Greetings! 

 

As we approach the end of 2014, and fast approach the holiday season, I first want to apologize to our Canadian Members for not wishing them a Happy Thanksgiving in October. The Canadian holiday occurs on the second Monday in October and celebrates the same harvest bounty.

Our Thanksgiving this year will be celebrated on November 27th, so let me be the first to wish everyone a very happy, healthy and joy-filled holiday. As a reminder, other days to keep in mind for November, are the U.S. general election on Tuesday, November 4th, Veterans Day on November 11th, Remembrance Day in Canada on November 11th also, World Peace Day on November 17th, and for all the ladies, Black Friday, November 28th!

Thanksgiving is always a time of nostalgia for me and aside from me being grateful for all my blessings (too many to mention here, except...family, friends and general good health), I was remembering my youth back in Philadelphia. Especially, my young adult years when I used to go to upstate Pennsylvania to get out of the city and visit the forest or go to New Jersey and swim in the ocean. Living in the Phoenix area this time of year, we miss the change of seasons, unless we take a road trip and go north to Flagstaff or Sedona, to get to the mountains. What helped trigger these memories was an article I read in the MI-W2 newsletter by their Chapter Directors, Gary and Margo McMillin. They wrote a great article which I am going to reprint here. It has so many messages in it and just reminded me of so many travels in my life when, thanks to GWRRA, I got to visit places like they described and many other incredible places around the world for which I am very grateful and which brought back some of these memories. Thank you, Gary and Margo.

The Time of this season:

As our riding season is slowly fading away, I look outside and see the leaves changing colors and as I drive pass the lawn and garden centers, I can see corn stalks, hay bales and pumpkins for sale. Every so often I'll see a skeleton, a black cat and a witch's hat, that tells me a few things. One is that Halloween is just around the corner, another is that I need to find my heated and generally warmer riding clothes, Cause Baby it's getting cold outside.

 

But I really hope you don't stop riding just yet. For a few hours on one of these warm afternoons you could visit any of those places that are open only at this time of year. I'm talking about our apple orchards where you can buy a cup of their freshly made cider and just smell those hot and delicious donuts. Now that's a winning combination. Just look around it's a beautiful time to ride.

 

While you are riding around and thinking about that cider and donuts, I would ask that you be careful driving over those dropping leaves as they can be slippery when wet. Also, watch out for our Michigan wildlife, because they're out there enjoying this wonderful season also; only THEY are not watching out for YOU, so it's up to YOU... to watch out for THEM... No excuses- just get out there and enjoy this time of the season. 

 

I hope I don't have to remind everyone to watch out for slick roads, wildlife, and especially other drivers who are not looking out for you!

My gratitude goes out to each of you for supporting GWRRA and Wingin' It. Please spread this gratitude to all who have made GWRRA the greatest motorcycle organization in the world by thanking all the Officers, Rider Ed folks, Newsletter Editors, Treasurers, Ride Captains and Coordinators, Trainers, MED folks, and all the Volunteers who make our Chapters, Districts, Regions and National Teams the best we are! Obviously, I could not mention all the positions in GWRRA, but you get my point and as we all know, every one of these folks are Volunteers who take their own personal time and resources to help make this Association so much fun for all of us. They truly do live up to our motto, "Friends for FUN, Safety and Knowledge!"

In other news, please remember to register for GWRRA's upcoming events, namely the Forty to Phoenix ride in April, 2015, then the Reno Rendevous, June 18-20, 2015 at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, NV and Wing Ding 37 in 2015 over the Labor Day weekend in Huntsville, AL. Please check our website at  GWRRA.ORG for all the details.

Below you will see the new featured column about GWRRA's Hall of Fame Program. It explains how to qualify for the program and how to get started by getting involved in the Find-A-Friend Program. Just follow the links in the article below.

Thanks again for this month's articles from Ray & Sandi Garris, Joe & Gracie Mazza for their Rider Education article. We thank Gene Hanselman for his wonderful stories and Tom Hendricks for his terrific jokes and humor. Bill and Dea Ann Gray send us a great article about "Sleeping with an Officer." There is a story from Canadian Member, Mark Rovang about his road trip. Then, we have a travel story from Keith Lindsay about his trip to the Reno Air Races. This will be a multi-issue story with pictures. And, we have an Officer profile from Ann and Richard Bullis, NY-K Assistant Chapter Directors. There is also a NEW CONTEST Announcement from Bob and Karla Greer, out of our MED Program. It is about GWRRA's Most FUN Chapter. Check it out on the left column below. There are two coupon items this month, and they are for a new GWRRA Short Sleeve Tone Shirt and Flame Hat. And finally, there is continued discussion 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 keep sending me your stories, Chapter activities, travelogues and Gold Book stories.  

And FIND-A-FRIEND, keep our family growing!

 

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
Inspirational Quotes
GWRRA's Hall of Fame
Looking for YOUR Articles
GWRRA & Facebook
Dementia?
GWRRA Poll
Rescue Plus Reminder
More Humor
WING WORLD magazine
I Believe...
Director's Article
Rider Education Article
Free Download
Deputy Director Article
Member Story
Contest Announcement
Member Travel Story
Another Member Story
Officer Profile
Member Feedback
Featured Member Benefit
GWRRA Discount Coupon
Quick Links
Join Our Mailing List
JOKE
OF THE
MONTH  

 

 

THE TEXAS LAWMAN

 

A young Texan grew up wanting to be a lawman.

    
He grew up big, 6' 2", strong as a longhorn, and fast as a mustang. He
could shoot a bottle cap tossed in the air at 40 paces.
   
When he finally came of age, he applied to where he had only dreamed 
of working: the West Texas Sheriff's Department.
   

After a series of tests and interviews, the Chief Deputy finally 
called him into his office for the young man's last interview.
     
The Chief Deputy said, "You're a big strong kid and you can really 
shoot. So far your qualifications all look good, but we have, what you 
might call, an "Attitude Suitability Test", that you must take before you 
can be accepted.
     

We just don't let anyone carry our badge, son."

    
Then, sliding a service pistol and a box of ammo across the desk, the
Chief said, "Take this pistol and go out and shoot:   

   

Six illegal aliens,   

 

Six lawyers,   

 

Six meth dealers,   

 

Six Muslim extremists,   

 

Six Democrats,   

 

and a  rabbit."   

 

"Why the rabbit?" queried  the applicant.

"You pass," said the Chief Deputy, "When can you start?"


I LOVE TEXAS!


  Sent in by  

Peter Russell
England

Inspirational

Quotes

 

 "Lead me, follow me, or get out of my way."   

 

-General George Patton           

 

          

"Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless."

-Mother Theresa


GWRRA's  
Hall of Fame  
Program
This will be a new feature column honoring those Members who have recruited 101+ New Members into GWRRA.

Those Members who do so are installed into our Hall of Fame. When they reach this status the Member receives a certificate, pin, patch and a special jacket. GWRRA also has a special webpage dedicated to this program and its honorees at gwrra.org/hall.html

You will also be featured on GWRRA's Hall of Fame wall in the Home Office with your framed picture.


We will feature Hall of Famer's with their pictures and stories in the Wingin' It starting next month. Remember, this program starts with GWRRA's Find-A-Friend Program. Details can be found at  gwrra.org/FAF.html

 

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... 
Click Here: Facebook 101
Advertisement

DEMENTIA:
Submitted by:
Tom Hendricks

TX-U

 

ARE WE THE ONES WITH DEMENTIA?
 

ARE WE THE ONES WHO ARE AGING?

 

1-Recently, when I went to McDonald's I saw on the menu that you could have an order of 6, 9 or 12 Chicken McNuggets.


I asked for a half dozen nuggets.


'We don't have half dozen nuggets,' said the teenager at the counter.

 

'You don't?' I replied.


'We only have six, nine, or twelve,' was the reply.


'So I can't order a half dozen nuggets, but I can order six?'


'That's right.'


So I shook my head and ordered six McNuggets
(Unbelievable but sadly true...)
 

(Must have been the same one I asked for sweetener and she said they didn't have any, only Splenda and sugar.)

2-I was checking out at the local Wal-Mart with just a few items and the lady behind me put her things on the belt close to mine. I picked up one of those dividers that they keep by the cash register and placed it between our things so they wouldn't get mixed. After the girl had scanned all of my items, she picked up the divider, looking it all over for the bar code so she could scan it.

 

Not finding the bar code, she said to me, 'Do you know how much this is?'

 

I said to her 'I've changed my mind; I don't think I'll buy that today.'

 

She said 'OK,' and I paid her for the things and left.

 

She had no clue to what had just happened.

(But the lady behind me had a big smirk on her face as I left)

 

3-A woman at work was seen putting a credit card into her floppy drive and pulling it out very quickly.

 

When I inquired as to what she was doing, she said she was shopping on the Internet and they kept asking for a credit card number, so she was using the ATM thingy.

(Keep shuddering!!)

 

GWRRA POLL
Have you ever bought anything from the GWRRA Product Store online?

  •  Yes! ...34%-(72)
  • No! ...64%-(137)
  • I don't remember.. 2%-(4)

 

 
Total Votes: 213         


Rescue Plus Reminder  

 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 $35 per year to upgrade the entire family!!

<><><><><><><>
Sign up NOW by calling

800-843-9460! 

<><><><><><><>

And remember, non-members can purchase Rescue PLUS for only $80 with all the same benefits!


Call NOW!
Advertisement

        More Humor
             submitted by:
          Tom Hendricks

Investment Tips for 2014

 

For all of you with any money left, be aware of the next  expected mergers so that you can get in on the ground floor and make some BIG bucks.

 

Watch for these consolidations  in 2014:

 

6. Fairchild Electronics and Honeywell Computers will become:

 

Fairwell Honeychild.

 

7. Grey Poupon and Docker Pants are expected to become:  

 

PouponPants.

 

8. Knotts Berry Farm and the National Organization of Women will become:  

 

Knott NOW!


 

 

Advertisement

 
WING WORLD 
MAGAZINE 
We have a new look! 
Please visit 

Our new magazine website:
  • Easy to read
  • Easy to navigate
  • View current and past issues of Wing World magazine
  • Visit our current list of advertisers
  • PLUS much more!
For advertising opportunities please call one of our Account Executives at
800-843-9460
(or  623-581-2500 in Phx. area), ext 231 or 250.

To view the magazine online or to sign up as a trial Member, please contact Member Services at 800-843-9460 or, in the Phoenix area, 623-581-2500.
 
I Believe...

 

That either you control your attitude or it controls you.


 

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

November, the Thanksgiving month!

 

What are some of the things that Sandi & I are thankful for?

  • HONDA for making that new 1984 "REALLY BIG" motorcycle that caught our eye first.
  • Our Founder & Co-Founder for the idea and years of hard work to form and grow the Gold Wing Road Riders Association.
  • The Honda Dealer who gave us a free 1-year membership in GWRRA.
  • The "Area Rep's" wife - who kept calling and inviting us to attend a ride or Chapter function.
  • Later, the new Area Rep who asked us to be his assistant Area Rep and our first position in GWRRA.
  • All the planners of the many rides, social events, gatherings, rallies and Wing Dings that provided so many wonderful experiences, memories and new friends.
  • The Chapter friends who nominated us for the Chapter Couple of the Year.
  • The many Officers in GWRRA who asked us to serve in many different positions in several programs in our Association.
  • The President and Founder who asked us to step up as the Directors of GWRRA.
  • All of the Members of GWRRA who have given us their support and friendship as we have traveled around the country collecting many, many hugs and handshakes.
  • All of our extended family: we are so proud and thankful to have so many great people in our extended family in several parts of the world.
  • FUN: we have had so much FUN in so many ways with this wild and crazy group. We have so many great and wonderful memories.
  • Safety: Sandi and I will soon have our 500,000 safe miles bar! This would not have been possible without the many Rider Education courses, seminars and the Levels Program (Life Grand Master #18 and #176), The Drill Team practices, Skill Enhancement Program, etc.
  • Knowledge: Besides the background in Rider Education, the experiences from Membership Enhancement (National Couple of the Year 1992/93) and Leadership Training (Master and Senior University Trainers). We have learned so much from so many knowledgeable people in this Association.

Yes, we all have a lot to be thankful for in GWRRA. More important though, we all need to be very thankful for our wonderful family at home. Please remember to celebrate Thanksgiving every day in November this year. 30 days of counting our blessings is a lot better than just one day. Next, we will try for 365 days.

 

Thanks and please ride safe.

 

  

Rider Education Article
submitted by:
Joe & Gracie Mazza
Assistant Director Rider Education 

Are Trikes Safer To Ride Than Two-Wheeled Motorcycles?

 

A short article written by my good friend "Jake" Jacob from Chapter FL1-A, Tampa, Florida and published in the Chapter newsletter recently peaked my interest. Jake writes "I have been riding trikes since 1999 and I have never really wanted a two- wheeler, a trike suits me fine. I've talked to several people who have trikes and each of them have mentioned to me that they made the right decision to ride a trike.  Trikes are much easier to ride on the road because what may be a road hazard to a two-wheeler doesn't affect a trike (most times). Some associate a trike with old age. Yes, many trikes on the road are ridden because of age.  But you know, trikes are a lot of fun and much easier to hold up at a traffic light."

 

I had ridden two wheels for many years and now, after having my bike triked in 2005, have been riding three wheels for the last nine years. There have been a number of riders I have spoken to over the years who stated they would rather give up riding than go from two wheels to three. Of course, that is their prerogative. However, that, to me, sounds a little bit like their ego talking. Also, while researching this article, I was surprised to read so many comments stating that trikes are just as dangerous as bikes, and in some cases, even more so.

 

So I went to the experts, insurance companies, whose bottom line, like all big business, is making money. We have our motorcycle insurance through State Farm. In looking back on when we converted to a trike, I found that our insurance premiums stayed the same. Since the value of my motorcycle increased with the conversion and my premiums stayed the same, the logical reason had to be that according to the insurance company, my chances of making a claim just decreased. It's basically like the safe driving discount my driver education students received after completing our driver education classes.

 

Here are some statistics I found from the Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In 2011, 4,612 motorcyclists died in the United States during motorcycle accidents. Of the 4,612 deaths, 4,323 were riders and co-riders of two-wheeled motorcycles. That's 94% of all deaths. The other 6% were riders or co-riders on trikes, scooters, mopeds, mini bikes, pocket bikes and off roaders.

 

Is it possible to be injured or killed on a trike? Of course. Remember, with all our training, there is always going to be some careless motorist who can take us out no matter how careful we are. However, the fact that I can't drop a trike and I would feel more comfortable during a quick (panic) stop on a trike, are just a couple of reasons this 73 year old likes his ride just fine, thank you. 

 

 

   
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  

 

Sleeping With An Officer

 

45 Years ago, she started dating a senior in high school who had been riding a small Harley. She didn't care to be a co-rider back then. She loved the lake, boating, fishing and rode mini-bikes and go-carts on trails around the lake from time to time. While in college, she married this guy who couldn't afford a car but rode a small Honda motorcycle. She still had no interest in riding with him. He rode to school, to work, and for fun when time allowed. They were both busy with school and jobs. After college graduation, they found themselves teaching school and raising a family. Recreation consisted of enjoying the lake, boating, fishing, swimming and family on the weekends. After about 20 years they were faced with the realization of being empty nesters. She looked at him one day and said  "maybe we should go motorcycle shopping."  Really? Before long they owned a big Honda cruiser and both of them as rider and co-rider enjoyed weekends together on the bike. They still enjoyed the lake but riding was becoming more and more a passion again.

 

He continued to visit the Honda shop regularly and those big Gold Wings kept catching his eye. "One day" he said to the salesman who became a good friend  "I will own one of those." His wife never wavered in supporting his dream. The day eventually came and he and his wife were the proud owners of a brand new Honda Gold Wing. They automatically became members of the Honda Red Riders group but their salesman mentioned a group of Gold Wing riders that were meeting and riding regularly in the area. He researched this Gold Wing group on-line, found a phone number and made that fateful call. She was very hesitant to get involved thinking it was a guy thing. They were invited to a group get-together and surprisingly found many nice couples hugging and shaking their hands. They were couples just like them from all walks of life with one thing in common, the Honda Gold Wing! They both found themselves in the midst of many new friends who not only welcomed them, but invited them to their monthly "meeting" as well as weekend rides.                                                   

A year went by quickly and they were surprised with the honor of being selected as the "Chapter Couple of the Year."  This group called themselves GWRRA or Gold Wing Road Riders Association. Things started moving along so fast that she soon found herself sleeping with a Chapter Director. Because of this new chapter in her life and the opportunities it presented, it was inevitable that she would soon find herself in bed with a District Director! It didn't stop there! Her desire to continue this journey led to many destinations, adventures and meeting new friends. Her passion for motorcycling continued as she eventually became the proud owner of a couple of motorcycles. The excitement of travel and meeting new friends from all across the globe was continuing to escalate! Within two years she found herself sleeping with a Region Director. This was to be her final desire and conquest. The demands on both of them were reaching new heights. When it seemed apparent the pressures of work and GWRRA would more than consume them, she found herself in bed with a Deputy Director.

 

Now, this is not to say the story is drawing to a close, nor are we saying this woman is promiscuous. Let's just say the story is on-going and the adventure we hope will continue. This is OUR story in a nutshell and I hope she will continue sleeping with this Director for many years to come. 


Member Story
Submitted by:

Mark Rovang     

Edson, Alberta, Canada, Chapter AB-B  


Back in January of this year my wife and I began planning for a late summer ride to the Black Hills of South Dakota with our friends Doug and Kathy Smith.

To allow us more time on the bike exploring new roads we often trailer our bikes and then ride from an area closer to our final destination. This year we decided to trailer to Billings, Montana and then ride from there. We contacted Chuck and Betty Bonnett, Chapter Directors for MT-B via email to ask if they had anyone that could store our truck and trailer while we were out riding.

Within a day we had a reply. Not only would did they have a parking spot for us, they also wanted to host a picnic BBQ in our honor.

The night we arrived, Tony met us at our hotel, helped us unload our bikes and then guided us to our parking spot. From there he gave us a ride to the park where the Chapter was hosting the picnic. We had a great meal and an awesome visit with many of the Members that were able to make it. It was a great way to begin our trip. The next day, we left on our ride. We rode to Gardiner, MT and explored the Mammoth area if Yellowstone NP. The next day we explore more of the park with Old Faithful being the highlight of the day. We ended that day's ride in Cody, Wyoming.

Because the weather offered the opportunity we chose to ride the Beartooth the next day. We stopped in Red Lodge for lunch and then made our way back to Cody via Belfry, MT.


It was on the return trip to Cody that things went very wrong. About 10 miles out of Cody a couple deer leapt onto the highway. Because the ditches were deep we didn't even see them until it was too late. I knew a collision was unavoidable so I tried to impact the deer in a way so as to give us the best possible chance. We hit the deer and for a moment I thought I was going to be able to stay upright, but that was not to be. We went down hard on our right side and the crash was quite severe. Our riding partners, Doug and Kathy Smith were right behind us and immediately went to our aid. We were also very fortunate that one of the first people to stop, happened to be a doctor from nearby Powell, MT. I wish I had her name.


My wife Lori and I were taken via ambulance to Powell and from there I was helicoptered to Billings where I was put in ICU to begin treatment for multiple broken bones, road rash, as well as a punctured and collapsed lung. Lori had surgery on her badly injured thumb as well as treatment for road rash and bumps and bruises.


Chuck and Betty took the time to visit my wife and I in the hospital a few times which was real nice. They, along with Chapter Members Pam and Gary Schlenke, also assisted our riding partners to recover my damaged bike and continued to store our trailer and gear.


Read More...

 

Contest Announcement:

Bob and Karla Greer

Membership Enhancement Program Directors

[email protected]


Most FUN Chapter Contest

We recently sent an e-mail out to be distributed to every single Chapter in GWRRA announcing a very simple contest to find the most FUN Chapter in GWRRA. All Chapters are encouraged to participate and it is so easy, all Chapters should. The contest has two rules.

  • You must have FUN
  • The video should be inclusive of the entire regular monthly gathering

With the technology we have today hopefully someone in every Chapter has the capability to record your gathering. The quality of the video will not be a factor in judging the most FUN Chapter.  This is not a videographer contest to see who can make the best video.  It is to see who has the most FUN regular monthly gathering in GWRRA.  Amateur videos, smart phone recordings, etc. are all welcome and encouraged. 

 

After we find these FUN GWRRA Chapters, we plan on posting some of their videos on the GWRRA web page so non-GWRRA members can see some of the FUN we have and also so other Chapters in GWRRA can get some good ideas of how to put some FUN in their own monthly gatherings.

 

Ray Garris, GWRRA Director, has given up three fantastic prizes:

 

           First Place FUN Chapter will get a $100.00 Gift Certificate to Dairy Queen

           Second & Third Place will get a $50 Dairy Queen Gift Certificate each

 

Videos are due by March 20, 2015 and should be sent to: Bob Greer, Director of Membership Enhancement:

Electronically at   [email protected]

Hard copy DVD/Flash Drive to me at: Bob Greer, 223 Begonia Court, Griffin, GA 30223

 

Member Travel Story
submitted by:
Keith Lindsay
 

My ride to the Reno Air Races

 

I decided early in the summer of 2014 to ride my 2012 Gold Wing to Reno, Nevada for the purpose of attending the Reno Air Races in September. I had previously attended the races in 1965 when I was 18 years old. I purchased the necessary tickets by email and made reservations at KOAs along the proposed route. The route selected was Interstate 80 to Reno and Interstate 40 on the return trip.

 

I decided to ride at least 500 miles each day and to use KOAs and a tent to keep the cost of the trip to a minimum. One leg of the trip would be at least 650 miles so I could spend a day in Ely, Nevada to visit their train museum. Otherwise the trip would keep to 500 miles or about 8 hours of riding each day. The weather forecast was good for all legs of the trip when checked prior to departure.

 

Day One

The trip started on September 6th with a short 100 mile ride to Atlanta to stay the night with my son. Traveling to Atlanta would shorten the first leg to Benton, Illinois and give me a chance to avoid the morning rush hour traffic in Atlanta. The bike was loaded with clothes, cameras, camping equipment, etc. The camping equipment was tied down in the rear seat. The trip was uneventful or so I thought until I arrived at my son's apartment. I discovered my sleeping bag had fallen off the bike during the ride. Obviously my tie down technique was flawed. A trip to REI got me another sleeping bag for the trip.

 

Day Two

I was off to Benton, Illinois the next morning at 6 a.m. The ride started with temperatures in the 80's. Interstate 75 had moderate traffic and it was sunny and clear. But, as I approached Nashville on Interstate 24, darker clouds appeared and a light drizzle was present. This continued until well north of Nashville. After that, I enjoyed sunny skies the rest of the way to Benton KOA. The Benton KOA is located next to the Interstate ( I suppose most KOAs are) as well as railroad tracks. The train traffic during the night turned out to be annoying. I got very little sleep that night because of numerous trains coming through the city, each blowing a horn as it crossed each intersection in the city. Total miles for the day was 470 miles. I rode at 70 mph to maximize fuel mileage, which was 39 mpg.

 

Day Three

The next morning I was off at 0630 hrs, turned onto Interstate 55 twenty miles down the road and headed for St. Louis. The last time I rode through St. Louis Interstate 55 went straight through the city with multiple interchanges to navigate to catch Interstate70. Today the Interstate travels to the north of the city and is fast and uncluttered by heavy traffic, a great improvement from years ago. The weather along Interstate 70 was sunny and warm.

 

At Kansas City I turned north onto Interstate 29 and rode to Omaha, Nebraska. The weather continued to be sunny and warm, and traffic was moderate. I turned westbound onto Interstate 80 just outside Omaha. My destination was Grand Island, Nebraska. About half way to Grand Island the winds picked up and were gusting to 20 mph. The winds were perpendicular to the direction of travel. I noticed my sleeping bag and tent were being pushed over in the seat. I stopped several times to ensure they were securely fastened. However, my tent fell off the bike about 40 miles from Grand Island. I was able to stop and retrieve it; fortunately no damage had occurred. Obviously, I still hadn't figured out how to fasten the tent and sleeping bag to the bike properly. The total miles for the day was 702 miles. I found the planning mileage didn't match the actual mileage between stops. Also, I noticed the fuel mileage increase to 44mpg while riding at 70mph.

 

Day Four

The next morning the temperature was 47 degrees. The sky was dark and menacing. It would rain most of the day and the winds were gusting from the north. A huge cold front was affecting a four state area, and I was in the middle of it. My destination for the day was Rawlings, Wyoming. I didn't get that wet so long as I kept moving. However, numerous construction zones proved to be annoying because the slower I rode the wetter I got. Truck traffic is heavy on Interstate 80 and they drove fairly fast, speed limit is 75/80. I arrived in Rawlings in mid afternoon. I treated myself to a cabin at the KOA. I fell immediately to sleep. I find riding in rain safe enough but it requires a lot of concentration.   I lowered the windshield to its lowest position, so I could see over the top of it. It is impossible to see through the windshield while it is raining. I was figuring the fuel mileage at each fuel stop and found the mileage was increasing as I rode west. I increased my speed to 75mph and still got better mileage than the previous days. Total miles for the day was 530 miles.

 

Day Five

The morning was clear and cold. The continental divide is located about twenty miles west of Rawlings, at 7000+ feet. The roads were still wet but not slippery. I rode into rain about 40 minutes after leaving Rawlings.   The destination for the day was Ely, Nevada. Road construction continued to be an annoying constant. There seemed to be single lane driving every 30 minutes or so. By the time I reached Rock Springs the temperature was increasing. As I passed the Utah border the elevation began to decrease and the temperatures increased. By the time I reached Salt Lake City the temperature was 75 degrees. At Wendover, Nevada, I turned south onto Hwy 93 towards Ely. It was about 120 miles to Ely. The temperature by now was in the 80s and the sky was clear. Ely is located at 6000 feet. The high desert is stark but, strangely beautiful. The total miles for the day was 558 miles.

 

(This will be a multiple issue story as Keith's trip was 14 days longs. Stay tuned to future issues to read the rest of his adventure. Ed.)
Another Member Story:
submitted by:
Gene A Hanselman
Member #135067, Chapter OH-D3
 
"Charlie"

A sign over Charlie's counter read "If you have to ask, why do I ride motorcycles, you  would never understand my answer." Charlie and his wife, Bev owned a mower repair shop on the outskirts of Marysville, Ohio. His little shop grew and in a few years he built a new building and expanded the business into Marysville where he and Bev were very successful selling and servicing lawn & garden equipment. He also sold and installed many motorcycle accessories and serviced all bikes. Charlie was a Charter Member of Marysville GWRRA Chapter D3 and was instrumental in its beginning.

I had known Charlie for a long, long time - he was the oldest of 4 children, a brother Martin and sisters Donna and Carol. His parents, Stanley and Viola were good friends with my mom and dad as well as neighbors. They also belonged and attended the same garden club, farm bureau and church. The sign that hung in Charlie's shop had more meaning and sentiment than most people knew or could imagine, but I understood the purpose and reason of why it was there.

Charlie started riding in his late teens when Martin picked up an old 40s style fixer upper - I think it was an Indian. Charlie had a lot of motorcycle savvy. When it came to engine work, he could tear anything apart and make it run much better. He enjoyed all work from changing tires to fine tuning. It didn't take long for the brothers to get the old motorcycle running. Charlie and Martin took turns riding that old bike all over and sometimes they rode it together. Marty rode it the most because he was still in school and didn't have a job, except working on the farm with his dad.

On a late summer evening close to dusk, Marty stopped by our house to chat. He knew I loved that old bike and since he was 3 years older than me, had a motorcycle and a jalopy, he was the coolest guy around. I wanted to go for a ride but I didn't have my chores finished so I stayed home. Marty left to get gas at the closest station, which was located in Milford Center. After filling the tank he headed home, about three miles away. On the last curve before the home stretch, Marty took a high-side when old man Brooks went left of center swerving to miss Red Barker's ducks and chickens in the middle of the road. The gas cap came off the old bike and the left crash bar wrapped around Martin's leg and held him in place as the bike caught fire. Marty was trapped and burned beyond recognition.

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Officer Profile

submitted by:

Ann and Richard Bullis

New York Chapter K Assistant Chapter Directors

Chapter K Webmasters

Chapter K MEC's                                                                                                

 

Ann and I have been together and riding motorcycles since we were 16 years old. My very first bike was a Kawaski 400 that I rode for a few years. I sold that to do some work to the custom Camaro that I was building. My next bike was a 1982 Honda V45 Sabre that I acquired in 1985. I just sold that bike this past summer. I loved that bike and never thought that I would sell it but after purchasing and riding my 2000 Valkyrie Interstate 3 years ago I decided it was time to sell the V45. I would like to eventually add a Gold Wing to my list however, am not sure when that is going to happen.

 

After purchasing the Valkyrie we discussed joining GWRRA. It was something that we talked about for quite some time. My lovely wife Ann was not very keen on being part of the motorcycle life, although she did not mind going for local rides. One day in April 2013 I decided to start a trial membership and to contact our local Chapter and see what GWRRA was all about. Ann called both the CD and the ACD and left messages. The ACD who was in the hospital at the time immediately called back. He encouraged us to attend the next meeting and told us that his wife Linda would be there to meet us.

 

We attended that meeting and received a very warm greeting from Linda. We left the meeting and we were not very sure if GWRRA was the right fit for us. After much discussion and keeping open minds, we attended the next two meetings and went on a couple of rides. We still were very unsure, but figured that we would sign up for a one-year membership and see how things worked out.

 

We continued to attend meetings and after a few months started to feel a little melancholy. It appeared the Chapter was going through changes although change is good, it was not what everyone wanted. More discussion between my wife and I were leaning toward allowing our membership to run out its course.

 

With the arrival of a new year came the arrival of our new Chapter Directors. January 2014 breathed new life into the Chapter and we decided that we would attend the meetings with open minds. We were not only overwhelmed with the pleasant change, we decided that we would volunteer in positions we never had given a thought to prior. We figured that this was our real chance to make a difference. I know a lot about computers, so I decided to see if I could handle the Webmaster position. I was given all of the support that I could ask for from the District Webmaster and was able to take over that task after a few days. My wife and I decided to become the Chapter MEC's. This is a very good position for us because I am very good on the computer and she is very good with people. We started making numerous phone calls and doing a tremendous amount of emails to everyone that was on our ARL for our Chapter. Since we started doing this our Chapter has grown a great deal and everyone is having FUN.

 

I traveled 300 mile and attended a 2 day class to become a PLP facilitator in June 2014. I did this with the Chapter Directors so we would be able to host PLP classes in our Chapter. Since that time we have offered 2 different PLP sessions. We both completed the OCP class in June. We also took the Road Captains class and are both in the Levels program. I am Level 3 and Ann is Level 2. She will be moving to Level 3 very shortly. We are both anxious to becoming Level 4 riders as quickly as possible.

 

We took another giant step and became ACD's September 1, 2014. This was right after we went on our first major event and long ride. We rode out to Nashville with 2 other bikes. The trip would be 950 miles each way, that being said Ann was a bit on edge about traveling that distance. She always talks about her fear of getting caught in a storm. Well thank God the weather was pristine for our trip out to Nashville. We drove part of Skyline Drive on the way down. She absolutely loved it. When we got to Nashville, she asked me when and where we were going to go next. Knowing that she wanted to do another ride made me feel really good because I know that she would have never done a trip like that if it was not for GWRRA and our Chapter Members.

 

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MEMBER FEEDBACK
Here is an update on Bill McIlrath's latest feedback article, part 2, on "Darksiders." To remind you, it is about using a car tire on the rear and/or front 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 information and conversation.

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


>Conn-DOT has been out in force recently resurfacing many state routes. During the past two afternoons Lyn and I have had the pleasure of experiencing the fruits of their labors not to mention our tax $$$. This is the all important "First Impression" and WOW does not do it justice. The first several miles today were on a work-in-progress. A series of transitions from fully resurfaced to untouched to one fresh asphalt layer to milled road. Aside from the "short ramp" at each surface change the front tire traversed every surface as if it were the finest road surface around with no discernible change in feedback to the handlebars, absolutely no change! Later on we came upon a road surface that had a rut in it. We crossed over the rut and it was a non-issue. I deliberately steered the tread into the rut following it for a distance only to discover while there was a minor tendency to follow the rut it was only a fraction of what I would have expected from my former E3 tires. It was only when crossing Stevenson Dam, where there is a section of steel grate, that there was a hint of squirrelly handling but nothing disconcerting. The final comment at this time is: since we bought the bike new there has always been a minor tendency towards wandering, most noticeably on straight-line riding. It is gone. GONE! What remains now is to find out how this new front tire delivers after it is broken in. 12 days remain till we head for Niagara Falls and the Finger Lakes region of New York State. We cannot wait!

 

Last night we returned home from a 10 day, 1,350 mile jaunt riding through a wide range of road conditions & sunshine to moderate rainfall. The handling with the new tire combination only served to raise my confidence levels, even running 70+ MPH in the rain. Part of the tour package in the Finger Lakes region included three laps around the Watkin's Glen International Racetrack. This was a rare opportunity as motorcycles are almost never allowed on the track. We were supposed to do this on Saturday but the ride was canceled due to the weather. Fortunately they were able to open a time slot on Sunday and off we went at a "leisurely" pace sometimes reaching 65 MPH. This is the finest combination of motorcycle tires we have ever experienced.


(I have mentioned in the past about having the full Traxxion package. It is important to specify that this included the billet triple-clamp, the fork brace and All Balls steering head bearings. In addition to this the fork lowers were badly worn and had to be replaced with new parts which fortunately Traxxion keeps in stock.)
~Bill McIlrath

   

>Ed, Just wanted to respond to Terry's posting in the latest email newsletter. 


I have over 120,000 miles on car tires on my 2005 GL1800.  I have used several different brand/model tires to try them out.  Most got 19k on them.

However, I did have a very good experience that I would like to share.  I just replaced a Michelin Primacy Alpin ZP3 run flat in 195/55/r16. I usually set my pressure to 35psi.  I can tell when it's down to 32psi from the ride characteristics. I got 33,000 miles out of that tire.

I also have experience with the "double darkside" by using a Bridgestone MT-45 bias tire in 130/80/18.  That tire was removed with 35,000 miles on it.  Plenty of thread left but decided it was time to replace it.

I have never felt uncomfortable riding with these tires.  The only tire that bothered me was a Goodyear Assurance Triple Tred NON run flat.  I just could not get out of my mind that the side walls were much thinner than the run flats I was accustomed to using.  Because of the thinner sidewalls, I had to put 45psi in the tire to feel comfortable with it, which meant to me that it was not any better than a bike tire.

At 32-35 psi, the ride is so smooth.

Thank you Ed for allowing this discussion to continue.  

 
I am by no means an expert, but do have the aforementioned experiences.  I would never endanger anyone, but I am confident enough in my choices that I have installed that Michelin on my daughter's Gold Wing.  She knew I had one for her Wing, but she did not know when I was going to put it on.  We went on a Chapter ride one Saturday.  As we got to our meeting spot, she came up to me and asked "when are you going to put my new tires on?"  "Uh, I already did."  Her next statement was rather colorful but basically said "I don't know what those chickens were talking about, I could not even tell!"
 
I do feel that the Rider Education tables that have the display of a car tire, are being misleading in presenting what car tire is being used.  I would not run that tire on my own car, much less my Gold Wing.  I am sure someone out there did indeed have that tire on their Wing, but they are not representative of the vast majority of "Darksiders." ~Curtis   
 

>I am a Level 4 Master rider and have over 100,000 miles on my 2007 Wing. After seeing many rear tire failures from my GWRRA friends and after considerable research, I went to a car tire about 50,000 miles ago. 

    I know many of my died-in-the-wool GWRRA friends think differently, but I feel much more safe on a rear car tire.
    My tire guy in Atlanta changes over 10,000 tires a year. He examined my Gold Wing wheel & felt it had no reason that a car tire wouldn't be safe. 50,000 miles & 3rd car tire later, I am completely convinced. ~Charlie

 

Member Benefits of the Month

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



  •  *OfficeMax Discounts - You as a Member can now receive great discounts with your Retail Connect sm Card. Whether you are purchasing for your Chapter or for your family, this card will provide you access on office supplies and printing services from OfficeMax ImPress™ at nearly 900 OfficeMax retail locations. Visit www.officemax.com and use the store finder.

 

Click here to download. You will need to log in using your GWRRA assigned password (User: 6 digit                   membership number. Password: combination of the numeric portion of your mailing address followed by the 4 digit expiration of your membership. ie. 0613)

 

 
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GWRRA Member Benefit Discounts!
Save  20%

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Available sizes are Medium Thru 3xl.

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Item #3107000A-Regular Price $15 


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