Happy New Year everyone! It's 2013...already! Personally speaking, this year went by so fast and I can't believe I have been retired one full year. It has been a great year and I sincerely hope it was just as good for you and your families. Rose and I wish you and yours a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2013!

 

Have you made your new years resolutions or don't you believe in that process? I remember when I was younger, I made a very long list each year. There were many items on that list including many action items, like classes to take, losing weight, going to the gym, spending more time with my kids, getting more organized, etc, etc. Now, I don't make a list, I just know what I wish to do and if I get to it OK, and if not, that's OK, too! No more pressure to get things done! I want and have time to go to the gym, I am losing weight, love spending time with the grand kids and visiting with my friends from GWRRA around the country. I would love to hear from you and hear your resolutions, especially if they pertain to GWRRA! Write me here.    

 

In last month's Wingin' It I wrote about the new Wing, the F6B. I asked for your opinions and below you will read a few of the responses and as you will read, the responses I received were unfavorable towards the the new design. If you like the new design, we would like to hear your thoughts. The pictures are here again for you to see.   

F6B

 

F6B

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

   

 

Now is a good time to review some of the GWRRA benefits that you, our Members, have access to for FREE. Some are discount programs, meaning you get discounts on these programs, items or services because of your membership in GWRRA and some are  absolutely FREE for the same reason. I won't go through all of them this month, but will highlight a few of them and will cover more of them in future issues. Many frequent readers of Wingin' It know to look at the "Featured Benefit of the Month" section, but this time I will cover some that may not have been featured there.

 

We have a large GWRRA community who post and read GWRRA's Bulletin Boards. There are many subjects there to view and/or post comments and questions on. Everything from buying your next Gold Wing to looking for parts to talking politics to asking computer related questions to getting travel tips. The Bulletin Boards are a great place to go if you are a new Member and you want to meet new friends and find out more info about GWRRA and its Members. It is also a nice place to go and just chat on the general board. If you need help logging in, follow the directions on the front of the board at http://gwrrabbs.org/ or if you need further assistance call our friendly Member Services folks at 800-843-9460.

 

Obviously, two of the biggest benefits GWRRA Members receive are the Wing World magazine and the Gold Book Service Directory. Wing World is the industry's best when you are looking for information about the Gold Wing motorcycle. And, the Gold Book is something that every GWRRA Member I know carries in their trunk (both m/c and car, like me). Please give kudos to the home office staff, including Member Services, for an awesome job. (It's the team effort, with Andrea's help, that makes the Gold Book)    

 

GWRRA offers discount programs for travel and vacations, hotels, car rentals, insurance, identity protection, motorcycle parts, financial services and even pet insurance! Just go to http://gwrra.org/benefits.html and check out all the benefits that GWRRA offers our Members.

 

Also, remember to check out GWRRA's website at www.gwrra.org and spend some time looking around. There are many new features, links and products for you there. As mentioned in previous issues you can even chat live with one of our incredible Member Service Agents (during normal business hours).     

 

I am very grateful for all the folks who sent articles in for this month's issue. Below you will see a great article from Terri Kozlowski, a Chapter Director from Georgia, about "Chapter Enthusiasm." Joe Mazza sent in an article about "Windscreens" and it will make you think. I would to love your hear your opinions on this article. Again, thanks to Gene Hanselmann for his "Holiday" article as well as Bill and De Ann Gray for their article explaining many of GWRRA programs. And, thanks to Larry Hurt and Mike Bonner for their articles about "An Amazing Ride & Story" and "A Visit Abroad." Finally, don't miss the latest survey below. We also take a look back one year ago at the same question and see those results. See how our Members have changed in their views in one year!

 

Please send me your articles, opinions, tips, jokes, Chapter stories, or Gold Book adventures!

Thanks for all your continued support!

 

 

Ride safe and FIND-A-FRIEND!

 

Ed Price

 

Editor, Wingin' It

 

Wing Ding 35 is at the TD Convention Center (formally the Carolina First Center) in Greenville, South Carolina, just minutes from the airport and historic downtown. So plan on riding in, parking the bike and enjoying the ceremonies, hundreds of exhibits, manufacturer demo's, seminars, entertainment and more all in one location! We look forward to seeing you in Greenville, South Carolina next July 3-6, 2013!

 

Don't forget to take advantage of our preregistration bundle this month only!

Visit our web site www.wing-ding.org  

for more information.

 

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

MAD About MEP, REP, LTP, GWRRA and Wing Ding

 

What's a Wing Ding? Why is he MAD? Believe it or not, these are legitimate questions often asked during Chapter gatherings. New and prospective Members are clueless as to what these mean.  

 

Officers, are you guilty of using acronyms with new Members present? For the benefit of new Members and others who may not totally understand, avoid acronyms in your monthly gatherings.  

 

Program directors should give a brief explanation as to what they do before they give a report when new Members are present.  Brief definitions:  

Motorist Awareness Division (MAD...changed to MAP - Program) The main goal is to educate the motorist community.  

 

 Membership Enhancement Program (MEP) The main purpose is the retention of Members.  

 

Rider Education Program (REP) Rider Education is intended to make the motorcycle riding environment safer by increasing motorcyclist skills and awareness.  

 

Leadership Training Program (LTP)  This program reflects training that focuses on leadership skills yet the goal is to have "something for

 
 Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA) The Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA) is the world's largest single-marque social organization for owners and riders of Honda Gold Wing/Valkyrie motorcycles -- and some would say, the world's largest family.  

 

Wing Ding - the world's largest Gold Wing trade show and "family reunion."  

 

Lastly, Couple of the Year Program (COY) - This program provides an opportunity for local Chapters to recognize and honor a couple each year for their dedication, accomplishments and participation within the Chapter.

 

All that being said, there should be NO WINGER LEFT BEHIND in gatherings with our education, program talks and discussions. Fear and confusion comes from lack of understanding. Let's change this starting today!