Greetings! 

 

Happy New Year everyone and welcome to 2015! From everyone at the Home Office and my family, we wish you a very happy, healthy and prosperous upcoming year. We hope that all your dreams, goals and resolutions come to fruition. GWRRA is very excited about the upcoming year and is planning on a FUN year with all the events being planned. Along with all the Chapter, District and Regional events coming this year, your calendar for FUN and time with your GWRRA Family and Friend should be full! Make sure you make the commitment to stay involved or if you have not...get involved with GWRRA...FOR THE FUN OF IT!!

As a reminder, please remember to register for GWRRA's upcoming events, namely the Forty to Phoenix ride in April, 2015, then the Reno Rendezvous, 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.

As you know, I receive many newsletters from your Chapters, Districts and Regions and it so heartwarming when I read how charitable GWRRA Members are. But, the December issues were especially full of all the charity events that you participated in during the holiday season. The Home Office also, again, adopted a family in the Phoenix area. Thank you to all our Members who give so much from their hearts and many resources and thanks to Melissa Eason and all the folks at the Home Office.

Our gratitude for this month's articles to our Deputy Directors, Anita & JR Alkire, Bill & Dea Ann Gray, and Dan & Rachel Sanderovich, respectively. GWRRA welcomes our first Chapter in Italy...Welcome Italy-A and thanks to Dan & Rachel for making this happen! We thank Gene Hanselman for his wonderful stories and Tom Hendricks for his terrific jokes and humor. There is an Officer story from Willie Jefferies & Sandy Holloron, our Montana Assistant District and Chapter Co-Directors, about their "Movin' On Up." Then, we have the final part of the travel story from Keith Lindsay about his trip to the Reno Air Races. And, we have another program announcement from Tommy & Gayle Wilson, from the Member Enhancement Program about another Couple of the Year. There is a special invitation from our District Director in Germany, Jurgen, who wants you to join him at a very special event there. Check out the international invitation on the left side column. We have another Member Travelogue from Scott Finnell about touring the Blue Ridge. Don't forget to check out the coupon item this month at the bottom of the page. And finally, there is continued discussion to "Darksiders" feedback that appeared in Wingin' It a few months ago.

I want to take this opportunity to bring you up to date on the status and future of the Wingin' It. Last month I told you that the first e-newsletter was published May, 2009. You can read all the previous versions at http://gwrra.org/enewsletters.html. Not to get too technical, but the Wingin' It is published on a website called constant contact.com. Over the years we have had some difficulties with the format, plus we are having some issues getting enough articles, stories, etc. to keep the newsletter going. So, we are putting the Wingin' It on a hiatus for a while until we can look at a redesign, format, etc. and decide the best way to communicate with you.

We thank all of our contributors, Officers, Members and staff at the Home Office who have made Wingin' It what it has become. We all hope you have enjoyed it and sincerely look forward to being with you again soon. Make sure you check out all the links on the sidebar for all our events, websites and benefits. It has been my pleasure to serve you and I am sure I will see you all down the road at one of our events.

Ride safe and remember, always, "Friends for FUN, Safety and Knowledge!"

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
Advice for the Month
Joke of the Month
Wing Ding 37
Inspirational Quotes
GWRRA & Facebook
International Invitation
Dementia?
GWRRA Poll
Rescue Plus Reminder
More Humor
WING WORLD magazine
I Believe...
President's Article
Western Deputy Director Article
Free Download
Central Deputy Director Article
Overseas Deputy Director Article
Officers' Story
Program Announcement
Member Travel Story
Another Member Story
Another Member Travelogue
Member Feedback
Featured Member Benefit
GWRRA Discount Coupon
Join Our Mailing List
ADVICE
FOR THE
  MONTH  

 

 

THIS WAS FOUND IN THE BILLFOLD OF COACH PAUL BEAR BRYANT OF THE UNIVERSITY of ALABAMA AFTER HE DIED IN 1982.)


The Magic Bank Account


Imagine that you had won the following *PRIZE* in a contest:

Each morning your bank would deposit $86,400 in your private account for your use.

 

However, this prize has rules:

The set of rules:

 

1. Everything that you didn't spend during each day would be taken away from you.

2. You may not simply transfer money into some other account.
3. You may only spend it.

4. Each morning upon awakening, the bank opens your account with another $86,400 for that day. 

5. The bank can end the game without warning; at any time it can say, "Game Over!"   It can close the account and you will not receive a new one.

 

What would you personally do?

 

You would buy anything and everything you wanted right? Not only for yourself, but for all the people you love and care for. Even for people you don't know, because you couldn't possibly spend it all on yourself, right?

You would try to spend every penny, and use it all, because you knew it would be replenished in the morning, right?

 

ACTUALLY, This GAME is REAL ...
Shocked ? YES!

 

Each of us is already a winner of this *PRIZE*. We just can't seem to see it.

The PRIZE is *TIME*

 

1. Each morning we awaken to receive 86,400 seconds as a gift of life.
2. And when we go to sleep at night, any remaining time is NOT credited to us.

3. What we haven't used up that day is forever lost.

4. Yesterday is forever gone.

5. Each morning the account is refilled, but the bank can dissolve your account at any time WITHOUT WARNING...

 

SO, what will YOU do with your 86,400 seconds?

Those seconds are worth so much more than the same amount in dollars.

Think about it and remember to enjoy every second of your life, because time
races by so much quicker than you think.

So take care of yourself, be happy, love deeply and enjoy life!

Here's wishing you a wonderful and beautiful day.  

Start "spending!"

 

   Sent in by  

Tom Hendricks, TX-U
JOKE
OF THE
  MONTH  

 

 WOMENS' SEMINAR

 

The women were asked, "How many of you love your husband?"

 

 All the women raised their hands.

 

Then they were asked, "When was the last time you told your husband you loved him?"

 

Some women answered today, a few yesterday, and some couldn't remember. 

 

The women were then told to take out their cell phones and text their husband: "I love you, sweetheart."

 

The women were then told to exchange phones with another person, and to read aloud the text message they received in response.

 

Here are some of the husband replies:

 

1. Who the hell is this? 

2. Hey, mother of my children, are you sick or what? 

3. Yeah, and I love you too. What's up?? 

4. What now? Did you wreck the car again? 

5. I don't understand what you mean? 

6. What on earth did you do now? 

7. ?!? 

8. Don't beat around the bush, just tell me how much you need? 

9. Am I dreaming? 

10. If you don't tell me who this message is actually for, someone will die. 

11. I thought we agreed you wouldn't drink during the day. 

12. Your mother is coming to stay with us, isn't she?


   Sent in by  
Tom Hendricks, TX-U
WING DING 37
Make sure you check out all the latest details for Wing Ding 37, Rocket City Road Trip, to Huntsville, Alabama here!
GWRRA has not been back to Huntsville since 1998, when we had 12,617 folks attend Wing Ding XX there.
 

Inspirational

Quotes

 

 "Friends are relatives you make for yourself."   

 

-Eustache Deschamps             

          

"Give me a stock clerk with a goal and I'll give you a man who will make history. Give me a man with no goals and I'll give you a stock clerk."

-J.C. Penny


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International Invitation
District of Germany
Noble warriors, maidens, beggars and jugglers, squires as well as knights and horsemen of the Golden Wings!
Hear ye- Hear ye!

Penetrated by the burning desire to
meet you noble lords and fine ladies as
well as the countless Gold Wing communities from our country and all the other brotherships from far and nearby countries, we - the Members of the Brotherhood of the German Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA) - hereby announce that -
from 20th to 23rd August, year of our Lord 2015 - we stay at Burg Satzvey Castle in Mechernich-Satzvey for three days following each other and at every day we are ready
and willing to welcome knights and squires, from which ever country, and nobles and lovely wenches
of every nation who are willing to take part in a special kind of gathering determined to have fun together with food and drink during an International Gold Wing Spectaculum.

To all domestic and foreign knights, noblemen and noblewomen, who are inclined to consider our invitation, we direct the request in any case not to lapse into the misbelief that this calling arises from arrogance, anger or other malicious motives, because we do it only in order to participate in your honorable company to celebrate GWRRA's 35th anniversary together, what we wish with all our hearts.

All noble guests who want to get a picture of the castle, follow this magic link ( here).
Those esteemed guests and travelers from near and distant land who are literate use these magic links:
English flyer (here) and French flyer ( here).

More information soon at  www.Goldwing-Spectaculum.eu.

 

DEMENTIA:
Submitted by:
Tom Hendricks

TX-U

 

Perks of reaching 50 or being over 60 and heading towards 70!

 

1. You no longer think of speed limits as a challenge.
2. You quit trying to hold your stomach in no matter who walks into the room.

3. You sing along with elevator music.

4. Your eyes won't get much worse.

5. Your investment in health insurance is finally beginning to pay off.

6. Your joints are more accurate meteorologists than the National Weather Service.

7. Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can't remember them either.

8. Your supply of brain cells is finally down to manageable size.

9. You can't remember who sent you this list.

10. And you notice these are all in Big Print for your convenience.

 

Forward this to everyone you can remember right now!

 

GWRRA POLL
What device do you most often use to access the internet?

  • Desktop computer...44%-(67)
  • Laptop/Notebook...36%-(55)
  • Tablet...8%-(12)
  • Smartphone...11%-(17)

  

Total votes: 151        


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!
More Humor

 

JACK - IS THIS YOU?


 A retired man who volunteers to entertain patients in nursing homes and hospitals went to one local hospital in Brooklyn and took his portable keyboard along. He told some jokes and sang some funny songs at patients' bedsides.

 

When he finished he said, in farewell, "I hope you get better."

 

One elderly gentleman replied, "I hope you get better, too."

 

Submitted by:
Tom Hendricks, TX-U

 

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.
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I Believe...

 I Believe....

That heroes are the people who do what has to be done, regardless of the consequences. 
 
 

 

President's Article
submitted by: 
Abel Gallardo 
President, GWRRA 
.

With a new year upon us, I firstly want to thank each and every one of you for being a part of making this such a great Association. And because of that we feel the need to constantly look for ways to improve, as well as look for new items to make sure your experience in GWRRA is made better all the time.

 

One item that we have been reviewing lately was the monthly e-newsletter, Wingin' It. We've enjoyed putting it together each and every month for you and hope you have enjoyed it as much as we have. We take a lot of pride in making sure the stories and information being sent will be of benefit and enjoyment to all who read it. Which is why the time has come to take a step back and begin the process of making it even better. So for the next few months, we will be holding off on producing the Wingin' It newsletter in order to work on the items we feel we can improve on. We are excited for the changes and hope that you will be too.

 

To a great New Year!

 

Western Deputy Director Article
submitted by:
Anita and JR Alkire
and Denali, Deputy Dawg

GWRRA Deputy Director
-Western US  

 

Colors and Membership Enhancement
Written by: Mike Hottinger

CO-L Assistant Membership Enhancement

 

Recently, I went on a "Color Ride" with a bunch of GWRRA friends and on the way back home I started thinking. Yep, that's right, I was thinking. I never ride solo and on Sunday, without my lovely Rhonda, there was plenty of time to contemplate things that just came to mind. I began to compare the clusters of Aspen trees to the GWRRA Chapters and the brilliant colors in these clusters to that of Chapter Members. You might be wondering, "Where is he going with this?" Well let's see where my mind wanders.

 

In general terms, people refer to visiting the mountains this time of the year as "going to see the colors." When you spend a moment looking at the mountainside you notice how many shades there are mixed together. This is like our membership, varied levels of participation, skills and levels. Without these shades it is not as beautiful or attractive to the people looking. Think of it as this is how we appear to prospective, new, inactive or even active Members. Every Chapter has Members at different stages of participation or skills. In these stages we find people of different shades of OOOO's and AAAHHH's.

 

What attracts people to membership? It is being around people that make them feel comfortable and welcome; a warm fuzzy is what l like to call it. We need these new Members to ensure the strength and endurance of our Chapters. Once a Member, we need to enhance each other and make our colors bright. We need our bright golden yellows, the brilliant oranges and changing greens, as it takes the entire spectrum to grow and enhance others. Use your bursts of brilliant color to make each day special for someone and then they will be driven to come back for more, maybe even a little anxious for the next opportunity to be together and share their colors.

 

Now that we are all being brilliant, are we working as a family to help the others look brilliant too? Let me refer back to the clusters of trees I mentioned in the beginning. Did you know the Aspen tree shares a root system with the others around them? You can say that each cluster is a family. The clusters are all different sizes with different intensities of different colors within them. It is our responsibility to enhance our family and Chapter, prospective Members and community. But it is essential that it goes so much further.

 

We need to be there for the other Chapters, also. By supporting the other Chapters we help their colors explode and then you and your own Chapter will cultivate new shades as well. I personally feel this in my life. I look forward to going everywhere we can and meeting others as we grow and mature in GWRRA and feel a little down when we are unable to make it to things we would like to attend. There are always certain people that can be relied on to be present at gatherings, rides, and fundraisers. With the efforts of these people, new friendships are made and new shades of colors added. A healthy group of Chapters makes for a healthy District and a group of healthy Districts make a healthy Region and so on.

 

To close, I would like to say, "Thank you to all the different people Rhonda and I have met through our time with GWRRA. Everyone is their own tree, with a unique color that has enhanced Rhonda and me in their own special and unique way. This provides us with a broader exposure to the GWRRA world enhancing our membership for the years to come. Share your brilliant colors today."

 

Share the passion and hug someone!


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

 

GWRRA IS NOT FUN ANYMORE!

 

WHAT??

Did I just say that? No, of course not, but I heard it from a Member recently. My first question was WHY? (I was really thinking: "Do you not enjoy riding anymore? Have you met your quota of friends?") My next question: "WHY DID YOU JOIN GWRRA?" This caught them off guard and their answer was "friends asked us to join!" They added that this began a journey of some of the most memorable times in their lives. Scrapbook after scrapbook of memories! "What changed?" I asked. "GWRRA is asking too much of its Members and taking the fun out." I explained "GWRRA is asking the same thing today as it did when you joined. We just want you to have fun with friends and ride safe! You certainly have the option to volunteer and get as involved as you want or just be a JAM!" YOU are in control of your fun, not GWRRA." Before long we were all smiles and everything seemed OK after that.

 

What is GWRRA?? It is you, me and all Members from around the world. Some with titles, most without, but first and foremost, we are all MEMBERS of the largest single marquee motorcycle organization in the world (I love saying that!) Our Officers, and I'm speaking of Chapter Directors, District Directors, Region Directors and so on, have the responsibility of helping to provide opportunities for everyone to enjoy GWRRA and be a safer rider. We all ride what everyone knows as the ultimate luxury touring motorcycle (I love saying that too!) Let's enjoy it every chance we get, be safe and share your experiences with others!    


Overseas Deputy Director Article
submitted by:
Dan & Rachel Sanderovich
GWRRA Deputy Directors-Overseas
 

First visit to Chapter ITALY-A.

 

Italy, the country shaped like the boot on the Mediterranean coast, over the years included only a few Members of GWRRA. Therefore, we were very happy when I was approached at the end of 2013 by one of Italian Members asking my assistance in opening a Chapter in Italy. The new Chapter formally registered in September, 2013 and included 17 Charter Members. Alessandro Boveri immediately demonstrated his performance capabilities. During the first year, by following the Facebook page , I could not help but be impressed by the amazing social activities of the young Chapter. Also, there was an impressive increase in a number of new Members recruited by Alessandro to GWRRA. It was unusual in Overseas Chapters, and we awarded Alessandro with the Hall of Fame pin.

   

After 12 months from the Chapter opening, Rachel and I decided to get to know personally the Members of the Chapter that included almost 100 Members and also finally to meet Alessandro.

 

By the last week of November 2014, we flew from Israel to Milan, Italy. After a few days of a romantic Tuscany trip, we arrived at the first meeting with Alessandro in the beautiful coastal town of Lerici. In Piazza GARIBALDI, near the shore, we had lunch with Alessandro and few Chapter Members. The fish restaurant, La Mano di Fatima, run by chef and owner ATTRICI NICOLLA, is a Member of GWRRA. The fish meal prepared by Nicola especially for us, we will never forget.

 

At dinner near the hotel, we were happy to meet his vigorous wife and Chapter Director- MARIAROSA. The main event  for which we flew to Italy, took place on Sunday, November 30 in a large and unique hall. It was an early Christmas dinner organized by Alessandro and his wife, Mariarosa, for 120 diners, most of them Members of the GWRRA. When we got to place, half an hour after the time, most of the revelers were already seated around tables. Despite the different language, we immediately felt at home. Italian Chapter Members are warm people, very friendly and they all proudly wear huge logos of GWRRA on their clothing.

 

Besides the multi-dinner dishes efficiency served and with Christmas spirit, Mariarosa and Alessandro gave each Member a personal gift made by Mariarosa herself. A personal gift courtesy of the Israeli Chapter also was given to the Italian Members.

 

Cheerful background music as well as karaoke singers were part of the celebration. Before we left we gave the Chapter Directors a special Certificate of Appreciation signed by the President and by the Director of GWRRA.

 

Rachel and I wish to thank all GWRRA Italian Members and Chapter Directors for their charming hospitality. If you are planning a visit to northern Italy, Italian Chapter Members and Chapter Director, will be happy to meet you.

 

 
Officers' Story
Submitted by:
Sandy Holloron  
Willie Jefferies 
Chapter MT-M Chapter Co-Directors
Montana District Co-Assistant Directors

Movin' On Up!

 

Well, we just couldn't say "no" this time, so here we are as the Assistant District Directors and looking forward to helping Chuck and Betty move the Montana District ahead. Yes, we are still the Missoula Chapter Directors and plan to hold on to that for a couple of more years to help get our Assistant Directors ready, so they can, "Move On Up".

 

So did we imagine either of these positions when we started riding in 1999 and called on the ad in the paper for people to join other Gold Wing riders in forming a new Chapter? No, we just wanted to have other people to ride with and make some new friends. Wow! That just seems like yesterday. So, where did we go "right"? You say that should say "where did we go wrong," but let me put it to you this way...

 

In every group there are the ones that lead and those that just want to follow the flow. Me, I just don't want to sit and do nothing, so I need to be involved somehow and help get things accomplished. (Sandy is the same way and that is why I love her.)

Read More...

   

Program Announcement:

submitted by: Tommy & Gayle Wilson

Asst. Directors MEP - Couple of the Year

Boones Mill, VA

Region N Membership Enhancement Coordinators

2013-2014 International Couple of the Year


Couple of the Year Program

 

For those of you whom we haven't met yet, we are Tommy & Gayle Wilson and we're so proud to be your Assistant Directors Membership Enhancement Program - Couple of the Year. We live in Boones Mill, Virginia which is just south of Roanoke and we were the 2013-2014 International Couple of the Year. We met so many people during our year and had so much fun that when we were given the opportunity to take on this position, we grabbed it! We are working to enhance the program and you'll be hearing more about that at a later date. For now, we have already begun planning for the International Couple of the Year selection at next year's Wing Ding 37 in Huntsville, Alabama. We have made contact with all the new Region Couples and they are excited about participating in the selection process. Did you know that since the International Couple of the Year Program began in 1988, there have been 266 couples who have participated in the selection at Wing Ding? Being selected as a Region Couple is quite an honor and they now belong to a unique family within GWRRA. In order to give you an opportunity to get to know each of the Region Couples we have asked that each of them submit a short biography of themselves and their time in GWRRA. One couple will be highlighted each month. If you have any questions concerning the Couple of the Year Program, the International Couple of the Year or the International Couple of the Year Selection at Wing Ding don't hesitate to send us an email or give us a phone call. Our contact information is on the MEP - Couple of the Year page on the GWRRA web site. We look forward to hearing from you!

 


 

REGION B-Couple of the Year

We are Denny and Kathy Brillhart, your new Region B Couple of the Year. We are honored and proud to represent Region B and look forward to a great year!

Denny graduated from Dover Area High School in 1970. He joined the Air National Guard in 1972, stationed in Middletown, PA. He worked in the Ground Support Equipment and Quality Assurance office. He retired as a Master Sergeant (E-7) in 2009 after serving 37 years. He worked 35 of those years as a Civil Servant (full time) with the Air National Guard. Some of his many deployments (too many to list all of them) include: Germany, Korea, Italy, Okinawa, Puerto Rico, Key West, and several to the Persian Gulf area. 

Kathy graduated from Central York High School in 1971. She has worked for many years in finance doing different areas of payroll. After Kathy and Denny got married, Kathy also enlisted in the Air National Guard and served about 16 years in the Military Payroll office. She is currently employed by the Commonwealth of PA in the Injury Leave Processing office. Kathy also works part time at Colony Park Bowling Center where she assists with the youth bowling program and helps to coach the junior bowlers. 

Denny and Kathy married in 1983 and have been married 30 years. Denny has a son and twin daughters from a previous marriage. And Kathy has a son from a previous marriage. Together they have a total of 7 grandchildren. Since joining in 1997, Denny and Kathy have been very active in the Gold Wing Road Riders Association. They are Members of Chapter PA-V (Black Rose Wings) in Hanover, PA. They were Chapter Couple of the Year in 2004, 2005 and again in 2013; Assistant Chapter Directors 2007-2009; and Chapter Directors 2010-2012. Kathy has been the Chapter Newsletter editor since 2004. Denny is the Assistant Web Master for the Chapter. Denny and Kathy are both Level IV riders and qualified University Trainers. 

Denny and Kathy were selected as the Pennsylvania District Couple of the Year in September 2013. They were selected as the Region B Couple of the Year at the NY/NJ Convention in August 2014.

 

Denny and Kathy Brillhart

Region B Couple of the Year


Member Travel Story
submitted by:
Keith Lindsay
 

My ride to the Reno Air Races (Final part

 

Day Eleven

I started out at 0630 and remained on Route 66 toward Seligman. This segment of the road is the longest remaining stretch of Route 66. It is about 87 miles long. I returned to Interstate 40 at Seligman and drove to Williams, Arizona. Williams is the last town to be bypassed by Interstate 40 since 1984. There are plenty of shops and restaurants with Route 66 themes and merchandise. Williams is also the gateway to the Grand Canyon. I continued eastbound on Interstate 40 passing Flagstaff, the meteor crater near Winslow, the painted desert and petrified forest near Holbrook, crossing into New Mexico near Lupton. Temperatures stayed around 75 degrees the entire day. Interstate 40 had its share of construction zones, but not as many as Interstate 80 had. I reached Albuquerque in mid afternoon. It didn't rain during the day but the forecast was for rain. The KOA management gave me a vacant cabin because of the rain forecast. I was thankful. The total miles for the day was 509 miles. Fuel mileage was 45 mpg for the day.

 

Day Twelve

Overcast day with light rain. Started out at 0645. Most of the traffic was coming into the city. Outbound traffic (East) was minimal. The weather steadily improved during the day. The temperature was 60 degrees most of the way across New Mexico and 70 degrees across the Texas Panhandle. By the time I reached Oklahoma it was in the 90s. There were a lot of Route 66 museums scattered along the Interstate in all three states. I also noticed the gas prices were decreasing as I traveled eastward; the lowest was $3.09. I was 4450 miles into the trip by now with only about a 1000 to go. I would be in Memphis tomorrow night; I was getting anxious to get home. I reached Oklahoma City KOA in mid afternoon. I liked this campground a lot. Total miles for the day was 536 miles.

Read More...

Another Member Story:
submitted by:
Gene A Hanselman
Member #135067, Chapter OH-D3
 
"Choice vs. Chance"

Every one has a Choice and a Chance as to what motorcycle they ride. When I was young I rode
the cheapest and most practical bike I could get. I had to purchase from individuals I knew or items I heard or read about in sale ads, newspapers or posted in shops. I was buying on a Chance. A Chance the bike wasn't already sold, a Chance the bike wasn't a piece of crap, a Chance I could barter to purchase it a little cheaper and of course a Chance I might not like the bike after purchase.

Our Choices are much different; we know what brand, model, color and accessories we want. We go from dealer to dealer to get the best price and quality of service before we purchase. Sometimes we purchase used machines, but we still make a Choice as to the owner and condition of the bike. I was not awarded such an opportunity until I was in my 20s, but my choices were still questionable.

I wanted to buy a new road bike for touring to replace my BSA. We had a dealer near Marysville that sold Norton, Atlas, Motto-Guzzi and Ducati, I thought a Motto-Guzzi would be a great bike for me to purchase. I made the deal, put a good size down payment on it and the bike was ordered. That was in March, by the end of June I was still riding my Beezer and no date had yet been set for my Guzzi to arrive. The dealer did have 5 new Norton's on hand, 3 still in crates and one was a new edition named a Commando.

Read More...

Another Member Travelogue

submitted by:
Scott Finnell

Georgetown, Texas 

 

Touring the Blue Ridge in the Fall


 

I made my first cross-country motorcycle trip in 1979 on a GL1000. I rode from Waco, Texas through Yellowstone National Park and Vancouver, BC to Tacoma, Washington for my best friend's wedding. Since then, I've ridden several 100,000 miles to some of the most beautiful spots in the country. One of my favorites is the Blue Ridge Parkway.


 

This October my wife Judy (on her 2008 Gold Wing trike) and I (on my 2012 Gold Wing) set out on a fall ride. We left Georgetown with the goal of great riding in the mountains. We allowed plenty of time so we could avoid super long days, Interstate Highways and bad weather, as much as possible. 300-350 miles a day was a target but we had a couple of 450-mile days. Our plan was to camp in state parks if the weather was nice and cheap hotels if it got too cold or wet.


 

Our route took us first to Natchez, Mississippi.   In Natchez we picked up the Natchez Trace Parkway and rode it almost to Nashville, Tennessee.  The parkway is a great ride of about 440 miles. There are limited commercial vehicles, light traffic and a speed limit of 50 mph. I really like this parkway but I recommend it be ridden on the way to the Blue Ridge and not afterwards. The fall colors of the Blue Ridge make the evergreens of the Natchez Trace seem dull. They aren't, but my advice is you'll enjoy it more if you ride it first.


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MEMBER FEEDBACK
Here is an update on Bill McIlrath's latest feedback article, 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.


>Do these folks using car tires use as a rim? ~Bob
>Bob sent in a question concerning the rim.  GL1800 Darksiders use the factory rims and fit car tires to them.  There are differences in the design of motorcycle & car tires/rims.  The short story is the bead on a car tire is more rounded where it seats against the rim.  The results of one study of most/all of the differences in designs and construction of car vs. motorcycle tires can be found here:  http://www.goldwingfacts.com/forums/10-reference-faq-forum/400426-design-differences-between-car-motorcycle-rim-tire.html .  Be ready for about an hour or more to digest all of this information.  That said, the number of miles 1800 owners have safely run with car tires on their rides is in the millions.  I hope this answers your question. ~Bill 

>What is the Ideal size for a rear Gold Wing tire? ~George 
>Hi George, 

    Thank you for your question, "What is the Ideal size for a rear goldwing tire?".  "Ideal" is a difficult term to quantify.  First, all of my experience and knowledge pertain to the GL1800.  If you have a different model I cannot help.  Most 1800 Darksiders run 195/55-16 tires on the rear.  While I have read of a few that run a size larger, and some claim it makes their speedometers very accurate, it is my understanding that there are few tires made in that size.  We are using the Michelin Alpin PA3 "run flat" on our Wing.  To fit this size tire into the rear of the bike it is necessary to deflate the tire then re-inflate it after the lug nuts are installed and torqued.  Is this size "ideal"?  We are happy with it! ~Bill 

    

 

Member Benefits of the Month

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


 

 

  •   Rescue Towing and Emergency Roadside Assistance- As a paid Member of GWRRA, you receive FREE 24- hour/7-days-a-week towing up to 35 miles per disablement and roadside assistance for your motorcycle or any motorcycle you are riding, including as a passenger. If you have a Family membership, your registered household family members are covered too.

 

  • Rescue Plus - An optional upgrade that, for the special price of $35 per year, includes all the benefits of Rescue Towing and Roadside Assistance, PLUS covers the towing of any non-commercial vehicle (under one ton, including cars, trucks, and motorcycle trailers) AND increases covered towing from 35 to 100 miles (per disablement). (With the purchase of a GWRRA Family membership, the Rescue Plus upgrade applies to all registered household family members.) Visit www.towbusters.com 

 

 

  •   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 


GWRRA Member Benefit Discounts!
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