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Rocket City Wings
Huntsville, Alabama -- Chapter B, Region A
Friends for Fun, Safety & Knowledge
August 2004
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July is fast coming to an end and we have sure enjoyed all the traveling we have been able to do. We started out the month with Wing Ding in Grapevine, TX by way of Colorado (that is what Anita gets for buying a GPS). I was fortunate enough to get to go with my nephew to get his new White Wing (needs some chrome, if you are into that) in Corinth, Ms and (surprise) found a good restaurant to have lunch. We rode all day the following Sunday, started at Shoney’s in Athens for breakfast, went on a dam/dam ride and wound up in Guntersville at Top of the River (with about 20 of our friends) for supper. Last weekend we did something new and old. First we rode the high banks of Bristol Motor Speedway to raise money for St Jude’s and to get the adrenalin RUNNING. Then we went on a little short ride down to Deal’s Gap, back up to Johnson City to spend the night and then rode in and out of the rain to get 2 miles from home. We stopped in Moon Town to let a storm pass and watch Mother Nature put on her light show. In all we rode a little over 5,000 miles in July, saw some wonderful sites, saw some old friend and made some new ones.
August is normally a slow month because it is so hot. Well, if you check the ride schedule we are going to the beach for some fresh seafood, a walk on the beach, a cool dip in the Gulf, and some fun in the sun. Hope as many of you as possible can join us. A lot of people have said they wanted a beach run, well here it is. We are going to Destin/Ft Walton Beach area to spend the night.
The Ride For Kids is fast approaching and I would like to thank everyone who helped by either volunteering or participating last year and solicit your help again this year. We are still parking bikes, helping in the tent and whatever else they ask us to do. They have a host hotel this year for those who want to stay after the training session and see some things around Birmingham, the Vulcan is reopened and we can go someplace nice for supper. Randall and Bonnie took us to a great restaurant last year and even provided a really good rainstorm afterward to cool us off. Please let one of the staff know if you would like to help or just want more information. We will need the trikes, sidecars and bikes again to give rides to the kids and families. We will also need some extra helmets for kids and adults. Please come and join us.
A change of pace, we have reserved the Club House at 5th Seasons for the Christmas party again this year. It will be the 11th of December, for those who need to make plans ahead of time. We will do pretty much what we did last year and go that morning and decorate. Please make plans to attend.
Please remember to let Russ and Betty know if you have a ride you would like to do. They would like to hear from some of you who have special places you like to ride to for the scenery or the food, WE DO BOTH.
The next time you think about going for a ride, call a friend; they are probably thinking the same thing.
Please ride safe and often, Roy & Anita
Director: Roy & Anita Fosnight 721-9151 fpo orf* knol ogy: net
Asst. Directors: Mike & Cindy Janes 721-0598 fro ggyc aj*k nolo gy:net
Treasurer: Julianna Polka 233-6334 jul ipol ka*c hart er:net
Chapter Educators: Paul & Susan Neely 216-1026 pjn 48*m chsi :com
Newsletter: Don & Ellen Grundt 883-1041 don zora e*kn olog y:net
Country Store: Mike & Alice Chapman 722-0725 mch appy 46*k nolo gy:net
Ride Coordinators: Russ & Betty Werman 777-9467 rwe rman *yah oo:com
Chapter Couple: Russ & Betty Werman rwe rman *yah oo:com
Region Director - Larry & Patty Lingo
District Director - Ray & Cindy Erickson
Assistant District Director - Dill & Dian Gulley
August 10, 2004. MEET AT RYAN'S ON S. PARKWAY. 6 to eat, 7 to meet. Hope to see you there.
Thanks to Rex Holder for creating and maintaining the Chapter B web page. For the latest news consult the web page at http://www.geocities.com/scipvteye/alb.html
We are trying to collect some pictures of chapter members, places we have been, bikes, trikes, etc. We want to post them to the web page and be available for all our members to see. If you have any digital pictures, please e-mail them to Mickey Polka at "mcp 326* char ter: net".
Door Prizes were won by Joe Smith, Paul Neely, Tommy Peters, Melissa Jacobs, Mike Janes, Donna Merchant, Chris Miller, David Merchant, Bill Nelson, and Roy Case. The winners for the 50/25/25 were Jon Chapman and Paul Neely. Julianna Polka was selected for the membership drawing. The JA Award was won by Roy (U-turn aficionado) Fosnight.
If you buy 50/25/25 tickets you will receive 1 extra ticket for each if you wear shirt and/or vest with Chapter logo and/or ride your bike to the meeting.
Also Alice has the country store if anyone needs items for vest or hats.
GL-1800 Tires – Thoughts to consider when your ride needs new sneakers.
IMHO (in my humble opinion), the GL-1800 is the finest touring motorcycle on the road today. It combines the legendary creature comforts of the Goldwing (everything but air-conditioning) with the power and ride characteristics of a sport bike.
The low center-of-gravity, single-swing arm rear suspension and radial tires are key contributors to the GL-1800’s superior handling characteristics. The GL-1800 is fitted with 130/70R-18 front and 180/60R-16 rear tires. The ’01 and ’02 GLs were delivered with Bridgestone Excedra Radials (G707 front and G704 rear) while the ’03 and ‘04 GLs have been delivered with Dunlop D250s.
The Miller ride, Reality Break was delivered with ‘Stones and we got decent mileage out of the original tires (10.5K front and 12K rear). Both tires had substantial tread remaining, but they were cupped or scalloped when I swapped them out. Bridgestone released an updated front tire (G709) to address the cupping issue, so I stayed with ‘Stones for my second set of tires, since I was pleased with the handling characteristics.
The GL-18 seems to be harder on tires than previous wings, and I’m sure some of the GL-1500 riders in the Chapter can boast of 18-20K mile tire life. The GL-18 Internet boards have buzzed with chat and discussions on GL-18 tires, particularly on the topic of handling and mileage. Metzler and Avon have also joined the competition, now offering tires specifically designed for the GL-1800.
Each of the four tire brands seems to have a loyal following. The ‘Stones are generally considered to be a softer compound tire that sticks well in wet and dry conditions, but doesn’t yield the mileage of some others. The ‘Lops are generally considered to be higher-mileage tires with a harder compound, but there are complaints about the Lops being slippery when wet and they seem to exhibit more cupping than others. The Metzler’s are generally considered to be the highest mileage tire for the GL-1800, but there were persistent complaints of a deceleration wobble with the early Metzlers. Some guys swear by the Metzlers, but others claim you couldn’t pay them enough to run Metzlers. From what I’ve seen, the Metzler customer service is bad, so if you have a problem, you will need a good dealer to help you resolve it. The Avons Venon radials are the latest to join the fray. The Avons are generally considered to be a superior wet/dry-handling tire with good mileage characteristics. Time will tell on the Avons. While at the Honda Hoot, I discussed the subject of tires with Hal Greenlee, the owner of Honda Directline. Hal stated they sell more Metzlers than other brands and he indicated he thought the Metzlers are the best GL-1800 tire, but he said all the tires are good.
Lately, the GL-18 chat boards are abuzz with talk of using a 70 Series rear tire on the GL-18 instead of the Honda specified 60 Series tire. A common theme seems to be that the GL-18 was originally designed to use a 70 Series rear tire, but Honda released it with a 60 Series tire to obtain the lower seat height. Certainly, I can’t speak to the factors Honda considered in selecting tire size, but seat height would be one parameter considered in their analysis. The 70 Series tire has the same 180mm width as the 60 Series. The 70 Series tire is 658mm in height (diameter) vs 625mm for the 60 Series tire for a delta of 33mm. (For those unfamiliar with metric conversions, 1 inch equals 25.4mm.) The additional height adds 103.7mm or 4.1 inches circumference to the rear tire, i.e., the larger tire covers 4 inches more distance with each rotation. This makes the GL-1800 speedometer and odometer more accurate, and more in line with the GL-1500 speedometers. It also results in lower RPM and less fuel consumption for a comparable speed vs. a 60 Series tire. The 70 Series tire also has a higher load rating, 77 vs. 74 for the 60 Series tire (908lbs vs. 827lbs). I checked with Avon customer service and confirmed there is no difference in construction between the 60 and 70 Series tires and verified they will warranty the tire if used on a Wing. I have seen posts discouraging use of the Metzler 70 Series rear tire on the Wing. Apparently there is a difference in construction between the Metzler 60 and 70 Series rear tires. Nevertheless, quite a number of riders are trying 70 Series rear tires on the GL-18 and posting their impressions with mileage and handling.
I recently ordered new tires for Reality Break, and decided to participate in the 70 Series rear tire experiment. I have been extremely pleased with the Bridgestone G709 front tire. My current tire has 9,400 miles, shows no signs of cupping or uneven tire wear, and still has 4/32 inches tread-depth vs. 6/32 inches tread-depth for a new tire, so I ordered another Bridgestone 709 front tire. My opinion, the key to front tire wear is to keep the tire pressure at 41psi. I decided to go with the Avon Venom R AM42 70 Series rear tire. So far, I am very pleased with the handling of the new tire and frankly cannot detect any adverse affects. The taller tire does increase the ride height, but that is not a problem for me. The additional height eases getting the bike up on the center stand and simplifies getting a lift under the bike. The following table shows my speedometer accuracy vs. GPS indicated speed. The speeds were recorded with the cruise control set on a level run.
Speedometer GPS / Speed
50 / 49.4
60 / 59.2
70 / 69.8
I’ve attempted to share some of the information I gathered and considered in my tire selection on a strictly FYI basis. Tire brand and size are a personal choice. It’s your ride and your responsibility. If you have any concerns, by all means go with the Honda specified tire size and brands. Come and see me if you want to talk GL-1800 tires.
”Ride Long and Prosper.” Chris & Linda Miller AKA Mr. & Mrs. Killswitch
Here is your formal invitation to be a part of something big. Come ride with us in Birmingham Alabama September 26, 2004. Chapter B will be working with the Birmingham Southern Cruisers raising money for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation of the United States. Never heard of PBTFUS? How about the Ride For Kids? Check out their web sites www.pbtfus.org and www.ride4kids.org
This is an enjoyable fund raising event. We need volunteers to take these brave kids and family members on a motorcycle ride. Make this an organized Chapter event on your ride schedule. We know it is best to ride the kids on Trikes or in sidecars, with helmets of course. We suggest you consolidate a list of volunteers and available helmets so we can match up passengers with riders. Each year we are thankful to have more survivors and we need more volunteers to ride these wonderful kids. If you want to ride kids or family members, let us know by the end of August. Contact any of the Chapter B officers. Our electronic addresses are on the Chapter B web page.
There is so much we all need to know about PBTFUS and how your donations help kids with brain tumors. There will be a total of 29 rides in major cities all over the United States. The Motorcycle Public, along with a significant corporate sponsorship from American Honda Motor Company, Motorcycle Division. Honda gives away a motorcycle at each of the 29 rides across the country.
Your donations are fully tax deductible. If you are a Federal employee, you can make a donation to the Foundation through the Combined Federal Campaign using CFC #2925. There are several ways to collect donations. The Ride brochures explain some of the methods of collecting money, and we are hoping some of our GWRRA family will come up with fund raising events and be honored as the 2004 Top Fund raising Chapter. The Southern Cruisers raised $46,166.00 last year and there is every indication they will increase that amount this year.
You are invited to the 21st Annual Ride for Kids and challenged to be the top fund raiser. Or, just feed your curiosity and come to Birmingham September 26, 2004. This is a well-organized ride through the Alabama countryside for the kids and family members. The kids, family members, and doctors will be there to offer their personal thanks and explanation of how the donations are invested. Yes, I said invested. Every dollar makes a difference because it goes to programs to support the families, and research that allows more children to survive a tumor without the horrible side effects of chemo therapy or debilitating surgery.
You are welcome to come have fun with the Southern Cruisers, Christian Motorcycle Association, and Chapter B. We will be directing traffic and showing people where to line up for the Ride for Kids on September 26th, 2004. Our contact information is below.
Roy and Anita Fosnight
Chapter Directors, Al-B
102 Scarlet Oak Circle
Harvest, Alabama, 35749
fpo orf* knol ogy: net
256 721 9151
Michael and Cindy Janes
Assistant Chapter Directors
100 Redcliffe Drive
Huntsville, Alabama, 35806
fro ggyc aj*p rodi gy:net
256 721 0598
"Rhapsody in Red" GWRRA Trike SIG North AL Representative
Recently, Mic and I hosted a “Chrome Party” with some of our Chapter B Folks. Primarily we were interested in learning and performing routine maintenance on our trike. Of course, having 3 wheels now instead of 2, we knew there would be unique maintenance requirements.
We have a CSC conversion, which separates the front and rear brake systems, making them independent of one another. This system requires the installation of a new brake line connecting the front left and right brake calipers. In changing front brake fluid we bleed the left caliper first and then the right. The rear brake system resembles that of an automobile. Therefore, it is basically the same bleeding procedure.
For our particular riding and handling, we run our tire pressure 25 - 30 psi in the front tire and 20-25 psi in the rear tires. This falls within the pressure range recommended by CSC. Needless to say, individual trike riders need to experiment as to the best tire pressures that suit their riding style based on their personal preferences.
Our GoldWing manual recommends a front suspension air pressure of 0 - 6 psi. However, CSC recommends between 7 - 15 psi in each front fork tube. But there again you will have to experiment to determine the pressure that suits you best.
The CSC conversion retains the GoldWing rear air shock and recommends 0-60 psi. This is similar to the 0 – 57 psi recommended by Honda. Again, the ride most comfortable to you will determine your particular air pressure. CSC also employs two rear coil spring shocks. They too must be inspected routinely.
With the exception of final drive oil, side stand, and center stand, the maintenance schedule for your trike should be as recommended by your Honda Owner’s Manual. But, don’t forget, even though you no longer have a final drive system, you do have a differential and axle that must be inspected and maintained.
Oh yes, I must make a personal disclaimer!! The above applies only to our experience with our CSC conversion. I write of that which I know nothing about and any of the above most likely will not apply to other versions of conversions.
Safe travels to all, Julianna and Mickey
- Bertha Belch, a missionary from Africa, will be speaking tonight at Calvary Methodist. Come and hear Bertha Belch all the way from Africa.
- The cost for attending the Prayer and Fasting Conference includes meals.
- Low Self Esteem Group will meet Thursday at 7pm. Please use the back door.
- Our youth basketball team is back in action Wednesday at 8pm in the recreation hall. Come out and watch us kill Christ the King.
- Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Don't forget your husbands.
- The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been cancelled due to a conflict.
- Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say "Hell' to someone who doesn't care much about you.
- Don't let worry kill you off. Let the church help.
- Miss Charlene Mason sang 'I will not pass this way again', giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.
- Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.
- Barbara remains in the hospital and needs blood donors for more transfusions. She is also having trouble sleeping and requests tapes of Pastor Jack's sermons.
- The Rector will preach his farewell message after which the choir will sing: 'Break forth into Joy.'
- Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24th. So ends a friendship that began in their schooldays.
- A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.
- At the evening service tonight, the sermon will be: 'What is Hell?' Come early and listen to our choir practice.
- Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.
- Attend and you will hear an excellent speaker and heave a healthy lunch.
- The church will host an evening of fine dining, superb entertainment, and gracious hostility.
- Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00pm. Prayer and medication to follow.
- This evening at 7pm there will be a hymn sing in the park across from the church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.
- Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning 10am. All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B.S. is done.
- The ladies of the church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement of Friday afternoon.
- Weight watchers will meet at 7pm at the First Presybeterian Church. Please use large double doors at the side entrance.
- Eight-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the church basement Friday at 7pm. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.
- The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new tithing campaign slogan last Sunday: 'I Upped my Pledge -- Up Yours'
www.Alabama.GWRRA-RegionA.org This is the link for the flyer for Alabama District Rally in Mobile for 2005. We are encouraging everyone to register early for this as the host hotel is filling FAST!!!
- Unless otherwise indicated, all rides will leave from the ride meeting place at scheduled time.
- As a courtesy to all members, it is important to be ready to leave at the departure time.
- All bikes should be fueled and bladders emptied ahead of time.
- We will plan a variety of rides. Time and money might make it hard to make all events. We hope this variety will give you an opportunity to pick and choose.
- If the weather is bad---come in your car.
- If you have a CB, you will find us on Channel 1.
- We will meet at Mullins for our Sunday morning breakfast at 8:30 am, most of the time. However, there are rides to breakfast at other locations. CHECK THE RIDE SCHEDULE.
Sun Aug 1 Ride to Jacks in Cullman for breakfast. Depart Madison CB/Shell at 8:00 am
Sun Aug 1 Ride to Cheaha Park after breakfast
Tue Aug 3 Bug Run to Outpost 72 for Supper. Depart MoJo’s, Madison, Hwy 72, at 6pm
Thu Aug 5 Supper at Casa Blanca, Browns Ferry Rd, Madison, at 6:00 pm
Sat Aug 7 Beach weekend at the Redneck Riveria. Depart Madison CB/Shell at 7:00 am, Return Sunday.
Sun Aug 8 Ride back from Redneck Riveria. Breakfast somewhere. [Won’t go hungry.]
Tue Aug 10 Monthly Meeting at Ryans, S Pkwy, Huntsville. 6:00 pm to eat, 7:00 pm to meet
Thu Aug 12 Bike Night at Sonic, Wal Triana off of Hwy 20, Madison, at 6:00 pm
Sat Aug 14 Ride to AL-N Bike Show, Gadsden, Depart Hardees, Governors Dr at 8:30 am
Sun Aug 15 Breakfast at Tour Way Inn, Florence, Depart Madison CB/Shell at 8:00 am
Sun Aug 15 Ride the Natchez Trace after breakfast
Tue Aug 17 Birthday Dinner at Macaroni Grill, Madison Square Mall, Huntsville, at 6pm
Thu Aug 19 Bike Night at Sonic, Wal Triana off of Hwy 20, Madison, at 6:00 pm
Sat Aug 21 Ride to 101st Airborne Restaurant, Nashville. Depart Cowboys, Winchester Rd and N. Parkway at 2:30 pm.
Sun Aug 22 Breakfast at Bob Gibsons, South Parkway, Huntsville, at 8:30 am
Sun Aug 22 Ride to Arab for Native American PowWow, Depart after Breakfast
Tue Aug 24 Visit AL-I meeting at Steak & Biscuit, Hwy 31, North, in Hartselle. Depart Madison CB/Shell at 5:30 pm [I’ll meet you at the meeting – Russ]
Wed Aug 25 Ride / Staff Meeting at Mike and Cindy Janes, at 6:00 pm
Thu Aug 26 Bike Night at Sonic, Wal Triana off of Hwy 20, Madison, at 6:00 pm
Fri Aug 27 to Sun Aug 29 -- Kentucky District Rally in Paducah.
Sat Aug 28 Progressive Dinner – Meet at Roy and Anita Fosnights for appetizer / drinks at 10:00 am, then to Don and Ellen Grundts for Salad, then to Mickey and Julianna Polkas for main course, then to Nan Lehrs for dessert, then to Mike and Alice Chapmans for entertainment.
Sun Aug 29 Breakfast at Mullins at 8:30 am
Sun Aug 29 Ride for Kids Meeting – Birmingham. Please consider helping out. Depart Madison CB/Shell at 12:00 Noon.
Tue Aug 31 Supper at Olive Garden Restaurant, University Blvd, Huntsville, at 6:00 pm
Thu Sep 2 Bike Night at Sonic, Wal Triana off of Hwy 20, Madison, at 6:00 pm
Fri Sep 3 to Sun Sep 5 -- International Drill Team Championship in Nashville, TN
Sat Sep 4 Ride to Granny Fishes for Trout Dinner. Depart Madison CB/Shell at 8:30 am
Sun Sep 5 Breakfast at Mullins at 8:30 am
Sun Sep 5 Ride to Monteagle, TN, Depart Mullins after Breakfast
Tue Sep 7 Supper at Main Street Café, Madison, at 6:00 pm
Thu Sep 9 – Sat Sep 11 – Region A Rally “Wings of Autumn” -- Helen, GA
Thu Sep 9 Supper at Logans, Hwy 72, Huntsville, at 6:00 pm
Sat Sep 11 March of Dimes ride to Talledaga Speedway. Depart Rocket City Harley at 10 am
Sun Sep 12 Breakfast at Country Vittles at 8:30 am
TN-G meets at Western Sizzlin, Tullahoma on the second Thursday of the month.
6:00 pm to eat, 7:00 pm to meet.
AL-K meets at Underwood Community Center, Muscle Shoals, on the first Saturday of the month. 8:00 am to eat 9:00 am to meet
Check the AL and TN GWRRA Web Pages for other chapters of interest.
Remember, this is YOUR chapter and your participation and ideas are what makes it all worth while. So please pass along any ideas you have. It will be appreciated by all. Also, if 2 or more chapter members (from different households) meet or go somewhere, this is considered a Chapter event. Let Roy know how many folks so the chapter can compete for an activity award at the end of the year.
Mon Aug 9 through Sun Aug 15 – 64th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Sturgis, SD
http://www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com/ for more info
Fri Aug 27 through Sun Aug 29 -- Kentucky District’s "Blue Grass Blast" in Paducah, KY - http://www.gwrra-ky.org/index.asp
Fri Sep 3 through Sun Sep 5 -- International Drill Team Championship in Nashville, TN - http://www.motorcyclejubilee.com/
Thu Sep 9 through Sat Sep 11 – Region A Rally “Wings of Autumn” -- Helen, GA
Thu Sep 23 through Sun Sep 26 -- Wings Over the Smokies, Fletcher, NC - http://www.gwrranc.org/wos2004/wosinfo.htm
Thu Oct 14 through Sat Oct 16 -- Mississippi District Rally in Biloxi - http://www.msgwrra.org/~miss/MsRally.shtml
Sat Aug 14 - Chp N – Bike Show at Gadsden Mall., Gadsden, AL 35904
Sat Aug 21 – Annual Shannon Dawn Memorial ride, Prattville, AL
Sat Aug 28 - Chp L - Scratch Ankle Hoe Down - Thomasville – Claiburne Lock & Dam
Sat Sep 18 – Trail of Tears ride
Sun Sep 26 – Ride for Kids – Pelham, AL
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