Gold Wing Road Riders Association

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August Miller
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We think that they should change the work week to riding when the weather is nice and working during the bad weather days which means we would be working more on the weekends.

1 Gold Wing Road Riders Association Chapter AB-A A (Calgary) Newsletter May, 2014 Wing Wag CASTLE MOUNTAIN Gary & Susan Premech W ith riding season upon us, Mother Nature just doesn t want to release her winter s grip. We think that they should change the work week to riding when the weather is nice and working during the bad weather days which means we would be working more on the weekends. May long weekend is quickly coming and we all hope the white stuff stays away so those of us riding on Bob s ride to the States, the Victoria Day weekend in Salmon Arm, or wherever else you may be going, we all have an enjoyable and safe time. On April 26 th we had our first Bunko night in a long while which turned out to be a successful evening with 33 people attending. A special thanks to Ron Syroishka for organizing the event and to Barry & Marie Lammle for hosting the evening at their business. For those of you who missed it, we are looking at having another Bunko night in the fall hopefully before our snowbirds leave again for the winter. Congratulations to Stu Hartt and Tracy Boyda for becoming MFA (Medical First Aid) trainers. We have had two training session already this month and another one scheduled for the beginning of June. We have purchase five training manikins and a training AED so there will be many opportunities for our members to obtain their first aid certificate. Also, in June we will have some of our members become qualified ARC trainers as the demand for the course has risen and the existing trainers have since moved on. On June 1 st the first of what should become an annual event; Two Wheel Sunday, will be held at A Street NE from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This is a collaborative event bringing all motorcycle groups, shops, riders, and enthusiasts to one place at one time. Booths will be setup to promote each riders group and hotdogs or smokies along with a drink can be purchased with a monetary or food donation to the Veterans Food Bank. This is an opportunity to meet people we see on the road whenever we are on a ride, that have a common interest in motorcycles no matter what they ride. Please stop by and check out the event if you can and show your support. WW Coming Events What s Inside May 3-10 May 12 Jun 7 Jun 7 Jun 9 Jun Jun 14 Aug 23 First Aid Medic Courses May Monthly Meeting Medic First Aid Course Ukrainian Festival Jun Monthly Meeting Coal Miner Days Ride For Dad Banff Gran Fondo Race April Meeting Notes /50 Winner... 2 Special Rides & Events... 3 News & Notices... 4 Meetings Information... 4 Classifieds... 5 Calgary Area Team Listing... 5 Mexico Adventure Mexico Adventure 2014 (con t)... 7 Mexico Adventure 2014 (con t)... 8

2 Wing Wag May, 2014 Page 2 Two members received their Level 4 Master Tour Rider status in the riders program. The two members are: Stu Hartt Gilles Fournier Congratulations to both of you. Stu Hartt received his Master Tour Rider Level 4 Gilles Fournier received his Master Tour Rider Level 4 Brian Hooker High Mileage Winner Stu Hartt took Second place and Ron Syroishka took Third Place The High Mileage Plaque was presented to Brian Hooker, mileage winner for the 2013 riding season. Second place went to Stu Hartt and Third place went to Ron Syroishka. Congratulations and happy riding in April 50/50 Winner Bob Van nes

3 Wing Wag May, 2014 Page 3 The May Long Weekend Ride Thursday, May 15th to Monday, May 19th. The route will be: Day 1 Calgary to Libby, MT via Fernie, BC.; Day 2 Libby, MT to Challis, ID; Day 3 Challis, ID to Clarkston, WA; Day 4 Clarkston, WA to Great Falls, MT; Day 5 Great Falls MT to Calgary. Note: You will require a valid passport. We will ride in groups of 3 to 4 bikes. Each day starts at 8am with plans to be off the road by approx. 5:30pm. If you would like to participate, please send me an (Bob Van Nes) at shaw.ca and let me know your motel requirements. (smoking/non-smoking, two beds, king bed etc.) I book the rooms to get a better rate. However, if you agree to participate and for some reason have to pull out of the ride at the last minute, you will be responsible for your room if there isn t time to cancel the reservation. Two Wheel Sunday Sunday, June 1, Come Rain or Shine. From 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at A Street NE Calgary Alberta. A collaborative event to bring all motorcycle groups, shops, riders, & enthusiasts to one place at one time. Calgary Ukrainian Festival Saturday, June 7, For more information on this event go online at Please let me know if you are planning on joining me on this very exciting and entertaining ride/event by contacting me at (Res) or at amec.com ASAP. Coal Miner Days Parade, Sparwood, BC. Friday, June 13 &14, Let Jack Hill know if you would like to join them for some FUN. Contact Jack at shaw.ca or for more information. Hotel is $90.00 plus tax, for us as a group GWRRA 10% off. Ride For Dad Saturday, June 14, Deerfoot Mall, th Avenue NE, Calgary. Pre- Registration Friday, June 13 th, Deerfoot Mall, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. For more information on this event or to register or donate go online at RideForDad.ca or chapters/calgary. Also, please let me know if you are planning on riding by contacting me at (Res) or at amec.com ASAP. Banff 2014 Gran Fondo Race Escort Saturday, August 23, The GWRRA Calgary Chapter has once again received a request by the British Columbia Motorcycle Drill Team to provide 12 or more (last year we had 14) motorcycle escorts for the Banff Gran Fondo Bicycle Race. This request has been discussed and endorsed by your Chapter Staff members because we believe it will enhance GWRRA s profile in the community and promote safe motorcycling in general. Caveat: This is not a GWRRA sponsored event but rather a charitable event. All riders are responsible for ensuring that they are insured, fit, able, and comfortable with volunteering to provide this escort service. If you are interested in being a Race Escort please contact Ron Syroishka at (Res) or telus.net register by May 23, WW

Wing Wag May, 2014 Page 4 Greeting Cards: If you know of any member, their spouse, or immediate family who would appreciate receiving a greeting card from our Chapter please contact Judy Istvan,

4 Wing Wag May, 2014 Page 4 Greeting Cards: If you know of any member, their spouse, or immediate family who would appreciate receiving a greeting card from our Chapter please contact Judy Istvan, address nucleus.com. Judy will arrange to send the appropriate card on behalf of the Calgary Chapter. Veterans Food Bank: Please remember the men and women who committed themselves to ensure the freedoms that all Canadians enjoy every day of our lives. Bring your non-perishable food items or monetary contributions to the Monthly Chapter Meetings and help support the Veteran's Food Bank. Thank you to all who choose to support this worthwhile cause. Trike Course: The Innisfail chapter is looking at having a trike course in June. If anyone one is interested in participating, I ask that you let me know. Due to limited instructors for trikes (1 in our district), I do not foresee us having one this year in Calgary. If you have any questions or are interested, please me, Kim Coubrough, at hotmail.com or call me at GWRRA University: A course is being set up around May 25/26 (location to be determined) to train members to teach courses/seminars. This course will be a one day event which will educate the new trainers on all the procedures of being a GWRRA University Trainer. If this is something that interests you, or if you would like more information, please contact Kim Coubrough by hotmail.com or phone: Medic First Aid: We are having one more MFA (Medic First Aid) course on June 7 th. This will be the last one until some time in the fall. As always, you need to be a GWRRA member, and the cost will be $35. The course will be held at the Calgary Co-op on 16th Ave, (North Hill). If you are interested, please call or Kim Coubrough, Rider Educator, phone number or hotmail.com. If you have any question please do not hesitate to contact me. High Mileage for 2014: Anyone interested in being included in the 2014 high mileage please send your starting odometer reading specifying miles or kilometers to telus.net before you start riding this season. WW MEETING SCHEDULE DAY/DATE May May Monthly Meeting June June Monthly Meeting Monthly Meetings Monthly meetings are held on the 2nd Monday of each month. This is a time to share information and to meet old and new friends who like to ride together for FUN, Safety and Knowledge. See you at the next meeting at the Fox Hollow Golf Club, 9th Street and 32nd Avenue N.E. 6:30; Meeting at 7:00 PM. July July Monthly Meeting Friends for Fun, Safety, and Knowledge Come ride with us...everyone Welcome! For the latest updates on what we are doing and where we re going, check out our website: Rain, snow, or shine, we meet for breakfast every Sunday morning about 9 AM. This is a great year round way to stay in touch with your GWRRA friends. So, if you have missed the opportunity to join us for breakfast recently, why don t you come on over to the Fox Hollow Golf Club, 9th Street and 32nd Avenue N.E.

5 Wing Wag May, 2014 Page 5 Classified Ads The Classified ads are free to all members and associates of the GWRRA. While advertised items do not have to be Gold Wing related, we do insist that all ads pertain to motorcycling. Ads will appear on a space available basis for one month. Should you wish to continue to run your ad for a second or succeeding month, you must resubmit or renew your ad. Deadline for submission is the 25th of the month preceding publication. To post an ad or if the item is sold or the offer withdrawn, please contact Lisa Miller at: goldwing calgary.com For Sale: Red 2005 Wing, 142,000 kms one owner, loaded Zumo 650 Bike MP3 bluetooth sound system, about 5000 KMS on tires, Tour King travel cover and full winter cover, Corbin heated seat as well as stock seat with Kuryakyn back rest, CB, Kuryakyn floor boards, Wind Bender wind shield as well as Tulsa wind shield, many other accessories! Asking $11,500 OBO Red 2005 Lehman Trike conversion one owner 143,000 kms, new back tires, front has about 6,000 KMS, Tour King travel cover, full Lehman winter cover, new battery, MP3 sound system, Corbin heated seat, full Lehman floor boards, CB and many other accessories! Asking $22,900 Call Ron or Carol , , shaw.ca CALGARY AREA STAFF Chapter Director Gary & Susan Premech (403) Chapter goldwing calgary.com Assistant D Arcy Leslie (???)???-???? Chapter Directors assistant chapter goldwing calgary.com Quartermaster Ken Braun (403) goldwing calgary.com Newsletter Editor Lisa Miller (403) goldwing calgary.com Treasurer Eric Roberts (403) goldwing calgary.com Ride Coordinator Bob Van Nes (403) ride goldwing calgary.com Rider Educator Kim Coubrough (403) rider goldwing calgary.com Rider Course Terry Burrill (403) Instructor goldwing calgary.com Special Events Ron Syroishka (403) Coordinator goldwing calgary.com Webmaster Bill Haggerty (250) goldwing calgary.com Membership Tracy Boyda (403) Enhancement goldwing calgary.com Coordinator GWRRA TOLL FREE NUMBER (CANADA & US) NATIONAL LEADERS Executive Directors Ray & Sandi Garris gwrra.org Region J Directors John & Leslie Wait (604) Assistant Region J Directors Arnie & Janet Tucke (604) Region J Rider Educator Larry Harland (403) NOTE: addresses in this publication are displayed in a manner that will deter automatic address harvesting programs. This step is taken to reduce unsolicited to any addresses we post. We regret any inconvenience caused for our legitimate visitors. REMOVE ALL THE SPACES IN THE ADDRESS TO MAKE IT WORK.

Our riding companions (Colin and Shirley O Brien, Quentin and Leitha Brown) left on Boxing Day trailering their bikes to Palm Springs and arriving Saturday evening. Dec.

6 Wing Wag May, 2014 Page 6 Text & Photos by: Jim & Sharon Bleaney Dec. 29 Gary Axelson, Sharon & I (Jim Bleaney) flew to Las Vegas. After a 20 minute taxi ride we were settled into our hotel by 22:00 PST. We will retrieve our bikes tomorrow morning. Our riding companions (Colin and Shirley O Brien, Quentin and Leitha Brown) left on Boxing Day trailering their bikes to Palm Springs and arriving Saturday evening. Dec Got up to sunny skies in Las Vegas this morning. Unfortunately we learned Colin & Shirley would be returning to Calgary for a family matter. We were on the road by 10:00, followed Hwy 95 south out of Nevada, into California then Arizona and back to Calexico CA. It was a fantastic ride from Needles to Blyth. The day started at a cool 9C and ended at a pleasant 21C six hours later. No speeding tickets today! Dec. 31 Quentin and Leitha arrived in Calexico at 09:00 so after a relaxing breakfast we crossed into Mexicali; here our adventure begins first at the border obtaining visas. Then the hunt to activate our vehicle permits which we had bought online. We went from one end of the city to the other looking for the Banjercito office (a portion of it with a friendly police escort) to register these vehicle permits only to find it was not necessary! At least we now know where that office is on our way out of the country. Leaving Mexicali on secondary roads to the south east we rode through an agricultural area along what is left of the Colorado River. We skirted the top of the sea of Cortez through rolling sand dunes as we raced the setting sun into Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point). Settled into the Penasco del Sol we enjoyed a nice four course dinner with wine and a Margarita. Fireworks at midnight wrapped up another year. Cheers! Jan 01 Feliz Ano Nuevo from Puerto Penasco. Quiet day here, we took a leisurely stroll around the marina and then the Malecon (a stone-built embankment or esplanade along a waterfront). Visited with Dan and Cheryl in the afternoon, a soak the hot tub and a Mexican dinner on the water front wrapped up the first day of Jan Another sunny day, not a cloud to be seen anywhere from Puerto Penasco (17C) to Hermosillio (27C). We passed through barren landscapes, orchards, ground crops and finally vineyards. (Continued on page 7)

Wing Wag May, 2014 Page 7 (Continued from page 6) Jan. 03 - The further south we got the warmer it got, 28C in Los Mochis!

Today's ride was a little more tedious with mile after mile of straight MX15, only spiced up with the aroma of a few pig farms and burning fields.

The toll road (MX15D) from Mazatlán to Tepic was only two lanes, not a divided highway as we had enjoyed from Santa Ana south.

7 Wing Wag May, 2014 Page 7 (Continued from page 6) Jan The further south we got the warmer it got, 28C in Los Mochis! Still shorts and T-shirt weather at 21:00, sure beats the negative temperatures and snow in Calgary. Today's ride was a little more tedious with mile after mile of straight MX15, only spiced up with the aroma of a few pig farms and burning fields. Quentin & Leitha split off late this afternoon for El Fuerte and a Copper Canyon train ride tomorrow. The toll road (MX15D) from Mazatlán to Tepic was only two lanes, not a divided highway as we had enjoyed from Santa Ana south. Most traffic you approach from behind is pretty courteous about moving over on the shoulder to let you pass, oncoming traffic does the same. It took us two hours and ten minutes to get to our turn at Tepic (260KM). I ran out of gas 2KM from the Pemex station so Gary had to go get me a quart of gas. It took us three hours and 30 minutes to go the 150 KM from Tepic into Puerto Vallarta. Heavy traffic and narrow twisty roads could have been fun without all the vehicular traffic. A real change in landscape south of Mazatlán as the flat agriculture landscape gave way to sugar cane fields then a tropical lush green scenery with many hills and small mountains. Jan. 04 We had breakfast with our friend Tito then left the Hotel Santa Anita at 09:30 under overcast skies; after a quick gas stop we were on the freeway at 10:00. We picked up our pace today cruising between 120 & 145 KMH only slowing for the numerous toll booths and one gas/ refreshment stop. The drive was mostly flat agriculture land. Arrived at our hotel in Mazatlan by 14:30, dropped our laundry into a nearby Laundromat, and then enjoyed some pool time. In the evening we walked along the Malecon for half an hour then flagged a taxi to take us to Poncho s for dinner. After dinner we watched a festival with lots of dancers and fire throwers. Jan Before leaving Mazatlán we stopped at Baja Ferries and made reservations for two of the three bikes for the crossing from Mazatlán to La Paz; they would not let us make reservation for Quentin & Leitha without the vehicle permit and visa s. Jan This was an R & R day at the pool and browsing around old town Puerto Vallarta capped off with an excellent sea food dinner. Jan More R & R; Gary went SCUBA diving, Sharon and Judy took the bus into Puerto Vallarta to shop, I took the bus south to Mismaloya Beach. This was a tranquil little beach the last time I was there 33 years ago, now it is surrounded by resort hotels and condos. Jan On the road by 08:30 CST and backtracked through Puerto Vallarta to Tepic in 3 hours then onto Guadalajara in another 2 hours via a great 4-lane highway through rolling hills and forest. Once into the city, we made a couple of wrong turns looking for our hotel but ended up safe and sound at the Hotel Morales. Quentin with Leitha s help navigating by I-phone caught up to us here half an hour after we were checked in. After a refreshing cerveza we all wandered down to the historic district then took an hour and a half bus tour through the central district. (Continued on page 8)

Wing Wag May, 2014 Page 8 (Continued from page 7) Finished the evening with a great dinner at the La Fonda restaurant an old haunted convent from the 1600's.

The evening sunset was spectacular. Jan.

8 Wing Wag May, 2014 Page 8 (Continued from page 7) Finished the evening with a great dinner at the La Fonda restaurant an old haunted convent from the 1600's. industrial city with a deep sea port, the beach area quickly put those concerns to rest. There were several container ships anchored in the bay waiting their turn in port. The evening sunset was spectacular. Jan Back to the historic central district of Guadalajara after breakfast this morning, we saw a crowd gathered around a large white tent, upon closer examination we found they had an outdoor ice rink with artificial ice and skate rentals. We then took a bus tour to Tlaquepaque and then to the Tonala street markets. In the evening we went to the La Tequila restaurant: for a delicious dinner. Jan Woke up feeling quite a bit better today. We were planning a 09:00 departure when Quentin discovered his rear tire was beginning to separate; fortunately there was a Honda shop 3 KM up the road and although I wasn t very optimistic they would have a tire we were extremely pleased to hear they had one that would fit and that they could have him on the road by 13:00. We returned to the bike shop just before noon to find they had just finished the installation and that all was good for us to go. We headed off along the beach area of Mananillo for Mexico 200 north to Puerto Vallarta, other than one stretch of gravel this was the best two lane road we had traveled to date. It wound through banana plantations and tropical rainforests. Some folks from Saskatchewan at the hotel had told us it would take 5 to 5 ½ hours but we were into our hotel in Puerto Vallarta in 4 hours including a fuel and snack stop. Jan Something the previous day didn t agree with me as I was up through the night with some Montezuma s revenge, once we were confident my stomach had settled down we headed off to Manzanillo. The drive out of Guadalajara was relatively easy only slowed by some construction and an accident. The country side was again mostly farm land until Colima after that it changed to a tropical landscape as we snaked through the Sierra Madre mountains down to sea level. We settled into a comfortable Best Western Hotel on the beach by midafternoon. My initial thought on approaching this city was that it was nothing more than an We bussed it into Puerto Vallarta to wander the Malecon and have dinner, being a Saturday night the beach district was alive with entertainment and families out wandering about. Editor s Notes: The remainder of this article will be printed in the June Edition of Wing Wag. Many thanks to Gary Axelson, Jim & Sharon Bleaney, Quentin & Leitha Brown for presenting photos and narration about their Mexico Trip at the April Monthly Meeting. It looked like they all had a good time despite the minor issues that make a holiday an adventure. We all enjoyed hearing their stories. WW

Gold Wing Road Riders Association

Gold Wing Road Riders Association Chapter AB-A A (Calgary) Newsletter February, 2008 Wing Wag SWISS GUIDES COTTAGE AT LAKE LOUISE www.goldwingcalgary.com Text and Photos by Bob Van nes Each year I look