Greetings! 



With this being the August issue, you can imagine July was a very busy month. The staff at the Home Office and the Officers were extremely busy getting ready for Wing Ding 34, which turned out to be a success! Yes, it was hot and humid, but everyone there had a great time!

 

And as you may have heard by now, we have a new Director of GWRRA, Jere Goodman. His announcement by our President, Abel Gallardo, and message from Jere himself, are below, so please read them both. I want to congratulate Jere and Linda on their new position and wish them well. Having worked with Jere on many projects in the past, as well as on the Event Management Team, I know he will do a great job for GWRRA.

 

I also want to say "Thank You" to Mike and Lori Stiger for their dedication and service as our Director for the past two and a half years. Mike and Lori have done an excellent job in focusing on new programs, Chapter and Team development. Their efforts and improvements to GWRRA are to be commended...well done Mike & Lori!

 

As you may recall, we asked you to let us know in last month's Wingin It, "If you participated in Chapter Life ... and if not, why not?"  I appreciated so many responses. In all we received 41 responses, as of this writing; 63% said they did not participate and 37% said they did participate in Chapter life actively.

The reasons for not participating varied from No Chapter in my area; to no time work weekends/holidays; to too much chaos/cliques; to Chapter politics; to not enough riding; to prefer riding alone; to no contact from the local Chapter, etc.

The reasons for being active included; great social activities, excellent ride calendar, awesome Rider Ed programs, felt welcomed (like family), etc.

As you can see, we had a varied response, before I continue, I'd like to explain that everyone who responded is still a Member of GWRRA. The survey was certainly not scientific and was a small sampling compared to the number of actual Members who read Wingin' It and even the actual number of Members in GWRRA. But it is a good sampling none the less and gives us an idea of what you, our Members, are thinking.

As with any group of people, it depended on which Chapter they attended, as to whether the Chapter had an active ride calendar or not, whether the folks wanted/needed the social aspect of GWRRA or not, and if they were close to a Chapter or not, as well as the persons own personal needs and wants, and our Officers' training, as to whether they could keep "politics" and cliques to a minimum or not.

Being a former Chapter Director, I can tell you that "politics" happens any time you get three or more people together. Everyone has their own opinion and way they want/expect to see things run, but it takes a special Officer to be able to minimize the effect on the group. GWRRA has always focused on Officer Training to assist our Officers in this regard and always will. GWRRA has an entire division devoted to developing and training our Officers on many aspects of GWRRA life, especially being a Chapter Director. When there are issues at the Chapter level, we would hope that you, our Members, would let us know. That is where the District Directors & Trainers, Regional Directors & Trainers come in to assist. Please let them know when there are any issues in your area before you decide to stop attending, or worse, quit GWRRA. There are systems in place to address issues...Please write me here with your comments and thoughts about this topic, so we can continuously make GWRRA and your experience better.

We understand that Chapter life is not for everyone and that is OK. GWRRA has something for everyone, as commented by those who are still Members and take advantage of our many benefits and programs. But, we are always looking for new programs and ideas to bring in new Members and keep existing Members involved, so please write me with your ideas!

One more comment on my part about the feedback I received. Of all the comments I received, I only received 2-3 with suggestions on how to make things better. It's OK to complain about problems and let us know so we can address the issues, it is far better to offer a suggestion or two on how to make things better. Just a thought! When people get in the mindset of wanting to become part of the solution instead of just the problem, then everyone...and the organization moves forward.
  

The new Wing Ding 35 website is up and running, so check it out and get registered for Greenville, SC. It is one of my favorite cities and I will see you there! We are looking for articles about riding to Greenville or great rides in and around the Greenville area. Let's share your knowledge of the area! 

 

Please read below about a few new GWRRA Member benefits...Red Roof Inn and Motel 6! Check out the information below to read all about them and to find out how to link directly to their information.

And don't forget to check out GWRRA's Home Page, www.gwrra.org for all the latest and greatest news, events, and Member benefits at GWRRA's benefit page.   

 

Don't forget about GWRRA's 35th Anniversary Cruise coming up quickly. Check out the side ad for all their information and link. It is going to be a great time...and we will see you on board! Register now before all the cabins are gone!

 

We hope everyone is enjoying your FREE e-newsletter, Wingin' It, as another benefit of GWRRA; we are always looking to make it better also. I'm still in need of more articles to make each issue interesting to our Members. It has been suggested that we publish more rider tips about the Gold Wing, riding in general (i.e. packing, best tires, accessories, etc.) and best trips, so please send me yours here! And don't worry if you are not a great writer, we have wonderful editors here to make any article sound great!   

 

Ride safe and FIND-A-FRIEND!

 

FRIENDS FOR FUN, SAFETY & KNOWLEDGE!

 

Ed Price

 

 
Editor, Wingin' It
In This Issue
Joke of the Month
Looking for YOUR Articles
Employee of the Month
Inspirational Quotes
GWRRA & Facebook
GWRRA's 35th Anniversary Cruise
Your Opinion Matters
Rescue Plus Reminder
New Director Named
Director's Message
Lady Riders'
Do You Know Your Tires
International Couple of the Year
Member Feedback
A Special Thanks
Featured Member Benefit
Member's Travelogue
GWRRA Benefits
Quick Links
Join Our Mailing List

Joke of the

Month 

question mark
  Surgery & Salary! 


A mechanic was removing a cylinder head from the motor of a 100,000 mile Gold Wing motorcycle when he spotted a well-known heart surgeon in his shop.

 

The surgeon was there waiting for the service manager to come take a look at his bike when the mechanic shouted across the garage, "Hey, Doc, can I ask you a question?"

 

The surgeon, a bit surprised, walked over to where the mechanic was working on the motorcycle. The mechanic straightened up, wiped his hands on a rag.  

 

"So Doc, look at this engine. I open its heart, take the valves out, repair any damage, and then put them back in, and when I finish, it works just like new.  

 

So how come I get such a small salary and you get the really big bucks, when you and I are doing basically the same work?"

  

The surgeon paused, smiled, leaned over, and whispered to the mechanic...

"Try doing it with the engine running"

 

Sent by:

Loren Doppelt
Palatine, IL


Remember, send me your best, clean jokes here

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 .


EMPLOYEE OF
THE MONTH
Hi!  I am DeAna Janco and am thrilled to be a new member of the GWRRA family.  I recently joined the advertising sales department for Wing World magazine.  I have over 25 years of experience in advertising sales and look forward to a future here - working with an excellent staff, putting together a quality magazine to be read by great people, like you, reading this right now.

 

I am a native, born and raised in Glendale, Arizona.  Due to my husband's career, over the past 20 years we moved from Arizona, to Florida, to North Carolina and Tennessee.  (he tried to run from me - but I kept on his trail :) Just 2 months ago we returned home to Arizona and now reside in Buckeye.

Buckeye today, brings back fond memories of my past in Glendale, where the remainder of my family still lives.  Oh, one more thing. I drive a 4-door Jeep Wrangler, with both a removable hard top and additional soft-top.  Like you-all, I love to have the wind in my hair...however, for right now, I do prefer to have 4 wheels.  See you on the road...

 

Inspirational

Quotes

 

"The man is happiest who lives from day to day and asks no more, garnering the simple goodness of life."
Euripides

  

"Kind words are the music of the world."
F. W. Faber

 

GWRRA is on

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GWRRA's 35th
ANNIVERSARY CRUISE



Click
here for more information and
to register.

  
ADVERTISEMENT

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 purchase accessories for your motorcycle(s)?" 

 

 Weekly.....2% (14)   

 

 Monthly....15% (101)

 

 3-6 Times a year....37% (242)

 

 1-2 Times a year....30% (199)

 

 Less than 1 time a year...15% (101)

 

 Total Votes: 657  

 

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

Check it out!

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!!

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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!
NEW DIRECTOR NAMED:  
submitted by Abel Gallardo, President-GWRRA 35th Anniv logo
   
JERE GOODMAN NAMED NEW DIRECTOR  
OF GOLD WING ROAD RIDERS ASSOCIATION
 
Phoenix, AZ (July 4, 2012) - Jere Goodman has been named Director of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association, effective July 4, 2012. The announcement was made by President Abel Gallardo during Opening Ceremonies at Wing Ding 34 in Fort Wayne, IN. GWRRA is a Phoenix based motorcycle association.  

Jere states, "In my new role as Director of GWRRA, I look forward to serving you, the Members, and continuing to foster the pride of being part of our great organization. It has been an incredible journey...so many friends, events, and fun times!" 

Jere is married to Linda Goodman and they currently reside in Stafford, Virginia. They have one son, a daughter-in-law and two wonderful grandchildren, ages 7 and 10.

Jere and Linda have always enjoyed serving the Members and have previously served as Assistant Chapter Directors, NJ Chapter Directors, Assistant District Directors, NJ District Directors, Assistant Region Directors, Northeast Region B Directors, and most recently as International Deputy Directors. 

During the past three years, Jere has also served as a Member of the Event Management Team at Wing Ding, where his primary responsibilities have been the Grand Parade and Light Parade-all the while being exposed to the "behind the scenes" aspect of running a Wing Ding!

Jere retired this past June from Canon U.S.A., Inc. where he served over 25 years as an Account Executive. Linda is a Supervisory Instructor at a training academy for the Department of Justice, where she has worked for 35 years. 

We know that everyone will want to extend a hand of friendship, as well as a hearty welcome, to Jere as Director of GWRRA. We wish Jere and his wife Linda the very best in their new adventure.

NEW DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE:
 Submitted by: Jere Goodman

 A New Chapter In My Life! 

 

My role as your Director has begun and I am excited to be representing you and looking forward to being of service.

 

Once again, I would like to thank Mike Stiger for his support and all that he has done for our great Association as Director. To Paul Hildebrand and Abel Gallardo, thank you for your confidence in me and I will do my best not to let you or our Members down. Most of all, I want to thank my wife, Linda, for her support in everything I/we have done and will continue to do for GWRRA. Read More 

Lady Riders'
by Gene Hanselman, GWRRA #135067
OH-B - Mansfield, Ohio

  

When I first started riding motorcycles I never noticed any women riding them alone. They were on the back holding on for dear-life. As I grew older I always enjoyed hauling my "Main Squeeze" on the back of my bikes, but I would occasionally witness a lady riding solo on a bike. When I was a senior in High School two girls in my class were riding solo on Harley Sportsters and one was a very small girl. I thought it was cool to see girls, ladies and women riding solo but I would rather they were riding on the back with me.Read More 

Do You Know Your Tires?:
John & Sue Olenick

Iowa District Educators
(excerpt from Iowa District Newsletter, 8/11)

Deciphering sidewalls-Have you ever tried to read those hieroglyphics on the sidewalls of your car's tires? If you are replacing your tires, do you know what size tires to ask for? Deciphering the information from a tire's sidewall can be a confusing exercise. For most of us, it ranks right up there with decoding the Egyptian markings on a mummy's tomb. Let's take a look at the markings
on a tire and break them down.

DOT Markings-The U.S. Department of Transportation markings signify that the tire meets DOT tire safety standards. The DOT markings help track the tire in the same way a lot number tracks a food product.

* The first two characters designate the tire manufacturer and the plant code. This could be important if the tire receives a safety recall.

* Characters three and four denote tire size.

* The fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth (optional) characters identify the brand as well as other characteristics important to the manufacturer.

* The final three numbers (four beginning in 2000) denote the date the tire was produced. The first two indicate the week, and the last numbers specify the year.

The most important part of the tire is AIR PRESSURE. You must maintain proper air pressure. Low pressure will cause excessive wear, improper handling and creates drag on the tire as if you had the brake applied on that wheel with the low tire. This causes overheating and expansion of the cords with the possibility of a blow out.

Many motorcycles have a decal of air inflation pressures with and without loads. If you do not have a decal, check your owner's manual. If you do not have an owner's manual look on the sidewall of the tire, it is located there also. However, the tire pressure on the sidewall references the MAXIMUM allowable tire pressure for the MAXIMUM rated load. This pressure would typically be too high for normal operation.

REMEMBER - Check those tires! They are the only thing between you and the road!



GREG AND RENEE DEMPSEY  35th Anniv logo  

International Couple of the Year 2012-2013

 

We are Greg and Renee Dempsey, the 2012-2013 International Couple of the Year. I've been riding a Gold Wing since January 2010, and Greg has been riding a Gold Wing since 2008, with me as his Co-Rider.

 

Greg rode and raced motorcycles, mostly dirt-bikes, since his teen years. In the fall of 1982, I was on an observer ride in an airplane, and Greg was skydiving out of that very same airplane. Some romances start out as both falling for each other, but Greg really fell for me - something like 12,000 feet - he jumped out of an airplane. Before he did, he handed me his goggles and said he'd catch me on the ground to get them back. By the time I was grounded I realized that I had just fallen for him. Little did he realize what he was getting himself into. Thereafter, we were blessed with three children; one girl and two boys, we also have three grandchildren; one girl, two boys.  

 

Then life goes by, and before you know it, we were empty-nesters. Now what? Fortunately, our dilemma was solved. Since joining the Gold Wing Road Riders Association in 2008, we've discovered a whole new family. Along with this newfound family and friends, we have also continued our education, but now it is motorcycle-oriented education. To date, we have taken ARCs, TRCs, PLPs, completed the Horizons Program, and to further enhance all of that, Leadership Training; and it doesn't end there. Greg also became an ARC & TRC Instructor, Leadership Instructor, and I'm a PLP facilitator, CPR First Aid Instructor and Leadership Instructor.  

 

Along with the family aspect of Gold Wing Road Riders Association, education is important to both of us. All of the couples that we have met are enthusiastic and enjoy helping and meeting other people. For us, to be chosen as the Couple Of the Year has truly been more than just a motorcycling experience. Our goals as Members are to continue to have fun, encourage others, and become the best that we can be. The Gold Wing Road Riders Association has enriched our lives beyond anything we have ever participated in before. Being the Couple of the Year at any level is an honor and we plan to represent GWRRA as Ambassadors and the Association in the most positive way that we can.

 

 
MEMBER FEEDBACK
Here is a sampling of some responses I received from Members regarding the question asked last month about whether you were an active participant in a GWRRA Chapter or not. 

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

Indeed, this is a very important aspect of my life.  I have met so many great folks and have learned so much a out being a safe rider.  I belong to AZ-R and feel they have really made a significant difference.  I shall continue with this Chapter and GWRRA as long as I am able.

Jim

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

Hi Ed, 

 

This is in response to your request for information in the Wingin' It e-newsletter.   

 

I am a Member of Hilliard, Ohio U-2.  I generally do not participate in Chapter activities mostly because 1) Chapter activities have been primarily social and I am not looking for social kinds of stuff right now and 2) Other activities fill my calendar.  I generally do try to participate in monthly Chapter rides that occur on the weekends and I always place them on my calendar as soon as the rides are announced.  READ MORE 

"SPECIAL" THANKS 

By: Ed & Linda Johnson

International Member Enhancement Directors 

 

35th Anniv logoWing Ding 34! Wow, what a wonderful time we had. Without the help of our Membership Enhancement TEAM and the many volunteers who helped us, it would not have been a great success. We have so many to thank for a job well done. Our thanks go out to our Membership Enhancement TEAM. We thank our Membership Enhancement Assistant Directors, Bob and Karla Greer for overseeing the Information Booth and the Chapter of the Year Seminars. Read More 

Featured Member Benefits of the Month

 

Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA) is pleased to announce two new Member Discounts to our Benefit Program. GWRRA has contracted for Members to receive a 15% discount with Red Roof Inn, and a 10% discount with Motel 6.  

 

      

   * Red Roof Inn has over 350 hotels across 41 states in the U.S. Take advantage of accommodations like free Wi-Fi, HBO, ESPN, CNN, and pets stay free! You will find great rooms, comfy beds, budget-conscious rates, and nice people devoted to making your stay a great one.

 

Make reservations 1 of 3 different ways to receive your discount:

 

Online through GWRRA'S Red Roof Inn website at www.redroof.com/partners/GWRRA   

 

Call 800-RED-ROOF (800-733-7663) and use promo code: 614341

On site at any Red Roof Inn location, by mentioning promo code: 614341

  

 

 

 

   

* Motel 6 is proud to partner with GWRRA to offer a 10% discount on your next stay. Take advantage of the partnership by booking your reservation at Motel 6 where you'll find clean, comfortable rooms at the lowest price of any national chain. We'll leave the light on for you. ®

 

To make your Motel 6 reservations and receive your discount*, Click here or visit the GWRRA Benefits page for a direct link. Call: 800-4-MOTEL6 ( 800.466.8356) or on site at any Motel 6 location. Mention Corporate Code: CP564470 to receive your discount!

*Some Motel 6 locations & dates may be excluded.

 

 

  

Member's Travelogue: "Bucket Trip" ( Final Part) 
by:Gerald & Marsha Goudie
GWRRA Member #140724 & 140724-01

7-15-2011:  We left Ft. Belvoir at 6:30 AM and headed south on the old highway US-1.  We figured that since we were only going to Fayetteville we would take our time and indulge in a few side trips.  I had made the trip many times while stationed at Ft. Bragg, NC and knew from experience it wasn't that long of a ride.  After a nice breakfast, we headed south on US-1 for a while and then turned east onto US-17.  About four hours later we stopped for a break along the river in Yorktown.  At this time we decided that we had had enough fun for the day and that it was time to get to Fayetteville.  Yeah, right.  It was time to activate "Mom."  Remember "Mom" the GPS?  We aren't totally convinced "Mom" knew where we were either.  Our side trip continued for about four more hours until we finally reached I-95.  I had removed my leather jacket after breakfast and neglected to dig out my long sleeve shirt to wear.  Bad move.  My arms looked like they belonged on a lobster.  Pink is in.

All in all, it was a beautiful ride through the Virginia and North Carolina countryside.  Being 67 years old however, 12 hours on the bike in that heat, and humidity, did make for a long day.  We checked into our room and had microwave stuff for dinner.  Not the most elegant dining experience, but we were too tired to go back out in that heat and humidity. Read More 
35th Anniv logo

 

GWRRA Member Benefit Discounts!
Save

37%

Antenna Flag

 
Regular price: $11.00
 
GWRRA is proud to offer a new take on an old classic. We have changed the white antenna flag and made it black and gold to stand out even more as you ride. 

 

Sku: 4111002

 

 

 

 

 

 

Special price for August.....$8.00

Offer Expires: 8/30--mention August Wingin' It

 

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©2012