CA2S SHARK BYTES. Chapter CA2S Silicon Valley Wings. Gold Wing Road Riders Association Region F / California District. What s in this issue:

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1 CA2S SHARK BYTES Mar 2017 Chapter CA2S Silicon Valley Wings Gold Wing Road Riders Association Region F / California District Next Chapter Gathering Saturday, Mar.18 Omega 90 S Park Victoria, Milpitas 7:30 AM 8:15 AM What s in this issue: CD News: Pages 2-3 ACD News: Page 5 Calendar: Pages 7-8 Our Sponsors: Page 11 Safety: Page 12 DD News: Page 15 Chapter News, Pg 4 Patti s corner, Pg 6 MEC News, Pgs Rider Levels: Page 22 Chapter For Sale: Page 23 Chapter Contact Info: Page 26 Motorist Awareness, Pg 16 COY & IOY News, Pgs 17, 18 Special ride report, Pgs CA2S Chapter Director s can be contacted at, Sal & Patti Esposito, SalEspo3@gmail.com. (408) Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge CA2S Shark Bytes 1

2 Chapter Director s Message CA2S MOVES FORWARD -- LET S ALL GET INVOLVED!! How do you, as an individual, create progress in an organization? Ya get involved in every aspect that you can. With that comes success for the organization, more importantly success for you. Along with that success in our Chapter comes more fun for you. Patti and I are very blessed as CA2S CDs with an outstanding team of Officer s and support folks. There have been a lot of positive comments from folks both in and outside our Chapter recognizing the strides CA2S is making. That is because of the folks rollin up their sleeves and making it happen for all of us. Just last week we were recognized for the Chapter of the Year competition and I was told CA2S is having an impact! Our team has bought in to the goals of making CA2S one of the stellar Chapters in CA District and folks are taking notice. The more you get involved the more you will get out of our Chapter and GWRRA. That is your return. Once you have buy in you become a stake holder in CA2S. Being a stake holder gives you ownership in what is going on and the direction of our Chapter. There are many ways to get involved besides just paying dues and attending our monthly meetings. Think about joining the Officer Ranks, or support team that makes all this fun happen. We have open positions and we can always use assistants. Spread those (gold) wings a bit and jump in to help. We have plenty of positions for folks to contribute in and out of the officer ranks. Trust me, CA2S does not run itself. There are folks who ve been doing some jobs a long time and continue to do so happily. They do so willingly and without complaint. But, they would appreciate some help. If you have an interest in any area, become an assistant. The more you do, the more you get out of what you are doing. How much fun you have is really up to you. It is not all work. Being part of this management team and working with the folks who support us is both an honor and pleasure. The best way to get involved is to participate in what we do. We have our 2017 calendar CHUCKFULL of fun things to do this year. Saddle up that iron pony and c mon out for the ride, or the dinner out, or the game night, take one of our classes, or the whatever you get the picture. CA2S is all about Education. You ve heard me say it before, and I will say till my last days. Education saves lives! I suspect the Rock will continue in that vein as he moves into the CD position. Get involved take some classes. Ralph has taken up the gamut and promises a year filled with classes and education opportunities. One of the best programs GWRRA has to offer is the Rider Education Program. The GWRRA Rider Education Program (REP) is intended to make the motorcycle riding environment safer by reducing injuries and fatalities and increasing motorcyclist skills and awareness. Continued on next page CA2S Shark Bytes 2

3 Our educators, Rocky, Ralph, and Roger, are committed 100% to the REP program and all are REP Level 4 (Master) recipients. Those of us who have earned that Level 4 Patch are very proud to display it on our vests. You will too. This year Ralph and Roger will be adding several classes to the curriculum. These are high quality, worthwhile classes that you would typically get at Region or Wing Ding events we are going to provide them through CA2S, sometimes along with a motorcycle ride. Along with the classroom education one of our most beneficial opportunities is the Shiny Side Up exercises (aka PLP). PLP is like going to the motorcycle gym for a workout. Rocky and crew do an incredible job in setting up, putting us through our paces, and providing us with instruction as well as techniques oh yeah, there is always ice cream and/or a ride afterwards. I don t care how seasoned the rider, we all learn something at PLP. However, you can t learn anything if you don t go. What strikes me, our most seasoned, respected, high mileage riders don t miss a PLP. Speaking of rides wanna have some fun? Put out an impromptu ride! What s holdin ya back? Hey, riding motorcycles is why we are here. Volunteer to lead a ride if asked. There are so many ways to get involved and enjoy our Chapter through increased participation. Motorcycle Workshops, ahem, drop in to Patti s Garage for some good work to be done. This is one of the crowning achievements of our Chapter. BTW this is NOT a good ol boy event. The gals are not only welcome, but encouraged to join in the fun. We have a lot of great experience, full tools, and lots of space to work on our motorcycles. In fact, the mechanical and electrical expertise in our Chapter rivals any local motorcycle shop (as we put our heads together). You can either contribute what you have or enjoy the benefit of what others have to share assisting with the maintenance of your bike. Besides, this event usually morphs into a social gab-about well into the afternoon with pizza, drinks, and ice cream. Oh yeah, and loads of laughs and smiles. We re never short of those. The easiest way to get involved continued participation in our monthly gatherings. We enjoy great food and camaraderie at the Omega on the 3rd Saturday of each month and we enjoy seeing your smiling face. It is a Hoot! We are having more fun with each month that passes. I would like to see more (smiling) faces and new members of GWRRA attending. We all run into folks on Gold Wings, some of which never heard of GWRRA. Invite them to a breakfast at the Omega to see what we are about breakfast on the Chapter. Put them in touch with Gary and Lori and our MECs will take it from there. Hey, they can even outfit the prospects with the proper attire. Now That s the spirit of CA-2S!! Sal CD Guy CA2S Shark Bytes 3

4 Upcoming events you shoulda heard about already March 4 Game Night March 11 Delta ride and lunch April 8 Riding Readiness class Check your and the yahoo site for more activities, details, polls, & information. CA2S Winners & Others Winners: Chapter Pride Vest Drawing: Robynn French 50/25/25 Drawing: Debra Porzio John Hein Wing Nut Recipient: Gary Mouldenhauer for commenting on Robynn s birthday and her youth. The Unfortunate One: Chapter Attendance Drawing: Lynn Hanlon (was not in attendance and didn t win the $20 pot) March Birthdays Bob Fletcher 2 Donna Fletcher 12 Anniversaries Harry & Nancy Wilson 20 Kudos: To Les Cook for donating $100 to Ride For Kids Visit the Silicon Valley Wings Yahoo Group at: Do you order online from Amazon? If so, help the chapter by using our special account. We get a % of the purchases that goes to our chapter funds. Use the special code/link below: CA2S Shark Bytes 4

5 ACD s Message Wow! Have you seen the calendar of event for the chapter this year? Every week-end and some week days are planned for your FUN and enjoyment through chapter life. The momentum has shifted into full speed ahead with the addition of several new members bringing their enthusiasm to the group and the great planning and event coordinators of Sandy, Lori, and Gary. No mystery here! We have the best MEC s and Party coordinators around. Mystery, did I say mystery? That s right we have a fun game night planned this week-end with a murder mystery game. Characters will be assigned with the plot carefully concealed till it is time for the game to begin. Who wants to sit at home when you can be out solving a murder mystery with the gang! Don t knock it till you try it! Once you participate at a couple of our events, you begin to understand why CA-2S has soooo much FUN! The more we get together the more fun we have. So mark your calendars to join us when you can. You won t be sorry! We just had a great ride to Los Banos and the famous Wool Growers restaurant. Family style dining: with the emphasis on getting stuffed! I mean you just can t beat the helpings and great tastes. See ya at the next event! Rocky Fagundes Asst. Chapter Director CA2S Shark Bytes 5

6 Patti s Corner It is tax season and everyone is thinking about taxes maybe your kids have moved back in with you or your mom is living with you now. Do they qualify to be a dependent and a tax deduction on your tax return? In brief, a dependent is a chance to reduce your income tax. In fact, for every dependent you list on your income tax form, you can reduce your taxable income by $4,050. Dependents also figure into tax credits and various exemptions you can claim. Who Is a Dependent? Dependents are determined by the financial relationship you have with family members. Basically, the dependent rules are divided into two categories a qualifying child and a qualifying relative. Here are some common requirements: The person must be a U.S. citizen or resident, or a resident of Canada or Mexico. The person must not claim himself or herself as a personal exemption or claim someone else as a dependent. The person must not be married and file a joint tax return. Dependent Children A child qualifying as a dependent must meet all the above requirements plus others. A child must: Be related to you as a son or daughter, stepchild, foster child, sibling, half-sibling, descendent, or any other category that commonly is considered a relative, including in-laws. The child must be under age 19 or a full-time student under age 24. The child typically must live with you for more than six months a year, though there are exceptions to this rule. The child must accept more than half of his or her support from you. If you're divorced, the child can be a dependent of only one parent. Dependent Adults Many people support parents and relatives that need help, but that doesn't necessarily make them tax dependents. To claim an adult relative as a dependent, the adult must: Live with you or be listed in the IRS's Publication 501 of relatives who do not live with you. Have a gross income of no more than $4,000. Depend on you for more than half his or her yearly support. Unlike qualifying children, qualifying adults have no age limits, and relationships that were established by marriage aren't ended by divorce or death. For example, if you're supporting your wife's father, and your wife later dies and you continue to support your father-in-law, you can claim him as a dependent. Come out and play with us this year... We want to see you. It will be fun I promise you. Patti CA2S Shark Bytes 6

7 March 2017 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday CA2S Game Night Meet at Shewey s Start 5PM Delta Tour & Foster s Big Horn Meet at Omega Leave 10AM Chapter Meeting Meet at Omega Rest, 90 S Park Victoria Dr, Milpitas Starts promptly at 8:15 AM, Breakfast 7:30 AM. After Ride tbd Streetmasters Streetmasters Streetmasters CA1R Rally in the Valley CA2S Shark Bytes 7

8 April 2017 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 CA1R Rally in the Valley CA1R Rally in the Valley CA2S PLP Meet at Target Parking Lot. Start 10AM CA2S Class: Riding Readiness Meet at Omega Leave 8:30AM Chapter Meeting Meet at Omega Rest, 90 S Park Victoria Dr, Milpitas Starts promptly at 8:15 AM, Breakfast 7:30 AM CA2S Solvang Ride Meet at Omega Leave 9AM CA2S Solvang Ride 30 After Ride Officer Business Meeting CA2S Solvang Ride CA2S Coyote Hills lunch ride Meet at San Ignacio Center Leave 8:30AM CA2S Shark Bytes 8

9 Patriots or Falcons? Serious game watching and the commercials, too Tri-tip with a hint of garlic, to go with Patti s delicious chili Food, food, and more food CA2S Shark Bytes 9

10 Let s start eating! Bob & Donna Ruth & Paul All done & Doug s counting money to pay the bill, while Danny watches on. CA2S Shark Bytes 10

11 And now a kind word for our sponsors: CA2S Shark Bytes 11

12 Rider Educator Safety Corner by Rocky Fagundes Team Riding Responsibilities In GWRRA we are always doing things in groups. We meet our fellow chapter members and ride together for a weekly dinner run. Or we join each other for a weekend breakfast before going on a run. Or we make an ice cream run together on a weekly basis. Most chapters have this kind of camaraderie and fellowship in one form or another. Then there are the monthly Gatherings where we meet and eat and have fun. And the rides to visit other chapters and support them at their Fun Run or Anniversary Party or Rally, and various other events that chapters put on. Much of the time we ride together in groups traveling to and from our various destinations. Whenever we ride, we ride in groups; someone is in the Lead position. Hopefully, it is one of our GWRRA-trained Road Captains. In our chapter, it is someone whom we trust, respect and have confidence in. Someone with good judgment who is prepared to lead the group from the starting point all the way to our destination. Someone who has a planned route and shares it with all who join the ride. He holds pre-ride meetings with all participants to tell us the route, advise us of any stops along the way, and discuss our speed on the road. Our Lead may ask, who may need to stop at shorter intervals (perhaps due to a smaller gas tank), who has a CB radio and who does not, etc. We don t think twice about following him/her because he never lets us down. We always arrive safely when we follow one of the three Amigos! We are very fortunate to have such a capable group of guys to lead us. We also have another Road Captain, trained in the GWRRA way, to bring up the rear of the group. This is our Drag bike, or Tail Gunner. These two: (Lead & Drag) work together like Lennon and McCartney. The Drag seems to know what the Lead is thinking, securing the lane almost as the thought passes through the mind of our Lead. They communicate well with each other and with the rest of the team. They let the group know what is going on around us. They inform us about things, like telling us we will be turning in advance of the turn; when a car is attempting to pass the group on a 2-lane road; or when a car is passing on the right when we are on the highway. Our Lead and Drag always keep us aware of hazards on the road and all around us. We know they are looking out for the safety of the group. With Road Captains of this caliber, we can feel very safe. We know we can sit back and enjoy the ride. Wait! Stop right there! We all need to remember that even those of us in the middle of the formation have responsibilities. We are responsible to pass on the hand signals from the Lead, pointing out potholes and road kill, sand in the corners, and other hazards, etc. We need to be aware who we are riding with, too. The burden is not all on the Road Captains. We cannot sleep because we ride in the middle of the pack. We need to maintain safe spacing with the other bikes around us. And most importantly, we need to ride our own ride. We must stay alert. Hazards don t always appear in front of the Lead bike. Sometimes they come at the riders in the middle of the group. We need to be aware of our surroundings and always be prepared to react to the unexpected at all times. We must remember that, just because our Road Captain is leading us, we are not excused from thinking for ourselves and riding our own ride. We are all responsible for our own safety at all times. Never give that responsibility away. It is nice to have someone willing to help look out for your safety, but ultimately, it is your life. Guard it wisely! Be sure to ride your own ride, even while Team Riding! Remember: If the wheels ain t turnin, you ain t learnin! Rocky Fagundes Senior Chapter Educator CA-2S CA2S Shark Bytes 12

13 Membership Enhancement Coordinators PARTICIPATION is the key to having FUN in GWRRA! I will state this fact again. PARTICIPATION is the key to having FUN in GWRRA! One doesn t need to be a rocket scientist to figure this out. The more you get involved, and the more you take part in the activities, and the more you put into it, the more FUN and memories you will have. I m a big believer in this. Last year we started the Participation Pin Award and twenty-two (22) CA2S individuals received their pins and 2016 hanger bars. The last individual to receive his pin for 2016 was Jerry McHugh, which was presented to him at the annual CA2S Super Bowl Party at Sal & Patti s place. Though he earned the pin months before, this was our first opportunity to give it to him in front of a sizable CA2S contingent. This man is perpetual motion and extremely hard to pin down. Pun intended. Congratulations, Jerry! One of the things that members keep asking me is what do I (they) get points for. I first spelled out the points system back in May of 2016, and it looks like I need to clarify this again since I ve tweaked it just a little bit. The goal is still to reach 60 points, and here is how they are attained: 1 Point Yearly For: (8 points possible each year, which are awarded on January 1 st, but may increase to the maximum of 8 as the following items are obtained) Owning a CA2S chapter vest that has the 10 GWRRA patch and CA2S rocker on the back, and the 4 GWRRA and 4 CA2S patches on the front Owning a CA2S chapter shirt Each Rider Ed level attained in the Levels Program CPR / First Aid Certification Being a member of CA2S Yahoo Group 1 Point For: Wearing CA2S chapter vest to each GWRRA related event, and on each chapter ride Wearing CA2S chapter shirt to each GWRRA related event, and on each chapter ride Leading and/or coordinating a ride (in addition to attending the ride) Each official write-up promoting an upcoming event or ride Each official write-up after and for an event or ride A response to each CA2S Yahoo Group poll (maximum of one point per poll) Each CA2S Newsletter Article from other than an Officer A notable Attaboy / Attagirl. Also 1 Point For Attending: Each CA2S monthly gathering Each CA2S ride (RTE, impromptu, scheduled, weekend trips ) Each CA2S ride or event on a motorcycle Each CA2S function (Game Night, Dinner-Out, Dinner At, Sunny Side Up Practice* ) Each charity event or benefit as a representative of CA2S (Ride-4-Kids, Toys-4-Tots ) Each chapter rally or monthly gathering other than CA2S Each official seminar / class (RE, MA, Leadership, University, Horizon ) * Sunny Side Up has replaced the Parking Lot Practice (PLP). Continued on next page CA2S Shark Bytes 13

14 2 Points For: Providing a dish for a potluck event Preparing CA2S Newsletter each month (Newsletter Editor) 3 Points For: Attending California District Convention (in addition to points for shirt, vest and motorcycle) Helping out with CA2S Yard Sale / Fundraiser (in addition to points for shirt, vest and motorcycle) 4 Points For: Attending Region F Convention (in addition to points for shirt, vest and motorcycle) 5 Points For: Attending Wing Ding (in addition to points for shirt, vest and motorcycle) Co-organizing / Co-helping a major CA2S event (e.g. Halloween Party, Christmas Party, Progressive Dinner, Game Night, Dinner At, Yearly Event Planning Meeting, MA events, RE classes/seminars, etc.) 10 Points For: Hosting a CA2S event at their home/other (see major CA2S events listed in 5 Points For: above.) Organizing a CA2S event at another s home/other (see major CA2S events listed in 5 Points For: above.) Here are some scenarios to show how the above points could add up. SCENARIO #1 Monthly Chapter Gathering: Attends CA2S Shirt CA2S Vest Rode Motorcycle Total 4 points SCENARIO #2 A Ride: Attends CA2S Shirt CA2S Vest Rode Motorcycle Led and/or Coordinated Total 5 points SCENARIO #3 Party/Dinner (Non-Host): Attends CA2S Shirt CA2S Vest Rode Motorcycle Potluck Dish 2 points Co-Organized 5 points Total 1s SCENARIO #5 District Convention: Attends 3 points CA2S Shirt CA2S Vest Rode Motorcycle Led Ride (one way) Attended 4 Seminars 4 points Total 1s SCENARIO #4 Party/Dinner (Host): Attends CA2S Shirt CA2S Vest Additional Potluck Dish 2 point Hosted at Home 10 points Total 15 points SCENARIO #6 Dinner-Out Social: Promotional CA2S Shirt NO CA2S Vest 0 point Rode in Car 0 point Organized/Co-Organized 5 points Post Write-Up Total 8 points I hope this clarifies the basic CA2S participation pin point system. I m sure one of you smart people out there will or already have come up with a scenario that is not covered above. If and when that happens, let me know and I ll do a bit more tweaking. Until next month, Gary & Lori Mouldenhauer CA2Sharks MEC CA2S Shark Bytes 14

15 Hello California! Are we wet yet? The one thing I love about Wingers is that a little rain doesn t stop them from having FUN with each other. The mode of transportation may change, but the FUN doesn t stop. There are even a few dedicated Wingers that face the elements with adventurous hearts on two or three wheels just to be with the GWRRA family. February was a month of planning and preparing and a kick-off rally given by CA1-I. As always they offered a wonderful Valentine Rally for their 35th anniversary. Congratulations! Even with inclement weather the wingers arrived (most in cages) to enjoy FUN and activity with fellow wingers. There were plenty of games and a photo opportunity in the large balloon heart (compliments of CA1-I), and great food. At the rally we had the privilege to announce CA s two Silver Level Chapters, CA2-S and CA1-A, and announce the 2016 CA District Chapter of the Year CA1-A. CONGRATULATIONS. It is our hope that many chapters will participate in the Chapter of the Year program. Many of the chapters already do everything required already. Turn in a monthly calendar to our MECs, Alma Sprenkle, and start keeping a list of the members that attend ANYTHING the chapter does. Have someone keep those attendance sheets, and store them by events type or chronological order. At the end of the year you have all the documentation you need to fill out the score sheet and become a silver (or even gold) level chapter and possibly the Chapter of the Year. Let s show everyone how great California is. I know we have the best chapters it s time everyone else know it. March promises to be another great month with the Rally in the Valley in Laughlin, NV. Make sure you have registered and don t miss out on the FUN we will be having While you are at it, preregister for the future chapter rallies and don t forget Region Rally in Tucson AZ at the Starr Pass Resort (AMAZING), Wing Ding in Grapevine, TX at the Gaylord Texas Resort (another amazing resort), and a definite CA District Rally in Mammoth Lakes at the Mammoth Lodge. This promises to be a great year! Back to the weather hopefully by the time this article gets published the large amount of rain will have stopped, but I must say that it is a blessing to receive in this period of drought. With that being said, be sure to dress and ride according to conditions. Cars are perfectly acceptable if it means we can get together with our FRIENDS and FAMILY of GWRRA for a little (no a lot of) FUN. Be seeing you around California. BE WARM, BE DRY, & RIDE SAFE! Bear Hugs, Nancy & Bob Clark [gwrra.mamabear@gmail.com] District Director s Message Feb Chapter Gathering Roger & John CA2S Shark Bytes 15

16 Motorist Awareness, By Bob Siler Each month I have focused mostly on how we can help drivers to see motorcycles. Trying to raise awareness of those around us with tips on what to watch for. This month I m going to focus on what we as riders can do to Ride Aware. As riders, there are many things we can do to make ourselves and our bikes more visible to those around us. I ve touched on pieces of this in past articles like using high visibility helmets and jackets. Wearing highly reflective clothing or having reflective striping on our gear raises the chances of people seeing us. I remember riding into a parking lot with a group of other motorcyclists waiting for a Patriot Guard escort and hearing some of them say, I wonder who the guy with the yellow hat is? They noticed me because of my bright yellow helmet. When I first bought my wing, there were many things I wanted to get for it to make it mine. I decided to focus on visibilty and sound first. I purchased an air horn so that when I need it other drivers will hear me and believe me I ve had to use it. I then started to replace all my reflectors with lighting wherever I could. All my side reflectors were replaced with lights, some tied into my turn signal wiring to flash as well. I replaced my cornering lights with LED driving lights and my position lights with LED bulbs much brighter than stock. All of these things help my chances of being seen. Paying extra attention to everything around you can save your life. Watching the head movements of other drivers through their windows and in their mirrors is a great way to anticipate a potential problem. Learn to trust your own mirrors but not solely. Make sure to look quickly over your shoulder in the direction your moving to make sure you didn t miss something in the mirror. Never get between another vehicle and an offramp if you can avoid it. Cover your brakes, meaning keep a couple of fingers on the brake lever or your foot at the ready in situations where things are getting tight. Constantly scan your surroundings for anything that could be a potential hazard. Riding Aware means making youself visible to the public around you while always being on the constant vigil for dangerous situations. Be safe to stay alive. CA2S Shark Bytes 16

17 COY Couple of the Year (COY) The Couple of the Year (COY) program made simple. This position begins as an appreciation for members actively participating within a chapter. Should the COY choose, they can continue to represent your chapter by competing at the District and if successful then Region level and again if successful at National level. The COY position is the best of all GWRRA duties because it is an ambassador position. As Ambassadors, we meet new people by visiting as many chapters, districts, and regions as possible. The COY patch on a vest invites the curious to question who we are and what we do as GWRRA members. What we, Ralph and Robynn, do is represent CA2S around California and GWRRA across the nation as we can. We plan to compete at the district competition in Mammoth Lakes, and hopefully beyond. We have competed at the district and region level before and are looking forward to representing our new CA2S family. We have visited a few chapters in CA already and intend to visit more this year and in the future. We have been to several districts prior and intend to renew friendships already established in those districts. We are honored by this title. We accept the position and will do our best representing CA2S. We do this not as a duty but as willing participants of GWRRA. We are fortunate to be where we are and have made many friends in CA. We have caught up from our move and are participating as officers in two chapters, CA2S and CA2N as educators. We do these roles because we care about our GWRRA family. Ride safe and hope to see all in Ralph and Robynn French COY 2017 CA2S Valentines Dinner Ice cream afterwards CA2S Shark Bytes 17

18 Hello. Let me introduce myself. I am the lucky guy to receive the Individual of the Year award for Most of you know me as Roger Moraes. This IOY is a new experience for me as I am a more low key, almost invisible member of CA-2S since I was completely surprised to get the award. Now for a little background. I am a California native, having been born in Palo IOY Alto, and raised in San Carlos, until moving to San Jose for my job. My hobby was working. I was one of those lucky people that found something they had a passion for and made it their job. As time passed I found more time for my fishing passion and took up duck hunting. These hobbies often took several days in preparation and cleanup. The social part made the time very worthwhile. I retired at the end of 2007, and began looking for a quick easy hobby to augment fishing and duck hunting. A good friend, John, suggested I learn to ride a motorcycle. John said it was an enjoyable activity and a way to meet new friends. John also happened to have a beautiful red GL1800. John then helped me find my first motorcycle, and of course, it was a Goldwing. I made a commitment to learn to ride the right way, and someone (Douglas) at a traffic light gave me an invitation card to a GWRRA meeting. I Looked up the GWRRA organization and went to the next CA-2S meeting in September I had not taken my MSF basic riding class yet, but things began moving when I got my 1991 GL1500 Interstate. I probably put 30 miles just going up and down my driveway learning clutch control. MSF classes were booked up for a few months, but finally I enrolled and passed. Now I realized how dangerous I was on a motorcycle. I knew the most dangerous months for a new rider are the first 6 months and the 3 rd year. I really wanted to survive those first six months. With the help of several chapter riders, I began group riding. A good friend named Jim Carr took me under his wing with many suggestions and encouragement. The PLPs were few and far between but greatly helped develop new skills. I appreciated the various chapter and regional education opportunities. It was exactly what I needed. In late 2009, while fishing, I met my current girlfriend (Mary Kay) who has been riding for almost 38 years. What luck. A girlfriend who loves to ride and is probably the main reason I am still alive (remember those first six months) and riding. Over the years, I have enjoyed touring many parts of the USA, and look forward to more touring. I have found the combination of fishing, cooking, housekeeping, and motorcycle touring to be rewarding activities that often complement each other. Roger Moraes IOY 2017 See the USA on your Wing today CA2S Shark Bytes 18

19 Mike Ridgway Hello Gold Wing riders. My name is Mike from Chapter Q, and I am here to help if I can. During our trip to Wing Ding in Montana two of our Wings broke down. It cost one rider approx. $ the other about $ to get home. This really bothers me to no end! I went out and purchase a Motorcycle / Trike tow unit for my pickup truck. Now I am retired, so I have all the time in the world! I would like to offer to any Winger that breaks down and after using all of their AAA towing benefit s and any other tow services and they still are not home, CALL me and I will go get them FREE, just pay for my gasoline and buy me a hamburger. THANX Mike. CA CHAPTER S RALLY DATES 2017 January 21 Officer s Conference February 11 CA-1I March 31- April 1 CA-1R April 22 CA-1A April 30 CA1Q May 6 CA-1K May 6 CA-2S Garage Sale May 20 CA-1Z May Region F Rally - Tuscan, AZ June 11 CA-1D June 17 CA-2N June 24 CA-1L July 8 CA-2J July 15 CA-1S July 22 CA-C August 29 September 2 Wing Ding 39 Grapevine, TX September CA District Rally Mammoth Mt October 14 CA-1M October 15 CA-1V October 21 CA-1F October 21 CA-2R October AZ District Rally November 4 CA-1C CA2S Shark Bytes 19

20 Ride to GLORY (hole)! by Jerry McHugh Some of you have done this ride many times and are well familiar with the terrain others not at all. This article is for the riders who have not seen what is being described herein it is indeed a very special event! Lake Berryessa is a magnificent area for those that like to play in/around the water or even just to look at it. I am only going to mention roads that are in excellent shape there are some other gravel and goaty roads that are not well suited for touring bikes due to the road condition. Route 128 from Winters is the main highway along the southern side of Ride to Glory (hole)! Often I start this route from the Winters Taco Bell as there is not only fast food but gas as well. Route: mile route - 3 hours in saddle hours at stops (weekday times weekends are much busier!) START Taco Bell. STOP 1 Glory Hole 30 min. This is a great area to visit. You can see the Glory Hole, the dam, the power plant, and view water spewing into Putah Creek. STOP 2 - Steele Canyon Campground - 10 min. Take a jaunt down Steele Canyon stop at the boat launch area but be sure to continue on to the end of the road at the Berryessa Highlands views are spectacular. STOP 3 - Lake Berryessa Visitors Center min. INDOOR RESTROOM. They are often NOT OPEN but knock on the door as there is usually a ranger on duty doing paperwork that is more than happy to share some conversation plus they have mighty clean restrooms. STOP 4 - Lake Hennessy - 20 min. PORTA-POTTY. It is hard to tell when Lake Hennessy is low or full but continuing down 128 west and you will see the dam on the right just after a very very sharp right turn in the highway then continue onward for about a mile or so and when the highway levels out you will see an asphalt turnout on the right and the spillway is right there it was flowing very full during my last visit. FINISH Wendy s (around 2pm if you leave Winters around 9:30am) Lot s of other fast food places nearby. The Glory Hole acts as the reservoir spillway when the reservoir elevation exceeds 440. For the past couple of weeks water has been spilling into the Glory Hole. Here is a phot of the how fast the water has risen this year and the current level of the reservoir - As of the writing of this article, February 26, 2017, the water level is about 1.7 feet above the Glory Hole (about a week ago it was twice this high). Not sure how long water will spill down the hole but if we don t get more rain it will slowly peter out so best get out there while the water is flowing. It has been about a decade since this has happened who knows when it will happen again - some thought never. If you wish to see and to learn everything you ever likely wanted to know about Lake Berryessa then by all means visit LakeBerryessaNews.com as they have an immense amount of data even flying drone videos (this will give you a taste of what you will see in person Continued on next page CA2S Shark Bytes 20

21 Presently all main roads are open in the area but they can close at any time due to slides, rockfall, repair you name it. Route 128 is about the best highway you can imagine; however, this year, there have been quite a few slides along about a 3 mile stretch from the dam west so go slow where you mud and/or water on the road. Knoxville Berryessa road is also in great shape but don t go past the Pope Valley turnoff unless you like bumpy and goaty. Hope you can get there while the water is flowing! Here are some photos from my February 23rd visit. CA2S Shark Bytes 21

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23 For Sale: 2004 Roll-a-Home Tent Trailer Excellent condition. This camping trailer takes one person 10 minutes to setup and 15 minutes to take down. Really! It opens to a 7ft. hard bottom dressing area (big enough for two chairs & a small table), and a double bed space. Storage below & utility box in front. Tent has double doors and A/C opening installed. Includes exterior awning and swivel hitch. Photo with open storage is our trailer, other photos are stock photos, but look like ours with a grey tent. $2000 or BO. Les Cook, or popcycle@pacbell.net. Doc Wong's Calendar of Riding Clinics March 9, 2017 "Riding Position and Ergonomics Workshop" Thursday 6:30pm March 12, 2017 "Smooth Riding - Handle Bar Pressure" Sunday 9am-2:30pm March 16, 2017 "Braking Confidence and Skills Workshop" Thursday 6:30pm - 8:30pm March 24, 2017 "Basic Suspension Part 2" Friday night 6:30pm April 2, 2017 "Cornering Confidence - Lines of Travel (2 Step)" Sunday 9am-2:30pm April 7, 2017 "Special Doc Wong Long Distance Touring Clinic!" Friday 6:30pm - 8:30pm April 13, 2017 "Riding Position and Ergonomics Workshop" Thursday night 6:30pm April 14/16, 2017 "Dual Sport Adventure Riding Clinic" Friday 6:30pm and Sunday 9am May 4, 2017 "Braking Confidence and Skills Workshop" Thursday 6:30pm - 8:30pm May 5, 2017 "Basic Suspension Part 1 Friday night 6:30pm May 7, 2017 "Smooth Riding - Body English-Weight Transfer" Sunday 9am-2:30pm May 11, 2017 "Riding Position and Ergonomics Workshop" Thursday night 6:30pm May 19/21, 2017 "Dual Sport Adventure Riding Clinic" Friday 6:30pm and Sunday 9am June 2, 2017 "Special Doc Wong Long Distance Touring Clinic!" Friday 6:30pm - 8:30pm June 8, 2017 "Riding Position and Ergonomics Workshop" Thursday night 6:30pm June 25, 2017 "Cornering Confidence - Stable Body Position and Anchor Points" Sunday 9am-2:30pm July 13, 2017 "Riding Position and Ergonomics Workshop" Thursday night 6:30pm July 14, 2017 "Special Doc Wong Long Distance Touring Clinic!" Friday 6:30pm - 8:30pm July 16, 2017 "Cornering Confidence - Pivot Steering" Sunday 9am-2:30pm July 21, 2017 "Basic Suspension Part 2 Friday night 6:30pm July 28/30, 2017 "Dual Sport Adventure Riding Clinic" Friday 6:30pm and Sunday 9am These clinics are hosted by Dr. Harry Wong, located at 1021 Alameda De Las Pulgas, Belmont, CA. Most clinics are free. More information is available at or by phoning (650) He also maintains the Doc-Ride mail list, which you may subscribe to at the web site. CA2S Shark Bytes 23

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26 Gold Wing Road Riders Association Region and District Staff Region F Directors Andy & Sherry Smith GWRRA.RegionF@gmail.org Region F Educators Michael & Dorie Werner goldwinger2@hotmail.com Region F Treasurer Patti O-Neill-Esposito pattioneill.gwrra@gmail.com Ca District Directors Bob & Nancy Clark Clark8clan@roadrunner.com Ca District Educator Linda Harmon cdre.linda@gmail.comt Chapter CA2S Staff Members Chapter Directors Sal & Patti Esposito SalEspo3@gmail.com (408) Assistant Chapter Director Rocky Fagundes Rockonmax186@gmail.com (408) Senior Chapter Educator Rocky Fagundes Rockonmax186@gmail.com (408) Assistant Chapter Educator Roger Moraes moraesr@sbcglobal.net (408) Ride Coordinator TBD Membership Enhancement Coordinators (MEC) Gary & Lori Mouldenhauer gmoulden@comcast.net (209) Sunshine Sandy Shewey slshewey@sbcglobal.net (408) Treasurer Douglas Loyd ddloyd@sonic.net (408) Newsletter Editor Danny Shewey fixitdano-gw1500@yahoo.com (408) Ride for Kids Coordinator Roger Moraes moraesr@sbcglobal.net (408) Ways & Means Coordinator Les Cook popcycle@pacbell.net (408) Chapter Historian Bill Hubbs whubbs2008@yahoo.com (408) Chapter Store Coordinator Gary & Lori Mouldenhauer gmoulden@comcast.net (209) Webmaster Charlie Porzio chabragoldwing@gmail.com (408) Individual of the Year Roger Moraes moraesr@sbcglobal.net (408) Couple of the Year Ralph & Robynn French randrfrench@comcast.net (925) Motorist Awareness (MAD) Bob Siler siler.robert@ymail.com (408) Social Activities Coordinators Sandy Shewey Lori Mouldenhauer slshewey@sbcglobal.net lmoulden@comcast.net (408) (209) CA2S Shark Bytes 26

27 OUR REGULAR MEETING PLACES Monthly Meetings The third Saturday of each month. The meeting starts promptly at 8:15 AM, and is usually over by 10:00 AM. Omega Restaurant. 90 S. Park Victoria Dr, Milpitas Business meeting, Safety Talk, 50/50 raffle, General camaraderie. Any rider of Honda Gold Wing and Valkyrie motorcycles, or anyone who just loves to ride. Rides going NorthEast Omega Restaurant parking lot, 90 S. Park Victoria Dr (near Calaveras/Park Victoria), Milpitas. Rides North to SF - Mercado Theater Santa Clara on Hwy 101 Frontage Rd. between Great America Parkway and Lawrence Expressway. This is the meeting place for rides that take us North along Hwys 101 or 85 (San Francisco, Marin, Eureka). Rides South San Ignacio Center, Bernal & San Ignacio Rd., San Jose. Corner of Bernal and San Ignacio. Shell: 101 Bernal Rd, San Disclaimer: Please note all meetings are subject to change, both in location and times to meet. If you are interested in a ride or event and have questions, please call or any staff member noted in the newsletter or on the web. Motorcycling Book List Street Strategies David L. Hough ISBN Bow Tie Press Riding in the Zone Ken Condon ISBN Whitehorse Press Ride Hard Ride Smart Pat Hahn ISBN Motorbooks Total Control Lee Parks ISBN Motorbooks Twist of the Wrist II Keith Code ISBN Calif. Super Bike School Sport Riding Techniques Nick Ienatsch ISBN David Bull Publishing Maximum Control Pat Hahn ISBN Motorbooks Motorcycling Excellence MSF ISBN Whitehorse Press Motorcycling Journeys Through California Clement Salvadori Whitehorse Press CA2S Shark Bytes 27

28 California Chapter Meetings and Locations Meeting Date & Time Chapter Meeting Location 1st Saturday 9:00 AM Breakfast 8:30 AM 3 rd Saturday 9:00 AM Breakfast 7:30 AM 3 rd Saturday 9:00 AM Breakfast 8:00 AM 4th Sunday 8:30 AM Breakfast 8:00AM 2nd Saturday 8:30 AM Breakfast 8:00 AM 2nd Saturday 8:30 AM Breakfast 8:00 AM Last Saturday, 9:00 AM Breakfast 8:00 AM 2nd Saturday 8:30 AM Breakfast 8:00 AM 2nd Sunday 8:30 AM Breakfast 8:00 AM 2nd Sunday 8:30 AM Breakfast 8:00AM 1st Saturday 7:30 AM Breakfast 7:00 AM 3rd Saturday 9:00 AM Breakfast 8:00 AM 3rd Sunday 8:00 AM Breakfast 7:30 AM 1st Saturday 8:30 AM Breakfast 7:30 AM 4th Saturday 9:00 AM Breakfast 8:00 AM 3rd Sunday 8:30 AM Breakfast 8:00 AM 2nd Saturday 8:30 AM Breakfast 8:00AM 4th Saturday 8:30 AM Breakfast 7:30 AM 2nd Saturday 9:00 AM Breakfast 8:00 AM 3rd Saturday 8:30 AM Breakfast 7:30 AM 2nd Sunday 8:30 AM Breakfast 8:00 AM 3rd Saturday 8:00 AM Breakfast 7:30 AM 1st Saturday 9:00 AM Breakfast 8:00 AM Ca1A Ca1B Ca1C Ca1D Ca1F Ca1I Ca1K Ca1L Ca1M Ca1Q Ca1R Ca1S Ca1V Ca1Z Ca2A CaC Ca2J Ca2K Ca2N Ca2Q Ca2R Ca2S Ca2W Greenhouse Cafe, 1169 Commerce Ctr Dr., Lancaster Lorene s Coffee Shop, rd St,Bakersfield Burgers and Beer, Dinah Shore Dr, Rancho Mirage Paramount Elks Lodge, 8108 E. Alondra Blvd., Paramount Broken Yolk Café, 1851 Garnet Ave., San Diego Mar Y Tierra Rest, 1118 W San Bernardino Rd, Covina Denny s Diner, 8222 Topanga Blvd, Canoga Park IHOP Restaurant, 212 Madonna Rd, San Luis Obispo Pepper Steak, Highland Ave, Highland Black Bear Diner, 7005 Knott Ave., Buena Park Mimi s Café, Lake Forest Dr, Lake Forest Carrow s Restaurant, 2401 Harbor Blvd, Ventura Mawell s, Wika Rd, Apple Valley Marie Callender's Rancho California Rd, Temecula Old Salles Cafe, 2082 North J Street, Tulare Elks Lodge #6, 6446 Riverside Blvd., Sacramento Hometown Buffet, 2050 Diamond Blvd., Concord Benicia Grill, 2390 N. Texas St, Fairfield Golden Corral Buffet, 3737 McHenry Ave, Modesto Black Bear Diner, 5100 Hopyard Rd, Pleasanton Vittles Restaurant North Street, Anderson Omega Restaurant. 90 S. Park Victoria Dr, Milpitas Brooks Ranch Rest, 4131 S. Chestnut Ave., Fresno CA2S Shark Bytes 28