Virginia District Times

Transcription

1 GWRRA Virginia District Times Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge April 2013 Dennis and Kristen Weston Virginia District Directors District Director Virginia District Times Gold Wing Road Riders Association Volume 30 Issue 4 April 2013 We spent a small amount of time Saturday morning saying good-bye to a friend. Dan Barraclough passed away last week and as we drove away from his funeral service I began to reflect on the impact Dan and his wife Mary have had on Dennis and I. We have shared with everyone our story of how we came to GWRRA years ago at the invitation to join a couple members of Chapter VA-B on a ride. Later, we would attend their Chapter gathering and as we like to say, the rest is history. But the rest wasn't "just history." There is a bit more to our story of how the friendship of DanandMary lead us to where we are today. And, yes, that s the proper way to spell their names. For it wasn t Dan and Mary it was always DanandMary. Mary was the newly anointed Director of VA-B when we joined as their newest Chapter recruits. I still remember the smile on Dan s face when he stood at our booth during the gathering and confirmed with Dennis so you re gonna join us? that s great. It wasn t the last time we would see Dan smile, that smile and cheerfulness seemed so much a part of who he was that I can t recall not seeing it. Mary must have seen something in Dennis early on in our Chapter life, because it wasn t long before she pegged him to help her rebuild the Chapter website. Now this is where you would expect us to say and the rest is history. To vainly tell you we took that small task and ran with it and built ourselves up to our current level of leadership by ourselves. But it isn t and we didn t. Not with DanandMary. They didn t just invite us into the Chapter, assign us a task and let that be that. No, they invited us into their life. Nurtured us, worked with us, helped us flourish. They seamlessly combined personal with professional. We met their children and grandchildren, as well as other Chapters and their members. They made us feel welcome, wanted, valuable. They accomplished naturally what GWRRA would like all of us to do. Dennis took over the Chapter from Mary two short years later when they relocated further away. We didn t get to see them as often after that. Life has a way of putting forks in our roads and before we know it, months and years pass us by. As we sat in our pew Saturday morning, my heart warmed as we listened to their many friends share their personal stories of how DanandMary continued growing their family throughout their new community, sharing themselves with everyone. No doubt helping nurture and guide them as well. At Wingless Weekend 2012, I performed a small skit, desperately trying to convey my message to everyone that you never know where you will find your next leader. Invite your prospect members into your fold. Treat them like family. Encourage and nurture. Try the DanandMary method. It is a direct credit to them for starting us down our GWRRA path by making us part of this vast family. I can t say for sure that we wouldn t have continued to enjoy GWRRA life without their influence, but I am saying they made it a no-brainer for us. Kristen & Dennis Inside this issue ADDs 2 District Couple 5 District Education 6 District MEC 8 Leadership Training 9 Region N News 10 National News 11 Upcoming Events 12 District Staff 22 Chapter Info Page 23 1

2 Assistant District Director Southwest Wayne and Kathy Whitworth Assistant District Director South West We ve had the opportunity to do more visitations than last year so far, even with the weather not cooperating, as usual. I rode my 1500 to work last week and got caught in a blowing snow flurry/storm that came up suddenly, but fortunately didn t stick to the road. We dropped by Chapter X s gathering in early March and were greeted by members of several other chapters. It was a fun time as always with Tony and Vickie. Besides promoting their SW Virginia Tour, other Chapters were there promoting their own Events coming up. Laughter is the best medicine and that comes readily around Goldwingers. Kathy and I joined Chapter K Educator/Motorist Awareness Coordinators Diana and Greg Brennan at a Girl Scout Father / Daughter Pinewood Derby for a Motorist Awareness presentation to over 200 folks. We had some interesting conversations with several families that have bikes and they were very interested in ours and what we were promoting. Everywhere we go, we find riders that are interested in motorcycle safety but with no ready access to information. That s where we come in. There are many opportunities so don t pass them up. Chapter K s gathering was packed and had several new members looking for riding partners. A lot of talk about planned rides and events coming up had everybody thinking about spring. Still some winter left I m sure, but we have high hopes for some 70 degree days soon. Chapter K s Chili Cookoff was well attended by members from chapters B D H I R U V W & X along with officers from District and Region. Many were able to ride their bikes in the decent weather that we had. With 30 plus pots of Chili and tons of desserts it was plenty for everybody. Socializing, games and prizes were available keeping Wingers busy when they weren t eating. The next day it was off to Chapter V s gathering in Bedford as they contemplate moving to another location. The planning of their annual event - Chicken Pickn - is going well and should be fun and delicious! Hope to see y all there. As the month wound down to the end, it was time for CPR/First Aid training in Montvale. Instructing Emergency First Aid is a little more intimidating than instructing Leadership Training seminars since really someone s life could depend on it. Soon we will have 3 more Instructors and additional sources for training members and helping complete requirements for the Rider Ed program levels. Even with having been certified for several years, I learn something new every time and especially with instructing. Preparation is the key factor; that s par for the course including riding. As we were training SNOW started falling and we had several inches before the class was over. John and Michele Howe had a cool ride home. Many Thanks to both of them from all of us training and being trained for their time and dedication. Remember the Horizons Program is scheduled for April in Charlottesville. I m sure the stories from it will make their way back to the Chapters quickly. Kathy, Jonathan and I have so many great memories from the one we attended years ago, including photos and video. I m figuring on dropping by and helping out since we have such a large group signed up. It should be a blast. Ride when you get the chance, but be prepared and make sure to do your T-clocks! Wayne and Kathy Whitworth ADD Southwest Page 2

3 Assistant District Director North Rick and Elsie Baker Assistant District Director North Virginia District News From The North By Rick and Elsie Baker, VA Assistant District Directors--North 30 March 2013, Purcellville, VA: VA-Y, The Blue Ridge Wings, presented the GWRRA Rider Education Seminar, Trailering to 12 members, on 7 bikes and trikes, who learned much about trailering behind a motorcycle. VA-Y Chapter Educator (CE) Wil Bell presented the classroom seminar and then transitioned the group to the library parking lot to waiting bikes, trikes, and trailers. Riders and CoRiders talked about the various aspects, differences, and features of their own very unique trailer. Wil took the time to examine and assess each trailer for unique equipment and safety. This helped all learn even more about the various aspects of trailers and trailering behind a motorcycle. Many thanks to participants from VA-A, VA-F, VA-I, and of course, VA-Y. And, many thanks to CE Wil Bell, who is a treasure trove of trailering information! Elsie and I are particularly happy to see chapters participate with other chapters in education and training seminars and courses. Photo by Rick Baker. More notes from the Northern Area Chapters: VA-A, The Capitol Wings, Springfield, sponsored Tom McGrath at their 13 March Social Gathering, who addressed the new motorcycle laws passed at the recent VA General Assembly. VA-A rides to Chrome World on Saturday, April 20, departing Bob Evans in Springfield at 8 AM. Contact CD Mary O Connor for more information. VA-E, The Battlefield Wings, Fredericksburg, reports The E Team will support the Muscular Dystrophy MS Walk in downtown Fredericksburg on Saturday, April 20th. And on Saturday, April 27th, they will ride in Fredericksburg's Habitat for Humanity Poker Run. Their MECs have set up a MAD day at Gander Mountain in Fredericksburg on Sunday, April 28th. And, last but not least, please mark your calendars for "The Event" on Sunday, September 22 nd, at 2 PM, in Fredericksburg, on the banks of the Rappahannock River. Contact CD Gordon Combs for more information. VA-F, The Apple Valley Wings, is reinvigorating its participation in the Apple Blossom parade, May 3rd and 4th, in Winchester, in hopes of showing a GWRRA presence in the area and to entice new participants into the chapter. They encourage all GWRRA members to help in their effort and to ride with them at either or both parades. To ride in the Fireman's Parade on Friday evening, 3 May, please meet VA-F at the KMart shopping center around 4:10 PM. To ride in the Grand Parade on Saturday, 4 May, please meet at the KMart shopping center at 1:10 PM. If you want to be in either parade, Friday or Saturday or both, every rider needs to to Ed Norris, as he is the parade organizer for GWRRA: Your name, your Co-Rider's name, insurance carrier name, and your motorcycle insurance policy number so he can give it to the Apple Blossom committee for their insurance satisfaction for the parade. Ed needs to have the info at least a week in advance so he can get parade stickers for each bike. Please him by 25 April. Contact Ed Norris. VA-I, The Wings of Bull Run, Social Gathering for April has been rescheduled to April 28th (from April 14th). Chapter I will not have a Social Gathering in May because of Mother's Day. Remember, VA-I now gathers at the Jukebox Diner in Manassas at 10 AM. Contact CD Tom De- Wispelaere for more information. VA-R, The Shenandoah Valley Wings, hopes to host you for a "Shenandoah Fun Fest," May 4 th, at Blue Ridge Power Sports (Rt 11 south of Harrisonburg) in the beautiful "Shenandoah Valley of Virginia." They are putting together a day of fun, as their Primary Event, for all their friends in GWRRA to include games, cash, and other prizes--maybe you'll win a pair of tires (Special Thanks to "Mitch and The Gang" at BRPSports) via the raffle, do some needed "safety chrome" shopping, eat a "Yummy Lunch," and afterwards ride to some local historical sites for those so inclined. So mark your calendars and come on out and join R for a day of fun and festivities May 4th! They'd be glad to have you support Chapter R. VA-R gathers in Harrisonburg on the first Sunday of the month at 3 PM in the Golden Corral Restaurant, Route 33 East, Harrisonburg, Virginia. Contact CD Rex Hines for more information. VA-Y, The Blue Ridge Wings, Leesburg, has moved back to The Beautiful South Restaurant, Hamilton Station Rd, Hamilton, VA 20158, for their Social Gatherings, held on the 3 rd Sunday of the month, at 5 PM. So, in April, they will gather at The Beautiful South Restaurant at 5 PM, on Sunday, 21 April New Chapter Directors will be sworn in at this social gathering, as Matt is returning to the cockpit as a pilot for United Air Lines! And, they invite all to ride with them on a Pre-Social Gathering Ride that day, where they plan an ice cream parlor visit in mid-afternoon: Show at 1 PM, ready to ride, at the Roy Rogers in the Safeway Parking Lot, 451 S. King St, Leesburg, VA Again, please note this Social Gathering location change. For more information and fond farewells, please contact CD Matt Caradonna. Ride Safe! Jim Hendershot sworn in as VA-A ACD at March Page Social 3 Gathering in Burke VA by VAADD-N Rick Baker

4 Rich and Debbie Bonham Assistant District Director East Assistant District Director East Are you ready to have fun? Or should I say more fun? Well the month of April is the time to do it. Chapter C has their Spring Thaw Poker Run on Saturday April 13 th in Newport News. Mel tells me that he guarantees weather that will in fact result in a thaw so come on out and have fun and support Chapter C with their annual event. The way this spring has gone with the temperatures, I bet we are all ready for a good thaw. Then the very next day you get to have fun all over again. This time it is just down the road a little ways over in Chesapeake. Chapter L is having their Tax Day Bike Run. You have plenty of time to attend the function and have a great day then go home and finally do your taxes before it s too late. Come on, what better way to prepare for doing your taxes than attending this event? A quick look ahead brings us to May and on May 18 th Chapter D in Richmond is having their poker run. This thing is called D Best Poker run for a reason. So come on to Richmond on May 18th to River City Diner and have a fun day. Lots of prizes and fun along with a great ride in the surrounding counties. This is just the beginning from the East group. We still have O, U, and W s events to come so stay tuned. The fun just never stops around this place. We all had a great time at Chapter B s event so let s keep it going. Several of us from Chapter D went down to Daytona for Bike Week this year. We had a great time and not only rode the 700 miles down and back but also took in many miles of riding while down in Florida. The weather was great and the entire week was a great week. Finally it looked like the event was well attended once again. The numbers of bikes attending was up considerably from what it has been the past several years. We saw more no vacancy signs than we have seen the past several years. Encouraging news. I am hearing from Chapter D and from Chapter W of trips to Alaska being planned. Sounds like a great time and is definitely on my bucket list but right now this thing called a job keeps getting in the way. We are looking forward to visiting with many of you in April and look forward to participating in your Chapter Gathering and Chapter events. We encourage everybody to get out and visit other Chapters. It is making for a very strong District and it s great to see all the visitation that has been going on this year. Bring those cards to all of your visits. Ride safe and ride often. Rich & Debbie Bonham Assistant District Directors East Page 4

5 District Couple of the Year Virginia District Couple of the Year Ray & Tammie Pierce Ray and Tammie Pierce District Couple of the Year Riding season is here! As we begin to ride, remember to do a thorough inspection of your bike prior to riding. Now that the riding season is here, remember that some riders have not been on their bike since they put it in storage back in the fall. With this amount of time since riding, our riding skills are not as good as they were when the bike was put in storage. Also, when the riding season comes along, many people decide that they want to ride a motorcycle (even though they haven t before, or not in a long time) and go out and buy themselves a new bike. So with the combination of rusty riding skills and new riders on the road, we need to be extra vigilant in watching out for both vehicles and the other riders on the road. On the Couple of the Year side of the house, we are looking forward to meeting all the other fellow couples in Virginia. For all the couples, take a look at the Couple of the Year Manual online and start to make your notes needed for completing your Couple of the Year Resume and packing the district selection stage next October! Some upcoming events for the Couples of the Year are a Couple of the Year picnic (trying to have it in first week of June), the All-Chapters picnic (put on by the District and Chapter Couples of the Year), and of course Rally in the Valley (remember District Couple of the Year selection is held there). We are looking forward to the FUN year upcoming. We hope that all have a SAFE and FUN year scheduled with lots of visitation to other chapters. Again, it is such an HONOR to represent the Virginia District as your Couple of the Year. We are excited about and looking forward to the upcoming year. - Ray and Tammie Page 5

6 Rider Education Are you thinking of getting a trailer?? This is an article that I wrote as the Chapter Y Educator. It is getting that time of the year and some may be looking at a Trailer. John and Michele Howe Virginia District Educators In our Home chapter (CH Y) we have three different camps of thought on this: Camp 1: I love my trailer, (We do have more believers now) Camp 2: I am just not sure Camp 3: No trailer for me I come from the Camp #1 I love my trailer This article is not designed to persuade you join my Camp, but rather give you some more information. Let s take a look at how we load our motorcycle for long trips or even any overnight trip. We load our saddlebags, we load our trunk, we add a bag on our luggage rack and then may or may not add the cooler on the hitch. OH! Shame on me, I almost forgot, some of us need to add our beloved Co-Rider. Now! How many of us really know what weight we just loaded on our rear tire and for that matter what weight our rear tire is rated for. Let s just say we have taken some of our tire safety margin away. Now what are some ways we can unload the weight on the rear tire; Oh Yah! We were talking about trailers, what a great idea! Let s take 85% of the stuff we loaded on the bike and place it neatly in a reasonably sized trailer and then add a couple lawn chairs and the stuff the Co-Rider wanted to take for comfort, but there was never enough room on the bike. Now, we will have to add back the 15% tongue weight from the trailer. What we have done is gave the rear tire some breathing room. Camp 3 will argue that the trailer will restrict their riding. My little Starlight trailer has made several long trips and a great trip trough Deals Gap. You will read where people, myself included, state that "I can't tell its back there" and for the most part that is true depending on the size. About the only time I can tell if my trailer is there is when I need to get on the brakes a little hard and then I can tell I am pulling some extra weight. Other than that, you cannot tell its back there. It really does not matter what trailer you look at, they come in all sizes and price ranges. Keep in mind no matter the size it will get filled up and some trailers are large enough to include the kitchen sink. When comes to size, you need to take a look at where you will store it when not in use. I have attached a few pictures of several trailers that range in size and price from a smaller trailer priced at $900 to a large trailer priced at $7700. < Smaller Trailers > (continued on next page) Page 6

7 Rider Education (cont.) <----- Medium Trailer The smaller and medium size trailers would be your best choice. You can pack a lot of gear in small or medium trailer. You can also elect to go with a larger stream line trailer with the ability to take that kitchen sink. I will tell you as you go larger or fancier the price increases as well. <-- Large Trailer You may know these are behind you. Really Large Trailer --> If you are thinking of buying a trailer please keep these things in mind; Plan to take a Trailering Course, Shop around, what size is best for you, what price is best, where are you going to store it when not in use and plan on taking a Trailering Course (Repeated on purpose). There are many other things that need to be discussed about trailers and that is why we have a Rider Education Course for pulling trailers. Remember Overloaded rear tire BAD! Weight placed in trailer GOOD! Until next time, RIDE SAFE and Often John & Michele THESE YARD SIGNS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE. THEY COST $5.00 EACH, WHICH INCLUDES THE PRINTING ON BOTH SIDES AND A WIRE STAND. SHIPPING COSTS ARE EXTRA. THEY ARE 24 WIDE AND 18 TALL. TO ORDER, CONTACT: ED AND MARY ANN GRAZIER edgrazier@att.net or call: THESE SIGNS HELP THE PUBLIC TO BE MORE AWARE OF MOTORCYCLISTS. THEY ALSO HELP YOUR COMPLIANCE WITH OUR 501 C 4 STATUS. Page 7

8 Tommy & Gayle Wilson Membership Enhancement Coordinators Well, last month we thought that spring was around the corner. EPIC FAIL! We re still waiting on the warm weather. I sincerely hope that we never get home from another motorcycle trip, only to discover that we cannot get up the driveway because of the snow! (See photo) That said, the Florida Rally was a lot of fun. As well as attending the FL District rally, we also attended several chapter gatherings, the Chapter K Chili cook-off and the NC-N Burlington where their marble game pot reached something over $2800 and the blue marble was not picked! There is only one marble left so the winner will be picked at their April gathering. We hope that all of you will get out there and visit other chapters, districts and regions. They all have something different to offer, and you can get signatures on your Visitation Cards. Speaking of options, Virginia s chapters are gearing up for the riding season. Make sure to check the calendars for more opportunities to have fun. Chapter L has their Tax Day Run on April 13 th and Chapter R is having their Fun Day on May 4 th. Ice Cream rides are starting up again and camping trips are right around the corner. Remember to take GWRRA information with you when you ride. The rider that you recruit will be very grateful! And now for the fun suggestion, taken from the GWRRA Fun Manual: Egg Toss Participants: 2 per team Membership Enhancement Need: 10 plastic eggs Basket 6 foot piece of rope or ribbon Tie each end of the rope to a side of the basket. Hang the basket around the neck of one of the team members. The team members stand facing one another 10 feet apart. Hand the second teammate 10 plastic eggs. On the start signal, the person holding the eggs will toss the eggs one at a time towards the teammate with the basket. The object is to toss the eggs into the basket. The teammate with the basket can use their body motion to try and catch the eggs, however the teammate cannot use their hands to direct the rope or basket. The winning team is the one with the most eggs in the basket. Finally, the newsletter award for February went to Chapter B, Glen Mizner, editor. Congratulations to Glen and all the Chapter B team for another great newsletter. Remember: ATGATT, it s not just a slogan, it works! Page 8

9 Leadership Training Leadership Training: What is your Plan? Greetings to the entire GWRRA family! I hope everyone had a great Easter holiday and the Easter Bunny surprised all your kids and or grandkids. Ken Taylor District Trainer I would like to congratulate all the chapters for the great training that has taken place. I am in the process of putting the quarterly report together for the District, and I can honestly say, I have not seen this much training going on in some time. Thanks go to a lot of folks, to include the Chapter Directors, the participants, as well the instructors that have taken the time to present the seminars. With the momentum we have I would like to see this tempo continue. With that challenge, I have heard the excuses, we just don t have the time, riding season is upon us, we don t want to waste our weekend riding time. Poo, poo, and more poo. They are nice excuses, but they are just that, excuses. I see chapters doing things on a monthly basis like desert nights, bring a covered dish night, dinner nights, and week end BBQs. Add a seminar to these events! It takes about 55 minutes for your average seminar. Make your Leadership Team feel needed and put us to work we want to make this happen for you. We have a lot of dedicated and experienced University Trainers that are more than willing to make your desires happen. To help you plan GWRRA has a recommended training outline I will provide in this article. I am going to have to modify the format to fit the time. As I provide this outline, keep in mind things are on a revolving change due to the University concept. But I still think it will help you in the planning process. January-May: Targeted Audience includes Interested Members &Staff Candidates/Officer Training. Training is focused on Horizon Program and Intermediate Leadership Skills. June-October: Targeted Audience includes Rally Season and General Membership Training. Training is focused on Member Orientation, Chapter Life and Life Skills. November-December: Targeted Audience includes Interested Members &Staff Candidates/ Officer Training. Training is focused on Chapter Leadership Skills, Advanced Leadership Skills and Life Skills. Additional training the Virginia District has also planned an Instructor Development Course, which is now the University Training Development Program (UTDP). I just want to highlight these are only recommendations and nothing is written in stone. The Virginia Leadership Team is here to help you make things happen. As you deem the training necessary, contact us and we will do everything thing within our power to make it happen. Team, it is up to you. Riding season is already here Get ready and ride safe. Hope to see ya on the road Ken Taylor District Trainer Page 9

10 Russ & KJ Kimmet Region N MEC s Region N News Kickstands up! Wingin it with Russ & Kj. We are sure you have thought often about your pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, and not just for St. Patty s Day. What on earth are we talking about? Well, how about a couple of hints? We have two pots of gold, one in the form of a two-wheeler and one in the form of a three-wheeler. We sit upon our pots of gold. You guessed it! Our pots of gold are in the form of our Goldwings! Among our precious gems and coins are thousands of jewels. Some might consider our jewels being our shinny safety chrome and safety lights. For us, our gems are the thousands of members within GWRRA. This is the time of the year we get very excited! Flowers are starting to bloom, trees are budding out, temperatures are rising and the buzz we are hearing from our extended family are the making of preparations for the convention season. Which, of course always means we will be in full riding season before we know it! In your preparations for the upcoming Conventions, did you remember to add a special invitation to your Non-GWRRA friends and family to join you on the ride? Well? What are you waiting for? Get those invitations out! Did you know if you recruit five new members your membership is free? Yes, we said free! GWRRA has a Find A Friend program that could get your membership paid for you. Did we hear some of you are uncomfortable with recruiting or not sure what to say? Let us help you! At each of the Conventions just look for the Membership Enhancement Booth and help is just a whisper away! If that avenue just doesn t seem to work for you, then catch us at the Conventions and just introduce your Non- GWRRA friend or family member to us and we will be happy to take your clue from there! What could be easier? So lets shine those pots of gold, get out our check list of everything we need to pack and get started today getting in your registrations and getting your special invitations out for the upcoming Region N Conventions! We will see you there! On a special personal note, we want to thank all our many special extended family members for the s, phone calls, cards and prayers we received during Russ recent back surgery. Recovery is perfect and on target. Just three weeks out of surgery his Doctor gave him the green light to ride! So.. all is well in our world, due largely to our extended GWRRA family! Thank-you! Once again, it is our number one goal to be available and assist our members in any manner we can. So as you are off and running with the many activities GWRRA has to offer, don t forget to keep us abreast of what your chapter and district has planned, and don t hesitate to contact us if we may be of service to you. And Remember.. If it ain t FUN, don t do it! Page 10

11 News From National The Re-Awakening of Riding Consciousness For most of the U.S. and north into Canada (plus many other parts of the world, of course), the month of April has a truly stimulating effect. It signals the reawakening not only of nature but unless you re a true cold weather rider of our riding consciousness, too! Jere D. Goodman Director of GWRRA It s when it dawns on us that the cold weather is finally coming to an end and we start to dream about great rides when we ll once again feel the sun on our faces, the air rushing past us and the road streaming by beneath us. Soon we can holler, just like the daredevil pig in the Geico TV commercials: Wheeee whee, whee, whee! By now, many of us have started thinking about our event/ride plans and, as such, have begun researching the gamut of GWRRA events we d like to attend. But if you happen to need more ideas and information, one of the easiest ways to find out what s happening around the country and even the world is to check out the many GWRRA websites. Our National Site (gwrra.org) has convenient links to all of the Regions; then the Regions can link you to the Districts; and then the Districts can link you to the Chapters. In addition, you can always find a listing of National and International events along with some of the Region, District and Chapter events toward the back of your Wing World magazine. Also, think of both avenues as your gateways to finding out what interesting events might be happening along a chosen travel route. Space doesn t permit a detailed explanation of all the events; however, I d like to comment on a few to whet your appetites Naturally, I ll start with the premier event that takes place every year WING DING! It s our most-attended event and the best family reunion you ll ever attend! We re returning to lush, green and warmly hospitable Greenville, South Carolina, where you ll find some of America s best roads winding through the hills and mountains. However, if Wing Ding is not an event you can make this year, there are still many District and Region events where Wingers come together for an excellent, fun-filled time. Let s take a look at just a sampling of them: April 4-6: Region H kicks off the season of great Region events with its Wing Break 2013 in Marshall, Texas. May 24-26: Region F returns to singularly picturesque St. George, Utah to celebrate America s Heroes. August 1-4: If you re looking to travel to a beautiful area in Region L s Northeast Canadian Atlantic, then you ll want to accept their invitation to Summerside, Prince Edward Island. August 2-4: Looking for a choice in Western Canada? Why not head over to West Lock, Alberta and visit the Great Northwest Region J? August 8-10: On the way home from either Region L or J, why not stop off in Norfolk, Nebraska for the Region E s celebration Wing n Out West? August 15-18: Presuming that you made it to Norfolk, Nebraska, just continue a few more scenic miles westward and spend time with Big Sky Region I in beautiful Pendleton, Oregon for Wings In The Blues. September 12-14: You have two choices you can head south to the Lakepoint State Park Resort Lodge in Eufaula, Alabama for Region A s FIESTA! Buenos Diaz Muchachos! ; or you can head north to Celina, Ohio and party with the Great Lakes Region D. As you can see, there are GWRRA events happening all over (and beyond!) and I ve not even touched on the many District events held throughout the year (plus, many Districts hold more than one major event annually). So, for most of us anyway, you may only be a few hundred miles from one or more wonderful GWRRA family reunions! So start your engines, folks! Now is the time to look at the calendar, meet with your fellow riders and decide which riding and/or sightseeing adventures you ll pursue in 2013! As for Linda and me, we plan to get to as many events as possible, and we look forward to seeing everyone in Greenville for sure! Ride safe; be well. And, as always, remember that fun shall be the last word so HAVE FUN! Jere Goodman Director of GWRRA Page 11

12 Upcoming Events April Virginia District Horizon s Program (Charlottesville) 13 Chapter VA-C (Newport News) Primary Event Spring Thaw 14 Chapter VA-L (Chesapeake) Primary Event Tax Day Poker Run 20 Chapter VA-V (Bedford) Primary Event Chick n Pick n Tennessee District District Rally (East Ridge, TN) May 4 Chapter VA-R (Harrisonburg) Primary Event Shenandoah Fun Fest 4 Chapter VA-J (South Boston) Primary Event 18 Chapter VA-D (Richmond) Primary Event D Best Spring Poker Run June 1 Chapter VA-Y (Leesburg) - Bill Miller Memorial Ride West Virginia District-District Rally (Summersville, WV) 15 Chapter VA-O (Williamsburg) Primary Event Casino Picnic July 3-6 WING DING 35 Greenville, SC 27 Chapter VA-U (Hanover) Primary Event August 2 Chapter VA-I (Manassas) Primary Event 8-10 Kentucky District District Rally (Frankfort, KY) 12 Chapter VA-F (Winchester) Secondary Event 17 Chapter VA-H (Abingdon) Primary Event September 5-7 Pennsylvania District-District Rally (Gettysburg,PA) 7 Chapter VA-C (Newport News) Secondary Event Fall Sprawl 21 Chapter VA-A (Burke) Primary Event 22 Chapter VA-E (Fredericksburg) Primary Event North Carolina District District Rally (Concord, NC) October Virginia District District Rally (Salem, VA) November 2 Chapter VA-K (Roanoke) Secondary Event 9 Chapter VA-J (South Boston) Secondary Event Goldwing Celebration Visit for more details Page 12

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20 RELEASE FORM (Must be signed by all registrants and returned) I/We agree to hold harmless GWRRA, the co-sponsoring organization and any property owners for any loss or injury to self or property by reason of participating in this rally. Rider Signature Co-Rider Signature Is this your first time attending this Rally? How did you find about the Rally? 25th Annual RALLY IN THE VALLEY Vendors Blueberry Pie Contest Dancing CPR Classes ERC & Trike Courses Door Prizes Lighted Bike Show Bike Show Hospitality Room Guided & Self Guided Motorcycle rides 50/50 Chapter Basket Raffle 73" TV Raffle Give Away Virginia Dare Boat Cruise PLEASE MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO: GWRRA-VA (DO NOT SEND CASH) Mail to: Hope Carneal 1613 Dogwood Rd. Powhatan, VA 23139

21 RITV - REGISTRATION FORM GWRRA Member $40 X = Non-Member $45 X = Child under 12 $10 X = ** 5 & Under FREE FREE Masters Breakfast: Master $6 X = Non-Master Family member $10 X = Rider Courses TRIKE $40 X = ERC $40 X = CPR/First Aid & AED Max of 12 $30 X = PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY Rider Age Chapter GWRRA # Exp Date Co-Rider Age Chapter GWRRA # Exp Date Address1 Address2 City, State, Zip Phone Address for Confirmation (Print Clearly) Arriving Thursday Friday Saturday Distance traveled to rally (straight-line mileage, one-way) All refunds will include a $5 cancellation charge; NO REFUNDS AFTER 9/25/2013 After 9/25/13, registration will be higher on site; GWRRA Member $45 X = Non-Member $50 X = GWRRA cards to be checked on site. ***DAY PASSES AVAILABLE ON-SITE $15*** DARE BOAT CRUISE Friday, October 11: $25.00 X = The guided ride to the boat cruise will depart the civic center at 9:30 am for the approx one hr. ride to Smith Mountain Lake. The Boat tour is approx 2 hours, Lunch is provided. Guided ride back to civic center will depart immediately after cruise completes and arrive back civic center approx one hour later. We must have 50 people sign up with a 100 person maximum for the cruise by 5 September or the cruise will be cancelled. If cancelled all monies will be returned with no cancellation fee. Lunch will be provided on the cruise, Soup and Sandwiches has been chosen because of the time of year. Turkey/Ham GWRRA Trike / ERC / CPR/First-Aid We will be offering a Trike / ERC class at RITV on Friday, October 11, The course will begin PROMPTLY at 7:30am in the upper parking lot and should be finished by 12:30pm. The cost for the course is $40 (Co-Riders are free). For this advanced class, you will be using your own Motorcycle or Trike. We will also be offering a CPR/First-Aid class at RITV on Friday, October 11, The course will begin PROMPTLY at 7:30am and should be finished by 1:00pm. The cost for the course is $30. T-SHIRT: S, M, L, XL -- $13 / 2XL & XXXL -- $15 (#) (size) ( Amount) (#) (size) ( Amount) LONG SLEEVED T-SHIRT: S, M, L, XL -- $15 / 2XL & XXXL -- $17 (#) (size) ( Amount) (#) (size) ( Amount) SWEAT SHIRT: S, M, L, XL -- $19 / 2XL & XXXL -- $21 (#) (size) ( Amount) (#) (size) ( Amount) GOLF SHIRT: S, M, L, XL -- $21 / 2XL & XXXL -- $23 (#) (size) ( Amount) (#) (size) ( Amount) Shirts may be purchased on site from the Freedom Enterprises Vendor at a slightly higher price. Total Registration $ Total Shirt Order $ TRIKE $ ERC $ CPR/First Aid & AED $ DARE Cruise/Lunch $ Masters Breakfast $ GRAND TOTAL $

22 Virginia District Staff Position Name Phone District Director Dennis & Kristen Weston Dennis - dweston6@verizon.net Kristen - talk2k@verizon.net Asst. DD North Rick & Elsie Baker rickbaker2006@verizon.net (VA-A, E, F, I, R, and Y) Asst. DD East Rich & Debbie Bonham richardbb@verizon.net (VA-B, C, D, L, O, U and W) Asst. DD West Wayne & Kathy Whitworth Wayne - wayne69997@yahoo.com (VA-H, J, K, V, and X) Kathy - kwhitworth56@verizon.net District Educator John Howe howeclan15@msn.com Asst. District Ed. (East) John Bowles jlbowles@gmail.com Asst. District Ed. (West) Med Miller thermalchaser@yahoo.com Asst. District Ed. (North) Greg & Karen Kestner kgkestner@verizon.net LTP Trainer Ken Taylor gldwing_rider@verizon.net District Treasurer Hope & Bob Carneal vabobhope@gmail.com Member Enhancement Coord. Tommy & Gayle Wilson Tommy - t17wilson@gmail.com Gayle - ghwilson208@gmail.com District Chapter of the Year Coord. Gayle Wilson Gayle - ghwilson208@gmail.com District Couple of the Year Ray & Tammie Pierce Ray - rpierce@cox.net Tammie - wonderwoman68@cox.net District Special Events Coord. Bobbie Jo Harrison threewheelcruzin@verizon.net District Webmaster Dennis & Kristen Weston dweston6@verizon.net District Rally Vendor Coords. Linda Carlyle & Trish Adams Linda - lindaredwing@comcast.net Trish - onebchnut@charter.net District Newsletter Editors Kathy & John Skinner Kathy - kathy@jdscorner.com John - jskinner@genfoam.com Rally Camping Coordinators Keith & Carol Lindgren klindgren22@cox.net Region N Staff Region Directors Alan & Carolyn Little alanlittle02@yahoo.com District Educators Kyle & Mitzela Craig ktcraig1@earthlink.net Motorist Awareness Program Tom and Linda Ratner drtom@digital.net Region Trainers Pam & Tommy Meador wingse@msn.com Member Enhancement Russ and Kj Kimmet RussKjMECRegionN@aol.com Region Couple of The Year Tommy & Gayle Wilson t17wilson@gmail.com Page 22

23 Virginia Chapters CHAPTER LOCATION CD PHONE SOCIAL GATHERING VA-A Burke Mary O'Connor nd Wednesday VA-B Va Beach Bob & Ann Lutton nd Wednesday VA-C Hampton/Newport News Mel Brooks nd Sunday VA-D Richmond Allen & Debbie Dowell th Wednesday VA-E Fredericksburg Gordon Combs rd Wednesday VA-F Winchester George & Brenda Tincher th Sunday VA-H Abingdon Paul & Dorothy Baker nd Tuesday VA-I Manassas Tom and Kathy DeWispelaere nd Sunday VA-J South Boston Don & Teresa Mitchell nd Monday VA-K Roanoke Robert & Barbara Palmer nd Monday VA-L Chesapeake Dave and Linda Harris th Tuesday VA-O Williamsburg Joe Dickson & Karrin Frankie th Sunday VA-R Harrisonburg Rex and Rose Hines st Sunday VA-U Hanover Rob & Cheryl Ramsey rd Sunday VA-V Bedford Alice Miller rd Sunday VA-W Chester Bill Martyn & Jennifer Knight nd Tuesday VA-X Salem Tony & Vickie Ayers st Saturday VA-Y Leesburg Matt Caradonna rd Sunday Update your GPS: Chapter VA-I has MOVED! They now meet at the Juke Box Diner, 8637 Sudley Road, Manassas, VA Congratulations to Chesapeake Chapter VA-L 2012 Virginia District Chapter of the Year!! Page 23