Rocket City Wings Huntsville, Alabama -- Chapter B, Region A Friends for Fun, Safety & Knowledge August 2009

Director Notes
  -- From the Mrs. Chapter Director

Where has the summer gone, I can't believe we are already in August.  School is starting back and of course for us Ride for Kids is just around the corner.  I was unable to attend the Pancake breakfast due to illness but I want to tell everyone: Thank you.  John said everything went great and even though the numbers were down everyone seemed to have a good time.  We know times are tough right now but it's nice to see people remember the children.

Hopefully this coming weekend we will have a great group going to our Annual North Alabama State picnic.  There is always great fun and I hope to see you there.  As you all know John is pretty busy right now at work so if we miss you on the road hopefully we will be able to catch up at a dinner sometime soon. 

Miss you all and hope to see you soon!

Elizabeth Griswold

Chapter Couple Notes
  -- From the Chapter Couple of the Year

It was really lonely the first week of the July... most of our friends and family were out of town the entire week attending Wing Ding.  We were really excited when they called for dinner on their way back from Tulsa before even going home.

There was an ERC this past month. If anyone missed it keep checking the calendar because we are about to have some ARC Coaches right here in our own backyard.  ERC and TRC's are so important to continually improve our skills.

We saw so many old friends and made lots of new ones at the TN/AL Hamburger Run at Randy's Restaurant in Trenton GA.  There must have been 300 hungry Goldwingers there. Everyone was eating and catching up.  I did learn one thing, in Alabama it's just around the next bend, in Georgia it's in the next bend.

It looks as though August could turn into a busy month so check the calendar and come join the fun.  Ya just never know who may get the J for Genius award and it's a lot more fun seeing it firsthand that just hearing about it.

Everyone, don't forget to make plans to attend the Region A Rally September 11 and 12.  Our very own Steve and Tammy Hollingsworth are going through the selection process for Region A Couple of the Year.  We need to be doin some hoopin and a hollerin to let them know we love em.

Four wheels move the body.  Two wheels move the soul.

Richard & Sue Chapman

Learning to Listen:  When SAFETY Screams At You
  -- From the Chapter Rider Educators

Little Voice Screaming Big Warnings

Little voice?  Know what I'm talking about?  Ever heard that little voice inside your head talk to you, then raise its voice, then sometimes it's yelling so loud you get a headache.  Well, rumor has it that the little voice is for real.  I know you all think I'm already nuts because I talk to Elvis, the goose, but sometimes talking isn't so bad but listening is the hard part.  If you are out riding and your little voice tells you to slow down, guess what?  S-L-O-W down.  If you see someone forget to put on their safety gear, guess what?  Speak up!  These are your friends, boys & girls, so it's not worth the risk by letting someone do something unsafe.  If you see your gas light is on but you are pretty sure the old gas station downtown on the corner is still in business, but your little voice says, "well, it's only been 10 years since you've been down that road".  What do you do?  You don't second guess, just get gas before then.  Trust me, if you run out of gas, someone else will NOT let you live it down.  Yep, that little voice in your head is there for a reason.  It's quite smart and is usually right about a lot of things.  So why take a chance, just stop and listen to it sometimes.  You never know.  It's always good to minimize regrets by listening to your little voice.  Taking the proper precautions for Safety can only enhance your riding enjoyment but listening to your little voice can just give you a peace of mind.

Example of what a lot of little voices scream about:

Riding Gear:  When to use it.

Well, DUH!  You wear it anytime you are on a motorcycle.  You can wear it to bed if you'd like.  Somewhere in my travels, I heard of a law that is actually on the books that says you cannot wear your cowboy boots to bed.  Soooooo, before attempting to wear any safety clothing to bed, it might be a good idea to check the local laws and verify that you are lawful in your attire.  Most folks know that on a long trip, especially on roads that you are not familiar with, that you should be well protected and geared.  What about your local neighborhood? What if you decide you need a gallon of milk and the store is a quarter of a mile from your house and your cars and trucks are all in the garage but your bike just happens to be in the driveway.  Go figure.  A short trip to the store, would it require full-riding gear?  Statistics say that most accidents happen close to home and at relatively low speeds as with the opposite, fast speeds will get you a speeding ticket close to home.  Again, why take the chance?  You can injure yourself sitting still at a red light.  Yes, many accidents happen in a parking lot.  Just dropping the bike can hurt you if you just happen to have your ankle positioned in the wrong location.  Then there's road rash, 0-150 miles per hour, it don't matter, road rash can hurt.  As with any cuts or abrasions, it can get infected and then a band-aid and ointment won't do anything for you or your epidermis.  I hear that septic shock can be lethal.  Again, why take that chance?  It doesn't take much to hurt your head in any type of accident, so a helmet is kinda necessary.  If you just start making a habit of putting on the minimal amount of riding gear, it could prove to be your best friend some day.  Minimal gear should be helmet, gloves, long sleeves, boots / shoes over the ankle, and long pants.  If you don't have a full-face helmet, be sure to wear eye protection.  If you practice timing yourself, you'll find out that you can put all of this stuff on in minutes and be out of the driveway and back before you know it.  So why not start conditioning yourself.  Not your hair, goofy!!  Condition your habits.  Simple repetitive tasks require a timeframe of approximately 21 days to condition into a habit.  See, you've been riding for 21 years; you should have this down pat!  If not, now's a great time to start.  What are you waiting on?!!  Why are you reading this article?  Go outside now and practice.  Well, okay, as soon as you finish reading this, go out to your garage and practice putting minimal safety gear on.  After you got it on, who knows you might enjoy a ride around the neighborhood.  See, not only am I influencing you into good habits, I'm getting you off the couch and exercising!  What a friend!

Trying to Keep Up: Okay, now that you are all suited up and been out on a nice spin around the block, you've got the fever, right?  It's time to start calling friends for a group ride.  Lately we have had some new folks join the chapter.  What if you are that "new person"?  So, you've read all these articles and you know how to dress, and you think you've got a good idea as to how to group ride.  What if you find that your little voice is screaming at you to slow down because you are a new rider?  Last month's article suggests that you speak up if you are uncomfortable.  You are responsible to ride within your limits. But, you must inform your group leader of your concerns.  Less skilled riders will be more prone to a crash than an experienced rider.  They've not had as much practice at riding.  Some folks are afraid of losing touch with the group or fear they will get left behind.  It's important for group leaders to have a plan that keeps the group together and to assure slower riders that they won't be left behind. It's also important for folks to recognize when they are being influenced by the need to stay with the group.  You need to listen to your voice when it says "ride your own bike" because that is what will keep you safe.  Before each ride, it is best to prepare and have a meeting of the minds.  The group leader should know what the basic route is and what the intended route will be.  Notifying folks up front can help deter the feeling of getting left behind because you know where they are heading and eventually they will be able to slow down or stop giving you the chance to catch up.  Fear of losing contact on the radio isn't that big of a deal because some folks don't even have CBs, so what do they do? Again, it's important to discuss the route beforehand.  If the leader is aware that some folks do not know the area the ride is going into, then he/she will know to slow down and give folks time to catch up or even find a safe place to stop such as a parking lot in order to regroup the ride.  Just be sure to speak up if you are uncomfortable and need to pull over (your little voice will let you know when you should speak up).  Over time as a group rides together, they will begin to mesh and understand each others' needs and even be able to identify situations as they come up.  In the near future we are hoping to have a Road Captain's Course.  This course will be good for anyone, new or experienced riders.  The Road Captain's Course will provide you with skills and ways to learn how to ride more effectively within a group.  More importantly, this course can support safety concerns of riding in a group and how group riding maneuvers are important and how they keep every individual rider safe. 

If you have questions, feel free to ask your Ride Educator.  Knowledge is power.  The only dumb questions are the ones NOT asked.  If you need any kind of specialized training, we'll see what we can find for you.  Right now, we are working on some specialized training for Greg Dempsey.  We will have to develop some new instructions to deal with his unique situation.  As of 29 July, we are thinking the title of the course will be:  "Armadillo Avoidance".  Apparently while riding in Arkansas, he hit an armadillo.  First, I didn't believe him because I've never seen a live armadillo, but someone is dumping an incredible large amount of dead ones on the roadsides here in local Alabama.  Greg reassured me that there are a few live ones left. 

Whatever you decide to do, or whatever course you decide you might take, always remember that the most powerful piece of high-tech hardware is located directly between your ears.  To help increase your proficiency and expertise, we've included some items to go into your Knowledge Base.  Again, Knowledge is power.  These tips are derived from articles out of the Motorcyclist Magazine, Aug 2006.

If you don't know, just ask a Ride Educator. If they don't know,
Be SAFE no matter what you are driving.  We wanna ride with you again.

So whether you are group riding or riding solo, don't hesitate to speak up about anything.  Speak up to the salesman if you aren't sure; speak up to the leader of the group if you are nervous about something; speak up to your friend and suggest that they wear safer clothes.  Just speak up now or forever hold your peace!

Ride Safe and make sound decisions that you can live with!  Don't forget that little voice.  She/he is really, really smart!

Logo by Tammy Hollingsworth

Long live Goldwingers! Roll Out Goldwingers!
It's not about the destination, it's about the journey.

Aspire to inspire before you expire.

Don't Worry (Chapter) "B" Happy
Steven & Tammy Hollingsworth
"Shake Your Tail Feathers!"
Steven & Tammy Hollingsworth

Chapter Ride Report: Left / Right / Straight Ride, Huntsville / Guntersville / Morgan City, AL
- 18 July

Attendees: Tammy Hollingsworth & Elizabeth Griswold (trike), Sue Chapman (trike), Avery Howard (trike), Roger & Peggy Allen (trike), Bruce Shelton (bike), Kevin Kennemer and daughter Amy (bike), and Ron Thomas (bike)
Later:  Roger (on his yellow Can-Am Spyder) and Peggy (on HER trike)

We all met up at Drake Cracker Barrel to have breakfast before our adventure.  We headed out to Country Cruisers to start our event ride.  Before we got there, we had to make a couple of pit stops.  First, I had to go through the drive-through pharmacy to get some much needed meds; then Sue Chapman went by the Post Office to mail a care package to Randall Southerland overseas.  After we ran our errands together as a group, we made our way over to Hwy 431 via Green Mountain.  Arriving at Country Cruisers we found the one and only, Wild Bill Nelson with a new friend he'd just met at Redstone Riders, Carey.  Carey just moved to the area and Bill wanted to show him some sights in Guntersville as Carey had never been to Guntersville, AL before.  Unfortunately, Nancy & Rich Follett had to work at the store, but they were kind enough to give us all a cold bottle of water before our departure.  After a short visit with Rich and Nancy, we began our ride.  We found ourselves running around some pretty nice country.  We got down to Highway 31 and Avery and Roger mentioned a place called Top Hat BBQ.  They said it was a motorcycle hangout and it had good BBQ.  Well, if it was a motorcycle hang out, the owners didn't ride a bike because the parking was all gravel.  Granted it was packed gravel, but gravel nonetheless.  Well, it was all good anyways.  We were starting to get hungry.  We found ourselves eating some yummy BBQ in a timely manner.  The waitress was a hoot.  Her name was Summer.  The dessert was the best part.  They had fried brownies and ice cream on the menu...say what?!  Yes, fried brownies!  They were brownie bites that were fried with gooey chocolate inside and ice cream ala mode topped with caramel and chocolate.

It was enough that I shared with folks around me.  {they started to wonder if I was gonna share at one point}  After passing around the brownie bites, it was clear the one that enjoyed it the most was Roger.  He enjoyed it so much, when he got down to the last "bite" of ice cream, he discovered it was melting, so being the GENIUS he is (J-4-Genius), he improvised.  He used a straw to get the last drop!!!

You know, we Geniuses, cannot let ice cream go uneaten!  After each of us took a turn for the left / right / straight ride, we ended back up on Hwy 36.  It was such a beautiful, warm summer day.  Not too hot, but just about right.  Clouds were all puffy and billowy hanging about the sky-blue backdrop.  There were hours left in the day, so I couldn't resist.  I kidnapped Elizabeth and we commenced to riding some more.  Someone told Renee about a mini-Cades Cove just off of Union Grove Road up and around the Morgan City area (just off of Hwy 231) so we took off up there to investigate.  We hooked back up with Roger and Peggy.  Roger took us through those roads and then he found time to give us an additional tour of the area.  We learned that Roger's family was originally from the Oklahoma area (Go Sooners!) but his brothers and family settled in that area when they came to Alabama and they married Cherokee women.  The Allen family owns a lot of land up there and since Roger has been around there for a long time, he knew the roads very well.  Well, we got misinformed about the mini-Cades Cove, because where we ended up on our "Allen tour" with Roger & Peggy was more like a mini-Cades Cove that I could tell.  Don't get me wrong - the first route we took was pretty amazing but it takes a lot to equal the inspiration of Cades Cove.  It was called Parches Cove and it was quite exhilarating.  The routes we took after that were some of the most breathtaking views.  We found a road called Pleasant Valley Road, and by George, it was pleasant! Our tour ended on Apple Grove Road.  As the sun was setting, Elizabeth and I drove home in awe.  Elizabeth was actually speechless!  {hold your snickers} I was pretty darn speechless {hold your gut laughing!}.  We had a real good time while everyone else had to go tend to "chores and duties".  They really missed out.  Roger & Peggy told us that they would lead a ride through there one day so we could take the whole chapter on it.  Some of the roads were really country but for the most part, all of the roads were very, very two-wheel friendly.  Roger told us the view was amazing during the fall when the leaves were changing.  Well, it was an awesome treat to just see it in the summer.  It was poetic and magnificent.  What a perfect way to end the day!

NOTE:  Contrary to popular belief and unfounded rumors, I only passed up 4 Dairy Queens because we planned on stopping at the Dairy Queen in Priceville.  Yes, folks we stopped at a Dairy Queen!!  It was just before we got to the end of Highway 36 and everyone broke off for the day.  So, don't let any of the folks that participated in this ride steer you wrong.  I DID STOP AT A DAIRY QUEEN!

Chapter Ride Report: 2nd Annual Alabama & Tennessee Big Burger Run, Multi-District Gathering, Trenton, Georgia
- 25 July

Attendees: Tammy Hollingsworth Amber Kennemer (trike); Sue Chapman & Betty Werman (trike); Avery Howard & Joann Kenner (trike); Joye Williamson (bike); Roger & Peggy Allen (trike); Kevin & Darlene Kennemer (bike); Steven Hollingsworth & Amy Kennemer (bike); Serge M'Sadoques (bike); Serge's friend, Mark [sorry didn't catch his last name] (bike);Marty & Lisa Knapp (bike); Richard Chapman & Michael Kennemer (bike); Roy & Anita Fosnight (bike); Dennis & Anne Greer (bike); and Greg & Renee Dempsey (bike).

Folks that came over in a different group:  Jim Robinson (NEW Goldwing bike); Bill Nelson (bike); Al Stanley (bike); and Rich & Nancy Follett (trike) Note:  I was told that we had 33 attendees from Chapter B.  I hugged so many people that they all started looking the same!  I'm sorry if I left anyone's name out.  Please forgive me -- I'll add an editor's correction to next month's article if I need to.

Missing in action:  John and Elizabeth (CDs); Hiram & Lisa Bass (Kool-aid deficiency); and Jimmy & Faye Williams (Kool-aid deficiency); Mike & Alice Chapman (buffalo hunting out West); Jake & Kathy Lawyer (becoming babysitting doctors instead of lawyers); the Brownback's, the Shelton's, the Southerland's and the rest of the "B" gang all have real jobs -- may not be paying jobs, but jobs nonetheless.

Destination: BIG OLE HAMBURGER

Photos by Avery Howard (left & right)

We all met up at Moore's Mill Shell off of Hwy 72.  When Steven & I pulled up, it looked like a really good crowd.  Once we got there, we realized it was just a bunch of scooter pooters!  JUST KIDDING!  We had a bunch of folks!  I was so excited.  I drove in and squalled some tires and did my "usual" parking lot practice routine and pulled up to wait on everyone to hug me!! I like hugs!  We took off with Steven in the lead and I think Roy or Greg was tailgunner.  I really don't know.  It was so many people that we had two groups.  Chapter B had a great showing; in fact we got a really cool certificate saying we were the most from 'Bama at the Hamburger gathering.  Our illustrious Assistant Chapter Director, Marty Knapp received our certificate on behalf of our chapter.  He was beaming with pride.  You know, Chapter B really rocks!  Well, it seemed like a short trip over to Trenton, GA to Randy's Restaurant, home of the BIG BURGER.  It was a wonderful ride over.  We got there early -- good thing too.  That parking lot filled up fast!  They said they thought we'd have about 200 people.  WRONG!  It was closer to 300 people.  That was amazing.  It was like a mini-rally.  Good looking bikes EVERYWHERE.  The food was great & God bless the servers' hearts, the service was pretty dog-gone good too.  There were only four servers for that many folks and they did an amazing job.  The meal included salads and fixin's and then a TINY, TINY, tiny cup of ice cream for dessert.  Obviously, there are some improvements we need to work on for next year's gathering.  That was just enough ice cream to make ya mad, but it was good.  To our surprise, we found some ice cream later at Sweet Dreams in Madison, AL.  It wasn't just all about eating Hamburgers either.  We had a few opportunities to win some free registrations to a rally or a T-shirt, or some buttons memorializing this hamburger event.  One of GWRRA's and AL-B's newest members won a free registration to Spring Fling next year up in Pigeon Forge, TN.  Of all the places, that's definitely one of my favorites and one of the best rallies around.  A lot of it might have to do with the fact that there is some AMAZING riding roads up there and plenty of GOOD, GOOD food to eat, and a few flying pigs to get Roy Fosnight cranked up about.  The Pigeon Forge area is definitely a great place to have a rally.  So, are you wondering who it was that won the registration?  I thought you'd never ask.  It was Joann Kenner.  You don't know her yet?  Hmmmmm...sounds to me like you need to start mingling more at the chapter meetings.  Joann is a wonderful lady that just happens to like to ride on a Goldwing.  I got a feeling we'll start seeing a lot more of Joann.  Randy (the owner) had to close the restaurant to the public for a few hours to accommodate us.  I thought it was just because he was being nice, but I am pretty sure I know the real reason.  There were some crazy people running around with hamburger hats on...and then there were just the regular crazy people. 

Joann wins a free registration for Spring Fling in Pigeon Forge, TN next year. Photo by Avery Howard

Just a glimpse of all of the motorcycles in the parking lot.  There was more! Photo by Avery Howard

So, when is the food getting here? Photo by Avery Howard

Giant Ice Cream...such a SWEET DREAM!!! Photo by Avery Howard

Ice Cream sets Tammy's hair on fire! Photo by Avery Howard

:Mellowing Out at the Mellow Mushroom Photo by Avery Howard

The public just wouldn't be able to handle it!  I can just see the headlines now....

Article clipped from GW Globe Newspaper:  Goldwingers Invade Randy's Restaurant

After visiting with all of our friends from all over the state and Tennessee too, we drove back home on the LONG route.  Although Randy fended off most of the unruly 'wingers, one in particular was still hassling us.  Joye Williams threatened to give him some cheese with his wine.  If you came, then you'd know who it is.  If not, you'll just have to keep on guessing which one of our folks is the most whiniest when it comes to ice cream.  Hint:  Jake Lawyer was not on this trip. 

Making it all the way back to Madison, AL, we stormed Sweet Dreams which just happens to be an ice cream shop.  Go figure!  {please! hold your shocked looks!!].  After settling down to eat ice cream, we all decided that supper was just around the corner.  No, really!!....it was literally just around the corner!!  At the Mellow Mushroom!  It's a pizza joint.  We stormed their premises and then they herded us out to the patio for fear of losing more customers.  The waitress was really cool though; she thought we were nice.  After a few minutes, there was an ominous hush that fell across the crowd!  What!  Goldwingers not talking!!!!!!!!!  Something must be wrong!  No worries.  We were just taking a breathing break and then we started up again as the pizzas and calzones were tossed at us.  After enjoying some good pizzas and calzones, we meandered around till we found ourselves going home.  A truly FUN-filled day in Chapter B history.  Be sure to check the Rocket City Wings' website photo gallery for photos from this exciting event!

Chapter Ride Report: Sunday breakfast at Mullins, Huntsville, AL
- 26 July

Attendees at Breakfast: Tammy & Steven Hollingsworth, Betty Werman, Jimmy & Faye Williams, Hiram Bass, Greg & Renee Dempsey, Joye Williamson; and Roger Allen.

Attendees for Ride: Tammy Hollingsworth & Renee Dempsey (trike); Steven Hollingsworth (bike) , Hiram & Lisa Bass (bike), Greg Dempsey (bike); Joye Williamson (bike); Roger Allen (Spyder); Marty Knapp (bike); Lisa Knapp (trike); Sue Chapman (trike); and Richard Chapman (bike).

Mullins Restaurant in Huntsville, Alabama is just not your ordinary-run-of-the-mill restaurant.  It's a piece of history in itself.  Mullins is a family-owned business for more than 75 years.  They have had the same chili dog recipe since 1929. Well, it's been on Chapter B's calendar for a long time, that much I know for sure.  Whether you like the food or not, it really is a good time if you by for breakfast.  You don't even have to eat - just a cup of coffee will do.  Well, this last Sunday was quite a memorable breakfast.  Do you ever have those days when you bust a gut laughing and you can't quit because someone opens their mouth and something funny falls out?  Well, that's how it was.  It was a hoot.  Some mornings folks are low-key and well-behaved, while other mornings, the waitress has to come by and check our coffee pots to see if it is really coffee or not.  We thought we'd ran off one of the bikers (bicyclists), but the waitress said that we didn't scare anybody, but he was laughing a lot as he was leaving commenting that we were a funny group.  We had a good time (obviously).  So, sometimes if you accidentally wake up early on a Sunday, you ought'a come by Mullins and sit a spell with us.  Ironically, Mullins was the first place a lot of B's members met the chapter for their first visits.  You might burn out on the food, but there's always a good story, or good information that gets passed around.  Sometimes, you can just get the scoop on what's going on in chapter life.  After breakfast, and some other activities, we got a group to ride up to Lynchburg, TN.  It's a common, popular place to go on Sundays if you can't think of anything else to do.  It's a long enough ride to enjoy a day of riding and short enough that you can get back in time to cut some grass if you need to.  As always, somebody "NEEDS" to go to Judy's Leather shop on the square.  And, it never fails, someone gets hungry and we eat at some little café on the square as well.  After eating, while the guys are rocking in the rockin' chairs, some of us piddled around in some stores.  Lisa Knapp & I went down into the basement of one of the stores on the square and found some antique records.  Some of the artists we knew, such as Elton John and many more.  A few songs provoked some harmonizing singing.  Once we got back upstairs, Lisa couldn't get the tune out of her head.  Before long, she, I and Renee were singing again.  The lady at the counter knew we were having a good time.  Reminiscing in those antiques brought back lots of memories.  After taking a trip down memory lane, we joined the guys back outside and we mosey'd on our way home.

We found some roads that we'd not been on before and it was some nice countryside.  We even found some dead end streets.  So, if you ever want to go on a Sunday drive, just call up a member, usually you'll be able to round up a group of some sort to go out cruiz'n.  Sometimes you need to just get adventurous and take some roads you've never been down.  You'll be amazed at how many you find that you'll proclaim to go back down again.  So the next time you're sitting around bored on a Sunday morning, just go out for a "Sunday Drive" with some Goldwingers!  It'd be a good idea to run by Mullins first to see if there are any left in the parking lot....talking!  (oh don't laugh; you've probably done it before too!)

Drawing by Tammy Hollingsworth

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

Richard L. Follett II

• Air Force
• Chief Master Sergeant
• Pentagon, Washington, DC
  
  
• Rich & Nancy Follett's son

Heather Knapp

• Air Force
• Ramstien Airbase in Germany
  
  
• Marty & Lisa Knapp's daughter

Randall Southerland

• Army
• We will get you details about his assignment as soon as we can
  

Region-A Rally 2009

Click for More Info ...

2010 Alabama Disctrict Rally Pin Contest
  - Due November 15, 2009

Requirements for the Rally Pin Design:

• GWRRA or Gold Wing Road Riders Association
• 2010 Alabama District Rally
• Huntsville, AL
• April 1-3

Remember the Theme for the 2010 Alabama District Rally is "2010: A Wing Odyssey".

You may submit as many entries as you like and as often as you like.  We will accept designs until November 15th, 2009.

Please send entries to Roy Fosnight (Dir ecto r*Al abam a-gw rra:org)

Alabama District Rally 2010

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District News
  -- District Director

We started out with Wing Ding and haven't slowed down since. We spent 2 nights in Memphis eating Ribs and desserts. We recommend Blues City Café on Beall Street, the ribs are wonderful but the fried apple pie with ice cream is divine.  We got to see a street show with young men and boys tumbling down the street, they were really good. On Saturday we went into a store on Beall Street that had a little bit of everything in it. We spent an hour trying on funny hats. Some were Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, worms, big 40 gallon hat; they even had a Flying Pig Hat. We rode the Pig Trail in Arkansas, went site seeing in Eureka Springs, Precious Moments Museum in Missouri, the location of the demise of the Dalton's in Coffeyville, Kansas, the Little House on the Prairie outside of Independence, a Diary Queen in Neodesha and made time to put flowers on my Grandparents graves; Thanks Frank and Linda for the company. Frank finally got to see some flat land from his bike and Linda kept her sense of humor through it all.

We finally made it to Tulsa coming in from the north riding on Route 66. The first stop was the hotel and the second was the western shops around the corner. We had Alabama folks that worked ticket sales Wed thru Sun, we want to thank all of you who worked very much. While working you get to meet a lot of people, see old friends and make new ones that you will meet down the road.

We made history for Alabama last Saturday, we had 9 members start the Rider's Coach Training and I have put the information in for all to see what is needed to help us finish. If you can afford the time we could use some Guinea pigs, I mean students. This is the practice-teaching session for Alabama District's first Rider Coach Candidate training.  The ARC will be conducted by the Rider Coach candidates but will be supervised by Mike Stiger, who is the National Rider Education Director, and Ron Lantz, who is Assistant National Rider Education Director. The ARC is GWRRA's version of MSF's Experienced Rider Course (ERC).  All GWRRA Riders and Co-Riders are encouraged to attend.

Advanced Rider Course (ARC) 1-up or 2-up
August 30, 2009  Starts @ 8am - Ends at 5pm
Madison County Executive Airport
358 Bolling Road, Meridianville, AL 35759
Cost: $30 per bike
Riders and Co-Riders who complete the ARC will receive a completion card.

Please don't forget the picnic at Tannehill State Park on the 8th of August from 10:00 until 2:00 and it will be $5.00 per person. We will provide all the food except desserts, if you have some please bring them with you. CDs, please bring some door prizes with you. We had a great turn out in the south and are looking for a bunch at Tannehill.

We are looking forward to seeing everyone at some of these gatherings or all of them if you can.

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 Dir ecto r*Al abam a-gw rra:org

District News
  -- Assistant District Director - Central

Well the Region A Travelling Plaque has made its' way back to Alabama. On Saturday July 18 members of Alabama Chapter D went to Rome Georgia to capture the plaque. Georgia Chapter L had captured the plaque from Florida and had it up for capture. Rick Lackey and members from AL-D made their move. Now, one would think that as much as Florida has had the plaque they would want to come and take it back. Not so. Chapter D now has it and will offer it up for capture soon. Congratulations guys!

Check out the District website for all that is going on. August 8 at Tannehill will be the North District Picnic. Everyone is invited.

Don't forget to call the Holiday Inn in Prattville to make your Hotel Reservations for the 2010 Snowball Rally.  Special Price will end when the hotel is full or 1st of Dec. whichever comes first.

I would like to encourage all the MEC and Chapter Directors to review their members assigned to them in the area report. Make contact either by phone or mail. Let them know about chapter meetings, rides and give them the chapter website and contact information. Just let them know is checking up on them.

Be safe and ride often.

Robert & Gail Brown The more you know the better it gets Ass tDir ecto r-Ce ntra l*Al abam a-gw rra:org

District News
  -- Assistant District Director - South

Hello Wingers;

The month of July has been very busy for Corky and I.  Here it is only 22 July and we have already driven over 6500 miles on our Wings.  I might add here that they were accident, incident, and maintenance free miles too.  Well almost maintenance free.  Had a flat tire in Tulsa, OK  If you ever have the opportunity to drive through Oklahoma, DON'T.  The rough roads there caused Corky's front tire air valve stem to crack causing a leak and a $200 repair bill just to replace it.  The heat, rain, and severe weather didn't seem to make much difference to the bikes, only to us. 

During our trip to Northern California and back, we stopped by Tulsa, OK for Wing Ding 31.  The whole thing was conducted inside with twice the room as needed!  And the entire place was weather tight and air-conditioned.  Once we were inside, we never had to leave, except to get our rides for the goodies we had installed.  Can't list all of our friends we saw there, but you know who ya are, right?  Also, you all probably already know where the Wing Ding 32 will be held, but I'll say so any way.  Des Moines, Iowa  June 30 - 3 July 2010.  There is already an invite in the August 09 WingWorld for ya to apply early. 

Corky and I left the Wing Ding a day early, so we could have a day lay-over in Fresno before heading on up to Eureka, CA for her family reunion.  Our average mileage day was 450 to 500 in about 12 hours.  We also took a drive through the Painted Desert and the Petrified Forest on the way out.  That drive was only 45 miles, and hard to look at all there was to see while keeping the bikes in our lanes. 

We reached Kingman, AZ on Tuesday around 4:00 pm with the temp at 94.  Previously when the temps got high, they started to reduce about 6:00 pm or so.  After making a fuel stop, Corky suggested that we put a few more hours in before we called it a day 'cause we had only been 350 miles.  WRONG.  The further towards Needles, CA we went, the higher the temps got.  About an hour from Needles the temp peeked at 115 in the middle of the Mojave Dessert and Corky's high $$$ cool suit was frozen and not useable!  See, I put about 20 LBS of dry ice in the cooler and she didn't use it for a day = frozen.  She couldn't use it at all and suffered plenty, but hung in there.  You should have seen her bottom lip.  It was, and still is somewhat, blistered all the way across from the heat, wind, and sun and not very attractive! 

While in Fresno, we rode up to Yosemite National Park reaching altitudes of over 8000 feet and temps from 106 in Fresno to 53 at Yosemite Falls and back to 99 again in Fresno in a days ride.  We were lucky in that all the falls had not yet dried up yet so water was going over their edges.  I don't know how far we were away from them, but it was a LONG ways and we could hear the roar of the falls very clearly.  They sure sound powerful. 

Our route to Eureka took us over the Oakland Bay Bridge and Treasure Island, through San Francisco and over the Golden Gate Bridge.  We passed the famed Fisherman's Wharf  and drove on Lombard St.  Viewed Alcatraz Island and passed the airfield were I was stationed back in 1972, called Crissy Army Airfield.  It's now a park!!  I used to fish for Sturgeon from the edge of the airstrip during my lunch hour there.  Right under the Golden Gate Bridge. 

Corky enjoyed the family reunion especially because two of our three kids were able to attend again this year.  Our two boys also rode from Fresno to Eureka but on Harley's.  I drove our oldest sons DUCE all the way back from Eureka to Fresno, about 600 miles.  Glad I didn't have to come all the way home on it.  Sure did vibrate a lot. 

On our way back to Fresno from Eureka we drove through the Drive Through Tree, visited Confusion Hill where trees and buildings do weird things, and took a leisurely drive through the Avenue of The Giants.  A road which is built around the trees instead of cutting them down.  I'm talking about trees that are at least 2-3000 years old on old HWY 101. 

We left Fresno, CA on Wed. morning, 15 July and arrived here at home in SAADD land about 6:00 pm Sunday afternoon, 19 July.  Corky got up and went to work Monday and I rode my John Deere tractor bush hogging three weeks of weeds 'till noon. 

The highest temperature we road in was 122 with the lowest about 53.  I guess the worst day was the 15th.  We left Fresno with a temp around 95.  But by the time we reached Bakersfield the temp was nearing 104 and progressively rose to 115 and stayed that high for the next two hours until we reached Las Vegas around 5:00pm at the peek of traffic time with the 8 lane traffic at bumper to bumper.  The temp on our bike rose to 122 and it seemed like days, but truly only about ½ hour before we reached our turn off.  I didn't unpack the bikes until 9:00 that evening and the temp was still at 106 in the covered parking garage.  Corky helped pay the Stratosphere Casino's electric bill that evening and we left Vegas about 9:00 am the next morning with the temp hovering around 99.  From Vegas we drove over Hoover Dam and gazed at Lake Mead.  Boy was I surprised at how far the water level has dropped (about 50 -- 75 feet) since we saw it in 2003.

We hit rain three times during the whole ride.  Twice on the way out from Tulsa and once on the way back from CA.  However, we only had to stop two times, the other time felt good.  The big rain on the way back was an honest to goodness storm!  Someplace in the middle of nowhere Texas, about 50 miles from the OK/Texas border.  We had only one minute (one mile) to go to a turn-off with a gas station there for dry protection, but could made it only to an overpass with four or five bikes and one car already there!  The crosswinds were so strong that I drug my left foot peg while going straight ahead!  Even the small cars pulled over.  Hail hit us about ½ mile before we reached the overpass and I can tell you, first hand, it hurts!!!!!  The hail size that hit us was up to about half an inch.  As we stood under the overpass the wind and rain got so heavy that we couldn't see the median in the middle of the highway and was surprised to see semis, cars and campers stopped under the same overpass on the other two lanes when the weather let up.  When we finally did get to a gas station to change into dry clothes, the local TV weather program stated that their weather chasers reported straight-line winds in excess of 70 MPH with hail the size of eggs!  There was a lot of damage caused by hail and overturned trucks and such behind us.  We were very lucky to have only caught the end of it.  In fact, if we could have just driven a few more minutes at 70 MPH we would have missed the whole storm.  From then on the trip went smoothly. 

Good to be back in our own bed.  See ya all soon????

Remember: "Keep the Rubber Down, It Works Best That Way"

Ron & Corky Alexander Ass tDir ecto r-So uth* Alab ama- gwrra:org

District News
  -- District Rider Educator

July was a fairly busy month for me.  I went to Wing Ding to coach an ERC and an ARC.  Both went very well and I got to work with some really first-rate coaches.

On the way out of the Wing Ding parking lot I stopped by the Shawnee Honda trailer and bought a new 2008, white Gold Wing.  A week after Wing Ding Carol and I went to Searcy, AR to pick up the new Wing.

The next weekend, Frank Teasley conducted a Certified Instructor Development Module (CIDM) at the UAB Med School.  Frank did another great presentation and the Rider Coach candidates did very well, too.  The CIDM is the first part of the process to certify our new GWRRA Rider Coaches.  They still have some more training to go, but they seem well motivated.

Saturday, July 25th, we went to Randy's Restaurant in Trenton, GA to eat a piece of a 48 ounce hamburger.  I don't know how many GW members were there, but I saw a sign that said the restaurant was closed to the public while we were there.  Great job Barbie and Terry Cleveland.  Got to talk with lots of other GW members in the parking lot before taking great ride back home.

In other areas, we're working with several folks to work out the details for a Rider Ed day this October 10th in the Talladega/Oxford area.  We plan to present seminars and riding courses too.  Rick Lackey is working on getting some motels lined up for the event. More to come on that.

If you're interested in taking an ARC please contact me soon.  The Rider Coach candidates who are in training will need to teach an ARC at the end of their training on August 30th.  The ARC will be conducted at the Meridianville, AL Executive Airport. That's just north of Huntsville.  We'll start at 8 a.m. and finish about 5 p.m.  Three riders have already committed to come and we need more.  Please call or email me to reserve your spot and show your support for our Rider Coach candidates.

Til next time, ride as if you're invisible, ...

Jim & Carol Robinson Rid erEd ucat or*A laba ma-g wrra:org

District News
  -- District Couple of the Year

Hellooooooooooooo, Alabama.  Just thought we'd drop in to say hello.  Are you enjoying some watermelon, cantaloupe, apple pie, iced tea, fireworks, chicken, hot dogs, hamburgers, barbecue... hmmm... what else would make a summer picnic just right?!  OH YEAH, ICE CREAM. 

We are still reeling from Wing Ding.  It's always so much fun to go to Wing Ding.  There is so much excitement in the air and people having fun and vendors...yeah, lots of vendors.  It's a shopper's dream!  Since Wing Ding, we've not been on any long rides, so I think I'm ready to go at it again!  I love riding and Steven, well, he's kinda partial to it too.  This week we've got the bikes down to add some safety items to them and get them ready to Rock' n' Ride soon.  I really, really, really need to wash my bike.  As a fellow member's husband used to say, "If it's a pretty enough day to wash the bike, it's a pretty enough day to RIDE!"  I'm thinking we need to have a bike wash party to go along with some chrome parties coming up.  Then, after all the washing is done, how about we dry them off by riding in the wind?  Sound good to you?  It does to me!

TICK-TOCK, TICK-TOCK, TICK-TOCK, TICK-TOCK

No, it's not tick talk - it's tick-tock.  I ain't talking about ticks.  Time is slipping away and it won't be long that we'll be up on that awesome stage in Dothan, AL at the Region 'A' Rally.  I think I'm gettin' a little nervous because all that goes through my mind (and I'm sure Steven's too) is that we don't want to let our state down.  We want to make'em proud.  He's been busy so I don't think he's really let the thought creep upon him yet.  I'm really excited though and so is Steven.  We are going to be just great!  Who cares if we are selected or not, we are WINNERS!  We've had so much fun doing this.  It's the best-est thing in the world <-- well, almost... can't forget Ice Cream.  We've learned so much, we've made so, so many new friends and we've recruited a few folks along the way too, AND they are participating which is important.  What's the point of recruiting someone if they don't have some sort of idea that they will participate.  Well, they reap some good benefits by becoming a member, but the BEST benefit is being part of a family.  You know, you hear this so often and you'd think people would get tired of hearing it, but it's the honest truth!  We've got in our state's chapters so many different personality types and lifestyles but we still call each other family.  The Goldwing is what got them interested, but we are what is going to keep them coming back.  So, if you know of a new member or even an old member that isn't participating much anymore, call'em up and say hey, we miss ya, you oughtta come ride with us or at least hang out with us a bit.  Keep in touch, just like you would do with family. 

There are so many things that one could do as a District Couple but you only get back what you put into it.  Steven and I have really put forth a lot into this not because we are going to be selected as Region couple (<--showing some optimism) but because we truly enjoy this stuff.  We are rich beyond dreams with the results of our reign.  Our personal goals were to get out and do as much as we can before the money runs out and our bodies ache too much.  Honey, I've got a long way to go -well, if God willing.  As for the money, I am proud to say I am gainfully employed and very blessed indeed.  I am proud to be an American, I'm proud to be a Goldwinger, and I'm proud to be 1/2 of Alabama's District Couple Of the Year.  My chest is puffed way out with proud-ism.  <--That's a word!  I just made it up so it's a word.  If we are selected as Region Couple Of the Year, oh my goodness... my chest will look like Dolly Parton's (without all that fluff)!  Steven doesn't look good with a fluffy chest, but he'll be beaming with pride too!  It's just cool to know that we will forever be the 2009 District Couple Of the Year. 

So with all that said, I hope everyone is doing well, your health is holding up, your tummies are full, and your friendship bowl runneth over.  We sure, sure hope you can come down to Dothan, AL to participate in the Region 'A' Rally.  It's loads of fun.  Lots of talent, fun people and we'll be there too!  Oh yeah, while you are there, it would warm our souls if you would be in the audience to root us on as the 2009 District Couple Of the Year.  And, if all turns out a certain way, we'd love to have you there to congratulate us when we are selected.  ;-)  Hey, you gotta have some optimism... it goes a long way!!  Attitude is a powerful attribute.  Steven and I are going to be happy with ANY decision.  Not long after we participate in the Region selection, we are gonna have the Chapman's on our heels participating in the District selection.  Let's don't forget about them.  The Chapman's are doing a real good job of representing our chapter.  AL-B has some really super-duper people.  You know it's not hard to find a great couple in and around Chapter B; they're coming to the meetings all the time.  So what if they don't have a pretty medallion, they are very special too.  I've noticed a whole bunch of them in the other chapters around Alabama too.  They're everywhere!  I hope every chapter has a chapter couple.  It's a wonderful way to honor them for the things they have done for the chapter in the previous year(s).  They don't have to go on to represent in the District Couple Of the Year selection process.  You just need to bestow upon them a little "extra" love; let them be first in line at the ice cream counter, or dinner line.  Simple things like that mean A LOT!  Alabama has it all... mountains, rivers, streams, lakes, and many, many wonderful places to visit and play at.  Best of all, Alabama has some of the nicest folks around in GWRRA chapters.  Ain't Alabama cool?!!!!!  SWEET HOME ALABAMA, let's Rock' n' Ride!!!

Steven & Tammy Hollingsworth COY *Ala bama -gwr ra:org

District News
  -- Rally Vendor Coordinators

Helllllllllllllooooooo, ALABAMA!

It won't be long now... 2010 Alabama District Rally is just around the next bend.  Wait!

Wait just one minute!  Hold your horses!  Let me rephrase myself.  It's just a few months away.  You have to be careful about saying it's just around the next bend because Roy Fosnight's bends are really, really, really long sometimes.  What I mean is, if you ride with Roy and you are getting tired and you are ready to stop, you can ask how much farther and he'll say, "just around the next bend", and well, it could be 5 minutes or 5 hours, but I'll tell you what, Alabama has a lot of bends and some are really l-o-n-g. 

So, now that we've got that straight.  What cha' been up to?  Reckon' it's time to have a yard sale to make some money so you can buy some cool stuff from the vendors at the Rally?  I'm just trying to give you some good ideas to rustle up some money for when you go visit the vendors at the Alabama District Rally in April 2010.  Well, have you got an outfit picked out to wear?  Such as an astronaut suit, or an alien costume, or something Star Trek-ish?  What!  You don't plan to dress up!  Well, you'll look out of place in a crowd of weird-looking folks but that's your call.  I've said it once, I've said it twice... hmmm... what is it that I always say.  I say so much {WATCH IT!  I heard ya laughing!!}... oh I remember now... Start saving your money, book your hotel, get your registration in to Ms. Sue Chapman (checks made payable to Alabama GWRRA}.  NOTE:  If you make your checks payable to Sue, she might get excited and go out and buy a pair of shoes before she realizes that it wasn't for her to buy shoes but instead it was for you to come to our rally.  So, be sure to make your checks payable to Alabama GWRRA.  You can abbreviate if you want.  Just address the envelope to Sue.  Remember, early bird gets the worm, um, I mean the free rally pin. Sign up early and sport around your new pin to all your friends who waited till the last minute to sign up.  I don't know about you but last year's pin was super cool.  Maybe I'm just a little partial.  Till next time, ride safe and have loads of fun!

Long live Goldwingers! Roll Out Goldwingers!
It's not about the destination, it's about the journey.
Aspire to inspire before you expire.

Steven & Tammy Hollingsworth Ven dorC oord inat or*A laba ma-g wrra:org

August 2009 -  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

August - 2009

September - 2009

October - 2009