Greetings! 

 

June 4, 1977 was GWRRA's founding date, so please remember to celebrate this time in our Association's history! We also remember, honor and thank Paul Hildebrand, our Founder, and Shirley Stephens-Garcia, our co-Founder, for starting this great Association 37 years ago this month. Please send me your stories and pictures of how your Chapter celebrated this wonderful event here. And, if your Chapter is celebrating 25 years or more in GWRRA, send us your Chapter's story. We'd like to read about those Chapters who have been with GWRRA for so long. Happy Birthday GWRRA!

Monday, June 16th is "Ride to Work Day" this year and we encourage everyone to ride their bike/trike to work!  

 

Rally season is definitely upon us and when I read your newsletters, everyone is excited about planning to go to their favorite rallies/conventions or organizing them. It would be great if you would send me your favorite rally/convention(s) to attend and tell us why? They can be a favorite Chapter event or District, Region convention or Wing Ding. We will feature them here in Wingin' It complete with your pictures. Just send them to me here.  

 

It is also exciting to see how many folks are taking advantage of our Rider Education program and preparing yourself by improving your skills for the riding season. Be it PLP (Parking Lot Practice), taking an ERC, (Experienced Rider Course), becoming a Road Captain to lead Group Rides or taking part in a Rider Education Seminar. Anything you do to increase your knowledge and skills about Rider Education will go a long way to improve your skills on the road.  

 

On that note, we all want to thank all our Rider Educators for all they do to help us maintain and improve our skill sets when it comes to motorcycling. Our Educators put in many, many hours of training to keep themselves updated and then more hours to pass their information on to us. Thank you for saving all the lives you do!!!

 

We must also not forget all the work our Officers and Volunteer staffs do to plan and implement the rallies/conventions that we love to attend. Being a former event manager of Wing Wing, I can certainly appreciate all the work, time and energies that go into preparing for and making sure these events are so successful for our Members. So, when you get to your next event, say "Thanks" and give out a bunch of HUGS!

 

Speaking of THANKS, I want to extend mine for all the great articles we received this month after asking for more participation last month. As you will read below, your contributions were wonderful. Please keep sending me your favorite rides, Chapter, District and Region events, and anything you think our Members would enjoy reading about GWRRA or riding the Gold Wing. We would love to receive some technical and packing tips, also.   

 

Last month we shared information about the 40-to-Phoenix Ride. We have an update regarding that event and that it will move to April starting next year. We are working on improving the website and some registration features for this great event and will give you all the details next month...stay tuned!   

 

GWRRA is also very excited about Wing Ding 36, "Light Up the Lakes" in Madison, July 2-5. There are many new events being planned and as always, the city of Madison loves our Members! So, make sure you get registered for Wing Ding early  and save on preregistration, as there are only a few days left; and don't forget to book your room, hotels are filling up fast!  To find the list of this months featured hotels, check out the May Wing Ding enewsletter here. Check out the Wing Ding 36 site here to register now or call one of our friendly Member Services agents at 800-843-9460! 2014 is going to be a great year full of activities for all our Members including a "Big Wisconsin Welcome" on July 1 in conjunction with the City of Middleton, as well as "A Taste of Wisconsin" on July 2 at the Alliant Energy Center Coliseum, just to name a few!         

We also want to remind everyone attending GWRRA's Weekend at The Opry, some free seminars will be offered during the event. "Meet GWRRA's President and Directors" and "GWRRA's Benefits" are scheduled. For all events, seminars, tours and dinner/dance your armband will be required. This comes free with your paid registration fee of $15. You also receive a pin and T-shirt with your registration fee. Again as a reminder, please register for the event and book your hotel as we are 86 percent sold-out. And don't forget to preregister for your Tours. Check out the website to view some great optional Tours including a "Night at the Grand Ole Opry." Click here to register, early bird registration ends June 30.

Our deep appreciation goes out to all the contributors to the June issue of Wingin' It. Thank you to Ray and Sandi Garris for their article on GWRRA, "Coming to a Theater Near You." We want to thank Joe and Gracie Mazza for their Rider Education articles, Gene Hanselman for his wonderful stories, and Tom Hendricks and Terry Dare for their continued supply of great jokes. There is a great article  from our Deputy Directors Bill and Dea Ann Gray, and a wonderful article about "Chapter Life" by Carl Breeding.  Bill Trask sent in an article entitled "A Harley Experience." We also have a Member Ride Story from Jack Johnson. And, we have the announcement of the Chapter of the Year! Also, don't forget to read the coupon at the bottom of the Wingin' It to save 15 percent off the NEW GWRRA Ultimate Protector Tri-Weather Jacket!
 
Remember to check out GWRRA's website for all the latest news, benefits, updates and information. One more request, please forward this copy of Wingin' It to all your friends who ride! THANKS!!
  

Thanks for all your continued support! Ride safe and FIND-A-FRIEND!

 

Ed Price

GWRRA Events Manager | Wingin' It Editor

[email protected] 

 

Gold Wing Road Riders Association

GWRRA.org | Wing-Ding.org 

 

 

"Friends for FUN, Safety & Knowledge"

800-843-9460 | 623-581-2500 (in Phoenix) | Fax 877-348-9416

In This Issue
Joke of the Month
Wing Ding 36
Inspirational Quotes
Looking for YOUR Articles
GWRRA & Facebook
Daily Moments of Zen
Member Humor
GWRRA Poll
WING WORLD magazine
Rescue Plus Reminder
Director's Article
Rider Education Article
Officer Announcement
Free Download
Deputy Director Article
Chapter Article
Member Article
Another Member Story
Member Feedback
Featured Member Benefit
GWRRA Discount Coupon
Members' Ride
Quick Links
Join Our Mailing List
JOKE
OF THE
MONTH  

 

    

 

There is a Moral here! 

  

A C-130H was lumbering along when a cocky F-16 flashed by.

The jet jockey decided to show off.

The fighter jock told the C-130 pilot, 'watch this!' and promptly went into a barrel roll followed by a steep climb.

He then finished with a sonic boom as he broke the sound barrier.

The F-16 pilot asked the C-130 pilot what he thought of that?

The C-130 pilot said, 'That was impressive, but watch this!'

The C-130 droned along for about 5 minutes and then the C-130 pilot came back on and said:

'What did you think of that?'

Puzzled, the F-16 pilot asked, 'What the heck did you do?'


The C-130 pilot chuckled.

'I stood up, stretched my legs, walked to the back, took a leak, then got a cup of coffee and a cinnamon roll.'

When you are young & foolish - speed & flash may seem a good thing!

When you get older & smarter - comfort & dull is not such a bad thing!

Us older folks understand this one, it's called...S.O.S.



Slower, Older and Smarter!!

 

 Sent in by  

Terry Dare
WING DING 36
 

Inspirational

Quotes

 

 "A happy person is not a person in a certain set of circumstances, but rather a person with a certain set of attitudes!"   

 

-Hugh Downs      

 

    

"Do or do not. There is no try."

-Yoda


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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.

Have questions or privacy concerns about becoming socially connected with your GWRRA Facebook friends... 
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Daily Moments of Zen:
Submitted by:
Tom Hendricks

TX-U

 1. Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not  walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk  beside me, either. Just leave me the hell alone.

 

  2. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a broken fan belt and a leaky tire.   

 

3. It's always darkest before dawn. So if you're going to steal your neighbor's newspaper, that's the time to  do it.    

 

4. Sex is like air. It's not important unless you aren't getting any.    

5. No one is listening until you make a mistake.   

 

6. Never test the depth of the water with both feet.   

 

7. It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others.   

 

8. If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missing a couple of car payments.   

 

9. Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.   

 

10. If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you.

 

  MEMBER  

HUMOR

    


 

Enlightened Perspectives

If you will take the time to read these, I promise you'll come away with an enlightened perspective.  The subjects covered affect us all on a daily basis.  They're written by Andy Rooney, a man who had the gift of saying so much with so few words.

 

I've learned... That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.

 

I've learned... That when you're in love, it shows.

 

I've learned... That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' makes my day.

 

I've learned... That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.

 

I've learned... That being kind is more important than being right.

 

I've learned... That you should never say no to a gift from a child.

 

Sent in by Tom Hendricks 
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GWRRA POLL

How many Wing Dings have you attended?
  • I have been to at least 5 that I can remember.  31%  (64)
  • I've been to more than one.  26%  (53)
  • I've enjoyed one so far.         13%   (23)
  • I haven't attended any yet.              29%  (60)  
 
Total Votes: 204      


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MAGAZINE 
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Director's Article
submitted by:
Ray & Sandi Garris
Directors-GWRRA 

"Coming To A Theater Near You!"

 

Yes, it is coming soon. It is called "Lead Like You Ride". This is the program you have heard was being shared with all of our Deputy Directors, Region Directors, Division Directors and their assistants. We are now getting ready to share this exciting new concept in GWRRA with our District Directors starting with Region F at their Convention in St. George, UT on Memorial Day weekend.

 

This is an exciting new skill that will benefit you in many ways. It will truly make a difference in your relationships in your business life, your GWRRA position and even in your personal life.

 

This new concept will be offered to any interested GWRRA Member at no charge at Wing Ding in Madison this July 2 - 5. This very interesting and entertaining course will be offered one part each day, 4 parts in 4 days). Each session is only 90 minutes. Please check your Seminar Schedule for time and room location.

 

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

Speaking of Wing Ding, have you registered yet? Don't miss out on the best opportunity in the next 12 months to meet some new friends, check out the newest "safety chrome" available, take a demo ride on a new bike or trike, watch a thrilling Drill Team performance, tour the World Famous Trade Show, take part in a 50-20-15-10-5 drawing with 1000's of dollars to be given away or win a new GL1800, F6-B or Valkyrie and don't miss all of the nightly dinners and entertainment and be sure to take part of our Grand Parade. By the way, there are on-bike training courses, CPR-First Aid Classes and loads of informative and enjoyable seminars too.

 

So, we cordially invite you to attend our gigantic GWRRA Party in Madison. We know you will enjoy it, in fact, we guarantee it.

   

Rider Education Article
by Joe & Gracie Mazza

Goodbye to a Friend

 

Richard "Dick" Davidson passed away on Sunday, May 4, 2014. He was 84 years old. Why would I start an article with this sad news? First, Dick was a longtime GWRRA Member. And second, he was my friend. I have written many articles dealing with all aspects of motorcycle safety including how carelessness on the part of both the motorist and the motorcyclist can lead to injury or death. However, it wasn't anything he or anyone else did that caused his passing. It was just his time.

 

Had it not been for GWRRA, I would have never met Dick Davidson. We met when my wife "Gracie" and I joined GWRRA and Chapter FL1-T, Inverness, Florida in 2002. Our great organization has been responsible for our gaining so many good friends over the years. Now, as we age, we see that we are saying goodbye to more and more of them. We all have to face the inevitable some day. However, as Ride Educators, we do our best to educate our Members and the public to safely travel our roads so as to not hasten said inevitability.

 

The great riding weather is here. Let's do all we can to practice those safe maneuvers we were taught in our riding courses, remember those safety tips we learned in our seminars, and above all, have fun. Happy riding everyone and stay safe.

 

P.S.

  Safe journey on your final ride, Dick.

 
Officer Announcement
submitted by:
Greg & Renee Dempsey
Assistant Directors, Membership Enhancement, Chapter of the Year Program

Ray and Sandi Garris, GWRRA Directors, Dave and Gwen Carter, GWRRA Directors of Divisions and Programs, Bob and Karla Greer, GWRRA Membership Enhancement Program Directors, and Greg and Renee Dempsey, GWRRA Membership Enhancement Program Assistant Directors for the Chapter of the Year Program are pleased to announce that Colorado Chapter L, Lakewood, CO, "Red Rock Wings", has been selected as the 2013 GWRRA International Chapter of the Year.  The Chapter was lead in 2013 by Chapter Directors, Fred & Linda Fisher and their Chapter of the Year Coordinator was Carl Williams.  Congratulation to CO-L for the "FUN" they had and their involvement in the Chapter of the Year Program. 

 

We would also like to announce that Alabama Chapter T, Huey Town, Al, was 1st Runner Up for 2013 GWRRA International Chapter of the Year. This Chapter was lead in 2013 by Chapter Directors, Larry & Penny Anthony and their Chapter of the Year Coordinator was Philip Teasley.  We congratulate them for being selected as the 1st runner up and appreciate their involvement in the Chapter of the Year Program. 

 

We would also like to congratulate all other Region and District Chapters of the Year winners.  

 

We encourage everyone to participate in the Chapter of the Year Program in 2014.  A great place to get information is to attend one of the Chapter of the Year Seminars and the Chapter of the Year Meet and Greet at Wing Ding 36 in Madison, WI this year.  In addition, feel free to attend the Membership Enhancement Program Open Forum and meet the GWRRA Membership Enhancement Program Team.  The schedule for these events will be in your "Wing World Magazine".

 


   
It is Finally Here... And It's FREE! 
 
Download Your Copy Today On iTunes!
Deputy Director Article
submitted by:
Bill & Dea Ann Gray
GWRRA Deputy Director
-Central US  

 

Old School Relevance in the Digital Age

 

How connected are we, really?? Is it for the better, or worse? In the past ten years, we have seen many changes. From social interaction to social media, from two-way conversations to one-way communication and from cell phones to smartphones. In school, I remember passing notes in class, now it's called texting. I remember lots of face time with my friends, now it's called Facebook. We've all seen the young couple sitting at a restaurant staring at their phones instead of each other.  By now you're asking, what does this have to do with GWRRA? More and more lately, I see the good, bad and ugly of instant communication calledsocial media.
First, the good:

1. We have the ability to communicate instantly through texts, Facebook, Instagram, etc. notifying members of events and updates
 
2. We can post pictures and recaps instantly of rides, gatherings, seminars, andconventions

Second, the bad:

1. Social media is one way communication. Don't depend on it exclusively. 
2. Information goes out to the world...starting with a friend, friend of a friend and where it stops nobody knows! Think twice before you hit "post."
3. Be carefully "friending" someone you don't really know. Remember, they will then have access to your information.

Third, the ugly:
1. Bad or wrong information tends to spread quickly (go viral) and difficult to stop!

All of this being said, most Chapters, Districts and Regions now have a presence on Facebook and/or Twitter. If used properly, what an outstanding tool for calendar events, updates, recaps of events and invitations. The latest statistics are that 90% of Smartphone owners use Facebook. Wow!! I must say, for many of us, we have reconnected with friends and relatives that have been out of sight and out of mind for years. Personally, besides reconnecting with old friends, it gives me an opportunity to keep up with many member's, Chapter's and District's activities not only in the US but abroad as well.

 

Don't get me wrong, nothing will replace face-to-face conversations and/or talking on the phone! There is no substitute for hugs and handshakes! Call it "old school" but human interaction is still second to none!  IDK if u cn rd ths, but if u cn, ur hkd! (I don't know if you can read this, but if you can, you're hooked!)  OK, be honest, how many of you got it??

 

C U Somewhere!!      


Chapter Article
Submitted by--
Carl Breeding 
Alabama Chapter H   

Chapter Life 
 
I have heard a lot of talk about "Chapter Life", but never have I heard a definition that resonated with me as a good one.  Quite possibly that is because it is different things to different people.  I know I can't give a good definition, but from the experiences of the last week, I can give a good example.  To some of us it may be as simple as our social circle, to others it may be the group that goes out to eat every week, to still others it may be the group that goes on rides on the weekend.  To me and my wife Jan, it is all of that, and more; the Chapter is the family that chose to form.

 

On Monday, 28 April 2014, a series of seven tornadoes went through Alabama, three of which effected the area of Chapter H.  We had a series of texts and emails letting us know everyone's status, and everything was well.... At least until Melissa Rodgers texted that they had just lost power in their storm shelter.  As events developed, their house had several trees down in the yard, and against  a part on their house, but their next door neighbor, Gene Smith and his wife Kitty (also Chapter H Members) had a tree come down on their roof, collapsing the roof, one wall and the ceiling over where Kitty normally sat to watch TV. 

 

The next morning the Chapter family started to pull together to render the aid that was needed,  Jan and I got there about 6:45  Tuesday morning and found Roy Painter already there helping Gene Smith.  Even with a shed destroyed and trees on his own house, Jerry Rodgers was at Gene's house instead of taking care of his own.   We delivered a generator to Jerry, then Jan and I went home and got another for Gene - then Jan had to go to work and I took the generator to Gene's house and pitched in to do what I could to help.  Mike and Rita Moore from the Chapter showed up, and a group of Jerry's son's friends all pitched in to help cut up the tree that was on Gene's house so a tarp could be put in place to prevent further damage. There were hundreds of power poles down in the area, and two people were killed within a half mile of their houses, so they were very lucky the damage wasn't worse.

 

AL-H Tornado workers seated left to right: Gene Smith, Kitty Smith, Jerry Rodgers; standing front to rear: Melissa Rodgers, Carl & Jan Breeding, Carla Cato, Audrey McQueen, Ben Jennings, Tony Cato, Floyd McQueen, Rita & Mike Moore, and Roy Painter. Read More

Member Article
submitted by:
Bill Trask
Former Arizona District Director

A Harley Experience

 

During our April 2014 cruise to Hawaii, Susan and Bill Trask, along with Harley and Pat Funk, rented Harley Electraglides for a motorcycle tour of the island of Maui.  Susan and I had rented a Gold Wing on  Oahu a fe  w years ago, but there were no Gold Wing rentals on Maui, so we decided to try the "hogs".

The folks at Eagle Rid ers were very nice and even came to the pier to pick us up and take us to their shop. They gave us a good exp  lanation of the bikes and offered us free use of helmets from a bin they had.  All the helmets were the bowl type  , so the cho  ice was what color you wanted. 

We were a little uncomfortable at first, getting used to the different foot rests, engine guards and feel of the bikes.  The most 'weird' feelin  g was putting our feet up to the front, instead of to our side like a Wing.  I found out why at the first stop light we came to; when I put my legs down to the side, my leg came up against the exhaust pipe. Thank goodness I had long pa  nts on or my skin would have stuck to the hot pipe..!  The bikes had loud pipes but we could not really hear them except when at stops and when we went through a tunnel on the coast road. What we really felt was the shaking of the engine and vibrations all through the bike.  The engine had a 6-speed transmission and I thought that was something Gold Wing could use.  Unfortunately, Maui is small and has crowded traffic or very twisty mountain roads, so we didn't get to 6th gear very often.  The ride up the mountain roads was pleasing and the Electraglides seemed to take the corners well.  The shifting was a little jerky and the acceleration was stalled - it seemed to take a second or two before the gear realized it had changed.  Susan said the passenger seat was comfortable, but it had no proper grips for her to hold onto and she could not get her feet into a comfortable position without kicking my legs. 

The ride worked out fine even though we got caught in a terrific Maui downpour that lasted off and on for 40 miles.  The Electraglides stayed on the road and I felt no slippage.  Mind you, we were driving cautiously and both Harley Funk and I are pretty safe riders.  What we really found was we missed the nice fairings we have on our Gold Wings; we got drenched with the Harley fairing (no lower protection) and rain actually went straight into our boots during the heaviest downpour..!  Harley Funk had a bike with a rooster fairing/windshield, so he got rain direct in his face as well.  We did finally find a nice restaurant where they let us dry out our clothes and had good food to eat. This photo is us drenched when we stopped to eat.

The overall experience was different and I can say if we had not both ridden Gold Wings for years we might have found it enjoyable.  The truth is we would much rather have had our Gold Wings for the ride.  The smooth, easy ride of the Gold Wing was not to be found in these "bone shakers" and while they performed well, I know I could have taken those mountain roads even better with the balance of the  Wing.  My shoulders and back were beginning to ache after only 100 miles, something I never experience on my Wing.

Final thought: Harley-Davidson makes an efficient machine with a "hog" reputation and these bikes lived up to that mode.  We'll still prefer our Gold Wings for a comfortable ride and long distance travel. 

After this adventure I did want to shave my head, get a tattoo and register for Sturgis Bike Week..!

 

  

Image Map

 
Another Member Story:
submitted by:
Gene A Hanselman
Member #135067, Chapter OH-D3
 
"Rallies"

 

Webster's Dictionary defines Rally

as; N.: A get together of hobbyists or other like-minded enthusiasts, primarily to meet and socialize. V.: To draw or call (persons) together for a common action or effort.  

 

 

As I look back to all the events, get-togethers, races, club meetings, actions & reasons for attending things that involved, pertained to, because of, sponsored by & welcome in, that were for motorcycles, I have been to a lot of rallies.


I remember my first rally, summer of '65, Charity Newsies. It was the biggest Ohio flat track race of the year, held at the Ohio State Fairgrounds and sponsored by the Columbus Charity Newsies to buy Franklin County school children clothes. Each year over 20,000 people flocked to the 10 mile Grand National Championship race which was held from 1939 through 1980. I was blown away by the motorcycles, crowds and the races. It was a great weekend rally and close to home. The race was won by George Roeder (Harley), BSA and Triumph were still competitive then.

I have attended many different rallies since then and the Gold Wing rallies throughout the U.S., have to rank as the best rallies of all. Some of the rallies I've attended and enjoyed are Honda Hoot, Honda Homecoming, Wings Over the Smokies, GWRRA District Rallies in Tennessee, Pennsylvania and Ohio, Daytona Bike Week and of course Wing Ding. Although most rallies are for the vendor's to sell their ware's, I enjoy participating in the light parades, bike shows, test rides, local tours and shooting the breeze with other attendees. I went to a lot of Harley Rallies back in the 60s, 70s, & 80s - Back then there were more of the Hog Rallies than any other bike on the road, but now Gold Wing's have caught up in quantity and quality.

 

In Ohio there are over 30 major rallies between March and December for Gold Wing & Harley owners, that doesn't include the many poker runs, scavenger hunts and swap meets. I often attend and participate in these rallies along with AMA Vintage Days in Lexington, Cycle World International in Cleveland and other Dealer and GWRRA Chapter events throughout the state.

 

Rallies are fun to attend and usually entails a great trip to get there and back. They can, however, cost a pretty penny but "You can't take it with you". Gas, food and lodging, accessories for the bike and little gifts for the grand kids all add up. Every major rally I attend I purchase some kind of accessory for my bike and have it installed there. A number of rallies have been canceled due to the economy, but most Gold Wing riders plan on spending the bucks and will attend rallies anyway. Rallies that I want to attend include: Americade, Mississippi River Ride, Niehaus Appreciation Days, Pomeroy Gold Wing's & Ribs Fest and the Michigan District Rally.

 

Summer's are filled with rallies, events, activities and get-togethers for motorcyclists. You can't get to all of them and some of them cost a lot of money to attend, but you can decide on some that are less expensive due to distance to travel, time, length of the event & spending habits. As of yet, I have not seen any Chapter Ride that would "BREAK THE BANK" or deplete one's savings. For me, rallies are one of the reasons I own & ride motorcycles.

 

Come ride with us, if for no other reason you will enjoy shooting the breeze with other attendees

MEMBER FEEDBACK
Here are some Members' comments we received from last months Wingin' It on the subject of "Darksiders" and using a car tire on the rear of a Gold Wing. Please remember, GWRRA nor Wingin' It enews does not endorse this concept. We are merely presenting information from our Members as a point of conversation.

Please respond to me here with your thoughts on this idea or any other subject you would like to chat about. 

>I enjoyed & agree with Bill's 'Darkside' write up.  Thank you for including this in May's newsletter.  I also went to the 'Darkside' 3 years ago after my rear Dunlop E-3 on my GL1800 needed to be replaced.  After discovering a Darkside forum and gleaning tons of info from experienced riders on the subject, discussing the issue with several Wing riders I personally know who went that route, and considerable pondering, I decided to give it a try.  I opted for a non run flat Yokohama AVID Envigor.  Bike handles very well through all riding conditions so far. I am totally convinced that, for a Gold Wing, running a car tire on the rear is by far the safest way to go.

Gives me a great deal of peace of mind & confidence while riding with my wife aboard, especially on long trips.  The benefits are considerable and can be found by visiting any Darkside forum.  I know of no downside.  I personally would not do this with any other motorcycle though.

Larry #324709

 

>Did you have the same size problem I did. Got 30,000 plus on my run flat. Size was the issue. I had to get a 195-55-16 and that makes the 2008 Wing 5 miles per hour slower (with the current already 2miles slow reading), so at 60, you are doing 55.

 

Let me know what size you were able to get. I'm going with a car tire again and had no problems. I like the way they help you hold the bike easier at the red light and if you have to go down gravel roads, it goes better.

Roger, Louisiana.


>Thank you...thank you very much for the article you published regarding the rear tire on your Gold Wing. I first want to say that I thought it was highly commendable that you showed that there were 2 sides offered by the different camps (the pro and the con sides) and that it was best to review and seek out as much information as possible before making a  hopefully very informed decision.

 

My letter, while thanking you, is also perhaps wishful thinking...but I am hoping that you will continue to report on your thoughts, observations and assessment of your new rear tire and how it does or does not affect your day to day riding and long distance touring? What kind of comments do you get from people you come into contact with? Who changed over your tire? Did the tire shop make any statement about liability?  How about road noise or speedometer error?

 

I have had the idea in my mind to change over to the "darkside" for over a couple of years now and have read numerous posts, forums and letters concerning the issue, and as my mileage increases and the tread decreases, I am moving closer to the day where I succumb to high priced low mileage motorcycle tires or make the change. Having another hands on review and opinion to read would be very informative to me.

 

Thank you again, Don 

Nanaimo, B.C., Canada

 

 

 

Member Benefits of the Month

 

Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA) is pleased to remind you of some of your Member Benefits.

     


  • Rider Education - Working hand-in-glove with such eminent organizations as the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) and the national association of State Motorcycle Administrators (SMSA), GWRRA Educators conduct informative and entertaining riding and classroom sessions to improve riding skills and safety. GWRRA's exclusive four-tier Rider Education Program encourages consistent ongoing training through commitment to safe motorcycling, frequently refreshed training in CPR and first aid skills, and ongoing study. Recognizing the realities of today's motorcycling, GWRRA is one of the few sources of skill and safety education for motorcyclists who operate trikes and/or who pull trailers. GWRRA conducts hundreds of seminars and training sessions through its volunteer corps of educators, and takes the message of being motorcycle aware to the general public through its exclusive and proactive public speaking volunteers in its Motorist Awareness Division (MAD). http://www.gwrra.org/regional/ridered/index.html
  • GW Pin & Patch - We understand how important your special events and occasions are. Using the finest materials and workmanship, we provide the best quality pins and patches at prices to meet your needs. Call 800-843-9460 x 220 or visit www.gwpins.com

  • LifeLock Identity Theft Protection - Your identity makes you unique. LifeLock, the industry-leader in identity theft protection, uses the industry's most advanced alert system to help ensure you remain the only you. As an GWRRA member, you're entitled to a special offer and10% off. That's just $9 a month or $99 annually. Click here or call 800-LIFELOCK (543-3562) and mention promo code "GWRRA1"
 
GWRRA Member Benefit Discounts!
Members' Ride
submitted by: 
Jack Johnson 
Richmond, TX

Big Bend Ride April 12 - 19, 2014

 

Three bikes, six riders, 1955 miles of constant fun fun fun. The group included Lorraine and I, Rick and Joann Bartle and Robert and Catherine Hood. We agreed to meet up in Brookshire at the Shell station to get started. I forgot there are two shell stations at TX 359 and I-10, so with that two bikes went to the one on the North side of I-10 and Lorraine and I went to the one on the South side. So after a few text messages between Lorraine and Joann, we got it figured out and were on our way. The weather was warm with overcast skies, which makes for a nice ride with less chance of sun burn. We agreed up front to set the maximum speed to 70 mph, with most of the highways we would be on running 70 or more that seemed like a good speed to keep the group together. We were off to Del Rio via I-10 and US 90, both good roads but straight as a board, or is it bored.  

 

Spent Saturday night in Del Rio, La Quinta is an excellent hotel which serves a hot breakfast for getting started the next morning. We had dinner at a local Mexican restaurant, food was great. You may notice a recurring theme in our choice of dinner restaurants. We weren't the only motorcycles there, seems there were two other large groups with us that night. Motorcycling must be catching on.  

 

Sunday morning we're off to Alpine, where we will spend three nights and doing day rides around the beautiful Davis Mountains. It was once said that there was no law west of the Pecos and no God west of El Paso. Well we chanced it and crossed the Pecos, after a few miles, we came across the town of Langtry, where the sign bluntly stated, "Judge Roy Bean, Law West of the Pecos". His court room/bar and billiard hall are being kept in very good condition by the Texas Highway Department. We spent some time there walking around and talking about what it might have been like to ride across southwest Texas by horse along the roads or trails available in 1884 rather than by motorcycle on US 90 one hundred and thirty years later. After our brief visit, we mounted our steeds and continued west.

 

Next stop was Marathon, TX for lunch and a look at the Gage Hotel, built by Texas rancher Alfred Gage in 1927. The hotel has a beautiful lobby, bar and dining room, all furnished with antiques. Shortly we must leave and continue our westward trek to Alpine. There, Rick, Joann, Lorraine and I stayed in the Best Western and Robert and Catherine stayed in the Railroad hotel just across the parking lot from us. Like a lot of other small towns, finding dinner on Sunday night was problematic. We wound up eating in the coffee shop at the Railroad hotel. After dinner, we rode out to the Marfa light viewing sight but there was nothing to see that night. Read More

 

 
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GWRRA ULTIMATE PROTECTOR 
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Regular Price = $199.99 each,
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