Greetings! 

It has been a great month, especially preparing the April issue of Wingin' It. I attended the 40-To-Phoenix Ride as they arrived and spent the day at the Home Office. A special committee was formed to prepare for this event and those folks did an awesome job making the event very special for the record number of bikes and riders who showed up from across the country (138 bikes and over 250 riders). A special commendation should be made to Brian McCallum and the organizers of the 3rd Annual 40-To-Phoenix Ride. A full story will follow in future issues here and in Wing World. Some highlights of the event, for me, included chatting with old and new friends, (especially catching up with Gene Wagner, who has been a Member since 1977 and a Regional Director in 1979 during Wing Ding I) the vendors, seeing all the cool bikes and talking with some women riders who rode all the way from NC, (see picture) and taking a video of the long parade of bikes when they arrived, as well a ton pictures of the folks and their rides! 

 

This month we also lost a "True" friend of GWRRA. Jerry Childers past away and our prayers and thoughts go out to his wife, Leisa, and their families. See the article below.

 

We have had some great contributions this month in the form of Member & Officer stories, as well as some great Rider Education and informational articles. You may have seen this before, but make sure you view the article and link, that our good friend Jim Hodge sent in, about Motion Blindness and Target Fixation. The link takes you to a video where you can see for yourself how this issue is clearly demonstrated!

 

For those of you who have not checked out the new GWRRA website at www.gwrra.org, you are really missing a great site. GWRRA's website has become, not only a portal for all things GWRRA, but a great  motorcycling website! CHECK IT OUT!! 

 

There is also a great article from Andrea in Member Services explaining a new feature of our new website. Make sure you check it out below! Thank you to all of you for your contributions. We received more articles than would fit in this newsletter, so understand that some will rollover to next month. That is a wonderful problem to have ... THANK YOU...and keep the articles coming to me here!!!

 

With the riding season, in some of the country, just starting as well as in other countries, remember to hone your riding skills by attending a Rider Education course, both for riders and co-riders. You are never too new or experienced to learn something new or refresh your skill sets. GWRRA's Rider Ed Program is the BEST around!!!! 

Have a great year and FIND-A-FRIEND!

FRIENDS FOR FUN, SAFETY & KNOWLEDGE!

 

Ed Price

 

 
Editor, Wingin' It

 

 

 

In This Issue
Joke of the Month
GWRRA Events Calendar
GWRRA Trivia--35th Anniversary
Looking for YOUR Articles
Inspirational Quotes
GWRRA & Facebook
GWRRA's 35th Anniversary Cruise
Rescue Plus Reminder
A Officer's Story
Rider Reminder
Rider Education Article
Fort Wayne Updates
Associate of the Month
Featured Member Benefit
Remembering A True Friend
Home Office Reminders
Your Opinion Matters
GWRRA Benefits
Quick Links
Join Our Mailing List

Joke of the

Month 

question mark
Since there were no jokes submitted this month, I found some things to ponder...!

Why isn't phonetic spelled the way it sounds?

Why are there flotation devices under plane seats instead of parachutes?

Why are there interstate highways in Hawaii?

How does the guy who drives the snowplow get to work in the mornings?

Remember, send me your best, clean jokes here!

2012 GWred
GWRRA
Events Calendar 
These events have been submitted to us from Officers about future functions.

To have your
event/rally/function
listed here, send all the appropriate information here.

Ohio Buckeye Rally/Convention

Rally theme:  MASH "Mobile Army SurgicalHospital"

Location: Green County Fairgrounds in Beautiful Xenia, Ohio

Date:  June 14-16, 2012

Website:   www.ohiogwrra.org

Contact for more info: Robert G. Williams at [email protected] or call Cell Phone 330/802-2429

 

GWRRA TRIVIA 


35th Anniversary logo
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-How many countries is GWRRA represented
 in?
 

2-What city held the most Wing Dings?

(answers in the coupon section below)

 

Looking for

Articles

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 .


Inspirational

Quotes

 

 "The happiness of life is made up of minute fractions-the little soon-forgotten charities of a kiss, a smile, a kind look, a heartfelt compliment in the disguise of a playful raillery, and the countless other infinitessimals of pleasurable thought and genial feeling."
Samuel Taylor Coleridge

 

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit."
Aristotle
      

 

GWRRA is on

Facebook 

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

 

GWRRA's 35th ANNIVERSARY CRUISE

11/4/12-11/11/12

Norwegian Pearl  
Ports of Call:

Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

George Town, Grand Cayman

Cozumel, Mexico

Rates start at $724 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.

  
Advertisment

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! 

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And remember, non-members can purchase Rescue PLUS for only $50 with all the same benefits!


Call NOW!

MEMBERS STORY:

 

"BUDDIES!

 

by Gene Hanselman,

GWRRA #135067 , Chapter B - Mansfield, Ohio

 

 

Webster's defines Buddies as a Companion, Partner or Friend. To me it means so much more. There are many, many different kinds of buddies. There are Hunting, Fishing, Work and Motorcycle Buddies. Buddies are short, tall, fat and thin. There are Buddies of Buddies, Wife's, Husband's and Kid's Buddies. There are Black, White, Brown, Red and Gray Buddies. We make New Buddies, have Young and Old Buddies. Trucker's have Good Buddies while Car Pooler's have Commuting Buddies. Buddies here, buddies there, buddies, buddies everywhere. Everyone has at least one. Read More  

 

 

Officer's Story:     

LEADERSHIP  

submitted by:

 

Bob (Goose) & Dorothy Richards

Directors, Wake Forest Wings (Chapter NC-X)

#149916
 

  

debrand chocolateThe purpose of this article is to recognize true leadership in GWRRA and how it can positively impact the Members. Real leadership takes courage. The courage to ask how we can do better for our Members and then the courage to listen and take action to institute those changes needed to make improvements. Recently, Andrew and Vickie Butcher, the GWRRA North Carolina District Directors, demonstrated their leadership qualities by instituting change in several areas. Read More   


Rider Reminder---Target Fixation & Motion Induced Blindness
:

 

submitted by

Jim Hodge, Mississippi 

Member #036790

 

Subject: Interesting Motion Induced Blindness -  


I am sure most of our Educator folks are aware of this video, However a lot of our friends may not be aware of this manner of Scanning. Being from the old school of search, rescue & survival, I Remember learning & teaching these same techniques back in the fifties. Sure would have been nice to have had this video back in the day. -Jim
 

This is frightening! It works exactly like it says, and is one major reason people in cars can 'look right at you' (when you're on a motorcycle or bicycle)---AND NOT SEE YOU. From a former Naval aviator, this is a great illustration of what we were taught about scanning outside the cockpit when I went through training back in the '50s. We were told to scan the horizon for a short distance, stop momentarily, and repeat the process. I can remember being told why this was the most effective technique to locate other aircraft. It was emphasized (repeatedly) to NOT fix your gaze for more than a couple of seconds on any single object. The instructors, some of whom were WWII veterans with years of experience, instructed us to continually "keep our eyes moving and our head on a swivel" because this was the best way to survive, not only in combat, but from peacetime hazards (like a midair collision) as well. We basically had to take the advice on faith (until we could experience for ourselves) because the technology to demonstrate it didn't exist at that time. Click on the link below for a demonstration ... 
  [Target fixation is also a phenomena that plays into this.]
RIDER EDUCATION ARTICLE

Submitted by

Joe and Gracie Mazza
Assistant International Ride Educator

LESSONS LEARNED

 I recently read an article by a rider who identified himself as "Badd bob ". In it he recounts the particulars of an accident he was involved in and admonishes himself for the lapse of concentration that contributed to said accident. He apparently took his eyes off the road for a second to check his side view mirror and stared a little too long which caused him to end up in a ditch. He was upset because he constantly discussed safety with his family, who were with him on the ride, and feels he didn't practice what he preached.

I too felt the same pangs of guilt when I was involved in an accident a few years back in Dallas, Texas, with my wife riding 2-up, on our way to Wing Ding. We were tail gunning our Chapter group when we were cut off by a car that immediately came to a full stop. I was the Chapter Educator at the time and like "badd bob"had discussed safety procedures during Chapter presentations which, in this case, included evasive maneuvers. I had stated to never yank the handle bars one way or the other and grab hard on the front brake at the same time. Guess what I did the instant the car stopped in front of me? That's right, and we paid the price for it. Down we went, resulting in injuries to both of us. My wife required ankle surgery and a hospital stay. I had broken ribs that I was told had to heal themselves. I admonished myself for not remembering the front brake rule in this situation.

All we can do when this type of thing happens is to hopefully learn and move on. None of us are perfect. Thankfully, we survived my mistake and have ridden many safe miles since. On a positive note, we were wearing all the proper gear which protected us from further damage. My helmet was destroyed but my head was not, I think, I can't remember. Just Kidding! My wife was wearing heavy over-the-ankle boots (her preference) that the surgeon said saved her from losing her foot. Also, she was very proud that she had full finger gloves that saved her from breaking a nail. She happily displayed them to her friends as I pushed her around in her wheelchair.


Fort Wayne Updates

Wing Ding 34 logo

 

NEW THIS YEAR AT WING DING 34 IN FORT WAYNE, INDIANA!

 

NEW! Rooftop 4th of July Party - You can't get any closer to the fireworks without a permit!

 

NEW! The Grand Parade will be ending at downtown Fort Wayne's new Parkview Field. 

 

NEW! Enjoy the Amish experience at the opening party in Grabill, Indiana - just a beautiful drive up the road!

 

NEW! Five amazing new hotels have opened in Fort Wayne and they stand ready and willing to serve you!

 

NEW! The Memorial Coliseum has expanded and improved their parking - over 6,000 surface spots offer ample opportunity to compete and exhibit!

 

These are just a few of the exciting NEW things in the works for Wing Ding 34! You won't want to miss out!

 

To make your hotel reservations, simply call 1-800-753-3823 or visit us online at www.VisitFortWayne.com/WingDing.

 

To request a Visitors Guide or receive additional Visitor Information, please give us a call at 1-800-767-7752 or visit us online at www.VisitFortWayne.com.

 

 

  

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!

 

 Ft. Wayne Logo 

Another Member Story: Father & Son Ride!    

Spring Break Run 2008

"What We Learned"

 

submitted by:2012 GWred

 

Dennis D. Cude
GWRRA #078210
TX Chapter "C"  

 

 

My 12-yr-old son (Kevin) and I had made a Spring Break Run last year. I had asked if he wanted to make another trip this year. He replied yes, so we started planning a ride to St. Louis, MO.  We had the route mapped out and time to make our final plans and reservations since it was fast approaching . I went on- line and began checking the weather conditions along our route.  Weather conditions were just not looking favorable for this ride. The weather man was predicting 60 percent chance of rain and temperatures in the low 30's.  As everyone knows, "cold and wet " does not make a good combination.  It was time to switch gears and make new plans.  After talking things over with Kevin, it was decided to make a ride to Big Bend. Read More


Featured Member Benefits of the Month

 

 

 

*GWRRA Wireless Center- FREE BlackBerrys 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! 



**RX Discounts - GWRRA Members can save up to 55% on prescription drugs with your FREE GWRRA Prescription Savings Card. Download your FREE card now and start saving today! No fees and it never expires. Accepted at over 59,000 pharmacies. One card covers your entire family including pets. Click HERE to print your card today!  

 

 

Remembering A True Friend

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

submitted by:

 

Ed and Linda Johnson
International Directors GWRRA Membership Enhancement Program  

 

GWRRA's motto: Friends for FUN, Safety and Knowledge. If you have been a Member of GWRRA for any amount of time you have made Friends, had FUN, and learned about Rider Education and the Safety that GWRRA promotes. Hopefully you have become knowledgeable about some of GWRRA acronyms, benefits, Chapters and others things GWRRA has to offer. All of this is important, but the thing we want to emphasize is our FRIENDS. We lost a dear friend with the passing of Jerry Childers. Many of our GWRRA family knew and loved Jerry and Leisa. They became Members of GWRRA in 2002. As we think back, we try to remember when we first got to know them. For those of you that have been around a few years, you probably remember Jerry with a video camera mounted to the top of his helmet. He would go around taking care of his GWRRA duties while taking pictures of GWRRA Members having FUN while participating at Conventions, Wing Dings, or just FUN rides with his Chapter, TN C. He was always wearing a smile.

 

What is a true Friend? Someone who is always there when you need them, and will do anything they possibly can to help you in your walk of life, reassuring you that, "you can do it", or yes, "that can be done". The list goes on and on, while all the time he wore that sweet smile. That is what Jerry was to us, a TRUE friend. If you ever met Jerry and Leisa, you would know that they were sincere to GWRRA and what it meant to them. Jerry and Leisa have won numerous awards while wearing many hats in GWRRA. They have held positions in the Chapter, District and Region. For several years they have been the GWRRA International Photographer for the east, helping Sharon Stanley with pictures for Wing World Magazine. We could never do justice in an article about Jerry Childers. We just want all GWRRA Members to know what a wonderful person he was and what a great Friend he has always been to us. Please keep Leisa and Jerry's family in your thoughts and prayers. WE LOVE YOU JERRY!

Home Office

Reminders 

GWRRA Logo

 

GWRRA WEBSITE: New Feature! 

 

 

Hello GWRRA Members,

 

I wanted to let you know about a new, exciting feature through our website. You can now chat with a Member Services agent live! Shortly after visiting our home page, a box will appear asking if you would like to chat with one of us, here at the home office. It is easy to use, especially if you just have a quick question, need some information, or need guidance around our web site.

 

When the box pops up just click on it, fill out 3 pieces of information: your name, membership number, if applicable, and for faster results, your email address, then click Start Chat. You will then be able to type in your questions, and a Member Services agent will write back.

 

We want you to check it out and stop by and say "Hi" just to see how it works; we look forward to hearing from you!

 

Thank You,

Andrea Lowedebrand chocolate

                                                                      

GWRRA Member Services 

 

 


 

2012 GWred 

 

 

Your Opinion Matters!

 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 often do you visit motorcycle-related websites?"    

 

Everyday...................45%

Every other day........14%

Twice a week...........17%

Once a week ...........11%

Twice a month..........5%

Once a month...........6%

Every six month........1%

Annually.....................1% 

   

 

We always have a current GWRRA topic. To let us know your opinion,  

Check it out!        

 


 

GWRRA Member Benefit Discounts!
Save 20%

GWRRA DRY TECH SHIRT     

   

  debrand chocolate

 

GWRRA DRY TECH SHIRT LS

Price:
$24.99

95% polyester, 5% spandex.

 

Moisture wicking, anti-microbial & stain resistant.

Ultra tight knit resists snagging.

Flat lock stitched for extra comfort and strength.

  

 

Special price for April--$19.95  

 

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

 

Trivia Answers:

1-GWRRA is represented in 52 countries!

 

2-The city that has hosted the most Wing Dings is a tie....between Madison, WI and Knoxville, TN...at 4! 

Offer Expires: 4/30--mention April Wingin' It

 

 Contents copyrighted by GWRRA, Inc.

�2012