Georgia Chapter L Region A, Georgia District

Transcription

1 GWRRA (Gold Wing Road Riders Association) Georgia Chapter L Region A, Georgia District Volume 17, Issue 6 Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge June 2017 Chapter Officers: Chapter Directors Scott & Jackie Whitener scottwhitener@aol.com From Your Directors: Rally Time Scott & Jackie Whitener, Chapter Directors Assistant Chapter Directors John & Cathy Rockwell roadstar50@yahoo.com Chapter Educator & MAC s Murry & Dawn Cail mcail@bellsouth.net Treasurer Leslie Kleist diamonddivadesigns@yahoo.com Membership Enhancement Coord. Jackie Whitener jacquelinwhitener@att.net Dinner Ride Coordinator Cathy Rockwell carpix7@yahoo.com Sunshine Person Miriam Mills msmdm64@windstream.net Webmaster & Newsletter Editor Dawn Cail dawngc@gmail.com GWRRA International Directors Ray & Sandi Garris Hello Chapter L! Hope this finds you is a "Rally mood." We in GWRRA find ourselves in a position that many individual bikers really don't get to experience. First and foremost, we have an opportunity to assemble with fellow riders several times each month, we enjoy Chapter, District, Regional and National events usually called "Wing something" where we intermingle with friends from all over this great country. We buy tons of "safety chrome" each year and eat to our delight many different cuisines from all over. Just ask the ones that traveled to Billings for Wing Ding 39 about the buffalo steaks they tried. Being in a Rally Mood means we're involved in the stability and growth of the originations we're supporting and having "FUN!" We need to grow both our Chapter and GWRRA as well with our support and recruitment of like minded bikers. We have many opportunities to attend Rallies, but the one that needs our support the most, which is routinely in our back door is our very own District Rally. This is the second year it will be held in Dalton GA, at the Dalton Convention Center. Last year we had plenty of venders, lots of food and all kinds of games for all to enjoy. You only go around this way once in life, so why not get up and get out to our District Rally, June 22nd through June 24th. You'll have a chance to win a $1,000 cash prize, a grand price, a special made Chapter Quilt and even a Chattanooga river boat dinner cruise. Not only does the Rally offer plenty of games, we also have a great Poker Run planned this year that actually goes somewhere. In conclusion, I encourage you to grab your bike, your favorite riding partner and come on to Dalton for a little Fun, Safety and Knowledge that will last a lifetime. Region A Senior Directors Jim & Sue Jackson Georgia District Directors Larry & Pamela Clemmer

2 PAGE 2 GEORGIA CHAPTER L VOLUME 17, ISSUE 6 Couple of the Year Durwood & Miriam Mills May has not been very busy for us. We missed both dinner rides, but we did visit Chapter V in Chattanooga with Al and Peggy Rogers on the 13th of this month. We four enjoyed the catered breakfast there and they Inside This Issue: From Your Directors 1 Couple of the Year 2 From Your Rider Educators 3 What Is A Chapter Gathering? 4 Getting to Know You 5 Dinner Ride Recap & Upcoming Dinner Rides 5 Individual of the Year 6 Sunshine and Ticketmaster News 6 Birthdays & Anniversaries 6 Chapter Meeting Recap 7 Events Recognition Program 8 Chapter L Ride Rating System 9 Please, Please, Please RSVP 9 Ticket Sales/Gathering Announcement 10 Back Nine 11 June Word Search 12 Calendar of Events 13 Articles & Pictures Needed!/Joke 14 Georgia Chapter Meeting Dates 15 International Article 16 Region Article 17 District Article 18 Advertisers 19 were the lucky winners of the $5 for $50 gift card from Southern Power Sports. We had made the trip there so that they could buy new rainsuits...that gift card was a really nice surprise for them. On the 25th, we enjoyed our May gathering at Landmark Restaurant. We were visited by seven B2 members giving us a total of 25 there for the FUN, FELLOWSHIP and FOOD. Shirley from B2 and our own Mr. Pat were the good sports who participated in the monthly game (BOTTLENECKING). Mr. Pat was the lucky winner of the Goody Bag. Scott and Jackie were presented a "Happy Anniversary" Goody Bag...no one else celebrated a birthday or anniversary this month. David Epley of B2 and our own Ron H were the lucky winners of $23.00 each in the 50/25/25 drawing. We would like to congratulate Al and Peggy for achieving their Senior Master patches...this is a great achievement. This is a true testament of their commitment to safety and Rider Education. The Levels Program gives each GWR- RA member the opportunity to reach this goal. Of ALL the GWRRA members there are only a few more than 10,000 who have achieved Master Tour Rider. Of these, very few are committed enough to Rider ED to achieve the Senior Master patch. So..."Congratulations" again to Al and Peggy. We want to invite everyone to join us for our June gathering on the 3th Thursday (June 15 th ) at Landmark Restaurant. We always have FUN and FELLOW- SHIP and FOOD there...if you come, you could be the lucky winner of the 50/25/25 drawing or the winner of a fun game. Know that you will be welcomed there. We will be looking forward to seeing you there. Ride Safe and Ride Often Your COY 2017 Durwood & Miriam Mills

3 PAGE 3 GEORGIA CHAPTER L VOLUME 17, ISSUE 6 A Motorcycle is Stolen Every 11 Minutes Murry and Dawn Cail Senior Rider Educators A total of 46,467 motorcycles were reported stolen in the U.S. in 2016, compared to 45,555 reported stolen in 2015 that s an increase of two percent (2%). The top 10 states with the most reported motorcycle thefts in 2016 were: 1. California 7, New York 1, Florida 4, Indiana 1, Texas 3, Georgia 1, South Carolina 2, Missouri 1, North Carolina 1, Nevada 1,177 The top 10 cities for motorcycle thefts in 2016 were: 1. New York 1, Miami San Diego Houston Las Vegas San Antonio Los Angeles Phoenix San Francisco Austin, TX 343 The top 10 motorcycles stolen by manufacturer were: 1. Honda 9, Taotao Group Co. 2, Yamaha 7, KTM Suzuki 6, Ducati Kawasaki 5, Gunuine Harley-Davidson 4, Kymco 453 The most motorcycle thefts were in August (5,251) and the fewest in February (2,547). Check your motorcycle insurance to make sure you have comprehensive coverage. That is the coverage that protects the theft of you motorcycle. By the way, how many of y all knew that May was Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month? In 2014, 4,586 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes. That was a decrease of 2.3% from the 4,692 in Motorcycle deaths accounted for 14% of highway fatalities that year.

4 PAGE 4 GEORGIA CHAPTER L VOLUME 17, ISSUE 6 What is a Chapter gathering and why do we have them? One reason we have a monthly gathering is because as officers in GWRRA we are required to have one. We are told that we should have a gathering to have fun and to make the Chapter members aware of upcoming events and keep current on GWRRA policies and procedures as well as to provide information regarding riding safety. The primary reason we in Chapter H have monthly gatherings is to try to get our friends together to share adventures, stories and even tell jokes. For 18 years now Betty and I have held some staff position at either the Chapter or District level and we have made a lot of friends along the way. We have seen many members that have held staff positions step away from GWRRA for a number of reasons, but mostly because they have been there, done that and got the T shirt and just don t have the desire to stay active. Betty and I have often been asked why we are Chapter Directors after so many years of serving the members in a variety of positions. Our answer is you. We do this because to us the most important reason to belong to GWRRA is because of our friends. We have monthly rides to visit places and events and of course to ride, and also to eat, but we don t get to see as many of you as we would like. So in order to see you again we have monthly gatherings just to see our friends. We try to have fun at our gatherings and provide you with upcoming events and rides. We get a chance to catch up on what is going on in your lives and to just set down and talk. You are our friends and we want to know how you are doing what exciting events have happened since we saw you last. We don t always find out that someone is ill or injured until the gatherings and we want you to know that we truly care. I maintain my certifications as a CPR First Aid instructor and a Rider Education Seminar Presenter because I want to make available to you the opportunity to improve your riding skills and also learn a very important lifesaving skill. We do it for you. We will be here to serve you as long as you want us to. You have heard me say many times Motorcycles brought us together but it is friendship that keeps us together. Thank you for allowing us to serve you. Bill & Betty Livingston Chapter Directors GA-H

5 PAGE 5 GEORGIA CHAPTER L VOLUME 17, ISSUE 6 Getting To Know You Do you know Patrick Gainey or better known as Mr. Pat? He is married to Mrs. Pat and has in a short time become very active in our chapter. Pat is an Army JROTC Instructor at Sonoraville High School. He was enlisted in the Army for 22 years as a combat photographer and is from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Pat has been riding for about 10 years and currently rides a 2006 Yamaha Royal Star Tour Deluxe. He previously rode a V Star 1100, Kawasaki KZ1000P and a Yamaha Dual Sport 200. Pat likes group riding and is always looking for the nearest BBQ restaurant. He was asked about his special skills and responded: "Experienced with bikes that catch on fire, break down, getting stranded and putting bikes on trailers. I speak conversational German and LOVE PHOTOGRAPHY!" I hope we can all make Pat Gainey feel welcome. Dinner Ride Recap and Upcoming Dinner Rides Thursday, May 11 th, our monthly dinner ride was held at Linde Marie s, in Cave Spring. We met in the parking lot of the Landmark restaurant. We had ten members in attendance. Sunday, May 21 st, we met at the LaParrilla Restaurant on Turner McCall Blvd in Rome. We had ten in attendance. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Thursday, June 8 th, our dinner ride will be to the Jerusalem Grill, in Rome. We will meet in the parking lot of the Landmark Restaurant at 6:00 pm, KSU at 6:15 pm. Sunday, June 18 th, we will meet in the parking lot of the Landmark restaurant at 1:30pm, KSU 1:45pm and ride as a group to Buffalo s Café on Shorter Avenue in Rome. Mark your calendars and plan to join us. Cathy Rockwell Dinner Ride Coordinator GWRRA Chapter L

6 VOLUME 17, ISSUE 6 GEORGIA CHAPTER L PAGE 6 Individual of the Year What's new in the Membership Enhancement world?? GWRRA has announced a new program called Individual of the Year (IOY). Although it's new to GWRRA, we (Chapter L) have been doing this already. Our last IOY was Leslie Kleist. The requirements are: individuals may be single, divorced, widowed or simply the only member of a couple who chooses to participate in Chapter life. Beginning with Wing Ding 39, GWRRA will be honoring the Region Individuals of the Year onstage during Couples and Awards Day Aug. 29, If you are going to Wing Ding plan on arriving early that day and supporting both the Region Couple and the Region Individual of the Year. As of now we do not have an individual representing Chapter L. I would like to thank each of you who step up and participate in our Chapter activities. If you don't already, please become active now. Jackie Whitener, MEC Sunshine And Ticketmaster News We had no birthdays during the month of May :( There was one anniversary during the month of May. Scott & Jackie Whitener on the 22nd! 6/10 Ginger King 6/25 Murry Cail 6/7 Pat & Pat Gainey 6/10 Trey & Amy Cail 6/18 Al & Peggy Rogers 6/21 Bill & Noreen Casino GWRRA Anniversaries 6/5 Nita Ackerman (2012) 6/14 Scott & Jackie Whitener (2000)

7 PAGE 7 GEORGIA CHAPTER L VOLUME 17, ISSUE 6 RECAP OF OUR MONTHLY GATHERING HELD Chapter L gathering was called to order May 25,2017 at 7pm. Pledge of Allegiance to the flag, moment of silence for our troops. There were 25 in attendance including 8 visitors from Chapter B2. Our COY couple was introduced (Durwood and Miriam Mills). Scott encouraged all of us to purchase tickets in support of Wing Fling this year in Dalton, GA. The winner will receive $ and you do not have to be present for the drawing. Chapter L will receive 10 cents for every $1.00 sold. Current month recap: SC District Rally, dinner ride to Linde Marie's Steak House in Cave Springs GA, Nantahala Outdoor Center, Ocoee, TN was rained out and rescheduled, AL District Rally and last was an after church ride to LaParrilla in Rome. June's activities include: 6/8 dinner ride to Jerusalem Grill in Rome, 6/10 chapter ride to Cheaha Mountain State Park. Landmark parking 10am KSU 10:15, 6/18 after church ride to Buffalo's Restaurant in Rome. A trike course was taught this past weekend by Dawn Cail and Frank Brothers. Congratulations to both who are now certified trainers. Dawn is the first woman TRC trainer for Region A. Al and Peggy Rogers both received Sr. Master's patches. This takes 8 years of hard work to receive. We as a Chapter plan on attending "GW Folks Helping GW Folks" poker run on Saturday, June 3,2017 in Dawsonville, GA. All proceeds will go to Don and Colleen Taylor. Don has leukemia and it has taken a toll on him and his family. We encourage all to join us to support them. GWRRA needs Chapter Level MAP Coordinators and Liaisons.(Motorist Awareness) We are looking for someone in out Chapter to take on this position. We are sponsoring the Poker Run this year at Wing Fling in Dalton and need a few people to help us. See Murry if you are interested. Rally dates are June 22nd through June 24th. The MEC's are sponsoring a raffle with a chance to win a T-shirt Quilt to be given away June 24,2017. No birthdays this month. Scott and Jackie Whitener had an anniversary. Winners at our gathering: Jackie Whitener $10.00 t-shirt drawing Games: Pat Gainey 50/25/25: Ron Haffner and David Epley (B2) each won $23.00.

8 PAGE 8 GEORGIA CHAPTER L VOLUME 17, ISSUE 6 Membership Enhancement Many of our Chapter L members have inquired about the bead program so here is a review of how this program works. Events Recognition Program Each individual will be awarded a colored bead which is placed upon a lace and affixed to either your vest, a belt loop or possibly a large pin. Laces are maintained yearly. A new lace will start 2016, 2017, etc. Each participant in the program will be awarded a bead when attending or supporting events as listed below. You do not have to ride, you simply have to participate. National, Regional, District and Chapter events, either attending or supporting: Gold Bead: National Wing Ding, Reno Rendezvous, 40 to Phoenix, etc. Silver Bead: Regional Region A Rally, all regional events. Blue Bead: District Chilly Willy, Wing Fling, Wind Down. Red Bead: Chapter Fun Days, Plaque Attacks, Visitations, Chapter rides, Bike Week Coffee Break, etc. This program is being initiated to encourage and promote individual involvement of Chapter members and to easily recognize their support with different colored beads. We hope that you will take this program as a challenge to support as many events as possible, both enthusiastically and with regularity. Come participate with us and have some fun. I hope this clarifies any questions you may have. Jackie Whitener Membership Enhancement Coordinator Ride Safely and have FUN. Don t forget to pass out cards!!!! Ever been out riding and you stop for a rest. Then another group of motorcycles stops, too. And you are trying to introduce yourself and invite them to a meeting but you don t have anything to write on and your new friends forget the information you gave them. Grab a handful of these Introduction Cards. You can write your name and address or whatever you want of the back and start handing them out!!

9 PAGE 9 GEORGIA CHAPTER L VOLUME 17, ISSUE 6 Chapter L Ride Rating System First Gear Ride. Mostly four lane roads. Some fairly straight two lane roads. No Interstates. Second Gear Ride. Two lane roads that are straight or may have gentle curves. Some four lane roads are possible. No Interstates. Third Gear Ride. Mostly two lane roads with gentle to moderate curves. Some four lane roads are possible. Fourth Gear Ride. Mostly two lane roads with moderate to aggressive curves. Some Interstate roads may be planned. Fifth Gear Ride. Mostly Interstate route or route may have very aggressive curves. Please, Please, Please RSVP RSVP: This is an ongoing issue. If you receive a request or text for your participation or support, we ask that everyone at least respond to the requestor with a yes/no/maybe. Leaving them in limbo is frustrating to say the least. IMPORTANT: If we have planned a ride and you have not responded or do not meet us at the departure point but do show up at what was the original destination, you may be there alone. We could possibly change the ride destination if we have what we understand to be all participants at the departure point. We also need to know in advance how many are attending to alert the eatery on how many to expect. Arriving with more or less could cause undue expense for the eatery.

10 PAGE 10 GEORGIA CHAPTER L VOLUME 17, ISSUE 6 Get Your Tickets Now! Chapter L is selling tickets for a chance to win $ at GWRRA s 2017 Georgia Wing Fling in Dalton, GA. Tickets are $1.00 apiece and you do not have to be present to win. Drawing will be held June 24, Chapter L will receive $1.00 for every $5.00 sold. Please see Scott or Jackie Whitener for ticket purchases. Remember you do not have to be present to win. We are looking for you to make an appearance at our next monthly gathering. June 15, 2017 Landmark Family Restaurant, 2740 Martha Berry Highway, NE, Rome, GA Eat at 6:00 pm. Meet at 7:00 pm. Come have FUN and FELLOWSHIP with Chapter L!!

11 PAGE 11 GEORGIA CHAPTER L VOLUME 17, ISSUE 6 AND THEN IT IS WINTER BACK NINE You know... time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of the passing years. It seems just yesterday that I was young, just married and embarking on my new life with my mate. Yet in a way, it seems like eons ago, and I wonder where all the years went. I know that I lived them all. I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams. But, here it is... the back nine of my life and it catches me by surprise... How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did my youth go? I remember well seeing older people through the years and thinking that those older people were years away from me and that I was only on the first hole and the back nine was so far off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like. But, here it is... my friends are retired and getting grey... they move slower and I see an older person now. Some are in better and some worse shape than me.. but, I see the great change... Not like the ones that I remember who were young and vibrant... but, like me, their age is beginning to show and we are now those older folks that we used to see and never thought we'd become. Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for the day! And taking a nap is not a treat anymore.. it's mandatory! Cause if I don't on my own free will... I just fall asleep where I sit! And so... now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do things that I wish I had done but never did!! But, at least I know, that though I m on the back nine, and I'm not sure how long it will last... this I know, that when it's over on this earth... it's over. A new adventure will begin! Yes, I have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn't done.. things I should have done, but indeed, there are many things I'm happy to have done. It's all in a lifetime. So, if you're not on the back nine yet... let me remind you, that it will be here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life please do it quickly! Don't put things off too long!! Life goes by quickly. So, do what you can today, as you can never be sure whether you re on the back nine or not! Do Not Regret Growing Older. It Is A Privilege Denied To Many! Author Unknown

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13 PAGE 13 GEORGIA CHAPTER L VOLUME 17, ISSUE 6 CALENDAR OF EVENTS June 2017 Sat., June 3rd "GW Folks Helping GW Folks" poker run in Dawsonville, GA. Meet at the RaceTrac on Hwy 53 in Calhoun at 8:00 am. KSU at 8:10 am. Registration in Dawsonville a 9:30 am. All proceeds will go to Don and Colleen Taylor. Thurs., June 8th Dinner Ride to Jerusalem Grill, 223 Turner McCall Blvd., GA. We will meet in the side parking lot of Landmark Restaurant at 6:00 pm with KSU at 6:15 pm. We will ride to Jerusalem Grill. THIS WILL BE A 2ND GEAR RIDE Sat., June 10th Chapter Ride to Cheaha Mountain State Park. We will meet in the side parking lot of Landmark Restaurant at 10:00 am with KSU at 10:15 am. We will be riding to Cheaha Mountain State Park, Al-281, Delta, AL. THIS WILL BE A 3RD GEAR RIDE Thurs., June 15th Chapter Gathering, Landmark Restaurant, 2740 Martha Berry Hwy, Rome, GA. Eat at 6:00 pm, meet at 7:00 pm Sun., June 18th FATHER S DAY! Sun., June 18th After Church Ride to Buffalo s Café, 440 Shorter Ave., Rome, GA. We will meet in the side parking lot of Landmark Restaurant a 1:30 pm with KSU at 1:45 pm. THIS WILL BE A 2ND GEAR RIDE Thurs., June 22nd Sat., June 24th GEORGIA DISTRICT WING FLING. Dalton Convention Center, 2211 Dug Gap Battle Road, Dalton, GA. Mark your calendar for July 2017 Events: 7/6-7/8 Rally in the Valley Virginia District Rally. Holiday Inn Tanglewood-Roanoke, 4468 Starkey Road, Roanoke, VA. Pre-Registration $45, On-Site Registration $50. A weekend full of fun and friendship. Gather with old friends and make new ones! Take a Rider Education seminar, be a part of the Chapter Games, and go for a ride in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Do a little dancing, take in a Bike show, laugh out loud as the Virginia Chapters recreate some of your favorite comedy groups, And see if you can complete the Rally in the Valley Scavenger Hunt! 7/27 Chapter Gathering. Landmark Restaurant, 2740 Martha Berry Hwy, Rome, GA. Eat at 6:00 pm, meet at 7:00 pm Got an idea for a Chapter Ride? Let an Officer know and we ll make it happen!!

14 PAGE 14 GEORGIA CHAPTER L VOLUME 17, ISSUE 6 ARTICLES AND PICTURES NEEDED! This is YOUR newsletter. It provides a great opportunity to announce any news or information you may have motorcycle related or not. Let us hear about new additions to your family or to your bike. Your fellow members are interested. Got information your fellow riders need to know about? Recalls? New safety chrome available? Local events? Got something to sell? Let us list it and get the news out bike stuff, home stuff, whatever stuff! Got family news you would like to share? Grandbabies? Recognitions? Promotions? Job change? Got pictures we can share? New gardens? Bike additions? Babies (2 legged or 4 legged)? Use your imagination. What would you be interested in seeing. Do you take pictures during our rides and gatherings? We need pictures for our newsletter. Grab those cameras or phones and take some pics. Then send them to dawngc@gmail.com to be included in our next newsletter!!! We need input, input, input! Be active with your Chapter and support your newsletter.

15 PAGE 15 GEORGIA CHAPTER L VOLUME 17, ISSUE 6 Chapter A 3rd Saturday Eat at 5:00 pm Meet at 6:00 pm Southern Cooking, 715 Industrial Blvd., McDonough, GA Chapter B 3rd Saturday Eat at 8:00 am Meet at 8:30 am Come-N-Get It Restaurant, 1409 Church St. Ext NW, Marietta, GA Chapter B-2 3rd Saturday Eat at 8:00 am Meet at 9:00 am Beaver Biscuit Co., 1451 Six Flags Road, Lithia Springs, GA Chapter C-2 3rd Saturday Eat at 5:00 pm Meet at 6:00 pm Perkins Restaurant, 3-A Gateway Blvd, South, Savannah, GA Chapter D 2nd Saturday Eat at 9:00 am Meet at 10:00 am Golden Corral, 2025 Market Place Blvd., Cumming, GA Chapter D-2 3rd Thursday Eat at 6:30 pm Meet at 7:30 pm Western Sizzlin, 501 Legion Drive, Dalton, GA Chapter E-2 4th Saturday Eat at 3:00 pm Meet at 4:00 pm Western Sizzlin Steakhouse, 230 US Hwy 80 East, Pooler, GA Chapter F-2 1st Saturday Eat at 12:00 pm Meet at 1:00 pm New Ming Wah, 3415 Wrightsboro Road, Augusta, GA Chapter H 4th Thursday Eat at 6:00 pm Meet at 7:00 pm BJ's Buffet & Catering, 2401 Dawson Road, Albany, GA Chapter I-2 3rd Saturday Eat at 11:00 am Meet at 12:00 pm Shoney's, Jones Street, Lavonia, GA Chapter J 3rd Saturday Eat at 11:00 am Meet at 12:00 pm Daniel's Steakhouse, 273 Big Sky Drive, Hiawassee, GA Chapter K 2nd Thursday Eat at 6:30 pm Meet at 7:30 pm Denny's, 2990 West Hwy 17, South Brunswick, GA Chapter M 2nd Thursday Eat at 6:00 pm Meet at 7:00 pm J Harvey's Buffet, st Ave., SW, Moultrie, GA Chapter O 3rd Monday Eat at 6:00 pm Meet at 7:30 pm Golden Corral, 190 Virginia Ave., South, Tifton, GA Chapter Q 2nd Monday Eat at 6:00 pm Meet at 7:00 pm Hibachi Buffet, 4025 Watson Blvd. Ste 160, Warner Robins, GA Chapter R 2nd Thursday Eat at 6:00 pm Meet at 7:00 pm IHOP, 3010 Northside Parkway, Canton, GA Chapter S 1st Tuesday Eat at 6:00 pm Meet at 7:00 pm Golden Corral, 163 East May Street, Winder, GA Chapter T 2nd Thursday Eat at 6:00 pm Meet at 7:00 pm Locos Grill, 1985 Barnett Shoals Road, Athens, GA

16 PAGE 16 GEORGIA CHAPTER L VOLUME 17, ISSUE 6 From GWRRA International: Rallyin in Tennessee As we mentioned in our article last month, the Tennessee District rally was held in Pigeon Forge April 20th through 22nd. And what a great success it was! The Tennessee District Director, Gary and Patti Hamilton and their able staff hosted a fantastic rally at the Ramada Inn and Conference Center in Pigeon Forge that dodged all the forecast rain until it finally caught up to everybody on Saturday night after closing. Up until then, we'd had near perfect weather for the rally. They had some 32 vendors, some indoors and some inside. The selection of products and wares was good and the vendors all seemed to have good traffic. Those that we were able to speak to seemed happy with the results. The Tennessee rally is famous for its Talent Show, hosted by Max Thomas of the District Staff. It was a hilarious event, except for the serious acts. Our Home Chapter (FL1-A) took away an award for "Out of State" acts. My wife Nan and another Chapter member (Bruce Schlimme) performed the "Beach Ball Ballet" and had the audience really laughing. They had 14 acts, a great participation by the delegates. Saturday evening after closing, the District staff had organized an evening (including a fantastic dinner) at the Hatfields and McCoys Dinner Theater. It was a great event and the tickets were only $35.00 each, a substantial reduction from the regular retail price. About 500 delegates availed themselves of this opportunity (including Nan and I) and it was well worth both the time and relatively modest cost. A great way to top off an otherwise OUTSTAND- ING rally in the good old GWRRA tradition. Another fact that I found really neat was that even though the Tennessee District is in Region N, the Region A Director (Jim and Sue Jackson) and all the Region A District Directors were in attendance. The Region N Director (Glenda Keough) had all of her staff and all 5 District Directors in attendance as well. This was a good example of two neighboring Regions supporting each other. Another GWRRA tradition. The Tennessee District plans on returning to Pigeon Forge again next year. A good choice, indeed. The next District rally in the Great Southeast (Regions A and N) is South Carolina, May 6th and 7th in lovely Beaufort, SC. There's a pizza Welcome Party Friday evening, the 5th. We look forward to seeing you there for another great time! Bob & Nan

17 PAGE 17 GEORGIA CHAPTER L VOLUME 17, ISSUE 6 From Region A: Driving To A Rally Mary & I have been on the road enjoying the rallies. We have just returned from the Tennessee Rally up in Pigeon Forge. Had a great time as always. The only down fall was that we were unable to ride the bike and had to four wheel it. The reason I bring up the fact that we made the choice to four wheel-it is because it is a topic that we all talk about. Because we love to ride our Goldwing, sometimes making the right decision to ride or not ride can be difficult. We talk all the time about planning the ride and it is a part of many GWRRA Seminars, but how many of us really look at all aspects of our trips. There were several reasons we chose to drive instead of riding. We both work full time jobs and to get the time off to enjoy the rally we worked longer hours to ensure everything was taken care of while we were away, so we were not well rested as we should be for riding. We headed out after work and would be driving into the night. Plus, we planned to leave out early Sunday morning before sun up. As most of our GW family, we watched the weather forecast and saw where there were possibilities of bad storms while we were there and when during our drive home. Finally, the one most of us don t want to admit, I have been going through some medical issues and was not physically up to riding that far. We weighed all the issues and even though we wanted to ride the bike, we knew that the right choice for us was to drive and not ride. When you get to your destination, you talk with someone and they say, You didn t ride? or A little rain won t hurt anyone! Even at our age peer pressure can make us do things outside our limits. We don t necessarily know what went into the choices our friends make, so we as friends and family need to be supportive of the decisions others make as riders. There are riders who can ride in conditions others are not comfortable riding in. Ride your own ride and stay within your riding ability. We hope that in the future when you go to get on your bike, you make sure you have taken everything into consideration to ensure not only your safety, but others on the road. Mike & Mary

18 PAGE 18 GEORGIA CHAPTER L VOLUME 17, ISSUE 6 From the Georgia District: IT S RALLY TIME! Are You Registered? Register by June 8th and be entered to win an Over the Top Southern Belle River Cruise! On Thursday morning we have an Escorted Mountain Ride. In the afternoon we have a New Motorist Awareness Program class. There is Bingo at 2:00, and at 5:30 we have Ice Cream from Baabal s, a Costume Contest and a Kentucky Derby Hat Contest. Join us for fun! On Friday you can go on a self-guided Poker Run between 10:00 and 2:00. We have CPR/First Aid, another Escorted Mountain Ride, an intro into Disaster Prep called Are you Noah or his Neighbor? We also have a leadership course called Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone. The Couple of the Year Social is at 1:00. This is for all past and present COYs. The Red Spoon Ride is 2:15 4:30 followed by the Talent Show. South Carolina is bringing their talent! Georgia get ready! You have been challenged! There will be an escorted bike parade following the Talent Show. On Saturday we have another Escorted Mountain Ride, Chapter Pride and Chapter Shirt Contests. At 10:30 there is a class on Prepping: Gear and Storage, and at 11:30 a Co-Rider class. Judging for car displays, mascots, scrapbooks, banners, and photos is at 9:00. Bike display at 9:00 also. And, don t forget the Pinewood Derby at 12:45. Bingo at 3:00. The closing is at 4:30. On Sunday we will have the Christian Motorcycle Association Service at 8:30 at the LaQuinta Inn Conference Room. Everyday we have registration, ticket sales, games, vendors, find the hot wheels and fun!

19 PAGE 19 GEORGIA CHAPTER L VOLUME 17, ISSUE 6 ADVERTISERS Dawn G. Cail, Owner 113 Gray Rock Drive Rome, GA info@hair4helmets.com