Rocket City Wings Huntsville, Alabama -- Chapter B, Region A Friends for Fun, Safety & Knowledge April 2007

Director Notes
  - From the Chapter Directors

You might be a Southerner if you know what that yellow stuff is covering everything this time of year.  Initially we are somewhat surprised at the irritating effects of Pollen.  There, I had to use that word, and now my eyes are itching and my nose is running.  All of a sudden, I miss plugging in my electrics rather than trying to remember where my antihistamine tablets are.  This time of year we are all juggling our calendars and bank accounts to figure out which rallies we are going to ride to.  Besides the warmer weather, we can look forward to being a part of 

Some of us may already be

I hope everyone took five minutes to experience the view from the cab of the Big Rig they call "The No Zone".  That few minutes in the cab of the truck is a shocking reality.  The Driver is NOT able to see the two Gold Wings on either side of the trailer, and he can NOT see the trailer on the Gold Wing in front of him.  Take a look at their web site www.ShareTheRoadSafely.org.  Remember, if you cannot see the mirror on the truck, the driver can not see you.  Why is that important?  It could get very dangerous if you are cut off by an eighteen wheeler and you only have two (or three) wheels. 

Please take all these bits of information as a "Lessons Learned" for the 2008 AL Rally. All GW Rallies are a blend of FUN and KNOWLEDGE and our AL Rally is no exception.  Hope to see you all in Mobile next year – we had fun (and of course lots of good food!)  Note to self:  Lamberts will offer you a one hour wait on Saturdays – so ride over early! 

There is one last thing I hope you will take time for.  Please give your bikes a detailed inspection.  You may have an old T-Clock inspection sheet lying around, or find one on the Rocket City Wings web site, or call a friend.  I found a minor oil seep on my front forks some time back.  I am sorry to say it is now officially a "leak" and I am at risk of soaking my front brake pads.  If I don't answer the phone or e-mail for the next couple of days, I am in the garage!

Mike & Cindy Janes

Alien Invasion
  - From the Asst. Chapter Directors

What is that shinning ball in the sky?  Are we being invaded by aliens?  Oh, we must be.  They are using some sort of heat ray.  I'm getting terribly hot!!!

Are you some sort of DOLT?  We aren't being invaded, well … not by aliens from outer space anyway.  There is a good possibility that we are being invaded by blithering idiots though [as a slight grin moves across his face].  That "Shinning ball" is the "Sun", and that "heat ray" that you were squawking about is the warmth from the Sun.  Its SPRING time, haven't you noticed the leaves on the trees and the grass growing.

Oh, I thought maybe the aliens were using some sort of planetary terraforming program that was changing the planet so they could live here.

Yeah ... words escape me ...
I tell you what, you can help me check out my Goldwing to make sure its safe for riding and then I will go out make sure that no aliens have landed.  While I'm gone I will let you use my limited terraforming control device (also known as a lawnmower) to prevent the aliens from changing my yard.

Really, you would let me do that?

You bet.

Don't forget to thoroughly check your bike before you ride.  It's RIDING season again!!!

John & Elizabeth Griswold

One-Way Blunders
Street Strategy-Motorcycle Consumer News

Don't Assume Everyone Knows It's A One-Way Street.

You're riding through an urban neighborhood on your way to work on a two-lane road where both lanes go in the same direction. There are crossroad intersections every 1000' or so with a stop-light or stop sign at each intersection. Most of the stop-lights are synched to each other, allowing traffic to move a steady rate. You are behind a slower car in the right-hand lane, so you decide to change lanes to over-take the slower driver. You pass at a relaxed pace, knowing that the one-way road continues for several more blocks. Once past the car you decide to move back into the right lane.

Only moments after you return to the right-hand lane a car pulls out into the left lane heading in the wrong directions! Yikes! The inattentive driver passed to your left with a puzzled look on her face as you attempt to signal her mistake. She disappears out of your peripheral vision still accelerating. Suddenly, you hear skidding tires behind you and sound of crunching metal and plastic. You check your mirrors before pulling over to assess the damage. The head-on collision involved two cars in addition to the errant driver's vehicle. The first car in line took the brunt of the hit with the car following rear-ending the unfortunate driver. Cell phones were being dialed to dispatch emergency personnel, so you go on your way.

Your thoughts swarm around the close call you just experienced. Had you continued to ride in the left-hand lane, you could easily have been the victim of the driver's error. It may have been dumb luck that you were in the right-hand lane at the moment the driver entered the one-way street in the wrong direction, but you can be grateful that a lesson was learned without harm to you. While most drivers recognize a one-way street, there is the real possibility that an approaching driver unfamiliar with the neighborhood will turn from an intersecting road heading in the wrong direction. To avoid being caught up in this possibility,

by Ken Codon

April 2007 District News
  – From the District Director

It's that time again!  By the time you read this it will be Rally time in Mobile.  We sure hope you will be there to enjoy all the fun with us.  On the evening of March 2^nd we held a District Staff meeting in Gardendale to make sure we had all the last minute details in place for the Rally.  We made final plans for the District picnics.  The

On March 3^rd we attended

Mar. 10 Jim Lee rode over top Dothan to take part in the Charity Poker Run they had to raise funds for the House of Ruth.  He tells me they had a successful ride.  The weather was good and the riding was enjoyable. 

I am writing this early because we are leaving tomorrow morning, Mar. 12 on our way to Kissimmee, Fl and the Florida District Rally.  Hope to see some of you there.

Please keep our Military people, our country's leaders and all those who are sick and recovering in your prayers. See you in Mobile!

Have a Happy and Blessed Easter.  Till next time, hug someone you love and don't forget to wave. 

Bill & Dian Gulley

April 2007 District News
  – From the Assistant District Director
  / Rally Coordinator

From February of 2006 to March 31, 2007 my time has been spent concentrating on and planning the rally. My time in March becomes double duty planning the next rally and making sure this one comes together so this article will be short. By now the 2007 rally is over and I do hope you had a wonderful time. Since January we have been in the planning stages for the 2008 rally. Many wrinkles have presented themselves but they are being ironed out even as I write this. Therefore I cannot talk in this letter about what we will be doing or where the rally will be. I will say regardless of where the rally is there will be new items for you to do and take in, you will have fun and we hope you put the Alabama Rally on your vacation schedule for next year now. The dates will be April 3, 4, & 5, 2008.

A lot of people put in a great deal of effort to make these events a success and I really want to thank each and every one that helped plan, worked and attended the rally and of course the ERC and TRC course instructors. This year we were able to provide training courses that are not available at other rallies in our region. We plan to do more of this so the state is on track to assist you in rider education and safety.

This year with two picnics one in the north and the other in the south everyone should be able to have a chance to attend the events. While there will be a charge for the food, that  money will return to the chapters for their treasuries. It's just another way for the District to say we appreciate you and thank you for supporting us.

The rally season started in Florida and came to Mobile. The Georgia and South Carolina rallies will soon be here. Karen and I plan to attend them as well as the Mississippi rally in October. We hope to see you at some of these rallies and maybe we can talk about the 2008 Alabama rally at that time.

Jim & Karen Lee

April 2007 District News
  – From the Assistant District Director
  / District Trainers

The following is taken from the Officer's Guide,

We will offer a number of suggestions based upon experiences that have preceded you. GWRRA has accumulated a tremendous amount of information during the course of its history and, in the following pages of this handbook, we are going to share information with you that is meant to help and assist the operations of your office. These guidelines ARE NOT rules or policy, they ARE recommendations that, if adhered to, should make your ‘job' much easier and your occasional difficulty more easily resolved (if not avoided entirely). To take full advantage of the following guidelines, institute them but do not allow them to become substitutes for your own creativity or initiative. You were selected to represent this association because of special abilities and your desire to supplement and enhance these abilities. When it comes time to amend or modify this guidebook (and that time will come, nothing remains constant), we look forward to including advice you will offer based upon the experiences you are about to gain. We look forward to learning from YOU and adding your name to the long list of individuals who have volunteered their efforts to make this the most respected, Touring Motorcycle association in the world.

JUDGMENT

As you know, GWRRA is not a "voting" organization that allows politics to play a role in its management style. However, that does not relieve an officer of the responsibility of making informed (popular, if you will) decisions in the conduct of his "business". At all times, the best interest of the Membership has to be the guiding force when the officer's judgment is called upon.
Whether a meeting time and place is being sought or a ride is being organized, you MUST appeal to the Members…the location has to be selected based on proximity to the Membership; the day and time arrived at after consideration of convenience (do a great many potential attendees work second shift, weekends, etc.?); the rides must take into consideration differing styles and preferences (speeds, distance to stop, etc.).

Don't be afraid of temporary setbacks…we learn more from these than from success. Experiment, be creative…be willing to move the meeting place and time…have three groups depart on rides (those that ride in excess of the speed limit and go from gas tank to gas tank; those that must stop every fifty miles for refreshment (or the discharge of same); those in between the other two), etc., etc.. Be flexible! Use your judgment and Member input to guide you.

"ME AND MINE"

Remember that you are providing a service for the Members of GWRRA. Selfish and possessive attitudes have absolutely no place in this environment. While it is not a grievous error to refer to the chapter (or district or region) as "Mine," it is the first step down a path of many pitfalls, The primary obstacle you will encounter on this path is one of possession. Your concern for the participants becomes clouded by the "ME AND MINE" syndrome. Decisions you make carry a virus that, someday, may cause you to be reluctant to help start a new chapter in what was YOUR geographical area.

The only way to avoid this dilemma is to keep the convenience of the Member first and foremost in your mind. If the creation of a new chapter or the division of a district will have the result of providing GWRRA services to an increased audience, so be it! Have pride in the fact that, through your efforts, an additional base of Membership will have the opportunity to harvest the rewards that leadership, such as yours, has planted. Your role is to serve the Membership!

LEADERSHIP

As a form of introduction, allow us to share a submission from a GWRRA chapter (author unknown). It is indicative of the, deservedly, strong feelings that the general Membership has of their association: GWRRA is based upon moral principles. Individual Members are the channels through which these moral principles are expressed. Our world has an urgent need for those who will stand on basic principles and be an influence for good. Leaders should consider how much they influence the thoughts, opinions and actions of others. Remember, one can influence another not only by what is said and done, but also by what is not said or done.

"WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES OF AN OFFICER AS A LEADER?"

• A leader is ENTHUSIASTIC. He lets his light shine brightly and is so full of the spirit of dynamism that all within this sphere of influence feels the energy. Enthusiasm is infectious. An enthusiastic leader has charisma that will cause others to want to associate with him and follow him. He is interesting and interested.
• One can always get a point across if sprinkled with HUMOR. A point to be stressed will be remembered because of humor.
• A leader is CO-OPERATlVE. He is not aloof or standoffish. He is always willing to pitch in and help. A leader will roll up his sleeves and work beside the Members and will strive for their respect. He proves that cooperation involves everyone working together in harmony.
• A leader is PATIENT. A leader is sensitive to needs that are important to others and handles situations that may arise with composure. Tolerant, never dictatorial, a leader finds a way to bring opponents full circle and back on the path of the goal.
• A leader is INNOVATIVE. He develops different, original and effective methods to accomplish goals. He is creative.
• A leader is TRUSTWORTHY. Members will not entrust their welfare to a leader whom they do not trust.
• A leader is APPRECIATIVE. Members volunteer their labor and ideas as evidence of their love for GWRRA. The Chapter Director must not fail to express appreciation to the Members. With appreciation, Members work harder.
  Recognition from a leader will inspire the Member to excel in his assignment- Recognition will cause a feeling of a job well done that makes a Member ready to accept other assignments.
• A leader is HONEST AND SlNCERE. To gain the esteem and confidence of Members, both in and outside the chapter, a leader must be sincere and honest with himself and others. Sincerity is a quality that cannot be disguised. Falsity is a thin veil that can easily be seen through. Honesty is a virtue that leaders must practice and hold in thought continually.
• A leader is GENEROUS. Members might readily contribute money, but a leader is one who gives generously of the one thing he is always short of - time. Members also need to give of their time so the chapter will flourish and extend its influence for good. The giver receives back full measure arid more.

How to express these leadership qualities is your responsibility. Some may even think it too awesome, but the world needs officers in leadership roles demonstrating the qualities of good leaders. A selfish individual cannot fill the role of a leader. Self gets in their way. It takes real caring to be unselfish—to think of the welfare of others. It is expected that all officers will dedicate themselves to the role of leadership by expressing the true qualities of a leader as herein set forth.

Subordinates will follow such leaders and all of the Gold Wing Road Riders association will be enriched.

There you have it — understand and think about it…constantly.

SALESMANSHIP

Now that you are an officer of GWRRA, you carry heavy responsibility. Recognizing that, we've given you an appropriate amount of authority to accomplish your tasks. However be forewarned. In exercising this authority, you will come under close scrutiny by your appointing officers and the Membership.

In an effort to implement a plan, program, or a policy, following are the Do's and Don'ts of SELLING your program.

Hope everyone enjoyed the 2007 Alabama Rally

Roy & Anita Fosnight Please Ride Safe and Often

MAD about Motorcycle Safety
  – Motorist Awareness Division District Coordinators

The motorcycle is gaining in popularity which is attributable to several factors; one they are cheap forms of transportation in that they get nearly 40 to 50 miles to the gallon on average; two they have been glamorized in movies recently with "Wild Hogs" "Ghost Rider" and television with Sam Watterson of NBC's "Law and Order" and Hugh Laurie of FOX's "House" climbing into the saddle. The motorcycle while gaining popularity though the has not been gaining visibility as evidenced by Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Rothlisburger last year in his motorcycle accident with a Chrysler New Yorker whose driver lamented "I did not see him". That phrase has been repeated often over the last 30 years of my riding experiences and it is attributable to a few things.

Motorcycles for the most part are hard to see because they have a narrow silhouette and in heavy traffic can be difficult to discern from other objects. Motorcycle riders often are their own worst enemy opting to wear dark or drab colors when making it hard to distinguish them from their surroundings, they also make it harder due to their lane position hiding in drivers blind spots. Drivers who are distracted with the ever present cell phone or other and those who do not consider a motorcycle a vehicle which has just as much right to the road as they do also form a hazard.

Training will and does help as it focus' on not only the riders abilities, but also what they need to do to help be seen. Wearing bright colored and retro-reflective clothing really is a start, but making sure the bike is seen is a critical part that sometimes gets overlooked. There are numerous devices for sale to make your favorite ride more visible from headlight modulators to brake light modulators aimed at trying to make you more conspicuous.

Regardless of what you do anything you do to make yourself safer in traffic is worth the cost, because ultimately you will be the one paying the price either way until next month Ride Safe and Ride Aware.

Freddy & Doris Wheeler

BENEFITS OF GROWING MORE MATURE (OLDER) Part 2

• You got cable for the weather channel.
• You have a party and the neighbors don't even realize it.
• You no longer think of speed limits as a challenge.
• You quit trying to hold your stomach in, no matter who walks into the room.
• You send money to PBS.
• You sing along with the elevator music.
• You talk about "good grass" and you're referring to someone's lawn.
• Your arms are almost too short to read the newspaper.
• Your back goes out more than you do.
• Your ears are hairier than your head.
• Your eyes won't get much worse.
• Your investment in health insurance is finally beginning to pay off.
• Your joints are more accurate than the National Weather Service.
• Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can't remember them either.
• Your supply of brain cells is finally down to a manageable size.
• People send you this list ...

This, of course, does not apply to you ... does it?

Have a great day...

Pet Logs

Excerpts from a Dog's Diary

6:00am - At last! I Go Pee! My favorite thing!

8:00am - Dog food! My favorite thing!

9:30am - A car ride! My favorite thing!

9:40am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!

10:30am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!

12:00pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!

1:00pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!

3:00pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!

5:00pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!

6:00pm - They're home! My favorite thing!

7:00pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!

8:00pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!

11:00pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

Excerpts from a Cat's Journal

Day 983 of my captivity. My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs. I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now...

April 2007 -  AL-B Ride Schedule

• 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, and at least enjoy some of them.
• If the weather is bad--come in your car.
• If you have a CB, you will find us on Channel 1 (unless noted otherwise by the ride leader).

• We need your ride suggestions!!
• We need any and all of your ideas!!
• You can be part of the Ride Committee!!
• If you want to help...
  Please e-mail us at Rid eCoo rdin ator

April - 2007

1	Sun	Breakfast at Mullins -- 8:30am - 607 Andrew Jackson Way NE, Huntsville. Ride TBD.
		Return from Alabama Rally
3	Tue	Supper at Clarks in Athens -- 5:30pm - 1221-D Kelli Dr, Athens
		CMA - Huntsville Forgiven Riders -- Ryan's on University Drive - Eat 6:00pm / Meet 6:45pm
5	Thu	Bike Night at Sonic -- off Hwy 20 on Wall Triana, Madison, at 6:00pm. Then Bruister's Ice Cream on County Line Rd.
7	Sat	Impromptu Rides -- Post on Forum
8	Sun	Breakfast at Mullins -- 8:30am - 607 Andrew Jackson Way NE, Huntsville. Ride TBD.
		Easter
9	Mon	AL-E Meeting -- Fish Creel Restaurant, Hwy 207, Anderson, AL - Eat 6:00pm / Meet 7:00pm
10	Tue	Rocket City Wings meeting -- Ryan's, S. Pkwy, Huntsville.  Eat 6:00pm / Meet 6:45pm
12	Thu	Bike Night at Sonic -- off Hwy 20 on Wall Triana, Madison, at 6:00pm. Then Bruister's Ice Cream on County Line Rd.
		GWRRA - LA District Rally - Wings Over the Bayou
13	Fri	Charleston Bike Week
		Heritage Motorcycle Rally
14	Sat	Support Grand Reopening of Country Cruisers Accessories -- 9:00am
		Grandmother's House Restaurant for Supper -- 3980 Old Hwy 431 Owens Cross Roads
		AL-G Funday -- 10am-2pm - Samson Community Center, 33 E. Sellers St., Samson, AL; Registration $10, incl. meal, grand prize ticket & one door prize ticket. Ride for Kids Raffle
		Grand Reopening of Country Cruisers Accessories
		Experienced Rider Course -- Madison County Executive Airport
15	Sun	Breakfast at Mullins -- 8:30am - 607 Andrew Jackson Way NE, Huntsville. Ride TBD.
		Ride for Kids kick off party
16	Mon	Income Taxes Due
17	Tue	Birthday Dinner Main Street Cafe -- 5:30pm - 101 Main St, Madison
19	Thu	Bike Night at Sonic -- off Hwy 20 on Wall Triana, Madison, at 6:00pm. Then Bruister's Ice Cream on County Line Rd.
		Ride Meeting -- 6:30pm - Sue's House
20	Fri	Basic Rider Course -- Madison County Executive Airport
21	Sat	Ride to Chapter-T Fun Day -- 7:30am - Depart Madison CB/Shell - Shell station in front of the Cracker Barrel in Madison, AL
		AL-H (Eagle Wings) Meeting -- McKinney's Corner Restaurant, 11980 US Hwy 31, Tanner; Eat/Meet 8:00am
		AL-T FUNDAY -- 10am - 2pm. Brookwood Elementry School
		American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association Roadrace -- Talladega Raceway
		Ardmore Renaissance Festival
22	Sun	Breakfast at Mullins -- 8:30am - 607 Andrew Jackson Way NE, Huntsville. Ride TBD.
		Yard (Parking Lot) Sale -- 11:00am - 3:00pm
		Bug Boogie -- 3:00pm - Covered Dish
23	Mon	Staff Meeting -- 6:00pm
24	Tue	(CANCELLED) Street Strategies Seminar -- Indigo Joe's - 7404 Highway 72 West, Huntsville - Eat 5:30pm / Meet 6:30pm
		AL-I (Point Mallard Wings) Meeting -- OH!Bryan's, 727 Main St W, Hartselle. Eat 6:00pm / Meet 7:00pm
26	Thu	Bike Night at Sonic -- off Hwy 20 on Wall Triana, Madison, at 6:00pm. Then Bruister's Ice Cream on County Line Rd.
		Spring Fling -- TN Rally
		GWRRA - TN District's Spring Fling
27	Fri	Spring Fling -- TN Rally
		Panoply Arts Festival
		Leesburg Bikefest
28	Sat	Impromptu Rides  -- Post on Forum
		Spring Fling -- TN Rally
		Bloomin' Festival -- St. Bernard Preparatory School (Ave Maria Grotto)
		Bikers Against Child Abuse - 100 Mile Ride -- 11:00am - Reg: $10, National Childrens Advocacy Center on Pratt.
29	Sun	Breakfast at Mullins -- 8:30am - 607 Andrew Jackson Way NE, Huntsville. Ride TBD.

May - 2007

1	Tue	Supper at Olive Garden -- 5:30pm - 3730 University Dr NW
		CMA - Huntsville Forgiven Riders -- Ryan's on University Drive - Eat 6:00pm / Meet 6:45pm
3	Thu	Bike Night at Sonic -- off Hwy 20 on Wall Triana, Madison, at 6:00pm. Then Bruister's Ice Cream on County Line Rd.
		GWRRA - SC District Rally
		GWRRA - MO District Rally
4	Fri	Relay for Life
		Poke Salat Festival -- Historic Downtown Arab
		Basic Rider Course -- Madison County Executive Airport
		Louisiana Bike Expo
5	Sat	Poke Salat Festival -- 7:30am - Depart old Jaycees Building. Ride to Granny Nells for Breakfast. Then ride to Poke Salat Festival.
		AL-H (Eagle Wings) Official Kick Off Picnic -- 11am-3pm - Joe Wheeler State Park, Day Use Area Shelter #1. Door Prizes, 50/25/25, Chapter Bocce competition, $5 Meal ticket
6	Sun	Breakfast at Mullins -- 8:30am - 607 Andrew Jackson Way NE, Huntsville. Ride TBD.
8	Tue	Rocket City Wings meeting -- Ryan's, S. Pkwy, Huntsville.  Eat 6:00pm / Meet 6:45pm