As I sit pondering what to write for my editorial this September issue of Wingin' It, I cannot believe Labor Day is upon us already. In my mind we just celebrated New Years and my 65th birthday (in February), what happened to this year? Time has become a valuable commodity hasn't it! As I look back at not only my life, but this year especially I see how my focus on what is important has changed. People and relationships have always been the most important thing in my life, but lately even more so.
GWRRA and my career with the people involved with GWRRA have been absolutely amazing. Obviously, family will always be my first priority, but when I look at how I have spent most of my time, and how I prioritize after family, it has been with the folks and events within GWRRA. They say, you can tell what is most important in your life by what you value and what you value by how you spend your time, resources and energy. Yes, I have other interests but I get the most pleasure in life from being around my friends and colleagues at GWRRA. Since 1977, I have met people in GWRRA from all over the USA and even all over the world. Especially when we did Wing Ding in Europe, I met incredible GWRRA Members there who are still my friends.
This organization will change your life ... if you let it and for the better! For those of you who are looking for a deeper meaning in life or just some awesome friends...get involved in GWRRA. Attend a Chapter gathering, go to a local rally or convention and volunteer. You will meet the best folks at a GWRRA event. Once you get to know us, you will enjoy everything else so much more! Send me your story how GWRRA has changed your life for the better. Write me here, as I would to share your story as I do mine.
Enjoy your Labor Day weekend and be safe wherever your travels may take you. We will have held our event in Nashville and I'll let you know the results in the next Wingin' It. Many of your newsletters talk about the many events our Chapters are planning. The rally season is well under way and GWRRA is also well into our planning of three big events for next year. First, will be the Forty to Phoenix ride in April, then the Reno Rendezvous, June 18-20, 2015 at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, NV and finally Wing Ding over the Labor Day weekend in Huntsville, AL. We hope you have these three events on your calendar! Check out GWRRA.ORG for all the details.
It is so fun to read all the local Chapter and District newsletters and learn about the variety of activities and events you have. From charity events to soup dinners, to U-Turn rides to scavenger hunts to special retirement parties for your Chapter Members! It all sounds like so much Fun, as well as all the educational events your District and Regional hold. GWRRA really does live up to its motto, "Friends for FUN, Safety and Knowledge!" Please send me more of your Chapter stories about these activities, so other Chapters can learn about your fun stuff! Send them to me here.
This month we have some wonderful articles and we owe a debt of gratitude to all our contributors. Thank you to our Directors, Ray and Sandi Garris for their article on "Kudos to our Chapter Directors" Our thanks also go out to Joe and Gracie Mazza for their Rider Education articles, Gene Hanselman for his wonderful stories, and Tom Hendricks for his continued supply of great jokes and "ponderings." We have two great articles from two of our Deputy Directors, Anita & JR Alkire and Bill & Dea Ann Gray. There is also an article about "How to Enhance your GWRRA Membership" by Zach & Angie Bon from VA-L. Dave Hornak from MI-F2 wrote a Chapter Ride article about their trip during Wing Ding. And we have an Officer profile submitted by Nate and Danelle Kinion the Assistant District Director from Florida. We also "borrowed" a great Chapter Tip from the Chapter IA-E newsletter. Yes, we do read many of your newsletters, so keep them coming. And finally, there is a follow up to "Darksiders" feedback that appeared in Wingin' It a few months ago.
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!
Curiosities about the history of certain words, phrases, and practices
7. WHY:
Why are people in the public eye said to be 'in the limelight'?
BECAUSE:
Invented in 1825, limelight was used in lighthouses and theaters by burning a cylinder of lime which produced a brilliant light. In the theater, a performer 'in the limelight' was the center of attention.
8. WHY:
Why is someone who is feeling great 'on cloud nine'?
BECAUSE:
Types of clouds are numbered according to the altitudes they attain, with nine being the highest cloud. If someone is said to be on cloud nine, that person is floating well above worldly cares.
9. WHY:
In golf, where did the term 'Caddie' come from?
BECAUSE:
When Mary Queen of Scots went to France as a young girl, Louis, King of France, learned that she loved the Scots game 'golf.' He had the first course outside of Scotland built for her enjoyment. To make sure she was properly chaperoned (and guarded) while she played, Louis hired cadets from a military school to accompany her. Mary liked this a lot and when she returned to Scotland (not a very good idea in the long run), she took the practice with her. In French, the word cadet is pronounced 'ca-day' and the Scots changed it into caddie.
10. WHY:
Why are many coin collection jar banks shaped like pigs?
BECAUSE:
Long ago, dishes and cookware in Europe were made of dense orange clay called 'pygg'. When people saved coins in jars made of this clay, the jars became known as 'pygg banks.' When an English potter misunderstood the word, he made a container that resembled a pig. And it caught on.
And now you know the origins of some of our strange customs.
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More Humor
submitted by:
Tom Hendricks
The following quotes are from the book, "Ginger Snaps, Fun Thoughts On Life," by Dian Ritter, C.R. Gibson Company, 1976.
When a habit begins to cost money, it is called a hobby.
What retirement means to the lady of the house is twice as much husband on half as much income.
Some people could be brainwashed with an eyedropper.
Some folks say the squeaking wheel gets the grease, but others point out that it is the first one to be replaced.
Some people have gear trouble.
They talk in high gear and think in low gear.
Drivers who weave in traffic often end up in stitches.
How strange to use "You only live once" as an excuse to throw it away.
There is more to life than increasing its speed.
People can be divided into three groups: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who wonder what happened.
Fog is stuff it's dangerous to drive in - especially if it is mental.
CHAPTER TIP
written by:
Delbert Stephens
Chapter Educator
Chapter E
(Copied from Chapter IA-E newsletter)
HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED ?
How you got all those scratches on your windshield?
Well don't use paper towels, shop rags, not even new ones. And never use a squeegee.
Use a clean cloth made of terry cloth, cotton flannel or a microfiber
cloth, turn it often as you clean, and wash it often.
Just a little bit of dirt on the
cloth can scratch your windshield real easy. When cleaning your windshield, park the bike in the shade so the windshield is cool, it'll dry more slowly, and it's easier to see the scratches. Use plenty of clean water, remove hard bug carcasses by laying a wet cloth or wet
paper towel or cloth flat on the windshield. Give the water a chance to loosen the bugs up and then pull the towel off without wiping.
If you don't have any cleaning products use a mild dish soap, or RainZip.
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Director's Article
submitted by:
Ray & Sandi Garris
Directors-GWRRA
KUDOS TO OUR CHAPTER DIRECTORS
As Sandi and I visit various conventions around the country and read all of the many newsletters we receive, we are constantly reminded how much we owe our incredible Chapter Directors.
Here is the "short List"of "Thank Yous":
For entertaining the troops, making our Chapter gatherings FUN and entertaining for all of us.
For leading our Chapter core team in providing our Members lots of fun events, both riding and socially.
For helping to deliver to our doorstep all of the many learning opportunities that GWRRA has developed both with live Seminars and online.
For inviting all of our Members to all of our rides, social events, conventions, etc. no matter whether they ride or on 2 , 3 or 4 wheels.
Making sure that we welcome all riders to our gatherings and events, no matter what brand of bike or trike they ride.
For helping to educate us on all of the many benefits that are included in our membership in GWRRA.
For allowing all of our Members the opportunity to step up and volunteer for any position open in the Chapter Staff.
For setting the example in Rider Education: Riding with proper gear and helping to remind us that our riding skills are "perishable" and need to be practiced often, whether on a bike or trike.
For sharing with us the fabulous experiences available to all of us in the Couple Of the Year program and feeling the pride in the Chapter.
For enriching our "Chapter Life" and helping us to know each other better while experiencing the many enjoyable facets of our membership in GWRRA.
WOW, this was only a "short list". We are so fortunate to have so many wonderful Chapter Directors throughout our Association. Have you thanked yours lately?
Have FUN, go for a ride soon, C+BCN
Rider Education Article
by Joe & Gracie Mazza
Motorist Awareness Seminar Requirement
As of January 2013, it was determined that a one time Motorist Awareness Seminar be added to the level III requirement in the GWRRA Rider Education levels program. Those already at level III or above would need this seminar to stay current at their present level and, in turn, move forward.
The reasoning involved in this decision is as follows:
1)Most all of us in GWRRA are motorists as well as motorcyclists and therefore in as much need of Motorist Awareness knowledge as any other motorist we may encounter.
2)Up until January 2013, unlike the other areas of the Rider Education Program, most of the membership lacked knowledge of the Motorist Awareness Program.
3)By exposing the membership to the MAP, we are hoping to promote enough interest to persuade more members to join our ranks as Motorist Awareness Coordinators.
Prior to the installation of the present MA Director, the MA Seminars were somewhat geared toward recruiting MA Liaisons. Liaisons were individuals with no formal training like the Rider Education Seminar Presenters had. All other Rider Education Seminars required that presenters must have completed our training program prior to seminar presenter certification. Therefore, often the lacked continuity in materials presented or methodology used whenever Liaisons made MA presentations.
As of mid July 2014, and for the future, the seminar titled "Why Motorist Awareness" has been removed from the website and will no longer be acceptable as having met the level III requirement. This seminar was originally designed to recruit MA Liaisons which, as previously mentioned, is no longer a position in the MAP. The two remaining seminars, "Think Motorcycles" and "Share The Road", are comprehensive and contain all the information deemed important to getting motorists to share the road safely with us.
Deputy Director Article submitted by:
Anita and JR Alkire
Deputy Directors West
An Ah Ha weekend!
I love learning moments and teachable moments. This is a lesson of both. When we stepped up as Deputy Directors we had no idea what adventures were ahead of us. We all see GWRRA from our perspective, our little side of the world, and we think that is how everyone else sees it. Well after the past few years, and our most recent adventure, I can assure you that there are many facets to this organization that for most of us are untouched.
When we took over as Region "F"un Directors we had seven Districts and all were doing their own thing. We showed them how to do some things GWRRA's way and then we learned from them. We provided a way for all the Districts to learn from each other through monthly conference calls with our District Directors. We learned that something that was done in CO during snow season could be adapted to CA and used any time. The lessons were vast and the sharing was incredible. Most importantly, we learned we are each a little different and yet we all shared the love of motorcycling and in particular the Gold Wing, and having FUN!
Through communication and visitation we all learned and benefited from each other and the Region and GWRRA became stronger as a result. This is awesome stuff and as a leader you feel pretty good that your TEAM was able to accomplish this together!
We were asked to leave our Region Director position and become Deputy Directors and in particular we were to communicate with Region I and F, they are our responsibility. Well our first question was, what do we call them? We are pleased to say that we have the "I"ncredibly "F"un Regions!! So now it was time for us to learn more about Region I. Well from my perspective of my GWRRA life there were things that needed changing. Ah, not so fast!
Bill & Dea Ann Gray GWRRA Deputy Director-Central US
Born Under a Bad Sign ("Lord if it wasn't for bad luck, I wouldn't have no luck at all")
How many of you remember this song? Recorded in 1967 by Booker T and the MG's then in 1968 by the group Cream with Eric Clapton.
Dea Ann and I are what I consider positive people and tend to gravitate toward other positive people. We all know people who are complainers, whiners and full of excuses. It's funny how these people tend to gravitate toward each other as well. "Misery loves company" as they say! The irony is, bad luck seems to go hand in hand with complaining, whining and making excuses. Food and/or service at a restaurant is never good enough. Trips are either too hot, too cold, too wet or too far.
By now, you are trying to figure out which category you fit in! We learned years ago, the harder you work, the luckier you get. This goes for your job, your family and at play! We consider ourselves very lucky! How about you?
Involvement in GWRRA is no exception. If you work hard at making friends, having fun and riding safe, it will reward you tenfold! As I look at our GWRRA logo (a good sign) I see "Friends*Fun*Safety*Knowledge." I interpret this as "friends helping friends to have fun, to be safe and to never stop learning!"
All this being said, were you REALLY "born under a bad sign," or is it just a matter of trying harder?
Chapter Officer Article
Submitted by:
Zach & Angie Bon
VA-L COY 2014
Newsletter Editors Treasurer: Chapter,VA-L
Have you "Enhanced" your GWRRA Membership?
GWRRA has a number of things in place to help enhance your membership within the organization. An example of some of these "enhancements" include having designated representatives within each Chapter to help maintain contact with Members, new and old, organized rides to virtually every destination within your local area and out of state, and many training opportunities. Through the Levels Program, there is training available on team riding, road courses, safety seminars, motorist awareness, and First Aid/CPR. By completing required training topics, Members are recognized for progressing through the Levels Program.
But what have you done to enhance your own membership? You might wonder how you can enhance your membership; let us explain. Your membership within the GWRRA can be enhanced by getting involved. You might think attending gatherings is showing involvement and that is true. Our gatherings would be no fun without you there; but is attending monthly gatherings and participating in rides the only ways you have enhanced your membership?
Have you ever attended a GWRRA seminar? Attending a seminar is an excellent way to become familiar with loads of information that cover subjects from Member benefits, crash scene response, to leading rides as a Road Captain. If you know seminars are being presented within your local area, we urge you to consider attending; make new friends and learn things at the same time.
Have you volunteered for a position within your Chapter? This is a terrific way to enhance your membership. Volunteering is a rewarding way to give back the Chapter. The Chapter Team works hard at thinking of ways to not only make the monthly gatherings fun but they also work on planning rides and Chapter events. By holding a position within your Chapter, you will have the opportunity to do things such as presenting your ideas regarding rides, writing the newsletter, educating Chapter membership, maintaining the operating funds for the Chapter or perhaps even assuming a leadership role. There are a number of positions in each Chapter that are official but there are also positions that are utilized to enhance membership of the Chapter. Positions such as Ride Coordinator, Motorist Awareness Coordinator and Event Coordinator are very important positions that enhance the membership of the entire Chapter.
He left before his 28th birthday in 2005 to fight for "Iraqi Freedom". His friends and family didn't want him to take the risk of leading his men into battle and losing his innocence in such a far off place. My son did what he considered to be the "The Right Thing"; he rejoined his unit and left for Iraq.
He is short haired, clean shaven and tight muscled. He listens to Country Music, his elders and 155mm Howitzers. He enjoys walking his dog, going to Church and standing up for American values and way of life. He loves his wife and family. He has a law degree and teaching certificate, and paid his own way through school. He has never drawn unemployment or quit a job because it was difficult.
He digs foxholes, latrines and can apply First Aid like a professional. He doesn't play sports but he can field strip his weapon in 30 seconds and reassemble it in less time in the dark. He sleeps when time allows in desert sand storms, foxholes and mud. He is a Senior Sergeant that has not lost a man in his unit. His men obey every order and command instantly and without hesitation for he is their trusted leader and they will follow him into hell.
He can cook his own meals, mend his own clothes and fix his own hurts. If you're thirsty he will share his water with you and if you're hungry, his food. He'll even split his ammunition with you in the midst of battle when you run low. He can use his hands like weapons and weapons like they were his hands. He can save your life or take it, because that is his job. He has stood among dead bodies that he helped create. He's given candy and aid to refugees. He does twice the work and gets a fourth the pay as when he was a civilian, but still finds ironic humor in it all.
Members rode their bikes onto a pontoon boat and crossed the St. Clair River to the island during the trip to Wing Ding 2014.
Wing Ding this year was in Madison, Wisconsin - It was fun ride to get there. Some went around Chicago, while I and others took a short two and a half hour boat ride on the catamaran which crossed Lake Michigan over to Wisconsin.
Opening ceremony was fun, and this was just the beginning. J & M gave away over $1,000.00 in merchandise (I didn't win anything). After opening ceremony we spent the rest of the day going through the vendors. Not only was there chrome and lights, but food demo's, clothing, trailers, pots and pans for sale and lots more. You could even buy a flag pole (with flags).
Day two was a ride to the House on the Rock. This was very interesting and fun to see. It was a museum with everything in it, including a carousel. It is well worth while going to see, but you need to spend the whole day there.
Friday, day three, we went for a ride around the countryside, what a beautiful state Wisconsin is. The ice cream and food were fabulous. After our ride we had to go to work; F-2 volunteered to do registration Friday afternoon. That was a lot of fun. Everyone from F-2 that was at Wing Ding showed up to work. We got to sit around and talk to and meet new people and welcome them to the show.
Day four on Saturday was closing ceremony, which also was fun. They gave away money, trailers and a brand new motorcycle (didn't win there either). Sunday we headed home. Once again some went through Chicago, and I went with a group through the Upper Peninsula. We all made it home safe and we all had a really good time.
MEMBER FEEDBACK
Here is an update on Bill McIlrath's article a few months ago on "Darksiders." To remind you, it is about using a car tire on the rear of a Gold Wing. Please remember, GWRRA norWingin' Itenews does not endorse this concept. We are merely presenting information from our Members as a point of conversation.
Please respond to meherewith your thoughts on thisidea or any other subject you would like to chat about.
>CROSSING OVER TO THE DARKSIDE PART 2
It has been a few months now since we went Darkside. Lyn and I are still enjoying the smooth ride we now have. Our front tire is just about down to the wear indicators so it is time for us to go "Double Darkside". A Bridgestone Battlax BT-45H Sport/Touring Rear Motorcycle Tire 130/70-18 arrived today and should be installed within days. This seems to be the most popular front tire among GL1800 Double Darksiders. Yes, it is a rear tire. Yes, it is bias-ply. Everything I've ever read says do not mix bias-ply and radial tires...until now. The only confusion seems to be do you mount it rotating according to the rotation arrows on the tire or do you reverse the rotation. This may be due to the tire being designed for the rear which experiences riding dymanics that are the reverse of the front tire. We plan to take a 10 day trip next month, our feedback on the new setup should be in the October Wingin It. Bill McIlrath, Life Member, GWRRA, Former Contributing Writer, Wing World magazine.
Officer Profile
submitted by:
Nate and Danelle Kinion
Florida District Assistant District Directors
Florida District Motorist Awareness Coordinators
Danelle and I joined the GWRRA organization in 1995. In 1996, I worked with the ACD of FL1-L, Panama City. For months he tried to get us to attend their meetings and finally at the end of the summer, we decided to attend. The CDs were very nice, but the ACD was not in attendance that night. None of the other Members even spoke to us but we decided to give them another try!
I started riding a motorized two wheeler when I was 9 years old. I bought my first Gold Wing, a 1985 Aspencade, in 1991, after riding Harleys for 47 years. I sold it in 1996 and bought a 1995 1500 Gold Wing which I sold in 2005 when I bought the 2004 1800 Gold Wing which we presently own.
The ACD stepped down in January 1997 and Danelle and I became ACDs in February 1997. We were in that position until we became CD's in January 1999. Danelle also was the newsletter editor for FL1-L from July 1998 to 2001. In 2001 we became Senior CDs. We wanted to step down after 6 years and our former CD wanted to be CD again so we stepped down the end of January 2005 and became his ACDs in March 2005. We were chosen Chapter Couple of the Year in 2013.
The new FL DD's asked us to be the ADDs for the Panhandle in November 2007 which we happily accepted.
In 2008, the DD's asked us to be the FL District Motorist Awareness Coordinators and we were honored to accept. In 2010 and 2012 we received MA Merit Awards and in 2013 we were awarded MA Coordinator of the Year. We are also Grand Master Tour Riders.
In 2009, the new FL DDs asked us to stay on as ADDs as well as MA Coordinators which we gladly accepted.
During these years, Danelle and I traveled to 48 states and Canada on our Gold Wing. My brother and I rode our Gold Wings to Alaska in 1992.
In 2004, I completed the Iron Butt ride at 73 years of age and in 2007 I completed the Bun Burner ride at 76 years of age on my Gold Wing.
We have attended many Chapter, Region and District rallies and conventions as well as quite a few Wing Dings. We were the only Members from the FL District to attend the 25th anniversary celebration in Phoenix in 2003. While there, Mike Wright, the National Director at the time, awarded me a Million Mile patch.
In 2015 we will be Life Members, celebrating our 20th anniversary as Members of GWRRA. We have been Officers for 17 out of 19 years and have enjoyed every minute of it! I am 83 years old, a U.S. Navy Korean War veteran and still riding on two wheels! We have made many friends in GWRRA and are very glad that we decided to join the Panama City Chapter in 1996!
(This is a new feature in Wingin' It. We asked you to send us your profiles last month either as current or former Officer of GWRRA. Please send me your profiles and picture here.)
Member Benefits of the Month
Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA) is pleased to remind you of some of your Member Benefits.
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