it with my motorcycle in the foreground. I pulled upon the sidewalk with all my lights turned on in hopes the sign could be seen in the picture. I took another picture of the entrance and my bike. This time I had to pull the front wheel over the curb to shine light on the sign. After taking the picture I realized my frame was stuck on the curb. (Remember I am by myself.) I knew the thing would fall over if I got off to push and I did not want to unload it. What do I do? I bounced the front end and gave it gas, zip, got over the curb then circled around over the curb the opposite direction and on my way again. I hope IBA accepts my picture as proof I was there.
I wasn't tired so I decided to travel on towards home until close to midnight so I would not have so far to go the next day in the 100+ heat. I strongly dislike riding at night, motorcycle headlights tend to be a bit sorry. I have a Silver Star Ultra H4 in the main headlight, fender mounted Motolights, and a pair of Rivco H4 head lights on my highway bars. They don't keep animals from running into me but maybe I'll see them first. Northern New Mexico has some large deer and elk. I sure watched the sides of the road. I made it to Dumas, Texas before midnight. I was ready for a bed.
This last day was the worst of the entire trip. I have traveled this route many times from Texline through Amarillo down US 287 to the Dallas area. It becomes boring after the first time. I got tired of smelling cow manure, a lot of feed lots. It was hot, over 100 degrees. The good part was that I arrived home by 15:00 even after stopping at McDonalds to buy a hamburger for my dog; I missed my dog. Oh yes, I did miss my wife and daughter but I could talk to them on the phone. My dog is telephone challenged.
I have had many good trips. This trip ranks at the top of best trips ever. The first half was made great by being with good riding buddies with good riding and the second half was good just to be doing it. I was ready to do it all over again the next day!
The very bad part of the trip was only two days
away. Work!
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Chapter Story!
by
ON-M
Acts of Kindness
Sometimes "Acts of Kindness" are not always to other members of GWRRA. My life partner Jane and I, Henri van Gemert are Life Members , and Charter Members of Chapter M Ontario, Region K, Canada.
We started our Chapter in 1987, and became Chapter M in the spring of 1988. Throughout the years we were involved in different charities.
First, we supported The Inasmuch House, they look after abused women and children. Our second charity was Jimmy Lomax Toy Ride For Christmas Gifts, they donated to children in hospitals during the Holidays.
Then, we started with supporting Camp Trillium. This is a Camp for children with Cancer and help their family's spend some prime time together.
Recently we acquired new Chapter Director's, Don and Nancy Scarrow. Before they joined our Chapter, they were involved with The Special Friends Day, organized by the Halton Police Department.
What we have been doing for the last three years is assisting the Halton Police Force organizing one day in the summer for people with a Mental Disability, and could enjoy this day once a year with a parade, Piper's band, Fire Department, Fire Engine's, Police vehicles, and some of our Gold Wings. After the parade we assist with the games and BBQ.
Of course, lots of picture's are taken on our Gold Wings. And now, a little story I want to add to it. Last year 2010 there was a young man who wanted to sit on my trike. He was so exited I took him for a short ride around the park, that's when the added picture was taken.
So, this Summer I took the picture with me to present it to the parents of this young man I met the year before, after looking for them all afternoon they finely came walking towards me, I presented them with the picture of their son! They must have thanked and blessed me, felt like one hundred times! So, I received an "act of kindness" back from the parents of this boy,
AND IT MADE MY DAY!!
HENRI VAN GEMERT
(Ed. note-Please see photo below of me visiting Henri's Chapter back in 1992 when I was a lot thinner and GWRRA's Exec. Thanks Henri for the picture.) 
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MEMBERS STORY:
by
Dan & Cheryl Scott
Chapter OK-E
Cheryl and Dan grew up with totally different childhoods. Dan grew up in Southeast Oklahoma, the youngest of five children, while Cheryl lived in Southern New Jersey, the oldest of six. Dan attended the University of Oklahoma on a Baseball Scholarship, while Cheryl attended the University of Tulsa, on an Academic Scholarship.
Dan started his career as an Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper. He then moved on to work for the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture in the Food Safety Industry and retired in the Spring of 2009 after 30 years.
Cheryl's career began as an Engineer at Rockwell International. She is currently a Federal Officer employed with Homeland Security at Tulsa International Airport.
Together we have 5 children from previous marriages and 4 grandchildren. Dan got his first Gold Wing at the ripe old age of 16, while Cheryl didn't start riding until the age of 49. Dan had a couple of bikes over the years, but yearned for another Wing. So in the Spring of 2009 just before retirement, Dan bought a 2008 GL1800. 
We both joined GWRRA and Chapter E in Tulsa, Oklahoma in the Summer of 2009 only 1 day apart, not knowing anything about each other (yet) and fell in love with riding a Gold Wing. Little did we know there was another "Love" to be found in just a few short months. In August of 2009, Dea Ann Gray introduced us to each other on a Dinner Ride! Need we say more!
Now some 45,000 miles later we share most everything ........ Our thoughts, our memories, our sorrow's and yes, our Beautiful Gold Wing! We have been Chapter Couple of the Year for 2010 & again in 2011, a position we are extremely proud of! We also carry the title very proudly of being our Chapter Membership Enhancement Coordinator's.
GWRRA has given us three reasons to look forward to tomorrow; coming home to each other, another day to ride, and finding another New GWRRA Family Member! Thanks GWRRA! ( Oh and I almost forgot, we were the CHOY coordinator's for Chapter E in 2010, and mighty proud to say Chapter E Oklahoma is the 2010 Region H Chapter of the Year!)
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Rescue Plus
Reminder
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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!
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And remember, non-members can purchase Rescue PLUS for only $50 with all the same benefits!
Call NOW!
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GWRRA Member Benefit Discount Program Links! Here are links to some GWRRA Discount Programs.
VPI Pet Insurance
| 10% off with GWRRA code BPP01GWRRA |
| Prescription Rx Card | |
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Save 20% |
GWRRA GOLD PLATED BUCKLE
GWRRA gold & nickel plated official buckle. One of our most popular buckles has been brought back.
Item Code- 4111000 Our Price - $ 25.00
Click here for all the details. 
Special price for November--$20
Trivia Answers:
1-Fort Wayne is home to the Fort Wayne Daisies-the professional women's baseball team featured in the movie.
2-True, Fort Wayne, Indiana is considered one of the nations best cities according to the National League of Cities, three-time All American City Winner.
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Offer Expires: 11/30--mention November Wingin' It
Contents copyrighted by GWRRA, Inc.
©2011
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