The amazing thing is this is just a tiny sample of what I could have listed. We have had an impressive number of classes and seminars, special rides, overnight trips, etc. What does all of this really say or mean?
Please have a safe and very merry Christmas. Please take time from all of the hustle and shopping to remember why we celebrate. Smile at someone you don't know, open the door for someone with too many packages, hug your loved ones, and kiss the one to whom you said, "I do".
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| watch the Forum, especially as a pretty weekend approaches |
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1st, Saturday – Come join us for Bowling at Parkway Lanes at 5:30. If you don't want to bowl (like me), then just come watch and laugh and enjoy the show and your friends.
Saturday the
| 8th is our annual Christmas Party |
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| Wednesday the 12th ... Funday gathering at Richard Chapman's at 6:30pm |
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| Wayne & Jo Davis are hosting a special Christmas celebration ... 6:30pm on the 14th |
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| Jon Boy Chapman is getting married Saturday, 15th |
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| Sunday the 16th is our second annual Nashville Nights |
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Believe it or not the
| 25th Anniversary ... Saturday the 22nd ... Terranova's Italian Restaurant |
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We wish you a wonderful and holy celebration of Christmas on Tuesday the 25th.
Our
| End of the Year Ride ... lunch at the Drake Cracker Barrel at 10:30am ... Ride will start after |
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2008
To start 2008 right we must go on a ride! Tuesday, 1st we will gather at the Wal*Mart next to Drake. We will depart at 12:00 noon for our ride (make sure that you have already eaten your lunch and that your bike is fully serviced). We will have supper on the ride.
The Alabama Snowball Run is a mini-rally in Montgomery on Saturday the 5th of January. We encourage you to attend. It is fun. If you can bring a Door Prize to donate, it will be greatly appreciated.
As always, the most up-to-date schedule information can be found on the website – check it often.
John & Elizabeth Griswold
Reflections & Reminiscing (Events)
November started with people getting lost in the dark and hollering. The trip to the MAiZe on Thursday, 1st was great fun. We chose to brave the MAiZe on a night when it was not haunted. Mind you now, it was night time and the corn (maize) was tall. The trails that wound through the corn field were very well done. We entered as a single group, but it wasn't terrible long before people were disappearing. You could hear their voices and call to them, but when you tried to turn and head down a path to reach them, either the path would dead-end or you would find yourself being lead away from the person's voice. Some in the group enjoyed running ahead and trying to scare the others. And one knows the secret of the maze and how to get through them easily. But all had a great time and laughed uncontrollably.
Chapter-B has a long standing tradition of thrilling the kids at Hillwood Baptist Church Day Care. And this year was no exception. Bill Nelson arranged the visit for Friday, 2nd. Bill, Roy Fosnight, John & Elizabeth Griswold and Kay Leonard (from Chapter-H) lined our bikes up for the children to sit on and push buttons and honk horns and get their pictures taken. It is a simple day, but a blessing that is very hard to explain.
On Saturday the 3rd the group headed out on a spectacular day with a really good sized group. The leaves were more brilliant than I can remember them here in the South. The last time I remember seeing the leaves that brilliant we were living in Pennsylvania. Our destination was Sewanee atop Mont Eagle in Tennessee. We were going to eat at Shenanigan's Restaurant. Unfortunately we did not know that Sewanee University was going to be celebrating their homecoming. We couldn't even find parking in the city. We found a wonderful place to eat that many in the group said was even better. And no surprise the remainder of the ride was just as spectacular at the start.
We have an amazing place that is right here very close to Huntsville - Harmony Safari Park. We visited there on the 10th. You must go in cars because you are actually driving around with a bunch of animals that keep coming up to your car. It would be inconvenient at best on the motorcycle or most likely very dangerous. I very seriously doubt that they would even let you into the park if you were riding. It was so interesting and fun that we do plan to go back again. But I suggest that you don't wait on us, grab up your kids and grandkids pile them in the car and go have a different experience that is a blast.
This year at the Veterans Day Parade here in Huntsville, I was very impressed. I have ridden in parades before where the parade participants outnumbered those watching along the parade route. This year you could feel the patriotism swelling. The crowds where huge and they were thick the full length of the parade route. They were yelling, smiling, clapping, and holding up patriotic signs. It was inspiring. Of course the big hits concerning our group were the two dogs. We had Miss Evie Follett and Miss Lucy Davis in the back of the group. It was very amusing. People would be waving, smiling, and clapping and then all of sudden you would hear them say something like, "Awe, look at the little dogs!"
Richard Chapman hosted a Chrome Party on the 17th. We all met to eat breakfast at the Drake/Cracker Barrel. Because of some really stupid work commitments and deadlines I was not going to be able to attend, but I did eat breakfast. At Wings over the Smokies I had purchased a whole bunch of things that needed to be added to my bike and I was really disappointed, but I had driven my car so I would not be tempted to stay and have fun with the other guys. Richard convinced me to go get my bike and bring it over anyway. I will admit that I felt very guilty because I was not sharing in the work. But I also know what would happen to me if I did not meet this work deadline (which by the way I worked a total of 79 hours from the Saturday before Thanksgiving until the Sunday after). The guys said they had a great time taking apart someone else's bike when the owner was not there. And they only had about a half-dozen parts left over when they put it all back together! Seriously, they did a spectacular job and I thank them all very, very, very much.
Thursday the 29th, Jim Robinson gave a Street Strategies seminar. For those of you that missed it, you missed a lot. I know that many of us that have been riding for a bunch of years think to ourselves, "Oh, I already know how to handle all of those street driving situations." That is a very dangerous attitude. In my opinion seminars like these should be treated like the ERC. You need to constantly refresh your skills. Remember, riding a motorcycle is more than 80% mental.
If you missed the fun last month, please join us this month.
John & Elizabeth Griswold
December 2007 District News
– From the District Director
As I sit here the day after Thanksgiving, I am reflecting on the things I am thankful for in our lives. First we are thankful for the freedoms we enjoy in this the greatest country on earth. We are thankful that God has blessed us with a wonderful immediate family. We are thankful for the privilege of meeting and being a part of all of you, our GWRRA family. We are thankful for the love and support of every member in the State of Alabama as well as all the friends we have made from other Districts. We are humbled by the privilege of serving you in the capacity of District Directors and hope we have been able to meet your approval. We want every member and Chapter Officer to know how much we treasure your friendship and all the help you have given us over the past 3 years! Without you we could not have accomplished any of these things. Thanks for the memories!
We look forward to seeing all of you at the Snowball Social on January 5th at the Quality Inn on South Boulevard in Montgomery. If you plan to spend the night, the number for reservations is 1-866-535-5392, use code Gold Wing Group. We will be stepping down as District Directors at that time. But we are not going anywhere. We will still be around and you just might see us at your Chapter meeting when you least expect it. I know there will be a number of new Chapter Directors beginning the first of the year and we look forward to seeing you at the Officers Conference following the Snowball activities.
We wish each of you and your family the Merriest of Christmas' and we hope you have a Happy, Prosperous, and Safe New Year! We hope you have loads of Safe Fun on your Gold Wing with Friends in the coming year! Maybe we will still see some of you this year.
If you haven't registered for the 2008 Rally yet, times running out. The dates are April 3-5, 2008. We are giving away a new Gold Wing and we need to sell sufficient tickets to cover the cost, so come on out and get in the running to be the new owner of the Gold Wing. This is a very important event for the District and we need the support of every member in order for it to be a success. This is the only fund raising event for the District during the year. You will receive 1 ticket with your registration. You may also purchase tickets with your registration. Remember you must be present to win the Gold Wing. We are providing ice cream on Thursday evening and Bar-B-Que on Friday evening as part of your registration. We will have entertainment on Friday evening. This promises to be the best Rally yet in Mobile. Come on down and join all your friends for some great Fun and good times! Make plans for the swamp boat tours. Start getting your NASCAR gear together. Come on down to Mobile and party with us!
Remember the 2008 Region A Rally will be held in Dothan, Alabama at the Holiday Inn. They have 143 rooms and I hear they are already over half full for the Rally. You do not have to be registered for the Rally to make a reservation. The Holiday Inn is located at the corner of 231 South and Ross Clark Circle. The address is 2195 Ross Clark Circle SE. For reservations call 1-800-777-6611. The dates are Sept. 11-13, 2008.
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 |
December 2007 District News
– From the Assistant District Director
/ District Trainers
Merry Christmas
and
Happy New Year
to all
- See you at Snowball.
| Roy & Anita Fosnight Please Ride Safe and Often |
December 2007 District News
– From the Assistant District Director
/ Rally Coordinator
Hi Folks,
It's that time of year when new Directors will start taking over and chapters acquire new leadership. It takes special people to handle the directors position. After all, you have to be a diplomat at all times, a parent most of the time, and someone that is willing to follow as much as lead. You cannot be selfish and you must think at all times what is best for the people you are leading. You see to be a good leader you must be willing to follow the wishes of the people you are leading and wisely determine when to go against those wishes. It is tough to be right all the time yet that is what people demand. The job can seem thankless and certainly with the pay seem unrewarding so why do people do it? There are many reasons but in most cases it is because they care for the people and the values this organization represent. Thank you to all the officers that have served for the last three years as you have been great to work with.
Being an Assistant District Director for me has been a privilege. We have enjoyed serving the State and think the leadership of Bill and Dian has been great. Bill has been willing to lead as well as make tough decisions with help from his staff. I'd like to remark on some of the accomplishments.
The District Picnics didn't exist before. The first two years we only had one each year but they went over rather nicely. The District paid for everything all you had to do is show up. This last year we had two but charged a $5 admission to be given back to the chapters. Were they successful? I think so, we had good crowds and everyone had a good time.
There was "IT" in 2006 and the Wandering Plaque this year. Both were remarkable successes. With "IT" we played the game of Tag with a stuffed monkey. Each chapter had to take IT to the next destination. The monkey started out with a vest but acquired a full wardrobe and suitcase before the end of the year Yes we had fun with IT but all the chapters could not participate as "IT" had to be taken to the chapter. This year the Wandering Plaque replaced "IT". All the chapters didn't participate but it was by their choice. It helped raise money for each chapter that had it by bringing in multiple chapters each time it was given away. Was it successful? Absolutely! It helped chapters get together inside our state and become better acquainted. Can some changes be made to enhance this? Sure.
We actively pursued the ability to provide ERC and Trike courses to all the people in the state. Freddy Wheeler, Leo Mechler and Kay Leonard were trained to train others. Freddy worked diligently on laying out an approved course in Mobile and Leo is working on other locations in the state. Last year we were able to provide our first ERC and Trike Courses at our Rally. This is an accomplishment that no other district does in Region A. In addition the cost was held to a minimum. Was that successful? For the people that attended it certainly was. Leo, Freddy and Kay are planning to provide these courses throughout the state in the future.
This will be the 4th year we will have had the Rally in Mobile. We now have more vendors that will be here than ever before. We will have more activity than we have ever done before. We will have more giveaways than ever before. We will have ERC and Trike courses. We will have live entertainment and we will give away a 2008 Gold Wing for the first time. Is the Rally on the right track? We will see by the attendance this year. Will it be in Mobile in 2009? Will we give away another Gold Wing in 2009? I don't know but I am sure the results this year will help determine those answers.
2008 will mark a new leadership in the State. A new District Director will take over at Snowball with new leadership and new vision for the state. Karen and I plan to be with you through this rally. I don't know what the future will hold after that. It may be time to let someone else contribute with new ideas. In any case we have enjoyed the ride.
| Jim & Karen Lee |
MAD about Preparation
– Motorist Awareness Division District Coordinators
My uncle whom I love dearly told me early when I first began helping him lay linoleum tile that 90% of the job was in the preparation. Due largely to this belief on his part he was one of the most successful tile businesses in the Chicago area and at 80 he is still in demand in the Branson Missouri area. I believe that what I learned from him that day is true with almost anything we do on a regular basis including riding motorcycles. You must prepare every time you get on your bike to ride no matter how far, from the trip around the block to the store to the cross country trip to Wing Ding. You should take time to check your Tires which as I am painfully aware are the most important thing on your bike or trike, one encounter with rapid deflation will make you aware too. Controls which for wing owners translates into hydraulic lines from the master cylinders to the final component should be inspected regularly for damage and age as rubber products begin to deteriorate from the day they are made. Remember to look at your throttle response as well since a broken cable can ruin any trip. Lights on most wings is not a problem due to the amount most wingers add, but is it operating properly? Make sure your turn signals work, make sure your brake lights work and though they are not necessary to drive make sure your cornering lights work as they can alert you to hidden dangers you may not see with your headlights. Oil levels and yes that is multiple since your hydraulic fluid used for brakes and clutch is a hydrocarbon it is considered an oil. Chassis is important as many an 1800 owner can attest imagine the consequences of a broken frame and the things that having frame problems may impact. Stands again this is both center and side there are a variety of things here that help the safety switch that prevents you from driving off with the side stand down as well as the spring and condition of the stand it's self will keep you from being embarrassed, your center stand needs to support a tremendous amount of weight so inspect it so you are sure that will happen too. The one element left out of the T-CLOCS I just outlined is YOU, take an account of yourself before you ride are you ready to ride both mentally and physically. Have you been taking medicines that may impair you? Benadryl different types of cough syrup and other things that we obtain as over the counter drugs have warning labels about driving and taking those medications. Are you well rested? Are you angry or otherwise distracted all these things effect how YOU ride. So each time you make preparations to ride look not only at your motorcycle but also yourself that way you can really enjoy the ride.
Remember Ride Safe, Straight and Aware
| Freddy & Doris Wheeler |
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2008 Alabama District
Snowball Run
January 5th, 2008
10:00am till 1:00pm
Quality Inn & Convention Center
2705 East South Blvd., Montgomery, Al. 36116-2575
For Reservations,
Phone 1-866-535-5392
Group Code: Gold Wing Group
FREE ADMISSION & YEAR BAR
Head Pin available @ $4.00 each
Games: 10:00am to 12:00 Noon
Check the temperature before you leave home. Plaques will be awarded for longest distance, coldest temperature on a wing, valkrye, and in a car.
Grand prize, door prizes and 50/25/25.
Refreshments on site
Join us for fun and games, door prizes, awards for the rally pin contest winner, recruiter of the year and Joe Sellers Member of the Year award.
Remember, the Officers Conference will follow the Snowball activities, and will begin at 3:00pm. All CDs, ACDs and Chapter Educators are expected to attend. See you there!
We'll do financial reports Friday evening if you can be there!
Contact Bill and Dian Gulley:
Phone 256-229-8833 / Dir ecto r*Al abam a-GW RRA:org
Leadership Training Schedule 2008
Making any endeavor successful requires that many components combine and work well together. In order for a Chapter to succeed and grow the same is true. Participation is the key ingredient for a Chapter but one other very important key to opening the door to success is having leaders who are not only dedicated but are prepared to take on the responsibilities of their position. Being prepared in large part can be achieved through proper training. To help achieve this we are offering several training programs in the upcoming year. These programs are designed to assist new officers in the transition to their roles as leaders. Each one is designed to help prepare for your role as a leader in the GWRRA. Even though these programs are designed to help prepare members to make the transaction into leadership roles, the information contained within these programs is something that any member can use to make their Chapter experience more enjoyable. The more you understand about how a Chapter works, the more you participate in the Chapter, the more you will get out of the entire experience. We encourage all Chapter officers, members who would be willing to step up and take a leadership position, or any other member who just wants to be better educated about their chapter and how it works to attend these classes.
The Horizons Class involves 1 1/2 days of classroom training, Knowledge Enhancement and Intermediate Leadership Skills both only involve 1 day of classroom training.
A registration form will be posted on the District website soon. Please complete it and forward to us ASAP. If you would like to register before then please contact us at the e-mail address or phone number listed below. We will need your name, address, phone number and member number for registration. Remember you must pre-register to attend any of the classes so we can plan for everyone properly. For those of you who will need overnight accommodations a list of hotels that are all within 1 mile of the training site is also listed below. All training classes will be held in the Training Room at the UAB Medical West Hospital, 995 9th Ave, Bessemer, AL 35022. A full cafeteria is on site for all meals.
Class Schedule
- February 2nd and 3rd- Horizons Class
- February 16th- Knowledge Enhancement
- February 23rd- Intermediate Leadership Skills
- You must complete Horizons to enroll in Knowledge Enhancement
- You must complete Knowledge Enhancement to enroll in Intermediate Leadership Skills
Hotels
- Best Western Hotel and Suites-
5041 Academy Ln, Bessemer, AL 205-481-1950 - Holiday Inn Express-
5001 Academy Ln.Bessemer, AL 205-424-2600 - Country Inn and Suites-
4985 Academy Ln Bessemer, AL 205-481-0007 - Hampton Inn and Suites-
4910 Civic Ln Bessemer, AL 205-425-2010 - Jameson Inn-
5021 Academy Ln, Bessemer, AL 205-428-3194
For any questions please contact us at tea swin g*be llso uth:net or call at 205-424-4717.
We look forward to seeing each of you there.
Frank and Linda Teasley
December 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
December - 2007
| 1 | Sat | Bowling at Parkway Lanes -- 5:30pm |
| AL-K (Shoals Wings) Meeting -- Florence, Underwood Community Center 840 County Rd. 7, eat 8:00am / meet 9:00am | ||
| 2 | Sun | Breakfast at Mullins -- 8:30am - 607 Andrew Jackson Way NE, Huntsville. Ride TBD. |
| Traveling Plaque Grab from Chapter-N -- 4:00 to 5:30pm - Ryan's Family Steak House Hwy 431 Boaz, AL. Any Questions call Butch Harris at 256-593-7053. 2 or 3 wheels only count. | ||
| 4 | Tue | Supper at Po Boy Factory -- 6:00pm - 815 Andrew Jackson Way |
| 6 | Thu | Supper at Ruby Tuesday (Next to Madison Cracker Barrel) -- 6:00pm - 110 Tom Thrasher Drive |
| AL-S (Cedar Creek Wings) Meeting -- Goodsprings Cafe, Hwy 43, Russellville - Eat 6:30pm / Meet 7:30pm | ||
| 8 | Sat | Breakfast at Country Vittles -- 9:00am - 7121 University Drive NW (Just East of Slaughter Rd) |
| Decorate for Christmas Party -- 10:00am - after breakfast at Country Vittles. Bring your decorations. | ||
| Huntland Parade -- 10:00am - Depart Country Vittles | ||
| District Staff Meeting -- Montgomery | ||
| 9 | Sun | Breakfast at Mullins -- 8:30am - 607 Andrew Jackson Way NE, Huntsville. Ride TBD. |
| 10 | Mon | AL-E Meeting -- Fish Creel Restaurant, Hwy 207, Anderson, AL - Eat 6:00pm / Meet 7:00pm |
| 11 | Tue | Supper at Rosies -- 6:00pm - Hwy 72 next to Logans |
| 12 | Wed | Funday Committee -- 6:30pm - Richard Chapman's - Come join in the fun. Snacks provided. |
| 13 | Thu | Supper at Bison's Cafe -- 6:00pm - 8020 Madison Blvd, (Publix Shopping Center) |
| 14 | Fri | Wayne & Jo Davis Christmas -- 6:30 - Senior Center in Hazel Green - Covered Dish |
| 15 | Sat | Jon Boy & Traci Wedding -- 2:00pm - First Baptist Church of Madison; 4257 Sullivan Street, Madison; Reception follows at Church |
| 16 | Sun | Breakfast at Mullins -- 8:30am - 607 Andrew Jackson Way NE, Huntsville. Ride TBD. |
| Nashville Nights -- 11:00am - Depart BP Station corner of 53 & Jeff. Lunch at Sarge's Shack; Then to Nashville; See Christmas lights, etc. Suggest come in car because we will be coming back at night. | ||
| 18 | Tue | Birthday Dinner at Donatos Pizza -- 6:00pm - 8000 Madison Blvd |
| Rocket City Wings -- First Meeting - 25th Anniversary | ||
| 20 | Thu | Supper at Lenny's Sub Shop -- 6:00pm - 7830 Highway 72 W (couple of doors down from Books A Million) |
| 22 | Sat | Rocket City Wings First Meeting 25th Anniversary Celebration -- 4:00pm - Terranova's Italian Restaurant - 1420 Paramount Drive |
| 23 | Sun | Breakfast at Mullins -- 8:30am - 607 Andrew Jackson Way NE, Huntsville. Ride TBD. |
| 25 | Tue | Christmas Holiday |
| 30 | Sun | Breakfast at Mullins -- 8:30am - 607 Andrew Jackson Way NE, Huntsville. Ride TBD. |
| 31 | Mon | End of Year Ride -- 10:30am - Meet at Drake Cracker Barrel - 2001 Drake Avenue SW - Ride after Lunch |
January - 2008
| 1 | Tue | First of Year Ride -- 12:00 noon - Depart Drake/Wal*Mart |
| CMA - Huntsville Forgiven Riders -- Mullins 607 Andrew Jackson Way NE - Eat 6:00pm / Meet 6:45pm | ||
| New Year's Holiday | ||
| 3 | Thu | Supper at H&H BBQ -- 6:00pm - 23021 Nick Davis Rd, Athens |
| AL-S (Cedar Creek Wings) Meeting -- Goodsprings Cafe, Hwy 43, Russellville - Eat 6:30pm / Meet 7:30pm | ||
| 4 | Fri | Early departure for Snowball -- 4:30pm - Depart Madison CB/Shell - Shell station in front of the Cracker Barrel in Madison |
| Rocket City Wings -- Charter 25th Anniversary | ||
| 5 | Sat | Alabama Snowball Run |
| AL-K (Shoals Wings) Meeting -- Florence, Underwood Community Center 840 County Rd. 7, eat 8:00am / meet 9:00am | ||
| Music City Motorcycle Bike Show | ||
| 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 6pm / Meet 7pm |