Rocket City Wings Huntsville, Alabama -- Chapter B, Region A Friends for Fun, Safety & Knowledge February 2008

The Dates of February
  - From the Chapter Directors

February is an interesting month that is filled with all kinds of unique dates.

It starts off with one that I bet that most people don't even know falls within the month.  February 1st is the day that marks the end of Slavery in the United States.  And of course one of the more fun is Ground Hog Day on the 2nd which according to myth determines whether we will have six more weeks of winter or not.  For all of us Boy Scouts, the 8th is Boy Scout Day.  And the very next day in 1861, the Confederacy elected Jefferson Davis president and officially declared war.  Of course the 12th is our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln's birthday back in 1809.  The 14th is the day that lots of men will get into trouble with their wives because they forgot that it was Valentine's Day.  Back in 1962, a fellow that was pretty much unknown in the country became famous around the world as he orbited the world on the 20th, John Glenn.  The first man in this country to be offered the position as King of the United States and had the courage and moral character to turn it down was born on the 22nd in 1732.  Of course I'm talking about George Washington.  Those that served in World War II in the Pacific theatre may remember the 23rd as Iwo Jima Day.  And back in 1993 on the 26th was the first successful terrorist attack on the World Trade Center.  The only reason that more damage wasn't caused is because of sheer luck.  And this year we have 29 days in February.

So

But I do want to emphasize that

We also have a special CPR and First Aid training seminar being presented on the 24th.  For those needing or wanting to update or upgrade their Rider Education Level this will be a must.  The really nice thing about this seminar/class is that it is being presented just for us.  It will be at Marty and Lisa Knapp's house.

Until next time, smile at those you don't know, hug those that you care about, and kiss the one that you said, "I do" to.

John & Elizabeth Griswold

Coming Attractions (Events)

Please watch the Forum for any last minute changes, especially if the weather is pretty.  If the weather is foul, please come in your car and enjoy the company.

February

The first weekend in February is very busy with lots of different activities going on.

To start off all weekend long down in Bessemer there will be a GWRRA sponsored

Some people may be going up to attend Cupids Capers in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on the 2nd.  They should be departing from 5000 Kangaroos at 8:00am.  Elizabeth and I will not be attending either of these events as we will be celebrating my mother's 80th birthday in Nashville.

On Sunday the 3rd all have been invited to attend Berea Baptist Church in Athens at 10:00am.  Vietnam veteran, U.S. Marine, Tim Lee will be relating his moving testimony.  They will also have the Alabama Vietnam Memorial Wall display on the grounds.  All motorcycles are welcome.

It's also worth mentioning that Sunday is Super Bowl Sunday.  So get ready to rate those new commercials.

Everyone should bring out all of those lights, and floor boards, and chrome that they haven't gotten around to adding to their bikes.  WE ARE HAVING A

On the 10th we are going to be enjoying some great food at Top of the River.  We will be leaving from the Mountain-Gap/Kangaroos at 3:00pm for a nice ride down.

Tuesday the 12th is our regular meeting at Ryan's.  We hope to see everyone there.

Thursday the 14th is Valentine's Day.  Did you remember to get your special someone something special?

Sunday, 17th we will be venturing to Eva so we can find a new place to eat (after all that is what Goldwingers do).  We are going to Bobby's Fisherman's Catch Restaurant.  We will be departing at noon from the Mountain-Gap/Kangaroos (that is the Kangaroo station that is on South Memorial Pkwy across from Mountain-Gap road).

For all of us that are in need of getting or renewing our training in

Tuesday, 26th we will be visiting and supporting our long-time neighbor chapter, Point Mallard Wings in Decatur.  If you missed last month's meeting you missed a lot.  Please support our good neighbor.

March

March will start with a Fun Day Round-up at Chapter-Y.  They are having a Western Themed day.  So bring your six-gallon hat, chaps, spurs and be ready to have some great fun.  We will be starting early with breakfast at the Madison Cracker Barrel at 7:30am.  We will be departing around 8:30am from the Madison/CB Shell.  Remember to bring your trailer to bring your loot that you win.

Saturday, 8th we will be riding to Lookout Mountain and the surrounding area.  We will be departing at 9:00am from the Gurley Hardee's.  We will be eating later in the day at The Lodge in Guntersville State Park.

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

John & Elizabeth Griswold

Reflections & Reminiscing (Events)

We finished out 2007 with grand Goldwing style.  We met at the Drake Cracker Barrel around 10:30 in the morning.  Bikes and Trikes just kept showing up until we had a very large group.  We all enjoyed a grand meal and then we broke into two groups and prepared to ride.  We were very fortunate as the weather was wonderful.  The sky was a clear and crisp blue.  Not a single cloud could be seen from horizon to horizon.  The temperature was brisk but not bitterly cold.  Marty had identified a very enjoyable ride that ended at the Gurley Hardees.

2008 greeted us with bitter cold winds and overcast skies, nothing like the previous day.  Even with the cold weather we had a surprising turnout for the New Year's Day ride.  Decisions were made to create an abbreviated ride and end at a Dairy Queen for something WARM.  We also had some exciting news, it turns out that on New Year's Eve Richard Chapman asked Sue LaFrance for her hand in Marriage, and she accepted.

The first weekend of January was spent in Montgomery at the Alabama Snowball Run.  For those that don't know the Snowball run is a mini-rally in the morning and the officers' conference in the afternoon.  It is a lot of fun if you have never been.  Next year they will be selecting the District Couple of the Year at the Snowball Run.  So we will really want to turn out to support our Chapter Couple.

At our January meeting we introduced a new format that will hopefully be more enjoyable and satisfying for everyone.  It also facilitates a faster meeting that provides more time for us to socialize.  All of this came about because of YOUR suggestions.  We do listen, so please keep making suggestions.

On the 12th we showed up at the departure point, we found only 3 trikes waiting.  I was a bit concerned because this was the night that we were supposed to be meeting at Outlaw Steakhouse in Guntersville and then having a game night at Rich and Nancy's.  Well, we headed on down the road to the restaurant.  We found a bunch of people already there.  All had a grand time.

Progressive Dinner Rides are a wonderful and fun experience, but we have determined that January is the wrong time to have them.  We had a few fools, ummm brave souls that rode their bikes on that bitterly cold day.  It started out around 20 degrees at the Fosnight house.  We had appetizers and hot drinks.  Then we moved to the Griswold house for salad.  By this time the temperature was all of 27 degrees.  We attempted to counter with more hot drinks.  Then we rode all of the way to Guntersville to Jim Robinson's home, or should I call it an estate, for the main course.  I think that while we were there the temperature may have gotten above freezing, but then the sun started going down.  And we all know what happens when the sun goes down, so does the temperature.  We then rode to Marty and Lisa Knapp's house for deserts and games.  I don't want to even think what the temperature was on the way home.  Fortunately, I was one of the sane individuals that were in a four wheel vehicle.  We are definitely planning on having another Progressive Dinner Ride when the weather is warmer.

On the 22nd we had wonderful time at Chapter-I.  The meeting attendance was great and there meeting progressed at a very good clip.  They had lots of good content and bunches of really good prizes.

On the 27th a good group went to the Squirrel's Nest Restaurant and had a grand time.  All had been warned that the driveway was treacherous and to not attempt it on less than three wheels.  But, afterward the group went and got their bikes and enjoyed the afternoon together.

If you missed the fun last month, please join us this month.

John & Elizabeth Griswold

Blast Off  - Rocket City Wings
  - From the Couple of the Year

ANOTHER YEAR - ANOTHER ADVENTURE

The first month of the first year of the rest of our lives has just past.  We kicked it off with a "snowball".  Who's up for some fun this year? But first, ask yourself:  How have you become a better person?  Are you smarter?  Wiser?  Safer? Have you made yourself some goals for 2008?  Well, Steven & I have been planning some goals since mid-2007 and it appears that we have even more reason to fulfill them this year.  Our Chapter B has given us one of the greatest honors of becoming Chapter Couple of the Year.  With this honor come responsibilities of which if we keep doing what we've been doing we should live up to those duties; however, each responsibility is very important.  Most importantly, if we decide to compete as Couple of the Year, we feel we have colossal responsibilities if we intend to do a good job.  To truly live up to the honor bestowed upon us, we will task ourselves with the things that will most benefit this honor.  In partial fulfillment of that, before we knew we were going to be Couple of the Year, we planned to incorporate every effort to get our chapter involved with other chapters, such as rides and events that will serve each chapter well.  We had other chapters interested in some of the things we do and we are interested in their ideas as well.  We figured if we share more with our fellow chapters, we can evolve into something greater as individual chapters.  We need to keep participation up not because we want to be the chapter with the most participation but to keep our "family" close knit.  Some of the smaller chapters that are struggling can benefit by visiting and combining their activities.  The more the merrier I always say.  As Ride Coordinators, we are thinking about challenging folks.  We will work on our calendars as best as we can to include as many chapter visits as possible, but I have envisioned visiting each Chapter A-Z at least once within the year.  Some will be trickier than others, but with effort, I think it is a very do-able goal.  Just for the sake of doing it once, I challenge everyone to try it.  We might even come up with a gift to the person(s) who visit the most chapters this year to be given out at our December get together.  Who's up to the challenge?!!!!!  Let me know!  I will make sure it is a cool gift.

With each passing month, Steven and I have grown more attached to our extended families.  For every gesture, great or small, we feel the GWRRA family is the best people around.  You can know when you are blessed for when a member is in need, there's a GWRRA friend indeed.  If you haven't noticed it, we hang out with some of the most experienced, wise, friendly, generous, caring, loving, funny, strong, patriotic and wonderful people.  I hold my head up high because it don't get much better than this folks!

It's January for one more day, but we have eleven more months.  As the gray and coolness fades, sprouts of green and color will come our way.  Then out pops the sun and out comes the summer gear.  Looking forward to autumn leaves and then again to our winterland where our busy lives become more dormant (well, for some).  With each passing season, we need to set our goals.  Folks, LIFE is too short to waste a good riding day.  Steven & I are starting to get the idea of what Ride Coordinators do.  It's not an easy job trying to please a large crowd.  I've been soul searching and scanning through pictures.  I've looked and found lots of smiling faces, then I know that must be a good trip or ride.  I'm scouting for the biggest smiles and I'm logging ideas.  As Ride Coordinators, we want to balance out a lot of simple riding fun and do some other stuff too.  We hope to get more ride education and seminars scheduled.  We are planning to offer some upcoming CPR classes.  We are always game for parking lot practice for those that need to polish up on some driving skills (or co-rider skills).  It's so important to be safe first then the ride is just a breeze.  Although some people don't prefer to ride in groups, the benefits outweigh single riding in my opinion.  If you have people trained in CPR, more Road Captains and experienced riders in the event of an ugly incident, the damage can be minimized.  That's what we pride ourselves in, Friends, Fun, and Safety.  The first two are sooooo easy to accomplish, but we fail to respect Safety as much.  I'd like to say that Horizons is a great start for the betterment of ourselves.  Steven and I have taken the first class and will be taking the next two.  They are wonderful and it is a GREAT opportunity to get to know members of other chapters.  Believe it or not, there are some nice people out there besides us. Who wudda thunk it? ;-)

I believe this year will blossom into something wonderful as we transition into a new group of friends.  Let's find out what keeps members from coming to events; let's change it.  Membership Enhancement is important.  Without members, what are we?  A dying chapter.  No one wants that.  Let's try to help other chapters having this dilemma, let's prevent our chapter from experiencing this dilemma and let's make 2008 the best year yet!!!!!!!!!

On one last note, I just want to promote pre-registration.  Steven & I have recently learned that pre-registration has more than one purpose.  Not just for planning the event, but for vendors.  We were told that vendors are in the market for larger pre-registration numbers.  Makes sense.  Because of their nomadic activities, they have to strategize and plan their year, therefore, they are not looking to cultivate on smaller events.  The larger the numbers for pre-registration, the better the chance we can attract more vendors.  I feel that most folks enjoy the rallies and a lot of that enjoyment comes from visiting the vendors.  It's more fun to shop if you have more choices.  So, get your butts in gear and sign up for the District Rally.  People, there is a Goldwing to be given away, and tell me who doesn't want a new Goldwing??????  If you don't want it, sell it to me!  I need back-up transportation.  Ha ha.  Seriously though, we need folks to pre-register to get more vendors at our District Rally and other rallies.  If you find that you cannot go, there's always a good chance that someone else wants to and can help you out of a registration fee.

And with that, Happy New Year my friends.  Don't forget to wave at the Titanium blur, it could be me!!!!!

Friends in my Circle

When I was little, I used to believe in the concept of one best friend,
and then I started to become a woman.
And then I found out that if you allow your heart to open up,
God would show you the best in many friends.

I will leave you with some daily affirmations that might help you get through the next eleven months:

DAILY AFFIRMATIONS

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
6. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile. That goes for ICE CREAM too.
7. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
8. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
9. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living or get busy dying. <- MY FAV
10. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
11. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
12. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple or sequined hats from the vendors, or any outrageous "Goldwing" accessories.
13. No one is in charge of your happiness except YOU.
14. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"
15. What other people think of you is none of your business.  <- ANOTHER FAV
16. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
17. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
18. Believe in miracles.
19. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
20. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.  <- MY FAV
21. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.  Bring on the OLAY cream!!!
22. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
23. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
24. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.
25. All that truly matters in the end is that you are loved.  TRUST ME, I LOVE YA BABY!

Long live Goldwingers!

Remember.....
Friends don't let friends ride Harleys
98% of all Harleys ever sold are still on the road......
The rest of them made it home.
"That sure is a pretty GoldWing."

Don't Worry (chapter) "B" Happy
Steven & Tammy Hollingsworth
AL-B Couple of the Year

District News
  From the District Director

Thank you one and all for attending Snowball. We had a wonderful time and enjoyed seeing everyone. We are going to change Snowball a little next year and have the Couple of the Year selection starting off the agenda at 9:00. After the selection process is over we will have games, 50/25/25 and door prizes as usual. We have the closing, award plaques, give away the door prizes and draw for the money. The Officers Conference will start at approximately 5:30 and will continue until we have finished all the things we need to do. Afterward we plan to get as many together as would like to and go out to eat. We had a bunch of good food and quite a few laughs at Shoguns this year.

We have had some discussions on the traveling plaque and have been requested to change the cage rule. Starting this year, the people who have to travel in cars will count  the points of a rider. The plaque giveaway can only be scheduled on a Saturday, this gives Chapters that are a good distance away some options. I hope this addresses the concerns that were brought up. Happy travels.

We are also looking into the Most Active Chapter rules and will have something out SOON. I have received comments from 2 members and there were several at the Officers Conference that wanted a change. We will make a change after we review the inputs.

Our son and I went to the International Motorcycle show in Atlanta and helped work the booth for Ride for Kids. For you Auburn fans, they have a bike that is blue and orange with what looks like every Gold Wing Hondaline accessory made on it. We had a really good time and saw some beautiful stock and custom motorcycles. If you like looking at all kinds of motorcycles, these shows have almost every model the manufactures sell.

We have some leadership training scheduled for February and Frank and Linda have put together a good selection of both beginners (Horizons) to intermediate level. The dates and location are posted on the District web site. If you are interested please let Frank and Linda know as soon as possible

Jim has continued to put together a great list of things to do to keep you all busy at the Rally. He has also identified things to go and do away from the site like rides in the swamp. We are also giving away a Gold Wing and you have to be present to win. I like the idea of seeing the person who will get a new bike. The Rally is back in Mobile and is the first week end in April. We are looking forward to seeing all of you.

Please remember that Freedom isn't Free and remember our folks who are in Harm's Way, be they Military, Law Enforcement, or Fireman.

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

Roy & Anita Fosnight Please Ride Safe and Often

District News
  - From the Assistant District Director
  / Rally Coordinator

Hi Folks,

It's going to be "Great in 08." Snowball started off exceptionally well with a Great turnout. The meetings were held short but informative and now we can start concentrating on the Rally this year.

As with everything we always have our challenges. Hotels seem to always be on the forefront of potential problems and why should this year be any different. We have tried to give you alternatives. Within walking distance to the Civic Center we have the Malaga Inn (full), Ramada and Admiral Semmes. Of the two with vacancies the Admiral Semmes is definitely the nicer and more accommodating. If you are willing to ride 5 miles each day we have the Howard Johnsons on I65 and Government that is only $60 and $65 per night. It has recently gone under renovation and is clean and comfortable. If needed we can get another hotel on I10 but we really would like to fill the ones we have already.

The Rally plans are proceeding nicely with the registrations starting to flow in. The Swamp Boat tour was filled so we have decided to get a second boat to perform these tours as well. There is plenty of room at this time but I suspect this will change. If you want to take the tour dont hesitate. We have decided to move the vendors next to the Civic Center opening up 28 camping spots. Half of those are already filled so if you want to camp at the Civic Center then make sure on your registration you indicate you want the camping and include $30 per day in your registration.

I have a graph that I'd like to share with you depicting chapter registration. We have a long way to go to get our chapters signed up and we need the CD to promote and encourage attendance. The percentage participation is based upon your monthly gathering reported last year. A new award this year will be given for the chapter with the largest percent of pre-registered members. It allows all chapters to compete equally regardless of size. Where is your chapter on this chart?

Numbers based upon last years averages

Be sure to look at our website -- www.Alabama-Gwrra.Org. It will have up to date information on the rally. If you have any questions please dont hesitate to contact us.

We look forward to seeing you soon,

Jim & Karen Lee

District News
  - From the Assistant District Director

By the time you read this January 2008 will be history. It started out with the Snowball Rally in Montgomery.  There was a very good turn out of GWRRA family and friends. Bill and Diane were given a nice wall clock to commemorate their tenure as Alabama District Directors. Thanks again for what you all have done for the district.

The new Alabama staff was introduced and I know they will be doing a good job for this district.  Most all the chapters were represented at the Officers Conference. Some chapter officers remained and some new chapter officers came on board. I want each one of them to know that we as a district staff member are here to support you and your chapter. If you need anything or have any questions please do not hesitate to call or e-mail us.

The Alabama District Rally is going to be here before we know it. This is the time for us to put on the best rally that we can. It is going to take every member to encourage and participate for this to be a success. Chapter assignments will be out soon so make sure what your chapter will be responsible for.

The dunking booth will be back this year. It will be more in the front of the rally area this year. This will give better opportunity for everyone to dunk their favorite person. We are now taking reservations for these seats. Chapter directors and State staff members can also participate. Just contact us and we will be glad to book your seating.

Some of the Chapters have their Fun Days scheduled. They are posted on the website and in the newsletters. Lets all make an effort to support them when we can. Participation and fun are the key ingredients in anything that we do in this organization.

Until we see you on the road,

Robert & Gail Brown The more you know the better it gets

MAD about Complacency
  - Motorist Awareness Division District Coordinators

I enjoy group riding for the most part, as the saying goes there is safety in packs and it is a lot easier for those in cars to see a group of motorcycles then to see a single bike. I also tend to think some times we get a false sense of safety being in a group since I see all too often that we make turns without signaling. Does not seem to make a difference if we are on the inside or outside of the group a large proportion of us do not signal and it comes from getting complacent and that false sense of security of being in a group. Just because we are in a group does not mean that we should forget our skills, instead we should remember to turn that turn signal on or flash that brake light if we are slowing even more so because those who are riding with us may also be complacent.

I know it can be really easy to be distracted by the weather or view that we temporarily forget that we are riding a motorcycle. Complacency just does not happen while turning; if we are in a sharp curve do we remember to single up and spread out? Riding staggered through twisties is a definite no no as it leaves no room to maneuver in the oft chance someone may come over on your side of the double yellow line. The lead bike should lead with his headlight on bright or if he has one turn on his modulator, those who follow in a group should leave their modulators off, since it can be a tad bit distracting if you are in front of someone who has one. Riding is fun, but even in groups we should all strive to remain conspicuous that way everyone sees us both in and out of our group.

Until Next Month Ride Safe, Straight and Aware,

Freddy & Doris Wheeler

February 2008 -  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

February - 2008

March - 2008