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Rocket City Wings
Huntsville, Alabama -- Chapter B, Region A
Friends for Fun, Safety & Knowledge
September 2004
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When you read this it will be September and the month of the year that has more major events per week end than the average rider could do in three months. We are trying to do some different things this September than we usually do but I think Anita will have to work (as usual for September) and I will do what I can close to home.
There has been some fun things happen in August and some really fun rides. We went to Cheahah State park and I haven’t been there in 5 or 6 years, I had forgotten how pretty the view was from the lodge. We rode off the back side and what a nice ride on some real country roads.
Paul Neely is trying to put together some parking lot practice and I for one could sure use some slow riding practice, other than on the Interstates in traffic jams. I am looking forward to brushing up on some other things like swerving. I have always had trouble throwing the bike left or right at slow speeds.
Russ has some fun rides and a few new places to go for a lot of folks. He has a couple of leaf rides to places that are really pretty without the leaves changing. I am looking forward to going back to Falls Creek, we went camping there several years ago (yes camping, tent, sleeping bags).
We have Ride for Kids coming the 26th of September and I am getting really anxious. I like this event and I like seeing the kids. There is a girl on a scholarship to the University of Alabama because of this ride and I want to see more and more. Please come and ride with us.
If you are thinking about going for a ride, call a friend, they are probably thinking the same thing and wanting someone to ride with.
Ride Safe and Often, Roy & Anita.
Thanks to everyone who worked the Charity breakfast at Applebee’s. We may have used the term “work” too many times asking people to “work” the breakfast. We figured out a way to make it fun. Maybe, it was the realization that what ever we called it, there are a bunch of kids that will benefit from the money we earned for them. I am betting that there will be a few more dollars added to that amount on September 26 at the Ride for Kids. Thanks, Chapter - B!
September should bring us some moderate temperatures and more enjoyable riding. My work and other responsibilities might even allow me to ride more often. Huntsville and the surrounding area experienced several motorcycle accidents in the past couple of months. I ride for the simple pleasure of riding “My Motorcycle”. I don’t ride for a lot of reasons. Today, and this past Sunday, I did not Ride because I did not feel physically or mentally ready to ride. A round-trip to Birmingham and back can be a challenge that is just over the limit for me at certain times. As much as I enjoy riding, that enjoyment is only important if I can stay healthy and enjoy it many more times in the coming days. This past Sunday, there seemed to be an extra helping of “Cell Phone Silly’s”. The people driving slow, because they are talking on their cell phones are easier to spot than the “Speeding Cell Phone talkers”. I am trying to use those easy to spot cell phone silly’s as a reminder that there are many other potentially dangerous scenarios waiting for the inattentive motorcycle rider. If you find yourself trapped behind a vehicle running slower than the speed limit or the flow of traffic, be sure you keep a safe stopping distance behind the vehicle. Take a position in the lane that will allow either the oncoming traffic to see you or traffic from side streets to see you. It is not a bad idea to move your body around on the bike and move the bike within the lane to make yourself more easily seen. There is a real danger in being so close to the rear of the larger vehicle that you appear to be a part of the vehicle rather than a two wheel motorcycle (or Trike??). Now start remembering those classroom sessions from several years or decades ago. We were all cautioned to take a line in corners that would give us maximum visibility as far through the corner as possible. Move away from the centerline on the crest of a hill – give those cell phone jockeys that extra room they seem to need. We don’t need to meet anyone, or anything on the crest of a hill. I would only suggest each of us develop a skill for spotting potentially dangerous situations. Urban traffic patterns may be at a lower speed than those many miles of Interstate highway, but they have many hidden dangers. What have we all heard many times before? Ride as though you are invisible. Ride as if everyone is out to get you – especially in Birmingham! I prefer to call my borderline paranoid attitude “Risk Management”. I play what if games, or where will I go if this or that happens. I try to be seen by everyone who has the ability to do me harm.
Motorcyclist who develop strategies to reduce risk, enjoy riding more than the rider who leaves their own safety to chance – or fate. Check the mechanical condition of your bike (including tire pressure). Check your own mental condition, before you throw a leg over. I am still betting you will live to ride and enjoy it more.
Mike and Cindy Janes, Assistant Chapter Directors
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
September MEETING: September14, 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 Don Peck, Bill Nelson, Jerry Thrasher, and Cindy Janes. The winners for the 50/25/25 were Glen Switzer and Wayne Caldwell. Cindy Janes won the membership drawing. The JA Award was won by Roy (lost my ?? in Cullman) 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.
This month; short and to the point, despite the lack of response to previous offers regarding training, I have another question. Russ Werman recently proposed the idea of obtaining space somewhere and hosting a “parking lot practice” session for slow driving, curves, weaving, etc. I am currently trying to identify, and get access to, a parking lot for this purpose with the help of Gary Province from Chapter I, Decatur. Gary also is a trainer for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and has already indicated a willingness to help. I need to hear from anyone with a suggestion for a parking lot we might be able to use, other than the old Madison K Mart lot, Gary eliminated the MSF site at the Madison County Executive Airport and the owner’s representative for the Madison K Mart building is “non-responsive” to the concept.
I need an idea as to the number of interested participants as well as possible locations and dates. I understand that GWRRA maintains liability insurance for such events and that issue can be coordinated.
If you are interested, please email me at pjn 48*m chsi :com.
In any case, ride safe and often. Paul & Susan Neely AL-B Ride Educators
We want you to enjoy a ride through the Alabama countryside on 26 September, and we really need your help to make this annual Ride for Kids the best ever! If you can offer your co-riders seat to ride one of these "Stars" let us know as soon as possible. The Children and their parents who survive a tumor, are truly "Stars"
We need Side cars, Trikes, and motorcycles with co-rider seats. Naturally there will be a need for additional helmets. If someone in each of the GWRRA Chapters will consolidate a list of available seats and helmets, by name, we will reserve a parking space near the front of the group, and make it a special day for these "Stars". Remember the kids are the "Stars" of this event, and riding a motorcycle brings out a smile that really shines. We can offer them the thrill of a life time. Please help us coordinate this minor detail so the "Stars" are not distracted or possibly told there are not enough helmets or seats available. We would like to ride more family members and Medical Staff this year if possible. Please send the information requested to Chapter B, not later than 15 September. Our last coordination meeting is the 19th. We want to match up passengers and riders now and reduce the confusion and possibility of disappointing any of the "Stars".
There are two requirements for participation. All riders are asked for a basic ride entry of $35.00. "The Ride for Kids" is a tax deductible charitable contribution. The other requirement for all volunteers is safety training to be given on Thursday or Saturday prior to the ride on Sunday. Details and directions will be provided soon.
Once again, we invite you to join the Motorcycle Riding Community on September 26th, 2004, Birmingham, Alabama, Pelham Civic Center Complex (parking lot), 500 Amphitheater Road, Pelham, Alabama. Registration Opens: 8:00 a.m. Registration Closes 9:45 a.m. - First Bike Out: 10:00 a.m. This is a fully escorted ride, sack lunch and drinks provided at the end point. Come Ride with us Rain or Shine.
For additional information, please call (800) 253-6530 or visit www.rideforkids.org
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
(Part 2 next month. I hope you continue to send your pet peeves to have this every month.)
(taken from papers written by a class of 8-year-olds)
If any of you have ever been to a military funeral in which taps were played; this brings out a new meaning of it. Here is something EVERY AMERICAN should know. Until I read this, I didn't know, but I checked it out and it's true:
We in the United States have all heard the haunting song, "Taps." It's the song that gives us that lump in our throats and usually tears in our eyes.
But, do you know the story behind the song? If not, I think you will be interested to find out about its humble beginnings.
Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison's Landing in Virginia. The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land.
During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention.
Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment. When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead. The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his own son.
The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out. Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army. The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial, despite his enemy status. His request was only partially granted.
The Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral. The request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate. But, out of respect for the father, they did say they could give him only one musician.
The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth's uniform. This wish was granted.
The haunting melody, we now know as "Taps" ... used at military funerals was born.
The words are
I, too, have felt the chills while listening to "Taps" but I have never seen all the words to the song until now. I didn't even know there was more than one verse. I also never knew the story behind the song, and I didn't know if you had either so I thought I'd pass it along. I now have an even deeper respect for the song than I did before.
REMEMBER THOSE LOST AND HARMED WHILE SERVING THEIR COUNTRY.
And also those who presently serve in the Armed Forces.
"No arsenal of the world is more formidable than the will and courage of free men and women."
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 some rides to breakfast at other locations. CHECK THE RIDE SCHEDULE.
Thu - Sep 2 - Bike Night at Sonic, Wal Triana off of Hwy 20, Madison, at 6:00 pm
Fri - Sep 3 - Deals Gap ride. Contact Roy Fosnight for details if you’d like to ride along.
Fri - Sep 3 - Breakfast at Country Vittles, Slaughter Rd and Hwy 72, Madison. After breakfast, ride to Nashville for the International Drill Team Championship.
Fri Sep 3 to Mon Sep 6 -- International Drill Team Championship in Nashville, TN
Sun - Sep 5 - Breakfast at Mullins at 8:30 am, after breakfast ride to be determined by those at 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 - Bike Night at Sonic, Wal Triana off of Hwy 20, Madison, 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
Tue - Sep 14 - Monthly Meeting at Ryans, S. Parkway, Huntsville. 6:00 pm to eat, 7:00 pm to meet
Thu - Sep 16 - Bike Night at Sonic, Wal Triana off of Hwy 20, Madison, at 6:00 pm
Sat - Sep 18 - Trail of Tears ride. Breakfast at Jackson Family restaurant, Madison, at 7:00 am, then meet the ride at Scottsboro for ride back to Madison, and beyond if you want.
Sun - Sep 19 - Breakfast at Mullins at 8:30 am
Sun - Sep 19 - Ride for Kids Meeting – Birmingham. Please consider helping out. Depart Madison CB/Shell at 12:00 Noon
Tue - Sep 21 - Birthday Dinner at Olive Garden restaurant, at 6:00 pm
Thu Sep 23 to Sun Sep 26 -- Wings Over the Smokey's, Fletcher, NC
Thu - Sep 23 - Bike Night at Sonic, Wal Triana off of Hwy 20, Madison, at 6:00 pm
Sat - Sep 25 - Breakfast at Country Vittles, Slaughter Rd and Hwy 72, Madison. Ride after breakfast to be determined by those at breakfast.
Sat - Sep 25 - RIDE FOR KIDS Training – Riverchase United Methodist Church on Old Montgomery Highway in Riverchase, Saturday 10:00 am. Depart Madison CB/Shell at 7:45 am.
Sun - Sep 26 - Breakfast at Mullins, Ride after breakfast to be determined by those at breakfast.
Sun - Sep 26 - RIDE FOR KIDS – Birmingham - Workers Depart Madison CB/Shell at 5:00 am
to arrive at Pelham Civic Center by 7:00 am, Riders Depart Madison CB/Shell at 6:00 am
to arrive at Pelham Civic Center by 8:00 am
Tue - Sep 28 - 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 - Sep 29 - Staff / Ride Meeting at Roy & Anita Fosnight’s, at 6:00 pm
Thu - Sep 30 - Bike Night at Sonic, Wal Triana off of Hwy 20, Madison, at 6:00 pm
Sat - Oct 2 - Madison Fall Festival parade. Meet for breakfast at Jackson Family restaurant, Madison, at 7:00 am, Parade starts at 8:45 am.
Sat - Oct 2 - Ride to Granny Fishes for Trout Dinner. Depart Cowboys, Winchester Rd & N. Parkway at 2:30 pm
Sun - Oct 3 - Breakfast at Mullins at 8:30 am
Sun - Oct 3 - Ride to Bankhead Forest. Depart Mullins after Breakfast. Late Lunch / Early Supper at The Rocking Chair or Famous Daves, or Outpost 72, or someplace else.
Tue - Oct 5 - Supper at Fire House Sub, Target Shopping Center, Hwy 72, Huntsville, at 6:00 pm
Thu - Oct 7 - Supper at Rosie’s on South Pkwy, at 6:00 pm
Sat - Oct 9 - Fall Leaf Ride to Falls Creek Falls Park, Lunch at Park Lodge. Depart Shell Station, Hwy 72 and Moores Mill Road at 8:30 am
Sun - Oct 10 - Breakfast at Mullins at 8:30 am
Sun - Oct 10 - Fall Leaf Ride to Bucks Pocket, Depart Hardees on Governors Drive at 1:00 pm, plan on supper at Top-of-the-River in Guntersville. (Opens at 4:00 pm).
Tue - Oct 12 - Monthly Meeting at Old Greenbriar Restaurant, Old Hwy 20 and Greenbriar Road. 6:00 pm to eat, 7:00 pm to meet
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. Russ Werman, Ride Coordinator, Rwe rman *yah oo:com - 256-777-9467
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 Sep 18 – Trail of Tears ride
Sun Sep 26 – Ride for Kids – Pelham, AL
For Sale - I have a set of Kuryakyn Iso Grips for 1988 to present GL1500 Goldwing part number 6180 new never opened. I ordered them from DNK and they sent the wrong ones mine takes 6190. So if anyone is looking I have a set total I have in them is $49.22 and that's what I'll take.
Troy King" kin gtm* mchs i:com
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