Ride for KidsSunday, September 14th is the Ride for Kids event at Barber's Motorsports in Leeds, AL which is just East of Birmingham. We want everyone to attend that can, either as a helper or as a rider. If you can help work then Ride for Kids requires all workers to attend training for insurance reasons. If you are unable to help us work then at least come down Sunday for the ride. We get to finish our ride with a parade lap on the Barber's track! Welcome New Rider EducatorPlease assist me in thanking Jim Robinson for stepping up to take on the Chapter Rider Educator position. This is a very important chapter position reporting to Leo Mechler at the district. As many of you already know, Jim is a very accomplished and certified rider trainer for both MSF and GWRRA. He brings his extensive knowledge and enthusiasm to his new role in the chapter. Please give him all of the help and encouragement that you can. Thank you very much Jim! We look forward to seeing Jim and his wife, Carol at many chapter events in the future.
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Quick Steps
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This will work great. How about reaching over there and turning the printer on so I can print this out.
You should look around some while you're here. You will even find the old newsletters and they are even organized and readable unlike the ones that were on your desk.
Okay, okay ... What on earth would I do without you?
Hmmmm ... probably live like a pig.
John & Elizabeth Griswold
Webmasters
Reprinted from January, 2006
Website Changes
Have you noticed that there have been some changes to RocketCityWings.org? Well, there have been plenty more than you have probably noticed. Don't worry, I'm not going to tell you about all of the things that have been done to make it run better or faster -- I'm just going to highlight some of the things that affect the way that you might use the website. I'm also going to remind you about some things that have been around for quite a long time.
Let's start with what is probably the most noticeable change -- the "From the Gallery" section on the home-page is now a slide-show. Instead of just showing three pictures from our vast gallery, the slide-show will cycle through around 30 pictures. Then the next time you visit the home-page there will be a different set of pictures in the slide-show. Just like before, if you want to find where a particular picture is in the gallery, just click on the picture and it will take you the folder in the gallery that contains that picture.
The calendar listing on the home-page is another big change. You should notice that its title is now "Chapter Events / Rides" which clearly identifies that what you are looking at is ONLY those calendar entries that have been identified as Chapter-B events. Any other events (such as external charity rides) are still in the calendar, but you must click on the "Calendar" tab at the top of the page before you will be able to see them.
Below the "Chapter Events / Rides" we now list as a separate section the "Birthdays / Anniversaries" for the current month. If you happen to notice a wrong date or something that is missing, please let us know so we can make the correction.
District Forum (4M) listing will now show up on our home-page. That way you can quickly scan both the Chapter and the District recent forum entries. If you click on one of the District Forum entries, a new browser window will be opened with the District Forum entry listed.
Similar to the forum, we can now list the "Extra!" (Announcements) from the District website on our website. You will notice that in that center announcements section on the home-page, our chapter announcements have push-pins in the upper-left corner and the district announcements have the district logo. Here is a little hint; have you ever noticed that some times when you visit the website the push-pins are "red" instead of their normal color? That indicates that the article is either new or has changed since your last visit to the site. So you should click on the picture or the link and see what is going on.
For some time now we have not been able to properly subscribe or unsubscribe to the two types of emails that we provide. That has now been fixed. If you want to subscribe to an email that will be sent on Monday and on Friday of every week that identifies what are the upcoming events, simply click on the "Chapter Event Notification" link from the home-page or "upcoming calendar events" from the Calendar-page; fill in your email address and select submit.
On the "Calendar" page, I want to highlight something that has been around for a long time now. When you first browse to the Calendar page you see a long listing of events. The default number of months for viewing is three (3) months. On the right-hand side of the page you can see a block of numbers with the heading "Display Months". If you click on one of those numbers, the page will reload and display the selected number of months. On the left-hand side you will see a list of topics such as, "All", "AL-B Events", "AL-B Rides", "Activities", "Charity", etc. When you click on one of these topics, the page will reload and display the calendar with only those entries that correspond to the selected topic. Now, here is something that is really neat, you can combine the last two things that I told you about; and to finish it off nicely, you can then select one of the numbers on the right under the heading of "Printer Friendly". This will cause a new browser window to open. That window will display the calendar in printer friendly form and it will honor the last selected topic that you had chosen. If you really want to get advanced try going back to the original window, scrolling down until you see the bottom of the box on the right. You should see three faint blue links, "Email", "Newsletter", and "Ride Meeting". If you select one of these links then it is very similar to selecting one of the topics on the left-hand side of the page, but the query is much more complex. If you are interested in what is going on, you can ask me sometime.
TWO THOUSAND ONE, NINE ELEVEN (2001-911)
Two thousand one, nine eleven
Three thousand plus arrive in heaven
As they pass through the gate,
Thousands more appear in wait
A bearded man with stovepipe hat
Steps forward saying, "Lets sit, lets chat"
They settle down in seats of clouds
A man named Martin shouts out proud
"I have a dream!" and once he did
The Newcomer said, "Your dream still lives."
Groups of soldiers in blue and gray
Others in khaki, and green then say
"We're from Bull Run, Yorktown, the Maine"
The Newcomer said, "You died not in vain."
From a man on sticks one could hear
"The only thing we have to fear.
The Newcomer said, "We know the rest,
Trust us sir, we've passed that test."
"Courage doesn't hide in caves
You can't bury freedom, in a grave,"
The Newcomers h ad heard this voice before
A distinct Yankees twang from Hyannisport shores
A silence fell within the mist
Somehow the Newcomer knew that this
Meant time had come for her to say
What was in the hearts of the five thousand plus that day
"Back on Earth, we wrote reports,
Watched our children play in sports
Worked our gardens, sang our songs
Went to church and clipped coupons
We smiled, we laughed, we cried, we fought
Unlike you, great we're not"
The tall man in the stovepipe hat
Stood and said, "Don't talk like that!
Look at your country, look and see
You died for freedom, just like me"
Then, before them all appeared a scene
Of rubbed streets and twisted beams
Death, destruction, smoke and dust
And people working just 'cause they must
Hauling ash, lifting stones,
Knee deep in hell, but not alone
"Look! Blackman , Whiteman, Brown man, Yellow man
Side by side helping their fellow man!"
So said Martin, as he watched the scene
"Even from nightmares, can be born a dream."
Down below three firemen raised
The colors high into ashen haze
The soldiers above had seen it before
On Iwo Jima back in '45
The man on sticks studied everything closely
Then shared his perceptions on what he saw mostly
"I see pain, I see tears,
I see sorrow -- but I don't see fear."
"You left behind husbands and wives
Daughters and sons and so many lives
Are suffering now because of this wrong
But look very closely. You're not really gone.
All of those people, even those who've never met you
All of their lives, they'll never forget you
Don't you see what has happened?
Don't you see what you've done?
You've brought them together, together as one.
With that t he man in the stovepipe hat said
"Take my hand," and from there he led
Three thousand plus heroes, Newcomers to heaven
On this day, two thousand one, nine eleven
Author UNKNOWN
(What a shame!)
Serving for Freedom
Atticus "Daniel" Fisher
SPC Fisher, Atticus Daniel
TF Eagle Assault
HHC 5-101 AVN
APO, AE 09355
Serving in Kandahar, Afghanistan
Tammy Hollingsworth's brother
Heather Knapp
Air Force
Ramstien Airbase in Germany (Just reassigned from S.Korea)
Marty & Lisa Knapp's daughter
Richard L. Follett II
Chief Master Sergeant
USAF
Rick is serving a tour in Kabul, Afghanistan training the government how to defend itself.
He is normally stationed at the Pentagon in Washington, DC.
District News
-- From the District Director
I don't know what is happening to Summer but is going way to fast. We have not even started to enjoy all the things we normally do and Summer is all most over. We have done some really fun things but it all seems a blur when we look back.
To start the month off we went to Dothan for a meeting with Region on the duties and set up for the Region A Rally. We have the vendor gates, Lighted Bike Parade, and the Bike Show. Please send Robert and Gail an Email of the number of members who plan to attend and if they could help us with these duties. For all who are attending please come to the Region Couple of the Year selection and support Terry and Barbie. It would be great to show our Alabama/Auburn support for them. We hope to see as many as can come at the Rally.
On August 9th we had the North Picnic (next year I will bring watermelon) at Tannehill State Park. We had a really good showing with 14 Chapters and 180 members. We would like to thank Billy and Lisa Beavers for letting us use the water cooled fans, they were the hit of the picnic. Thanks to all who attended for making it a great day.
Later that day we attended an auction for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation that Bill and Joyce Smith along with others from Chapter X and the Ride For Kids Task force. We had a good turnout of friends, some who ride and some who do not. A good time was had by all who attended and over $13,000 was raised. One of the STARS (a survivor) modeled sun glasses, leather coat and vest for the crowd, she ran away with their hearts.
On August 15th we were late for Chapter T's meeting but wound up attending a parking lot kick tire session. We were in the parking lot for two hours after the meeting and people started calling us homeless. Then several of us met at Cracker Barrel to eat dinner/dessert, drink some coffee and can you believe, talk some more.
On the 16th we attended an Advanced Leadership class that was expertly done by Frank and Linda Teasley. We had 28 people in attendance, of which, 20 are Alabama staff members. We are having a really good turnout for Leadership classes and continue to get requests for more.
Chapter S will have the Traveling Plaque up for grabs on August 30th from 12:00-2:00 PM at Jonathan's Steak House, 15110 Highway 43 Russellville (across the highway from the hospital). Let's see who comes the furthest with the most members, have fun.
Please remember that Freedom isn't Free and remember our folks who are in Harm's Way, be they Military, Law Enforcement, EMTs or Firemen.
The next time you think about riding, call a friend, they are probably thinking the same thing.
| Roy & Anita Fosnight Please Ride Safe and Often |
Fun, Safety & Knowledge
-- From the Assistant District Director - Central
Fun, Safety & Knowledge
Well for the past three months we have been focusing on three words that are included in the Motto for GWRRA, Fun, Safety and Knowledge. This month we will talk about Knowledge as we see it pertains to GWRRA. Our saying that we add to the end of all of our articles and e-mails have been The more you know the better it gets and we really believe that.
Last month we talked about the Rider Education and the MAD programs during our discussion of the word Safety. This month we will have to plug the Leadership training and Knowledge Enhancement programs that GWRRA has put together for its membership.
This past weekend we attended the Advanced Leadership Skills class that was held by our District trainers Frank and Linda Teasley. It was wonderful, this was the last class of the Horizons Program. GWRRA has put together some classes for its membership that can really enhance and help teach our members how to look at, trouble shoot and handle problems or issues that may arise in their chapters. But these are lessons that can be carried over to your business relationships and personal relationships. The Horizons program offers several classes -- the first is the Horizons class that is a two day class that is both interactive and Fun. The next is Membership enhancement a one day class and then the intermediate and advance leadership training which are both one day classes. The Trainers also help put together classes at the District rally and often help with teaching classes in other Districts and at Wing Ding. The trainer's job has to be one of the most involved and time consuming positions on the District staff and Frank and Linda do a wonderful job. We would like to take this opportunity to thank them for all the classes that they have put together and given over the past couple of years and the ones that they are planning for the future. We would also like to thank the members of Alabama Chapter T, that has shared Frank and Linda with the rest of the Alabama District and Region A. We know all the time that has been required from this position and we know that it has taken time away from their participation with there home chapter.
We are also seeing more classes being offered at District, Region and National levels that can enhance the members knowledge on areas of special interest. Scrapbooking, Remembering names, How to show your bike in a bike show. These are just a few topics that we have seen offered at recent rallies.
We looked into our crystal ball and saw the GWRRA rally of the future. It will have a lot more seminars and competitions and fewer Vendors. This will happen because of the worlds changing environment. If we don't do a better job of supporting our Vendors during the Rallies, they will stop coming, the price of fuel and increasing competition of a Web-based market for bike accessories will force them to stop traveling to our rallies.. Remember that when you want to order something on-line instead of buying it from a vendor, so you can save 2 dollars..
So when you see a GWRRA seminar offered.. Please take the time to enroll and take the class.. you may just have some Fun while your learning something new. Thanks again to all the trainers that give of their time and self to serve the members of GWRRA.. when you see one.. Tell them you appreciate them.
| Robert & Gail Brown The more you know the better it gets |
District News
-- From the Assistant District Director - South
Hello to everyone.
Roy and Anita Fosnight honored Corky and me recently as they have asked us to fill the large vacancy left when Jim Lee, the current Southern Assistant District Director decided to "Jam". Our role will be the same as his was. That every Chapter in South Alabama, Montgomery area and below; receives the support and cooperation they deserve and expect from the District Director and his staff. We will be visiting the various Chapters bringing updates, messages and notes from our Director and to help pass on any messages or request you may have back to him as needed. Each and every person we have met in our new position as the Southern Assistant District Directors warmly received Corky and me. Please include us in you address book so we can keep up with the functions of your chapters.
Corky and I can't thank Roy and his Staff enough for their warm reception and pledges to assist us as we get settled into our new position.
Hope to see you all soon,
| Ron & Corky Alexander Remember to keep the rubber down, it works best that way |
Change motorcycle perceptionsI sat reading the Aug. 9 Metro section ("Graveside service planned for victim") about the graveside services of two motorcyclists, and shook my head. I believe that both deaths were preventable and I believe that people's perceptions of motorcycles must change to help curb those deaths. Motorcycles and sport bikes in particular are not dangerous when they are ridden and operated the way they are designed to be ridden. They can be a safe mode of transportation and fun. There is a wide availability of protective gear, and various clubs and groups sponsor "track days" at closed race courses for those who have a need for speed. Fuel prices have driven more and more people to buy motorcycles, so there are more folks riding than ever before. I would ask the following of those in cars and trucks: Look for motorcyclists. If you spot one, good for you. FREDDY WHEELER Motorist Awareness Division |
MAD About Football Season
-- Motorist Awareness Division District Coordinators
Well it's that time once again the days grow shorter and leaves are about to turn and it's football time once again in Alabama and no mater what team you follow (I bet you can guess mine if you've seen my bike) there are those of us who are forced to make a choice. I've been following Tide football ever since I knew what the sport was about so for me it is a no brainer, except I love riding and riding in particular to Tuscaloosa which I have done on numerous occasions. There are some problems associated with that though which is why I'm writing about football season in a motorcycle newsletter.
Traffic: If you been to a major college event in this state there is no doubting the passion for either Alabama or Auburn or for that mater Troy, Alabama A&M an soon South Alabama when you have these types of activities you have folks show up in mass and small towns become like major cities within just a few short hours. Riding a motorcycle in this type traffic is very hazardous and you really have to be on your toes if you want to survive. People in cars are most likely distracted by any number of things so you can bet they are not looking for motorcycles. What can you do? Well for starters wear a contrasting color to the school colors your going to see and the very best of those colors is the High Viz green vest or other apparel this will help them see something they are not looking for. Remember lane position, be where they can see you if they can't then it's no ones fault but yours. Finally get yourself a headlight modulator so they can see your bike in a sea of headlights, the pulsating headlight will cause them to think something is wrong and they will slow down and look closer as to what is not registering.
Parking: We all know how big a wing is, but still compared to all but the smallest of cars it is really very small especially when parked behind other vehicles. Like with you riding make sure your wing is spotted take a safety vest and some other contrasting or bright color and hang it on the windshield this will then make a the clear windshield visible and easier to spot in the rear view mirror when some one goes to back up.
Finally if you have to leave after the game be sure to go back to where you are parked pull out that folding chair in the trailer or off the luggage rack and sit. Traffic after a major event does not move very quickly and all that will happen is your bike will get as overheated as you do sitting in traffic waiting for it to move. People tend to do more stupid things trying to get home as they RUSH to beat the traffic and may just RUSH into you while you are stopped.
I've included a Letter to the Editor of Mobile Press Register and I encourage all of you write your local newspaper when these type accidents happen, one of the deaths was attributable to a driver turning left as motorcyclist we can not just lay this at the publics feet we have to do our part to be seen.
Until Next Month
Ride Safe, Straight and Aware
| Freddy & Doris Wheeler |
Recruiting & Retention
-- Membership Enhancement Coordinators
We want to say "Thanks" to our District Directors and all who cooked and worked to give us all a wonderful picnic. The food was delicious and the fellowship was GREAT and the weather was almost perfect--well, now that we think about it, we believe it was perfect.
We all know Recruiting means "GET". Following recruiting is Retention, and that is the important part, because it means (1) to Keep (2) to Keep in Mind and (3) to Remember.
In between Recruitment and Retention is the period where the new member's expectations are fulfilled, resulting in a satisfied member, or left unfulfilled resulting in an unhappy member.
It is the responsibility of the Chapter Director to make sure new members are included in the activities of the chapter. When a person is asked to help with something it makes them feel needed and wanted.
Happy Recruiting,
| Dewey & Alice Cole |
In Their Own Words
Chapter-B Couple of the Year
Steven & Tammy Hollingsworth
Steven and I are diehard Goldwingers. As Chapter B's Couple of the Year, we are having the time of our lives. We have not always been Goldwingers; we are relatively new to this association. We look forward to many happy years ahead though. As our story goes, Steven and I own 2 businesses, one is a locksmith company and the other is a Champion Trike dealer. We've always found a way to have fun and still manage to work hard. We've built our businesses up from scratch; accomplishments that we are very proud of. I work on Redstone Arsenal as an analyst and graphics illustrator. I'm only 16 classes away from my bachelor's degree and Steven (I'm entitled to my opinion, right?) is just so smart, he never needed to go to school. That is what attracted me to Steven in the first place, his smarts and his charm, and good looks. I was working in an auto finance company and Steven waltzed right into my office (and my life) as a repo man. Our first date was four-wheeling in the mountains. We got muddy and we had fun. Our common likes were that we love the outdoors and having fun; we fit together well. Our adventures together are the best times of my life. My life did not start out as a swell adventure. I was raised by my grandparents and I never got to go anywhere much; Steven was an Army brat and he traveled the world. After we came together, we began our lifelong journey to see as much as we could see. However, we just never made an effort to get out as much as we do now which I can attribute to owning a Goldwing. GWRRA has changed our lives immensely. Now I get to see everything, and Steven gets to see things that he missed along the way.
Although we've only been married for 12 years, it seems only in the last 2 that we feel we have accomplished the most. A few years ago, Steven adopted our son who is now 20 years old. We were hoping to make this new adventure a family event, but Zachary feels like it is not too cool to ride with your parents. However, we do hope he changes his mind later down the road. Zachary has not found his direction in life yet but he is a great kid and the three of us are always there for each other. Unfortunately, he is usually there and we are elsewhere. He is our babysitter for all of our outrageous animals which consists of 2 birds, 3 dogs, and 1 sassy cat. Once upon a time I sat and home and wished he'd be around more often. Now we hear from Zack that we are worse than he ever was about never being home.
My excuse is I'm making up for a pitiful childhood and learning to have the best kind of fun. Growing up, I had only been on a motorcycle a few times but I loved it so much. It took 20+ years, but I finally got one, whereas, on the other hand Steven has always rode motorcycles but this was a first for him as well. The idea of owning my own bike always lay dormant in the back of my mind... till one day... on February 2006, Steven & I took possession of our new 2006 Titanium baby. The day we bought our baby it was Steven's first experience on a Goldwing. My first experience was on a co-worker's bike. Cathy and her husband usually rode their bike on Fridays, so one Friday I happen to be outside and I saw him pull in the parking lot to pick her up... I was sitting there with tongue hanging out admiring their magenta Trike. It was beautiful. It had beautiful murals all over it. Cathy comes out and offers to take me for a spin. While sitting in the back seat, I had this revelation. Steven always had motorcycles but we never had one together. I said to myself, I must mention this to Steven. If I ask him to buy a bike, he should be game for it since he used to ride bikes all the time. After the initial shock from my request for a motorcycle, Steven informed me that if this was just a passing fad that it would be a heck of an expensive fad unless I was serious about riding. So here I am in the living room with a child's anticipation that we are going to get a Goldwing. Steven, with a gleam in his eye, ponders and immediately starts searching the internet. One night, Steven shows me a video of the new 2006 models... I wasn't a bit interested cause I was in love with a 2005 silver one; however at the first mention of butt warmers and navigation system, my ears perked up higher than a jack rabbit with a coyote on his tail. SOLD! I said! And a decision was borne. Titanium it would be -- with Navigation and of course, butt warmers! I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. One day we joined a group of AL-B Goldwingers, and we were hooked. What an adventure we've been on since that 20th day of May. In July 2006, our baby sprouted an extra wheel branching out into a lovely Trike. Oh what a glorious day! I'm thinking "I can drive a trike!", but as I pondered, I asked "so now what is wrong with this picture?" Then as fast as lightning can split a tree, it came to me... "Steven needs a bike!" My very own words were "if you wanna ride a Goldwing, I suggest you go buy yourself one". I took possession thereby, forcing a very willing Steven to purchase another Titanium baby, which in the long run has suited both of us ideally. So he did, with an agreement between us that if he bought 'safety chrome' and lighting for his bike, he must buy two to include one for my bike.
At one time we lived rather sedentary lives -- always searching for something fun to do. We no longer have that problem. We've managed to travel all over the states in a matter of only months. We've been on such a wonderful "ride" that I cannot describe to the normal "Joe" what it's like. It's unbelievable; it's breath-taking; it's the most satisfying thing I've ever done with my life and I think Steven feels the same. Where else can you go to learn so much and meet so many new friends and visit so many places and all the while just living "the dream"? GWRRA has been good to us but most importantly it has been good for us. We have improved upon ourselves as human beings and we feel we have something more to contribute back to our community. Life's too short, but living it up on a Goldwing sure makes life a little sweeter and more gratifying.
Here we are now, many wonderful friends later. I cannot dream of any place I'd rather be than on our bikes with our friends, other than maybe at a Dairy Queen and of course, we would only be there with Goldwingers. Recently, we had our 2nd birthday as baby-wingers and we can't wait to grow up!
Region "A"-News
-- From the Region-A Directors
By the time you read this, we'll be less than two weeks out from the Region "A" rally in Dothan, AL. We sure hope you'll join us there for a great time. You can still register on site or if you can't stay for the whole event you can obtain a vendor pass for the day. In any case, we look forward to seeing many of you at the Holiday Inn at Dothan for what promises to be a first class rally.
An important function at our rally is to select the 2008-09 Region "A" Couple of the Year. The selection from among the five District Couples in Region "A" will be held on Friday the 12th at 11:00 AM in the Bronze Room at the Holiday Inn. We know your respective Couples of the Year would appreciate the support during the selection process. The Couple of the Year selection alone is a good reason to attend the rally!
We are also offering several informative and fun seminars at the Region "A" rally, including recertification for both CPR and First Aid at no cost to the member. Just bring your current First Aid or CPR card because this is a recertification class so you must have previously taken the full course. We are also going to have other seminars on Membership Enhancement, Co-rider, Team Riding and more.
For our full-registered delegates we're going to feed you a nice dinner on Friday evening with beverage and ice cream cup, a dessert social on Thursday evening and a hospitality suite that will be open much of the time the rally is in progress serving snacks and beverages. These are all good reasons to attend.
We will retire the current Region "A" Wanderer at closing ceremonies with the chapter that racked up the most points during the year. We'll also recognize the chapter who came in second in overall miles and the chapter making the most attempts at capture.
We'd like to thank all the chapters who participated in the Region "A" Wanderer program during the year. We should always recall that the purpose of the Wanderer is to encourage chapter-to-chapter visitation. We know that there's a friendly competition among chapters for the most miles and attempts for the Wanderer captures but we should always remember that it's the visitation with our fellow GWRRA chapters and the ride to get there and return home that really counts.
The next District rally in Region "A" is the Mississippi District, October 16th-18th in Biloxi. While it's still a little more than a month away by the time you read this, we encourage you to attend the Mississippi rally and enjoy a few days on the Gulf Coast. Gregg and Pat Harbison along with the MS District staff are hosting a great rally (just like always) and we know you'll have a good time. It's a nice way of wrapping up the formal rally season in Region "A". The Mississippi rally is the last District rally in Region "A" until Florida next March.
The Home Office is looking for Member suggestions with respect to adding new benefits or expanding existing benefits to GWRRA membership. What we are looking for is reasonable and practical suggestions that would make GWRRA membership more attractive to existing and new members. If you think you have a suggestion, just send it by e-mail to Peggy Lee at the Home Office at ple e*gw rra: org.
We look forward to seeing you at the Region "A" rally in September!
| Bob & Nancy Shrader |
Region "A"-News
-- From the Assistant Region Director
My riding this summer has really been curtailed. I have worked every Saturday since June 13 and it's really been a bore. With that behind me, my riding is or was getting back in the saddle when Fay came along with days of rain. Don't really mind riding in the rain I just hate to cleanup the bike from all the road grime. With that being said one great event coming up in September is the Region 'A' rally which is being held in a new location for 2008 and that is in Dothan, Alabama. For those of you that don't know the location, Dothan is located where US231 and US431 meets. The rally-site is the Holiday Inn South. The rally is not a huge rally, but the fun is outstanding and we will treat you so many ways that you are bound to like one of them. Come join us in Dothan and have a great ride to the rally and points beyond. Hope to see you there.
Another super fun rally is Wings Over the Smokies in Fletcher, NC the third week in September. This will be our 20th consecutive Wings Over the Smokies and we look forward to riding in the mountains for a couple of days and being with a few thousand of our GWRRA Family. Of course there are many vendors that will have favor pieces of shiny chrome, tires or many other services.
Don't forget in October that it's time for the ride to Biloxi, MS for the Mississippi District Rally and our Mississippi GW Family will have all the doors open and the red carpet laid out for us. Don't forget there are a few places to do a little "cha-chining" at a few of the Casinos. So saddle up in October and find your way to Biloxi. We will be waiting to greet you.
This fall is filled with GW functions in Region 'A' and you are invited to attend. It's a great time of year for riding.
| Jim & Sue Jackson |
New International Couple of the Year Coordinators
Good Morning, We are excited to announce the appointment of Bruce and Gayle Babcock as the new International Couple of the Year Coordinators. They have been active members of GWRRA and Chapter VA-I since 1995. Bruce and Gayle live in Manassas, Virginia and were the Region N Couple of the Year for 2006-2007. Bruce rides a 2000 Blue SE Gold Wing and Gayle rides a 1995 Red Aspencade Gold Wing. Both are Level IV in Rider Education and both are certified Road Captains.
They have held several Chapter staff positions and are currently the Assistant Chapter Directors for Chapter VA-I. Bruce and Gayle are enthusiastic supporters of GWRRA and the Couple of the Year Program.
Bruce and Gayle replace Tom and Kathy Peck who stepped down as International Couple of the Year Coordinators after Wing Ding 30. Tom and Kathy were outstanding International Couple of the Year Coordinators and made numerous contributions toward improving and making the program successful. They have been mentors for many years to couples at all levels. We sincerely thank them for all they have done as International Couple of the Year Coordinators.
Please join us in welcoming Bruce and Gayle to the Membership Enhancement Division Team. Please forward this announcement to you Districts Directors and Membership Enhancement Coordinators.
Thank you for all you do.
"We are Listening, What is Your Solution?"
Ed & Linda Johnson
Directors
GWRRA Membership Enhancement Division
September 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
September - 2008
| 1 | Mon | Labor Holiday |
| 2 | Tue | Supper at OH!Bryans -- 6:00pm - 2136 Highway 72 E |
| 3 | Wed | Killington Classic -- Motorcycle Touring Rally |
| 4 | Thu | Supper at Olive Garden -- 6:00pm - 3730 University Dr NW |
| 5 | Fri | Mammoth Cave (POSTPONED) |
| 6 | Sat | Wounded Warriors - Biannual Car & Bike Show -- 10am-4pm - Serra Toyota of Decatur, 309 Beltline, Reg: $25, Door Prizes, 50/50, Free Food, Fun for whole family. All proceeds go to Wounded Warrior Regiment. |
| Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) Charity Ride -- 9am-7pm - Rocket Harley-Davidson. BBQ - Sales - Poker Run @10:30am - Door Prizes, More. Thru Sunday. | ||
| 7 | Sun | Breakfast at Mullins -- 8:30am - 607 Andrew Jackson Way NE, Huntsville. Ride TBD. |
| Ride for Kids - Task Force Meeting -- 2:00pm - Ryans Steakhouse in Cullman (exit 304) | ||
| Grandparent's Day | ||
| 8 | Mon | AL-E Anderson Meeting -- Fish Creel, Highway 207, Anderson - Eat 6:30pm / Meet 7:00pm |
| 9 | Tue | Rocket City Wings meeting -- Ryan's, S. Pkwy, Huntsville. Eat 6pm / Meet 7pm |
| 11 | Thu | Supper at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store -- 6:00pm - 2001 Drake Avenue SW |
| GWRRA - Region A Rally | ||
| Patriot Day -- Terrorist Attack on NY and DC 7th Anniversary | ||
| 13 | Sat | Ride down to Training for Ride for Kids -- 8:00am - Depart Madison/CB Shell |
| Ride for Kids Worker Training | ||
| Experienced Rider Course -- Madison County Executive Airport | ||
| 14 | Sun | Ride for Kids -- Start & End: Barber's Motorsports, Reg: 8am to 9:45am, Ride Leaves Promptly 10:00am Rain or Shine |
| Breakfast at Mullins -- 8:30am - 607 Andrew Jackson Way NE, Huntsville. Ride TBD. | ||
| 16 | Tue | Birthday Dinner at Supper at Shogun Japanese Steak & Sushi -- 6:00pm - 3991 University Dr NW |
| 18 | Thu | Supper at Red Lobster -- 6:00pm - 1818 University Drive |
| GWRRA - NC District Rally - Wings Over the Smokies | ||
| 20 | Sat | Chrome Party -- 10:00am - Wayne Davis' - 1573 Manley Rd, New Market |
| AL-H Athens (Athens Eagle Wings) Meeting -- LuLu's Place, Pepper Road out of Athens - Meet/Eat 8:00am | ||
| Trail of Tears -- Commemorative Motorcycle Ride | ||
| 21 | Sun | Breakfast at Mullins -- 8:30am - 607 Andrew Jackson Way NE, Huntsville. Ride TBD. |
| Cherokee Rock Village / Little River Canyon -- 11:30am - Depart Mountain-Gap/Kangaroos - Kangaroos Stations across from Mountain-Gap on S. Memorial Pky | ||
| 22 | Mon | First Day of Autumn -- 15:57 UTC |
| 23 | Tue | Supper at Wings -- 6:00pm - 4250 Balmoral Dr (Just off Old Airport Rd) |
| AL-I Decatur (Point Mallard Wings) Meeting -- Tony's Country Cooking, 6th Avenue SE, Decatur - Eat 6:00pm / Meet 7:00pm | ||
| 25 | Thu | Supper at Ol' Heidelberg Restaurant -- 6:00pm - 6125 University Drive |
| 27 | Sat | Alice Chapman Yard/Parking-Lot Sale (Relay for Life) -- 10:00am - Gander Mtn |
| Chapter-J Motorcycle Rodeo -- 10am-2pm - Palmore Park, Tuscaloosa - Door Prizes, Games, 50/25/25, 2-Grand-Prizes - Info: Roy Beall, 205-393-2653 | ||
| 28 | Sun | Breakfast at Mullins -- 8:30am - 607 Andrew Jackson Way NE, Huntsville. Ride TBD. |
| Road Captains Course -- 1:30pm - Hosted by AL-H, John and Lynn Wampler's garage, 25215 Queensbury Drive, Athens, 256-230-3873 - Instructors: Frank and Linda Teasley (More Info) | ||
| 30 | Tue | Supper at Ruby Tuesday -- 6:00pm - 7814 Hwy 72 West, Madison |
October - 2008
| 1 | Wed | Myrtle Beach Fall Motorcycle Rally |
| 2 | Thu | Supper at Clarks -- 6:00pm - 1221-D Kelli Dr, Athens (South of 72, across from Cracker Barrel) |
| 4 | Sat | Dismal Canyon Ride -- 9:00am - Depart Madison/CB Shell |
| Experienced Rider Course -- Madison County Executive Airport | ||
| 5 | Sun | Breakfast at Mullins -- 8:30am - 607 Andrew Jackson Way NE, Huntsville. Ride TBD. |
| 6 | Mon | Madison County Area Schools Fall Break |
| 7 | Tue | Supper at Lone Star Steakhouse -- 6:00pm - 5901 University Drive (Madison Square Mall) |
| Madison County Area Schools Fall Break | ||
| 8 | Wed | Madison County Area Schools Fall Break |
| 9 | Thu | Supper at Lenny's Sub Shop -- 6:00pm - 7830 Highway 72 W, Madison (couple of doors down from Books A Million) |
| GWRRA - VA District Rally | ||
| Madison County Area Schools Fall Break | ||
| 10 | Fri | Madison County Area Schools Fall Break |
| March of Dimes Ride -- Huntsville | ||
| 11 | Sat | Night at the Drive-In -- Time and Place to be announced |
| 12 | Sun | Breakfast at Mullins -- 8:30am - 607 Andrew Jackson Way NE, Huntsville. Ride TBD. |
| 13 | Mon | AL-E Anderson Meeting -- Fish Creel, Highway 207, Anderson - Eat 6:30pm / Meet 7:00pm |
| Columbus Holiday (Observed) | ||
| 14 | Tue | Rocket City Wings meeting -- Ryan's, S. Pkwy, Huntsville. Eat 6pm / Meet 7pm |
| 16 | Thu | Supper at Rosies Mexican Cantina -- 6:00pm - 7540 South Memorial Pkwy |
| GWRRA - Mississippi District Rally | ||
| Biketoberfest -- Daytona Beach | ||
| 18 | Sat | Old Racers Weekend -- 8:00am - Depart Madison/CB Shell |
| AL-H Athens (Athens Eagle Wings) Meeting -- LuLu's Place, Pepper Road out of Athens - Meet/Eat 8:00am | ||
| 19 | Sun | Breakfast at Mullins -- 8:30am - 607 Andrew Jackson Way NE, Huntsville. Ride TBD. |
| 21 | Tue | Birthday Dinner at Supper at Shogun Japanese Steak & Sushi -- 6:00pm - 3991 University Dr NW |
| 23 | Thu | Supper at Casa Blanca -- 6:00pm - 140 Browns Ferry Rd, Madison |
| 25 | Sat | Ride to the Dump (Chili that is ... ) -- 3:30pm - Depart Mountain-Gap/Kangaroos - Kangaroos Stations across from Mountain-Gap on S. Memorial Pky |
| Chili Dump & Weenie Roast at Rich & Nancy's -- 4:00pm - Bring your favorite Chili or other dish to share | ||
| Trike Rider Course -- Class: 8:30-11:00, Range: 12:00-4:00, Fee: $20 - Madison Executive Airport, Meridianville - Contact: Kay Leonard or Jim Robinson | ||
| Chapter Couple of the Year Gathering -- 10am-2pm - Klassy Klean, 81 Ste. C&D Weatherly Club Drive, Alabaster, AL - Discuss details of selection process at Snowball and have some good fun. Cookout and watch AL/TN football after. | ||
| 26 | Sun | Breakfast at Mullins -- 8:30am - 607 Andrew Jackson Way NE, Huntsville. Ride TBD. |
| 27 | Mon | Staff Meeting (All Welcome) -- 6:30pm - Jeff & Stephanie Brownback's |
| 28 | Tue | AL-I Decatur (Point Mallard Wings) Meeting -- Tony's Country Cooking, 6th Avenue SE, Decatur - Eat 6:00pm / Meet 7:00pm |
| 30 | Thu | Supper at Olive Garden -- 6:00pm - 3730 University Dr NW |
| 31 | Fri | Halloween |