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Greetings!
From Rose and me, we wish you a very Happy New Year! 2012 is here and our GWRRA family is celebrating a very special year...our 35th Anniversary year! GWRRA started in June of 1977, when Paul and Shirley met at the Denny's restaurant in north Phoenix, with 5 other Gold Wing enthusiasts, to start what later became known as the Gold Wing Road Riders Association. Who would have ever guessed that 35 years later, there would be a nonprofit motorcycle organization with 72,000 Members in 53 countries?
As you can see by the new look of this Wingin' It, we have decided to make some changes...and with every New Year, it is the best time. For me, the New Year signifies a time for reevaluation, change (if necessary), new energy, and renewal. One only has to visit the Home Office to get the sense that there is a new energy brewing around here. One change for the Members betterment, FUN, and a renewed excitement about bringing the focus back to motorcycling in GWRRA! Stay tuned!
During the next year, you will see new programs, new websites, new endeavors, like a focus on social media, more FREE benefits for our Members and more FUN! You will also see more marketing toward recruiting new Members, especially marketing to younger riders-GWRRA's future! More focus on riding, like our National Ride, the 40-to-Phoenix Ride, in March, 2012. We will also have some special promotions throughout the year to show our Members how much we appreciate them joining and renewing with GWRRA by means of special FREE Coupon Book! And don't forget about ways you can save on your own Membership fees by recruiting only 5 new memberships and receive a gift certificate for $55...enough to pay for your renewal or anything you want to do with the certificate. See website for details.*
And don't forget all the events we will have in 2012...the 35th Anniversary Cruise to the Caribbean, Wing Ding in Fort Wayne, and all the Regional, District and Chapter events that you can find on our new website at www.gwrra.org
This is going to be a great year in GWRRA, so get involved. You can never have enough Friends and by being involved with GWRRA, through a local Chapter, you can't help but meet like-minded folks who love the same things in life that you do...JOIN US! Check out the new website to find the Chapter closest to you!
Have a great year and FIND-A-FRIEND! FRIENDS FOR FUN, SAFETY & KNOWLEDGE! 
Editor, Wingin' It
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Joke of the
Month
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At a lecture series a very poor speaker was on the platform. As he was speaking, people in the audience began to get up and leave. After about ten minutes there was only one man left.
Finally the man stopped speaking and asked the man why he remained to the end.
"I'm the next speaker," was the reply.
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**Honda Recall**
| | To read the recall information from Honda about Gold Wings, click here. | |
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GWRRA TRIVIA
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To help celebrate GWRRA's 35th Anniversary Year (1977-2012), we are going to be offering many activities, events, discounts and surprises throughout 2012.
This column will be our Trivia about GWRRA over the past 35 years. See how much you know about our history, organization, people and programs! Have FUN!
1-Who started GWRRA, when and where?
2-Name the first Chapter in GWRRA and where was it?
(answers in the coupon section below)
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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) Join folks like GWRRA's Founder, Paul Hildebrand and his Wife Dottie; GWRRA's Co-Founder, Shirley Stephens-Garcia, and her husband, Benny, aboard to celebrate GWRRA's 35th Anniversary in a FUN, exciting way!
Click here for more information and to register.
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Featured Associate
of the Month
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Hello, I am Jodi Starr. I have been with Gold Wing Road Riders Association for 17 years! I started in Member Services but I have had my share in many areas, and have worn many hats. From my beginnings in the mailroom, I moved on to Member Services, managing the Wing Ding Vendors, working closely with Wing World magazine, Accounting and always assisting Operations when needed. I have enjoyed meeting everyone over the years and look forward to continuing to meet new friends.
I have been married for 16 years to a wonderful man I met as my high school sweetheart, and have a beautiful, 14 year old daughter that is my world! I love to spend time with my family, vacation, scuba dive, Jet Ski, horseback ride and snow ski; Or you may find me relaxing on a beach somewhere.
I love working here at GWRRA and can't wait for many more wonderful years! Happy 35th Anniversary GWRRA!
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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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"In the hopes of reaching the moon men fail to see the flowers that blossom at their feet."
Albert Schweitzer
"Commitment leads to action. Action brings your dream closer."
Marcia Wieder
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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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GOLD BOOK STORY
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Bill "WACO"& Kay Corgnell
FL2-W --ACD
2011 Couple of the Year
Member #176158
October, 2011
This is a sort of Gold Book Rescue story. The two great women that were rescued because they were 165 miles from home, no relatives available. Just me.
And I was more than happy to help them after they lost an alternator, near Lake City, FL, on their way back from the Chili Cookoff in Bryson City, NC.
When you have an oversize Hannigan Trike, a good size trailer behind, you do not just take any trailer to pick up a downed bike pulling a trailer. Full Story >
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GOLD WING ROAD RIDERS ASSOCIATION
ANNOUNCES REVAMPED RECRUITMENT PROGRAM,
"FIND-A-FRIEND" with a twist, NEVER PAY DUES AGAIN*!
Phoenix, AZ (December 1, 2011)-Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA) announces a change to their long-standing Find-A-Friend Program. This Recruitment Program, for the Members of the Association, has always been a popular program, but now, GWRRA has added a new twist. *Members who recruit just five (5) new memberships (households) into GWRRA will receive a gift certificate worth $55! Essentially, they NEVER HAVE TO PAY DUES AGAIN! The program will begin January 1, 2012**. It will be open to all Members of GWRRA. This program is just part of GWRRA's way to help celebrate their 35th anniversary (1977-2012).
To explain the Find-A-Friend Program and the NEVER PAY DUES AGAIN twist, for every five (5) new memberships (households) you recruit, you will receive a gift certificate with the equivalent value of a Family Membership- $55. You must recruit new Members only, not renewals. Each membership (household) counts as "ONE" regardless of the number of family members in the membership. (They will however, count under the Find-A-Friend pin and T-shirt program.) Gift Certificates are non-transferable and will have a one year expiration date. Read More >
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GLOBAL AFFAIRS DIRECTOR
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Dan & Rachel Sanderovich
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GWRRA is a significant Gold Wing owners' organization on a Global scale. The new year of 2012 starts with almost 1,000 Members that are living in more than 40 countries outside of the American continent. This is the first January that Rachel and I are your Global Affairs Directors and it is a great pleasure to send you our best wishes for the New Year.
The foundation stone of our organization is the CHAPTER structure. Members are obtaining much more fun, knowledge and friendship out of an active Chapter. We in Israel, during the last 4 years have already 2 new Chapters which the Israeli Members enjoy very much. We wish that the New Year will bring more Chapters on a Global scale, so more overseas Members will have the most important benefit from their GWRRA membership.
Rachel and I are fortunate to have many friends of GWRRA around the world and we wish that the New Year will bring you all many new friends of our GWRRA family from all the countries where our Members live.
We wish you all a great year, good health, many safe rides and PEACE.
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Member's Travelogue: (Final part)
WEST WE GO!
A View from the Back
By Cindy Culp
(Most motorcycle travelogues are written from the perspective of the rider. This one is from the perspective of the pillion, though I occasionally toss my thoughts in as well. - Jim Culp)
Taking a short break here to look around and get our picture taken by Howard Jones, a semi-professional photographer, was well worth the stop. Then, back on the bike we headed west across a flat plain. Unfortunately, at this point the winds really picked up and the temps seemed to drop. Kaibab National Forest and Jacob's Lake where we would find some much needed, but brief, relief seemed like miles away. As we left the forest area the winds were strong and gusty as we passed the Chocolate Cliffs and headed into Utah. By the time we made it to Kanab, we were both beat but enjoyed dinner and the magnificent view of the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument and Vermillion Cliffs in our host's back yard. Did you know that Kanab is where most westerns, including GUNSMOKE, were filmed? It wasn't Dodge City.
Again these winds were steady at 25-30mph, gusts to 45 mph coming from the Southwest. It made it a tough ride for Cindy (not much of picnic for me either). Full Story >
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CHAPTER EVENT:
TX-O--Blubonnet Rally
BY: Tom Sprague Chapter CD
The 2011 Bluebonnet Rally in Fredericksburg, TEXAS was bigger than ever! The weather could not have cooperated any better, and as a result of the good weather and timing of the event, we had over 230 people attend (16 different chapters represented). We even had people from Minnesota and Washington State attend the rally. The visiting chapter with the largest attendance was Chapter T from Killeen. Chapter O2 was a close second.
As mentioned the weather could not have been better. The riding was great, but there weren't many flowers out this year (drought conditions were bad this year). Chapter O folks gathered at the Pioneer Pavilion at 3:00 pm on Friday to start setting up everything for the rally. As they say "many hands make light work" and by about 7:00 everything was set up. Kitchen was ready to go and the Taco Belles had already begun preparations for rally morning breakfast tacos. Our silent auction was set up with over 300 items and registration was set and ready. On Friday evening the campground was filling up with folks from Chapter O as well as other chapters around Texas. Some folks cooked at the campground and visited, while others went into Fredericksburg to enjoy some of the wonderful food it has to offer. With full tummies and an early morning on the way and everyone headed for bed early. Full Story >
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MEMBER FEEDBACK...
It is as you say, Ed, a combination of many things. The membership is very important as are all the great volunteers who give their time and expertise. The events are also very encouraging and do help promote the philosophy of GWRRA - Fun, Safety, Knowledge and in this respect, the many educational programs are essential to this. As for the events, such as Wing Ding, I am hopeful there will be one in the Mid-West at some point in time.
Overall, I am pleased to be a Member of GWRRA and the local Chapter I joined. We ride a lot, which I find is probably more of an exception from what I've heard about other Chapters. For this, I am grateful, as I've gotten a lot of road experience, as well as from our great leaders and educators after a lengthy break from motorcycle riding. My confidence has been greatly expanded due to these folks.
So, keep up the good work and I look forward to doing what I can to not only help my local Chapter, but GWRRA.
GWRRA is something I knew about for many years, but due to work and family, my rides were to and from work (I had an '85 Goldwing then). I just didn't have the time to belong to a local group. Since retirement, and purchasing an '05 30th Anniversary Goldwing, I've really enjoyed the friendships I've made in GWRRA. I am affiliated with AZ-R in Glendale. What I really like about this group is they LIKE to ride!! The folks are super and very helpful, especially to someone who's been 'off the path' for over a dozen years.
As for suggestions for future Wing Dings, well, Phoenix would be great, except for the summer heat and no decent rides for at least a good hours' ride away. Maybe Alburquerque, Denver, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Boise, Flagstaff or Sacramento. Seems most of them have decent temps in July (unless the date is changed) and some decent rides not too far away. A run on Old Route 66 would be fun too.
I am enclosing a photo, of me with my current "ride", my '05 30th Anniversary Edition Wing.
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Old GWRRA Program-Revitalized!
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FIND-A-FRIEND PROGRAM
NEVER PAY DUES AGAIN*!!!
GWRRA announces a change to our long-standing Find-A-Friend Recruitment Program, with a twist!
*For every five new memberships (households) you recruit, you will receive a gift certificate with the equivalent value of a Family Membership - $55.
Members have the "option" to redeem certificates(s) for a GWRRA Membership Renewal, GWRRA Official Merchandise, Wing Ding Registration or Chapter Charter Fees.
The program is open to all GWRRA Members
and will begin January 1, 2012.
Visit www.gwrra.org/FAF.html for program rules
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RIDER EDUCATION ARTICLE
By:Joe Mazza
#161788
What's The Hurry?
I recently observed 4 vehicles, 3 motorists and 1 motorcyclist, do the unthinkable. While stopped at a railroad crossing, these drivers decided to take the chance to beat the train across the intersection. Why, I asked myself, would anyone do such a thing?
The misjudging of a train's speed is the primary reason for a train vs motorist/motorcyclist death. A train that appears to be stopped could easily be traveling at 30-70 mph. That gives the operator of a motor vehicle the false sense that he can get across the tracks before the train does. If the operator is lucky, he'll make it. If not, the consequences are devastating.
So, why do these people take such a big chance? In our hurry-up and get- there world, we tend to throw caution to the wind. No one wants to wait for a 90 car train to go by, it takes too long. Actually, the average time it takes a train to clear a crossing is 2-5 minutes. Is that really worth risking your life over?
Why take the chance? Nobody wins when a train and a motor vehicle cross paths. Any train engineer will tell you their biggest fear is seeing a vehicle either sitting on the tracks, trying to go around the crossing gates, or just totally disregarding the warning signals.
There's one other thing to consider. Stopping on the tracks, as well as disregarding the traffic signals, is illegal. So if you don't end up paying with your life, you may end up paying out of your wallet.
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GWRRA's National Ride
40-to-Phoenix
Prepare yourself to join the Third Annual 40-To-Phoenix. This year's ride will be led by last year's leader, Brian McCallum. The ride last year broke the record from the previous year and we fully expect this year will do the same.
Check out the 40-to-Phoenix website here. This year's ride will leave Wrights Beach, NC and arrive in Phoenix, AZ at the Home Office on March 15, 2012. Contact Brian here for all the details and be a part of GWRRA history!
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Officer Certification
Program
NEW Opportunity Available
OCP ONLINE Now Available
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Now available, for new Officers and anyone interested in becoming a GWRRA Officer, our OCP is now ONLINE.
Check out this new opportunity or if you are interested, you can order a DVD of the entire OCP by contacting your Region Trainer. Or go ONLINE and take the Program in the comfort of your own home.
Check with you Region Trainer for the information needed to access the "OCP Online" website here.
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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 people read your issue of Wing World"
(505 responses)
>1-3 (95%)
>4-6 (4%)
>7-9 (0%)
>more 10 (1%)
We always have a current GWRRA topic. To let us know your opinion,
Check it out!
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Fort Wayne Updates
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Also NEW in 2012 is an authentic Amish experience for you to enjoy. After just a short, scenic drive through the Amish countryside to Grabill, Indiana, Wing Dingers can enjoy a homespun opening party centered around this special Amish community - complete with foods, crafts and experiences unique to the area.
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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Home Office
Reminders
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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. Read More >
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Featured Member Benefits of the Month
GWRRA Wireless Center- FREE BlackBerry's and more at the GWRRA Wireless Center! Huge savings on phones and accessories - many phones free, plus exclusive rebates put cash back into your pocket! Shop and compare plans and phones from all the major carriers and brands. You'll get the same great rate from the carrier you choose, plus a better phone at a better price. Visit www.GWRRAwireless.com to save on all your wireless needs!
*Sears Commercial Marketplace -  (5-50% off Sears Commercial Marketplace) A way Gold Wing Members can point, click and save money on items to furnish and finish their homes. At Sears Commercial Marketplace, GWRRA Members can save 5-50%* off everyday items such as home appliances, electronics, mattresses, fitness equipment, lawn and garden products, and much more. Plus you will save on the top brands, including Kenmore and Craftsman. To enroll in this special Gold Wing Member benefit, please email benefitsmanager@gwrrabenefits.org with your first and last name and home address today! *Discount reflects savings off regular price. Program is not available in Sears retail stores. Savings vary by product category. Sears, Kmart and Lands' End are independent third parties and are not affiliated with the company named therein. | |
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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 Discounts!
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| Save 17% |
GWRRA 4 DVD PACKAGE
Special 4 dvd package pricing. Includes all 4 instructional dvd's.
Item #4081006
CO-RIDER
SLOW SPEED
TOURING & BRAKING
TRAILERING Our Price - $ 36.00
Click here for all the details.
Special price for January--$30
Trivia Answers:
1-Paul Hildebrand, Founder, CEO and Chairman of the Board, GWRRA and Shirley Stephens-Garcia, Co-Founder, GWRRA. Started GWRRA June 4, 1977 in Phoenix, AZ.
2-The first Chapter of GWRRA was, and is, AZ-A and is located in Tucson, Arizona.
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Offer Expires: 1/31--mention JanuaryWingin' It
Contents copyrighted by GWRRA, Inc.
©2012
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