GWTA 1 May 2009 Touring News GWTA 2 May 2009 Touring News Touring News May 2009 Volume XXIII, No.5 (USPS-011-789) Advertisers On the Cover: Add-On...... 19 Herb Williams of North- AIM...... 32 ern Chapter P Americade...... 17 ARAI Helmets...... 5 has been a GWTA member Big Bike Parts...... 8 since 1987. Herb will be Cartier...... 39 Champion Sidecars...... 40 celebrating his 90th birthday Chrome Crazy...... 15 September 25th! Read more Chrome World...... 29 about Herb on page 33 of Everett Powersports...... 6 Jason Industries / ION Trailer...... 21 this issue! Lawrenceville ...... 13 Leesure Lite...... 4 Markel American Insurance Company...... 7, 17 Departments RAM Mounting Systems...... 2 Neosho...... 19 Chairman of the Board...... 8 Powerlet...... 34 Education & Retention...... 21 RoadRUNNER...... 33 Executive Director...... 4 ThEngraver...... 12 Executive Director Secretary...... 11 Time Out Trailers...... 25 Tour King...... 24 Family of the Year...... 6 Helping Hands...... 4 GWTA Resource Center Rider Education...... 24 Board of Directors Notice of Elections...... 9 In Every Issue Board of Directors Self Nomination Form...... 9 Chapter Listings...... 26-29 Classified Ads...... 25 Gold Rush XXII Registration...... 38 Cross-Eyed Crossroads...... 32 GWTA Business Members...... 35 Honda Tech...... 18 GWTA Membership Application...... 11 Rides & Rallies Across the Regions...... 30-31 Region A RaveNRide...... 22-23 Welcome New Members...... 17 Safety Shirt Order Form...... 19 Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm GWTA National Office Features P.O. Box 42403 Along the Road...... 20 Indianapolis, IN 46242 My Early Years Chapter 4...... 25 800-960-4982 (317)243-6822 Product Review...... 33 [email protected] Region E Feature...... 34-37 [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 May 2009 Touring News EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Bruce & Linda Keenon P.O. Box 348, Huntington, IN 46750 (260) 358-0851 Fax (260) 356-3392 [email protected]

Again my family and I would like to thank each and every one of you for the heartfelt sympathy cards, flowers, plants etc. We were overwhelmed by all of your personal notes, prayers and kind words. I am taking each day Lees-ure Lite Popup Tent Trailers one at a time now and all of your cards were a tremendous help in getting us through some tough times. Thank You again. Now selling motorcycle accessories & hitches! As our membership increases in many areas by way of new chapters I Sleep anywhere, in comfort! thought it might be a good idea to refresh everyone’s mind on why GWTA Set up in 6 seconds - optional add a is so unique. We are the only Member owned, Member run, not for profit room - screen room - rear storage - organization I know of. No one individual profits from GWTA. There are awnings air conditioning kit only two paid staff in our office in Indianapolis. Other than that we run and more! strictly on volunteers who are members. GWTA is made up of the Operations Staff which is your Executive Director, Regional Directors and State and Chapter Directors. The Board is For information or a brochure made up of a Chairman and Regional Board Members that are elected by call free the membership. Board Members sit on the Board of Directors for a term of 1-800-660-0933 three years. They protect our Bylaws and elect the Executive Director. Shipping all over America Our membership is broken down into 8 Regions throughout the U.S. and www.tent-trailer.com Canada. For each Region we have a Regional Director that is chosen by the [email protected] Call for nearest distributor Executive Director with the input of State Directors and members who work on his staff. The Regional Directors then chooses the State Directors again with the input of the Chapter Directors and members. Chapter Directors are elected by the chapter members usually on an annual basis. You, as a member, have the right to change chapters if you wish or to start a new one to help grow our association. Our monthly publication, Touring News, has no professional writers, editors or photographers. This publication is for the membership and is written by the membership. We encourage all members to submit an article about upcoming events, stories reflecting on the great experiences they have had, or beautiful photos of scenery they have enjoyed. It is your magazine, your tool to communicate with every member of GWTA. We often have members ask how they can get their picture in the Touring News magazine or even on the cover. The answer is to submit one. Of course, it needs to be print quality but our staff in Indianapolis can give you some tips on how to do that. Thank you to all the members who have donated funds to keep A major point to remember is that chapter directors are voted on by the Helping Hands program going. Without your generosity, we its chapter members. No one else. Our Board members are voted on by couldn’t continue this great work. No matter how big or small the their fellow members in that respective region after they self nominate. Our Chairman of the Board as well as the Executive Director position is voted donation, we are grateful for your support. on by the Board of Directors. All of these positions are filled by members. After much thought, we have decided to vacate the Director of The officers in operations are appointed with member input by the respective Helping Hands position following Gold Rush in Lexington, KY. leading officer and serve under his or her direction. Due to some health issues we need some down time. If you would As a GWTA member your benefits are many. You receive our monthly be interested in becoming a member of the national staff in this publication, Touring News, access to our webpage, access to our 800# Blue Line Service; third party liability insurance, Helping Hands, discounted position, please contact Bruce Keenon directly. rates to our National rallies: Gold Rush and Camp Wing Tyme, discounted Administering the Helping Hands program is a labor of love. rates on Markel Insurance, discounts on Arai helmets as well as motorcycle The current committee is wonderful and we consider it a privilege dealers and services just to name a few. to be working with them. Their assistance and input in the decision We are very close to Gold Rush. The excitement is building as well as making process has been outstanding. the attendance. I would encourage each of you to consider joining us for the Kentucky Horse Park dinner on Tuesday evening. This has nothing to do with the welcome dinner that will be held on Sunday evening before Gold Thank you to the following for their recent donations: Rush officially starts. For information about the dinner or Gold Rush in Jim Jackson & Grapestompers – Chapter A – California general please contact your regional or the National office at 800-960-4982. Great Plains Riders – Chapter B – Nebraska GWTA Nebraska State Ride Safe God Bless GWTA Nebraska State Belt Buckle Fund The Keenon’s Tri-Valley Wings – Chapter I - California GWTA 4 May 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 5 May 2009 Touring News that the streets and highways of our state are safe for all motorcycle riders. Realizing that the safety awareness effort alone will not eliminate the risks inherent to motorcycling, I need to ride in a safe and responsible manner, wear the proper protective riding apparel, and operate my motorcycle in a defensive manner within the rules of the road. As a rider and a promoter of highway safety, I encourage each of you to do the same. Besides our awareness efforts, spring tune ups are an important element of safe riding. The first part of the spring tune up process should include the physical motorcycle. Is your motorcycle ready Welcome to spring. I think that the summer riding season is to go? Each of us as riders need to check over our equipment to finally beginning for us and we will have the opportunity to begin insure it is properly maintained and ready to ride. Tires need to executing the plans that many of us have been working on over the be properly inflated and have more than the minimum tread depth. winter months. For those members who live in the northern part of The mechanical functions of the motorcycle such as the clutch, the country, it has been a long winter, with cold weather and plenty brakes, steering and suspension components, along with engine of snow. Living near the Great Lakes affects our weather patterns and transmission functions all need to work as the manufacturer more than those of you living in the center of the country. But intended when the motorcycle was new. Don’t overlook the finally after the long winter, the buds on the trees are opening and electrical systems. Make sure headlights, taillights, signal and the leaves are developing, the grass has gotten green again and the marker lights illuminate, making your motorcycle visible to those sun will soon be directly overhead to brighten and warm our days. around you. If you lack the experience or mechanical knowledge to Yes, the summer riding season is here. Are you ready to ride? perform these inspections or repairs, seek help from a well known We will begin the summer riding season with Motorcycle Safety and knowledgeable motorcycle repair technician. Awareness Month in during May 2009, even though The second part of the spring tune up involves us as individual we have already had some nice days where motorcycles have riders. Are you as a rider ready to go? Spring is a great time to been out and about on the streets and highways of this state. As review the rules of safe riding, defensive riding techniques and in the past, work began in late January for this event, by drafting group riding. A helpful spring training tool is to find a parking lot the documents required for Governor Jennifer Granholm and the without traffic and practice starting, stopping, counter steering and Michigan Legislature to declare May 2009 as Motorcycle Safety sharp low speed turns using parking lot pavement markings. As Awareness Month in Michigan. This is the twenty fourth year I have riders we may opt to take part in a motorcycle safety training course been involved in this traffic safety awareness effort. It is the twenty as an alternative to establishing our own practice range in an empty second year I have taken responsibility for obtaining the documents parking lot. Spring is also a good time to review our personal safety used by the Michigan Department of State (MDOS), who along with equipment such as helmets, boots, gloves, jackets and rain suits to rider groups, coordinates and disseminates information regarding determine if any individual piece of protective riding apparel needs this vital traffic safety campaign. MDOS also runs the Michigan to be replaced or upgraded. Motorcycle Safety Training programs in addition to handling all As always, getting together with our friends and chapter members licensing and motor vehicle registrations. As a motorcyclist who to ride motorcycles brings out what GWTA is all about, Destination wants to have a safe and enjoyable riding experience, it is extremely Friendship. Let’s not forget our association motto as we get together important to me to be involved in this traffic safety effort, to insure during the upcoming riding season, by looking around and inviting and encouraging non-GWTA members to join in on our fun and friendships. Our family is looking forward to a fun filled riding season during the summer of 2009 and we hope to see you on the road somewhere.

Eric Larson for the Larson family

GWTA 6 May 2009 Touring News GWTA 7 May 2009 Touring News members has always seemed higher than the dues we have been paying. I received this email from the Region “B” Board Member, Charles I currently pay about $2500.00 a year for a professional Association Horner. It was so well written and positive I thought it was proper to that has two conferences per year, four BOD meetings two of which share this writing with everyone, so enjoy. Ed Davis, COB have been by phone. We do not have a newsletter and we have a poor Hello All, Hope you have faired the winter well. As we are all web site. The best thing I get for my membership cannot be purchased online and use this media for communication and BOD activities such for any amount of money. I find individuals that relate to my business as affirmation and ratification of the current budget, I would like to say and can give advice. I get to meet and speak to owners like myself thanks to all of you for helping the Association save money on the few to share in the strategies for success. We stand together when other mandated actions of the Board at this time. I currently see no problems State or National entities try to make the profession less effective and with the way the budget is set up for review. Also the line items for beneficial. budget proposal cover the credit and debit items in a condensed/no I find GWTA to be much more valuable than the price we pay for non-sense format. membership for even more reasons. For one and most importantly we I currently review and report to three Companies on respective share in the pleasures of life. This is our strongest draw for others when Boards. One of which is about the same size as GWTA. Those annual we can share with each other the best times on the road together, at a budgets have very similar line item formats. As for my personal Corp., rally, campout, ice cream run or where ever the road my lead us. We I have the same type of budget. But, as some of you know, the budget are sharing what makes us happy. With friends so close we call them is a plan meant to stay within a guideline for growth and prosperity. If family more than friends. We see this each time we get together and positive growth happens, and in today’s economy the IF is a hopeful we feel it when one of us is in need of support in any matter. word, we will survive. Ya All thought Bump had a soap box!! HA... Till We Meet Again, Ride The Executive Director has the job to keep the Association on Safe and Be Well! Charles C. Horner course and in line with the budget proposed. We all have been around GWTA long enough to know the cost of doing a quality service to the

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800-826-2411 • www.bigbikeparts.com GWTA 8 May 2009 Touring News Gold Wing Touring Association 2009 Notice of Elections

Members from Regions A, C, E and J will each elect a Regional Representative to the Board of Directors in the election. The term of office will be from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2012. If you reside in Regions A, C, E or J and would like to run for the position of Regional Representative to the Board of Directors, please complete the self nomination form below and mail to the address indicated. Mail the completed form with proof of ownership of an operable motorcycle, a photograph of yourself, and a resume only to arrive on or before July 1, 2009. Self-nominations received after that date will not be considered.

GWTA 2009 Elections P.O. Box 42403 Indianapolis, IN 46242-0403

Anyone who would like to serve the membership in this capacity is urged to self-nominate for this election. The Gold Wing Touring Association is unique in that the governing body is elected from the membership. Every member in good standing that is the registered owner of an operable Honda Gold Wing motorcycle is eligible to run for a position on the Board of Directors.

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Gold Wing Touring Association Self-Nomination Form for Board of Directors

Name:______Membership Number______

I would like to self-nominate for a position on the Board of Directors If elected: 1. I understand that the Board of Directors is the governing body of the Gold Wing Touring Association. As a Board Member I will fulfill my tenure in office as a professional whose highest priority is to the association and its members. I will endeavor to the best of my ability to help guide GWTA to a productive and meaningful future. 2. I will attend the annual Board of Directors meeting scheduled each year during my term. I will make every effort to attend the National Rally, “Gold Rush” each year to meet with and address the membership at large. 3. I will maintain a current membership during my tenure in office. I understand that should my membership lapse, I automatically forfeit my position on the Board. 4. I assume full responsibility for my campaign and pledge to conduct that campaign within the guidelines of fair play, honesty and respect for my fellow candidates. 5. Should I move from the region from which I was elected as a regional representative to the Board, I will notify the Chairman of the Board and declare my position vacant. 6. I will submit proof of ownership of an operable Honda Gold Wing motorcycle to the Chairman of the Board.

Year______Model______Serial Number______I declare my candidacy for the position of Board Director for the Gold Wing Touring Association.

Please Mark One I declare my candidacy for Board of Directors member from Region:

A___ C___ E___ J___

Signed______Date______

GWTA 9 May 2009 Touring News BOY, are we ready to see May come along. We’ve had a moves freely, and snaps closed when released. very crazy winter, from heavy snows in December, flooding in January, more snow in February & March, and the rains in March. L – Lights and electrical Somewhere in there we have been able to get the bikes out of the Make sure your battery is secure, terminals are clean, and there is garage. The calendars are fill-in fast and we’re getting ready to get sufficient electrolyte fluid. out and start traveling. Check that your headlight works as well as all other lights and Have you made your reservations for Gold Rush? How about reflectors. your State Rally or any of the local Chapter rides? Remember, that’s what it’s all about. Having fun, riding and supporting other O – Oil and fluids Chapter events and getting to meet new people. Check oil and fluid levels, including brake & clutch fluid, coolant How about the National Raffle Tickets? Do you need some to and of course gasoline. purchase or to sell to all your friends, co-workers, family, etc.? Make sure that all fluid reservoirs, hoses, and lines have no leaks. Ticket sales are what keep us running and it is the responsibility of all of us to make sure we continue on with what the Pioneers of C – Chassis GWTA started. Region “A” is doing a FANTASTIC job and we Check condition of the frame, looking for cracks, dents or bends. really hope to show the other Regions that if we can do it so can they. Check the forks and shocks, making sure they travel freely. Remember, we Regional Directors’ have a monthly contest as well Check the tension, lubrication and wear of the chain or drive belt. as the contest we have with going with all Region “A” members. Region “A” won January, lost February and we need to take a few K – Kickstand more months with help from all of you! As an added bonus, Region Make sure both the side stand and center stand are not cracked or “A” will host a pizza party for the Chapter in Region “A” that sells bent. Make sure that they spring up into place and the tension is the most tickets. The challenge is on, if you don’t have tickets to sufficient to hold them. sell or you need more tickets just drop us a call and we’ll get them mailed off to you right away. Now that your bike is ready to go make sure you are as well. A motorcycle rider’s safety is of first and foremost importance, and Below is an article submitted from Alberta Chapter C. Seeing there are many things that they can do to help make themselves “Be as May is Motorcycle Awareness we thought it appropriate to share Seen”. First is the protective gear that a rider should wear whenever with all of you. they ride. A helmet, jacket, gloves, chaps, boots, and glasses all May is Motorcycle Awareness Month! Motorcyclist activities provide protection to a rider, but some of these items are now being during this month not only help raise awareness to vehicle drivers made to help drivers see you. Many jackets, pants, and gloves are that motorcycles are back on the road after the long winter made in bright colors, or have reflective material on them that helps hibernation, but are also to encourage bikers to prepare their bikes you to “Be Seen”. Studies have been done that show that the color of for the riding season and also learn how to make themselves “Be your helmet can also make a difference in your “Be Seen” package Seen” when they are on the road. of tricks. Some studies show that a white helmet can be up to 58% Make sure your motorcycle is ready for each trip. A quick more visible by drivers than a black helmet. Perhaps this is why the overall inspection before each ride is made simple if we follow the city police wear them…… T-CLOCK inspection process; Other “Be Seen” tricks that a rider has available can be on the bike itself. Most bikes have the headlight come on when the bike is T – Tires and wheels running, but if not, a rider should always ride with a headlight on. Check your tires for proper air pressure tread depth, cracks, and (Here in Alberta it is illegal not to have your motorcycle headlight bulges or embedded objects. illuminated, and comes with a $115.00 fine for an infraction. Check Check wheels for dents, cracks and roundness. your local State or Provincial laws.) In daylight the headlights help Check for any missing spokes and for proper spoke tightness. to make drivers take notice of you. If you really want to make those Check bearings and seals for signs of failure. around you take notice you can install a headlight modulator. Drivers are not used to seeing flashing lights, so when a motorcycle goes C – Controls by with the headlight flashing drivers really take notice. A rider Check all levers, making sure they are in good condition. can also apply this same technique when applying the brake. If the Check the condition of the control cables, make sure they move rider taps the brakes to flash the lights this helps to let the drivers freely and do not interfere with the steering. behind you know you are about to slow down or stop. A modulator Check that all hoses are in good condition. Make sure your throttle can also be installed for the brake lights that will automatically do GWTA 10 May 2009 Touring News Region A continued... this for you so the rider doesn’t have to think about it when the brake is applied. The next “Be Seen” tool a rider has is the way they ride. A rider should try to fill the lane with their bike. This not only reduces a driver’s urge to share your lane, but it also provides the rider a buffer zone. When riding around very large vehicles it is important that a biker remembers that there are many “Blind Spots” around a large truck or bus. If the biker cannot see the trucker’s side mirrors, chances are the trucker cannot see you; this can make for a dangerous situation. Always allow large vehicles plenty of room and increase When selling the bike raffle tickets, please remember to offer your “Be Seen” factor. the prospective winner the choice of a 2009 Honda Gold Wing or It is important as a motorcycle rider to ride defensively, always a 2009 Harley or $10,000 Cash! be aware of what’s going on around you, and do what you can to Remember to include the area code in phone #, otherwise, if “Be Seen”. Increasing the use of reflective or fluorescent clothing, unreadable or any information is missing, a donation has been made white or light colored helmets, and daytime headlights are simple, to GWTA. On the back of the ticket stub is a place to write the cheap interventions that considerably reduce motorcycle crash name of the person selling the ticket. Please have each member fill related injury and death. it out! GWTA is NOT responsible for non legible names, address As a vehicle driver we need to watch for the motorcycles as or phone #. the weather gets warmer, and remember - a small “bump” with The region that sells the most tickets will be recognized at another vehicle is usually a minor accident, but any “bump” with Gold Rush in Lexington, KY. The competition is heating up and a motorcycle could be a major accident. Please Drive Safe, Share challenges have been made by several regions. the Road, and enjoy the summer. Check Touring News or the GWTA website for information on Written by, Gold Rush or for registration and activities that will be going on. Kent Collingridge, GWTA Alberta Chapter AB-C Chinook Wings RV campgrounds are available in and around Lexington for those Until next month…ride safe and Keep Your Ducks In a Row… wanting to camp. Send in your registration soon and don’t miss out JR & Lindy on all the FUN and excitement of Gold Rush. There will be plenty of things to do and see in and around Lexington. Linda Grimm 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 11 May 2009 Touring News Region B is having a heyday on a May Day! Our region has so enough) I meet to talk about the fun I’m having when I ride. This much going on this month it’s enough to make a rider crazy just is the time when you discover that your new found friend doesn’t trying to decide what and where to ride to and all the while, trying to have a motorcycle but has always dreamt of having one or might do it all. All we can say is for everyone to get ready to ride because have had one years ago and has been thinking about getting back things are happening in our region this month and you don’t want into riding because of all the fun he has seen other folks having. to be left standing at the curb. Guess what, we have a solution for that dream as well. Ralphie Holy Cow, where do we start? This month’s events are plentiful and I have met quite a few folks who we just happen to bump into with somewhere to ride to every weekend. Check it out! while out and about and as a result, have even signed a few of those During the 1st weekend of this month (May 1st – 3rd) Nevada folks up in our chapter or referred them to a chapter closest to them. Silver State Riders is hosting their 10th Annual Hobo Reunion in You would be surprised just how hungry some folks are for a little Bishop, CA, NorCal’s Chapter T holds their annual Cinco-De-Mayo more adventure in their lives, and when they see you on your shiny campout in Gridley CA and NorCal’s Chapter L will have their Bob ride with a big smile on your face and spring in your step, (okay, Reese Memorial Run in Lakeport CA. maybe a modest hop for some of us) they seem to be drawn to you During the 2nd weekend of this month (8th – 10th), you have to and your enthusiasm because it is so infectious. choose between two super activities. NorCal’s Chapter F and their This time of year and definitely this month is a time in which we annual Mothers Day campout at Rollins Lake is always a favorite need to share our infectious energy for life and honor our Mothers and a must attend if you really want to relax and just kick back. during her special day by visiting her, giving a little gift or just This weekend is also the start of the SunRunners, a newly formed maybe even a simple phone call to tell her just how much she’s being chapter in the Alamogordo, NM area. They will be holding a kick- thought of. Not to be forgotten but for many often are, we should off party and poker run with a promise of some pretty awesome stand up and take note of our veterans and those who have given roads to explore in their backyard. Come and introduce yourself their all and honor them for without their service to our country by to their new CD John Gilsdorf and his chapter and welcome them doing the job they volunteered to do, we would not have the pleasure to the GWTA family. of so many activities that we all enjoy so freely today. During the 3rd weekend of this month (17th), come to Ventura, CA As we stated earlier, Region B has a lot of activities and events and partake in some of the sweetest strawberries ever with SoCal’s going on throughout the Region. We are still trying to generate Chapter O and their Straw-O-Berry Poker Run. You know Ralphie’s some membership activity in our sixth state, Utah but so far no favorite is Strawberry Shortcake so she won’t miss this one. luck. Last of all and very important are the National bike tickets. During the 4th weekend of this month (22nd – 25th), come join What better opportunity than to share the dream of winning a new us at the NorCal Spring Fling at the Mariposa Fairgrounds and motorcycle or a pile of cash by selling the national tickets at all enjoy a ride through Yosemite National Park with Chapter P while these functions? Remember, our selling the national bike tickets you’re there. helps support our organization in a tremendous way and probably As you can plainly see, there is a lot of getting out and enjoying more than you can realize. Make sure to get your ticket stubs and life within Region B, and we’re sure that anyone of us would just money to us at the end of each month so that we can get it in the love the chance to share their adventures with a friend, co-worker, mail and postmarked in time to be counted in our monthly tally for neighbor or even some guy riding up alongside you at a traffic light. Region B at Nationals and if you need more don’t worry, we can These are the times when you really get to see folks shine and enjoy get them to you quick as a wink. life to its fullest and you know they are by the smile on their face as they ride up or when they talk to you about their bike. I just love Until we meet again, keep the shiny side up. striking up a conversation with anyone (that will stand still long In Friendship, Steve & Ralphie

GWTA 12 May 2009 Touring News Are you proud of your chapter? Our chapters are the back bone week. Change for the sake of change does not work. Whether it is of GWTA and our members make up our individual chapters. It GWTA, your church, work or just your personal life we all need has been said that there is strength in numbers and I would have friendships and we need to be willing to develop new friendships. to agree with this. We have about 150 chapters in Canada and the I have a few years in this life and have tried to identify new friends United States. Take a minute to ponder this fact. One hundred and at times before the friendship was developed and I have yet to figure fifty chapters with who knows how many members in each chapter. out why a friendship develops. I know, at least for me, my best That is a lot of people! We must be doing something right to be able friendships have just happened. There was no defining moment when to attract that many people and hold their interest. What on earth I knew that there was that bond of friendship between us, it just could be so persuasive that that many people come to their regular happened. Friendships develop not because you want them to but monthly meetings and to their chapter dinner rides? Well for me it because circumstances lead to that relationship. That is one of the is the friendships I have made. The individuals in my chapter are great parts about GWTA, we offer an avenue to develop friendships. people I look forward to visiting with, people I enjoy riding with and What is your chapter doing to look for and recruit new friends? most importantly people I enjoy sharing my life with. My chapter Making new friends becomes and unselfish act. It is doing things has seen a growth spurt in the last several months and I have found for others with no expectation of reward, but the funny part is that that the newer members are vital in bringing new enthusiasm to our once friendship is made the rewards are endless. chapter. I have seen new members revitalize a chapter that was on Our Region C Rally is coming up very soon and the plans have the verge of dissolving. I have watched members that have been all been made so that you can come and enjoy the great roads in with their chapter for many years get more excited about going to and share time with friends. Wisconsin State Directors their chapter events just because of the excitement a new member Jeryl and Sherri Vonderheid and their staff have really pulled out all shows over this new found circle of friends We need that new of the stops to make your visit to Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin fun. blood to make things fresh again. This is one reason I am proud of This year’s Region C Rally will be held at the Northern Wisconsin my chapter. We actively search and recruit new members. GWTA State Fair Grounds with plenty of camping and hotel rooms nearby. is made up of chapters. It is not our ED, our Board Members, our Look for the flyer and registration at the Region C website http:// Regional’s or anyone else that keeps GWTA going. Our Chapters gwta-c.com/. and their members are what make GWTA People come and go into our lives all the time. That is just a fact Rick and Kandie Hinrichs of life. Nothing ever stays exactly the same. We need to be able to Region C Directors change. What worked for us last week might not work for us next

GWTA 13 May 2009 Touring News This month is the feature month for Region E in Touring News. good fortune to be invited to participate with the group the last few It seems only appropriate that we formally introduce some of the years. We have found the trip to be a great one made even more so individuals with leadership roles in the region. These individuals by the level of cooperation and spirit within the group. have worked many selfless hours making sure that everyone has a We have at least one chapter in Texas that has a similar activity good time. While the staff is critical to the smooth functioning of the each year. It seems well attended and thoroughly enjoyed by the region, the staff is much less important than are the members. In our members. I’m sure the same is true for many of our chapters in region, our staff functions not as directors, but rather as facilitators. most of our states. Our chapters set up their own safety courses, Our leadership role is to assist the members in accomplishing the shop days, and dinner rides on an on-going basis. These activities things they have decided they want as well as carrying out the add to the member benefits in no small manner. decisions of the members. It is from those outstanding members A question we are frequently asked by chapters as they are working that are willing to work for the benefit of the rest of the members to recruit new members is what are the benefits of belonging to that we recruit our Region E leaders. GWTA? My answer is that the primary benefit has nothing to do In Arkansas our state director is Art and Sonja Parsons. They are with the blue line, the magazine, or the insurance. The real benefit long term members of GWTA and have proven to be outstanding is the association with the members. We are, after all, a motorcycle state directors. In our state directors are Bob and Glen organization. We can best serve our members by providing the Anderson. Our members in Missouri have learned they can always kinds of things that motorcyclists are interested in. Motorcyclists, be counted on for support and advice. In Oklahoma our state director regardless of their chosen ride, are interested in motorcycling. is Ray McGrew. Ray did an outstanding job as chapter director and They want places to go, things to do, and good people with whom can now devote more of his time as the state director. He is working they can share the experience. That we have in abundance. Our hard at getting some more chapters started in his state. The Texas chapters offer seminars and workshops on motorcycle maintenance state directors are Jerry and Rodonna Burford. Although they have and repair, riding instruction at all levels, first aid classes, seminars been state directors for only a short time they are doing a great job on packing for long trips, suggestions for making the trip more of getting the members enthused and working hard for the benefit comfortable, fun and safe. We also have in abundance people that of all. Our Kansas state directors are Roger and Glory Scholl. This enjoy the motorcycle and all it has to offer. We are all more than young couple has returned as state directors after a hiatus in which anxious to not only share our past experiences but to share our we had no state directors in the state with the greatest number of upcoming experiences with anyone that would like to join us. members. We are indebted greatly to this talented couple for leading In the end, once past all the hype, GWTA is about people who the great state of Kansas. We have another young couple, Dan and enjoy each other’s friendship. It doesn’t matter what moniker is Lynda McKelvey, serving as the state directors of Colorado. They carried on the bike, nor the age of the rider, or even the background do us a great job in this most scenic area of our region. of the rider. We have them all in our region as does GWTA in We have a number of chapter directors that continue to do a general. The tie that brings us together is the interest in touring with great job. Rather than attempt to list all their names perhaps we can motorcycles and the pleasure we find in sharing those experiences better talk about some of what is happening in the various states. with others. One real highlight is GWTA’s first Rookie of the Year. Harold and Take a look at the articles our members have written for this Barb Coiner from Colorado sold nearly one/half of the raffle tickets month’s issue. If it sounds like something you may want to be sold in our region last year. Although a new member to GWTA involved with, call a chapter or state director and arrange a visit. this couple started out heavily involved in all that the chapter is Most any of our people would be delighted to show you the best of involved with. This year Harold and Barb are handling the GWTA what our region has to offer. raffle ticket sales for the state of Colorado. Till we meet on the road somewhere, Keep the dirty side down. Each year the Colorado group has a weekend ride to a designation chosen by the members. Charlotte and I have had the GWTA 14 May 2009 Touring News We have special guest writers this month: Norm & Sandy Helfer, Ride safe, and keep it “people-side” up! our Michigan State Directors: Jim & Kris Rogers, GWTA Region F Directors Ahhhh! That sweet smell of summer in Michigan, not to mention that sweet feeling you get from having a motorcycle beneath you Next month we’ll hear from the State Directors… as you travel the roads on your way to the Michigan State Rally, held June 26-28, 2009, in Evart, Michigan. What could possibly be From the Desk of the Region F Rider Education Director... better than spending time with your extended GWTA family than relaxing, riding, and playing at this annual event? Here are some words of wisdom from FRED…That’s shorthand The Osceola County Fairgrounds is the host site and offers for (Region) F Rider Education Director. FRED is also known as camping with hook-ups and modern showers. There is a food vendor “Cowboy” Paul Garrison. He has been busy gathering information on site offering simple breakfast and lunch fare, but you can also to help us all stay safe when out on the roadways. check out the many small restaurants and stores in the downtown Howdy All, area of Evart, a few short blocks from the fairgrounds. If camping May is here and we are ready to start our 2009 riding season, is not your thing, the Super 8 Motel is a great place to stay, offering so let’s talk about Group Riding. Here are a few comments: All of comfortable rooms, a pool, and a simple breakfast each morning. these guide-lines are meant to make your ride more pleasant and This motel backs up to the fairgrounds and is an easy walk to all safer. Any time we put more than one motorcycle in close proximity the activities. to another, we have just increased the risk factor. We live in a very Opening ceremonies on Friday morning is a great way to kick structured society. Rules should not be anything new to any of us. off a fun filled weekend. A Friday afternoon 9-hole golf scramble They make moving the herd just a little easier. If it takes your Co- will be offered along with rides, games, and seminars throughout Rider, or your Rider a little longer to get his/her stuff together all in the weekend. If you haven’t been to the Michigan State rally in a one bag, edge him or her on with a gentle nudge “get your helmet while, please come and join us. Michigan is a beautiful place to ride, on and let’s get ready to go.” There are other {phrases} that can offering many scenic byways, and we would love to have you come be more explicit, but do so at your own “RISK.” After all this, it does and participate in all that has been planned for your enjoyment. not mean that you cannot participate in Chapter rides if you do not A registration form can be found at www.gwtaofmichigan.net. like group riding. Leave ahead of the group and do your own thing, Oh did we mention the hot dog roast for those arriving on Thursday start after the group has left and sightsee to your hearts content. You evening? Hope to see you there! know the destination, you know the speed your co-rider likes best. Do it the way you will enjoy it the BEST! As I always say RIDE Norm & Sandy Helfer, your Michigan State Directors. SAFE & HAVE FUN! Your Region F.R.E.D., Some housekeeping items from the Region: Cowboy & Susan Garrison E-Mail: [email protected]; Cell: (260) 519-3180 Keep those bike tickets coming in every month! Your state directors need those by mid-month so that they can record them, and send them to us with enough time to send to the main office before the last day of the month. There’s still time to get your registration in for the Region F Family Reunion Rally in Richmond, IN. The dates are June 12- 14, so we expect to have spectacular weather to go along with the spectacular scenery we’ll be seeing on our group ride. This will be a very laid back rally…no vendors, no games and such, just riding, eating, and enjoying friendship (our favorite things). You can find more information on our website at www.gwtaregionf.org or by contacting us directly (see contact info located next to our picture at the top of the page.) Hope you are planning on attending the GWTA National Rally (Gold Rush) in Lexington, KY. With the rally located in OUR region, we expect to see a great representation of our region members. Your national staff has been making plans for a bunch of fun! The scenery will be amazing and the memories are sure to last a lifetime!! GWTA 15 May 2009 Touring News Spring is everywhere throughout the region. Safety checks and warm up events have taken place and members have eased into August 28 -30 Regional Rally riding again. As you know the Regional meeting set for March was Town & Country Motor Inn, Shelburne, New Hampshire Phone canceled due to personal reasons. Regional Meeting North was held Number 800-325-4386 April 19, 2009 in Portland, ME. Regional Central for Connecticut, 70 rooms are blocked for us at a rate of $88.00 + tax US dollars. This & is scheduled for May 30th. Details TBD. rate is for rally attendees so use GWTA when making reservations. Bike tickets have been out for a while. Please send any ticket Rally fees are $40.00 Per GWTA Member or $50 per Non-GWTA stubs & money as soon as they are sold so we can get them into the member. national office. We have more available as you need them. Don’t forget about Gold Rush or our Regional Rally there is One ride is scheduled to go into Canada. If you plan to take this still time to register for both! It would be great to see you there. ride please note that US citizens will need a valid US Passport so Kentucky is only a few days ride even from the Maine /Canadian start planning now. border so see you there! The regional website is up but more information is being added Yours in Friendship, each week. The address is http://regionhgwta.org. We sure could use Phil & Sue Rueger someone’s help as I AM NOT A WEBMASTER. A web neophyte is the best word to use. Sue & I are learning how not to build and maintain the site. If you have ideas, suggestions, advice, or can help in any way please let us k now. Thanks!

Warmer Weather and Fewer Crowds Make Early Spring a May Cons: Great Time to Visit Canada • Some of the most popular Canadian festivals and events are not yet under way. There’s still some chill in the air, but with the snow gone and Good to Know: spring flowers in bloom, May is, for many, an ideal time to visit • Victoria Day is a national holiday in Canada that falls on the Canada. Monday before May 25th. Government services, schools The complete gamut of summer activities is not in full swing, and banks will be closed. Victoria Day Weekend is a big but golfing has begun in the western provinces and spring ski deals travel holiday in Canada (commonly referred to as “May are still available. Two-Four Weekend”.) Expect crowded highways on the If you want to visit a Canadian city, may offers pleasant Friday and Monday of this weekend and long lineups at temperatures for walking (just have some indoor activities planned border crossings. in case of a rainy day.) Region J Events: May Perks: Ride In Lunch, Sunday May 3, 2009 • Warmer weather means visitors can enjoy more of Canada’s Bay Moorings great outdoor offerings. 200 Fox Street, Penetang, ON • Springtime means the full throng of summer visitors has 705-549-5237 not yet arrived. Friendship Rally, June 25-28, 2009 • Spring ski season runs to the end of May out West and Beavermead Park, Peterborough, ON great ski packages abound. Hillbilly Days 705-424-1512 GWTA 16 May 2009 Touring News World’s Largest Touring Rally Heck Yes, We Ride. June 1-6 Lake George, NY Not many insurance companies can honestly say that.

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State City Last Name First Name State City Last Name First Name CA Kelseyville Schneider Larry & Suzanne NM Alamogordo Bailey Harland & Faith CA Indio Miller James NM Alamogordo Tippin Scott M. CA Lancaster Sanders Paris & Marie NM Alamogordo Tyrrell Robert & Annie IA Villisea Gaunt Larry & Kathy NM Alamogordo Harris Donald & Kelly KS Salina Hampl Ryan NM Alamogordo Jaramillo Stan & Evelyn KS Gardner Grezeszak Thomas & Karen NM HAFB Marshall Donald MI Ionia Bernard E. Ray & Nancy NM Alamogordo O’Berry Lee MI Greenville Shears Terry ON Mississaugu Bates Bobby MO Blue Springs Shively, Jr. Gerald T. & Sherry ON Port Loring Whitmell Bert & Judith NE Dickens Harris Scott & Deb ON Brooklin Ballinger Kenneth W. NE Sutherland Gavin Troy & Julie ON North York Norton Thomas & Joan NE Omaha Szwarc Gene ON Niagra Falls Benoit Ralph & Kay NM High Rolls Hollister James ON Kitchener Unwin Roger & Donna NM Alamogordo Breitbach Frank “Pedro” & Carol WA Burlington Mueller Brad & Joanna NM Alamogordo Boschert Eric & Sara WA Centralia Dickenson Gene & Anni NM Alamogordo Dean Steve & Holly WA Rochester Manes Andy & Charlotte NM Alamogordo Carlson Stanley Patrick & Lynne WI Neenah Pihlstrom Larry & Marlene GWTA 17 May 2009 Touring News HONDA TECH COLUMNIST Wheels Designer’s Challenge™ as a way to celebrate the die-cast Randy Rundle brand’s 40th anniversary. The Honda Racer arrives on store shelves in May 2008. 415 Court Street “The Honda Racer combines the excitement of Honda’s racing Clay Center, KS 67435 heritage with Hot Wheels’ reputation for speed, power, performance (785) 632-3450 and attitude,” says Guillermo Gonzalez, senior designer of Honda Fax: (785) 632-6154 R&D Americas, Inc., and designer of the Honda Racer. “The [email protected] core concept is built around our idea for an ‘ultimate racecar’ and It looks like the Honda Design Team has been busy during the leverages the design freedom made possible by a scale model last year. On the heels of the Fury comes the new Honda SH150i. car.” Considering how many Honda Cubs, Honda has sold over the past The key element to the design of the entire car is that the body is 30 years… and is still selling overseas, this could be another home in the shape of the Honda “H” emblem. The exterior shape resembles run for Honda. Here are the details… an imaginative side-by-side racecar of 1960s vintage that encloses a driver and a navigator. The general shape, styling and paint scheme Following the successful public unveiling of the 2010 Fury, is further inspired by Honda’s early participation in Formula 1 racing American Honda is proud to announce the early introduction of and its 1967 RA 273™ racecar. The white and red paint scheme, another exciting 2010-model-year machine, the SH150i . the open cockpits, large exhaust system and open wheels are all The SH150i now makes its way to the shores of the United States elements inspired by the historic Honda racecar. where it is destined to become an instant favorite. The stylish SH150i Mattel invited auto manufacturers to participate in the Hot delivers an exceptional blend of new, modern styling, easy operation, Wheels Designer’s Challenge as part of the die-cast brand’s 40th plus economical and fun transportation. A responsive 153cc liquid- anniversary celebration. The design of the Honda Racer debuted at cooled single-cylinder four- engine with fuel injection delivers the 2007 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show smooth acceleration and the power for two-up riding, while 16-inch in Las Vegas in October as a 1/5th scale model. wheels provide great handling and a reassuring ride. The SH150i also Hot Wheels® cars revolutionized boys’ toys in 1968 with an offers the stopping power of Honda’s Combined Brake System, plus original line of super-fast, customized cars built for speed. Now, 40 useful amenities such as an under-seat storage area and the option years later, Hot Wheels® is a lifestyle brand that represents cars in of an accessory rear box that’s both fashionable and functional. scales from miniature to full-size. Hot Wheels® cars are popular Honda makes this impressive combination of utility and style collectibles for children and adults. available in the SH150i for an affordable suggested retail price of $4499. The first units will begin arriving in dealership showrooms in May of 2009, and will be available in Red and Black colors. Ride Safe… Randy The Honda design team also got involved with the Hot Wheels

design contest to help celebrate the 40th anniversary of the 1/64-scale cars. Like many of you I grew up playing with the Hot Wheels cars and it has been fun watching their progression thru the years. Here are more details on the Honda’s entry into the contest.

Honda is announcing the arrival of the Honda Racer™, a much- anticipated 1/64th scale Hot Wheels® car designed by Honda R&D Americas, Inc., in Torrance. The Honda model, along with designs from five additional automakers, were selected as part of the Hot GWTA 18 May 2009 Touring News TAKE PRIDE IN YOUR RIDE . . . Quality Parts and Accessories for your 1975 to 2009 Wing

NEW Trike Pin

NEW GL1800 Key Switch Pad fits both 45-1404 and 45-1404NU

NEW Nolan Helmet Lock Extensions

Don’t Forget to wear your GWTA Safety shirt on Wednesday during Gold Rush for Safety Day!!

NEW GL1800 Slotted Side Cover Grommets Glenn Peterson Rosella Shields

NEW 7” Eagle Trim

NEW Windshield Vent Trim for GL1800 and GL1500

® 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 May 2009 Touring News I have friends that just refuse to ride the interstate system on their stops take a little time to enjoy them. Get away from the snack bar bikes. Just have no desire at all to get on the big slab and have a go and look around. You will be surprised what you find. Becky and at it. Too much traffic, too many trucks, just too crowded for their I usually plan these little rest area stops ahead of time and manage liking. I, on the other hand, don’t really mind the super slab. When to take advantage of them for lunch. We make it a point to pick up I feel like I have to get somewhere and don’t want to waste a lot of some sandwiches ahead of time in anticipation of just such places time doing it, I don’t mind getting out on the big road at all. as the one below. You may find that kind of interesting since I am the guy that Many of you will be heading off to Lexington this summer and says, “Slow down, look around and enjoy the ride.” Now before I can tell you that you will have some beautiful spots along the way we take this any further, I didn’t say that I preferred the interstate whether you’re riding the interstate hiway from here to there or your system. I said that I think it is a great way to get from point “A” taking the back roads. Grab a couple of sandwiches a little bag of to point “B” and is as quick a way as possible. Besides, I guess if chips and put these stops on your itinerary. You will be glad you I’m going to be out on the road with a group of 18-wheelers I want did. Oh, by the way, you will meet some really neat folks along them all going the same direction that I am. You all know what it’s the way also. like to meet one coming at you. This piece of artwork was in early spring. The leaves were just This little column is about slowing down and looking around beginning to pop out and the tree in the foreground still had some and enjoying the ride. I don’t think the interstate hiway system is to lose. The meadow in the background was just coming alive and contradictory to that thinking. I know you need to get on down the what a great contrast from the deep shadow I was standing in against road when you’re out on it, but you would be surprised at what you the bright sunlight on the meadow. You can slow down, look around find if you stop often enough for those badly needed breaks. This and enjoy the ride even on the interstate... month’s piece of art is of a really neat little rest area along I-80 in central Iowa. Usually we just blow on by these places when we’re in the car, but stop more often on the bikes. When you do make these

GWTA 20 May 2009 Touring News has the most important role in ensuring the communication gets to the members, in as many forms as may be required, whether electronic, hard copy or verbal. If you feel that information isn’t coming down to you at the chapter level, then that would be a great item for discussion at your next chapter meeting. What about our members who aren’t involved in a chapter, though? Hopefully, you get information directly from your state/provincial director, or regional directors in those circumstances where you are currently without a state/provincial director. Obviously your other means of communication is what you are reading now! The Touring News magazine is packed with information about upcoming events, Hello, everyone! as well as articles by your regional directors and fellow GWTA members. Finally, our national website also publishes local, state/ Many of you by now should be familiar with the Lexington provincial and regional events. Not to mention the Message Boards, Kentucky Derby that is being run, even as you read this! Several which can be very educational – and entertaining, to boot. states have been neck and neck over the last several furlongs – Feel free to communicate with us about this or any other topic. Michigan, Northern California and Nebraska have been the front We accept phone calls (Mike deals with most of those), e-mails runners. It’s been great tracking the progress of every ‘horse’ that (Carol deals with most of those), and snail mail (whoever gets entered the race, and we are proud of every state and province that to the mailbox first deals with those). However you choose to decided to enter. communicate, we’ll be more than happy to hear from you! During the month of March, we ran a trivia contest for the state/ provincial directors. It was a quick exercise in communication. Ride safe, We would send the trivia question to the regional directors, and ask them to pass it along to their state/provincial directors. The state/ Carol and Mike Brush provincial directors were then asked to call us with their answers to National Education and Retention Directors gain points for their horse in the derby. We wanted to actually talk to our directors, instead of simply exchanging email. Sometimes you find out things by talking to other GWTA members that you wouldn’t have found out any other way. We don’t mean that the telephone is the only means to communicate – certainly not! We like our email just as much as everyone else does. We had to go a day without receiving emails recently, and I think Mike was having withdrawal symptoms. But again, communication is a tricky thing. Why do we communicate? To exchange ideas, times and dates of events, and share other information for GWTA members. Communication within the chapter is a big part of making sure everyone is informed about what’s going on. A certain percentage of the chapter members will want to get their information via e-mail or online. Another percentage will prefer to hear from you via the telephone. Others like to get information in a face-to-face format such as a meeting. Use your chapter newsletter to provide information of events that are occurring at least two months out, to allow time to adjust work schedules, if necessary. Also provide articles on fun that everyone had at past events – because it helps encourage even more participation for the next event. Everyone loves to hear stories! Your newsletter can be e-mailed or provided online for those who have internet access (which can be a tremendous cost savings). But – don’t assume that everyone will read every article. That’s why your chapter should incorporate multiple means of communication. Use e-mail communications for those events coming up in a week or so, or to advise of fellow GWTA members who have fallen ill or other like announcements. Not all members will read their e-mails every day, and so avoid sending communications that require response in a short time frame. Use the telephone as a reminder of events in the near future, or to communicate information that is short notice. Set up calling chains within the membership so that one person does not have to make all of the calls. We know, speaking as former Regional, State and Chapter Directors, that the information is out there. The Chapter Director GWTA 21 May 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 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 1640 E. Schnidmiller Ave., Post Falls, ID 83854 208-457-1150; www.rdhse.com GWTA 22 May 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 23 May 2009 Touring News Peabody, Region A, , Chapter P; Robert J. Moran, Region A, Washington, Chapter G;

2 yr Renewal: Dick Armstead, Region A, Oregon, Chapter A; Joyce Armstead, Region A, Oregon, Chapter A; Larry Balloy, Region A, Oregon, Chapter A; Betty Krois, Region A, Oregon, Chapter A; Ken Krois, Region A, Oregon, Chapter A; Carmen Warren, Region A, Oregon, Chapter A; Marty Warren, Region A, Oregon, Chapter A; Don Wagy, Region A, Oregon, Chapter A.

Rider Education Levels attained since April 2009 Touring News. 3 yr Renewal: Donald Coons, Region A, Oregon, Chapter A; Judith Coons, Region A, Oregon, Chapter A; Cindy Peabody, Region A, Commitment: Shirley “Sue” Bradley, Region A, Oregon, Chapter Oregon, Chapter P; Scott Peabody, Region A, Oregon, Chapter P. A; Billy G. Bradly, Region A, Oregon, Chapter A; Robert J. Moran, Region A, Washington, Chapter G; Dale Snipes, Region It’s a great day. Sunshine and May flowers, I love springtime. A, Washington, Chapter G; Robert Blyton, Region A, Washington, Judy and I are also thankful for the great number of members who Chapter G; Larry R. Barham, Region A, Washington, Chapter G; are participating in the Rider Education program. Donald McIntyre, Region H, Connecticut, Chapter M. Even with the economy upside down we’re gaining new members and new chapters. New members mean new ideas and Level 1: Shirley “Sue” Bradley, Region A, Oregon, Chapter A; Billy more excitement, wow what more could you ask for? G. Bradly, Region A, Oregon, Chapter A; Robert J. Moran, Region Talk about excitement, someone will be very excited at Gold A, Washington, Chapter G; Dale Snipes, Region A, Washington, Rush XXII when they win their choice of $10,000, a brand new Chapter G; Robert Blyton, Region A, Washington, Chapter G; Larry Harley-Davidson or a fantastic 2009 Gold Wing. It would break R. Barham, Region A, Washington, Chapter G; Donald McIntyre, my heart to have to ride that brand new Gold Wing from Indiana to Region H, Connecticut, Chapter M. Oregon just to break it in, oh sure it would. If the schedule for Gold Rush isn’t already out it should be soon. Level 2: Shirley “Sue” Bradley, Region A, Oregon, Chapter A; There are many activities planned so be sure to look the schedule Donald Coons, Region A, Oregon, Chapter A; Judith Coons, Region over early and maybe highlight those events that you really don’t A, Oregon, Chapter A; Cindy Peabody, Region A, Oregon, Chapter want to miss. Please don’t forget the Safety related seminars and the P; Scott Peabody, Region A, Oregon, Chapter P; Robert J. Moran, on bike/trike/sidecar Skilled Rider Course. Also, just as important, Region A, Washington, Chapter G. First Aid/CPR will be offered at $25.00 per member. Wow, just think.... for the small investment of $25.00 you will gain the Level 3: Dick Armstead, Region A, Oregon, Chapter A; Joyce knowledge to possibly save the life of a friend or family member. Armstead, Region A, Oregon, Chapter A; Larry Balloy, Region Judy and I have been receiving your E-mail’s with ideas, A, Oregon, Chapter A; Jean Raymond Basset, Region A, Oregon, suggestions and comments and welcome them all. Please keep them Chapter A; Jennifer Basset, Region A, Oregon, Chapter A; Donald coming and each will receive special attention. It’s your organization Coons, Region A, Oregon, Chapter A; Judith Coons, Region A, so we need those ideas to make it happen your way. Oregon, Chapter A; Shirley “Sue” Bradley, Region A, Oregon, Judy and I look forward to meeting with old friends and making Chapter A; Billy G. Bradly, Region A, Oregon, Chapter A; Betty new ones at Gold Rush so ride safe and we’ll see you there. Krois, Region A, Oregon, Chapter A; Ken Krois, Region A, Oregon, Chapter A; Scott Starke, Region A, Oregon, Chapter A; Remember that there is no such thing as a fender bender on a Sharon Starke, Region A, Oregon, Chapter A; Carmen Warren, motorcycle. Region A, Oregon, Chapter A; Marty Warren, Region A, Oregon, Safety is as simple as A-B-C...Always Be Careful Chapter A; Cindy Peabody, Region A, Oregon, Chapter P; Scott Don & Judy Coons Peabody, Region A, Oregon, Chapter P; Robert J. Moran, Region A, Washington, Chapter G;

Level 4: Dick Armstead, Region A, Oregon, Chapter A; Joyce Armstead, Region A, Oregon, Chapter A; Larry Balloy, Region A, Oregon, Chapter A; Jean Raymond Basset, Region A, Oregon, Safety Chapter A; Jennifer Basset, Region A, Oregon, Chapter A; Donald Coons, Region A, Oregon, Chapter A; Judith Coons, Region A, Shirt Oregon, Chapter A; Shirley “Sue” Bradley, Region A, Oregon, Order Chapter A; Billy G. Bradly, Region A, Oregon, Chapter A; Betty Krois, Region A, Oregon, Chapter A; Ken Krois, Region A, Form Oregon, Chapter A; Scott Starke, Region A, Oregon, Chapter A; Page 19! Sharon Starke, Region A, Oregon, Chapter A; Carmen Warren, Region A, Oregon, Chapter A; Marty Warren, Region A, Oregon, Chapter A; Cindy Peabody, Region A, Oregon, Chapter P; Scott GWTA 24 May 2009 Touring News My Early Years on Two Wheels by Milton Clair Grimes Chapter 4 Not everything in my small corner of the world revolved around does that have to do with vehicles? Well, the resourceful farmers/ motorcycles. There were four of us who built model airplanes. In ranchers with old Model A Fords would take the body off, reposition the late 1930s we built them of stick and tissue and covered them the seat to face backwards, reposition the steering so that it steered with ‘silk span’ to give them a smooth finish. Then in the early from what became the back wheels, and built themselves a hay 1940s, balsa became scarce and the kits used thin spruce. Those sweep out of the remains. The Magazine of the Midlands, published didn’t build well as the spruce was too hard to push a pin through. by the Omaha World Herald, printed a story I wrote about that part WWII made a lot of things scarce, but Americans are, if nothing of the world. The typesetter, however, knew nothing about ranch else, resourceful. Cheerios commissioned somebody to come up country up in north central Nebraska, and the ending of the story with designs of WWII fighters made of paper and thin cardboard said that the vehicle had ‘nobody in it’ where it should have read and printed pictures of them on their boxes. One box top & 10 ‘no body on it.’ I’ve changed the ending to make more sense to the cents bought you 2 ‘penny fighters’, so called because you glued non-initiatied. a penny in the nose for weight and balance, and they really flew Next month, quite well. I still have more than one complete set of those, plus I we’ll share with have scanned them into the computer and can make more. In the you the story of later 1940s, we began building U-control flying models complete a scorcher of a with gas engines, coils, batteries, and spark plugs. We NEVER got day in the sand them to fly. However, we did build some decent models. It taught hills. Anyway, us many things, including patience and a number of useful skills, here’s a picture and it did occupy our time. We also spent time on the bench in of me on the front of the gas station watching the traffic go by. The highway was 1942 Cushman. still a gravel road, and it still dumped a load of dust on the houses I must have on the north side of it, where my parents lived. If there was any ridden it to school even in the snow! Note the coat, overshoes, and breeze at all, it was from the south so that you couldn’t even open windshield. the windows and take advantage of the breeze as it left a coating of dust on everything in the house. Another odd arrangement in ranch country was that all of the farmers raised hay to feed their cattle, and maybe a little corn, as the soil was not good enough to get more than maybe 40 bushel to the acre in a good year. What

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 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 (motorcycle or camping related) that you would like to sell? Have you been look- ing for something? Let us know and we’ll run your ad for FREE as a GWTA member. GWTA 25 May 2009 Touring News ALABAMA TBA JR Phillips (360) 387-3523 Steve Andrus (707) 429-9547 (F) F Troop Mesa Dave & Diane Andres (480) 988-9533 [email protected] (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] (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 & 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] 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 May 2009 Touring News INDIANA John & Marilla Jager (260) 635-1236 [email protected] (H) Hoosier Heartland Wings Elwood Barb & Sam 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] 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] (H-2) Downriver Wings Taylor Jim Farr (313) 291-5855 [email protected] (J) Wheels of Friendship Parma Tony Edwards (517) 795-6401 [email protected] (K) Grand Valley Wings Grand Rapids Amy Campbell (269) 623-8725 [email protected] (N) North Woods Wings Greenville Randy Treynor (616) 794-2777 [email protected]

MINNESOTA David Olesen (320) 679-1931 (F) 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 Wauneta Doug & Michelle Sullivan (308) 387-4669 [email protected] (Z) Country Wings Blair Peggy Hakanson (402) 659-0686 [email protected] GWTA 27 May 2009 Touring News NEVADA Steve Andrus (707) 429-9547 (C) Silver State Riders Las Vegas Randie & Janet Buss (702) 645-7537 [email protected] (E) Vegas Valley Wings Las Vegas Jim Henry (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] 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] (T) Trask Mountain Wings McMinnville Robert Dodson (503) 472-9358 [email protected] 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 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 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 & Paul 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] (E) Lake Washington Gold Bellevue Paul & Janet 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 Wil Ditton (253) 884-5644 GWTA 28 May 2009 Touring News WASHINGTON CONT’D (Q) The Q Crew Chehalis Julie & Larry 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 & Linda 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) 455-0244 [email protected] (Y) River Valley Riders Eau Claire Bob Johnson (715) 287-3263 WYOMING JR Phillips (360) 387-3523 BUFFALO SOLDIERS CHAPTER LISTINGS Brooklyn Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club Abdul-Qaadir (718) 490-6919 www.brooklynbuffalotroopers.com New Jersey Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club, Inc. Michael Wright (732) 625-2432

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 DIVISION 1 Jim Anderson (905) 563-0003 [email protected] (F) Ajax-Pickering Friendship Riders Pickering 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 Free Goldwing Accessory Catalog Win-A-Wing Sweepstakes Guaranteed Lowest Price Professional Goldwing Experts Call by 3pm your order ships today

Home of Win-A-Wing. A Chrome World customer wins a new Goldwing every year! 1-800-872-9595 www.chromeworld.com GWTA 29 May 2009 Touring News National events if you bring a HOBO pin from a previous Hobo reunion rally. Hobo Gold Rush XXII July 13-16, 2009. Lexington, KY. The event stew dinner Saturday night, bring a canned food item of your choice will be held at the Lexington Convention Center. The Lexington to add to the stew! Motorcycle parts rummage sale. Contact Randie Downtown Hotel (formerly the Radisson), connected to the Buss at 702-645-7537 for more info. Lexington Convention Center, will be the host hotel. NEW – an Bob Reese Memorial Poker Run, Hillside Honda, Lakeport, CA. event at the Kentucky Horse Park has been added to the registration May 3, 2009. All bikes welcome. Registration is $20, includes form. This event will include a meal, entrance to the horse park and poker hand and ride pin for the 1st 100 registered. There will be entertainment! Cost is $40 per person Please see the registration tickets on sale for 50/50 drawing and door prizes. Sponsored by form in this issue of Touring News for more information! . Chapter L, Clear Lake Road Riders. Contact Lynn Hollenback at 707-263-7101 for more information. Region a Straw-O-Berry Ride, Ventura, CA. May 17, 2009. GWTA 28th Annual Motorcycle Awareness Day (MAD) is sponsored by Southern California Chapter O invites all motorcycle riders to GWTA Chapter G and will be held Saturday May 9, 2009 at the participate in their annual Straw-O-Berry Ride. $25 Pre-registration Spokane Falls Community College. Includes fun run promoting prize (registration must be received by May 9th). First Prize - $150 motorcycle awareness and safety. Grand prizes for East side and Gift Card, 2nd - $75, 3rd - $50, & Low hand: $25, plus 50/50 and door West side of Washington state, door prizes, 50/25/25 drawings, prizes. Pre-registration fee is $10 per person, on-site registration is precision riding demonstration by the Northwest Wings. Proceeds $15 per person. Sign in at Cal Coast Motorsports 10:00-11:00am. will benefit Make a Wish Foundation, Meals on Wheels and The Ride pins for first 100 to register, donuts & coffee at sign in, Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery. Register by April 13th to be eligible strawberry shortcake at finish. Contact Chuck & Leigh Burton at for a $50 prize. Open registration 8-10am on May 9. Contact 805-647-7382 or [email protected] for more info. Michael at 509-922-2637 or [email protected] or Northern California Spring Fling at Mariposa, CA. May 22-25, visit www.lilacccitywings.com for more information. 2009. Come join us for rides to Yosemite National Park and other Annual Blue Crew Fun Run, May 30, 2009. Sponsored by gold country areas and towns. There will be games, a bike show, Evergreen Wings GWTA Chapter C in Everett, Washington. All and a pot luck on Sat. night. Camping is available on the fair registration proceeds go to benefit CHRISTMAS HOUSE of grounds and there are plenty of motels 2 miles away in town. For Snohomish County. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at Smokey flyer with more information go to gwta-norcal.org or call Dennis Point Cycle Barn, I-5 exit 206, and is $20 per bike. The final check Therien at 530-877-4279. point is at Everett Powersports, 215 SW Everett Mall Way. This is a Antelope Valley Wings Fun Run, East Pearblossom, CA. June great ride with great prizes and we welcome all clubs or individuals. 13, 2009. Start & finish at Pearblossom park, 33922 121st St., East For more info, contact [email protected] or go to www. Pearblossom, CA. Games and check points at the park, short poker bluecrewfunrun.com. run optional, ride or just hang out. $10 pre-registration per person, Oregon GWTA Beach Bash, July 17 – 19, 2009. Florence, Oregon $11 on-site registration per person. Pre-registration prize, High/ at the Heceta Beach RV Park group camp area. Cost $5 per person Low hand, 50/50 and door prizes. Ride pins for first 100. Coffee per day. Contact Randi Kobernik at 541-480-3140 or go to www. & donuts at the start. Hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and drinks at the gwta-oregon.org for more information. park. For more info contact Gary Biddy at 818-352-1777. A Washington State Wide Early 60’s Poker Run, September 11- Willits, CA (a Campout!), June 19-21, 2009. This event is being 12, 2009. This event will benefit the Chehalis Veterans Memorial sponsored by Chapter S (N. CA), the Gold Country Riders. Come Museum in conjunction with the Patriots Day weekend. Each join the fun at the Willits KOA campground! There’s lots of great chapter will organize and conduct its own event & conduct the riding in this area! Visit the giant redwoods, Fort Bragg, ride along usual 50/50 drawing. $10 per person entering the Poker Run with the northern California coast, ride the Skunk Train, or just kick back 50% of the till going to the Museum and 50% to the winner. Make and have a restful weekend! Friday and Saturday 50/50 drawing, checks payable to: Veterans Memorial Museum and mail to 100 Saturday night pot-luck. Pre-registered campers: $10 per person Veterans Way, Chehalis, WA 98532. Contact Pete Slempa, sonny@ per night. RV’s are welcome but you must make your own space sipnsearch.com, for more info. 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 Cinco de Mayo, Gridley, CA. May 1-3, 2009. Join Chapter T at #42 which is right across the drive from the tent campers. The the Butte County Fairgrounds in Gridly, CA for motorcycle games, registration flyer is at www.gwta-gcr.org. For more info contact Bob Mexican food dinner, piñata contest and more. Kids are encouraged Merrick at (530) 872-0883 or [email protected]. to come. Registration is $15 per person. Camping is $20 per site South Lake Tahoe Campout by the Lake. August 7-9, 2009. per night. Door prizes, 50/50, costume contest, dancing and more. Sponsored by Chapter S (N. CA), the Gold Country Riders. Come Contact Dennis Rogers at 530-741-2420 or tworogers05@yahoo. join us for a great weekend get-a-way at the “Campground by the com for more info. Lake” in South Lake Tahoe! Friday & Saturday night 50/50 drawing 10th Annual Hobo Reunion, Las Vegas, NV. May 1-3, 2009. and campfire stories, Saturday lunch ride to Reno. Pre-registered Hosted by The Silver State Riders, Las Vegas, NV. Free registration campers: $10 per person per night. RV’s are welcome but you GWTA 30 May 2009 Touring News must make your own space reservation with the campground at Texas State Railroad, Rusk, Texas Campgrounds. This rally will (530) 542-6096. The registration flyer is at www.gwta-gcr.org. For offer a fun run, biker games, silent auction, door prizes, train more info contact Dennis Therien at (530) 877-4279 or skyhawk@ rides, bike shows, food and bike vendors, self guided rides and sbcglobal.net. new for this year, a geocaching game for those of you who utilize Phoenix Ride for Kids. Mesa, AZ. October 11, 2009. Come join gps’s. Campsites are available for $10 per night with two bikes us for a police escorted ride through the beautiful Tonto National per campsite. RV/Vendor sites will be available for $25 per night. Forrest. Registration opens at 8am and ride leaves sharply at 10. Admission is $10 per person, fun run will be $5 per person and the Minimum $35 per bike. Light breakfast and box lunch provided at geocaching will be $5 per person. the celebration of life. For additional information please contact Leavenworth Chapter “L” 17th Annual Fall Color Ride and Paul Trinker 602-670-6271 or Dennis Draper 309-242-1955. Poker Run. October 4, 2009. Lansing, KS. Rain or Shine. Prizes, Region C good ride, good food, good friendship!! For details see our website at www.lvgwta.org or call Rodger at 913-727-1775. Nebraska Chapter G Lime Run & Pancake Breakfast, May 31, 2009 at the American Legion, 11690 S. 216th Street, Gretna, NE. Breakfast served by The Pancake man from 8:30 – 11:30. Cost is REGION F $5 for just breakfast, $3 for children under 3. $10 for breakfast and Region F Family Reunion Rally, June 12-14, 2009. Richmond, Lime Run. First bike out at 9:00; last bike out at 10:00. Last bike IN. Join the family! Your GWTA Region F family, that is! Come in at 12:30 to the Gretna City Park with awards at 1:15. Proceeds on down, sit a spell. We’lll be riding some very scenic roads, from the Pancake Man will benefit your choice of GWTA Helping enjoy an Ice Cream Social, experience a movie night under the Hands, Sienna/Francis House or Patriot Guard Riders. Contact Bill stars, and get stuffed at the Saturday night dinner. We’ll miss you Pierce at [email protected] or 402-571-8741. if you don’t come! Contact Jim & Kris Rogers at 989-770-3933 Iowa Chapter L & Nebraska Chapter B Annual Fun Run, or [email protected] or visit www.gwtaregionf.org for Council Bluffs, IA. June 7, 2009. Lake Manawa State Park, Shelter more information. #6 (1100 South Shore Drive, Council Bluffs, IA). First bike out Michigan State Rally, June 26-28, 2009. Osceola County at 9am, last bike out at 11am. Register at the shelter on the day Fairgrounds, Evart, MI 49631. Contact Michigan State Directors of the ride. $8 per person (includes lunch and door prizes). CMA Norm & Sandy Helfer at 517-694-4665 or [email protected] services & Blessing of the Bikes will be at 8am. 50/50 and raffle for more info. tickets will be available. Contact Barry Frum at bkfrum@gwta-c. Indiana Ride for Kids, July 12, 2009. South Bend, IN at Pinhook com for more information. Park. Registration opens at 8:00am, ride starts promptly at 9:45am. GWTA Region C Rally, Tailgate Party, June 12-14, 2009. Join us for an escorted charity motorcycle ride through the beautiful Chippewa Falls, WI. Join Region C in celebrating our GWTA Northern Indiana countryside and support the Pediatric Brain Tumor Tailgate Party in Chippewa Falls, WI. Many guided and self-guided Foundation. For more info contact Bobby Newman at 219-324-0706 scenic rides, auction, area attractions, drive-in movie & campfire, or [email protected]. bike show, rally pin, campsite judging, dirty bingo, 50/50, light Indiana State Rally, August 14-16, 2009. Rockville, IN. Contact show & ice cream, team spirit, catered breakfast Saturday morning, Indiana State Directors John & Marilla Jager at 260-635-1236 or dinner Saturday night and lots of great friends. Register early to [email protected] for more info. receive pre-registration discounts. Lodging and additional rally info GWTA Dinner Run September 12, 2009. Das Dutchman available at www.gwta-c.com (click rally logo) or by contacting Essenhaus, Middlebury, IN. Contact Max & Pat Krueger for more Rick Hinrichs at [email protected] or 402-578-2368. information at 269-694-9746. REGION H Region E Region H Rally, August 28-30, 2009. Town & Country Motor Inn, Region E Rally will be held on June 5-7, 2009 at the Kettle Shelburne, NH. 70 rooms are blocked at a rate of $88 per night Campground in Eureka Springs, AR. Seminars, campfire plus tax. Call 800-325-4386 for reservations. Rally fees and other entertainment, dinner ride, and rides through the twisty roads of the details will be published in a future issue. Ozarks. The pre-registration fee is $25 and that includes a Saturday night BBQ dinner at the campground. Contact Wiliferd Lair at 417- Region J 343-9227 or [email protected] for more info. Region “J” Ride Buffet Brunch, May 3, 2009. Penetang, ON. 26th Annual “Hummdinger” Poker Run, June 28, 2009, Longmont, Hosted by Chapter H, Huronia Riders. Lunch buffet is served at CO. Sponsored by GWTA Front Range Gold Chapter A and Old the Bay Moorings Centre, 200 Fox Street. Cost is $16 per person. Chicago Pasta & Pizza. All proceeds go to “The Missing Children Tickets for this event are available by contacting Rick Moore at Task Force” (www.childfinders.org). Start and finish at Old Chicago, 705-549-4065. 1805 Industrial Cr, Longmont, CO. Exciting ride (approximately Friendship Rally 2009, June 25-28, 2009. Beavermead Park in 100 miles) $350 in cash prizes for poker hands. Suggested $10 Peterborough, ON. The theme is “Hillbilly Days.” Campground donation (for pre-registrants and day of) includes lunch and poker rates are $30/site per night, max 2 tents or 2 small trailers per hand. The first 250 registrants receive a pin. There are door prizes site. Call 705-742-9712 and as for Joyce to reserve your space. and 50/50. Special drawing (valued at approximately $100), for pre- Rockhaven Motel $70/night 2 double beds or $60/night single registered if postmarked by 6/20/09. Contact Jim & Glenda Boggess queen bed – call 705-742-8807 and ask for Laurie. Super Six Motel for more information at 303-772-3755 or [email protected]. 705-748-0550 ($79.99 per night, $84.99 per night on weekends. Pre-registration form is available at www.touringnstyle.com. Contact Dave & Debbie Lindgren at 705-424-1512 or Jim & Tania 2nd Annual GWTA Texas State Rally. September 18-20, 2009. Anderson at 905-563-0003 for more information. GWTA 31 May 2009 Touring News Cross-Eyed Crossroads - Accident whenever we’re riding, or driving a car for that matter. Second, while it wasn’t raining, the road was wet, and the area I guess I could say that it happens to everybody sometime. But where it happened (the off-ramp of I-5 to 520, on the way to the I know that’d be wrong. Lake Washington floating bridge) is well-worn (slick) pavement. I guess I could say that, with 200+ thousand miles on Gold Wings, I had just gone under the Mont Lake over-pass, and it seemed like I was due for something like this. But I know that’s wrong, too. suddenly the truck ahead (with very small, dim tail lights) was at I guess I could say that as I get older, my reactions slow down a complete stop. I wasn’t speeding, per se, but I should have been a little, and/or it was bound to happen if I ride in the rain as much more careful whenever the road is freshly-wet. as I do. And I know that would be wrong, too. And, I have to admit, I knew the rear tire was getting to be due I guess I could say I’m lucky to be alive to tell this story. And for replacement. The cords weren’t showing, but I had 15K miles I know that would be right. on it. I do brake pads whenever I replace the tire (to save in labor Had my first “serious” accident the other day. Highway speed, costs), so I knew they were coming due again, too. wet road, rush hour traffic, locked up rear brake, skidding tire, scared So it was probably a combination of related factors, each poop-less, nearly hit the truck in front of me, low-side fall, sliding contributing a small amount to the ultimate conclusion. What do 50-60 feet, bounced my head off the barrier kinda accident. I do now? But I did survive. Guess that’s a good thing (depending on your First, I AM going to sign up for the next Experienced Rider Course perspective.) (or whatever it’s called right now), as soon as possible. I’ll arrange Yeah, I did have a colorful assortment of bruises. Yeah, I my schedule to take the first one that’s available. It’s that important. I was limping around noticeably for a few days. Thank God I should do it every other year or so, just to keep my GWTA Rider have a Gold Wing, with sturdy crash-bars. Thank God I was Education Level IV current. (And if you have not signed up for this, wearing boots, gloves, good jacket, and other safety equipment. perhaps now is a good time for you to get certified, too.) My experience, my Gold Wing, and my good gear saved my Second, I’m going to learn from this experience. Scuff off life, I think. speed whenever the pavement is wet. Know that traffic can go Heck, I even rode that bike home. Couldn’t have been too bad, from full-speed to nothing during rush hour. Older trucks do have then, right? smaller, dimmer tail lights, so I have to be looking out for that sort Then why do I still get diarrhea whenever I think about it? And of situation. In general, be aware, and keep safe at all times. why do I still get pangs of panic whenever I’m riding and come Here’s wishing you never have to have an accident like I did while across some wet pavement? And why does those few seconds when you’re going down the road to “Destination Friendship”. it happened keep playing in slow-motion in my brain when I’m trying to think of something else? I was telling the story to a neighbor who happens to be a Viet Nam veteran, and mentioned the slow-mo movie that won’t go away. He smiled and said, “Welcome to the world of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) my friend!”, and proceeded to tell me about his slow-mo movie experience about a stand-off with an enemy soldier, which ended up with them shooting each other at short range. Eeww, Yuck! It happened that I had a service appointment with my mechanics the next day. Turns out the rear tire was due for replacement. (Hmmm, I wonder if that had anything to do with the event?) And the rear brake rotor was worn to a depth that it was due for a replacement, too. (Hmmm, could that have been a factor?) It’s been a couple of weeks now, and I’m still reflecting: what could I have done differently? First, I have to admit I was a bit distracted; I am in the process of putting my mom in assisted living, I was coming from a work meeting that had me thinking, I might have been in a hurry to get to another meeting. But that’s not unusual. We need to concentrate GWTA 32 May 2009 Touring News Motorcycle Touring and Travel Herb Williams, GWTA #2027, belongs to Region B, N. Pennsylvania Dutch Country Tour California Chapter P. Herb was born 25 Sept 1919. He normally wins “Oldest Male Rider” at every event he attends. He worked for the Railroad, PG&E Electric Co. and was a guide in I recently viewed the Pennsylvania Dutch Country dvd tour by Yosemite National Park. We know that he’s ridden his bike to Denali Christa Neuhauser (Publisher), Chris Myers (Senior Editor), and Park and believe he also told us that he worked there at one time. Florian Neuhauser (Journalist) of RoadRunner Magazine. They On rides through Yosemite, Herb usually gives us a history lesson outlined stops and points of interest as you follow along with about John Muir and his travels. We remember Herb telling us that them on their four day journey filled with enjoyment. The film someone once suggested building a church in Yosemite and John includes maps and GPS information. Throughout the video they Muir asked “Why build a church in the middle of a cathedral?” point out area highlights to ensure you won’t miss any points Actually, Herb can usually give a history lesson just about of interest as you make the 489 mile journey through Amish anyplace we happen to be and we never get tired of his stories. Countryside. They include several hotels for stop over. A few We remember once while riding into Ajo, Arizona and Herb came of the points of interest are the Harley-Davidson Factory, The on the radio and said that we were going to stay in a Motel just Shoe House, Amish Farm, Millersburg Ferry, Ashers Chocolates, up the road and every room has a coffee-pot, refrigerator, TV and Round Barn and Farm Market. The RoadRunner DVD was and fly swatter. So, I had to ask, what’s with the fly swatter? recorded in High Definition. Sit back and enjoy an outline of Herb come back on the radio and said “well, once back in ’29 this trip from the comfort of your home so you can make sure the flies were so bad that I suggested they put a fly swatter you know what to expect before you take the ride yourself. For in every room and they’ve had one ever since.” It may not more information or to order the Pennsylvania Dutch Country have been quite that far back but, that’s the way I remember it. Tour on dvd please visit http://www.roadrunner.travel/product- We can be riding in just about any state and Herb can RRDVD08.php. tell you where to find the local DQ. Do not get in his way. Nothing comes between Herb and a Blizzard from DQ. If you really want to see a grown man cry just disable his trike long enough to change the oil. It’s like you just cut his legs off at the knees. Rain or shine, cold or hot Herb loves to ride. He once told us that way back when he married Marion he told her up front that “don’t even ask for me to quit riding my motorcycle and we’ll get along fine”. You don’t need a map when you ride with Herb because we truly believe he knows every road in the United States and he’s traveled all of them at least once. His bike is always packed and ready to go in a moment’s notice. Many times we have tried to beat him to a meeting place before a ride and we all swear, he must camp there overnight because he’s always first. It’s really a pleasure knowing and riding with Herb. We’ve never heard him say a bad word about anybody. He may joke about someone but has never said anything bad about them. He loves people. He is the kind of friend that you want to keep for life. Herb loves to ride his trike up to his daughter’s ranch in Sprague River, Oregon because they let him drive the big tractor and knock down trees. Herb is one big kid that will never grow up. We all love him and wouldn’t want him any other way. What a pleasure it’s been to know such a fantastic friend. If you visit Chapter P’s web-site, http://www.gwta-ca-dvw.org/, you’ll read stories written by Herb about his many adventures while traveling with Chapter P members. Thanks Herb for a great ride!

Chapter P Members

GWTA 33 May 2009 Touring News Western Kansas Wings some good looking Gold Wings and trailers. In June our Chapter Chapter C is “Western Kansas Wings” in Dodge City Kansas. mans the gates for the Relay for Life charity walk. We meet every Wednesday night for rides and dinner. We try to Carlsbad Caverns ride when it is nice to all the small towns around us for dinner The trip started out from the Dodge City Harley/Honda Shop at trying to find the best little cafes. We get pretty loud until our food 6:30 a.m. We had 7 bikes when we left and picked up another in is served! Some of our members check out the deserts as we enter Montezuma. We went to Liberal to eat breakfast, and then headed and eat the homemade pie before we have dinner just in case they south into Oklahoma and Texas. We stopped for lunch at a café in might run out by the time we finish our meal. You must pay close northern Texas called Rafters. The food and service were excellent. attention when they bring your food as someone else may have The weather up to this point was bearable, but the closer we got to ordered what you did and they will eat your order! In the winter Carlsbad, the more we could feel the heat. We arrived in Carlsbad we typically stay in Dodge City to eat. The first Wednesday of the around dinner time and enjoyed a good meal before retiring for the month we hold a business meeting with our dinner. At that meeting night. Saturday morning at breakfast we planned the days ride to the we have a member volunteer to set up the next month’s rides and it caverns. You enter from the top of a mountain and go down 750 feet seems to work out great. Everyone gets to pick their favorite place into the caverns where it is a mild 56 degrees year round. Some of us to ride and eat. took a self guided tour and some took a guided tour. The tours and Every January 1 we have a Polar Bear Ride to Jetmore Kansas. lunch lasted about 3-4 hours. It was awesome!!! Saturday evening This year was our 10th annual ride. We had a dozen bikes from we headed to Hobbs, New Mexico to meet with Carol’s son Nash Dodge City along with 3 four wheeled vehicles. Other attendees and 3 of his Army buddies from Texas. We had a great meal with from around came for a total of 40 people. JoAnne and Vel Clarke them and really enjoyed listening to their stories. Sunday morning cooked up a breakfast for all of us at the Community Center. at breakfast and talked about the trip home. One of our members Spring through fall we go to Bucklin, Kansas for a biker breakfast left early and was rear ended in Perryton, Texas, but was unhurt. at the Legion Hall the 2nd Sunday of every month. We meet at our Thanks to Harold & Lela Wright for another great trip. Harley/Honda Shop and all ride together. Garden City, Kansas has Chapter C has a Christmas Party at the end of the year which started having a biker breakfast also. So we can ride and eat two is centered on eating again! We all bring canned food to donate to Sundays a month if we choose. the local charity. This past year our Chapter Road Captain, Harold Wright, has Destination Friendship!!!!!!!!! Ride On!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! taken us on some day trips. After our breakfast in Bucklin we all took a ride to Ellinwood, Kansas and toured the underground city. Another time we rode to Hutchinson, Kansas and toured the Salt Mines. We’ve gone to Lamar, Colorado and Black Mesa, Oklahoma. We always end our rides finding an ice cream shop. Only once did we have to leave McDonalds as they were out of ice cream. Just down the street though, we found a Sonic with cold ice cream. Thunder On The Plains The group is made up of several bike groups in the southwest Kansas area. Our goals are that the HOG chapter & Chapter C raise funds for the soldiers returning from overseas duty. We ask for names of these soldiers from the community and we send them a check to do with as they chose. Western Kansas Wings also has a poker run to raise funds for the local chapter of the American Cancer Society. Each January we meet to start our planning for the rally held the 3rd weekend of August. During the spring our Chapter holds a bike show at the Dodge City shopping mall. We try to scrub the bugs off and show the public GWTA 34 May 2009 Touring News EXPLORING REGION E supper with a stop at the Dairy Queen. Sunday morning we have Are you looking for some fun? Come on over to Kansas breakfast rolls and pack our bags to head home. A month before and attend our Winter Carnival in February or the Camp Out in the event, we will have the event flyer in our Chapter A newsletter September. If you are looking for a motorcycle rally, come on down located at www.gwtakschaptera.com. to the Region E rally in May. Or if twisty roads and some great However, if you dream of riding some twisty roads lined with scenery are on your agenda, you will love the Missouri Colorama beautiful fall-colored leaves, then come on down to Eureka Springs, in October. Of course, spread between those fun events are weekly Arkansas for the annual Missouri Colorama in October. The Region dinner rides, group rides, Gold Rush and vacations. E Directors, Wiliferd & Charlotte Lair, have mapped out some What does your February schedule look like? The Kansas GWTA wonderful roads to ride. They have four different rides tailored to invites everyone to attend our Winter Carnival. The location for your own style of riding. After some fine riding during the day on past Winter Carnivals has been McPherson, Kansas, at the Best Saturday, everyone returns to the campground for a great evening Western Holiday Manor. Due to the time of year, the bikes have to meal. After the meal, hang out and enjoy toasted marshmallows stay at home. It is a great time to get “out” and socialize. The event around the campfire. Need some more information? Go to the activities are on Saturday, but a lot of us gather Friday evening at Region E website at www.gwtaregione.homestead.com. the hotel. Saturday morning we have an auction followed by indoor There are some other great events happening in Region E. The games. Each Chapter brings auction items and the money made Texas State Rally in September and the Missouri Spring Fling in April. on the sales is returned to the chapter that provided the items. It’s So plan your next trip and head on over to attend a Region E event. a great way to raise some funds for your Chapter, not to mention the fun bidding on auction items. The indoor games are amusing as we play Golf on a Rope, Heart Toss, Bulls-eye Washer Toss, Nuts & Bolts in a box, Suck-up and more. The McPherson Chamber of Commerce provides information about tours of local businesses. Add On Accessories Some examples of past tours have been the McPherson College www.addonaccessories.net Automotive Restoration Technology College and a miniature train display. Saturday evening includes a banquet meal followed AIM by entertainment. Some examples of the main event have been a murder mystery play, hillbilly theme, hat theme or the Newlywed www.ON-A-BIKE.com Game. Check Chapter A’s newsletter and web site for event fliers and pictures of previous Winter Carnivals: www.gwtakschaptera. Americade com . www.tourexpo.com Are you looking for a motorcycle rally? Come on down to the Region E rally held in May or June. The past years rally spot has ARAI Helmets been at the campground in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Awards are www.araiamericas.com given for the longest distance for a solo rider and two up riders, most senior rider, largest Chapter in attendance, largest state in Baker Built Air Wings attendance and more. We have a 50/50 drawing, seminars and www.bakerbuilt.com some great roads to ride. You won’t want to miss this rally, so go to Region E’s web site www.gwtaregione.homestead.com for more information. Big Bike Parts What does your September schedule look like? The Kansas www.bigbikeparts.com GWTA invites everyone to our Camp Out. People come in many different forms of transportation. We have those who drive down for Chrome Crazy Superstore the events on Saturday, some www.chromecrazy.net that tent camp, some bring motor homes and some stay CIMA International at the hotel in town. The camp out is at Council Grove Lake Everett Powersports located in Council Grove, www.everettpowersports.com Kansas. As people arrive on Friday evening they are Markel American Insurance Co. treated to a meal of Sloppy Joes. Saturday morning starts www.GWTAinsurance.com out with the famous scrambled egg breakfast, followed by morning games. The games included Neosho Fiberglass are people bingo, word search, crossword puzzle and more. The www.neoshotrailers.com afternoon is open to visit, explore the shops in town, and ride around the area. Saturday evening the campfire is going and another fine Road Runner Magazine meal is provided. A light parade through town is on order after www.RoadRUNNER.travel GWTA 35 May 2009 Touring News Kansas Chapter B 2008 Annual Fall Color Ride age) had a Crosley “woody” station wagon of about this vintage. It By Maurice Reiter was sure fun to drive. OK, back to the evening activities. We took a quick trip through the Mark Twain Museum and then headed back On a beautiful sunny Friday morning, October 10th, twenty to the motel to “freshen up” for the cruise. Everyone was looking one people on fourteen bikes met in Lenexa, Ks to head for forward to the dinner cruise. I picked up my lady at the entrance to Hannibal, Mo. After winding through the trail of the unfortunates her Super 8 room, and we headed for the Mark Twain Riverboat. (people going to work on I-35 during rush hour), we headed East One person was really looking forward to on highway 36. Our first stop was at Chillicothe for gas and food the cruise and was dressing for the occasion. and “conveniences”. It was a little on the cool side and some were Although I didn’t have my camera when she seen adding another layer of clothing. We then headed to a meal at was dressed in her dress and leather chaps our choice, DQ, Country Café, etc. Then it was back on the road to ride from the motel to the boat, I got headed East. her picture with the lucky guy before they Aaron and Leanna had to leave late and were to catch up with boarded the boat. Happy birthday Leanna! us on the road. As it turned out, they passed us as we were stopped As we boarded the Riverboat, a group for lunch, but we caught up with them at Brookfield. That brought picture was taken before we were seated at the total to 23. We arrived at our destination about 3:30P, the our tables. A lot of pictures were snapped popular Super 8! The rooms were clean, the view was great looking inside and out, as we leisurely cruised Northeast over the city of Hannibal. It was “your choice” for dinner, down the mighty Mo. As the sun set, we with plans to be ready to ride at 9:00A Saturday morning. were called back to our table for a delicious Saturday morning dawned with a beautiful fog over the city that buffet. The cruise was enjoyed by all and lifted as the sun rose over the horizon. Everyone was gassed up and when it was over, everyone headed for a gas station for a fill-up so ready to ride as planned and we headed back up to highway 36 and they would be ready to head for home the next morning. I think a East across the Mississippi and few may have stopped at the DQ on the way back to the motel, and then South on Illinois Highway John E. had to ride a few more roads before sun-up. 96. What a beautiful ride through There were mixed “leaving times” the next morning. A few left rich river bottom farm field of for home at 7:30A. Wow, that was a little early for us! Everyone soybeans and corn and through else had planned to leave at 9:00A. However, after seeing some of quiet little river towns. We the pictures that Rob and Lesley had taken of the sunrise at Lover’s stopped for a photo shoot near Leap (thankfully, neither one of them leaped), the group decided to Hamburg. After a short stop for give the Leap a visit before heading home. Elaine and I decided we photos, I proceeded to show just wanted to head home, so we returned via Highway 24. We had everyone why you don’t want to a very pleasant ride home and were glad that we had decided to do come to a quick complete stop with two up while your front wheel it. The agendas for fall color rides vary. Some like to ride twisties, is turned. Then Elaine and I both demonstrated why you should others enjoy sites - historic and otherwise, and some like a little mix wear a helmet and protective clothing at all times. We stopped for a of everything. I am one of the latter. Although I have enjoyed every great lunch in Batchtown, IL and then headed on down to Highway color ride I have been on, I enjoyed this one the most. Thanks to 764 and on South to catch the Golden Eagle ferry back across the Robert, Donna and Bill for planning it. river and to St. Peters, MO. for a gas stop. Of course, Ferry rides sometimes lead to sweet words and hugs with those special people in our lives! The trip back to Hannibal was also beautiful. It was rather uneventful except for the Caldwell’s, who witnessed a car accident and were delayed because the authorities wanted their observations of the accident before he would let them continue. Thankfully, they were not involved in the accident and only witnessed it. Upon arriving back in Hannibal, everyone went their separate ways to sightsee, nap, eat, explore more roads, etc. We were to meet later at the dock of the Mark Twain Riverboat for a sunset cruise and dinner. Elaine and I stopped and had ice cream at the shop this cute little Crosley panel truck was advertising. One of my friends in high school (during the ice GWTA 36 May 2009 Touring News Biker’s are the Greatest People all. If you want to see what all the fuss is about, go to http://www. touringnstyle.com for information about this years Humdinger, or go The Region E, Chapter A, Front Range Gold group in Longmont, to www.childfinders.org to get involved. Or contact Jim and Glenda Colorado changes people’s lives every day. Front Range Gold has Boggess, Chapter Directors, at [email protected]. Come ride made a commitment with the best people in the world and make a difference. to fund raising for I was so impressed with the great group of people that I became over 25 years. They a GWTA/Front Range Gold Member in 2002. I hope everyone has began the Hummdinger a great and safe riding year. Thank you all for everything you do Motorcycle Poker Run for our community. for charity 26 years ago. Written and submitted by David Rogers, Member of Front Range The ride is about 100 Gold miles into the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Colorado. The ride starts at an Old Chicago’s and end up back at the restaurant where Old Chicago’s feeds everyone. Last year they had over 300 riders and collected over $ 8,200 in cash. The “bikers” of this group make a difference in our community and this is my story. My name is David Rogers and I got to know them because I head up a charity missing children organization known as the Missing Children Task Force. The Missing Children Task Force provides “NO COST” services to families of missing children. Ten years ago I met a couple of the riders in this Gold Wing club; they decided to help out by allowing my charity to be the benefactor of their efforts. I have been blessed by knowing all the members of Toy Run, Eyes of Texas Style Chapter A for the past 10 years. The chapter does not only have a ride for charity, but they make real differences in their communities. The local Chapter of the Christian Motorcyclists Association Over the past 10 years, Front Range Gold has provided nearly $ called “Crossroad Riders of Mesquite” in Texas puts on a Toy Run 50,000 in cash and over $ 75,000 in other donations which we use for the Mesquite Police Santa Cop Program. The toy run is designed to find missing children. Their members have also brought the Task to get toys to the disadvantaged kids in the city. The Chapter Director Force to their companies in Chapter E “The Eyes of Texas, Region E – Jay Perkins decided and obtained donations, to take his 2005 Trike a little further this year. such as computers, and He had a luggage rack built for his trailer hitch. He then proceeded equipment we can use. to design, print and cut out a 60” x 42” Santa Clause, with the help They not only walk the of his own Sign Company (Signs For U). Next he installed the Santa walk, but they talk the onto the rack, along with presents on the bottom. Finally - there talk by volunteering were LED Lights attached to the perimeter of the wood Cut-Out. with the organization. That Gold Wing sure got plenty of looks and horn honking for the Many of their members Christmas Spirit. have been trained to help fund raise, conduct interviews, do research, to help find missing children. All of which has allowed for the Task Force to find and return home more than 1,000 children. The Humdinger Poker Run has become a main stay for Colorado’s Annual Missing Children’s Week. The one week of raising funds the Task Force does each year, and its members participate in all the events, including the Candle Light Vigil at the State Capitol, the Golf Classic for Missing Children, NASCAR’s Race to Find Missing Kids, and the Humdinger Poker Run. For the past 10 years, the funding from this week has allowed the Task Force to operate for the next 51 weeks educating the community about the dangers of missing children and investigating over 100 cases each year. I can not thank the membership of the Front Range Gold for all their continued support, along with our other major sponsors; NASCAR, Colorado National Speedway, Sprint, ADT Security Services, High Country Harley Davidson, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, and the Colorado Civil Air Patrol Mustang Cadet Squadron. I can not single out any one person to thank, because it is truly a team effort by GWTA 37 May 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.

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GWTA 38 May 2009 Touring News Delectable Dishes in Lexington cozy county café, Wallace Station, where farm hands and socialites It’s no secret that Southerners love food, and the Bluegrass Region gather. Sandwiches and pastries are found at this remodeled 1900s has something to please everyone. From barbeque, Caribbean and train station. Indian to French and Mexican cuisine, the Region has it all! After a long day exploring the Kentucky River Palisades, visitors Authentic Kentucky cuisine includes a mix of Irish, Native find respite at Shaker Village. The Shakers were America’s longest American, English and African influences. Traditional Kentucky lasting communal society with the Pleasant Hill population peaking dishes include Burgoo and the Kentucky Hot Brown. Burgoo, not a in the 1820s to about 500. Traditional Kentucky fare, including very well-known dish, is a stew made from a variety of ingredients original Shaker recipes are served at the Trustee’s Office. Sliced that can include anything from mutton to lima beans and potatoes. pork, rainbow trout Another Bluegrass favorite is the Kentucky Hot Brown: an open- and fried chicken are faced turkey, ham and bacon sandwich smothered in Mornay sauce. some of the staples of Being surrounded by bourbon distilleries that are responsible for this quaint restaurant. producing nearly all of the world’s supply, it is not to hard to find R e s e r v a t i o n s a r e bourbon in many of the dishes. required for all meals For traditional Bluegrass fare, there are several places in Lexington (800-734-5611 x 360). worth checking out: deSha’s, Ramsey’s Diner and Winchell’s, to Breakfast, lunch and name a few. Each of these restaurants offers a unique atmosphere dinner are served. and a moderate price range. Located in a beautifully restored Near Winchester Victorian-style building, deSha’s specialties include hot browns and and Boonesboro tucked cornbread. The Horse and Barrel bar at deSha’s was on the short-list away on a quiet lane is Hall’s on the River. Fried banana peppers, for bar of the year by Whisky Magazine. Ramsey’s offers a variety catfish and other catches are popular dishes. Don’t forget to try to of old-fashioned comfort food. Their version of the hot brown was the beer cheese! Another great restaurant in the region is Boone once voted “Best of the Bluegrass.” Another down-home restaurant Tavern in Berea. Favorites include “Chicken Flakes in a Bird’s is Winchell’s. The Chef’s are graduates of the Culinary Institute Nest” and “spoonbread.” The Tavern received the Duncan Hines of America and have worked with the some of the best chefs in the Excellence in Hospitality Award in 2003 and has been a local world. Diners must try the tangy vinegar slaw. favorite for years. Some other local favorites include Joe Bologna’s, a family- Lexington was previously donned the “city with the most oriented pizza place set in a former Jewish temple. Be sure to r e s t a u r a n t s p e r order a breadstick-they are to-die for! (Insider’s tip: try parmesan square mile” so cheese in the melted garlic butter). The best home-cooked barbecue there is no reason is Billy’s Bar-B-Q. The original purveyor of Western Kentucky- to leave Lexington style hickory pit barbecue, Billy’s was voted best in the Bluegrass hungry. For more by the Lexington Herald-Leader and Ace Weekly. While you’re information about there, be sure to order some “dillickles.” Parkette Drive-in is an d i n i n g i n t h e honest-to-goodness 1950s drive- Bluegrass Region, in. Try the “Kentucky Poor Boy” contact the Lexington (a double-decker burger) with Convention and onion rings. Visitors Bureau In the surrounding Bluegrass at -800-845-3959 Region, you will find plenty of or visit the web at dining choices as well. Situated www.visitlex.com. across the Lexington/Fayette County line near the Kentucky Horse Park in Scott County is Sam’s Truck Stop. From the “Samburger” to soup beans and cornbread, visitors can get home- cooking 24-7. Driving along Old Frankfort Pike, visitors will find a GWTA 39 May 2009 Touring News GWTA 40 May 2009 Touring News