GWTA 1 April 2009 Touring News GWTA 2 April 2009 Touring News Touring News April 2009 Volume XXIII, No.4 Advertisers (USPS-011-789) On the Cover: Add-On...... 19 Pictured is Russell McPeak of AIM...... 32 GWTA WA-E with his 2003 Americade...... 15 ARAI Helmets...... 7 Candy Red Gold Wing. The Big Bike Parts...... 21 Twin Harbors Beach State Cartier...... 9 Park is in Westport, WA just Champion Sidecars...... 40 off the Cranberry Coast Scenic Chrome Crazy...... 14 Highway. Chrome World...... 25 Everett Powersports...... 23 Jason Industries / ION Trailer...... 33 Lawrenceville Honda...... 13 Leesure Lite...... 17 Departments Markel American Insurance Company...... 5, 17 Chairman of the Board...... 4 RAM Mounting Systems...... 2 Education & Retention...... 20 Neosho...... 25 Powerlet...... 33 Executive Director...... 17 RoadRUNNER...... 33 Executive Director Secretary...... 33 ThEngraver...... 4 Family of the Year...... 21 Helping Hands...... 23 Rider Education...... 6 GWTA Resource Center

In Every Issue Classified Ads...... 16 Chapter Listings...... 26-29 Gold Rush XXII Registration...... 24 Cross-Eyed Crossroads...... 32 GWTA Business Members...... 15 Honda Tech...... 22-23 GWTA Membership Application...... 16 Rides & Rallies Across the Regions...... 30-31 Welcome New Members...... 4 Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm GWTA National Office Features P.O. Box 42403 Along the Road...... 18 Indianapolis, IN 46242 My Early Years Chapter 3...... 9 800-960-4982 Region A Feature...... 34-36 (317)243-6822 [email protected] [email protected] www.GWTA.org

Contributions and photos... are welcomed but not guaranteed to be published, whether solicited or Send articles, photos & changes to: unsolicited. All articles must be typewritten and e-mailed or provided Touring News Magazine, 2415 Director’s Row Suite K on disk with program specified. Contributions become the property of Indianapolis, IN 46241 GWTA and will not be returned to source. Reprints authorized when Email: [email protected] full credit is given. All articles subject to revision without notice and may be edited for content and language. GWTA, Editor and Publisher Canadian Members: Beginning April 1, 2009 an additional payment alike are not responsible for validity of content of the advertising copy of $40 USD is required annually in order to receive Touring News in the magazine. Photos used in the magazine cannot be returned. The Magazine. This additional fee exclusively covers the extra postage magazine is printed in the United States of America. required to mail Touring News to Canada. Touring News is published monthly for Gold Wing Touring Association (GWTA) in the United States of America. The known office of publica- tion is GWTA, 2415 Director’s Row, Suite K, Indianapolis, IN 46241. $39 of the annual membership dues go toward a one-year subscription to GWTA’s Touring News Magazine; however, the subscription cannot be deducted from dues. Postmaster: Send address changes to: GWTA, P.O. Box 42403, Indianapolis, IN 46242-0403. Periodicals Postage Paid in Indianapolis, Indiana and at additional mailing offices. GWTA 3 April 2009 Touring News I hope everyone is preparing for Spring. Even in California we Coming Soon: Elections for the board members for Region A, look forward to the change. If your motorcycle has been parked C, E, and J are coming up this year. We are looking for a few good for awhile, make sure you spend the necessary time to make sure dedicated members to serve! it is road worthy - we don’t need any accidents! As you read your As the new season begins, make sure you welcome members both Regional articles you know plans for Gold Rush are well in hand. old and new to your activities. Start the season with a SMILE and the Joanne and I look forward to our annual reunion with members, energy for positive growth and friendship. Joanne and I celebrated friends, and the annual board meeting. The board meeting is 51 years of marriage on 2-15-09. What a great trip through life. I scheduled for 8:30 AM on the Sunday before Gold Rush opens hope this message finds all is well in your home. to allow for more attendance of members and to give the Board Take Care, Members an opportunity to share the results of the meeting during Ed Davis GR instead of after the fact. If you have any business that pertains GWTA COB to the Board Meeting please contact your board representative.

State City Last Name First Name State City Last Name First Name CA Corning Flavin Jerry & JoAnn NE North Platte Mentzer Steve & Kathy CA Yuba City Francis Joseph & Jenny NE Omaha Sapikoski Kevin & Sally CA Corning Kinkade Duane NE Blair Claywell Mike & Kathy CA Corning Holden Don & Pamela NE Papillion Conrath Jenny IA Earling Gaul Larry & Maxine NE Papillion Riley Jim IA Guthrie Center Klever Robert & Judy OH Bellefontaine Kennedy Karl IN Logansport Wolford Doyne & Barbara-Jo ON Penetang Lloyd Ken & Pat KS Kansas City Hogan Michael ON Brampton Wilcox Gavin & Jo-Anne KS Leavenworth Oatney Dick ON North Bay Fischer Normen & Rae Ann KS Leavenworth Nessmith Frank ON Ajax Yeo Wayne & Carolyn KS Wichita Highland Alan & Sherry OR Grants Pass Vickonoff Jim KS Topeka Gast Robert & Sally SD Sioux Falls Bonine Alan & Carol KY Radcliff Casper Joseph & Su TX Red Oak Adkins Benjamin MO St. Louis Moss Noel TX Rusk Miller Stephen MO Nixa Hall Dale WA Tukwila Riess Chuck & Cindy MO Springfield Ward Ray & Kay WA Lake Stevens Rogers Lynn

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Dan Christiansen Senior Software Developer GWTA 5 April 2009 Touring News MARKEL AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY

08-502MKL_Ice Cream GWTA Touring Feb AD.indd 1 12/18/08 4:48:44 PM we offer assistance to make various motorcycle maneuvers easier and less challenging for less experienced riders. All of our Safety people are volunteers and receive nothing but your thanks for their efforts. We devote our time and effort in hopes that it will be easier for you to meet those various State and Military requirements while, at the same time, enjoying each ride with the confidence that your group members are also safety conscious. GWTA does not tell you how to ride but we do try to give safety tips to make every ride even more enjoyable than the last. There are no absolutes and as we get older our reflexes slow down so the main thing is to always be alert. You don’t know what’s waiting Rider Education Levels attained since March 2009 Touring for you around that next corner or curve so attempt to be prepared News: for anything. Gold Rush is coming soon and we will be offering several short Level I: Eric Bravo, Region B, CA, Chapter NZ; Norma Icawat, seminars on various topics so check those schedules. Gold Rush is Region B, CA, Chapter NZ; Jim Griffith, Region B, CA, Chapter a busy time with lots of activities going on at the same time so you NZ; Luis Reyes, Region B, CA, Chapter NZ; Nichole Reyes, Region want to plan ahead. Don’t forget to also plan for those short visits B, CA, Chapter NZ; Lance Abbott, Region H, CT, Chapter M; Heidi with friends that you’re only able to socialize with annually. There Buatti, Region H, CT, Chapter M; Jeffrey J. Jasulavic, Region H, are also many things to see and places to visit in the surrounding CT, Chapter M; Salvatore P. Sutera, Region H, CT, Chapter M. area. If you have time, plan your trip so you have the opportunity to Level II: Lance Abbott, Region H, CT, Chapter M; Heidi Buatti, visit all those neat places on the way to and from Lexington. Region H, CT, Chapter M; Jeffrey J. Jasulavic, Region H, CT, Most of all make sure that both you and your bike are ready for Chapter M; Salvatore P. Sutera, Region H, CT, Chapter M. the trip. We look forward to seeing everyone at Gold Rush and Level III: Lance Abbott, Region H, CT, Chapter M; Heidi Buatti, remember that someone is going to become the proud winner of a Region H, CT, Chapter M; Jeffrey J. Jasulavic, Region H, CT, brand new motorcycle or $10,000, but you can’t win if you don’t Chapter M; John Muise, Region H, CT, Chapter M. have tickets. Level IV: Lance Abbott, Region H, CT, Chapter M; Heidi Buatti, Don and Judy Coons, GWTA National RED Region H, CT, Chapter M; Jeffrey J. Jasulavic, Region H, CT, Chapter M; John Muise, Region H, CT, Chapter M. A special thanks to all those above who supported the GWTA Safety program this period and to those Rider Ed Directors who made the training possible. Winter is gone in most regions and we’re able to get those beautiful bikes back on the road. Seems like it’s been a long cold spell and you may want to be a little extra careful when you first get back in the saddle. I recently received a letter from a member saying that it would be beneficial to the membership if the GWTA Safety program could offer a training course that is acceptable by all states and Military bases and I must agree. While our concern is for a safe and enjoyable ride for every member it would be a monumental task to come up with a universal training program that would meet all of those requirements. Different States and Military bases have their own ideas of what should and should not be included in their requirements. We welcome the suggestions so please keep sending them. They’re great food for thought. This is our club and we want to devote our efforts to our members. At this time our efforts are to ensure that our members have a safe and enjoyable ride for a minimal cost. We want to see each and every member at the various events year after year after year. In some cases our training program is just a reminder for seasoned riders Don’t forget to wear your safety shirts on to continue to think safety and in other cases Wednesday during Gold Rush - Safety Day!! GWTA 6 April 2009 Touring News HOW MANY OF THESE WILL IT TAKE TO CONVINCE YOU THERE REALLY IS A DIFFERENCE?

Arai has earned all 10 awards in 10 years. No other brand has even one. That ought to get you thinking. Randy Blue shown on Corsair-V

Some people will tell you there’s not much difference And their answer’s been the same all 10 years: Arai these days between helmet brands. We know several is ranked number one. (Even mass hypnosis couldn’t thousand riders who’ll probably disagree with that. convince that many riders for that many years.) Because in the J.D. Power & Associates studies of So maybe Arai really does build helmets that really are motorcycle-helmet customer satisfaction, the voting’s that different. done by thousands of real riders who actually wear Maybe it’s time to make up your own mind? Go to helmets. All brands. www.araiamericas.com.

Visit www.araiamericas.com, or for a copy of Arai’s new 32-page color catalog plus an Arai sticker pak, please send $4.00 in cash or stamps ($5.00 U.S. Currency if outside the U.S.) to Arai Americas, Inc., Dept. AD09JP, P.O. Box 9435, Daytona, FL 32120. Specifi cations subject to change without notice. ©2009 Arai Helmets. Arai is the Offi cial Helmet Sponsor of WomenRidersNow.com. The Offi cial Helmet of the Daytona 200.

*Arai received the highest numerical score among helmet brands in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 1999-2008 U.S. Motorcycle Helmet Satisfaction StudiesSM. The 2008 Motorcycle Helmet Satisfaction Study is based on responses from 5,386 purchasers of new 2007 model year motorcycles who provided information about their most recent helmet purchase experience and helmet use. GWTA 7 April 2009 Touring News Meet our Celebrities call the bluegrass home. Giacomo had the second largest pay-off Louisville has the in Kentucky Derby history and resides at Adena Springs. The first race, but Lexington has two year-old champion to win the Derby since 1979, Street Sense the reason. Around 80 stands stud at Darley-at-Jonabell. percent of Derby winners Old Friends is the only Thoroughbred rescue/retirement facility are bred, born, trained, to accept stallions. Rescued horses include Seabiscuit celebrity officially registered, Popcorn Deelites, Hall of Fame Champion Precisionist, Grade 1 bought and sold, retired stakes winners Ruhlmann, Ogygian and Special Ring. Tours are a n d b u r i e d i n t h e free, but donations are accepted. Bluegrass. Giacomo, The Kentucky Derby is not just about the race. Generating almost Smarty Jones, Street Sense, Fusaichi Pegasus and Big Brown are a as big of a buzz as the horses themselves are the hats worn at the few of the Derby winners that call the Bluegrass home. Derby. In fact, there There are three ways to tour Lexington’s finest horse farms: daily are hat contests van tours, tours with a private guide or by making an appointment and even parties with a horse farm. Blue Grass Tours, D.W. Guided Tours, Horse that center on the Farm Tours, Inc, Suburban Woman’s Club Monthly Horse Farm hat. Although they Tours, Thoroughbred Heritage Tours, and Unique Horse Farm Tours have been a part each offer different tours, so it is best to check with each of them. of the Derby since For a list of private guides and more information call the Lexington it began in 1875, Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-845-3959. the styles of hats The five horse farms visitors can tour on their own with prior have not changed reservations are: Three Chimneys Farm, Ashford Stud, Normandy much. From the Farm, Taylor Made Farm, and Old Friends. If there is a Derby extravagant to the winner you are wanting to see, it is possible but be sure to call first simple, Derby hats are adorned with everything from feathers as you must have permission to visit: to flowers. Perhaps the only tradition is to have them custom or handmade! Smarty Jones (2004), Three Chimneys in Lexington (859) 255- For creative inspiration, there are two shops in Lexington 1913; known for their Derby hats: Polly Singer Couture Hats and Veils Fusaichi Pegasus (2000) and Thunder Gulch (1995), at Ashford and Fabulous Hats. Polly Singer has been designing hats since Stud near Versailles (859-873-7088); she got a hairbrush stuck in Grindstone (1996), Overbrook Farm in Lexington (open to breeders her hair and had to wear a hat only); to work one day! Her designs Big Brown (2008) stands stud at Three Chimneys (859-873- have been featured in USA 7053); Today, People and The Travel Alysheba (1987) Hall of Champions at Kentucky Horse Park (859- Channel Online. Anne Sawyer 233-4303); is the official hat designer for Funny Cide (2003) the Kentucky Derby Festival. Hall of Champions at Her designs can be found in Kentucky Horse Park her shop, Fabulous Hats, at the (859-233-4303) Marriott Griffin Gate. Don’t miss the 22nd Annual Even though you Gold Rush in Lexington next cannot see them, July 13-16! To start planning G i a c o m o ( 2 0 0 5 your trip, call 800-845-3959 Derby winner) and for a free Visitor’s Planning Street Sense (2007 Guide or take a trip to www. Derby winner) also visitlex.com. GWTA 8 April 2009 Touring News My Early Years on Two Wheels by Milton Clair Grimes Chapter 3 Chapter 3 It is 23 miles from Chambers to O’Neill and Olie believed in speed It was 1948 and I was once again in the Bluegrass yard. We had a laws. You have to understand that the temperature was in the 90s row of gunnysacks hanging on uprights so that they could be stuffed and it was too tempting to get a ride on a motorcycle where you with Bluegrass. Our job was to turn the windrows over again and could get dried off. Of course, only theaters had air conditioning again until the grass dried out, and then stuff it into the gunnysacks. at that time. We had broomsticks stuck into soup cans full of hardened cement We went through O’Neill and headed the last ½ mile north to to tamp the grass down. When a sack was full, we tied it off and that 30mph curve. Olie wrapped the throttle up and we really did go put another sack on the rack, poking the heads of the nails through through that curve at 75mph. Made a believer out of me, that’s for the weave to hold the sack up. It was hot, it was dusty, and it paid sure. Later, when I had time to think about it, I realized how dumb 50 cents an hour. Pretty good for a teenager. Weekends we loafed, that stunt was. Anyway, years later I moved that curve to where it played Monopoly, or sat on the bench at the gas station. The fall was south of town, and wrote a poem about that ride. was approaching and I would soon be off to college. Here it is: Olie had a new Indian motorcycle and he was so proud of it THE CURVE SOUTH OF TOWN that you sort of hated to see him come by on it. It was black, it I learned about trust on the curve south of town, about life, was new, it was shiny, and it would move. On a hot summer day, about courage and pride, when you’ve nothing to do but watch that was reason enough to beg Olie for a ride on it. Olie was a asphalt melt down, then you’d sell your soul for a ride. It was confirmed bachelor, a genius with small engines that he made a up in the sand hills one hot summer time, with no breeze and living repairing, and the general impression of the population was no cloud in the sky, and the sum of our wealth totaled a dime, that he was given short-shrift in the brains department. Until he got when Olie came cruising by. We said, “Olie, how ‘bout it? This his hands on your lawn mower, that is. He put a big windshield on heat we decry! With a ride on your mo-chine we’d thrive! We’ll that Indian, made a pair of black leather saddle bags with fringes for contribute our wealth, if you’ll just apply that much effort to it, and put a tiny black leather saddle bag on the windshield brace to keep us alive!” Olie shut down his mo-chine and sized us all up. hold his gloves. God, it WAS beautiful! I was watching the traffic He said, “I don’t believe all that jive. But I’ll give a ride free to kick up dust on the gravel road one Saturday afternoon when he each one of you pups, through the curve south at seventy-five.” stopped to put gas in the Indian. We got to talking, and he claimed We were stunned, we were speechless, our urge did subside, as we he had taken the square corner just outside of O’Neill on the way thought of that curve and its’ hive, and we swallowed hard, thinking to Atkinson at 75 mph. I ‘lowed as how he might be overstating the it pure suicide, to take it at seventy-five. speed a smidgen. Olie swore it was gospel truth. That was a square Now, I don’t recall standing, but I still clearly see his big grin as corner with a posted speed sign of 30mph and I doubted that the he beckoned my way. That old Indian roared when he kicked it with ‘motorsuckle’ would hold the road at that speed. He pointed at the glee, and we sped down that asphalt highway. Now that curve – it saddle and told me to get on. He was going to prove to me that he was posted with a “not-to-exceed”, and I prayed that we both would had done exactly that. survive, for the sign said that 30 was the pace to proceed, but we Are you familiar with the phrase, “That’s when two fools met”? slammed through at seventy-five. Well, he was a fool for bragging, and I was a fool for going along I won’t soon forget how the footrests were dragged through that with it, but when you’re a teenager you think you’re bullet-proof. curve on that hot summer drive, for I saw real trust, by that old scalawag, in his mo-chine at seventy-five.

Chapter Two, in the February 2009 issue, should have had a picture of the 1939 Cushman in it, but I forgot to include it. Here it is with a first cousin, Ralph Adams sitting on it. Ralph died at age 62 having received only one Social Security check before he died. Cancer doesn’t let you pick your time to go.

GWTA 9 April 2009 Touring News WOW… it’s April and once again our weather has been wild organization going. It takes a lot to keep it going and YOU need for the beginning of 2009. From flooding to late snow falls we’re to help, it is your organization. Give us a call or drop us a line and finally on the way to what will be some great riding here in the Great we will get tickets out to you immediately. Remember, the chapter Northwest and we’re going to enjoy every minute of it this year. in Region A that sells the most raffle tickets will get a Pizza Party This will be a short article as Region “A” is featured this month. for its members. WA-Chapter G has won this twice now and it sure Have you made your reservations yet for Lexington, KY? If you would be nice to see a chapter on the West side of the Mountains or haven’t you better get on the ball because the rooms are going fast in Oregon win. Sell, sell, sell those tickets… or close to being gone. Lexington is excited that we are coming Last minute stuff… back and are helping to make plans for us to be there. Even if you’re Region A will have a Rally. Final plans are being made and we still undecided at this time make those reservations and if it doesn’t will get the information out to all of you as soon as completed. work out then you can always cancel them. Region “A” website has gone through some changes, so make 2009 raffle tickets are here… do you have yours??? Have you sure it check it out… www.gwtaregiona.org gotten any from your Chapter, State, or Regional Director to sell Check out the Region “A” feature articles and remember to keep to all your family and friends? Remember, all it takes is for every your Ducks in a Row. Until the next time… MEMBER to buy 10 tickets. Yep, that’s 10 tickets! Then we JR & Lindy wouldn’t have to keep pleading for your assistance to help keep the

April Fools or Spring Fever? You pick. This year we’ve got the National for the monthly Region count. We started in January by spring fever to really ride. Ralphie had several medical procedures turning in 600 tickets, so let’s keep the energy going! done earlier in the year and was unable to ride her bike for a few Two of our favorite rides are coming up: Region B’s Northern months so she’s really got the fever bad! Luckily, to help her get California Spring Fling will be here next month in Mariposa, CA warmed up, NorCal Chapter V is having their Shriner’s Run April in the beautiful area surrounding Yosemite National Park and our 19th in Sacramento. Then there’s NorCal Chapter O’s Fallen Rider National Rally in Lexington, KY is in July. Have you submitted which attracts hundreds of bikers on April 25th in Redding. So Cal your registration to attend both yet? You’d be surprised how time Chapter J is offering their annual Watermelon Run on April 5th in flies by so quickly and before you know it; these two events will Yucca Valley, CA and Chapter I’s fun Mystery Ride is slated for be upon us. All big events/activities require much preparation April 19th in Montclair, CA. We apologize to some of our states if and work. A big thank you in advance to all those of you who are we missed advertising your Chapter’s events/activities as we did working, planning and supporting to make these events a huge not receive word of them at the time of this posting, but be sure to success! Definitely lots of fun will be had! check out the state and national websites as changes can always be expected there. Steve & Ralphine Andrus Our members of Region B are continuing to work ever so hard Region B Directors to sell national tickets this year. In spite of the economy being hit extremely hard throughout all the states, it’s nice to know that you can still have a chance to win a new Gold Wing, a new Harley Davidson or $10,000 with just a buck. Region B’s goal is to have every single member purchase at least one book of 10 tickets. That’s cheaper than the cost of two mochas! With the assistance of all Chapter Directors and their continuing to get the word out, we’re sure we can reach our goal in no time at all. Remember that you can assist us greatly by turning in your money and ticket stubs as quickly as possible each month so that we may, in turn, get them to GWTA 10 April 2009 Touring News First let me start off by saying what an honor it is for Kandie bike with me since he was about five and he never stops amazing and I to serve as your Region C Directors. Kandie and I have been me in his readiness to put on a five to six hundred mile day and members of GWTA since 1996. We initially joined because we still ask for more. had just purchased a 1980 Gold Wing Standard and wanted to ride Shoe Shine Boy has with people who shared the same obsession for Gold Wings as we been my riding partner for do. It took us a couple of years before we figured out that GWTA about 6 years now and has is more than Gold Wings. We have both made some sensational also gotten very involved friends and have learned that the bike is secondary for many of us. with you, the members of This club was founded because of friends that share a passion for GWTA. Zach will still be riding motorcycles. We, GWTA, have always tried to uphold family riding with me for many values and friendship over all other things. years to come and he is Kandie and I wanted to take on the challenge of being your Region as excited about GWTA C Directors for one reason and one reason only, and that is to serve as I am. you the members to the best of our abilities. We have seen the need Riding season is just for leadership within our group that is not self serving. Kandie and getting underway again and I are both here to try and represent our members and not ourselves. I know many of our chapters have made their schedules for their I would be lying to you if I told you there were no rewards to be dinner rides and fun runs. Have you invited other riders to join had; instead I believe the rewards to serving GWTA to be many. I you on your chapter events? What we have in GWTA is something have always loved the opportunity to be involved and to help others other clubs try to achieve but have trouble maintaining. I truly achieve their goals. I also love the opportunity to ride with friends enjoy time spent with the people in my chapter, in my state and in and to share experiences. my region. I encourage all of our chapters to visit our Region C Region C has always been a very vital part of GWTA and I Website http://gwta-c.com/GWTARegionCForum/ and participate. know this will continue. Region C members have always been Post your experiences and share your events. We all love to get the very giving and ready to step forward to do any job that may come chance to ride and it is great when we know when we get there we up. Region C represents Mid-West values and we are, for the most have someone to enjoy a meal with or to talk with. If your chapter part no nonsense people. That does not mean we do not like to have is having fun, then why not invite a new friend to come and enjoy fun, as a matter of fact if there is fun to be had Region C GWTA is the trip with you. usually leading the pact. GWTA brings me joy, a sense of belonging Our Region C Rally is coming up very shortly in Chippewa Falls, to something bigger than myself. GWTA allows me the opportunity Wisconsin. If you have never driven the roads of Wisconsin you are to get outside of my own little world and to become a part of some missing some fantastic riding. The Wisconsin State Directors, Sherri one else’s world. and Jeryl Vonderheid, have been busy getting all the details worked Kandie and I have been married for 36 years. We have raised out on this annual get together and I know that they are anxious 5 kids and they have given us 10 grand kids with one more on the to see you and to share some Wisconsin GWTA hospitality. If you way. Kandie is not able to ride with me as much as either one of would like to join us in Wisconsin you can find more information us would like any more because of health reasons, but my oldest on the Region C website. grandson, Zach, has become a veteran on the bike riding as many miles as school and baseball games will allow him. I think many Region C Directors, of you already know him as Shoe Shine Boy. Zach has been on the Rick and Kandie Hinrichs

Wanted: Region D Director Contact Bruce Keenon at (260) 358-0851 or [email protected] GWTA 11 April 2009 Touring News It’s now the time of year when even the most reserved of our ranks authorities. Two of the riders were very sick. One was hospitalized is looking seriously at getting out and doing some riding. Riding with pneumonia after getting home. alone is great and has its advantages. Riding with others also offers I might mention Charlotte was the only female along. There was many advantages. What makes a ride a particularly good one? no doubt that everybody on the trip had a great time. What made it Charlotte and I had an experience a couple of years ago that great was the attitude of the people on the trip. The adversity was really brings home the point. We had planned a ride with mostly taken in stride and something good always came of it. I don’t recall strangers into central Mexico. Much has been said of the ride and hearing a single complaint the whole time we were on the trip. The the adventure we enjoyed. This is not another ride report but rather rider that had pneumonia had taken all our photos and stored them what made the ride particularly good. on his computer. He later made a CD and sent a copy to each of us. We met in Presidio, Texas. The riders came from a very wide area. We made memories, had a great time, and made new friends. They had ridden there the day after Christmas so many had extreme How many times do we get with others and have someone in the temperatures and less than ideal roads. One rider turned in an out of group seem to be on a mission to ruin it for everyone with ongoing date registration form on his motorcycle at the border. The Mexican complaints? Everyone has the ability to come up with something officials would not allow him to enter Mexico. His comment was that they would have preferred went differently. In the final analysis that he had a good ride there and would now have a good ride is it really that important? Does vocalizing ones annoyance with home. Nine bikes made it past the red tape and into Mexico. In the things beyond your control help anything? It sure makes the trip mountains we encountered one of the worst snowstorms the area less fun for everyone that has to listen to it. had seen in many years. We rode 50 miles that day on ice. All but Our Mexican trip was great. That wasn’t because everything one of the bikes fell at least once. Several fell many times. Most went as planned. Actually, there was almost nothing about it that suffered damage. The consensus was that we had a rare experience went as planned. The trip was great because we were in it together and no one was injured so all was good. and everyone saw it as an adventure. It was the attitude of the We arrived in Creel to find that the secure parking reserved for participants that made the trip one that we will never forget. our bikes was up a fairly steep hill for some distance. In 14 inches I have often suggested that planning a trip with others involves of snow it was felt to be an impossibility to get the bikes to the a great deal of preparation, planning and getting to know the people area reserved for them. We changed our reservation to another you will be traveling with. Individual preferences as to stops, food, motel. The bikes were secure and we were fine. It was decided and motel accommodations can make a trip with someone else a that we couldn’t ride to Copper Canyon in the snow. A rental van disaster. Planning this trip broke every rule I have ever proposed and driver were secured that assured us they would get us there. for planning a group ride. The trip was planned on the Internet We picked up some chicken to eat on the way and everyone was with some of us never having met the others. There was virtually in good spirits. We spent a lot of time pushing the van rather than no discussion of individual preferences. There was a Concours, riding in it as we tried to negotiate a single lane dirt road on the side a KLR, V-stroms, and a couple of Goldwings. The riders were of a mountain in deep snow. Everyone remained in good spirits and college professors, engineers, day laborers, and retired folks. The worked together. Ultimately, we wound up walking a few miles ages ranged from mid twenties to late sixties. One was a female. down the mountain. That’s about as diverse a group as you can get. We all had in Finally arriving in Batopilas we found that the city had been common a love of riding. In all fairness, the group was made up without electricity for two days due to the snowstorm. All of experienced long distance riders so it did have that advantage. restaurants in the area were closed, as was the motel where we were The thing that made it work was entirely attitude. Everyone was to stay. Another motel said they had kerosene lamps and could pleasant and willing to take on the next challenge. accommodate us if we didn’t mind having no electricity. That The point is we can make our trips great with a good positive sounded a lot better than sleeping outside. We found a small store attitude. That attitude will overcome a lot of mishaps and make and purchased some canned goods, soda, chips, etc. We took the most any day on the ride a good one. items back to the motel and shared the food under a coal oil lamp. The sharing of experiences made for a fabulous time. Enjoy yourselves out there and: The next day we toured the area after having breakfast on the Keep the dirty side down. back porch of one of the residents there. Not even our driver spoke English and none of us spoke much Spanish, so that added something to the trip. We made it back to Creel only to learn that there was more snow headed our way. We opted to head home a day ahead of schedule to escape more bad weather. At the border one of the bikes was hit by an automobile and delayed somewhat by the GWTA 12 April 2009 Touring News We have special guest writers this month: John & Marilla Jager, our We hope to see you in Rockville (or sooner)! Indiana State Directors: John & Marilla Jager, Indiana State Directors Welcome Spring!! We want to wish everyone a Happy Easter. We may be getting a lot of rain but just remember all that rain brings Next month we’ll hear from the Michigan State Directors… those beautiful flowers. You do not want to “fool” around with the safety of your loved From the Desk of the Region F Rider Education Director... one. Do not be a “fool”… make sure you do your Safety checks Here are some words of wisdom from FRED…That’s shorthand before heading out for an enjoyable ride. for (Region) F Rider Education Director. FRED is also known as Talk about enjoyable rides… we had some great rides last year “Cowboy” Paul Garrison. He has been busy gathering information at the Indiana State Rally in Rockville. We are looking forward to to help us all stay safe when out on the roadways. going back for more fun at the Covered Bridge Capital of the World. Join us for some new adventures, beautiful bridges, and an enjoyable Howdy All, time with our GWTA friends. Mark your calendar for August 14th, This month is a good time to get a check list together before the 15th and 16th. Contact John & Marilla for more information at (260) riding season starts for real. Here are a few things that you might 635-1236 or email [email protected]. want to put on your list. Region F patches are available. They are $5 per patch. The A. Tire wear, front & rear Region adopted the logo on the patch last year (the tree with the B. Electrical system: buttons and knobs, etc. apples). Contact Jim & Kris Rogers or the Region F website for C. Fluid levels: radiator, brake master cylinders, battery, etc. more information. D. Make sure your windshield is free of scratches, it may be time Keep selling those bike tickets. Let us try to make this our best to replace it. selling year ever. Indiana is giving Michigan a run for their money. E. Check your FIRST AID KITS! / During the 2009 riding season Keep up the great work!! Sell these tickets to your neighbors, your I’ll be asking some of you when you least expect it, how up-to-date friends and the community. Look at the great prizes that could be your first aid kits are. yours! So if any of you plan on riding your Gold Wings before the riding Gold Rush XXII is just 3 months away (July 13-16). Lexington, season starts getting busy, please make sure the roads are “DRY”, KY here we come! So many fun things to do like dirty bingo, 50/50, “CLEAR”, and “WEAR PROPER GEAR!” vendors, horse racing, scenic rides, you name it. Hopefully, you Ride Safe & Have Fun, have already sent in your registration, if you haven’t, be sure to get Cowboy & Susan Garrison / Region F. R. E. D. it in as soon as possible.

GWTA 13 April 2009 Touring News Welcome to Spring! The riding season is finally here and annual Connecticut Chapter V www.gwtachapterv.homestead.com ride schedules are being finalized. Bike tickets are going fast so let’s all get out there a make some friends and help support GWTA! Region H chapters Connecticut Chapter “M” www.gwtachapterm.homestead.com Maine Chapter A Sunshineriders.org

April Rides Region H Rally August 28 – 30 2009 Shelburne, New Hampshire 25: Gregg’s Restaurant, North Kingstown, RI at the Town & Country Motor Inn. $88 per night for( GWTA rally people) For reservations call 1-800-325-4386. Registration form May Rides: should be out before you receive this issue we are working on the 1: “Ride 4 Justin Tip a Fireman Fundraiser El Sombrero, meal sites and cost. Southington, CT 2: Westfield Fire Dept Chicken BBQ Yours in Friendship, 3: Ride 4 Justin, Southington, CT Phil & Sue Rueger 24: Westfield Memorial Day Parade 25: Middletown Memorial Day Parade 27: Rock Cats Benefit Baseball Game

Visit Canada in April for spring bargains and warming weather. • Umbrella April is a great time to get a travel bargain in Canada. Many • Comfortable closed-toe shoes and boots if you’re going to hotels, airlines and tour companies offer savings in spring. By be outside of the city. April, spring’s heels are firmly dug in in Vancouver and the west • A range of clothing, including t-shirts, sweaters, light pants, coast. Nevertheless, the ski season in Whistler is still going heavy slacks. Dressing in layers is a good idea. strong. Elsewhere in the country, the chill of winter is disappearing but weather can be unpredictable – be prepared for a variety of weather. April perks: • Loads of travel deals and discounts on popular tourist activities. • Warmer weather opens up the possibility of more outdoor activity. April cons: • Snow melting and spring showers mean wet, muddy conditions. • Weather is unpredictable, which is why dressing in layers is so advisable. What to wear: What you pack depends on where you are going in Canada. That said, useful items to packe for most Canadian destinations in April are: • A winter coat for everywhere except for Vancouver or Victoria is a safe bet. • Warm, water-resistant outer wear GWTA 14 April 2009 Touring News Rebuttal to Mr. Kleewein’s ‘Flag Etiquette’ article in the January As a Vietnam Veteran of two tours, I earned a Bronze Star, Two 2009 Touring News. Army Commendation Medals, and a Combat Infantryman’s badge before I turned 19. This along with my 30 plus years as a Chicago I am the guilty party he talks about in his article and I take his Police Officer I have come to have a deep respect for our flag and piece of writing as a SECOND personal attack. Things did not what it stands for. I fly one every day in front of my home. I also transpire quite the way Mr. Kleewein says. There is another side feel everyone deserves more respect than Mr. Kleewein afforded to the incident. me, a total stranger. I had put together my flag rack at home while on the bike’s center In the future, Mr. Kleewein should use a little more discretion and stand. After getting to the region rally and setting it up, I noticed a whole lot more caution when he approaches strangers. Besides, you that when the bike was on the side stand one of the flag’s corners can get much better results with honey than you do with vinegar. just touched the ground. A far cry from the way he makes it sound. Also, since he wasn’t there when I put the flags on the bike. I can’t Burt Wagner imagine how he saw me “drag them on the ground.” Back to the Chicago, IL rack, since I was at the rally and not at home, there wasn’t much I could do about fixing the problem. A ‘Veteran’ — whether active duty, discharged, retired, or reserve – When Mr. Kleewein approached me he immediately began to is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made belittle and demean me. He became so verbally insulting and profane payable to ‘The United States of America,’ for an amount of ‘up to I had to get on my bike and ride to the other side of the parking lot. and including his life.’ He has no idea how close the confrontation came to blows.

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Hayden Honda For a free 4 min. DVD, www.haydenhonda.com [email protected] Markel American Insurance Co. 518-798-7888 www.tourexpo.com www.markelinsuresfun.com GWTA 15 April 2009 Touring News For Sale – Our bike is now a trike! 1994 rearend wheel almost new tire less than 2,000 miles$500 obo. White saddle bags $200 obo. Crash bars $100. Triple Tree with one bearing $100 obo. Fender – best offer. Call Marilyn at 760-244-7801.

For Sale – 10 ft. Carson trailer with a 4 inch dual drop axle. It has a pack-n-iron kit specifically set to hall an 1800. Trailer has been on the road 100 miles. Asking $1900. Contact Jim Miles at 760- 253-9185 or [email protected]. California.

For Sale – 1996 Kwikcamp, blue canvas, always garaged, excellent condition. Asking $2500 or best offer. Please contact Joe Wolfe at 425-277-6915. Renton, WA.

For Sale – 1996 Honda with a 1999 Motor Trike conversion and trailer (blue). Compu battery and alternator, LED lights all around, armrest with cupholder and driver seatback, airhorn, onboard compressor, airshocks, ring of fire Tulsa windshield, CB headgear hookup, full and half cover and more. Contact Per Fjugstad at 360- 497-2167 for more info. Randle, WA. Do you have anything (motor- cycle or camping related) that you would like to sell? Have you been looking for something? Let us know and we’ll run your ad for FREE as a GWTA member. GWTA Membership Application ___ NEW ___RENEWAL: Mem # ______Memberships: 1 Year 2 Years 3 Years Lifetime Mail completed form to: Individual $45 $90 $120 $750 GWTA Membership Services Family $55 $110 $150 $900 P.O. Box 42403 *Lifetime may be paid in three yearly installlments of $250 individual or $300 family. Indianapolis, IN 46242-0403 Rates effective 9/1/2008. Toll Free: 1-800-960-4982 Last ______First ______Ph: 317-243-6822 Last ______First ______Fax: 317-243-6833 Last ______First ______Email: [email protected] Last ______First ______For the Blue Line (toll-free help service), the services I can provide Last ______First ______are as follows: Last ______First ______A - Bike/Trailer Pickup Mailing Address______B - Phone Calls City ______State/Province ______Zip/Postal ______C - Tent Space Home Ph. ______Work Ph. ______D - Lodging Email ______E - Tools Membership dues: $ ______for ______years. ___I/we cannot offer services for I would also like to make a donation of $ _____ to Helping Hands. the Blue Line. Total $ ______(Please make checks payable to GWTA) Please assign me to chapter ____ The following information must be filled out if paying by credit card: in the state/province of ______. VISA/MC/AMEX ______Recruiting credit to______Exp. Date ______CVV2 (3 or 4 digit code on back) ______Membership # ______Billing Address ______Billing Zip ______Note: $39 of annual membership dues in- Authorized Signature ______cludes a one-year subscription to GWTA’s PLEASE NOTE: All funds must be payable in U.S. Funds only. Touring News magazine. Your subscrip- DO NOT SEND CASH. tion cannot be deducted from dues. GWTA 16 April 2009 Touring News EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Bruce & Linda Keenon P.O. Box 348, Huntington, IN 46750 (260) 358-0851 Fax (260) 356-3392 [email protected] you will get nowhere else. At our chapter levels we are very protective, loving, and have fun with our GWTA chapter The Last Ride family. When someone threatens that, as a chapter, we become very defensive - as we should. This is our family of Life is a journey with many roads to take. With the loss friends. So the next time a new person rides with you, make of my mother in July, right after Gold Rush, and now my them part of your family. Enjoy their camaraderie and make father in March it leaves me to look at the many memories of new memories together. For those of you who are leaving my family. With that thought, it reminds me of our GWTA our GWTA family for any reason – stop, take a deep breath family. We have many members come and go on the rides and and remember the many memories that GWTA is providing. experiences of GWTA. Through the years we have lost many I promise you, you will miss those memories. Enjoy your dear friends to death. However, have you ever wondered friends. Don’t make this your last ride! As I have recently why members leave? Did they not enjoy the friendship learned, life is short but memories are forever. and love that we all shared? What a wonderful feeling it is riding the curvy roads with fellow family members, sharing God Bless & Ride Safe memories of our times together and making new memories along the way. The laughter, the surroundings and just being The Keenons together make it a wonderful experience. In this month’s Cross Eyed Crossroads article, Jerry Weltner wrote about riding with various people. I would ride with any member or prospective member and enjoy the camaraderie and memories we would share. I often have Heck Yes, We Ride. fellow workers and non-motorcycling friends ask me why I Not many insurance companies am a part of the motorcycling community. They have no clue what being part of a family this large is like. You truly have can honestly say that. to experience it by losing a loved one or having a hardship in your life and then you really find out what being part of this family means. We welcome the many new chapters and members who are joining us each month! Your local GWTA chapter of friends can provide you a family experience and memories

Lees-ure Lite Popup Tent Trailers Now selling motorcycle accessories & hitches! Sleep anywhere, in comfort! Set up in 6 seconds - optional add a room - screen room - rear storage - awnings air conditioning kit and more! Markel shares your passion for the open road, and has focused solely on powersports insurance for over 35 years. For an instant quote, talk to one of us at For information or a brochure call free 1‑866‑936‑1880 or visit GWTAinsurance.com 1-800-660-0933 Shipping all over America www.tent-trailer.com The endorsed insurance carrier of the GWTA [email protected] Call for nearest distributor GWTA 17 April 2009 Touring News You all probably know the old saying “April showers bring May find myself in this kind of a place it makes me enjoy the bike even flowers” don’t you? That’s a good thing, but the word shower is not more. It wasn’t too long ago that I stood in the door of my garage, a favorite word in the avid motorcyclist vocabulary. Oh, I know, we cranking up my snow blower, looking at the Wing and questioning all have to live with that time of the year but we do so grudgingly. the wisdom of that purchase. It’s when I’m getting down the road I decided this month that since I have done plenty of pieces of art in just a place like this that I no longer question myself as to why that depicted a bad storming sky and even some pretty heavy rain I bought that Wing. I know exactly why. When you find yourself showers that I needed to do something that makes you want to go out on the road this year enjoying just such a place remember to out on the bike and enjoy a nice ride. I think the month of April slow down, look around and enjoy the ride. takes a few hits that it doesn’t really deserve. There are thirty days I hope you readers of my little articles are taking something away in April and, although I don’t have any real scientific information from them. Don’t live life too fast. Take time to enjoy it. Make for you, I’m betting that most of those days are sunny and mild. that motorcycle be your tool to an enjoyable life. Let it become a When it’s raining it just seems like it goes on for days and when way for you to enjoy God’s creations. Look around you, they’re the weather is great it seems to go way too fast. everywhere. You don’t have to go across country; sometimes all This little piece of artwork is out here in the mid-west. Montana you have to do is go around the block. is not the only place with “big sky.” I really like these kinds of Hey, when you have that perfect ride on that beautiful day and places. By that I mean the wide-open spaces. This piece of artwork it strikes you as to what I have been talking about in these little could be of any number of places out here in this part of the country. articles send me an e-mail, let me know. It makes me feel like I’ve I’ll let you decide where. It just seems so much bigger and wide done somebody some good. open when you’re on the bike. You can almost feel the room Just remember the bike is a tool. You have to slow down and around you. That just doesn’t happen in a four-wheeler. When I look around to really enjoy the ride......

GWTA 18 April 2009 Touring News TAKE PRIDE IN YOUR RIDE . . . Quality Parts and Accessories for your 1975 to 2009 Wing Jeri Bussell Joe Housley Karen Housley Jack Woods A special Thank You for all of the cards NEW TRIPLE EXHAUST FOR & flowers received for John Freeman. GL1800 & GL1500 ~Marvin Freeman

NEW GL1800 TIMING CHAIN COVER

NEW GL1500 LED LICENSE FILLER ACCENT

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For a free catalog, free gift and the name of your nearest dealer Call 1-800-821-9861 Web www.addonaccessories.net Email [email protected] GWTA 19 April 2009 Touring News actually a lot of fun. We stayed there for three years, and every year, we met more fantastic people in the organization. Every year, our circle of friends got just a little bit broader. We tried out some new things. Some ideas worked. Some bombed. But we learned from all of it! After having so much fun for three years, our next challenge was Regional Director. Now this time, we only had that role for six months, after which we became the National Education and Retention Directors. This new position for us has also been so very rewarding. We now know GWTA folks from coast to coast, and we look forward to the national, regional, and state events because we We have a new President at the helm of the United States, and have friends we know we will be able to hook up and spend time it got us to thinking about taking on a new office, and the changes with, swapping stories, laughing, and just having a great time. that we’re sure President Obama would like to see occur. In these In our two decades with GWTA, only the first couple of years challenging financial times, he has a tough row to hoe, but he we did not hold some kind of position. For many years our willingly and actively pursued this opportunity to lead. How like responsibility at the chapter level was either 50-50, or membership, this is leadership in GWTA? or some other kind of role that the chapter directors asked us to help For one thing, we are all probably worried about the economic with. Once we made it to Chapter Director, then State, Regional conditions. We may be thinking that we won’t want to take that and now National Directors, we can tell you with total confidence, extra trip in case we get laid off our jobs. We may think that we it has made a huge difference in our lives. We wouldn’t trade a could save some money but not renewing our GWTA memberships. single moment. All of us, I’m sure, could use some reassurance about our future So – here’s one of the biggest best-kept secrets of GWTA. stability and financial health. Becoming an officer in GWTA can be Unlike President Obama, GWTA doesn’t much more rewarding than it is work. If have any plans to “bail out” anyone. We you have the opportunity to run for Chapter certainly don’t have a trillion dollars lying Director, then take it! Try some new things. around, after all. But what we do have Some may work (I’ll never forget the time is wonderful people in this association, Mike proposed that the chapter take the who willingly step up, provide ideas and motorcycles to the drive-inn movies – boy, suggestions, and volunteer their time to help was that a hoot!) Some may not work out make this association great. so well (let’s not even go there…) The point For most chapters, each January a new is, it’s an opportunity to make a difference director is elected. For many of these new in your chapter, your state, or even your officers, it can be a daunting thing to take on region. You may feel that you are not ready, new responsibilities. We remember when or not qualified – I know we did. But take we first stepped up to chapter director. Oh small steps – be active in your chapter for my gosh – we couldn’t possibly do as well a while, then chapter director, before taking as our predecessors, was our thought. And on bigger responsibilities. Consider being we were right! Our first year was a constant an assistant director in your state or region, battle to stay ahead of all the things we needed to do. Organizing to learn some of the ropes. rides, planning a fun run, getting next year’s meeting places lined The truth of the matter is, new officers, just like new chapter up, remembering just a little bit too late that we needed to devote a members, bring new ideas and fresh enthusiasm to the position. meeting to electing our Family of the Year, or sending in our annual It’s not that much work – at least it shouldn’t be. Always be sure chapter charter – or any of the other tasks that needed to be done. to get lots of help from other people. Have the person who was But we learned, and we remembered. The second year was so much in the position before you mentor you. Attend one of our training easier. And by the third year, we were seasoned pros! seminars to learn more about the organization. Call others and ask Looking back at that first year, one of our biggest problems was questions. that we didn’t know what we didn’t know. We took over at a time If you get the opportunity to become an officer, whether Chapter when our chapter had just split, and all of the previous officers were Director, State, Regional or other National officer, or you think you now in a different chapter. We just tried to muddle through things, might like to run for the Board of Directors, be sure to grab it – don’t when what we should have done is called them to ask questions, or let it pass you by! Let the person who is currently in that role know called the state director, or other chapter directors in our state. But of your interest. Ask questions and get more informed. Volunteer as I said, we didn’t know what we didn’t know. to help them. Or – as many of us have done – just jump into the Then we were asked to become State Directors. Oh… well…. pool. It will be well worth your time. okay – thinking that we could never possibly fill the shoes of our predecessors. Again we were right! But there was a difference. Until next time, The previous state directors sat down with us and talked through Carol and Mike Brush what we could expect. They were only a phone call away when we National Education and Retention Directors had questions. And we discovered that being state directors was

GWTA 20 April 2009 Touring News Wing into Spring with your GWTA Family By, Stacie Larson

What does GWTA mean to you? To me it means a lot more than just an association. It’s a whole second family. When I was born, I joined my biological family and my GWTA family. I wasn’t a part of any normal family, but a family who took me on my first sidecar ride when I was five months old. I took my first long sidecar ride when I was nine months old to Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1994 for my very first Gold Rush. Lots of people thought my parents were crazy for traveling around with my sister and I while we were so young, but we turned out okay. Having children never stopped my parents from having fun, and I’m glad it didn’t. I couldn’t be happier when I’m with my GWTA family. You don’t have to wait for an event on your chapter calendar to get together with people and have a good time. Get together for a potluck dinner and play some cards, or board games. If it’s warm enough, take a nice afternoon ride and stop somewhere for a picnic or something. You can get a group together and stay for a few days at a campground. Mention something at your next chapter meeting and get those reservations in early. When I think of GWTA, I think of all the good people I’ve met. There are so many amazing people out there that I can’t even begin to describe them. There are those who you can trust like your aunts and uncles. Then there are those who are like that crazy cousin who is always so crazy and cheerful. Then there are the ones who joke around with you like your siblings. Going to Gold Rush, the Michigan State rally, and the Michigan Winter Weekend are all just like big family reunions to me. You see people that you haven’t seen for a while, like someone from across the state. There are people who you see more often, like your chapter members at chapter meetings. There are the grandparents who give you big hugs every time you see them. There are also the distant relatives that you only see maybe twice a year. I just love my GWTA family! As April comes around, some of you may be ready to dust off the bike and go for that first ride of the New Year. Hurray for you! Sadly, some of us in the north may have to wait a little longer. A ride my family and I go on often for our first ride of the year is to a restaurant near Marshall Michigan called Turkeyville. Although it may only be twenty miles from our house, it could take anywhere from an hour to two and a half hours for us to get there. It really is a nice first-ride-of-the-season destination for us. With it still getting a bit chilly at night, Turkeyville is just far enough away so that we don’t have to ride in the dark on the way home. I hope all of you who are able to get your bikes out will take We Cover Everything. advantage of the warmer weather. Happy April, and ride safe! Integrated Tailored to fit the natural windsheild stance of your bike liner Compact Double-stitched storage 4-fold interlocking pouch seams Sewn High-quality hem & coated, UV bungee stabilized cord fabric

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a product of ® • 800-826-2411 • www.bigbikeparts.com GWTA 21 April 2009 Touring News HONDA TECH COLUMNIST function and ride according to Honda standards. Although stunning Randy Rundle and daring in its visuals, the Fury is great fun to ride, with a look, 415 Court Street feel and sound that place the rider squarely in the chopper domain. Clay Center, KS 67435 It’s a Honda and you can use it like any other Honda, yet it carries (785) 632-3450 attitude and looks to the extreme. Fax: (785) 632-6154 The most obvious attraction to the Fury centers on its raked-out [email protected] chopper styling: high-mount steering head that gives the frame a see-through, open-air look with plenty of breathing room between 2010 Fury Development Story the tank/upper frame and the front cylinder head; slim and long fuel A few months ago I gave you a preview of Honda’s newest motorcycle tank perched up high; ultra-low 26.7-inch seat height; big-time rake; creation the Honda Fury. Now I thought it would be fun to share fat 200-series rear tire paired with a slim 21-inch front wheel; a with you some of the technical details of this new motorcycle. condensed, hard-tail look to the rear end; and a stretched wheelbase. Being a fan of the And that long wheelbase is no illusion—the Fury stretches a full 71.2 chopper design…or inches between axles. Perhaps equally important is that a close-up not it is interesting inspection of the Fury reveals remarkably clean lines, a Spartan to note some of the return to basics plus superior attention to detail that together create innovations that the distinct impression of a full-on hand-built custom bike, but at a are a part of the mere fraction of the cost. New Honda Fury, For example, to maintain the remarkably uncluttered look the upper radiator between the front cylinder and the front downtube/radiator area, the hose in particular top radiator hose is hidden away beneath the front valve cover—a comes to mind. So patented idea that illustrates the extreme efforts expended on not that you have 2004 Honda Rune maintaining the airy look of the front end. Other examples are the seen and read the long, slim and voluptuous look of the fuel tank, which had to be press information, here is a little more of the technical details…. adjusted and modified repeatedly along with handlebar shape and

size to allow the appropriate amount of steering clearance when Welcome to the wild side of Honda, where a passion for riding the front wheel is turned from stop-to-stop. The design of each reigns supreme in the stunningly creative 2010 Fury. Here we have separate element shares cascading effects with other interrelated a machine packed with radical lines and a head-turning look, a parts, resulting in a fluidity of design. motorcycle destined to become a milestone machine. The Fury is the In similar fashion, the rear end of the bike had to look just right, yet offspring of people who get excited about creating new motorcycles, still function like a Honda. The Fury incorporates a visual balance enthusiasts who understand what it means to get really involved of positive and negative space between the airy front end and the with a machine. The Fury captures the pure, undiluted chopper more substantial engine and rear-end section; it may not be instantly essence, a genre of motorcycle that simply feels right, looks right apparent to some onlookers, but the design elements have been and sounds right when it’s done well, rather than a precise formula carefully integrated. The LED taillight that’s captured with a micrometer and was selected specifically because it calipers. does not affect the shape of the rear Choppers have been a part of the fender, which also lacks visible fender motorcycling scene for decades, but for stays—all for the purpose of giving the most part they’ve occupied a niche on the rear fender a simple, clean and the farthest edges of the sport. The first elegant shape. such machines were cobbled-up home- In addition, there’s no need to builts with a reputation for being crudely fret about what appears to be a rigid wrought and uncomfortable to ride. Since hard-tail rear end. Those sleek lines then choppers have evolved into rolling actually cloak an ingenious single- art, with true customs commanding a 2010 Honda Fury shock rear suspension system with very high price. That’s the beauty of an aluminum swingarm, adjustable the Fury. rebound damping and five-position Even though it looks like rolling art from the two-wheeled world, spring preload adjustment for exemplary riding comfort—definitely it is backed up with the same functionality, fit and finish, quality far and above the norm for a chopper-style motorcycle. Also, note and reliability built into every Honda. the remarkably clean lines given to the aluminum swingarm, and Tapping into an extensive legacy of experience in building the great efforts expendedon bestowing smooth lines upon the motorcycles of all types, Honda’s engineers devised a design and driveshaft on the left side. incorporated technological advantages to make the Fury handle, Up front, a stout 45mm fork handles suspension duties quite ably, GWTA 22 April 2009 Touring News and the distinctive alloy wheels have a single powerful 336mm- diameter front disc brake complemented by a 296mm brake disc in back. Fire up the engine and waves of muscular V-twin power, sound and feel—vital elements that constitute the soul of the Fury—flood the senses. There’s a fuel-injection system that’s new to Honda’s proven and muscular 1312cc liquid-cooled 52-degree V-twin with a single-pin crankshaft and dual balancers. A newly designed exhaust system and new camshafts also add to the creation of an engine that’s At the time this article is being written, we have received six eminently satisfying in the performance department as well as one donations for 2009. The total of all these donations adds up to less that delivers the more intangible aesthetic sound and power-pulse than the amount to cover two grants. While that may seem like a sensations Honda engineers wanted. Short version: it’s just plain complaint, it is not. We realize that in today’s economy it is more cool to ride and hear this baby rumble. difficult to donate large sums. Please keep in mind that we are With a full line of accessories available upon its release, the Fury grateful for even the smallest donation as when you add a bunch is also positioned for additional customizing by owners who want of small amounts together, we have funds for a grant. That’s what to add that personal touch. Helping Hands is all about. You have to appreciate some of the effort that went into designing Thank you to the following for your support: this bike. Hiding the upper radiator inside of the front valve cover Keystone Wings – Chapter P – Pennsylvania then going to all the work of getting the design patented shows some Victor Valley Wings – Chapter W - California of the dedication to this project. I think it is worth a trip down to Almaden Valley Wings – Chapter C – California your local dealer to see one in person. Southern Pride – Chapter P – Illinois Until Next Time….Ride Safe! Randy GWTA Region D – Funds from Dixie Doins Auction Riverbend Riders – Chapter B - Illinois

I’m stealing this idea from several of the regions. It’s an easy way to gather funds. Start a collection jar for your meetings. Any time someone’s cell phone rings during the meeting, they contribute to the jar (most regions use $5 per time but you decide what amount your chapter would be comfortable with). After an established period, send whatever funds you’ve collected to Helping Hands.

Happy trails – Di & Al Hennings Director, Helping Hands

GWTA 23 April 2009 Touring News Gold Rush XXII: July 13-16, 2009 , LexingtonLexington Convention CenterKY HOST HOTEL (Connected to Lexington Convention Center) - Lexington Downton Hotel (formerly Radisson) $89 per night - 369 West Vine Street, Lexington, KY 40507 - Phone: 877-539-1648 or 859-231-9000. Mention GWTA for rates. Red Roof Inn (4 miles from LCC)- $49.99 + tax per night - 1980 Haggard Ct., Lexington, KY 40505 Phone: 800-733-7663 or 859-293-2626. Must Mention Code B044GWTA for discounted rates. Ramada Inn - $79.99 per night plus tax - 2143 North Broadway, Lexington, KY 40505 - Phone 859-299-1261 La Quinta Inn (4.5 miles from LCC) - $77 per night - 1919 Stanton Way, Lexington, KY 40511 - Phone 800-531-5900 or 859-231-7551 Four Points Sheraton (4.5 miles from LCC) - $72 - $92 per night - 1938 Stanton Way, Lexington, KY 40511 - Phone 859-259-1311 Kentucky Horse Park Campground (8.4 miles from LCC) Must call 800-678-8813 ext. 257 and mention GWTA to receive rates. Sites are 55’ paved back-ins, 20/30/50 amp electric, water, picnic table, fire pit. $24.30 per night. Fort Boonseborough State Park Campground (25 miles from LCC) Call 859-527-3131 ext. 218 for rates and reservations.

Circle appropriate codes after name: A=Adult, C=Under 16, R=Rider, P=Passenger. Use name wanted on ID Name ( A C R P )______Name ( A C R P ) ______Name ( A C R P )______Name ( A C R P ) ______Address______City______State/Province_____ Zip/Postal______GWTA Chapter/St./Pr.______Membership #______Other Affiliation______E-mail______Will you use: Motel Campground Other Member Registration per person before 7/1/2009 $50 x = $ T-shirt Pre-order Non-Member Registration & Registration after 7/1/2009 $55 x = $ Qty Size Children under 16 free (not eligible for drawing) free x = $ GR SM Pre-order rally t-shirt $12 x = $ XXII MD Welome Dinner; Sunday, July 12th @ 6pm $12 x = $ LG Pre Old Kentucky Night at the Kentucky Horse Park $40 x = $ XL Order 2XL Tuesday, July 14th @ 6pm, includes meal, entrance to the park, entertainment & more! T-shirts 3XL Total $ 4XL 1-800-960-GWTA (4982) [email protected] www.gwta.org Visa/Mastercard/Amex #______Expiration Date______Billing Address______Billing Zip Code ______CVV2 Code______

Cardholder Signature______

Make checks and money orders, US funds, payable to: GWTA, P.O. Box 42403, Indianapolis, IN 46242 REFUNDS MUST BE RECEIVED IN WRITING BEFORE JULY 1, 2009. NO REFUNDS WILL BE ISSUED WITHOUT WRITTEN NOTICE. CONFIRMATION POSTCARDS WILL BE MAILED FOR ALL REGISTRATIONS RECEIVED AT THE OFFICE. IF YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED A CONFIRMATION POSTCARD CONTACT THE OFFICE BEFORE THE NEXT CUT OFF DATE!! PLEASE NOTE: CONFIRMATION EMAILS FROM ONLINE ORDERS ARE NOT SENT FROM THE OF- FICE AND DO NOT CONFIRM THAT YOUR REGISTRATION WAS RECEIVED & PROCESSED! GWTA 24 April 2009 Touring News Lower Gear or Brakes? (On Downhill or Turns) by James R. Davis

An interesting everyday kind of question But the question was really more about as they can only dissipate that heat at a was asked recently: brakes than about gearing. On a long modest rate. When brakes overheat they “If you have a long, descending, curving downhill you want to use engine braking lose efficiency. In other words, it takes highway merge ramp, do you use a lower whenever possible for two reasons: more braking effort for hot brakes to scrub gear to provide some engine braking if • To prevent premature brake wear a given amount of speed than it does for you have to let off the throttle, or do you • To prevent temporary overheating cooler brakes. use a higher gear and use your brakes in of those brakes Further, if that overheating gets severe the curve if you encounter slower traffic, If you do mostly touring (long distance, enough it will no longer be a temporary loss trucks, etc.?” and therefore high-speed highway riding), of efficiency as they can bake and glaze into you should have little concern about surfaces that are permanently less efficient Most experienced riders will virtually premature brake wear as you use your brakes at doing their job. always opt to use a lower gear whenever they infrequently compared to miles travelled. The above article is an extract from The are about to enter an off ramp or when dealing On the other hand, temporary overheating Master Strategy Group, all rights reserved with a meaningfully sharp turn. This affords is a major concern from a safety point of (Chapter SC-Q Nov 2008 newsletter) them the best responsiveness (acceleration view. Your brakes work by converting as well as engine braking) potential possible kinetic energy (movement) to heat. In the to deal with the unexpected. process the brakes can get VERY HOT

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Home of Win-A-Wing. A Chrome World customer wins a new Goldwing every year! 1-800-872-9595 www.chromeworld.com GWTA 25 April 2009 Touring News ALABAMA TBA ALASKA JR Phillips (360) 387-3523 ARIZONA Steve Andrus (707) 429-9547 (F) F Troop Mesa TBA (P) Lost Dutchman Wings Prescott Valley Jack Scott (928) 775-2152 [email protected] ARKANSAS Arthur Parsons (501) 268-1179 (E) Red River Riders Searcy Arthur Churchill (501) 279-0823 [email protected] CALIFORNIA-NORTHERN Dennis Therien (530) 877-4279 [email protected] (A) Grapestompers Stockton Jim Jackson (209) 951-4427 [email protected] (B) Redwood Wings Sonoma Tom Garske, Jr. (707) 933-9799 [email protected] (E) Yosemite Wings Clovis John Reynolds (559) 323-9807 [email protected] (F) River City Wings Rancho Cordova Phil Messer (916) 362-0431 [email protected] (J) Delta Wings Antioch Richard McMillan (925) 234-4352 [email protected] (L) ClearlakeRoad Riders Nice Lynn Hollenback (707) 263-7101 [email protected] (O) Shascade Wings Redding Les Long (530) 365-8107 [email protected] (P) Diablo Valley Wings Concord Harry Davis (925) 686-3774 [email protected] (R) Monterey Bay Wings Santa Cruz Doug Green (831) 338-6804 [email protected] (S) Gold Country Riders Paradise Bob Merrick (530) 872-0883 [email protected] (T) Tri-County Travelers Marysville Dennis Rogers (530) 682-0529 [email protected] (V) Woodland Roadrunners Woodland John Hunrath (916) 682-0734 [email protected] (X) Lassen Riders Los Molinos Terry Owen (530) 384-1407 [email protected] (Z) Golden Gate Wings San Bruno Donald Tolbert, Jr. (650) 952-7240 [email protected] CALIFORNIA-SOUTHERN Archie James (760) 220-8240 [email protected] (I) Tri-Valley Wings Covina Diane Huff (909) 591-3657 [email protected] (J) Desert Roadrunners Yucca Valley Peter Bryant (909 941-9668 [email protected] (L) Antelope Valley Wings Lancaster Gary Biddy (818) 352-1777 [email protected] (O) Channel Islands Wings Ventura Charles Burton (805) 647-7382 [email protected] (Q) SLO Wings San Luis Obispo Dale Smith (805) 458-0271 [email protected] (S) Wings of the Phoenix Los Angeles Richard Seales (310) 391-6767 [email protected] (W) Victor Valley Wings Victorville Larry Marcum (760) 221-9653 [email protected] COLORADO Dan & Linda McKelvey (970) 686-0430 (A) Front Range Gold Longmont Jim & Glenda Boggess (303) 772-3755 [email protected] (T) Trail Ridge Riders Windsor Don & Joyce White (970) 834-0706 CONNECTICUT John Griswold (860) 635-5979 [email protected] (M) Mid-State Navigators Meriden David Laliberte (860) 628-7363 [email protected] (V) Valley Riders Shelton Joe Delnicky (203) 888-6443 [email protected]

DELAWARE Phil Rueger (860) 824-0005

FLORIDA & GEORGIA TBA HAWAII Steve Andrus (707) 429-9547 (A) Big Island Buds Fred Fogel (808) 265-1659 [email protected] IDAHO Chuck Hall (208) 898-9040 [email protected] (A) Southwest Idaho Wings Boise Mike Sherman (208) 452-3481 [email protected] ILLINOIS Jack & Joyce May (309) 797-7919 [email protected] (A) Central Illinois Wings Buckley Marvin Young (815) 457-2667 (B) Riverbend Riders Troy Deb Brem (618) 538-7511 [email protected] (C) Windy City Wings Chicago Mark Busse (773) 764-0421 [email protected] (F) Fun Troop Riders Waterman Art Eichelberger (815) 264-3271 [email protected] (G) Lincoln Land Gold Wheels Woodridge Leo Prentice (630) 971-8861 [email protected] (H) River City Riders Moline Chris Frazier (563) 243-5088 [email protected] (P) Southern Pride Mt. Vernon Tom Smithpeters (618) 242-9701 [email protected] GWTA 26 April 2009 Touring News INDIANA John & Marilla Jager (260) 635-1236 [email protected] (H) Hoosier Heartland Wings Elwood Barb & am Baker (765) 724-9107 [email protected] (P) Presidential Wings Huntington Jack Miller (574) 643-2545 (Z) Wings ‘N More Knox Bill Lutz (574) 772-7000 [email protected] IOWA Don Thomason (641) 493-2053 (A) Gold Wing Aces Burlington William Warth (319) 367-5119 [email protected] (H) Friendship Riders of Iowa Des Moines Steve Patton (515) 278-9051 [email protected] (I) Polk County Wings Des Moines Dennis Irvin (515) 287-5466 [email protected] (J) Nodaway River Eagles Essex Jay Liniger (712) 303-0524 [email protected] (L) Loess Hills Riders Council Bluffs Barry Frum (712) 545-3028 [email protected] (P) Nishna Valley Wings Glenwood Yvonna Allen (712) 825-3008 [email protected]

KANSAS Roger & Glory Scholl (316) 778-1380 (A) Air Capital Wings Wichita Donna Felix (316) 773-2598 [email protected] (B) East Kansas Tour Riders Kansas City John English (913) 871-1489 [email protected] (C) Western Kansas Wings Dodge City Shawn Huffman (620) 255-9852 [email protected] (E) “Kansas Chapter E” Salina Bob Campbell (785) 823-1546 [email protected] (L) Leavenworth Tour Riders Leavenworth Rodger Dittemore (913) 727-1953 [email protected] (S) Wheatland Tour Riders Olathe Craig Kelsey (913) 268-4329 [email protected] (T) Prairie Trail Riders Topeka John Carkin (785) 528-4425 [email protected]

KENTUCKY Ben Crowe (606) 382-5479 (B) Kentucky Cruisers Bardstown Donald Avis (502) 348-2884 [email protected] (P) Pulaski Christian Motorcyclists Somerset Gary Hampton (606) 676-8184 [email protected] (Q) Kentucky Roadrunners Shepherdsville Alan Bybee (502) 375-3202 [email protected]

MAINE Phil Rueger (860) 824-0005 (A) Sunshine Riders Sebago Frankie Lane (207) 657-2156 [email protected]

MASSACHUSETTS Phil Rueger (860) 824-0005

MICHIGAN Norm & Sandy Helfer (517) 694-4665 (A) Capital Area Wings Lansing Vickie Hammond (517) 646-7314 [email protected] (C) Cereal City Wings Battle Creek Richard Thayer (269) 758-3219 [email protected] (E) Wings of Eagles Kalamazoo Keith & Diane Diller (269) 665-9839 [email protected] (G) Ausable River Riders Grayling Tom & Peggy Gilbert (989) 344-6891 [email protected] (H) Livingston Wings Brighton Ron Klann (810) 231-6747 [email protected] (K) Grand Valley Wings Grand Rapids Amy Campbell (269) 623-8725 [email protected] (N) North Woods Wings Royal Randy Treynor (616) 794-2777 [email protected]

MINNESOTA David Olesen (320) 679-1931 (F) Minnesota F Troop Hinckley Kenneth Beal (320) 384-6678 [email protected]

MISSISSIPPI Larry & Michele Abramson (901) 262-0140 [email protected] MISSOURI Bob & Glen Anderson (816) 587-9536 (L) Lake Country Riders Springfield Steve Short (417) 759-7565 [email protected] (N) K.C. Tour Riders Platte City Philip & Barbara Konzak (816) 792-9647

MONTANA JR Phillips (360) 387-3523 NEBRASKA Dave Willenborg (402) 679-7940 (A) Heartland Wings Omaha Kim & Becky Johnston (402) 896-9717 [email protected] (B) Great Plains Riders Bellevue Michael Reinert (402) 293-9560 (C) Husker Wings Lincoln Eldon Ogorzolka (402) 489-5549 [email protected] (E) Platte Valley Wings North Platte Dale & Deb Kleewein (308) 532-6859 [email protected] (G) Spirit of Friendship Wings Omaha Bill & Jean Pierce (402) 571-8741 [email protected] (M) Monarch Wings Papillion Barb Mills (402) 253-2780 [email protected] (W) Frenchman Valley Riders Wallace Doug & Michelle Sullivan (308) 387-4669 [email protected] (Z) Country Wings Blair Peggy Hakanson (402) 659-0686 [email protected]

GWTA 27 April 2009 Touring News NEVADA Steve Andrus (707) 429-9547 (B) Sierra Wings Gardnerville Terry & Holly Edis (775) 265-1352 [email protected] (C) Silver State Riders Las Vegas Randie & Janet Buss (702) 645-7537 [email protected] (E) Vegas Valey Wings Las Vegas Jim Hentry (702) 649-3304 [email protected] NEW HAMPSHIRE Phil Rueger (860) 824-0005 NEW JERSEY & NEW YORK Phil Rueger (860) 824-0005 NEW MEXICO Steve Andrus (707) 429-9547 (A) New Mexico SunRunners Alamogordo John Gilsdorf (575) 491-0994 [email protected] NORTH CAROLINA TBA (R2) N.C. Rebel Riders Fayetteville Clifford Hopkins (910) 867-2760 [email protected] NORTH DAKOTA Keith LaCoe (701) 391-2864 (H.R.) Rough Riders Mandan Keith LaCoe (701) 391-2864 [email protected] OHIO Kris Rogers (989) 770-3933 (B) Top of Ohio Wings Bellefontaine Tim Harman (937) 599-4441 [email protected] (E) Enchanted Wings Toledo Don Price (419) 693-1778 (G) Gone With the Wings Youngstown TBA (H) Hi-way Cruisers Madison Charles Jewett (440) 428-5297 [email protected] OKLAHOMA Ray McGrew (918) 358-2680 [email protected] (X) Oklahoma’s First Hominy Bill Simpson (918) 387-2979 OREGON Randi Kobernik (541) 389-0343 [email protected] (A) Rogue Valley Wings Grants Pass Ken Krois (541) 474-1178 [email protected] (B) Cascade Range Riders Bend Bill Rodgers (541) 317-3953 [email protected] (M) Mountain Valley Riders Medford Steve O’Dell (541) 479-8668 [email protected] (P) Columbia Wings Portland Mike & Dana Speer (503) 690-9783 [email protected] (R) Round-up Wings Pendleton Glen Sweet (541) 278-6034 (T) Trask Mountain Wings McMinnville Robert Dodson (503) 472-9358 [email protected] PENNSYLVANIA Bud & Karen Price (814) 797-5835 [email protected] (B) Keystone Wings Oil City Scott Dunkle (814) 516-9400 [email protected] SOUTH CAROLINA TBA SOUTH DAKOTA Thomas Hilgemeier (605) 719-9419 (C) Gold Wings Plus Rapid City Diane Smith (605) 342-7410 (D) Sooland Goldwing Club Dell Rapids Pat Feuerhelm (605) 582-8707 TENNESSEE Nancy Seery (615) 849-7732 [email protected] (A) Nashville Tour Riders Nashville Dennis Seery (615) 849-7732 [email protected] TEXAS Jerry Burford (936) 858-4696 (B) Roaming Wings Bedford JJ Jean (214) 882-5849 [email protected] (E) The Eyes of Texas Garland Jay Perkins (972) 288-6848 [email protected] (L) Lone Star Riders Cleveland Bruce Cain (281) 450-2438 [email protected] (RR) The Road Rangers Texarkana Tommy Dossey (903) 831-4686 [email protected] (T) Texas Touring Riders Winnsboro Ron Lawson (903) 439-9599 [email protected] (V) Ghost Riders of the Rio Grande Valley Harlingen Judith Emsley (956) 425-8928 [email protected] UTAH Steve Andrus (707) 429-9547 VERMONT Phil Rueger (860) 824-0005 VIRGINIA Paul Pillion (540) 537-9282 (C) Looney Toon Riders Roanoke Bud Atkinsnon (540) 265-2986 WASHINGTON Don Sims (360) 856-5815 (A) Emerald City Wings Federal Way Becky Behan (206) 431-8996 [email protected] (B) Stilly Valley Wings Stanwood John Black (360) 793-0139 [email protected] (C) Evergreen Wings Marysville Bruce & Barb Peterson (425) 267-9443 [email protected] (D) Northwest Wings Seattle Al “Cowboy” Mitchell (253) 538-4915 [email protected] GWTA 28 April 2009 Touring News WASHINGTON CONT’D (E) Lake Washington Gold Bellevue Paul Kesler (253) 631-1710 [email protected] (G) Lilac City Wings Spokane Lyle Polack (509) 239-4548 (I) Island Wings Langley John Van Every (360) 675-1240 [email protected] (L) Smoking Mountain Riders Longview Dennis Leinweber (360) 423-9153 [email protected] (Q) The Q Crew Chehalis Julie Weese (360) 736-5989 [email protected] (S) Skagit Valley Wings Mount Vernon Brad Hill (360) 848-7771 [email protected] (U) Okanogan Valley Wings Okanogan Greg Bolinger (509) 923-2409 [email protected] (V) Auburn Valley Wings Federal Way Steven & Cameron Gillit (253) 208-9275 [email protected] (Y) Yakima Valley Wings Sunnyside Jon Hopwood (509) 965-3002 [email protected] (Z) Sequim Valley Wings Sequim Mike Zmiarovich (360) 681-8085 [email protected] WEST VIRGINIA TBA WISCONSIN Sherri Vonderheid (715) 839-9986 (GB) N.E.W. Riders Green Bay Patrick Williams (920) 264-4642 [email protected] (Y) River Valley Riders Eau Claire Bob Johnson (715) 287-3263 WYOMING JR Phillips (360) 387-3523

ALBERTA Murray Perrett (403) 236-2138 [email protected] (B) Foothills Fhantoms Red Deer Ken Wigmore (403) 782-2593 [email protected] (C) Chinook Wings Calgary Bob Pyle (403) 286-4798 BRITISH COLUMBIA JR Phillips (360) 387-3523 (A) Harbour City Wings Nanaimo Allan Mark (250) 753-8474 [email protected] MANITOBA Kevin Davis (204) 667-7772 NEW FOUNDLAND, NEW BRUNSWICK, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND, NOVA SCOTIA Jim Anderson (905) 563-0003 ONTARIO DIVISION 1 Jim Anderson (905) 563-0003 [email protected] (F) Ajax-Pickering Friendship RidersPickering Denis Kavanagh (905) 623-4973 [email protected] (G) Niagara Wings St. Catharines TBA (905)563-0003 (M) Mississauga Wings Mississauga Bob & Pam Beland (905) 866-7944 [email protected] (N) Northumberland Wing Riders Port Hope John Milner (905) 885-4254 [email protected] (T) Toronto Wings Toronto Nedda Lash & Kevin Welch (416) 636-8395 [email protected] (W) Waterloo Touring Wings Waterloo Kevin Dyne (519) 653-7542 [email protected] ONTARIO DIVISION 2 Rick Moore (705) 549-4065 (H) Huronia Riders Penetang Rose Moore (705) 549-4065 [email protected] (K) York-Simcoe Riders Bradford John & Cheryl Lemaitre (905) 895-1820 [email protected] (P) Liftlock Riders Peterborough TBA (Z) Barrie Wingz Wasaga Beach Lee Thompson (705) 429-3362 [email protected] ONTARIO DIVISION 3 Jim Anderson (905) 563-0003 [email protected] (B) Ottawa Gold Wing Riders Ottawa Dwight Buckland (819) 778-0521 [email protected] (PS) 30,000 Island Riders Parry Sound TBA (905) 563-0003 (R) Renfrew County Ramblers Renfrew TBA (905) 563-0003 (S) Sudbury Gold Wings Sudbury TBA (905) 563-0003 SASKATCHEWAN Kevin Davis (204) 667-7772 BUFFALO SOLDIERS CHAPTER LISTINGS Brooklyn Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club Abdul-Qaadir (718) 490-6919 www.brooklynbuffalotroopers.com Jacksonville, FL Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club Joe Tillmon (904) 626-1856 New Jersey Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club, Inc. Michael Wright (732) 625-2432 Pocono Mtns Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club Dr. Dennis E. Castillo (570) 426-6571 GWTA 29 April 2009 Touring News National events per night. Door prizes, 50/50, costume contest, dancing and more. Gold Rush XXII July 13-16, 2009. Lexington, KY. The event Contact Dennis Rogers at 530-741-2420 or tworogers05@yahoo. will be held at the Lexington Convention Center. The Lexington com for more info. th Downtown Hotel (formerly the Radisson), connected to the 10 Annual Hobo Reunion, Las Vegas, NV. May 1-3, 2009. Lexington Convention Center, will be the host hotel. NEW – an Hosted by The Silver State Riders, Las Vegas, NV. Free registration event at the Kentucky Horse Park has been added to the registration if you bring a HOBO pin from a previous Hobo reunion rally. Hobo form. This event will include a meal, entrance to the horse park and stew dinner Saturday night, bring a canned food item of your choice entertainment! Cost is $40 per person Please see the registration to add to the stew! Motorcycle parts rummage sale. Contact Randie form in this issue of Touring News for more information! Buss at 702-645-7537 for more info. RoadRUNNER Magazine 4th Annual Christian Neuhauser Straw-O-Berry Ride, Ventura, CA. May 17, 2009. GWTA Memorial Ride & Touring Weekend July 9-12, 2009. McHenry, Southern California Chapter O invites all motorcycle riders to Western Maryland. Two great days of touring, camaraderie, beautiful participate in their annual Straw-O-Berry Ride. $25 Pre-registration th mountain scenery, delicious meals, and educational seminars. Call prize (registration must be received by May 9 ). First Prize - $150 nd rd 866-343-7623 or visit http://www.roadrunner.travel/rrevents.php. Gift Card, 2 - $75, 3 - $50, & Low hand: $25, plus 50/50 and door prizes. Pre-registration fee is $10 per person, on-site registration is $15 per person. Sign in at Cal Coast Motorsports 10:00-11:00am. Region a th Ride pins for the first 100 to register, donuts and coffee at sign in, 28 Annual Motorcycle Awareness Day (MAD) is sponsored by strawberry shortcake at the finish. Contact Chuck & Leigh Burton GWTA Chapter G and will be held Saturday May 9, 2009 at the at 805-647-7382 or [email protected] for more information. Spokane Falls Community College. Includes fun run promoting Northern California Spring Fling at Mariposa, Ca. May 22-25, motorcycle awareness and safety. Grand prizes for East side and 2009. Come join us for rides to Yosemite National Park and other gold West side of Washington state, door prizes, 50/25/25 drawings, country areas and towns.There will be games, a bike show, and a pot precision riding demonstration by the Northwest Wings. Proceeds luck on Sat night. Camping is available on the fair grounds and there are will benefit Make a Wish Foundation, Meals on Wheels and The th plenty of motels 2 miles away in town. For flyer with more information Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery. Register by April 13 to be eligible go to gwta-norcal.org or call Dennis Therien @ 530-877-4279 for a $50 prize. Open registration 8-10am on May 9. Contact Antelope Valley Wings Fun Run, East Pearblossom, CA. June Michael at 509-922-2637 or [email protected] or 13, 2009. Start & finish at Pearblossom park, 33922 121st St., East visit www.lilacccitywings.com for more information. Pearblossom, CA. Games and check points at the park, short poker Annual Blue Crew Fun Run, May 30, 2009. Sponsored by run optional, ride or just hang out. $10 pre-registration per person, Evergreen Wings GWTA Chapter C in Everett, Washington. All $11 on-site registration per person. Pre-registration prize, High/Low registration proceeds go to benefit CHRISTMAS HOUSE of hand, 50/50 and door prizes. Ride pins for the first 100. Coffee & Snohomish County. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at Smokey donuts at the start. Hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and drinks at the Point Cycle Barn, I-5 exit 206, and is $20 per bike. The final check park. For more info contact Gary Biddy at 818-352-1777. point is at Everett Powersports, 215 SW Everett Mall Way. This is a Willits, CA (a Campout!), June 19-21, 2009. This event is being great ride with great prizes and we welcome all clubs or individuals. sponsored by Chapter S (N. CA), the Gold Country Riders. Come For more info, contact [email protected] or go to www. join the fun at the Willits KOA campground! There’s lots of great bluecrewfunrun.com. riding in this area! Visit the giant redwoods, Fort Bragg, ride along Oregon GWTA Beach Bash, July 17 – 19, 2009. Florence, Oregon the northern California coast, ride the Skunk Train, or just kick back at the Heceta Beach RV Park group camp area. Cost $5 per person and have a restful weekend! Friday and Saturday 50/50 drawing, per day. Contact Randi Kobernik at 541-480-3140 or go to www. Saturday night pot-luck. Pre-registered campers: $10 per person gwta-oregon.org for more information. per night. RV’s are welcome but you must make your own space reservation with the campground at (800) 562-8542. Key word REGION B is “GWTA” and they should put you in an RV space from #39 to 11th Annual Fallen Rider Memorial Run, Redding, CA. April #42 which is right across the drive from the tent campers. The 25, 2009. Sponsored by Shascade Wings, Chapter “O” Northern registration flyer is at www.gwta-gcr.org. For more info contact Bob California. Starting at Lee’s Honda Kawasaki, 2230 Larkspur Merrick at (530) 872-0883 or [email protected]. Lane, Redding, CA. Rain or shine. All bikes welcome. $20 pre- South Lake Tahoe Campout by the Lake. August 7-9, 2009. registration, $25 on site. T-shirts for sale. Ride includes poker hand, Sponsored by Chapter S (N. CA), the Gold Country Riders. Come food/refreshments, year-bar/patch, 50/50 drawing and door prizes. join us for a great weekend get-a-way at the “Campground by the Pre-registrations received by March 31st will be entered into a $100 Lake” in South Lake Tahoe! Friday & Saturday night 50/50 drawing cash drawing. Contact Terry or Debbie Own at 530-384-1407 or and campfire stories, Saturday lunch ride to Reno. Pre-registered [email protected] for more information. campers: $10 per person per night. RV’s are welcome but you Cinco de Mayo, Gridley, CA. May 1-3, 2009. Join Chapter T at must make your own space reservation with the campground at the Butte County Fairgrounds in Gridly, CA for motorcycle games, (530) 542-6096. The registration flyer is at www.gwta-gcr.org. For Mexican food dinner, piñata contest and more. Kids are encouraged more info contact Dennis Therien at (530) 877-4279 or skyhawk@ to come. Registration is $15 per person. Camping is $20 per site sbcglobal.net. GWTA 30 April 2009 Touring News Region C hand. The first 250 registrants receive a pin. There are door prizes Nebraska Chapter G Lime Run & Pancake Breakfast, May 31, and 50/50. Special drawing (valued at approximately $100), for pre- 2009 at the American Legion, 11690 S. 216th Street, Gretna, NE. registered if postmarked by 6/20/09. Contact Jim & Glenda Boggess Breakfast served by The Pancake man from 8:30 – 11:30. Cost is $7 for more information at 303-772-3755 or [email protected]. for just breakfast, children under 5 are free. $10 for breakfast and Pre-registration form is available at www.touringnstyle.com. Lime Run. First bike out at 9:00 and last bike out at 10:00. Last bike in at 12:30 to the Gretna City Park with awards at 1:15. Proceeds from the Pancake Man will benefit your choice of GWTA Helping REGION F Hands, Sienna/Francis House or Patriot Guard Riders. Contact Bill Region F Family Reunion Rally, June 12-14, 2009. Richmond, Pierce at [email protected] or 402-571-8741. IN. Join the family! Your GWTA Region F family, that is! Come Iowa Chapter L & Nebraska Chapter B Annual Fun Run, on down, sit a spell. We’lll be riding some very scenic roads, Council Bluffs, IA. June 7, 2009. Lake Manawa State Park, Shelter enjoy an Ice Cream Social, experience a movie night under the #6 (1100 South Shore Drive, Council Bluffs, IA). First bike out stars, and get stuffed at the Saturday night dinner. We’ll miss you at 9am, last bike out at 11am. Register at the shelter on the day if you don’t come! Contact Jim & Kris Rogers at 989-770-3933 of the ride. $8 per person (includes lunch and door prizes). CMA or [email protected] or visit www.gwtaregionf.org for services & Blessing of the Bikes will be at 8am. 50/50 and raffle more information. tickets will be available. Contact Barry Frum at bkfrum@gwta-c. Michigan State Rally, June 26-28, 2009. Osceola County com for more information. Fairgrounds, Evart, MI 49631. Contact Michigan State Directors GWTA Region C Rally, Tailgate Party, June 12-14, 2009. Norm & Sandy Helfer at 517-694-4665 or [email protected] Chippewa Falls, WI. Join Region C in celebrating our GWTA for more info. Tailgate Party in Chippewa Falls, WI. Many guided and self-guided Indiana Ride for Kids, July 12, 2009. South Bend, IN at Pinhook scenic rides, auction, area attractions, drive-in movie & campfire, Park. Registration opens at 8:00am, ride starts promptly at 9:45am. bike show, rally pin, campsite judging, dirty bingo, 50/50, light Join us for an escorted charity motorcycle ride through the beautiful show & ice cream, team spirit, catered breakfast Saturday morning, Northern Indiana countryside and support the Pediatric Brain Tumor dinner Saturday night and lots of great friends. Register early to Foundation. For more info contact Bobby Newman at 219-324-0706 receive pre-registration discounts. Lodging and additional rally info or [email protected]. available at www.gwta-c.com (click rally logo) or by contacting Indiana State Rally, August 14-16, 2009. Rockville, IN. Contact Rick Hinrichs at [email protected] or 402-578-2368. Indiana State Directors John & Marilla Jager at 260-635-1236 or [email protected] for more info. Region E Missouri Chapter N will hold its 5th annual “Spring Fling” Rally at REGION H Weston Bend State Park on April 18, 2009. Please see our website Region H Rally, August 28-30, 2009. Town & Country Motor Inn, at www.kctourriders.com, email Phil Konzak at [email protected] Shelburne, NH. 70 rooms are blocked at a rate of $88 per night plus or call Phil at 816-213-6300 for additional information. tax. Call 800-325-4386 for reservations. Rally fees and other details Kansas Chapter B will hold its annual Fun Run rally on April 19, are still being confirmed and will be published in a future issue. 2009 at Shawnee Mission Park, shelter house 12. Please visit our Eastern Kansas Tour Riders website at WWW.EKTR.20m.com, e-mail [email protected], or call John English at 913-871-1489 Region J for additional information. Region “J” Ride Buffet Brunch, May 3, 2009. Penetang, ON. Region E Rally will be held on June 5-7, 2009 at the Kettle Hosted by Chapter H, Huronia Riders. Lunch buffet is served at Campground in Eureka Springs, AR. Seminars, campfire the Bay Moorings Centre, 200 Fox Street. Cost is $16 per person. entertainment, dinner ride, and rides through the twisty roads of Tickets for this event are available by contacting Rick Moore at the Ozarks are planned. The pre-registration fee is $25 and that 705-549-4065. Reserve your place early as this is always a sell includes a Saturday night BBQ dinner at the campground. Contact out event. Wiliferd Lair at 417-343-9227 or [email protected] for more Friendship Rally 2009, June 25-28, 2009. Beavermead Park in information. Peterborough, ON. The theme is “Hillbilly Days.” Campground 26th Annual “Hummdinger” Poker Run, June 28, 2009, Longmont, rates are $30/site per night, max 2 tents or 2 small trailers per CO. Sponsored by GWTA Front Range Gold Chapter A and Old site. Call 705-742-9712 and as for Joyce to reserve your space. Chicago Pasta & Pizza. All proceeds go to “The Missing Children Rockhaven Motel $70/night 2 double beds or $60/night single Task Force” (www.childfinders.org). Start and finish at Old Chicago, queen bed – call 705-742-8807 and ask for Laurie. Super Six Motel 1805 Industrial Cr, Longmont, CO. Exciting ride (approximately 705-748-0550 ($79.99 per night, $84.99 per night on weekends. 100 miles) $350 in cash prizes for poker hands. Suggested $10 Contact Dave & Debbie Lindgren at 705-424-1512 or Jim & Tania donation (for pre-registrants and day of) includes lunch and poker Anderson at 905-563-0003 for more information. GWTA 31 April 2009 Touring News I’d like to ride with these guys Questions I’m thinking other GWTA members might ask. And I’d I bet you, too, have a bunch of motorcycle magazines around the also empathize with some of the tough situations we sometimes find house, and that you have some favorite columnist among them. I ourselves in, and how we sometimes blame National for everything, certainly do. when what they do usually has almost nothing to do with what I only get a few (3-4) different magazines (beside Touring News), happens in our Chapter. I’m thinking that Bruce and I would have but I have some favorite writers among them. Folks that I feel I could an interesting discourse. Hmmm. Maybe I could sell tickets? meet at a show or see at the next table over while getting coffee, and Cycle World is a magazine I don’t subscribe to anymore, but I we could have an invigorating, enjoyable conversation. I feel I know got a book by one of their columnists for Christmas, and I highly them from their writing, and I’d love to go riding with them. recommend it. Peter Egan has a new book out called “Leanings”, Chief among these guys would be Clement Salvadori, the Road and I can relate to both how he writes and how he feels. Although he Tales columnist from Rider Magazine. I can just imagine seeing his likes an entirely different kind of ride than me (old British twins and beret when I ride up to some meeting location, and he has arrived newer Ducati’s), he and I would be at home doing the same kind of before me. Clem writes both a column and numerous road test articles. two-lane roads, the same kinds of speeds (speed limit or +5), the same He seeks out good roads, good food, good sites, and makes memories kind of places to stay, and we’d share the same desire to occasionally that he relates in his writing. I also enjoy the way he mentions from pull over and just enjoy the view. Egan talks about having a dream time to time how his wife puts up with his riding affliction, patiently job where Cycle World actually sends him on riding trips, and also awaiting his return from a trip of a day or two weeks. Clem seems to about trips he’s done separately, with friends who share his passion find good people – and remember them – wherever he stops. Seems for the road on two wheels. I’d really like to be one of his friends. to come from a genuine curiosity in the lives and interests of others, I’d even occasionally try a Guiness, just to be friendly. rather than telling people what he is all about. I could see myself Now, I should also say that I do have plenty of friends with whom settling down for a good meal in a small restaurant off the beaten I always enjoy rides. Tom, Jeff, Jason, Wally, Tom & Deb, Nic & path, enjoying a glass of red wine, toasting the beautiful roads we Phyllis, Bill, Larry, and many more. The kind of folks that if I call had ridden, and the folks we had encountered. and suggest a ride, they are ready to go. I’d have to say I’m blessed Stu Oltman is another guy I’d love to go ride with. Yeah, I know, to have as many good riding buddies as I do. he’s with “those other guys”, and writes for Wing World, but I don’t I wonder if some folks who read these Cross-eyed Crossroads care. I like his straight-forward, honest-Abe kind of answers to ever say, “I’d like go with Jerry on a ride to Destination Friendship technical questions. He doesn’t seem to come across as holier-than- sometime…”? I guess I can always hope to be that good a story- thou just because he knows how to wrench magic with Wings. Stu teller. seems to have a true understanding of what folks who write to him are going through, like he’s been-there, done-that, and has the t-shirt to prove it. I guess part of the reason I’d love to ride with Stu Oltman is that I’d take the chance to show him this noise or how this bolt always seems to come loose, or something else, and see what he says it might be. Whatever my particular issue might be, I don’t think he’d laugh at me or get impatient. I’m thinking Stu would listen, nod his head, and either tell me what it is from his experience, or ask more questions until he had a better idea. Or maybe even go ride the bike and come back with something to look at. Would I be abusing his time? Maybe. But most of the guys I know are happy to talk about bikes and mechanical things, so I don’t think Stu would be much different. Riding with Bruce Keenon would be different. Truth be told, I have ridden with Mr. Keenon a time or two, but it was with about 100+ other folks at a Washington State Rally, and he was the acting Charlie. Just not the same. If just me and the big cheese went out for a ride, I would be taking the time to ask, “Just what were you thinking when you did this?” And, “Who’s great idea was it to do that?”

GWTA 32 April 2009 Touring News April brings riding weather to many parts of the country. Everyone is anxious to get their Gold Wing out for the first few rides in your area. After checking all safety issues, etc. remember to ask new members and riders, if they want to buy Bike Raffle Tickets. Who wouldn’t want to win a new 1800 Gold Wing for just $1.00? Other prizes could be selected, see bike raffle tickets for options. This would be the perfect time to set up a card table or booth where members can come and buy their bike raffle tickets. Possibly your local Honda dealer will let you set up a table on Saturday morning when many people visit and meet other motorcyclists for a “chew the fat and kick tires” session. It’s easy - just have them fill out the first one and maybe they will buy a few more tickets if you tell them you will fill out the rest with their name and phone number. It’s worth a try! Don’t forget the area code and phone number, so we may get a hold of you if your ticket is drawn. In past years, many people have forgotten to write the area code on the stub portion. Nobody will know how to get a hold of you if your ticket is drawn without the correct information on it. On the back of the ticket stubs, is a place for your name and region designation. Please fill it out so that we may congratulate you if your person’s ticket is selected! Remember Bike Raffle Ticket Sales help the operations of the association and benefit ALL members of GWTA. Please help your Regional Director by turning in money and ticket stubs on a monthly basis. Regional Directors are asked to turn in money and ticket stubs by the first of every month. Ride Safe and have FUN!!

Linda Grimm Executive Secretary/Bike Raffle Ticket Sales

GWTA 33 April 2009 Touring News GREEN FREEZE RIDE #2 shorten the ride a little bit, ended up on I-5, forgetting construction and that I-5 was down to two lanes. So we got off @ I-90 headed We had a great ride to GREEN FREEZE II. East, THEN North, got a little lost, but everyone did make it home We left the Cook Rd cardlock @ about 7:45, nine without incident. I forgot the camera so I have no evidence of the bikes from Chapter S, three bikes that joined day, sorry about that. us from Chapter I and one cage. Twelve bikes February was cold but not too going down the road was a beautiful sight. The wet so we did get a fair bit of riding weather was bright but cold, about 27 degrees. in. Clint has been on a couple After a brief stop “EMERGENCY RIDE”, calling at Hinshaw’s Honda, we went to those that he thought were available, IHOP for breakfast; the tradition still thus the need for the “Phone Tree”. stands (so does the whipped cream The phone tree is voluntary but if fight between Daylon and Carol). you do sign up, we do ask for a We left IHOP, went to Trotters, the commitment to accept the call AND end of ride destination. Daylon was call the persons below you on the tree, leaving messages UNTIL looking for new GWTA members, you speak to a PERSON. The “Phone Tree” cards will be printed, but in doing so, he was out sold by a laminated and distributed at the March business meeting. Stronger Organization and HE became an honorary member to the REMEMBER!!!!!! LETS ALL GET ON GET OUT GET “Red Hat Ladies”. Daylon, we at Chapter S are so Proud of you!! INVOLVED The ride home wasn’t as un-eventful as the ride down. We were Clint & Roxann Veach, Asst. Chapter Directors following Daylon’s GPS, with highways blocked out. We tried to

GWTA 34 April 2009 Touring News First Aid Training Lessons Learned from Other Chapters.

We had a great turn out at the 2/15/09 1st Aid/CPR/AED training Over the last four weeks I have been reviewing several different that was held at Scott & Sharon Starke’s home. Scott and Cindy motorcycle club websites along with reading the minutes from Peabody came all the way from various club/chapter meetings in order to gain ideas for improvement Woodland, Washington to join us we could make for our membership. Some of the information I have for the Volunteer Firemen’s discovered is very helpful and some has me asking more questions. Fish Fry in Gold Beach and then While this is quite typical of most research activities, the process to put on the training for us the has helped me become more aware of the challenges other groups following day. The Fish Fry was are dealing with that I might not otherwise be aware of. great as usual. We joined members One of my first observations is that there are many different from Chapter M and visited while ways to design and share information. Also, there are many different we ate the fresh fish. writing styles and formats used. While this gives each club/chapter The following day we assembled at the Starke’s for our First their own identity, it can sure make it hard when looking for specific Aid class and enjoyed Scott’s injected stories along with learning information. important First Aid info. The fun didn’t really begin until we started Another observation I came away with is that there are a LOT the CPR training. Each one of us took our turn at saving the dummy. of motorcycle clubs/chapters out there. Each make of motorcycle We treated it like it was our spouse. You has a loyal following of avid owners, each wanting their own club/ should have seen Betty caressing the chapter. While this provides folks with many different options chest of the dummy and I think that Scott to choose from, it also may explain why there are so few active Starke gave Sharon a serious head injury. members in any one of the groups. Marty did a great job but had us laughing. One of the reasons I chose to become a member of the GWTA is We really enjoyed the training and the that we are encouraged to ride together, as a family of motorcycle chance to visit with one another. enthusiasts, sharing the love of the open road and building Thanks so much to the Peabody’s friendships based on our love of riding. By riding together on for coming all the way down for our different machines, we learn more about each other and we can training. share a broader knowledge of motorcycles in general. Don & Judy Coons There are other benefits that can be achieved by having a more diverse group of people, and that is sharing the various program Volunteer Firemen’s Fish Fry roles a club/chapter is expected to deliver to its members. Much of what I learned while reviewing is the other organizations had a similar theme being expressed. Leadership BURN OUT! When you only have a few folks working on the programs for the group, sooner or later they just run out of steam. Oregon’s, Chapter “P” has some very talented folks within its midst and it is a pleasure to be a part of such a great team. There are a lot of great activities planned for this year, both educational and recreational. We invite you to join us as we explore the many roads across the great states of Oregon and Washington.

David A. Bennie Columbia Wings, Oregon Chapter “P” Webmaster

GWTA 35 April 2009 Touring News “Wing Washington - Region A Adventure!” Blue Crew Fun Run GWTA, Region A, Washington, Chapter C (the “Evergreen One of the older events within Region A is Wing Washington, Wings” in the “Evergreen State”), is the largest GWTA Chapter in the a photographic tour of Washington State sponsored by Lake U.S., with a full calendar of fun rides and social events throughout Washington Gold, WA Chapter E. From January to October each the year. In addition, the year, over 100 folks ride to all corners Chapter participates in of Washington State taking picture of many other motorcycle the specific sites selected by Chapter E rides and events in the for that year. Wing Washington gives area, including Wing folks who like to ride, a destination to Washington, Green ride to, discovering new interesting Freeze and Ride for places within the state. Kids; in 2008, Chapter Wing Washington divides the State C was the largest into five different areas (NE, SE, fundraising group for Central, NW and SW), with 5 themed Washington State’s sites within each area, for a total of 25 Ride for Kids. Pictures primary sites, plus 12 bonus sites around and highlights of Chapter C’s activities may be found on its website, the outer edge of the state. Themes can www.evergreenwings.org. range from the wacky (a giant teapot or Chapter C also “partners” with Christmas House, a non-profit a gnome “infested” castle) to typical (small town airports and state charitable organization which operates out of Everett, in Western parks) to just plain interesting and delicious (small town café’s or ice Washington. This charity provides a Christmas “store” each cream parlors). Each year the December, filled with new toys, gifts and clothing for over 9500 themes and sites change based children of low-income families in and around Snohomish County. on input from the participants. Chapter C members volunteer to work a shift in the Christmas The ride is open to any kind House “store” each December. The “store” needs upwards of 50 of motorcyclist, not just Gold volunteers per shift to restock, escort shoppers, do data entry and Wingers. They can either be provide other functions necessary for the store operations. In 2008, affiliated with a motorcycle when Christmas House had a shortage of new/gently used stuffed club or not. They can ride in toys, Chapter C sponsored a 4-month Stuffed Toy Drive which groups or singly. Everyone is garnered over 1300 stuffed toys! welcome to join the fun of this Blue is Chapter C’s colors, our annual Chapter ride is called the exciting event. Blue Crew Fun Run. In October Chapter E has 100% of the registration a banquet at which all the fees from the Fun Run pictures are checked in and go to Christmas House. participants are given the opportunity to win valuable prizes ranging In 2008 the Chapter from leather jackets and bike cleaning kits to cold hard cash. was able to raise $2,326 After the event a majority of the proceeds are donated to a local and hopes to double charity. For the past two years, the charity we have supported is Eastside that amount with its Domestic Violence Program. This organization provides shelter, 2009 Fun Run. This counseling, and support groups for victims of domestic violence. year’s ride will be held We participated in their on Saturday May 30th. Wish Tag program, Anyone seeking more providing Christmas information can visit the Chapter’s ride-specific website, www. gifts to children who BlueCrewFunRun.com, for the flyer/registration form. Registrations are in their shelters and received before May 15th are eligible for a special $50 cash pre- group homes. registration drawing, but all participants have a chance to win many Chapter E is looking great prizes that are donated by local merchants and vendors. Last forward to seeing more year donated prizes for the Blue Crew Fun Run totaled over $1500 folks hit the road in worth; this year the total looks to be even higher! Check the web search of adventure. site for the ever-growing list of donors this year. Individuals or Come join us. Visit businesses wishing to donate a prize for the Fun Run are encouraged www.LakeWashingtonGold.com/WingWa for more information to contact the Chapter’s solicitations chairperson, Kathy Leon, and a registration form. ([email protected]).

GWTA 36 April 2009 Touring News Channelizer Drums I mention that *traffic fines double in work zones?* The officer, in his very polite way informed me that I was still in I recently went on a motorcycle trip, through some of the most the construction zone when I rolled on the power so he was going beautiful and fascinating parts of the U.S. On this trip, we went to do his duty and give me a speeding ticket, which would amount through Glacier and Yellowstone Ntl. Parks, the Grand Tetons and to a $196.00 fine. I didn’t really think that was fair, so all the way the Beartooth Hwy. I, in particular, was completely overwhelmed home I fumed about the ticket. Several days later it came to me; by the awesome beauty of this country, especially the Beartooth there were still barrels along side the road after the 17 miles. Wait Hwy. a minute, I can beat this. If they followed the 100 foot interval the This particular stretch of road is a motorcyclists dream: beautiful last barrel couldn’t be at the end of the mile, it had to be 20 feet into scenery and lots of great curves. It was so awesome that when we the second mile, which means that Idaho increased the length of the reached the eastern end of the highway, we turned around and rode mile by 20 feet. This wasn’t right, how could they do that? No one back to the western end. in the U.S. followed the Roman definition; the English definition is So far the trip was great, no flat tires, mechanical breakdowns the rule in this country. and no wrong turns. Somewhere near Twin Falls, Idaho, on a four So when my court date was only a couple days away, I got on lane freeway, in the middle of the week, our trip was about to make my bike and took off for Twin Falls, 690 miles away. 690 miles is a drastic change. Something every rider dreads; especially when a long way, for an older gentleman, such as myself, to ride in one you are two up and pulling a tent trailer, we entered a construction day, so I found a motel in Baker City, Oregon. $60 wasn’t a bad zone. Not just a construction zone, but 17 miles of construction. price. Early the next morning I continued on into Twin Falls, Idaho. Anyone who has ever toured on a motorcycle knows what that My first stop was the courthouse to find out where my case was on means, loose gravel, large construction rigs, fresh oil or pavement; the docket … tomorrow! A clerk told me the docket usually was all of those hazards, and of course the warning that *traffic fines cleared up pretty fast and I could be out of there by noon. Checked double in work zones*. into another motel; $60. Along each side of the freeway, in each direction, traffic safety My case did indeed come up rather quickly and when the judge barrels, as known to the average traveler, which are actually known asked for a plea, I said *Not guilty*! The arresting officer was not as /channelizer drums/ to those “in the business”, were placed at the present, so the judge asked me what evidence I had to justify my appropriate interval, which, as I was informed by someone who is plea. “Oh, I have lots of evidence, your Honor”, and I proceeded actually, “in the business”, should be a maximum of 100 feet. I’m to explain my theory on the barrel interval, the increase of the mile sure you all know what I mean. They are bright orange in color by 20 feet and the fact that the construction project, as I had found with reflective stripes and stand approximately four feet high with out by the same clerk, had actually been completed one week prior a 25lb base, made out of recycled tires and, without the base, the to my being arrested. The judge sat there in what seemed to be a diameter of the barrel is three feet, which means that the area of confused state, then shook her head and said she would have to have the bottom of the barrel is 7.07 square feet. What has that got to the case held over until tomorrow, so she could get an expert witness do with this story, you ask? I don’t know, just thought I would add to testify. Great; back to the motel and another $60. some superfluous information, that I may be able to tie back into The next morning I returned to court and my case was the first this story later. one, so I figured to be out of there within an hour. The judge called Now, as I’m sure we all know, the mile’s origin dates back to her expert witness, who upon entering the courtroom, smiled at Roman times. Back then it was considered to be 1000 paces, with the judge and asked if she enjoyed the apple pancakes he made for each pace consisting of five Roman feet, giving us a mile of 5000 breakfast. feet. The English accepted the mile concept, but they didn’t really Right then and there, I knew that I was about to get the shaft. agree with the distance. They thought the mile should consist of He sat up there and explained to the judge that I was right about eight furlongs, which as you know, is short for “furrow-long”, the length of the mile and the interval of the “channelizer drums”, which was the distance a horse could pull a plow before it had to but because of the interval they had to put them out beyond the 17 rest. Somewhere, around the 16th century, it was accepted that the miles, which extended the construction zone to the *end* of the distance of a furlong was 40 rods, which, you all know is 660 feet, “channelizer drums”, so therefore, I was guilty of speeding. so eight furlongs calculates to be is 5,280 feet, not the 5000 feet Taking the only way out, I jumped up and said “but the construction established by the Romans, which would have made everything had been completed a week before I was arrested”. “Well sir,” he much simpler and would not have cost me a lot of money. Accepting said, “Idaho is probably the poorest state in the union and do you the appropriate interval of 100 feet, that would mean there are 52.8 know how much land it would take to store that many barrels? It’s barrels in each mile and with barrels on each side of the freeway, in just more cost effective to leave them alongside the highway and each direction, there would be 211.2 barrels in each mile, or 3590.4 well if you want to disobey the signs then you deserve a speeding barrels in 17 miles. ticket.” The judge winked at her expert witness and said “son, just Well, sir, as I approached the first set of barrels I reset my trip pay the $196 and go home; next case please”. meter, just so I could see if this really was a 17 mile construction Well I tucked my tail between my legs, got on my bike and headed zone. As we rode along we did not see anyone working anywhere home. Had to stop again in Baker City; another $60 and at 40 miles and it was 10:00 in the morning. I thought this was a little strange, to the gallon, fuel expense for the round trip was around $110. but dismissed it and closely watched the trip meter. To my surprise, Now aren’t you glad I told you the real reason for an extended it actually was 17 miles. I didn’t bother to look up, I just rolled on construction zone? Yeah, barrel storage. (17 miles my aunt the power and in seconds we were back to freeway speeds. Fanny; probably only 1.7 miles.) What did surprise me were the red and blue lights I saw in my Moral of this story; don’t believe everything you read, except, side mirrors. They couldn’t be after me, so why did he turn on his *traffic fines double in work zones*. siren? I pulled over to get, I thought, out of his way. But, as I was Oh yeah, it rained all the way home… soon to find out, I wasn’t in his way, he was after me. *Why?* Did Wil Ditton, Chapter L CD, Washington

GWTA 37 April 2009 Touring News Everyone is invited to take part in RaveNRide 2009! The following tours are currently available: “Region A Tour 1” and “Region A Tour 2”. Simply request a tour card from the Region A director. Participants have from April 1, 2009 through October 31, 2009 to visit each business or chapter listed on the card. A sticker will be placed at each location visited and once the card is completed, turn it in to the National Office for a chance to win a $1,000 prize which will be awarded in December 2009! It’s that simple. More info on each location is available at www.gwta.org or www.ravenride.com. Region A Tour #1 Chet’s Honda 17 H St. SW, Quincy, WA 98848 509-787-3617; www.chetshondapolaris.com

Empire Cycle & Powersports 7807, E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley, WA 99212 509-892-6368 GWTA Washington Chapter E Lake Washington Gold meets at Denny’s: 2233 148th Ave. NE, Bellevue, WA 98007 253-631-1710; www.lakewashingtongold.com

GWTA Washington Chapter V Auburn Valley Wings meets at Trotter’s Restaurant: 825 Harvey Road, Auburn, WA 98002 253-208-9867; www.auburnvalleywings.org Hinshaw’s Motorcycle Store 1611 West Valley Hwy So., Auburn, WA 98001 253-939-7164; www.hinshawsmotorcyclestore.com Onthree Trike Conversions 1725 - 268th Ave. N.E., Redmond, WA 98053 425-836-0373; www.onthreetrikes.com

Renton Motorcycle Mall 3701 East Valley Rd., Renton, WA 98057 425-226-4320; www.rentonmotorcycles.com

Road House Cycles 1240 E. Schnidmiller Ave., Post Falls, ID 83854 208-457-1150; www.rdhse.com GWTA 38 April 2009 Touring News Region A Tour #2 Everett Powersports 215 SW Everett Mall Way, Everett, WA 98204 425-347-4545; www.everettpowersports.com

Gerry Andal’s 27021 - 102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood, WA 98292 360-629-6569; www.gerryandal.com GWTA Washington Chapter C Evergreen Wings meets at Everett Eagles: 1216 Broadway, Everett, WA 98201 253-538-4915; www.evergreenwings.org

GWTA Washington Chapter S Skagit Valley Wings meets at Cranberry Tree Restaurant: 2030 Freeway Drive, Mt. Vernon, WA 360-630-1780; www.skagitvalleywings.netfirms.com

Lifestyles Honda 3302 Cedardale Rd., Mt. Vernon, WA 98274 360-416-3950; www.lifestyleshonda.com

Timber Creek Grill Buffet 9211 E. Montgomery Ave., Spokane Valley, WA 99206 509-892-6390

Westside Motorsports 4201 S. Grove Road, Spokane, WA 99224 509-747-1862; www.westsideracing.com

Wingman Enterprises 5663 - A N.E. 105th Ave., Portland, OR 97220 503-257-4141; www.wingman.com

If you are interested in having a RaveNRide tour in your region, contact your region director to find out how you can help set one up ! GWTA 39 April 2009 Touring News GWTA 40 April 2009 Touring News