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

30 Years of GWRRA
  - From the Chapter Directors

30 years ago a couple of guys got together to ride their new motorcycles from Honda.  These were radical bikes that were shaft driven; four cylinder horizontally opposed engines, and a gas tank that wasn't really a gas tank, but actually a storage compartment and electrical bay.  They were just friends that wanted to go riding together.  They were nothing more special than you or I.  But they organized a club.  Every time you and I go riding together with our GW friends we reinvent GWRRA all over again.  Obviously, we don't literally recreate it, with all of its chapters, and districts, and regions and funny paperwork.  None of that really matters when you really get down to it.  What really matters is friends riding down the highway with great big smiles on their faces.  And at the end of the ride another really nice thing is the warm feeling inside, the hand-shakes and hugs.  And then as you ride back home you think to yourself or you talk with your co-rider with comments like, "those sure are some nice folks."  That is what two guys were about 30 years ago.

John & Elizabeth Griswold

Dateline Lineup
  - From the Chapter Directors

Well, I think the key word for August was HOT.  We had several sort-of unusual situations that people dealt with very well and still had a great time.

The first weekend (August 4th) started out with conflicting events which caused our first problems.  Some of us had a GWRRA training class in Georgia, I think that there were some folks that went to the southern part of the state, and the official chapter ride which was to be to the Chapter-K meeting and then an enjoyable ride ending up at All-Steak.  Unfortunately, all of the people that knew the routes were busy or out of town.  Well, the folks that showed up did exactly the right thing.  They decided, let's go ride some place that we know and have a good time anyway.  They did find their way to the Chapter-K meeting plus a bunch more besides.  That is what GWRRA is really all about, people getting together, riding and enjoying each other's company.

On a day that seemed too hot to have a picnic (August 11) we had the district picnic.  We started out riding some very enjoyable back roads to get to Tannehill State Park.  But because my GPS is still not hooked into my sound, I missed a vital turn.  It recalculated, and we ended up riding the rest of the way down on Interstate.  Someone had donated huge cooling fans which actually made the picnic pavilion very comfortable.  Now, I'm not saying that it was cool, but very survivable.  The food was typical picnic food but very good.  And the people were GREAT.

After we left the district picnic we headed for Pelham and the Auction benefiting the Ride for Kids.  Anyone that did not attend missed a lot of fun and a blessing that was more than you can imagine.

August 14th was our meeting.  So far we are consistent by being inconsistent.  The meeting was definitely different.  We had some really great visitors.  Three EMTs gave us a presentation and demonstration regarding first aid explicitly directed for motorcycle incidents.  It was very informative and eye opening.  If you missed it we hope to have them back for a special one hour session on a different night.  We will announce it later.  If you haven't been coming to the meetings you need to make sure you come.  You never know what we will do or what you will learn.  Everyone is different.

We visited with Chapter-S on the 18th for their charity ride.  They were having a poker run where the money was being split between the Chapter and Ride for Kids.  We then rode over to see what the Watermelon Festival is Franklin County was all about.  I'm not sure if it was because it was so hot or if there were just so many professional vendors hawking their wares, but at this time that is one event that I can say, "I've done it once so I don't need to do it again."

On the 25th there was a small group that rode to the Chickamauga battlefield.  Based on the pictures I've seen and the stories I've heard, it sounds like it was a wonderful trip.  I was already green with envy since I didn't get to attend, because I had a family gathering in Nashville.  But, it sounds like all of us that didn't go missed out on a bunch including some absolutely great twisty roads.

Now let's take a look at some highlights in September:

Bright and early on the first we will be heading for Nashville to

The first of two very important events for our support of Ride for Kids is on the

Following the Pancake breakfast we will be offering an

On Sunday the 9th we are going to have some fun with a Left/Right/Straight ride that should be departing the Favorite market around 1:00pm.  Our goal is to end up at Greenbrier Bar-B-Que (the one next to 565) around 4:30-5:00pm.  If you don't come out and enjoy the Left/Right/Straight ride then at least ride your bike out to Greenbrier and join us.  Chapter-H is offering the wandering-plaque.  Given the close proximity we need a WHOLE BUNCH of bikes to show up.  And even if we don't get the plaque, at least we did have some fun and got to eat some good Bar-B-Que.  Now that is hard to beat.

Our standard monthly meeting is on the 11th at Ryan's on South Parkway.  We have some good discussions setup and some good prizes.  If you haven't gone to the website to register for the "Web Door Prize" you are going to want to do that.

Okay, here is the BIG event of the month, Ride for Kids.  For those of us that will be working at the Ride for Kids event, some will be going down Friday evening, and some will be going down Saturday morning.  And the

The weekend following Ride for Kids is the largest single district rally east of the Mississippi and maybe even the country,

While we are gone to Wings over the Smokies, Walter will be leading a trip to the famous Deals Gap.

And

As always, the most up to date schedule information can be found on the website – check it often.

John & Elizabeth Griswold

Out West (Part 2)
  - From the Asst. Chapter Directors

I was so engrossed in trying to find something, ANYTHING, on the GPS I never saw the herd of goats next to the road. You'll never guess what happened....

Fortunately ....NOTHING!!!  Everyone else saw  them.... but I missed them completely.  Good thing, cuz' nothing good could have come out of that situation but goat stew, (which really isn't bad...I tried it once)!  But as with this whole trip things always seemed to work out.  I'm not exactly sure, but I think we drove about 5 more miles, and out of nowhere, we came up on a crossroads. There was a sign that said " GAS 5 MILES ". Needless to say we were a little more than excited to see this.  A place I don't think any of us will soon forget... I know I won't!  At first we thought it might be a mirage...but Dilken AZ was all too real!!. A little town somewhere on the Hopi Indian Reservation. There was a gas station, a grocery store, and an ACE hardware all in the same building. The important thing was they had GAS. After filling our tanks, drinking plenty of water and soaking the Coolvests, we were off again. We finally arrived in Tuba City, AZ...and I can honestly say, I didn't think it was possible to ride so many miles in the United States, and see so little civilization. I believe we rode over 100 miles in one stretch and saw no visible signs of human existence... or anything else ... just dessert, (lots and lots and lots of dessert).  I still can't get over how beautiful it was... J.  After getting a room for the night, it was time for  something to eat. The lady working at the motel pointed us in the direction of a little café across the street. The food was great, but what we began to realize about this time was that very few (if any) public buildings (that we found) used air conditioning. Fortunately we turned the AC on high in the room before we went to eat.  Another strange thing we learned... in this part of the country, (or at least in Tuba City, AZ), you have Mountain Time, Mountain Daylight Savings Time, and Reservation Time.  NOW, try having a group of six people talking about what time you need to leave in the morning.   
 
Monday morning....off to the Grand Canyon!!  Riding through the dessert first thing in the morning was much more comfortable. While making our way towards the North Rim of the canyon, we stopped at a roadside stand that was selling jewelry. The young gentlemen working there got a big kick out of us. (I can't imagine why). We told them where we were going and one of them pointed to a very high ridge and said  " The Cool Country"....was he ever right !! By the time we got to the road leading to the North Rim, we had climbed about 2000 ft and the temperature dropped about 20 deg. We were now in the Kaibab National Forest. Talk about a change in scenery.  We made our way to the North Rim Park. For anyone that has never been to the Grand Canyon , I highly recommend it. The only way I can describe it is BREATHTAKING!!  We had lunch at the lodge that looks out over the Canyon.  After lunch Bill, Steve and I found a comfortable, shaded group of benches and decided it looked like a good place for a nap. Turns out, we were right!!... gave the ladies some guilt-free shopping time anyway!! 

After spending  most of the day there it was time to head out to our destination for the evening, Kanab, Utah.  After leaving the park, we stopped at a gas station back out on 89 Alt. (Didn't want a repeat of yesterday)!!  Lesson learned...???  All gassed up we headed for Kanab. We were quickly reminded that we were still in the dessert.  As we descended out of  the "Cool Country", the temperature QUICKLY rose about 25 degrees.  After arriving in Kanab, we located a motel for the night and went to find something to eat.  (I think I've noticed a pattern here... locating motels and finding something to eat........both can be quite challenging!!)  After a late dinner, we found a little ice cream place and discussed our plans for the next day. Once again we found that the heat and the miles were taking a toll on all of us.  Like I said earlier, there is a lot to be said for a good nights sleep ... (and air conditioning !!).

The next morning Bill, Joyce, Lisa and I decide to go to Zion Canyon, while Steve and Tammy caught up on some sleep. We agreed to meet at Bryce Canyon around 12:00. Zion Canyon is absolutely awesome. We entered the park at the east entrance, then drove thru the canyon approximately 10 miles to the south entrance. After a trip through the visitor center (had to get a stamp and a sticker) and some sight seeing, it was time to leave in order to meet Steve and Tammy. As we started out of the canyon, I noticed my temperature gage starting to climb above normal. I didn't think a lot about it because we were riding two up, pulling a trailer, and climbing uphill about 25 mph. The ambient temperature was already over 100 degrees. By the time we got out of the tunnel near the east entrance, my temperature gage was in the red, and Bill and Joyce's  weren't far behind.  We had to pull off and let the bikes cool down. After a short period of time in the only little spot of shade that existed - - - (and I will never take the shade for granted ever, ever, ever, again - - I promise!!!), the bikes cooled  back down to normal. The ride to Bryce Canyon was about 50 miles, and 40 miles into it, we stopped to get some lunch - - - (remember what I said about finding food and the importance placed on this objective).  Steve and Tammy back-tracked a little and met us for lunch.  After lunch we headed off. This whole area is absolutely beautiful. Again I highly recommend to anyone looking for a vacation destination or road trip, the southwest is awesome.

After leaving the Bryce Canyon area, we decided to ride up Hwy 12, which is a scenic byway. Little did we know this 125 miles would be one of the highlights of our trip. This road is by far the best road I have ever ridden. As we learned along the way, this area was mostly prehistoric sea floor. There are mountains, canyons, dessert, and lots of curves going up, down, and over. As we were enjoying the ride, it soon started getting late, and dark. The only place to stay for the night was still about 40 miles ahead of us. Much to Lisa's delight, (or dismay), we started up over a mountain that we were told was the highest, unguardrailed road in the state. Hogsback Pass is a narrow two lane road that's just a little bitty bit over 10,000 feet... and for about a quarter mile is straight down, ON BOTH SIDES... (this is the part where Lisa's dismay kicked in ...)!  We estimated the straight-down part to be approximately 4000 to 5000 feet. Some of us enjoyed it more than others. The next 30 miles seemed to take hours. There's a lot of wild life activity up there after dark, (really, a LOT, I wouldn't kid ‘ya about it)!!  - - - mainly elk, deer and the biggest rabbits I've ever seen. Most of the time we could only drive 25 to 30 mph because we were trying to avoid close encounters.... mainly elk in the road.  At one point we came thru a corner - - -  and saw eyes reflecting my headlights, and more eyes, and more eyes, and MORE EYES.  I've never seen so many eyes in my life!! I guess that's what you see when you find yourself in the middle of an elk herd!!  Lisa can tell you exactly how high an elk's back is !! (Back isn't really what she said, but I can't print that kind of language in this articleJ) It's a little higher than eye level if you‘re sitting on the back of a Goldwing. And then, Tammy had her own close encounter with a deer that wasn't in any hurry to remove himself from the path of an oncoming Goldwing.!!  Slightly unnerved, we were all thankful and relieved to finally reach the motel in Torrey, Utah.  Remember  - - - I've already mentioned how challenging it can be to find lodging and food.  Guess what's on the menu for dinner tonight??

Marty & Lisa Knapp

September 2007 District News
  – From the District Director

Well, someone requested "hot" weather, and boy have we had it.  I don't know about you but my riding has slowed down somewhat this month.  Not much activity to report since last month.

We did have a

If you have selected a Chapter COY, please have them contact Frank & Linda Teasley with their information, even if they do not plan to participate in the District selection at tea swin g*be llso uth:net or call them at 1-205-424-4717. They are planning a get together for the Chapter couples and they would like to include all couples.

Once again I would like to urge you to ask your chapter folks to

Start making plans now for the

Please get your registration in for the 2008 NASCAR Rally if have not already registered.  We need your support and attendance in order to continue to provide benefits to you.  This one is going to be the best one yet! Our District Staff has done a tremendous job the last 3 years.  The next time you see them, let them know if you like what has been happening in Alabama!  If not, let me know and I will attempt to fix what's wrong.  Some things are beyond my abilities, but I'll sure do my best.

Remember the

Please keep our Military people and our country's leaders in your prayers, as well as those who are sick or recovering and those who have lost loved ones.

Till next time, hug someone you love and don't forget to wave. 

Bill & Dian Gulley

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

Hi Folks,

It seems the older I get the faster time passes. The less time I have to accomplish things and the more demanding my time is. Do you remember when you were a kid how slow each day seemed to pass, why now a week is passed in seemingly the same time frame. This last month was filled for me. We attended the District Picnic in 105 to 110 degree temperatures but once we were at the picnic it was very comfortable thanks to the cool fan and fans strategically placed around the area and of course the absolute wonderful park that was surrounded by trees. We had a great turn out and a wonderful time.

I also got to attend some out of state chapter business meetings to promote our rally with the help of some Chapter A members. We traveled over into Mississippi and Florida and were able to enjoy the company of those chapters.

As time grows closer to April we all need to start thinking of how we promote the rally, how we get more people to attend, how we get the word out to non-GW members and basically what we need to do to advertise. We will have more things going on that should be enjoyable to the membership and non members as well. We will have more courses provided, on site camping, more tours (free walking and riding as well as a paid swamp tour), ERC and Trike Courses, great places to eat, more great prizes – money and merchandise. Once again we will have the bike shows, ice cream social, coy competition, talent show, cash payout for a non-riding poker run and this year we will serve barbeque.  Once again we will feature a large dance floor and the entertainment of Jim Hubbard after the talent contest. Our 50/25/25 drawings are always substantial, we will give away some great door prizes, last year we gave out $560 from the dunking booth and of course the Gold Wing will be given away. Should you win the Gold Wing and for some reason not really want it then a cash prize of $10,000 will be offered in its place. So if you don't want to purchase tickets because you do not need a new motorcycle purchase them for the money.

The next few months our chapter will be going to more of the out of state chapters to promote the rally. I challenge you to do the same. Take some brochures and visit the nearest out of state chapter to you and invite them to attend our rally. Hey for that matter take some brochures and go to the Alabama Chapter next to you and challenge them to have as many at the rally as you do. Together we can make a difference and we need your help. Get the word out that the Alabama Rally isn't just another rally but one that you can have a great time at and have the opportunity to win some big prizes because you can.

Jim & Karen Lee

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

What happened to August? It started out with training in Georgia for future instructors, and never slowed down until this weekend. We have spent some real quality time with friends and family (both families) that keep reminding us why we a part of this organization.

The instructor class was taught by Dave and Sharon Aikens and attended by John and Elizabeth Griswold, Frank and Linda Teasley, and Anita and I from AL. Frank and I got to watch and learn some of the new things taking place in GWRRA training arena. One of the things we would like to do is teach some advanced classes in the fall. Chapter Directors, please see if any of your Chapter members would be interested in half a day of training and maybe a dinner ride afterward with some ice cream to finish it off. The available classes are:

• The Nature of Leadership
• High Impact Leadership Skills
• People Based Leadership Skills
• Leadership Survival Skills
• Getting To Know Yourself
• Studies in Applied Leadership
• Coaching and Mentoring
• Conflict Management

The following week end was the picnic at Tannehill State Park. We rode down Friday night and stayed in the Hollingsworth resort, I think they call it camping, so we would be there Saturday early to set up. The AL Staff and friends started to show up at about 8:30 and it did not slow down until we left. There were over 150 folks that showed up in over 100 degree heat. All won something, to include watermelons, hotdog buns, and some even got hotdogs to go in the buns. We sure had a good time and I think most people did. Thanks to Billy Beavers from Chapter T for bringing the cooler fan and the floor fans to make it tolerable to be in the Pavilion. Thanks to Randy and Trish Sellers for bringing a serious grill and a utensil set big enough for 6 cooks.

We are getting ready for Ride For Kids in Pelham on 16 September, hope to see you all there.

The next time you think about going for a ride, call a friend; they are probably thinking the same thing.

Roy & Anita Fosnight Please Ride Safe and Often

MAD About Statistics
  – Motorist Awareness Division District Coordinators

We are fortunate in GWRRA to have the numbers of people who are concerned about safety and who are trying to do something to make us safer. Rider Ed has programs or seminars to educate us on ways to be safer and in our district we now are offering ERC courses as well as Trike courses for district members, who can by gain a better understanding of what it takes to be safe by participating in these courses. We also have me.......District Coordinator for the Motorist Awareness Division, my job is to try to make the public more aware that not only GW members but all motorcyclist have a right to ride the highways and byways of this state free of fear that we are about to be run down the latest El Tanko SUV or farmer Browns pickup. The public uneducated as they are about motorcyclist say there are not that many and I don't see them all the time well here's a few stats to amaze and stupefy your four wheel friends with:

In Alabama for 2006 there were 1975 accidents involving motorcycles of that number 355 were caused by  drum roll please Cars; 181 by pickup trucks that's quite a number of folks affecting the life of others, well here's the real kicker 1383 of those accidents were caused by the motorcyclist themselves a whopping 70% . Now that does not mean that motorcyclist were running over other motorcyclist it means that motorcyclist themselves were the cause of their own accident, but don't take my word for it hop over to the web site http://care.cs.ua.edu/net/SelectDataSource.aspx and do your own investigating. The point is cars and trucks do have a large impact on motorcycle accidents, but we the riders have a bigger impact (no pun intended) and if we do not make safety part of our everyday preparation when we ride then we are going to be one of those statistics.

Until next month
Ride Safe, Aware and Straight

Freddy & Doris Wheeler

New Region-A Director Announced
  - From the Executive Director

As many of you may know Larry Lingo has decided to step down from the position of Region Director for "A" effective September 16th. Thank you Larry and Patty for all of your hard work for the past 4 years. You picked a team that broke records for Ticket Sales at Wing Ding. Great Job!!

Bob & Nancy Shrader

They have been GWRRA members since 1993 and started actively participating with Chapter FL-1A.  They eventually became Assistant Chapter Directors and then Chapter Directors in 1999. In 2000 they were appointed District Directors and have taken care of Florida ever since.

Congratulations to Bob and Nancy!

Enjoy the Ride,

Melissa Eason

Old people (not us!!)

Just before the funeral services, the undertaker came up to the very elderly widow and asked, "How old was your husband?" "98," she replied.
"Two years older than me." "So you're 96," the undertaker commented. She responded, "Hardly worth going home, is it?"

Reporters interviewing a 104-year-old woman: "And what do you think is the best thing about being 104?" the reporter asked. She simply replied, "No peer pressure."

I've sure gotten old! I've had two bypass surgeries, a hip replacement, new knees Fought prostate cancer and diabetes. I'm half blind, can't hear anything quieter than a jet engine, take 40 different medications that make me dizzy, winded, and subject to blackouts. Have bouts with dementia. Have poor circulation; hardly feel my hands and feet anymore.  Can't remember if I'm 85 or 92. Have lost all my friends. But, thank God, I still have my driver's license.

I feel like my body has gotten totally out of shape, so I got my doctor's permission to join a fitness club and start exercising. I decided to take an aerobics class for seniors. I bent, twisted, gyrated, jumped up and down, and perspired for an hour. But, by the time I got my leotards on, the class was over.

An elderly woman decided to prepare her will and told her preacher she had two final requests. First, she wanted to be cremated, and second, she wanted her ashes scattered over Wal-Mart. "Wal-Mart?" the preacher exclaimed. "Why Wal-Mart?" "Then I'll be sure my daughters visit me twice a week "

My memory's not as sharp as it used to be. Also, my memory's not as sharp as it used to be.

Know how to prevent sagging? Just eat till the wrinkles fill out.

It's scary when you start making the same noises as your coffeemaker.

These days about half the stuff in my shopping cart says, "For fast relief."

Remember: You don't stop laughing because you grow old, You grow old because you stop laughing.

--- THE SENILITY PRAYER: Grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway, the good fortune to run into the ones I do, and the eyesight to tell the difference.

September 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

September - 2007

October - 2007