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 8 Chapter Officers: Chapter Directors Scott & Jackie Whitener scottwhitener@aol.com Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge From Your Directors: Changes Coming to GWRRA Scott & Jackie Whitener, Chapter Directors August 2017 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 Change for the sake of change is not always a good thing, but change to enhance a process or to improve upon the way certain processes are done can lead to a better way of doing business while implementing new ideas. GWRRA is in an effort to change the way we, as an organization, do some business, conduct meetings, apply training and, hopefully, have more enjoyment in our local Chapters. To some, these changes will be difficult. But for the average Chapter member they will not be noticed all that much. A couple of areas where we as a Chapter will be affected is in our training and with the new position of Ride Coordinator (current plans) which will be handled at the District level. The District Directors from all over the country are in the middle of rolling these ideas and changes out to the membership and should be fully implemented by the first of the year. It's my desire that they will be incorporated into our daily flows very easily and part of our normal routine quickly. We will be a part of these changes at all levels. Regardless, I'd rather be optimistic about the whole thing verses being a doubter. With each members help and support these changes will be part of our Chapter lives with minimum difficulty in no time at all. One of the very good changes that's coming to the Chapters is GWRRA Management wants us to have more riding time. In support of that objective, Chapter "L" is planning a couple of day rides for the very near future. We have several reasons for doing so. (Continued on page 2) Region A Senior Directors Jim & Sue Jackson Georgia District Directors Larry & Pamela Clemmer

2 PAGE 2 GEORGIA CHAPTER L VOLUME 17, ISSUE 8 (Continued from page 1) First, we need to ride more and explore this beautiful state we have that is full of exciting and adventurous places to visit and that's our core reason for existence. We will have two "day rides" in the next few weeks; one to Toccoa GA, and the second to Chattahoochee Bend in the Carrollton GA, area. Both places are excellent areas to explore, ride and have plenty of sites for good eating. Look for more information and a timeline in the very near future. We're also looking for your ideas about where you would like to ride. Just let us know and we can help plan it out. These are all good changes and ideas that encourage growth, promote better training and return GWRRA back to its roots of riding and enjoying the motorcycle environment that made GWRRA the world's most premier motorcycle organization. I encourage you to get involved and make a difference where ever your expertise lies. Inside This Issue: And who won the $272 50/25/25 drawing on Thursday night at the West Virginia Rally? 16 1 Our very own Peggy Rogers!!! Couple of the Year 3 From Your Rider Educators 4 Getting to Know You 5 (And she forgot to buy us Dairy Queen!) Dinner Ride Recap & Upcoming Dinner Rides 5 Individual of the Year 6 Sunshine and Ticketmaster News 6 Birthdays & Anniversaries 6 Chapter Meeting Recap 7 West Virginia Rally Pictures 8 Chapter Gathering Pictures 9 Events Recognition Program 10 Chapter L Ride Rating System 11 Please, Please, Please RSVP 11 Membership Enhancement Article 12 Summer Word Search 13 Calendar of Events 14 Articles & Pictures Needed! 15 Scott s Thoughts 15 Georgia Chapter Meeting Dates 16 International Article 17 Region Article 18 District Article 19 Advertisers 20

3 PAGE 3 GEORGIA CHAPTER L VOLUME 17, ISSUE 8 Couple of the Year Durwood & Miriam Mills July was really hot and we did not get to ride very much. We received our Senior Master patches this month...it took us 8 years to accomplish this. I'm sure everyone who is participating in the Levels Program knows the time and effort that is involved in reaching this level. We urge everyone to reach for this goal. We believe that knowledge of the safety factors of riding makes us better, safer riders. On the 11th of this month, the two of us rode to a very interesting place near Scottsboro, AL...it is called the Rock Zoo. The trip there included lots of switchbacks and some rough roads...but I personally think that it was worth the trip. If you Google "Rock Zoo in AL" you will see what I'm talking about. On the 13th we missed the ride to Johnny Mitchell's Smoke House...I'm sure that everyone who made the trip enjoyed it. We had our Chapter L gathering on the 27th of this month at Landmark Restaurant. We had 18 present, including 4 visitors. There was no one present to receive the Birthday and Anniversary "Goody Bags", and the drawing for the person wearing Chapter shirt did not have a winner. There will be $15 in that drawing next month...so come and wear your chapter shirt, YOU could be the lucky winner. Leslie and Scott were the lucky winners of the 50/25/25 drawing, each received $14. The game of the night was "Tabletop Corn Hole". We had 4 good sports who participated...scott and Jackie were the RED team and Gary H and Ellen were the GOLD team. Team GOLD were the lucky winners of the Goody Bags. It was a FUN night and the FEL- LOWSHIP was great...so was the food. Please join us for our August gathering on the 4th Thursday. Who knows, YOU could be one of our lucky winners. Know that you will be welcomed there and that you will have as much fun as you will allow yourself to have. Until we see you there, Ride Safe and Ride Often Your COY 2017 Durwood and Miriam Mills

4 PAGE 4 GEORGIA CHAPTER L VOLUME 17, ISSUE 8 Highly Automated Vehicles and Motorcycles From Revzilla Common Tread Written by Mark Gardiner Murry and Dawn Cail Senior Rider Educators As motorcycle riders, we re now sharing the road with more and more highly automated vehicles. Tesla s vaunted Autopilot function makes it the best-known HAV (Highly Automated Vehicle), but quite a few new cars combine a variety of forward collision warning (FCW), automatic emergency braking (AEB), and lane-assist functions. If you believe Tesla, its advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) have already prevented thousands of accidents. From Tesla CEO Elon Musk s perspective, the glass is HAV full. But if you re a motorcyclist, you probably see the glass as HAV empty. On July 27, 2016, a Norwegian motorcyclist was out riding, minding her own business, on Norway s busy A18 freeway near the city of Drammen. She was rear-ended by a guy driving a Tesla Model S. Although she survived the crash, she was seriously injured. I use the sneer quotes on the word driving because while the driver was behind the wheel, his Tesla was in Autopilot mode. The car s sensors and software failed to identify the woman on her motorcycle as something it should slow down for or avoid. Norway, eh? It turns out those socialist Scandinavians have a national policy that aggressively encourages electric vehicles, and Norway s an important export market for Tesla. So I suppose it s not that surprising that the first highprofile collision between a Tesla in Autopilot mode and a motorcyclist happened there. The Norwegian equivalent of the AMA is the Norsk Motorcykkel Union (NMCU). They were understandably alarmed to learn that a car that s common on Norwegian roads and which is marketed as having an Autopilot feature couldn t seem to recognize a slower or stopped motorcycle as another vehicle and avoid smashing into it. The NMCU s General Secretary, Morten Hansen, wrote a letter of concern to Norway s Minister of Transportation, with a copy to Elon Musk. It is worrying if Tesla s autopilot is not able to detect a motorcycle, but it is even more worrying if the driver has been duped into believing that a driver assistance system is an autopilot that allows you to cross yor arms and no long be the driver of your car, Hansen wrote. NMCU is certainly not against a future of autonomous vehicles, but we are a bit concerned that manufacturers and politicians are over-selling present technology. Considering that a Norwegian motorcyclist was nearly killed, I thin that letter was a model of self-restraint. The NMCU s action also inspired the Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations and two Durch motorcyclists associations to write a more strongly worded letter to the Rijksdienst Wegverkeer (the Netherlands Vehicle Authority, which is the Dutch equivalent of the federal Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and yur state Department of Motor Vehicles all rolled into one). Tesla s European PR problem got a lot worse when the influential German weekly Der Spiegel got its hands on a research report prepared by that country s Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt) on the Tesla Model S Autopilot. Basically, Germany s version of NHTSA concluded that the Autopilot function was nowhere near up to the task of driving on the Autobahn, where cruising speeds of 120 mph are common. BASt went as far as to recommend to the German transport minister that the Tesla s type certification be removed. The government didn t go that far, but German Tesla owners all got a letter warning them to pay attention in Autopilot mode. The Norwegian incident, and several other high-profile Autopilot crashes (most of which did not involve motorcycles) caused Tesla to temporarily dial back Autopilot functionality; for example, the company reduced the top speed in that mode.

5 PAGE 5 GEORGIA CHAPTER L VOLUME 17, ISSUE 8 Getting To Know You This month we will introduce you to Jonathan Bartleson. Jonathan doesn't attend many of our gatherings due to his work schedule. He is married to Tina. He is employed with GeoSolve Consulting in software development. He is originally from Michigan and has been riding for the last 20 years. Jonathan has ridden a Honda ST1100 and a BMW R80/7. Currently you will see him on his Yamaha Super Tenere. He loves long distance riding (no highway). Asked if he had any special skills or talents..."i can change a tire". Next time you see Jonathan please welcome and encourage him to visit and ride with us more. Dinner Ride Recap and Upcoming Dinner Rides Thursday, July 8 th, our monthly dinner ride was held at Johnny Mitchell s Smokehouse, in Cartersville. We had eleven members in attendance with one visitor. Sunday, July 23 rd, our ride to the Marietta Diner in Marietta was cancelled due to weather. *^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^ Thursday, August 10th, our dinner ride will be to Applebee s, at 826 Turner McCall Blvd., in Rome. We will meet at Burger King next to Home Depot on the east side of Rome, at 6:00 pm, ksu at 6:10 pm. Please note, because of the heat the wait time and location has changed. Please try to be there as close to 6:00 as possible. Sunday, August 20 th we will meet at Burger King next to Home Depot on the east side of Rome, at 1:30pm, ksu 1:40pm and ride as a group to Jim & Nicks, located at 5153 Jimmy Lee Smith Pkwy., in Hiram. Please note, because of the heat the wait time and location has changed. Please try to be there as close to 1:30 as possible. Mark your calendars and plan to join us. Cathy Rockwell Dinner Ride Coordinator GWRRA Chapter L

6 VOLUME 17, ISSUE 8 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 1 birthdays during the month of July. Marvin Seritt on July 31st. There was 1 anniversary during the month of July. Tim & Lynn Wilson on July 22nd. 8/19 Dawn Cail GWRRA Anniversaries No anniversaries in August No anniversaries in August

7 PAGE 7 GEORGIA CHAPTER L VOLUME 17, ISSUE 8 RECAP OF OUR MONTHLY GATHERING HELD Call meeting to order; Date: July 27 th, 2017 Time 7 PM Pledge of Allegiance to The Flag, Moment of silence for our troops & a Hoorah. Recognize visitors and Chapter L COY; Miriam & Durwood Mills, 2017 GWRRA Changes; First, the reason for all the changes are for GWRRA to get back to its roots. What I mean by this is, that we are going to reduce management by one level (no real effect on the Chapter) reduce paper work?? and have more riding and hopefully more "FUN" at our meeting and gatherings. It want just happen, you will have to play a part in all this, starting right here at the Chapter level by having more "FUN," by being involved and supporting Chapter activities. Second; There will no longer be a Chapter Educator at the Chapter level. Chapter training requirements will now come from District verses the Chapter. Ride Coordinator a "New" position: Full Duties have not been finalized to date. Local Chapter activities should not change, Chapter level activities will remain the same as in the past for the foreseeable future. One last thing. I'm sure you all saw that membership dues will increase effective August the first. Individual fees will go up $10. Not bad for all you get. Current Months Chapter happenings Recap. 07/08/17 Chapter "B" Swap Meet and visitation Supported Chapter "R" with a plaque attack ride to Chapter B2. Chapter "R" plans to give away the traveling plaques at their "Fun Day" September 23rd. Chapter Meeting/Gathering July 23rd, Chapter members 13, Visitors 4. Always check your Chapter website. Look for updates on the Chapter "L" Webpage and support all occasion if possible. Chapter Educator. Murry provided some info on the Rider Educators job duties at the District Level but also has plenty of questions. We do know that the Rider Educators position is going away at the Chapter level. More to come at a future date, sooner better than later. Sunshine Updates; Miriam Mills; Birthday Marvin Seritt Chapter MEC; Jackie Whitener, "Chapter Tee Drawing." Bill Toles (Not Present) MEC Message, New End Slavery in Georgia, Human Trafficking, new office in Rome. Chapter MAC; Motorist Awareness Coordinator, Pat Gainey. Not in attendance but a sort review of new position requirements. Recognize Visiting Chapter Officers; Woody and Carol from B2, Ellen Austin whom we hope will come back as a regular and Gary Hill from AL Chapter COY Games; Miniature Corn Hole Game. Winner were Ellen Austin and Gary Hill, "Ellen fudged a little I think." Open the meeting for any question or comments; 50/25/25 Scott & Leslie. "Special Recognition!" Durwood and Miriam Mills obtained their Senior Masters Level. Adjourn Meeting: Time 7:50 PM

8 PAGE 8 GEORGIA CHAPTER L VOLUME 17, ISSUE 8 Murry & Dawn Cail and Al & Peggy Rogers Attended the West Virginia Rally

9 PAGE 9 GEORGIA CHAPTER L VOLUME 17, ISSUE 8 Chapter Gathering

10 PAGE 10 GEORGIA CHAPTER L VOLUME 17, ISSUE 8 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!!

11 PAGE 11 GEORGIA CHAPTER L VOLUME 17, ISSUE 8 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.

12 PAGE 12 GEORGIA CHAPTER L VOLUME 17, ISSUE 8 Hello Everyone! We had a great gathering this past Thursday. I brought up a possible charity - End Slavery Georgia which is opening a shelter at the end of August in Rome, GA. Their mission is to rescue, rebuild and restore survivors of human trafficking and strategically combat slavery in our state. I will check this out and see what their needs would be once they are open. On the other hand how do YOU have fun being a member of GWRRA? First of all, you need to get involved and have an enthusiastic and positive attitude. Volunteer to help plan events or offer new ideas for riding, dinner rides or any social activities. You can also attend our gatherings each month, rides and social gatherings. Invite your co-workers who ride or family members. Participate when you can and encourage others to do the same. Get excited!! Encourage new members to take advantage of GWRRA's many educational activities. Let's have some FUN!! Jackie Whitener MEC (Membership Enhancement Coordinator) Membership Enhancement We are looking for you to make an appearance at our next monthly gathering. August 24, 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!!

13 PAGE 13 GEORGIA CHAPTER L VOLUME 17, ISSUE 8

14 PAGE 14 GEORGIA CHAPTER L VOLUME 17, ISSUE 8 CALENDAR OF EVENTS August 2017 Thurs., Aug. 10th Dinner Ride to Applebee s Restaurant, 826 Turner McCall Blvd., Rome, GA. We will meet at Burger King, 1313 Turner McCall Blvd., Rome, GA (next to Home Depot) at 6:00 pm with KSU at 6:10 pm.. Please note, because of the heat the wait time and location has changed. Please try to be there as close to 6:00 as possible. Sun., Aug. 20th After Church Ride. We will meet at Burger King next to Home Depot on the east side of Rome, at 1:30 pm, KSU at 1:40 pm and ride as a group to Jim & Nicks, located at 5153 Jimmy Lee Smith Pkwy., in Hiram. Please note, because of the heat the wait time and location has changed. Please try to be there as close to 1:30 as possible. Thurs., Aug. 24th Chapter Gathering, Landmark Restaurant, 2740 Martha Berry Hwy, Rome, GA. Eat at 6:00 pm, meet at 7:00 pm Mark your calendar for September 2017 Events: 8/29-9/2 Wing Ding. Gaylord, TX 9/14 Dinner Ride to Las Palmas, 465 Cherokee Place, Adairsville, GA.. We will meet at Burger King, 1313 Turner McCall Blvd., Rome, GA (next to Home Depot) at 6:00 pm with KSU at 6:15 pm. 9/21 Chapter Gathering. Landmark Restaurant, 2740 Martha Berry Hwy., Rome, GA. Eat at 6:00 pm, meet at 7:00 pm. 9/24 Sunday After Church Ride to Pink Pig, BBQ, 824 Cherry Log Street, Cherry Log, GA. We will meet at Burger King, 1313 Turner McCall Blvd., Rome, GA (next to Home Depot) at 1:30 pm with KSU at 1:45 pm. 8/24 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!!

15 PAGE 15 GEORGIA CHAPTER L VOLUME 17, ISSUE 8 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. Scott s Thoughts Why do you decide to attend a monthly Chapter meeting/gathering? Or a better question to most of you might be why did you decide not to attend our Chapter gatherings? I like to believe that you had a life or death emergency that just couldn't be avoided, but we both know better than that. I also know that you keep your membership active because you believe in what GWRRA and the Chapters have to offer, and what the organization as a whole stands for. When I arrive at a Chapter Gathering I look forward to seeing everyone and also look forward to learning what's going on with other Chapters, the District and just maybe find out a few tidbits about the national group. Example - recently we all received a letter from GWRRA that referenced several changes coming our way at the turn of the year. Most of us still don't understand the full impact on us yet. I believe many of these changes will be a good for us all and will happen seamlessly at the Chapter level. I also believe that we, at the Chapter level, have the most to gain. I encourage you to believe in your Chapter Leadership, support them often, and also allow them to offer you every benefit that a Chapter possible can. Allow them to provide you with educational opportunities, explain GWRRA policies and get you answers to any related question you come up with. We want to make your participation in GWRRA and Chapter L "The Best Time Ever." Show up and make a difference...

16 PAGE 16 GEORGIA CHAPTER L VOLUME 17, ISSUE 8 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

17 PAGE 17 GEORGIA CHAPTER L VOLUME 17, ISSUE 8 From GWRRA International: A Good Time To Ride Spring is almost over and summer is coming on fast. For Nan and I, this is the best time of year for riding. I know that for some folks it's too hot and they prefer cooler weather, but for our tastes, I'd rather deal with the heat than the cold. Another reason that the spring and summer are such good riding times is that's when most of the rallies and other GWRRA events are scheduled. Ya can't (safely) ride when there's snow and ice on the roads. That's one reason why most rallies are generally held this time of year. Speaking of rallies and other GWRRA events, let me suggest that you take a look at your District or Region calendar and see what's coming up. This time of year there are many District rallies, Chapter poker runs and other GWRRA events that are a good excuse to gather up your Chapter friends and GO RIDING. Whatever event you attend, if you couple it with a fun ride to the destination with your friends, it will be more enjoyable when you arrive. It's not just the fun at the event; the ride there is equally enjoyable. If the weather, time constraints or other factors make riding impractical, then consider 4-wheels. You'll still have a good time when you get there! Since our last article for Insight, we have attended the South Carolina rally in lovely Beaufort, SC in the Low Country and the Alabama rally in Mobile. Both events were fantastic and we had a FUN time at each. Our purpose in writing these articles is to encourage members who've not been to a GWRRA event recently, to try it again and see if you don't really have a good time. The South Carolina District Director, Buddy and Kim Summer hosted a really nice event in the Low Country of South Carolina. It was a "down home" kind of event with the rally venue in downtown Beaufort Old Market Place building. The waterfront was just a block away and a seafood festival was going on, so there was lots to do and places to eat in the quaint Beaufort downtown area. There were several guided rides around the historic Beaufort area and many of the delegates took advantage of them. An excellent rally, overall and everyone we spoke with thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Attendance was good. Congrats to Buddy and Kim and their able staff for a fantastic rally at a unique venue! Next year, they're off to Newberry, SC. Next we were off to the Alabama District rally in Mobile, AL. The venue was the Ashbury Hotel and Suites off I- 65. The theme was "Sitcom Mania" which was centered around 50's and 60"s television sitcoms. What a laugh! The Alabama District Directors, Frank and Linda Teasley along with their staff hosted a fun-filled rally centered around a unique theme. Their Talent Show was highly entertaining with both comedy and serious acts. A great dinner was served and several seminars were taught. Lots of delegates enjoyed the many historic sites in the Mobile area to include the downtown square and the many neat restaurants nearby. The rally will remain in Mobile for next year but will relocate to the Marriott which is not more than a half mile from the current venue but much nicer. June 3rd is Motorist Awareness Day in the Alabama District and all the rest areas in the District will be staffed by Alabama Chapters giving out free bottled water, MA flyers and speaking with motorists. This has been very successful for the last several years, with hundreds of 4-wheel drivers being contacted. We hope to see you at a GWRRA event soon; this is where the real FUN is found. Bob & Nan Shrader Deputy Directors A, N

18 PAGE 18 GEORGIA CHAPTER L VOLUME 17, ISSUE 8 From Region A: Region A Rally TURN OUT THE LIGHTS THE PARTY S OVER! Ladies & Gents, Due to the impending January 01, 2018, Field Restructure of GWRRA this will be the last of the ever popular Southeast Region A Rallies scheduled for Oct 26-28, 2017 at the bodacious Lakepoint Lodge & Convention Center, near Eufaula, Alabama. Yep, this will be the 31st and final Region A Rally that began 31 years ago at Lake Guntersville State Park near Guntersville, AL. Wow it s been a hell of a ride and we ve attended the majority of those bodacious Region A Rallies. I m sure you want to be part of the hysterical or is that historical ending of the fabulous Region A Rally. Yep, we are having fun already. The theme of the Rally is the Region A Roaring Rally so gear up in your best 20 s outfits and come play with us. We will have some historical fun and this last Region A Rally promises to be the best of the best. I m sure there will be tears of joy and perhaps a little sadness as well, but gosh dern we will have a final adios good-time. Dam, the screen is getting misty again! Come play with us this last time for a Region Rally. Hey, hey, this will not be a cry-baby event. It will be a knock-down get yo fun together butt-kicking goodtime! Warmest Regards, SUPPORT 2017 Jim & Sue Jackson - GWRRA Life Members Senior Southeast Region A Director - AL, FL, GA, MS, SC Gold Wing Road Riders Association

19 PAGE 19 GEORGIA CHAPTER L VOLUME 17, ISSUE 8 From the Georgia District: Changes to the GWRRA Organization! We hope all of you will welcome the new GWRRA structure. The Region Team has been disbanded by the home office as of January 1, 2018, but we know we will see them around at our rallies and events. Most of them have jobs in their respective districts and chapters as well, so they will still be very busy, and they will always be our GWRRA friends. Some of the duties fall to the District and District reporting will be done straight to Anita Alkire, the President, and her Presidential Assistants (former Deputy Directors). The District will appoint a District Ride Coordinator to basically organize rides on a District Level for those who do not attend chapters as well as those who do. An example would be a ride-in to Wing Ding. This is to encourage riding on a larger than chapter basis. There will be no regional boundaries, but Districts still exist. On the Chapter level, the Ride Educator is no longer a position. Instead, each chapter will appoint a Ride Coordinator if they do not already have one. This does not mean that the Ride Educator cannot become the Ride Coordinator if you do not have one, or if the present Ride Coordinator doesn t want the duties of the new officer position. For example, Chapter A, our Chapter, has both a Ride Coordinator and a Ride Educator. The Ride Educator wanted to step down anyway, but wants to be the Ride Coordinator. The present Ride Coordinator agreed and is stepping back to let him do that. We are sure it won't be that simple for some of you, but we are here to answer your questions and help and, we hope each chapter can work this out graciously. The new Ride Coordinator will be an officer and coordinate chapter rides and give Safety Talks at the beginning of the rides. This way we still have the Safety Talks, just not at the meetings. Meetings should become less formal and more geared toward riding and fun. Anita, GWRRA s President, said to throw away the Agenda and talk, and play, and ride and have fun. Just remember to stress safety before each ride and have fun! The District Ride Educator, Frank Brothers, will be responsible for sending an article to each chapter monthly on Rider Education. Rider Education classes will continue and we are expected to have at least one each quarter. We know this is quick and general. We are willing to answer your questions, especially as it will affect our teams and some of our activities. Please stand by for further information. Ride Safe! Larry & Pam Clemmer Georgia District Directors

20 PAGE 20 GEORGIA CHAPTER L VOLUME 17, ISSUE 8 ADVERTISERS Dawn G. Cail, Owner 113 Gray Rock Drive Rome, GA info@hair4helmets.com