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| Richard & Sue Chapman |
SUMMER BLUES -- WINTER CLUES
-- From the Chapter Rider Educators
I've got the Summer blues, but instead of whining, I'm gonna give you some Winter clues.
Huh? You say. Well, last month, my poem mentioned there's not a snowflake in sight, but I can't say that this month. Yes, it's snowing somewhere, and it's also five o'clock somewhere. That's something you can be sure of around this time of the year. I'll tell you something else that is for sure. Winter glare.
With the time change, the evening comes around a whole lot quicker now. Also, as the sun is hanging around in the sky in a different direction, you may find yourself with a sunny glare in your face or a glare in your side mirrors on the bike. Either way, you will find that even the best pair of sunglasses really doesn't block enough of this winter glare.
Well, if you are experiencing this winter glare, guess who else is? Automobiles. Now, does this present any problems for you? Certainly! If the car drivers can't see that well, then you know they can't see YOU that well. How can you fix this? Well, unless you have a really, really, R-E-A-L-L-Y tall ladder to hang up a sunshade over the sun, there's not a whole lot you can do to avoid sunglare......except......did you really think we'd let you figure that out on your own? No, of course not. That's what we are here for....to help you out and give you some good safety ideas.
First of all, you can switch sides/tracks in your lane and move around a bit more to just give the car drivers something out of the norm to see. If you stay put on one side of the lane, drivers can be mesmerized just as they can at night with the taillights. We need to break up that uniform pattern of driving. You can also wear darker sunglasses and fixate your eyes on one side or the other of a target rather than directly at the target. Now don't go dancing around too much, they might think you are crazy and can't drive...just deviate from a set pattern of driving. Switching the tracks of your lane can hopefully catch a car driver's eyes and make them realize you are close by.
Let me back up a little more. Think about this, car drivers may not be expecting you to even be on the road in the Wintertime. They tend to stereotype motorcyclists as warm weather riders and not cold/winter riders. So, they may "LOOK TWICE FOR MOTORCYCLES" in the summer months, but they may not be looking but once in the winter months. Obviously they've not met any Goldwingers with Gerbings.
With these Winter months knocking on our schedules, you'll also notice that the sun goes down earlier....much earlier. So if you have some rides planned, try to keep them in certain time constraints so as people can get home before dark, if possible. We all know that when it gets dark, it gets colder. Remember, not everyone has Gerbings, but a lot of folks really know how to bundle up and ride. During the daylight hours it might actually warm up a good bit, but it'll turn miserable when the sun goes down. So, when planning your rides, keep that tidbit in the back of your mind. Goldwingers will tread through some cooler days, but everyone usually has their limits. Same cautions go for cold-weather riding as hot-weather driving. Get plenty of sleep, rest, and stay hydrated. All that coffee we drink to warm us up can dehydrate us. When some people get cold, they tend to get sleepy, so try to keep a giddy conversation going to keep everyone hyped up. For some folks, that won't be a problem, but just in case, stay tuned to hazards.
Also, watch for early morning travel, black ice, and all the regular hazards of driving during winter months. It gets foggy sometimes and you'll need to be cautious then too.
So, keep your eyes peeled for those drivers that like to talk on cell phones; keep your eyes for those last minute Christmas shoppers...they may be in a hurry to get to a sale, and by all means, keep your Santa / Elf suit tucked in while you are riding....nobody wants to see Santa's outfit flapping in the wind!!!!
| Logo by Tammy Hollingsworth |
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!
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 (2009-2010 Region 'A' Couple Of the Year)
"Shake Your Tail Feathers!"
Wear your helmet, every time you ride.
Steven & 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
Alabama District Rally 2010
District News
-- District Director
|
Remember, the Officers Conference will follow the Snowball activities according to schedule. All CDs, ACDs and Chapter Rider Educators are expected to attend (All others are welcome). See you there! We'll do financial reports Friday evening if you can be there! 2010 Alabama District January 9th, 2010 Host Hotel: FREE ADMISSION & YEAR BAR |
Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving with family and friends. Roy has been hunting and having a good time relaxing for a week.
The Couple of the Year get together in October turned out to be very informative and a good learning experience for all who attended. Thank you to Lyn and Lynn for the fun time.
Welcome to Snowball 2010 at Doster Community Center in Prattville. We will do the 2010 Couple of the Year selection first thing in the morning and then there will be games, door prizes, awards and more. You will receive a free year bar and the Snowball head pin will be available for $4.00, if you don't already have one. We have received several good pin designs for the rally and are looking forward to seeing everyone at Snowball. Come on down and start the year off with you GWRRA family and friends.
At Snowball we will need everyone's financial statements. We would like to do as many as we can on Friday night, so if you can be there please let us know. While you are there Friday, you can help us decorate or stand around and laugh at us. The Alabama Officer's conference will start at 3:00 at the Doster Community Center in Prattville as well. All CD's, ACD's and Rider Educators are required to be there for this once a year meeting. For you CD's, the financial report and Chapter inventory is due at that time also. For Chapters changing CDs, we will try to complete as much of the packets as possible.
It seems that everyone has enjoyed IT in 2009; well guess what, we are bringing IT back in 2010. It will be a new IT. We will announce at Snowball who gets to start the year off with IT.
We would like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. The Holiday season is for us, the most fun time of the year. We are blessed with our families being close and getting to see eyes light up on Christmas morning, we wish all of you that same joy.
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.
Please have a safe and fun Christmas and New Year.
| Roy & Anita Fosnight Please Ride Safe and Often Dir ecto r*Al abam a-gw rra:org |
District News
-- Assistant District Director - Central
Gail and I would like to take this time to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and joyous New Year. Hopefully it will be a time to relax with friends and family and just enjoy the season.
We want to again thank all the members that make this such a great organization to be associated with. The Snowball Rally is January 9th in Prattville. Don't forget that we will be giving 2009 IT a new home with one of the Chapters that IT visited and we will be getting 2010 IT started on IT's journey with the chapters that would like to participate. We hope to see you there. All the info for the Snowball Rally is on the District website.
If there are any chapters changing Directors or staff let us know. We will be doing the paperwork and financial reports at Snowball. The forms are in the Officers Guide book. Please call one of us if you have any questions.
Once again Merry Christmas and hope to see you all at Snowball.
| 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 Fellow Wingers;
Even though we have not ridden much this month it has been busy for the Alexander family. Both Corky and I hope all of you out there had a very happy Thanksgiving and a wonderful Veterans Day as well. We were not able to attend any Veteran Day parades, due to the imposing arrival of Hurricane IDA, who failed to get to us here at the farm, thank goodness. Rain makes our Alabama road very hard to drive on even in a four-wheel drive truck, but we were with all of you who did attend, in spirit.
On November 7th, Corky and I managed to ride in the Dothan Peanut Festival Parade with members from Chapters G and U. As usual, it was over in short time so seven of us took off for Florida to attend a Pic Nic hosted by the FL-1L Chapter at East Bay Bridge Park near Tyndall A. F. B. What a great day for a ride and a Pic Nic.
Because it was the first Saturday of the month and we had a lot of day light left, Corky and I decided to attend the gathering with Chapter M in Phenix City, about 3-4 hours North of Tyndall. So off we went at about 2:00 that afternoon. Our good friends, Freddie and Gena Fay from Chapter U told me exactly how to find the new meeting place, but by the time I arrived there I had gotten them all messed up. We looked for about an hour and finally I saw a man wearing a Retired Sailor's hat and asked him for further directions. We made it, finally, but had forgotten to allow for the hour lost from Alabama to Florida. We were extremely late, but Craig and Carol (as well as the rest of the Chapter members) welcomed us with open arms. They did offer me an opportunity talk with them about our upcoming District Rally. Thanks you guys it was great being there.
I took a trip up to Montgomery for a visit with Monty and Sue of Chapter F on 19 November at Chappy's Deli. Once again my directions were screwed up! This time by my GPS. There was no gathering being held there. I decided to eat before I started home when I thought, "maybe there is another here in town?" As it turned out, there were three! My GPS didn't know that, I guess? I got the address and off I went. I still got there before the meeting began. Surprisingly, Jim and Sue Jackson and Ray and Cindy Erickson of the Region Staff were there as well! We all had a wonderful visit, and I thought that Monty and Sue ran an outstanding meeting. Great job guy's keep up the good work.
The last event we have to work through is that our computer was "FRIED" by the so-called Geek Squad at Best Buy. Corky bought a new computer for herself as a Christmas present and left it and the old one with them to transfer all of her stuff from the old to the new. GONE..... Now we are screwed. This is one reason for our newsletter being late this month -- sorry. We are working on it, along with the Army's JAG office!
Next month, December, will be even busier with all the Staff Meetings and Christmas parties to attend. Some Staff mtgs are scheduled on the same day as some Christmas parties. That will be fun trying to make them on time.
OK y'all, it's time to go, so Remember:
"Keep the Rubber Down, It Works Best That Away"
| Ron & Corky Alexander Ass tDir ecto r-So uth* Alab ama- gwrra:org |
District News
-- Motorist Awareness Division District Coordinators
Hello everyone,
In the November issue of Wing World Magazine, Sharon Stanley has an excellent article on a growing problem on our roadways. DWD (Driving While Distracted) is a problem we all deal with on a daily basis whether we are on our bikes or in our cars. I am sure we have all witnessed someone on there phone while driving. Some of us may even be guilty of that ourselves. Anyway, it is a growing problem we all must deal with. In her article she gives some stats from the Hurt study, and at the end ask " What can we do as an association of motorcyclist? " She answers this by saying " lets all keep on enrolling in -- and learning from -- our Rider Education Courses. And while I agree this is an excellent solution, I would like to add a little to it. This is where Motorist Awareness steps in and helps educate the distracted driver. So as we are driving during the holiday season please keep an eye out for the distracted driver. And if you get the chance ask them, HAVE YOU SEEN A MOTORCYCLE TODAY?
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
| Terry & Barbie Cleveland Mot oris tAwa rene ss*A laba ma-g wrra:org |
District News
-- District Trainers
Greetings fellow riders, the holiday season is upon us again. Where did this year go? We hope this past year has been a great one for all of you.
We would like to take this final opportunity of the year to thank all of you who attended the Horizons program this year. We had a very successful year and we owe it all to you. We would also like to thank all of the Leadership Training Instructors who gave of their time and efforts this year as well. They helped make all of the classes fun and enjoyable for everyone there.
For all of you who have not attended any of the Horizons programs, let us extend to you a very special invitation to attend. If you have reservations about it being something that will help you, not only in your chapter life but in your personal life as well, just ask someone who has been through the program. Better yet, ask several people who have been through the program and see what they have to say. We think you will like the answer. If you are still not sure, give us a Saturday in Feb and see if it is right for you. We think you will be pleasantly surprised.
For all of the new officers taking office in Jan we extend a very special invitation to all of you. You can get a lot of your questions answered in this program and hopefully this program will give some very special tools to use in your new duties going forward.
The Horizons program kicks off on Feb 6th with Horizons and continues on Feb 20th with Chapter Leadership Skills. We have several signed up already and would really like to see you there. Information about both classes is on the District website as is the electronic sign-up form. Make plans to be there with us for the beginning of a great year in the Alabama District.
Finally, we would like to wish everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving and also a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We hope to see you in Feb.
| Frank & Linda Teasley Tra iner *Ala bama -gwr ra:org |
District News
-- District Membership Enhancement Coordinators
Merry Christmas
We hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and we want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
December is here and 2009 is about to come to an end. Alabama Recruiting and Retention has been down this year, so let's all work together for a BIG improvement in 2010.
There are Chapter and Individual promotions available for 2010. They have been listed in Wing World and next month we will begin covering them in our article.
Again, MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!
| Dewey & Alice Cole Mem bers hipE nhan ceme nt*A laba ma-g wrra:org |
District News
-- MED / PR Coordinators
By the time you read this Alabama will have beaten Auburn, Alabama will be about to beat Florida and will be setting its sites on beating Texas for the National Championship. This of course will place the Universe back into it natural and intended alignment and all things will be as they should be. IN PERFECT HARMONY!.
We are looking forward to Snowball in January and our District Couple of The Year Selection. We Have three great couples that will be participating and each one of them has the resumes to back up their goal of becoming Alabamas next Couple of The Year.
This past month we had the opportunity to visit Chapter K in Florence and eat some of their bisciuts slathered up in chocolate. If you have never visited one of their meetings plan to do so it will be a wonderful experience.
We hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving and hope to see everyone soon.
| Lynn & Lyn Edwards MED *Ala bama -gwr ra:org |
District News
-- District Couple of the Year
2009 District Couple of the Year - newly 2009-2010 Region A Couple Of the Year
Hellooooooooooooo, Alabama. Just thought we'd drop in to say hello, good morning, and good afternoon. Are you out and about enjoying some of this nice weather? Well, you should be! It's not bad at all. For a November, it's been fab-u-lous-o.
With the rally season winding down, some may wonder what we will do with ourselves in the break between rallies. First, I'd like to add, we haven't seen too many breaks. We don't see any reason for breaks. Our mission is always ongoing. We strive to have FUN and spread the word.
Well, before the lull began... there was... Chapter J Rodeo, Virginia District Rally, Mississippi District Rally, Couple of the Year Get-together Seminar, and the list goes on.
3 October: Chapter J Rodeo, Tuscaloosa, AL
Going to a rodeo on a Goldwing is as fun as going to a rodeo on a horse, but more fun-ner.
There was some yippin', laughing, rolling, and splashing. Thanks to Roy Beale and Robert Brown, I think they brought in more money than anyone in the Dunkin' Booth. It was a pleasure to see them fall for a cause. Well, splash for a cause was more like it. They fell in the water but they made a huge splash... in our hearts. They were good sports and we had a lot of fun with them. There were a few contests and granted, I knew our chapter members were close, but some are closer than I ever thought... at least it seemed that way in the ski contest. Greg Dempsey, Steven Hollingsworth (<-that's my hunny), and our illustrious Assistant Chapter Director, Marty Knapp won that event with room to spare. It was hilarious. They had some good competition though. The medallions for 1st place winners were really cool. So cool, that I told Steven we needed to play some games... and by chance, we happen to win. I was glad. Steven already had one or two of those medallions; I had to at least try for one as well. I discovered some talent that I didn't know I had.
8-10 October: Virginia District Rally, Salem, VA
We headed out to Virginia's District Rally on 8 October. It was beautiful weather. We've never been to the Rally in the Valley so we were excited to go. You know they say they can do anything in Hollywood... well it must be true cause they sent Hollywood to Virginia... or so the rally theme alluded to that... it was Hollywood Comes to the Valley. We saw celebrities everywhere.
One of our other chapter members, Jake Lawyer, went with us and it is really nice to have your own traveling entertainment. Jake is always a joy to be with. Sometimes I think he forgets his age cause he is always spunky and you never know what to expect out of him. We laughed till we cried. We met some really nice people in Virginia. Pat & Debbie Koehler, Virginia's District Couple of the Year put on a very nice couples' get together. We played games and had fun. Steven and I got Jake involved in some seminars. We all three took the "Mature Riders" seminar. I strutted in and told Mr. William Lee (aka Dr. Lee) the instructor that I was very mature. He gave me a quizzical grin but welcomed me with open arms. Believe it or not, we learned a lot of things and Mr. Lee (ummm...the doc) did an excellent job keeping us not only informed but entertained. Alan Little gave a seminar too. As a mature rider, I matured more after Alan gave us the scoop on the Newsletter topic. Even if you've been to a seminar, it's always good to go again cause every instructor brings their own flavor to the seminar and everyone can always benefit from getting a refresher course. A big thanks to the VA District Directors, Pat & Kathy Hasiak, for a wonderful time.
15-17 October: Mississippi District Rally, Tupelo, MS
We found our way to Tupelo, Mississippi this year. It felt really weird not being in Biloxi, Mississippi. No fear... excitement was in the air. From a very unique talent show where the "real" Elvis impersonator showed up, to boat loads of vendors, and an exciting Couple Of the Year Selection event, there wasn't any time to rest. I got my snapshot 3 times with Elvis. I really liked his sequins!! {snicker}. As always, Mississippi is a class act. They had a good crowd and we found lots of new friends and newly made friends and then on Saturday, our Chapter ride was to Tupelo. A big congratulation goes out to Bobby & Lori Bryant as being selected as Mississippi's newest District Couple Of the Year. All of the couples were absolutely great, and I KNOW the judges had a hard job. Steven and I would also like to thank Greg & Pat Harbison and their wonderful staff for a great rally and for the VIP treatment that they gave us. We felt very welcome and we enjoyed helping them out with the Best Dressed Competition as judges and to assist in the Couple Of the Year Selection activities. We really appreciate Bobby & Lori Bryant for giving us the opportunity to teach our leadership training class that allowed us to become certified instructors. We truly appreciate Mississippi's support in helping us with that effort. We've got our room picked out for next year's rally at the Hilton Garden Inn. I feel like it will be even bigger than this year's event. Tupelo, Mississippi is really a neat place to go. As we were leaving town, we took a break for lunch at Logan's Roadhouse. We and our chapter members who were traveling with us caught the staff in the middle of some photo shoots. We just barged right in and asked them to let us play with them. It was so many of us, I think they feared not to let us join in. By the time we got through with the photo shoot, the staff was having a good time with us. We hope that we brought a little sunshine into their day that morning. As Goldwingers, you sometimes have to seize the moment to show the public what fun people we are... they already can see what funny-looking people some of us are.
23-24 October: Couple Of the Year Get-together, Alabaster, AL
Sometimes Steven and I don't get to travel together. Steven needed to go to Andalusia, Alabama to help teach an ARC class while I went to support the local Couple Of the Year Get-Together in Alabaster, Alabama. It is always so neat to see couples that will be in the same selection get to know each other and learn what the Couple Of the Program is all about. The couples that showed up were all equally wonderful and they each had their own style and flavor to bring to the table. It is neat to know that we sat at that same table three times and each time in a different capacity. That weekend, as Region A's representative, I was able to help them know that it's not such a scary thing. There's nothing to fear... it's a bunch of friends getting together to have a good time. It's a shame only one couple has to be selected, but regardless, each couple is very special and they all bring so much joy to their chapters. The couples that are not selected are not any less special or important but instead very important. They are the very foundation of what GWRRA represents. They are honored because of their contributions to GWRRA and their chapters. They will just continue to carry on with their work as Ambassadors. Who knows, at another time, it may be their time to move forward as a District Couple.
27 October: Kiwanis Club of Huntsville Meeting, Huntsville, AL
Recently, we were asked to speak at the local Kiwanis Club of Huntsville on 29 October. I had met Paul Artis at a Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) function at a work event on the Arsenal. I was searching for an organization that maybe our chapter could help support and be able to spread the word about GWRRA. Well, not too many folks took the time to pass any information to me, but Mr. Artis not only listened but he called me later to ask if we could come to their club and give a 20-30 minute presentation on who we were and what we were about. We were able to experience & share what other organizations do for the community as we do in GWRRA. They were very excited to have us there and we gave them a good synopsis of what GWRRA was all about and what the Couple of the Year program brought to it, as well as we gave them lots of good information on Motorcycle Awareness. Their members had asked us a lot of questions which we eagerly answered for them. They were very receptive and gave us some good feedback. It was charming to know that a few guys thought that all Goldwings were gold. We had a few chapter members that asked if they could join us as they had never been to a Kiwanis Club meeting and they also wanted to show support for our efforts and the Kiwanis club. Our special guests were Terry & Barbie Cleveland, our Alabama Motorist Awareness Directors. Terry & Barbie brought MAD paraphernalia to share with the Kiwanis members. As our GWRRA members came on their bikes, the Kiwanis members were enchanted with such machinery. They saw that indeed not all Goldwings were gold but were red, gray, white and many other colors.
7 November: Chapter K visit, Florence, AL
Chapter K: what does this mean to you? To us, it means, CHOCOLATE GRAVY! Hey, we won't pass on an opportunity to go hang out with some really, really nice people from Florence. There's nothing nicer than hanging out with nice people at a community center eating chocolate gravy. Now, if you are like some (very few that is) that do not like chocolate gravy, there was regular gravy, and nice crispy bacon, eggs, biscuits.....ah man...it was good food. They always have an outstanding breakfast at Chapter K's meeting place. While we were there, we were trying to help James & Debbie Wiley encourage folks to step up to the plate (no pun intended) for some chapter positions...namely Chapter Director. James and Debbie have done a fine, fine job serving as Chapter K's CDs, but as with all good things, there is an end and a beginning. There is no real ending but merely a new beginning of a new chapter in their GW life. They want to allow someone else to come up and fill the role as a chapter director. Ever so often, we all need changes like this; it's what keeps a chapter fresh. Our very own, Chapter B, will be heading toward some new changes in the upcoming year and it's bittersweet as we lose one CD but gain another. Our CDs have led a wonderful chapter but as with James and Debbie, it's time for them to have a little break. After Chapter K's meeting, I asked how last year's Member Of the Year, Mr. Jim McInish was doing. Jim has been fighting a battle with his health. I asked James if he thought Jim & Betty would mind if we stopped by for a few minutes to visit; he said no. He gave Jim a call and we got directions and headed over. It was a wonderful day. Kevin Kennemer, Amber Kennemer, Lisa Bass, Greg & Renee Dempsey, and Steven and I gave Jim & Betty a little joy for the afternoon. He seemed like he felt a little better as we were leaving. He even came outside and stood by the bikes as we saddled up to leave. Both had big smiles, but I think ours were bigger. Betty Werman had went with us to Chapter K, but she'd left before we decided we'd go over to Jim & Betty's. I really think Walmart had been calling her name that day. All in all, Chapter B had a great presence at Chapter K. We were joined by Lyn Edwards and our wonderful Assistant District Directors, Robert & Gail Brown from Chapter Y.
8 November: Fall Creek Falls, Pikeville, TN
It's no secret, we can be seen just about anywhere in Alabama but ever so often, well very often, we go to one of our neighboring states of Tennessee. Tennessee has some outstanding roads to ride. Our chapter had a ride up to Fall Creek Falls on 8 November, it is was too good to resist. We were joined by Jeff & Billie Burns, Roger & Peggy Allen, Jake & Kathy Lawyer, Joye Williamson, Avery Howard, Joann Keener, Marty & Lisa Knapp, Darrell Lenning, Hiram & Lisa Bass, and Greg & Renee Dempsey. If I missed anyone, please forgive me. We had a huge crowd. The ride up and back was awesome. Even though most of the leaves had fallen, it was still a beautiful Autumn backdrop. We were pleasantly surprised to find the Falls had quite a bit of water running through them. We usually find our way up there during a drier season and we don't get the full experience of waterfalls, but this time, it was majestic. Just be careful when you are out and about up there....rumor has it, that forest has some HUGE frogs.....and they will jump on your windshield. Granted, they are stuffed, but HUGE nonetheless. They "leap" right out at ya! Just ask Lisa Bass.
13 November, Region N Couple of the Year Selection:
Destination: Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
Can we say, good riding roads? Some folks thought we'd be going to Tennessee in cars....hmmmm....it just didn't seem right, so we decided - it MUST be bikes or bust! We are so glad we did. The weather was W-O-N-D-E-R-F-U-L. We had a bunch of our chapter members ride with us. It was exciting to share with some of our members that don't normally get the opportunity to see as many couple selections what it's all about. We try to expose them to as much as we can. You see, it's our secret ploy. The more you do, the more interesting it is, then the more you find yourself participating. Maybe the destination was enticing, but for us, it was a whole packaged deal.
Congratulations to Mac & Janice McGlothlin as the new Region N Couple of the Year. No doubt, they will represent Region N as great ambassadors. As always, it was a pleasure to see our friends and share more memories.
As this year draws to an end, it also signifies the final days that we serve as your Alabama District Couple Of the Year. This year has been amazing. We have traveled all over Alabama, and many other states, but there is no place like home. Again, we can't say enough of how proud we are to serve as Region "A"'s ambassadors. The love and support we get as we travel is remarkable. As our journey continues, we would love to have you ride with us. Even though Alabama will be represented by another fine couple next year, we are still your 2009 Alabama District Couple Of the Year and we fully intend to continue our journey in and around Alabama. We were just as proud to serve as District Couple Of the Year as we move into our new role. We are just expanding our borders to include other states and regions. Our goal remains the same regardless of which role we take on: we want to have FUN and we want our friends to remain SAFE, and we hope we can assist in providing the means for others to gain KNOWLEDGE, but the greatest gift is the new FAMILY members we gain in our journey.
Although we were newly crowned as Region A's ambassadors, you can see that we've got a lot more things to do. Just remember, although we are representing the Southeast Region, that region includes Alabama. We've just included more friends in that circle. No matter where we go or what we do, we won't forget where our journey began. We have an amazing chapter, state, region, and country. Steven and I are very proud GWRRA Americans. GWRRA represents more than just a group of motorcyclists; it represents a way of life that is marked by our freedoms. So any chance you get, don't forget to thank our soldiers for keeping us safe and defending our freedoms. We might be the ones wearing the medallions, but each of you should feel a responsibility to embody the spirit of GWRRA. We are just symbolic figures that represent YOU the members. We are just ordinary people experiencing an extraordinary journey. Come share that journey with us if you can. Mark your calendars and when you can make it, come join us!
| Steven & Tammy Hollingsworth COY *Ala bama -gwr ra:org |
December 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
December - 2009
| 1 | Tue | Supper at Cheeburger Cheeburger -- 6:00pm - Town Center Drive, Village of Providence |
| 3 | Thu | Supper at Tia Pan -- 6:00pm - 8883 Madison Blvd, Madison |
| 5 | Sat | "Call A Friend Ride" -- Impromptu Rides, TBD |
| 6 | Sun | Breakfast at Mullins -- 8:30am - 607 Andrew Jackson Way NE, Huntsville. Ride TBD. |
| Top of the River -- 3:00pm - Meet at Sonic on Sutton Rd, Hampton Cove | ||
| 7 | Mon | Pearl Harbor 68th Anniversary |
| 8 | Tue | Supper at Cheddar's -- 6:00pm - 6125 University Dr. |
| 10 | Thu | Supper at El Coyote Mexican Restaurant -- 6:00pm - 6027 Hwy 72 E, Gurley |
| 12 | Sat | IHOP Breakfast & Decorate for Party -- 9:00am - Meet at IHOP on University Dr for breakfast and then decorate for the Chapter Christmas Party |
| Christmas Party -- Huntsville Christian Academy at 5:00pm. Don't forget your Dirty Santa gift | ||
| 13 | Sun | Breakfast at Mullins -- 8:30am - 607 Andrew Jackson Way NE, Huntsville. Ride TBD. |
| 14 | Mon | Alabama became 22nd state -- 1819 |
| 15 | Tue | Supper at OH!Bryan's -- 6:00pm - 2136 Highway 72 E |
| 17 | Thu | Supper at Macaroni Grill -- 6:00pm - 5901 University Dr NW (In front of Madison Square Mall) |
| 19 | Sat | Game Night -- 6:00pm - Kathy & Jake Lawyer's - 2510 Oxmoor Blvd |
| 20 | Sun | Breakfast at Mullins -- 8:30am - 607 Andrew Jackson Way NE, Huntsville. Ride TBD. |
| 21 | Mon | First Day of Winter -- 17:55 UTC |
| 22 | Tue | Supper at Olive Garden -- 6:00pm - 3730 University Dr NW |
| 25 | Fri | Christmas Holiday |
| 27 | Sun | Breakfast at Mullins -- 8:30am - 607 Andrew Jackson Way NE, Huntsville. Ride TBD. |
| 29 | Tue | Supper at Rosies Mexican Cantina -- 6:00pm - 7540 South Memorial Pkwy |
| 31 | Thu | End of Year Ride -- 10:00am - Meet at Drake Cracker Barrel |
| Supper at Buffalo's Cafe -- 6:00pm - 8020 Madison Blvd, (Publix Shopping Center) |
January - 2010
| 1 | Fri | New Year's Day Ride -- 10:00am - Meet at Drake Av Cracker Barrel |
| New Year's Holiday | ||
| 3 | Sun | Breakfast at Mullins -- 8:30am - 607 Andrew Jackson Way NE, Huntsville. Ride TBD. |
| 4 | Mon | Rocket City Wings -- Charter 27th Anniversary |
| 9 | Sat | Alabama Snowball & District Couple Selection |
| 10 | Sun | Breakfast at Mullins -- 8:30am - 607 Andrew Jackson Way NE, Huntsville. Ride TBD. |
| 11 | Mon | Alabama secedes from the Union -- 1861, fourth state to secede |
| 12 | Tue | Rocket City Wings gathering -- Ryan's, S. Pkwy, Huntsville. Eat 6pm / Meet 7pm |