The Gulf Wings Newsletter GWRRA Texas Chapter G - Tomball, Texas

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GWRRA Texas Chapter G - Tomball, Texas V O L U M E 3 0, I S S U E 1 1 N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 8 From Phil s Files Hello Chapter G and Friends! November is here and fall weather is here, isn t it great.

So maybe we can find some time to get together for a mid-week or an impromptu ride or something. Check the weekly emails for updates.

1 GWRRA Texas Chapter G - Tomball, Texas V O L U M E 3 0, I S S U E 1 1 N O V E M B E R From Phil s Files Hello Chapter G and Friends! November is here and fall weather is here, isn t it great. We had a few great rides this past month. November and December are so crowded with family activities but we shouldn t forget friends either. So maybe we can find some time to get together for a mid-week or an impromptu ride or something. Check the weekly s for updates. In the meantime, here s hoping everyone has a great holiday season. Let s all ride safe! Philip In This Issue: Chapter Information 2 Calendar, Birthdays, Anniversaries 3 Rider Education 4-5 Membership Enhancement 6 Assistant Director 7 Ride Wrap Up 8-14 This & That 15 Find Us on the Web! Chapter G: Ch. G on Facebook: Texas District Website: GWRRA Website: Our next Chapter Gathering is Thursday, November 15 at 7:30 PM Our next Team Meeting is at 6:30 PM on November 15, prior to the Gathering. We meet at Valley Ranch BBQ, located at SH 249 (at Spring Cypress Rd), Houston, TX 77070

2 Huffsmith Kohrville Rd Your Chapter G Officers and Team Members Officers: Chapter Directors: Philip Blair & Erin Gilligan philipblair@outlook.com GWRRA # & Assistant Chapter Director: Tommy Nichols tommy1of10@sbcglobal.net GWRRA # Chapter Ride Coordinator/ Educator: Ray Willis irllwillis@att.net GWRRA # Officers: Membership Enhancement: Jim & Teresa Cook jcool45@yahoo.com GWRRA # & Asst Membership Enhancement: Larry & Sally Dresch larsal@sbcglobal.net GWRRA # & Secretary/Treasurer: Glenn & Pat Belunek phonehome5603@sbcglobal.net GWRRA # & Team Members: Newsletter Editor: Erin Gilligan eringilligan@comcast.net GWRRA # Web Master: Sam Belinoski sam@samanita.com GWRRA # Couple of the Year Glenn & Pat Belunek phonehome5603@sbcglobal.net GWRRA # & Chapter G Safe Miles Our monthly gathering takes place at Valley Ranch BBQ Restaurant on the 4th Thursday of the month. The meeting starts at 7:30 PM, but come early to eat and visit! North October 2018: 4,203 Valley Ranch is located at the southeast corner of Spring-Cypress Rd and SH 249, in the Spring Cypress Village shopping center. Total 2018: 22,503 Old Luby s Valley Ranch BBQ McDonald s Chapter G Ride Line: ** new number ** (832) FM 2920 S.H. 249 Tomball Pkwy/Bus. 249 Unless otherwise noted by the ride leader, our chapter rides leave from the old Luby s Restaurant parking lot in Tomball, near FM2920 and Tomball Parkway. For updates on our next ride s start time and weather updates, call the Ride Line at (832) GWRRA Gulf Wings Chapter G Newsletter is published by Chapter G Members. Disclaimer: Articles, website addresses, maps, and cartoons express the opinions of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Chapter Staff members or the membership. Chapter G (Chapter) is not responsible for the accuracy of any facts stated in articles, website addresses or cartoons submitted. Chapter G assumes no responsibility for the advertising content within this publication. All warranties and representations made in articles, websites and advertising content are solely that of the advertiser and any claims regarding its content should be taken up with the author, webmaster, or advertiser. The Chapter assumes no liability with regard to its advertisers including errors of information, typographical errors, errors of omission, misprints or failure to place advertising in this publication except for the actual cost of such advertising or a correction/retraction. Under no circumstances shall the Chapter be held liable for incidental or consequential damages, loss of business or services, or any other liabilities unless otherwise stated above. November 2018 Page 2

3 Looking Forward... Date Event Location Contact Phone /Web Nov 15 Team Meeting / Chapter Gathering Valley Ranch BBQ Philip Blair philipblair@outlook.com Dec 8 Chapter Christmas Party Sam and Anita s House Sam Belinoski sam@samanita.com Dec 13 Ride Captain s Meeting BreWingz 249/Spring Cypress Philip Blair philipblair@outlook.com Dec 20 Team Meeting / Chapter Gathering Valley Ranch BBQ Philip Blair philipblair@outlook.com Jan 1 Polar Bear Ride TBD Philip Blair philipblair@outlook.com Birthdays and Anniversaries November B I R T H D A Y S A N N I V E R S A R I E S Dennis Beavers 11/5 Tommy & Margie Nichols 11/10 Anita Belinoski 11/10 December B I R T H D A Y S A N N I V E R S A R I E S Margie Nichols 12/2 Jim & Teresa Cook 12/29 Kathy Norwood 12/14 Philip Blair 12/20 Marshall LeGard 12/25 Linda Johnston 12/26 November 2018 Page 3

TEXAS RIDER EDUCATION UPDATE November 2018 Randy and Kathy Reese txed@gwrra-tx.org 1007 Parkcrest Ct., Pflugerville, Tx.

One of the comments I often hear is that there are not enough rider training classes available to our GWRRA membership.

fee is MUCH higher than the standard GWRRA fee of $30-$35 per bike.

4 TEXAS RIDER EDUCATION UPDATE November 2018 Randy and Kathy Reese 1007 Parkcrest Ct., Pflugerville, Tx (512) (512) Rider Course Training Options Hey Texas Riders! One of the comments I often hear is that there are not enough rider training classes available to our GWRRA membership. Although you can usually more readily find Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) or Evergreen Safety Council (ESC) courses in your area, they usually have a permanent range and paid instructors so their fee is MUCH higher than the standard GWRRA fee of $30-$35 per bike. If you are taking the course for the levels program, be sure to check with me on all non-gwrra courses before taking them to verify they will work. I have to admit that the logistics in setting up a rider training class can sometimes be a little daunting: Our first challenge is to identify a need. We ask members to let us know what you want. Courses currently offered by GWRRA include ARC Advanced Riding Course, TRC Trike Riding Course, TC Trailering Course (2 wheel), TTRC Trikes Trailering Course, and if there is a certified instructor, SRC Sidecar Rider Course and AORC Add-on Rider Course, You can tell your chapter director or ride coordinator or contact us directly at txed@gwrra-tx.org. Next, we try to find a location that is not too far from our riders a real challenge in this BIG state! We try to keep them centrally located to several chapters whenever possible. We have the highest concentration of chapters in the DFW, Houston, and Austin/San Antonio areas. When a chapter requests a course close to them, I ask the Chapter Team to locate an acceptable location that has both classroom space and a large area for the course (230 x126 for ARC and 200 x 120 for TRC). Once we have a prospective location, we have to certify the course is large enough, flat enough ( 5% grade), and free from obstructions in accordance with GWRRA guidelines. We must also register the location with the Texas Department of Public Safety motorcycle unit. November 2018 Page 4

5 TEXAS RIDER EDUCATION UPDATE November 2018 Randy and Kathy Reese 1007 Parkcrest Ct., Pflugerville, Tx (512) (512) Rider Course Training Options - continued Our next step is to schedule a date and find available instructors who volunteer their time and resources to put on the class. Most classes have a limit of 8 bikes per instructor. We currently only have 4 certified Rider Coaches in the entire state and one that will come from Oklahoma when he can. As you can understand, this limits our offerings too. If you are interested in becoming an instructor, I ed your CD information in early August to share on the next certification class (offered in Virginia next spring) or you can contact me and I ll forward you the information. Then we have to mark the course in a manner approved by the range provider. Most want only temporary markings. This necessitates several long tape measures, many cans of chalk paint, marker cones and dots, and 3-6 persons to mark the range. Finally, after the course is completed, all paperwork has to be returned to me where I file it with both DPS and GWRRA. Whew! Not interested in taking a Riding Course right now but still want to keep your skills sharp? A few months ago I wrote an article for your chapter newsletter on keeping your skills honed through parking lot practice activities. I also have another option for helping you receive basic training on a variety of riding topics through a series of free YouTube videos. They are produced by an MSF/Total Control certified instructor from the Dallas area named Kevin Morris. Although his knees prevent him from course instruction anymore, he still creates and releases a new video every Friday. I am impressed with the videos and refer to them often to help me refresh and retain my knowledge both on and off my bike. The link is I hope you will find a way to increase your knowledge and refresh your skills on a regular basis. It will make you a better, safer rider and just might increase the years you still have to enjoy this sport of motorcycling. Ride Safely, Ride Often, and HEY! Be careful out there! November 2018 Page 5

Membership Enhancement By Jim & Teresa Cook Hello Gulfwingers! I am so glad to back on the bike after my shoulder surgery and just in time for the best riding weather of the year.

6 Membership Enhancement By Jim & Teresa Cook Hello Gulfwingers! I am so glad to back on the bike after my shoulder surgery and just in time for the best riding weather of the year. My thanks to Ray Willis for leading a great ride to the Huntsville City Cafe. It was a great ride. I have missed my motorcycle. To those of you who went on the Wingers and Waves cruise, what a phenomenal time we had. We had perfect weather, good times, great entertainment and food and with some of our best friends. It doesn t get any better than that. I look forward to more good rides this fall so come and join us. Jim and Teresa Cook Membership Enhancement Coordinators Visitors and Guests We had 12 Chapter G members at the September meeting. We also had two new members join Chapter G: Jeffery and Marilyn Smith. Welcome to the group! And the Winner Is. 50/50 Drawing: Philip Blair Valley Ranch Gift Certificate: Lynda Hoot Jar of jam: Larry Dresch November 2018 Page 6

From the Assistant Director By Tommy & Margie Nichols Howdy Chapter G and Friends! Well a few of us Gulf Wingers went on the Wingers-N- Waves cruise and I am pretty sure all of us had a great time.

If you ever get the opportunity to do this, I definitely recommend it.

7 From the Assistant Director By Tommy & Margie Nichols Howdy Chapter G and Friends! Well a few of us Gulf Wingers went on the Wingers-N- Waves cruise and I am pretty sure all of us had a great time. At least I can speak for Margie and I that we did. All together representing Chapter G were 12 of us. All together for GWRRA there were 30 plus there, with Chapter G having the largest group. If you ever get the opportunity to do this, I definitely recommend it. Getting together for our meals was (like most of us Gold Wingers do) just like having a ride to go eat, except of course without our Wings. This was Margie and my second cruise with Wingers-N-Waves and who knows, we may do another one. On another note, the holidays are here and the year is almost over so let s make the best we can of what is left. Ride On, Tommy & Margie Nichols Assistant Directors Tommy and Margie will be stepping down as Assistant Chapter Directors at the end of the year. If you are interested in joining the Chapter Team as assistant director, talk to Philip or one of the other team members. This is a great opportunity to help guide Chapter G in having fun! Come join us! November 2018 Page 7

October Rides and Activities We finally got a break in the weather and were able to get a couple of nice rides in

Unfortunately, Ray s ride to the City Hall Café in Huntsville had to be reschedule due to rain, so that got moved to

Honda GPS sabotaged the planned route, so we rode around some nice back roads between Waller, Tomball, and Cypress

The Creekwood Grill has taken over the space that used to be The Shack burger joint on Telge Road.

8 October Rides and Activities We finally got a break in the weather and were able to get a couple of nice rides in October. Unfortunately, Ray s ride to the City Hall Café in Huntsville had to be reschedule due to rain, so that got moved to November. We had 4,203 safe miles in October. On October 6, Philip led a ride to the Creekwood Grill in Cypress. Honda GPS sabotaged the planned route, so we rode around some nice back roads between Waller, Tomball, and Cypress until the restaurant opened. The Creekwood Grill has taken over the space that used to be The Shack burger joint on Telge Road. They ve got a nice selection of burgers, salads, chicken tenders and all the usual feel-good food. And Proud Pie has a mobile pie truck parked in the lot outside, if you feel like you need dessert. We had a nice big group of folks for this ride, including new member Jeffery Smith. We had 18 people on 13 bikes, with a total of 845 safe miles. November 2018 Page 8

9 October Rides and Activities More pictures from the Creekwood Grill November 2018 Page 9

10 October Rides and Activities On October 13, Philip led a ride to Yankee s Tavern in Carlos. This was a really nice ride on winding and curvy roads. We had several visitors from outside the chapter join us, and even had Nugget, the Botkins dog come out for the ride. There were 17 people and 1 dog on 12 bikes, with 1,848 safe miles. November 2018 Page 10

11 October Rides and Activities More pictures from Yankee s Tavern. November 2018 Page 11

12 October Rides and Activities More pictures from Yankee s Tavern. November 2018 Page 12

13 October Rides and Activities On October 27, Gene led a ride to the Brenham Airport Diner. This is the first time we ve been there since they shut down and reopened. A beautiful ride, good food in the 50 s theme diner, and lots of fun looking at the planes. We had 11 people on 10 bikes, with a total of 1510 safe miles. November 2018 Page 13

14 October Rides and Activities More pictures from the Brenham Airport ride. November 2018 Page 14

15 A few more things: November and December Chapter Meetings: Due to the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, our chapter meetings for November and December will be moved forward. November meeting is Thursday, November 15th December meeting is Thursday, December 20th Chapter Christmas Party Our Chapter Christmas Party will be on Saturday, December 8th at 6:00 p.m. Once again, Sam and Anita are generously opening their home to the chapter. We will have sign up sheets for appetizers and desserts at the November meeting. Of course, we will have a gift exchange! Men, bring a guy s gift, ladies bring a girl s gift. $20-$25 limit on the gifts. This is always a fun event, so be sure to mark it on your calendar. Gather your extra toiletries! As they do every year, Ricky and Mary Ann are collecting toiletries to be distributed to the sailors at the Port of Houston at Christmas. If you have extra shampoo, toothpaste, tissues, soaps, etc. laying around the house, bring them to the Chapter Gathering on November 15th. November 2018 Page 15

16 November 2018 Page 16

The Gulf Wings Newsletter GWRRA Texas Chapter G - Tomball, Texas

The Gulf Wings Newsletter GWRRA Texas Chapter G - Tomball, Texas V O L U M E 3 1, I S S U E 1 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 From Phil s Files Hello Chapter G and Friends! January 2019 is here and January will