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Rocket City Wings
Huntsville, Alabama -- Chapter B, Region A
Friends for Fun, Safety & Knowledge
August 2005
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So many things have happened in July, I could not recount them in the newsletter. Looking at the collection of events, we have to label it “Variety”. We had some good, some not so good, and some things happened that were just bad enough to leave alone and discuss no further.
August promises to be a busy month. We have the District Picnic with a new starting time – High Noon-on Saturday August 6th. I am sure you can understand the District Staff is working hard to make this a fun event and wants everyone to get their share of the groceries. Please let me[Dir ecto r], or someone on the Chapter B staff, know if you plan to attend the picnic. The hardest part of sponsoring a picnic is having enough food for everyone without having food wasted.
The following Saturday we plan to raise a lot of money with the Pancake Breakfast in the Madison Applebee’s (Hughes & Browns Ferry). Spread the word to your friends and co-workers. We will have our veteran crew working the breakfast this year and things should go well. Remember, this is our one big effort to raise money for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, Ride for Kids. There are many ways to support this Foundation and help the kids, so come out and have a little fun with us. If you need Posters or flyers with registration forms, call me. There will probably be at least one more Pilgrimage to the Hoover Krispy Kreme…..I mean RFK coordination meeting, all are welcome to join in. There will be a mandatory training session on the Saturday (24th of Sept) the morning BEFORE the ride on Sunday. This is primarily a safety class and final assignment and coordination meeting. We really need a few more people with Trikes and Side car rigs to come out and see how much of a thrill it is for these kids, and their family members to ride a motorcycle. Think back, how did you get hooked on riding? Please let us know at the next monthly meeting, or by e-mail that you can ride a kid or family member on 25 September.
Check the bottom of the ride schedule for upcoming rallies. Region A, Wings over the Smokies and Biloxi are a few of the most popular rallies. Especially if you missed the “Body Art” show that was downtown the last day of July. How do I know you might ask? I was next door seeing “Grease”.
Keep those prayers moving skyward for Don and Burma Watts. Don’s surgery went well, but he will be struggling through some tough physical therapy on his way to full recovery. My sources tell me Alice Chapman and Kay Leonard are doing well. I think Kay has a new nickname, and we may find one for Alice (Retired and Lovin’ It!) before long.
Please remember our soldiers, Civilians and Contract personal who are in harms way and away from their Families. I know many of us have been in similar situations and appreciate the sacrifices they are making to preserve the freedoms we enjoy each day.
Check your bike, the hot weather can bring on some unexpected tire and mechanical problems, but you are the most important part of the combination. Check your condition before and during the ride. Ride safe and we will see you soon.
Mike and Cindy
Well, if there was any doubt, now Summer is seriously upon us and with it record setting heat. As I mentioned last month, remember to check fluids, and carry plenty of water with you on the road. Something else to think about, many times we ride for the sake of the ride without a specific destination in mind. Okay, this is better than not riding, but in this extreme heat don’t be afraid to change your plans in mid-ride. Know when to quit and don’t be afraid to say enough is enough. Going home early is better than going home by way of a hospital suffering from heat prostration or stroke. Pay attention to your body, if you are not perspiring in 90 degree heat you are in trouble, headaches may also be an early symptom, find shade and water and rest quietly. Then go home, finish this ride “the next time”.
Ride Safe & Ride Often
Paul & Susan Neely
Rocket City Wings
Ride Educators
“Nominations for the JA Award are now open!” said Mike Janes, CD. Russ Werman loudly announces that the JA in the JA Award stood for JuliAnna. At Julianna’s expense, much laughter and further remarks began flying about the room. Within moments, a sudden stillness settled about the room. Standing amongst the crowd stood The Real Bill Nelson about to tell his tale of woe.
Obviously, Bill was quite nervous for he was bearing his weight by pressing his hands on Bonnie’s shoulders. Come to find out it was not a nervous jester. It was not to steady himself. It was to keep Bonnie from getting out of her chair.
Bill began with a plea, “Before I begin with my nomination of Bonnie (wife), I need to know if someone will let me go home with them. Bonnie may not let me back in the house.” The members began shifting their eyes left and right while others immediately began drinking their tea or shuffling papers. The hush was eerie. But Bill, being the Real Bill Nelson, shrugged his shoulders and proceeded to lay the foundation of his story.
Bill spoke: It all started when I returned home from my motorcycle trip to Colorado. A couple of days later in the early morning, I was stretched out in my recliner and complained to Bonnie how poorly I was feeling and that I may even be running a temperature. Even though Bonnie was rushing about getting ready for work, she stopped by my chair to lay her cool hand upon my forehead. Speaking softly and with tenderness, Bonnie said, “Why, I believe you may be running a temperature. I think we have a thermometer somewhere in this house. Be right back!” I could hear Bonnie going from room to room, pulling out drawers, looking in cabinets, opening closing doors, shuffling items around. Even though my sweet wife was in a rush for work, she took time to see I had the proper care.
“Aha, here it is”, she exclaimed as she approached me vigorously shaking the thermometer. I know… I know…we still had one of those old mercury type thermometers. (Editor Note: actually as tight as Bill is, no one was surprised by this revelation). After the allotted time, Bonnie explained to me I had a slight temperature and I was to take it again around 11 o’clock. She wanted to monitor my temperature and if it got worse I should go to the doctor.
Promptly at 11 o’clock, I placed the thermometer under my tongue and waited for what seemed a very long time. Even with good eyesight it is really hard to find the red mercury line against those very tiny little numbers. I twirled and twirled that stick when I started to notice large letters.
R-E-C-T-A-L!!!!
First I went into total denial, then shock, then fear, then fuming. My hand was shaking so bad I could hardly get my fingers into the little round holes on the phone. I dialed Bonnie. With barely a hello out of her mouth I began hysterically, “What are you trying to do? Kill me?” (no reply from Bonnie) “That thermometer is a rectal thermometer!”, I shrieked. Bonnie unaffected by my panic said, “Are you sure Bill?” In an agitated state I spelled it out for her, “As sure as I can read R- E-C-T- A- L!”
Bonnie answered with a calm and soothing voice, “Well…. now let me think…. Oh yes.. now I remember! I believe we bought that thermometer when the dog was sick.” Instant gag reflex set in as I made my way to the bathroom. I spent the rest of the day and several days following energetically gargling mouth wash. End of nomination!
The hilarity was overwhelming. The Nelson’s now own a new digital thermometer. Though Bill was nominating Bonnie they both were equal recipients.
Bill did admit he did not know the difference between an oral and a rectal thermometer. Mickey Polka told him it was the taste.
submitted by JA
We attended the Georgia District Rally in Hiawassee, GA the middle of June and had a great time. They fed us bar-b-que on Thursday evening and had a movie following supper. On Friday a group of us rode to Helen, GA to eat lunch. On Friday evening there was ice cream and a costume contest with the “Pirate” theme. Lots of great costumes in the competition. The announcement was made that next year the Georgia Rally will be in Rome, Ga. A couple of our Members took 1st place in the bike show, Rick Brothers and Eugene Baggett.
If you didn’t make it to Wing Ding you sure missed a great time. We left Saturday morning with Rick & Laura and another couple heading for Ft. Wayne. We stopped about 5 PM just north of Indianapolis and spent the night. We arrived on Sunday about noon in order to be there for the International Couple of the Year selection. There were 9 fantastic couples in the selection, and they all did a great showing during the selection process. The results were announced on Monday morning at opening ceremonies. Our own Region A couple, Bob & Jaunee Barrington from Mississippi became the new International Couple of the Year for 2005-2006! If you see them in your travels be sure to offer your congratulations for a great job representing Region A and now all of GWRRA.
There were lots of vendors with most anything you might want for a bike or rider. There were even a couple selling cookwares. We bought a couple of new vests and I purchased a couple of items that others asked me to get for them. On Thursday Alabama had ticket sales and you all did a great job. Thanks to all who helped to sell tickets! We appreciate the time you devoted to helping us! Our own Thelma & Louise (Dian Harris & Alice Cole) captured 2nd place in the talent show by serenading Benny Garcia on stage. Rick Brothers captured 1st place in the Top Gun competition in the experienced category. Congratulations to you all!
The District picnic is fast approaching. If you plan to camp at Wind Creek park, you need to call and make reservations. I have shelters reserved but not campsites. It’s August 6th and we will start serving at noon and serve as long as the food lasts. Thanks to those of you that responded with an estimate of the number of folks you expect to attend.
Hope you are making your plans and getting your registration in for the Mardi Gras Rally in Mobile March 30, 31 and April 1, 2006. All details have been worked out and we look forward to seeing all of you there. We have some new activities planned for next year and I think you will enjoy them. We’ll have a Mardi Gras costume contest Thursday evening before the ice cream. There will also be a Chapter Challenge this year in the form of a Moon Pie eating contest. There will be one person competing for each Chapter that is interested. Be selecting your best Moon Pie eater! There will also be some new games to test your skills. Come on down to Mobile and let’s have a Mardi Gras Party!
Don’t forget to hug some you love and always wave.
Bill & Dian
Information About Our Group Rides
- 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 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.
C/B Shell is the Shell station (3490 Wall Triana Hwy) next to the Cracker Barrel just off of I-565 in Madison.
| Tue | Aug | 2 | Supper at Beauregard's, 975 Airport Road, Huntsville, at 6:00pm |
| Thu | Aug | 4 | Bike Night at Sonic’s off Hwy 20 on Wall Triana, Madison, at 6:00pm |
| Sat | Aug | 6 | District Picnic at Wind Creek State Park, 4325 Alabama Highway 128, Alexander City, AL From US-280, Bear right onto AL-63 and travel approximately 4 miles. Bear left onto AL-128 and travel less than a mile to the park entrance. $3.00 Park Entrance fee. All else, (food, games, etc.) furnished by the District. 12:00 noon to whenever. Depart CB/Shell at 8:30am. |
| Sat | Aug | 6 | AL-K meets at Underwood Community Center, Muscle Shoals. 8:00am to eat 9:00am to meet |
| Sun | Aug | 7 | Breakfast at Mullins, 607 Andrew Jackson Way NE, Huntsville, at 8:30am. Ride TBD. |
| Mon | Aug | 8 | AL-E Meeting, Fish Creel Restaurant, Hwy 207, Anderson, AL - 6:00pm to eat, 7:00pm to meet
Mon Aug 8 through Sun Aug 14 – 65th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Sturgis, SD
http://www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com/ for more info |
| Tue | Aug | 9 | Monthly Meeting at Ryans, S. Pkwy, Huntsville. 6:00pm to eat, 7:00pm to meet |
| Thu | Aug | 11 | Bike Night at Sonic’s off Hwy 20 on Wall Triana, Madison, at 6:00pm
TN-G meets at Ponderosa, Tullahoma. 6:00pm to eat, 7:00pm to meet |
| Fri | Aug | 12 | Breakfast at Little Diner, 1219 Jordan Lane, at 8:30am. Ride TBD |
| Sat | Aug | 13 | Ride for Kids breakfast at Applebee’s, 302 Hughes Rd, Madison, at 6:15am.
After breakfast, Ride to Rocket Harley Davidson to participate in Redstone Riders Chips & Salsa Poker Run. First bike out (from Rocket HD) at 10:00 am, last bike in (at Chips & Salsa) at 3:00 pm. $10.00 donation per hand played. Proceeds will be donated to Big Oak Ranch, Springville, AL. “A Christian home for children needing a chance”. |
| Sun | Aug | 14 | Breakfast at Shoneys in Athens. Depart Favorite Market at Old Railroad Bed Rd / Hwy 72, Madison at 8:00 am, then ride the Natchez Trace South to Tupelo. Depart after breakfast, or around 9:30am. |
| Tue | Aug | 16 | Birthday Dinner at Casa Blanca, 7900 Bailey Cove Road, at 6:00pm. Come on out and celebrate the Chapter members Birthdays and Anniversarys. |
| Thu | Aug | 18 | Bike Night at Sonic’s off Hwy 20 on Wall Triana, Madison, at 6:00pm |
| Sat | Aug | 20 | Breakfast at Barnhills in Decatur. Depart CB/Shell, Madison, at 8:00am. Ride TBD. |
| Sat | Aug | 20 | Supper at Top-of-the-River in Guntersville. Depart Hardees, 202 Governors Drive, Huntsville, at 3:30pm |
| Sun | Aug | 21 | Breakfast at Mullins, 607 Andrew Jackson Way NE, Huntsville, at 8:30am.
Ride to Birmingham for a visit to Krispy Kreme Donut Factory. Short Ride For Kids Task Force meeting, then on to PF Changs for some GREAT Chinese Cuisine. Depart CB/Shell, Madison, at 12:00 Noon. Please help support this worthy cause if you can. |
| Tue | Aug | 23 | AL-I meets at Tony’s Country Cookin, Hwy 31, Decatur (Just North of the Beltline). 6:00pm to eat 7:00pm to meet |
| Wed | Aug | 24 | STAFF / RIDE MEETING at Greene Hills Grille, at 6:00pm |
| Thu | Aug | 25 | Bike Night at Sonic’s off Hwy 20 on Wall Triana, Madison, at 6:00pm |
| Thu | Aug | 25 | Thu Aug 25 through Sat Aug 27 -- Kentucky District’s "Blue Grass Blast" in Paducah, KY
http://www.gwrra-ky.org/index.asp for more info |
| Fri | Aug | 26 | Ride to Paducah, Kentucky for their “Blue Grass Blast”. Depart Favorite Market at Old Railroad Bed Rd / Hwy 72, Madison at 7:00am. Breakfast somewhere along the way. |
| Sat | Aug | 27 | Breakfast at Country Vittles, 7121 Univ Drive, (Hwy 72 and Slaughter Road), Madison, at 8:30am. Ride TBD |
| Sun | Aug | 28 | Breakfast Buffet at Western Sizzler, Scottsboro. Depart CB/Shell, Madison, at 8:00am. Ride after breakfast TBD |
| Tue | Aug | 30 | Supper at Olive Garden Italian Restaurant, 3730 University Drive, Huntsville, at 6:00pm |
| Thu | Sep | 1 | Bike Night at Sonic’s off Hwy 20 on Wall Triana, Madison, at 6:00pm |
| Fri | Sep | 2 | Through Sun Sep 4 – Motorcycle Jubilee – Gaylord Operyland Resort and Convention Center, Nashville, TN. |
| Sat | Sep | 3 | AL-K meets at Underwood Community Center, Muscle Shoals. 8:00am to eat 9:00am to meet |
| Sat | Sep | 3 | Ride to Memphis for the “Art of the Motorcycle”. Meet at 7:30am at Country Vittles, 7121 Univ Drive, (Hwy 72 and Slaughter Road), Madison, for breakfast, then depart after breakfast or around 8:30am. |
| Sun | Sep | 4 | Tour the “Art of the Motorcycle” exhibit. |
| Sun | Sep | 4 | Breakfast at Mullins, 607 Andrew Jackson Way NE, Huntsville, at 8:30am. Ride TBD |
| Mon | Sep | 5 | Return ride from Memphis “Art of the Motorcycle” exhibit. |
| Mon | Sep | 5 | Enjoy Your Labor Day Off. Don’t “Labor” too much! |
| Tue | Sep | 6 | Supper at Po-Boy Factory, 815 Andrew Jackson Way, Huntsville, at 6:00pm |
| Thu | Sep | 8 | Bike Night at Sonic’s off Hwy 20 on Wall Triana, Madison, at 6:00pm
TN-G meets at Ponderosa, Tullahoma. 6:00pm to eat, 7:00pm to meet |
| Thu | Sep | 8 | Thu Sep 8 through Sat Sep 10 – Region A Rally “Wings of Autumn” -- Helen, GA |
| Fri | Sep | 9 | Breakfast at Little Diner, 1219 Jordan Lane, at 8:30am. Ride TBD |
| Sat | Sep | 10 | March of Dimes ride to Talledaga Speedway. Depart Rocket City Harley at 10:00am |
| Sun | Sep | 11 | Ride to Breakfast at Rachels, Fayetteville, TN. Depart Favorite Market at Old Railroad Bed Rd / Hwy 72, Madison at 8:00am. Ride TBD (mostly backroads in TN, probably) |
| Mon | Sep | 12 | AL-E Meeting, Fish Creel Restaurant, Hwy 207, Anderson, AL - 6:00pm to eat, 7:00pm to meet |
| Tue | Sep | 13 | Monthly Meeting at (different location) Beauregard’s on Jordan & Holmes. Eat 6:00pm / Meet 7:00pm |
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, especially me. Also, if 2 or more chapter members (from different households) meet or go somewhere, this can be counted as a Chapter event. Let me or the Chapter Director know how many folks so the chapter can WIN the activity award at the end of the year.
Russ Werman, Ride Coordinator, Rid es - 256-777-9467
Aug 8 through Aug 14 – 65th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Sturgis, SD
http://www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com/ for more info
Aug 25 through Aug 27 -- Kentucky District’s "Blue Grass Blast" in Paducah, KY
http://www.gwrra-ky.org/ for more info
Sep 8 through Sep 10 – Region A Rally “Wings of Autumn” -- Helen, GA
Sep 22 through Sep 24 -- Wings Over the Smokies, Fletcher, NC
http://www.gwrranc.org/ for more info
Oct 13 through Oct 15 -- Mississippi District Rally in Biloxi
http://www.msgwrra.org/~miss/MsRally.shtml for more info
2004 Honda Rebel, approx 30 miles $2300 Call 256-721-9151
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