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

A Time of Thanks!
  -- From the Chapter Directors

This has been a busy and sometimes difficult year for me.  But it has also been a year of many blessings.  This month is the time that we in America pause and give our thanks.  We thank our soldiers for our freedoms and their hard sacrifices.  And we thank our families and most important our maker for the many, many blessings and opportunities that have been provided to us.

In my case, I started the year with losing my job.  A hardship to some but an opportunity to refocus and learn a new what proving oneself can and does mean.  Like many things, I launched into a new job with a strong desire to be needed and to answer that need.  I will fully confess that in many ways I brought the long hours on myself because I decided to push this new company into technologies and strategies with which they were not comfortable.  So I have to make sure that this effort is a success.

But, enough of my job and back to the thanks -- through this time of intense effort, I want to thank more than anyone else on earth, my loving wife with whom I am so desperately in love.  Elizabeth has effectively operated as the Chapter Director (Mrs. Director was my half joking title for her) since June.  When I was working into the wee hours, she attended the meetings (and in many cases ran them), she wrote articles for the newsletter, and she attended the Region-A Rally and worked at Ride for Kids.  I can't tell you how many times that I wanted to attend meetings or go on rides, but at the same time I was having sort of a strange type of fun by getting into the mix at work like I used to in my early days.

I would be very remiss if I did not give a huge thank you to Marty and Lisa Knapp.  They have very effectively stepped into the void and filled it with caring and smiling faces and very competent leadership.  As most of you have probably heard, Marty and Lisa will be "officially" taking on the title of Chapter Director as of Snow-Ball 2010.  In addition to my wife, they have already been filling the role of the Chapter Director since June.

Beyond the Chapter I have so many other things to be thankful for it would be difficult to enumerate them, but I would not be a very good Grand-Pa if I did not at least mention how thankful I am for my three granddaughters and their wonderful parents.

I encourage each of you to take pause from the wilds of daily life and even from the fun of chapter life to take note of all the blessings (which don't always look like blessings at the time) and the many, many individuals for which we have cause to give thanks.

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

John & Elizabeth Griswold

John & Elizabeth Griswold

Christmas Party

The Chapter-B Christmas party is just around the corner. 

Like we have for several years now, the party will be held the second Saturday of December (that is the 12th this year).  Our dear friend Reggie has been generous and is again letting us use the Huntsville Christian Academy.  We will gather at 5:00pm for the festivities. 

Please remember to bring a dish to share.  The Chapter will be providing the meat (turkey and ham), the flatware and tableware and the drinks.

Please remember to bring a fun gift for Dirty Santa and lots of money to buy/steal the gifts so we can raise lots of money for this year's charity.

We will be supporting Hope Place again this year.  If you remember from last year's party, it was very special and your generosity made the evening really stand out.  Please watch the web and your email as the party draws closer for the Hope Place wish list.

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

Happy Fall Everyone.  What could be more beautiful than orange and gold leaves as you ride your Wing down a country road with good friends? Except maybe ceramic tile.......yes all, we have flooring in the kitchen and bath now.

There was a lot going on last month even though it's been cold sometimes and very rainy at others.  No matter, it's been fun getting out and about.  It started with Chapter J's Rodeo.  Remember last month I said you never knew what you might see; well Richard and I did the blind trike ride and won.  You would have been soooooo proud of Marty, Steve and Greg as they skied their way across the grass.  Tammy took youngest female rider and I took oldest (guess I better get my rocking chair out....NOT). There was a Road Captains Course with good attendance, I am so happy to see so many of our Chapter B family participating in all the safety courses being offered.

Chapter B had a fine showing at the MS Rally even though it was cold and rainy.  Some left Thursday and some went for just a day trip Saturday.  Greg and Richard taught a trike class then the Chapman's and the Hollingsworth taught Leadership Training classes........Steven and Tammy presented Communication (boy can Tammy do that) and we did Time Management (I know what you're thinking).  Richard and I left Saturday afternoon heading to Knoxville for their Ride for Kids ride.  One problem, 25 miles out of Tupelo the sun went in and the temperature decided to start dropping. After another 25 miles it stated misting and did that all the way to Huntsville.  Yep, you guessed it I whimped out and we never made it to the Knoxville but the sweats felt pretty good.

One of the highlights this past month was the Couple of the Year seminar. We really enjoyed meeting the other couples and sharing some of the adventures we have had this past year.  Lynn² did an excellent job of explaining the selection process and even let us practice a little. After the seminar we went to Joe's for lunch, if you have never been to Joes in Alabaster you need to take the trip if you like Italian, you will not be disappointed.

Even though it's fall and getting colder Chapter B doesn't hibernate.  Chapter D's picnic is this next Sunday, so Richard and I are planning to attend.  A bunch of folks are heading up to Pigeon Forge for the Region N Couple of the Year selection and ribs at Damion's, that would be across from the flying pigs (just ask Roy). If anyone would like to join us please just let us know.  Later in the month we will be participating in Chapter S's Can Drive for Boys Ranch.  Not only can we be riding with friends we will be helping out the kids. 

Well, we end the month with Thanksgiving, please take time to remember our soldiers and their families. Richard and I are very thankful for such good friends and would like to wish each of you a very Happy Thanksgiving.

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

Richard & Sue Chapman

Brrrrrrrrrrrrr... brrr.. brr.. get your motor running...
  -- From the Chapter Rider Educators

A starry night... moonbeams dancing on your Goldwing paint.
You drive through the quiet neighborhoods, so dark and quaint.
CB chatter is a minimal, not a single complaint.

As you cruise on by through the night,
You think of Spring with delight.
You drop the idea as you continue your plight.

Your thoughts drift to dim,
As you wonder if it's too cold to swim.
Oh heck, just fill my coffee cup to the rim.

It's that time of year,
When you weep and drop a tear.
And you realize, Winter is drawing near.

Oh my, oh my you say as you sigh,
Winterize your Goldwing? Not a chance I'll just deny.
It's too early! There's not a single snowflake in the sky!

I guess we should use in our gas tank something to stabilize,
Oh what else, oh what else do I do, then I realize.
To ride my bike again is the prize!

So if you want your bike to purr again,
You really need to start early with a plan.
Take the time, treat'er right, it' just for a short span.

A little love now goes a long way,
It just keeps the winter bugs at bay,
So when it's time to play, you'll soon be on your Wing another day.

As poetic as it sounds, Winter is just around the corner.  Whether you bundle'er up for the night, or for the winter's stay, you'll definitely want to winterize in order to play. 
If in doubt, just take a look in the owners' manual to see what Honda suggests to do when storing them. It's a good idea to put a gasoline stabilizer in the fuel tank to avoid any trouble starting it in the spring, and if you do not remove the battery for storage, it'd also be a good idea to put a battery tender on it to keep it up to charge.  Furthermore, it's a good idea to check your saddlebags for spare twinkies, crackers, snacks or anything that can go stale or stinky.  Note:  This also applies for warmer months.

Now if you are like us and you like to brave the weather, you really just need to gas up each night before you park it.  This prevents condensation and water from building up and causing a problem.  Remember, this is the time of year, it is very important to do the T-CLOCs.
"T-CLOC", the acronym stands for: (T) Tires and wheels, (C) Controls, (L) Lights and electrics, (O) Oil & fluids, and (C) Chassis and suspension.  Tire pressure seems to fluctuate a lot more with the drastic changes in temperatures in cooler months.
So for good measure, practice your T-CLOC procedure more often and take the time to baby your bike a little.  She'll return the favor.

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

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

"Shake Your Tail Feathers!"

Steven & Tammy Hollingsworth

Parents' / Grandparents' Bragging Room

As a reminder, the "Grandparents' Bragging Room" is a section of the newsletter where we want to hear about your family. You know all of those times that you have felt guilty because you wanted to share some really neat thing that your grandchild did.  Well, now you can, and you don't have to feel guilty!

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
  

Veteran's Day Parade

62nd Annual National Veterans Day Parade
Birmingham, AL - Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Once again Alabama GWRRA will participate in the Veterans Day Parade in Birmingham. This is the 62nd Annual National Veterans Day Parade. It will  take place on Wednesday, November 11, beginning at 1:30pm

As most of you know Birmingham is home of the largest Veterans Day celebration  the nation. We are "home" for a large number of veterans and this celebration is conducted in their honor with the parade being the highlight. The parade provides an opportunity for patriotic Americans to honor the veterans, many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice so we may continue to live in freedom. During past years Alabama GWRRA has been honored to participate. We have many active and retired members. Decorate your bike in appropriate Veterans Day theme and ride in this honored event. If anyone wants to do lunch after parade we will decide where to go. As I get information I will pass it along. If you have any questions please let me know. Again thanks to all that have participated in past years and we look forward to seeing you this year.

Robert & Gail Brown
Alabama Assistant District Directors - Central Alabama

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)

080057

Alabama District Rally 2010

Click for More Info ...

District News
  -- District Director

Happy Fall to everyone. What a beautiful time of the year to go riding with all the leaves changing color. Go on that fall leaf ride with the chapter; you will have a great time with friends.

Roy has been busy with work; he is traveling a lot these days. I now get to play since I retired the end of September.

Roy was in Ft Walton Beach working and I went for a visit before we left there to go to Orange Beach with the grandchildren and our daughter. What a time they had on the beach and in the condo pool. Roy & I went to visit Chapter W for their meeting on Oct 7. What a great time was had by all. They had everyone come dressed in their favorite football team colors. We had a great visit with them.

Then on Thursday morning we started for home. Both of us were fighting sinus infections. We stopped in Prattville to visit with Chapter Z.  They had door prizes that related to Halloween.  We had a great visit with them also. We stayed at the Holiday Inn in Prattville which is the hotel for Snowball. The rooms have been redone and are very nice. On Friday morning we were to go visit the Doster Community center, but I woke up feeling really bad so we headed home. Got drugs and am feeling much better.

What a time we had at the Mississippi Rally. AL got largest District in attendance, Mr G from Chapter G won 1st place in the mascot contest, Monty & Sue Scott, Chapter F Directors, won best dressed and parade. We won some door prizes but no money!!!

As some of you know, Ken "Worm" Christian, Former Al District Director was killed in a car and motorcycle accident. He was District Directors when we rejoined GWRRA.  Worm and Deb did a great job for the state. Please remember them all of them in your prayers.

Chapter Directors, it is that time of year where we need to know who is stepping down so we can get a head count. Don't forget, you need to redo financial paperwork with Roy and Sue.

Also, the deadline for the rally pin design is fast approaching. We need all designs to us by Nov 15. We have received 3 designs so far. Hope to get several more in the next few weeks.

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

I hope everyone is taking an opportunity to get out and ride. The trees are changing colors and fall is in the air.  It is hard to imagine that this year is quickly coming to a close. I have heard it said that when you reach 50 that time just speeds up. Guess that is true.

This is just a reminder of some events that will be happening in the near future. November 11th is the annual Veterans Day Parade. The assignments will be made the first of November and I will get that posted on the District website as soon as I receive it. The Alabama District always turns out and has a really good time.

January 9th, 2010 is the date for the Snowball Rally. We will be in Prattville at the Doster Community Center. Couple of the Year selection, Snowball and Officers Conference later that day. If you need a room for the weekend we have a room deal at the Holiday Inn at Prattville exit on I-65. All the phone numbers and contact information is on the District website. The room rate changes on December 17th so make plans now to attend.

Once again thanks to all the members that make this organization what it is, good friends and family. Thanksgiving begins the holiday season. Spend time with your families and remember those that have passed on. Please keep our military men and women in your prayers.

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

Fellow Wingers;

The first thing I would like to tell you is that I went on a 5280-mile trip with some men members of the Chapters U and G. We traveled all the way to Western Utah and back seeing most of the tourist traps we could and days of breath taking mountain scenery. Fourteen days of nothing but MEN. I felt we needed at least one gal along just to stir things up more!! We had cold , wet, hot, dry , and windy weather in the two weeks we were gone. Oh, there were a total of six of us.

Corky and I attended the Mississippi Rally over the weekend of 15 -- 17 Oct in Tupelo Ms. As usual, they did it up good. Just a few stats here. They had over 1100 pre-registered, 50 venders and a talent show that lasted around 3 hours. Their 50/25/25 was over $500.00 twice and the grand prize was $5,000.00. The facility was great and we were told during the closing ceremony that their next Rally will be in the same place next year. So get your reservations in the mail right away. It's not far for us Alabama folks. Corky and I drove about 700 miles round trip and we are about as far away as anyone. Alabama won the State with the most out of state in attendance prize with 89. Mr. "G" of Chapter G won First Place in the Mascot competition and we even got to meet Elvis and visit his birthplace as well. I tell ya, fun was had by all. Be there next year, K? The weather was a little bit uncooperative. We arrived on Thursday after about a fourhour ride in the rain with the temps around 70. We left on Sunday in the sunshine but with temps at 39, and once again I forgot my jacket! I did the man ride in a borrowed jacket as well, thanks ED.

Don't forget the functions coming up in the near and distant future. There is the Snowball Gathering 9 Jan 2010 in Eufaula, Al. This is like a business meeting for the CD, ACD, and Finance officers of each Alabama Chapter, but all GWRRA members are cordially invited and welcomed so you can see what our District has planned for us all. Also, the Couple of the year selection will be conducted there as well. So, don't write this function off at all. Speaking of Couple of the Year, there is a seminar scheduled on 24 Oct 2009 10:00am-2:00pm for all current Chapter Couples so they can talk about all the important Couple of the Year functions of the up-coming year. The class/social will be held at: Klassy Klean Offices-81 Weatherly Club Dr, Ste:D, Alabaster, AL. 35007. It'll be great for all of you.

The first Region A Rally for 2010 will be held in Kissimmee, Fl 11-13 March. And Alabama is the second one, scheduled for 1-3 April 2010 in Huntsville, AL. This will be your chance to visit the Space Center and many other interesting near-by sights as well.

Our Region A Rally will be conducted 16-18 September 2010. Presently we have over 15 venders scheduled to attend and it's only been two months since the last one! I'm still hearing tails of accidents caused by tires going flat for one reason or another, so be disciplined about performing your T-CLOCK inspections. At least be sure that you leave on a well pre-paired bike, K? You can get a slow leak any time, in any place, so take precautions.

K, that's it for this month, please 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

Another Busy month

The fun just keeps on coming!

Of course, we went to the Mississippi District Rally. We try not to miss it.  I even got Carol to go.  She caught up with the MS Chapter O Cheerios while we were there.  We're SO PROUD of them for being selected as the International Chapter for this year.  We rode with them while we lived in Picayune, MS.

I wholeheartedly agree with the accolades others have heaped on the Tupelo area and the arena where the rally was held this year.  Additionally, I really liked the classrooms and the range areas for the riding courses.  Outstanding!

Part of the fun for me during the MS Rally was watching two of our new Alabama GWRRA Riding Course Instructors conduct a Trike Rider Course (TRC) in Tupelo.  They did a great job!  They passed their observed update with no hiccups are now certified TRC Instructors. Congratulations Richard Chapman and Greg Dempsey!!

During the closing ceremonies at the Region A Rally this year, Doyce Colvin, CD of AL Chapter G in Andalusia turned to me and asked if we could conduct an Advance Rider Course (ARC) in his area this year. Now you gotta remember his area is at the other end other end of the state from our area -- ha. Dudn't matter!  Long story made short: we did it!

Three of the new AL GWRRA Riding Course Instructors and I conducted an ARC at Diane and Doyce Colvin's church in Andalusia.  Doyce rounded up seven riders for the ARC including Ron Alexander and lots of helpers to lay out the range and everything worked just fine.  Diane and Doyce fed us Boston Butt sandwiches for lunch, arranged for beautiful weather, showed us the new hotel in Andalusia where we stayed, took us out to eat at the Hilltop Restaurant, and arranged for a cheerleader section including Corky Alexander and Diane Colvin to root for the ARC participants.  The riders did a good job!

Carl Breeding , Greg Dempsey, and Steven Hollingsworth actually conducted the ARC while I watched and tried not to be obnoxious.  The three new Instructors must conduct two observed ARCs to be fully certified as GWRRA Instructors.  They all did great and only have one more ARC to conduct before being fully certified.  Great job guys!

We're planning to conduct another Rider Course Instructor Prep Course (RCICP) this coming spring, so if you're interested in joining the Alabama Rider Education Program Instructor cadre (I just made that up), please contact me.

Other plans include conducting a Medic First Aid Instructor course and a Parking Lot Facilitator course this winter.  Again if you're interested, please contact me.

The more you participate, the more you get out of GWRRA.

Ride as if you are invisible, because you are!

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

District News
  -- District Trainers

Greetings fellow riders, this month we would like to announce that we will be conducting a Horizons class as well as a Chapter Leadership Skills class in the month of February, 2010. These classes are to be held at the UAB Medical West Hospital training room in Bessemer AL. Details are available on the district website as is the registration form. We strongly encourage all current and future chapter directors and assistant chapter directors to attend. While these classes are slanted toward helping leaders and future leaders understand more about GWRRA and its mission, every member can benefit from this program. As you have probably heard a thousand times, the more you know, the more you want to participate, and the more you participate the more you get out of the GWRRA experience. These modules will not only help you understand the hows and why's of GWRRA but will help you understand the fundamentals of teambuilding and of self assessment. These skills can benefit you in all aspects of your everyday life. If you are unsure about attending, if it is right for you, just talk to someone who has already been though the program and let them help you make that decision. We will promise you a couple of things if you attend, you will meet some new friends and you will have FUN!  If you have any questions about the program please feel free to contact us at any time either by e-mail or by phone. We will be glad to talk to you about any aspect of Horizons. Until then, please ride safe and remember all of our sons and daughters in uniform as they serve our country to keep us free and safe. 

Frank & Linda Teasley Tra iner *Ala bama -gwr ra:org

District News
  -- District Membership Enhancement Coordinators

RECRUITING & RETENTION

A positive recruiting program will bring adequate numbers of new members with new ideas into the chapter to revitalize our activities, bring the decline to and end and cause the Chapter, District, Region and the Association to grow and prosper into the future. 

Successful membership does not happen without some effort.

Be sure and stay in touch with your members.  Sometimes a personal invitation is all it takes to get some friends to come back and join the FUN.  Also, when we contact people that no longer attend anything---we may find out there is a problem we did not know about and may, hopefully, be able to fix it. 

Many members feel the Chapter is the single, most important benefit of belonging to GWRRA and for many different reasons such as:

1. Countless NEW FRIENDS are made with a common interest.
2. Lots of EVENTS to ride our Gold Wings with friends.
3. SAFE RIDING emphasis to make our experience even more enjoyable.
4. TRAINING experience to improve riding skills and safety techniques.
5. An opportunity to LIVE the motto of "Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge".

EVERY MEMBER MATTERS!

Dewey & Alice Cole Mem bers hipE nhan ceme nt*A laba ma-g wrra:org

District News
  -- MED / PR Coordinators

Mississippi hit a home run with their new Rally Site in Tupelo, MS. Gregg & Pat along with their staff and volunteers did  a wonderful job, Lyn & I had a great time. The weather was a little iffy at times but nothing that we couldn't handle. The couple of the year baskets they had were outstanding and I thank the lucky stars Lyn didn't win another one. She sure does complain when holding one of those big things for a couple hundred miles on the Bike.

We just finished our third annual Alabama District Couple of the Year Seminar. Each year the seminar seems to get better as we see what our COYS need to concentrate on, the new trends the judges are looking for are spotted and new rules are put out from Phoenix.

We have three superior couples that will be in this years selection process. So in alphabetical order they are;

Representing:

• chapter B in Huntsville - Richard & Sue Chapman
• chapter D in Anniston - Ricky & Elaine Lackey
• chapter U in Dothan  -  Billy & Maravenne Stum

There are times when you can look at the selection process and say there is a couple who may have an advantage over the rest. This is not one of those times! Each couple has achieved greatness in their chapters and the GWRRA in completely different styles. This is going to be a most difficult task for the judges. Each one of these couples are truly deserving and I can't wait to see which couple the judges pick.

Snowball is coming January 9th! have you made your reservations to attend and root for your chapters couple. It is so important to those Couples representing your chapter to have you there, yelling for and supporting them.
Please be there for them, this is an event where they represent your chapter statewide and something they will never forget.
Lyn & I have truly enjoyed working with and helping these couples over the last 3 years. This program is an important part of the GWRRA and those that participate in it are more times than not the future leaders of the GWRRA.
We ask that every chapter select a special couple to honor by Christmas, to represent you as your chapter ambassadors, to be your next COUPLE OF THE YEAR IN 2010.
Encourage these new Couples to attend Snowball - to experience the selection process- and hopfully begin their journey to the next selection in 2011

We now continue our In Their Own Words Segment on Alabama Couples.
This month is Richard and Sue Chapman from Chapter B.
And next month will be Billy & Marravene Stum from Chapter U

Lynn & Lyn Edwards MED *Ala bama -gwr ra:org

In Their Own Words
Chapter-B Couple of the Year
Richard & Sue Chapman

Hi, we are Sue and Richard Chapman and we were honored in Dec of 2008 when Chapter B selected us as the 2009 Chapter B Couple of the Year. Now we would like to tell you about us and how we got here. 

I have been riding motorcycles since I was 14, but gave it up for  driving cars when I turned 16. Something about being 16 and dating was much easier is a car then on a motorcycle.  It was only natural in 1992 when my daughter turned 14 that I got her a scooter to get around Madison. Well, in the process of teaching her to drive that scooter, her Uncle Mike and myself both got the motorcycle riding itch again. I got a 1985 Silver Wing because I was really just planning to ride it around town, but that only lasted a few months and a few short rides. In 1994 I purchased a blue 1984 1200. Life was good and long rides were in the plans. The next thing I did was to join GWRRA and went to a Chapter B meeting. That was a great idea because I met so many new friends, had so many new places to ride, and the best part was I had friends to ride with. I became the Chapter B treasurer, then ride coordinator, ACD, the Sr. CD until I stepped down in 2001. In 2005, I accepted the task of being the Rider Educator for Chapter B and went back to being  a JAM in 2008. 

Sue was introduced to motorcycles, when she started co-riding a trike in 2003. She participated primarily with Trike Riders International (TRI) until 2004. In early 2004 Sue became a widow and the trike sat for a while.  The day came when she had to make up her mind to ride or sell. With no previous experience driving a trike or motorcycle, she decided to learn to drive the trike, so in May of 2004, she moved from Tim's Ford Lake to Huntsville and in June got her motorcycle endorsement. One day at work a co-worker found out she had a trike and introduced her to Alice Chapman (note the last name) who just happened to be a trike rider as well and invited her to a Chapter B meeting in Huntsville, in August 2004 Sue attended her first Chapter B meeting.

I was just a Chapter B JAM at this point and did I mention that I was single. I walked into the meeting and saw this cute little red head sitting at a small table by alone.  I asked Alice who she was. Alice just looked at me, smiled and said her name was Sue. Now being the shy guy that I am, I just walked over to the table, sat down and introduced myself. We talked for a few minutes and then the meeting started. Over the next 18 months or so, Sue and I became friends, hung out together at rallies and talked a lot.

As the old saying goes, here's the rest of the story. In January 2007, Sue and I had both been working a lot of hours and had been working late on most Friday nights, so we were both going to drive to Snowball Saturday morning. I invited her to ride down with me that Saturday morning. We arrived about 10:00 that morning and the hotel was allowing us to register early and get out rooms. (Keep in mind at this point we were just friends, riding down to Snowball together, we had never been on a date together.) The lady behind the desk asked my name, registered me, took my credit card, and gave me a room on the second floor. She then handed Sue my credit card and started to walk off. Sue called her back and said she needed to get registered and get her room. The lady behind the desk, looked at Sue, then looked at me and said "You two are such a cute couple, I just through you were married". She registered and told Sue she was on the 8th floor and would be in "a little bit of Heaven". She looked at me and said "and you don't get to visit Heaven either, laughed and walked off. Sue and I both laughed and walked into the rally room, then Sue walked around talking to old friends and meeting new ones. Sue walk up to someone and was admiring the rolling word sign pinned to her shirt. She explained about the sign, then said "I was just talking to your husband about this same subject a few minutes ago". Sue laughed and said she wasn't married. The lady said we made such a cute couple, she just thought we were married. At this point Sue and I were both just laughing it all off and having fun with the whole married thing. Jump to Sunday morning and the Huntsville crew meets in the dining room for breakfast. Randall Southland looks at me as I am walking up and says "I though you and Sue came down here together for a good reason" and points to the event room entrance. That Sunday the hotel was hosting a wedding event seminar, describing various aspects of getting married, including wedding gowns and tuxes for rent. Everyone almost fell out of their chairs laughing so hard. This must have been a sign, because after that weekend, we started dating. We traveled together on rides, to rallies, and many events together till the end of 2007. On New Year's Eve, I went to Sue's place and we were going to spend a quite evening and not get out battling the crowd. After dinner, I gave her a package, which she opened. It contained an engagement ring and I ask this wonderful lady to spend the rest of our lives together. She said "YES". We went to the New Year s Day ride riding two-up on my wing. It was cold so we were bundled up for the ride, so we got to the meeting point and took off her gloves. The ring caught a couple of the ladies attention and the questions started. Needless to say from then until April 19th 2008, the entire chapter was involved in the planning and helping out wedding.

When meeting with the minister who married us, we told him we wanted the entire wedding to be fun for us, our friends, and our family. Sue's daughter and grandson (in his own tux outfit) walked Sue down the aisle. Sue was such a beautiful bride. At the end of the ceremony, we had the minister invite up our entire newly merged family to be introduced to our friends and family. The song we picked to make our exit walk from the podium was thoughtfully selected, because it fit our lifestyle. It was "On the road again".

Sue and I have been having a ball since January 2007 and we plan to do our best to represent Chapter B in 2009 in a fashion that will make the chapter and GWRRA proud of us.

Sue and Richard Chapman

November 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

November - 2009

December - 2009

January - 2010