GOLD WING ROAD RIDERS ASSOCIATION
September/October 2018
Gwrra—Illinois District
Gold wing Road ri ders associatio n Illinois District Director
District Team Mary Adams
District Director Mary Adams CHANGE [email protected] Asst Director– NorthEast O P E N We always seem to enjoy the changing colors of the Asst. Director—Northwest season. We plan color rides to check an area that w e Gene & Annette Shields either know will look beautiful or to check a new l o - Grsbiker2001comcast.net cation we have never seen before. We embrace the Asst. Director—Western changing of the seasons, even look forward to it most O P E N Asst. Director—Eastern of the time. We know it is inevitable. We accept th a t Pam & Tom Waller all things change when it comes to the weather. [email protected] When most of us were younger our children and our Asst. Director—Central jobs took most of our time and energy. We look for- Virgil & Connie Booker ward to watching them grow up to be responsible [email protected] adults and go out to create their lives. We knew Asst. Director-Southern change was coming whether we really wanted it to or Sonny & Lisa Gales not. As our children grew, we became empty nesters. [email protected] More time to enjoy the one thing we all have in com - District Educator mon, our motorcycles. We could join more rides even Steve & Jeannie Brungard [email protected] during the weekdays sometimes. We could enjoy those Asst. District Educator dinner rides and weekend get-aways with our friends . Kris Andre Why? Because things c h a n g e d . [email protected] As we enjoy our time and fellowship with our GWRRA MFA Coordinator friends, our lives are changing again. Our children Brian King are thriving and creating their own lives and so no w [email protected] we have become Grandparents. Those sweet little Motorist Awareness bundles of pride and joy!! And now our free time is Tony Lasher changing again. Some of us have changed in life by [email protected] retiring. This too brings us many rewards and we en - Ride Coordinator B o b A d a m s joy the change. [email protected] Change is inevitable. GWRRA can see the change h a p - pening with our members. We are embracing it. I fee l the Illinois members have done a great job embracin g the changes so far and we have had many! Keep up the great attitude and BE THE CHANGE!!
Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge Gwrra—Illinois District Page 2
District Team Assistant District Directors
District University Trainer Jean Potwora [email protected] Virgil & Connie Booker T r e a s u r e r Nicki Fowkes [email protected] Greetings GoldWing Friends, Membership Enhancement Neal Graham Wing Ding 40 has come and gone [email protected] and another riding season is quickly Virginia Allison coming to an end. Some of the best riding weather COY/IOY Coordinator is fall, the leaves are in color and we can FEEL O P E N comfortable wearing all the gear. Fall also brings 2018 Couple of the Year danger to riding, farm implements are on the road- Ken & Sarah Dillman ways, mud, and spilled grain. Animals start mov- 2018 Individual of the Year ing seeking food and shelter. Darkness comes ear- Carolyn Thompson lier, fog settles in the bottoms, so please be safe Sunshine Lady enjoying the rides. Ruth Ann Dikis [email protected] We attended Wing Ding again this year and stayed Ambassador Coordinator at the World’s Fair Holiday Inn across the street Pam Waller from the event. Connie, Ruth Ann and I volun- [email protected] teered to sell tickets and work the registration. District Webmaster We attended all the dinners and special events this Roy & Cheryl Miller year to include the Masters Luncheon. We sat at a [email protected] table with Eddy & Mary a nice couple from Israel, District Photographer visiting with this couple was very interesting and Jean & Walter Potwora made our luncheon even more fun. I also attended [email protected] the Director’s Forum presented by GWRRA Presi- District Patch Lady dent Anita Akire. The message that I took away Martha Ribbing from the forum was that retention and recruitment [email protected] District Newsletter Editor must be the focus of every single member. Every- Mary Adams one you meet is a prospect; always carry member- [email protected] ship applications with you in your bike and car. 50/50 & Raffles Write your name and phone number on the applica- O P E N tion, get the prospects name and phone number. Stay in touch, be a friend, meet for coffee, ice cream, go on a ride, invite them to a social and just have FUN. Chapter Web pages are full of great outings this month, go visit and join them in as many things as you can with this good weather we are having be- fore old man winter comes.
Wing Ding 41 NASHVILLE, TN
Make your registrations and let’s flood Nashville with our members and bikes in September 2019...
Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge Gwrra—Illinois District Page 3
Chapter Directors Assistant District Director C h a p t e r C Gloria Huzengia [email protected] Chapter C2 Sonny & Lisa Gales Lynn & Pam Murray [email protected] Chapter D2 Danielle Webster [email protected] Greetings from The Gales, Chapter DK A lot of things have happened since our last news- Kris Andre letter. Summer Rally was a great success! We had a [email protected] great Bike & Light Show with a large amount of C h a p t e r E participation. Neal & Ginny did a great job with Rick & Maggie Filson all the games & challenges. Who knew spitting [email protected] pickles would have been such a challenge. LOL. C h a p t e r G Thanks to Niehaus Cycles for always supporting Mary Adams [email protected] GWRRA & hosting this rally at their establishment. Chapter G2 The two ladies who were cleaning bikes to promote Ellary Kahan their cleaning products had their money stolen. [email protected] One of our couples from Chapter Q Charles & Rose Chapter H2 Basden helped them out. Do to this kind gesture we Lanny & Carolyn Anderson awarded them with the " You Make A Difference [email protected] "pin & certificate. It's people like Charles & Rose C h a p t e r I that make up this wonderful group we call GWRRA! Tony & Donna Gaitros We also said Goodbye to Steve & Diane Gottschalk [email protected] as District Directors & Congratulations to Mary C h a p t e r L Adams on becoming the new District Director. Sandy Ginger Steve & Diane have stepped up & now are on Team [email protected] GWRRA as Assistant MEP's. We also want to thank C h a p t e r N Virgil & Connie Booker on all the vendors they ob- Nancy Buffington tained for the rally. Thank you to the rest of the [email protected] staff also and those who helped out in any way. C h a p t e r O Dan & Carol Evans Our next adventure was to Wing Ding in Knoxville [email protected] TN. A group of us worked the ticket booth on Chapter PI Thursday. Weather was hot with occasional rain Pam Waller showers. Some of us had bike issues. Non of us won [email protected] the 2018 GoldWing. Maybe next year. C h a p t e r Q Sonny & Lisa Gales School is back in session so if you are riding your [email protected] bike be careful & watch not only for crazy drivers but kids who might run across the street to catch a bus. We also continue to see people cutting grass & blowing it onto the road. Maybe we need a TV com- mercial to run over & over on what can happen to a motorcycle rider when grass is on the road.
Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge Gwrra—Illinois District Page 4
Chapter Directors Assistant District Director C h a p t e r R Dave Hermanson Cherokee825comcast.net C h a p t e r S Cyndi Eubanks Gene & Annette Shields [email protected] C h a p t e r T Daryl & Tracie Peek [email protected] From way up Northwest Illinois C h a p t e r U Annette and I have been very busy over the last few Bonnie O’Guinn weeks since the IL District Rally. We have accepted [email protected] the continuation of our position as Assistant Dis- C h a p t e r Z trict Directors. Debbie King It has been unusually hot and humid making it Cd-il-chapter-z.org somewhat uncomfortable to do a lot of riding. We Chapter Z2 had to trailer our trike down to Litchfield and whi l e Randy & Mary Thielenhouse there, we bought a new truck to pull the trailer. [email protected] That was in preparation for the trip to Wing Ding 4 0 in Knoxville TN. The reason we have gone to trailer - ing the trike is, as we get older we can’t take the longer motorcycle trips, especially when it is hot and humid. Many of our fellow GWRRA members are either already at that point or may be there soon. We need to think more about the effects of heat ex- haustion and dehydration as we age. Just when do we make adjustments to our riding? We made the hard decision to trailer to rally’s instead of taki n g chances with our health. We went to Chapter R’s “Surprise Ride” and had a great time. We always enjoy our time with their Chapter. Lots of prizes and Lots of Fun. Our home Chapter “L” had their Fund Raiser the next weekend. I was one of the people that come up with the route for the poker run. That included rid - ing the route many times to make sure of the dis- tance between turns and that the route didn’t have to be changed because of construction or resurfac- ing. Everyone was busy doing different things to make it successful. This year we had many gifts to give away, so we hope everyone had a great time and took home something they could use.
Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge Gwrra—Illinois District Page 5
Gene & Annette Shields
Continued….
We had a problem with our trike right after the Chapter L Teddy Bear Run. I parked our trike in the garage on Saturday after doing the pre ride for the Chapter members and on Monday afternoon when taking the garbage out I noticed something on the floor. It was the axle cap and the end of the axle with the cotter pin and nut. During Monday some time the axle popped off and fell by the wheel. Of course we needed the trike for WD 40. So I started calling RoadSmith Trike dealers to see what to do since the trike is still under warranty. Every one of those nearby were very busy and could not get to it until late the next week. We had to have it ready to leave for WD 40 on Wednesday the next week. So we called the factory and made plans to drive up to St. Paul MN to get it fixed. It was about a 4 ½ hour trip each way. We arrived about 10am and they got on it right away. In about an hou r they had both axle replaced and we were on our way back to Rockford. Then we did some great riding at Wing Ding this year, doing the Tail of the Dragon and the Cherohal a Skyway. The registration attendance at WD 40 was 8093. And the venders looked like they did well, as many were quite busy selling and installing the things people bought. We bought a new windshield while there. The parade had about 400 bikes in it s o those that rode in it had a great time. Overall it was a good time at all the events. We left WD 40 on Sunday and traveled to Williams- town KY to visit “The Ark Experience” just off I-75 south of Cincinnati. We spent about three hours there and could have spent a lot longer but wanted to get on our way home. As we traveled looking for a good hotel, we finally decided we might as well go all the way home. Pulled into the drive at about 11:30 pm Sunday night. Now as we start getting some cooler weather we will be taking a few shorter trips. Hope everyone is abl e get some good late summer and fall rides in. Just b e sure to Keep Safe Out There.
Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge Gwrra—Illinois District Page 6
District Educator
Steve & Jeannie Brungard
Summer rally was great. The weather a little Our Motto... hot, but no rain. We had 3 members move up in the levels program from a level 3 to level 4. They are Virgil & "Safety is for Life" Connie Booker from Chapter E and James Fortner from Chapter Our Mission... C. Also moving up was Jan Biliter from Senior Master to Grand Master from Chapter I. " To Save Lives Those moving up from Level 4 to Senior Master were Tony & Through Quality, Donna Gaitros from Chapter I and Vickie DePew and Kelli All- World Class sop from Chapter U. Thank you for participating in the levels Education" program. Also presented was a Survivors Award to Nancy Hutchins from Chapter S. Level I: I also want send out a BIG THANK YOU to all those that Safety by Commitment - helped with the flags, bike show and all the other things that
The first big step to success went on at the rally. I might miss someone being named but THANKS to all. Level II: Don’t blame your newsletter editor for your newsletter being Safety by Education late. It is my fault. I am typing this with one hand as I had carpal tunnel an radial tunnel an another named surgery on my left arm Level III: Thursday the 30 th at 5:30am. Safety by Preparedness Have a great rest of the summer an be safe. Level IV:
Safety By Enhanced
Commitment and
Preparedness
Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge Gwrra—Illinois District Page 7
District Educator
Steve & Jeannie Brungard
Farmers say one of the biggest safety issues they face is sharing the road with other vehicles, e s - pecially at harvest time . Harvest Large equipment, such as tractors and combines, can travel as slowly as 25 mph or less. Drivers are sometimes un- aware of the speed limitations or frustrated by the m, tailgating or time is passing the equipment in a hurry. “Farmers will get over,” said Tim Stock, executive vice president of coming. the Macon County Farm Bureau. “They know they are g oing slower than a vehicle is. They will slow down, get out of the way and still get a middle finger thrown at them. Here's how “I don’t think the general public has a true unders tanding of what farmers are doing,” Stock continued. “They think fa rmers are an in- to safely convenience to them when they are out on the roads. ” In fact, he said, farmers don’t want to be the road either. They’d much rather spend that time in the fields. share In 2016, there were 424 crashes involving farm vehi cles or equip- ment in Illinois, according to the Illinois Departm ent of Transpor- tation. Randy Toohill, who farms 3,800 acres near W apella, said it the road seems like the situation is getting worse. "It's gotten more and more dangerous," he said. ".. . People don’t with realize your top speed is 25 mph, depending on what you’re driv- i n g . " IDOT has partnered in recent years with the state p olice and Illi- slow- nois Farm Bureau on a program called "Caution, Slow Down, Share moving the Road," which encourages rural road safety. In general, drivers should maintain a safe followin g distance and be patient, avoid passing farm equipment unless it is legal and safe farm to do so and avoid distractions such as texting whi le driving. "When people see farm equipment on the road, they n eed to slow equipment. down and take their time," Stock said. Farmers are required to display the slow-moving veh icle emblem, a fluorescent orange triangle, on the rear of their e quipment. The eye-catching symbol is meant to alert drivers so th at they have plenty of time to slow down. Stock said some people use the emblem improperly to mark mail- boxes, driveways or even fences, and it's important to be aware of the proper use. He said he hears more stories every year about inci dents in which farmers encounter drivers who have little or no reg ard for the equipment. "Farmers are concerned," he said. "They do their pa rt and the pub- lic needs to do their part to be safe around all fa rm equipment."
Herald & Review ALLISON PETTY [email protected] A u g 2 5 , 2 0 1 8
Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge Gwrra—Illinois District Page 8
National Ride Education
Susan & George Huttman
President Anita Alkire is pleased to announce the appointment of Susan and George Huttman as our new Directors of Rider Education. Though our interview process, Susan's vision for Rider Edu- cation is forward thinking and exciting! Susan and George have shared a love for Rider Education almost since their start with GWRRA. Susan has served as a Chapter Educator since 2011 after joining GWRRA in 2008. She became a Master Tour Rider in 2011. She has served as the North Carolina District Educator, Assistant Region N Educator and was on TEAM GWRRA as a Rider Ed Assistant. She has also been a Chapter Director and is certified as a University Instructor Trainer. She and George are Chapter Couple 2008-09. She is well rounded in all Programs and aspects of GWRRA. Her outside GWRRA profession will bring new and fresh ideas to GWRRA and the Rider Educa- tion Program. Soon she will share her vision and goals for the future of Rider Education. We are very excited to welcome Susan and George to TEAM GWRRA!
Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge Gwrra—Illinois District Page 9
Chapter D i s t r i c t Ride Coordinator Ride Coordinators
C h a p t e r C Marvin Prather Bob Adams Chapter D2 Marvin DeBolt C h a p t e r E Jerry Rondi Hi Everyone, C h a p t e r G B o b A d a m s Summer is about over and fall will be here soon. It looked like Illi- Chapter G2 nois had a good turnout at Wing Ding. I planned for 2 days of riding Craig Gilsinger for anyone who wanted to ride with us. We had a good turnout on Mike Zyskowski both days. With 15 bikes on day one, we did Cherohola Skyway Jim LeTarte along with a waterfall and Deals Gap. On day 2 ride we had 8 bikes Chapter H2 and did 3 waterfalls and part of the Blue Ridge Parkway. We even Butch Thron hit a little shower on our ride back home. Chapter I Charles Brown All in all it was a great Wing Ding. There was a lot of things to do, if you wanted to do them or just sit back and enjoy the rally. C h a p t e r L Dave Ginger Next year it's in Nashville. Maybe we can find some good country C h a p t e r N roads to ride. So I'm looking forward to riding around the place. George Wannamaker Terre Buffington There is still time to get out there and complete the District Circle C h a p t e r O Rides. Send the photos to me or add them to the District website. Jim & Vicki Dillard Chapter P1 Chapter U has there Chili Dump, Chapter H2 has Oktberfest and Tom Waller there are several chapter rides still scheduled. C h a p t e r Q Willie Kohlenburger We that's about it for now Charles Mallett Ride Hard and Ride Safe. C h a p t e r S Bryan Eubanks C h a p t e r T Steve Rich C h a p t e r U R o n H a c k C h a p t e r Z Brian King Chapter Z2 Robert Graeff D o n S h o r e
Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge Gwrra—Illinois District Page 10
Chapter Motorist Awareness MAP
Coordinators Tony Lasher
C h a p t e r E Wayne & Shirley Schmidt RECRUITMENT
C h a p t e r G Duane & Barb Imel &
Chapter H2 B o b MOTORIST AWARENESS
C h a p t e r I Jan Billiter This article is twofold. The first is on recruitment
C h a p t e r O and the second on Motorist Awareness. First I’ll talk Larrie & Karla Wiggands about Recruitment. C h a p t e r Z Tony Lasher While attending other Chapter Gatherings and the District Summer Rally, I had the opportunity to talk and listen (very important to lis- District Motorist ten) to other GWRRA members about their dwindling numbers in Awareness Program Coordinators will membership. Everyone had the same question “How to attract new review activities members”? I asked them “What are you doing to attract new mem- utilizing Chapter Newsletters, video bers”. The responses where mostly the same: “We invite our friends to conference, phone calls and other reli- our chapter gatherings, but they come once, but don’t come back. able methods to se- Here’s my response to them. 1) Do you make them feel welcome when lect candidates for the award and re- they arrive? Do your members. 2) Is your gatherings/socials fun, en- view with the Dis- gaging, informative as to what you are doing or planning for the next trict Director. The list of Motorist month? 3) What do you have to offer new riders to make them want to Awareness Gold Award recipients come back? Think back on why you joined. will be submitted to the District Director I listened to others on their recruitment ideas. One chapter made up and the National Motorist Awareness hanging bags to hang on strangers handlebars to include a GWRRA Program Director. application (their name & number), an old Wing World magazine, District Motorist Awareness Program Motorist Awareness Tri-folds, a sticker “Start Seeing Motorcycles” and Coordinators will be responsible for con- a calling card (business card) with their name, chapter and contact tacting the GWRRA information. All of these are available from GWRRA – no cost. An- office to order the award pins. The other chapter gave the new prospective member a chapter shirt first Award pin pre- ($10.00 value) to start them off with chapter pride. Others buy them sented to each indi- vidual will be the their first dinner. “WHAT DO YOU DO TO RECRUITMENT”? Motorist Awareness Gold Award header pin. Pins awarded to that individual thereafter will be year date pins.
Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge Gwrra—Illinois District Page 11
Motorist Awareness Tony Lasher
The second part of this article is on Motorist Awareness. I am the new Il- linois District Motorist Awareness Coordinator and I also am talking and listening to other chapter members on what they are doing and want to do in motorist Awareness. I have received comments from nothing to very little to I want to do more. I am asking for input as to what you want to see in the MAP for Illinois. I am working with Lindsay Faulkner, (IDOT) in the program “START SEEING MOTORCYCLES”. We would like to see the State covered with the Yard Signs and Banners. If you have these signs/banners, please take a picture and send to me (with location) so I can forward to Lindsay. The banners (20’ & 30’) need to be placed in a high traffic area. Also let me know your ideas on the MAP Fun Run next year. As always “SAFE RIDING”
MAP FUN RUN APRIL 1ST –OCTOBER 31ST.
October is the end of the year for the Map Fun Run. Get out there and take those pictures. It is interesting to visit these towns. I know there are a lot of places on the list. This is what makes it easy to visit and complete a hand. Don’t forget it on ly takes one hand to possibly win! You may learn new things from some the places you visit.
Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge Gwrra—Illinois District Page 12
Chapter Membership Enhancement Membership
Enhancement Coordinators Neal Graham & Virginia Allison
Hello, We are Neal F. Graham and Ginny Allison, District Member Enhance- ment Coordinators. It is very important that we take care of our members, especially new and prospective members. I know personally what it feels like to be a new GWRRA member and be ignored. I joined GWRRA in 1998 and was a member for two years. No one ever contacted me about chapter life or to possibly visit a chapter. So I let my membership expire. In 2002 I was contacted by a person wanting to start a chapter in Sacramento, California. He got my name from an older Gold Book. I was riding a 1984 Goldwing and jumped at the chance to start a chapter. I rejoined GWRRA and helped charter Chapter CAC. The point here is that there ARE people out there that want to be in- cluded in riding and chapter life. Let’s find them and welcome them into our family. If Chapter MEC’s have questions or comments, please feel free to con- tact me. If I do not have the answers, I will find answers and get back to you.
The Illinois District Membership
is looking for members to join the team.
We are looking for Assistants to help the members to the north, the Chicagoland area and to the West.
Please contact us or the District Director if you might be interested.
We will answer all your questions.
Join the team and have a great time.
It’s always fun to be a part something fun!!
Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge Gwrra—Illinois District Page 13
University Trainers District University Chapter C Coordinator Sue Allhands Barb Prather Chapter E Jean Potwora Connie Booker Virgil Booker Wing Ding 40 Chapter G Bob Fowkes Knoxville, Tennessee Nicki Fowkes Wing Ding 40 was held in Knoxville, Tennessee on August 29 th , 30 th , Mary Adams st st Chapter O 31 , and September 1 . There were more than 8000 people attend this Jean Potwora annual event. There were more than 75 new members signed up at Dan Ribbing this event. There were a lot of venders selling their products. There Larrie Wiggand was all kinds of things to get involved in, International Couple of the Chapter Q Year selection, Recognition & Awards, classes, Wednesday night Steve Gottschalk packet pick up and entertainment, Opening Ceremonies, Shopping, Chapter Z Classes, Disco Ball, Rides, Bike Parade, Bike Games, etc. There was Tony Lasher plenty for everyone to do. Norm Huber Brian King Walter and I arrived to attend the International Couple of the Year Selection, and I know the judges had a very difficult time choosing the 2018 International Couple of the Year, Rick & Debbie Warmels, from Indiana. Congratulations to Rick & Debbie. After attending the Open- ing Ceremonies, Walter and I went to the trade show. For the first few hours the trade show was very busy, but we had time to look around, and spot some things we might have to purchase. Then it was time to visit with old friends, make new ones, and enjoy being around people who love motorcycling.
The part of Wing Ding that Walter And I really enjoy is volunteering. We usually volunteer at the ticket booth. We get to see most everyone as they pass by or purchase tickets for the daily 50/50, the Grand 50/50 or for the Motorcycle. This helps us to visit with the many peo- ple we have met throughout the time we have been involved with GWRRA. For Wing Ding 41 in Nashville, Tennessee think about vol- unteering, it is what you make it, and I believe that it is so much FUN.
Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge Gwrra—Illinois District Page 14
District University Coordinator
Jean Potwora Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s “Ride for Kids”
The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation brightens the future for kids battling one form of the deadliest forms of childho od cancer. In the United States alone, 28,000 children are living wit h a brain tumor and about 13 new cases are diagnosed every day. From f unding cutting-edge research to awarding college scholarships to sur- vivors, the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation work to eliminate the challenges of this devastat- ing disease. The Pediatric Brain Tumor Founda- tion is on a mission to cure the kids. On Sunday, August 19, Walter and I let out at 6:00 a.m. to go to the St. Charles Community College, in Cottleville, Missouri to volunteer at the “Ride for Kids”. We volunteer to keep track of the money donated by various clubs and dealers. This is a commitment that we con- tinue to do annually for this ride. We had the honor of having one of the STARS (a child with rain cancer) and his mother ride in our side car. The ride was about 70 miles, with a police escort. We ran red lights, took some great roads and got to enjoy the day. Our rider was a five-year-old little boy named Mi- chael, his mother Tiffany road with him, as he didn’t want to leave her, as you should be able to understand, but it was neat as Michael’s father and grandfather rode on the own motorcycles right behind the sidecar. Upon arriving back at the college, we en- joyed a light lunch, and listened to a mother’s struggle to make choices when she found out her son was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Then the “STARS” were interviewed. I was proud of Mi- chael who got up on stage and was willing to be int erviewed. Before we left, Tiffany and I exchange emails so we could kee p in contact until next when we hope they will ride with us again.
Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge Gwrra—Illinois District Page 15
Chapter
Couples of the Year Illinois District
Chapter D2 Individual C o u p l e Larry & Wynona Syfert of the Year of the Year C h a p t e r E Ed & Jackie Essen Carolyn Thompson Ken & Sara Dillman C h a p t e r O Carol & Dan Evans C h a p t e r Q Chuck & Paula McNeill
International Couple of the Year. Rick & Debbie Warmels
Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge Gwrra—Illinois District Page 16
Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge Gwrra—Illinois District Page 17
Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge Gwrra—Illinois District Page 18
Chapter Socials
Chapter C- Gilman, 2nd Friday, Pizza Place 7 p.m. social
Chapter C2- Freeport, 3rd Thursday, Rt 20 Bar & Grill, 6pm eat-7pm social
Chapter D-2 –Effingham, 1st Sun; Martin's IGA Iron Horse Cafeteria, 6pm eat-7pm social
Chapter DK- N Aurora, 2nd Tuesday, Oak St Restaurant, 6pm eat-7pm social
Chapter E – Gillespie, 2nd Thursday; Miners Family Restaurant, Eat at 6 pm
Chapter G- Sterling, 2nd Wednesday, Pizza Ranch, 6pm eat-7pm social
Chapter G2– Fox Lake, 4th Sunday, Dino’s Den, 9a.m. eat, 9:30 social
Chapter H2- Galesburg, 1st Tuesday, Sirloin Stockade, 5:30pm eat-6:30pm social
Chapter I – Decatur, 2nd Saturday, Whit's End, 9am
Chapter L- Rockford, 4th Tuesday, The Machine Shed, 7pm
Chapter N- Quincy, 3rd Monday, The Coach House, 7pm
Chapter O- Troy, 2nd Saturday, Alfonzo’s, 6pm eat-7 pm social
Chapter P1- Paris, 4th Thursday, Main Street Café, 7pm
Chapter Q- Carbondale, 1st Wednesday, Bandana’s, 6pm eat-7pm social
Chapter R- Peru, 3rd Wednesday, The Right Spice, 7pm
Chapter S - Olney, 2nd Saturday, The Holiday, 6pm eat-7pm social
Chapter T- Springfield, 2nd Sunday, Parkway Café, 6pm
Chapter U – Vandalia, 3rd Monday, Ponderosa, 6pm eat-7pm social
Chapter Z- Metamora, 4th Sunday, The Flame, 5pm eat-6pm social
Chapter Z2- Oakbrook Terrace, 2nd Sunday, Denny’s 8am eat-9am social
Illinois Chapters Established
Chapter C2—1982 Chapter H2—1991 Chapter Q—1984 Chapter C—1980 Chapter I—1982 Chapter R—1985 Chapter D2—1990 Chapter L—1980 Chapter S—1985 Chapter DK—2001 Chapter N—1982 Chapter T—1993 Chapter E—1984 Chapter O—1999 Chapter U—1985 Chapter G—1995 Chapter PI—2002 Chapter Z—1996 Chapter G2—1991 Chapter Z2—1997
Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge Gwrra—Illinois District Page 19
Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge Gwrra—Illinois District Page 20
Region E Reunion Ride In
FORMER Have you ever wondered why you joined GWRRA, or for that matter any organization? When you join, you receive a monthly Wing World maga- zine, the Gold Book, and Rescue Plus is offered at a reasonable rate to name a few. That is the business end of things that are promoted by the home office in Phoenix. I’ll give you a few good reasons why I joined at the end of this article. I have led a few group rides since becoming a member of GWRRA and Days Inn the UP of Michigan Ride-In has to be one of the best we’ve been on. & When Bruce and Barb Beeman and Cheri and I first discussed going on an extended weekend we had no idea it would balloon like it did. Conference Center After GWRRA reorganized and eliminated the Regions from its structure, 101 Sky Habor Dr. it left a little void. A void that could sever relationships with people that you only meet at the Region Rally. So when we met with the Beeman’s La Crosse, Wisconsin to discuss our adventure way back in November, I brought up this con- cern and asked them how they felt about opening it up to not only our 608-783-1000 own Chapter members, but all District members within Wisconsin and WHEN: Minnesota. The idea passed with flying colors and we were off and mak- ing plans. August 8-11, 2019 We knew this was going to be something special when the Root Cellar Resort was filled to capacity after a couple months. We went on to fill an- other local motel in town and overflow into yet another resort. To say the least, it was incredible to see so many people showing interest in this ride.
The toughest part of planning this trip now took a different turn. With so We have 90 rooms many bikes going on this ride from Wisconsin, it was obvious we all couldn’t travel in one large group. We wanted to break the group down blocked off at a rate into smaller groups of 5-7 bikes each. We started our trip to the UP from of $59 per night. Wisconsin Rapids with six bikes. When we arrived in Plover there were seven bikes waiting to join us. We had them follow as the second group with their own lead and tail. They stayed about ¼ mile behind the first group. The same occurred when we got to our last pickup point. There were seven bikes there and they were the third group staying ¼ mile be- hind the second group. This worked out well with the tail of each group communicating with the lead in the group behind them. No one got lost or left behind. I won’t get into every detail of what we did on this trip, but I would like to share some of the things we observed. We had a lot of people that were first timers along and they were apprehensive at first, but the more they got to know other members, the more comfortable they became. Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge Gwrra—Illinois District Page 21
These same people not only enjoyed the riding and the resort that they stayed in, but more impor- tantly they enjoyed each other’s company. We had planned out three different routes in the UP and some of the roads took us into northern Wisconsin. When we started each day, we had a short group meeting to discuss the routes. Not knowing who was qualified to be a Road Captain, we did not assign leaders to these routes in ad- vance. After our group discussions we asked for volunteers for two of the preplanned routes, and without hesitation we got people to step up and take the other members on these routes. After everyone was back from their daily rides and had dinner, the members that stayed at the Root Cellar enjoyed sitting around continuing to get to know each other. Others sat around a campfire and laughed and joked and shared their ride experiences. One afternoon and early eve- ning we rented two pontoons and the Beeman’s captained one and the Walloch’s the other. We split the excursions into shifts so everyone would have an opportunity to participate if they wanted. To our amazement we had 45 of the 65 members go on the pontoon ride. Sunday morning everyone departed either on their own or in smaller groups where they lived close to each other. That is one other observation we made - people were taking care of each other and making sure everyone got home safely. Back to the question I asked at the beginning of this article. If you haven’t figured it out yet, it is the members that make this organization great. People like to ride their motorcycles and isn’t that the main reason we purchased them? People are also willing to help out if you ask them. They talk to each other and exchange contact information and that’s how lasting friendships are formed. That is what we experienced on this ride. Some say we went through a lot of work to put this ride to- gether, which may be true, but the rewards of what we experienced on the UP of Michigan Ride-In were well worth every minute we spent putting this together. In short, GWRRA’s mission is to provide us with the things I previously stated, that is their job. GWRRA gave us the tools and it is our choosing to take advantage of group rides and trips such as this. It is a fun experience that will give you memories that last a life time, only if you take a chance and take advantage of these opportunities. It may lead to a lasting friendship with some- one that you met on the trip. We want to say thank you to everyone that came on the ride and we hope to see you in La Crosse next year. We promise to work out the bugs and make that ride even better. Also, a huge thank you to everyone that stepped up to help out by being Road Captains, either traveling to the Root Cellar or leading a ride in the UP. We really do appreciate it! Next year’s trip will be held at the Days Inn and Conference Center in La Crosse. It will be held August 8-11, 2019. We have 90 rooms blocked off at a rate of $59 per night. We are calling this trip the “Region E Reunion Ride-In.” There are no fees or seminars. Fun is included. So please plan on attending and make your reservations soon. We are now opening the hotel to the other Districts throughout the old Region E. If this year’s ride-in is any indication as to what will happen next year, book your room early. As of this writing there has been 12 rooms booked in less than a week. For more information please go to the website at https://regionereunion.weebly.com/ or give me a call at 715-459-2449. Don Walloch Wisconsin District Ride Coordinator Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge Gwrra—Illinois District Page 22
Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge Gwrra—Illinois District Page 23
Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge