Volume11, Issue1 Newsletter January 8, 2012 The Next Gathering Feb 12, 9AM

Transcription

1 Volume11, Issue1 Newsletter January 8, 2012 The Next Gathering Feb 12, 9AM G W R R A M A C h a p t e r F - G R E A T E R S O U T H E A S T E R N M A S S A C H U S E T T S - All MA Chapter F get-togethers are NON-SMOKING- Thank You! Meetings from May through November are held on the 2 nd Wednesday of each month at American Legion Hall on RT 79 in Berkley, Mass. Winter meetings, January through March will be held on the 2 nd Sunday of each month at the Country Buffet in Dartmouth. April 2012 only will be held on the 3rd Sunday at the Country Buffet. The Meeting Isn't it nice to be able to call it a meeting again? At out monthly meeting at the Country Buffet, Kevin LeBlond said it was now OK to use the term again. There was a terrific turnout as we had 50 members and guests from our new District Directors, Kevin and Georgia LeBlond, our previous interim Directors, Bob and Judy Burns (who are still the RI & CT Directors), members of Mass Chapter A, Mass former Chapter B, now Members at Large (MAL) and RI Chapter B. First Doc mentioned that the January 1st Polar Bear Ride to Newport was a great success. There were 20 bikes with 28 people to watch the Polar Bears jump into the ocean at noon. Following this event some members continued on for more mileage since it was a beautiful day. It was mentioned that on January 28-29, there will be a Bike show at the Boston Seaport Trade Center. Cycles 128 will have a large display there along with representatives of GWRRA. The New England Rally will be held in Rutland, VT this year on July 26, 27, 28. Ron DeMello spoke of an upcoming CPR certification class to be held on Saturday, January 14th. Cost will be $25 per person. There will also be a Road Captain s Course in the spring. Jack Smith, RI-B Director, mentioned that their Kickoff Breakfast will be held on April 29th of this year at the Elks Lodge at Exit 6 off of RT 95 South. Our own Poker Run event will be held on June 24th this year beginning and ending at the American Legion on RT 79 in Berkley. We will not be sponsoring an All Chapters Picnic this year due to scheduling and fewer chapters. Len Fern mentioned that there will be a winter event which will be a bowling day at the Holiday Lanes on Hathaway Road in New Bedford, MA on January 22nd. This will be followed by a meal. Since we can't be doing our usual Wednesday and Sunday rides, it would be nice to still be able to get together for a good time. All are invited. If anyone is interested in the Memorial Day weekend ride with Mass-B, it would be of interest to make reservations early. The meeting concluded just before noon with the 50/50 being won by Jack Smith. Director s Comments: I must begin by saying I was absolutely, positively blown away by the turnout we enjoyed yesterday at our monthly breakfast get-together and gathering for January! It was great to see so many happy, smiling faces from, as Dave mentioned previously, MA-A, CC MALs, RI-B and of course, the overwhelming turnout of our own chapter members! It was something to see as we packed the private room and the masses spilled out into the main dining area (a first for us!). It s always a bit extra special for me when I get to share one of these events with my dad Bob and brother Mike, although my day most certainly would have been complete if my beautiful bride Robin was able to join me. I hope each and every month from now on we are able to have so many members (and even more, if possible) show up and share in the fun and laughter we had yesterday... It was my pleasure to introduce our new MA District Directors, Kevin & Georgia LeBlond as I suspect joining us for our gettogether was their first official event as they take up the gauntlet! I was also afforded the opportunity to thank Judy & Bob Burns for their service as outgoing MA District Directors. Judy s getting around very well post hip surgery, and she assured us that she and Bob (who s also suffered from recent illness) will still be around and joining all of us in the future. Ron DeMello and company joined us from our sister chapter down the Cape, and as always, Jack Smith led his troops up from RI. This gettogether certainly confirmed the importance of good communication as I was able to reach so many of our friends we don t often get to see during our off season. We all agreed we d do our best to work hard to keep the crowds gathering by keeping better lines of communication going I took a moment to remind everyone to be sure that their bikes/trikes are registered and to be sure to affix the registration decal, something very easily overlooked this time of year. I further conveyed to everyone from MA that although inspection stickers aren t required until the end of May that they re already available should you get the chance to get out and ride (something I ve already been privileged to do a few times during this very young hew year). Don t put off for tomorrow what you can do today (like use getting an early inspection sticker as an excuse to RIDE)! It s also very important to insure that you ve paid your membership fees to GW so as to insure you will continue to enjoy the full benefits of being a member of GWRRA, and you most certainly don t want to get left out in the cold (notice the pun: bikers getting left out in the cold this time of year). Ah, never 1

2 mind Just do whatever you need to do to be ready for the best and most exciting year ever to be a member of GWRRA and not get left in the dust!!! During our meeting it came to my attention that several of our own chapter members have been suffering as of late. Bruce Wargat (whom I was beginning to think rode off the face of the earth now that he s married to the love of his life Mary) has been battling illness. Ernie Dube has suffered a double malady as he injured himself with a nail-gun just prior to our Christmas Party and subsequently took a fall recently and fractured his back. Allan Nunes had been off his feet for a bit due to knee surgery as well. Robin continues to do the best she can, and it s my hope that we ll be able to get her to a specialist soon who ll be able to figure out just what need to be done to get her back on track (and the bike) once and for all. Please keep all of them in your thoughts and prayers Happy Birthday wishes go out to one of MA-F s newest members, Linc Todd (January 4th) as well as Kevin LeBlond who s also celebrating his birthday (today as a matter of fact). Health, happiness and good cheer to you As Dave mentioned, Ron DeMello suggested that he could coordinate a Road Captain s Training course for our members and the educators from his group would be able to come to us. Discussion was had and it was decided that Ron and I would coordinate a date, time and place for sometime in the spring. Please keep a keen eye out for further information Lastly, I d like to thank those MA-F chapter members that joined us on Monday, January 2 nd to work on our chapter ride schedule for Thanks to their efforts I believe we have an excellent riding season ahead of us. Dave has added a preliminary draft (but subject to change, of course), and I m putting the finishing touches on our poker run flier so that I can have it out early to aid all of our area sister chapters as they make out their schedules. It s my hope that all of our local chapters will be able to look at our ride calendar and it will help them plan their own rides in such a way so that we can all meet up on the open roads and share many of the rides and events this year each chapter is planning to hold with each other. Thanks ladies and gents: As always you never cease to amaze me in your efforts to support MA-F! Doc Chapter F- Rider Educator: Allan Nunes Allan s safety tip for the month is to insure you plan accordingly when heading out to protect yourselves from the dangers of HYPOTHERMIA. Dress warmly (in loose-fitting layers), and also be sure to HYDRATE appropriately. Don t drink too much caffeine (coffee, tea, soda etc.) as they are diuretics and defeat the purpose. Drink plenty of water, natural juices or ades (Gatorade, Powerade, sports juices etc.). It s very easy to overlook the need to hydrate at this time of year, but certainly just as important as it is during warm weather months. The only caveat is be sure you don t over-hydrate, as it can be a real pain in the derrière to have to strip out of all those nice, loose-fitting layers you so painstakingly put on to stay warm when you have to make number 1 too many times while you re out Also continue to keep a sharp eye out for black ice, sand, and most especially those pesky deer (especially at dawn and sunset). The last thing you want to do is have an encounter with any of them. Be prepared, ride safe, and have fun! Chapter Store: Our MA Chapter F patches and decals are available for purchase. The cost of the chapter patch is $2.50 and decals are $1.00. MA Chapter F appreciates your continued support by purchasing these items. The LARGE black and gold GWRRA logo patches are $12.00; the smaller versions are $6.00 each. The LARGE Chapter and State rockers are $6.00 each, and the smaller State and Chapter rocker versions are $4.00 each. Memorial patches for our lost members are still available, and can be purchased for $4.00 each. The MA Chapter F pins are also available and cost $5.00 each. Year bars (2011) are in and are $5.00 each. See our Chapter sales rep Mike Bartnowski at chapter gatherings and other functions for all of your GWRRA and MA Chapter F needs! Abra Cadabra Embroidery & Screen Printing" supplies our chapter T-shirts, Polo s, jackets, hats, etc. For the purchase of any of these items and more please contact our Purchasing Coordinator Bunny Kirchdorfer. For any further information visit our web page for a complete list of all available chapter and other Member Birthdays in February: Victor Balonis, Allan Nunes, Joyce White and Debbie Kocak Members Anniversary in February: Steve & Maria Viera Best Wishes and Many More! 2

3 Note from The Editor : Please let me know if I miss you on your birthday or anniversary month so you can be recognized. We Mount & Balance Tires Our Advertisers: Please support our advertisers. When you visit them let them know you saw their ads here. They support our chapter. Thanks! MA Chapter F rides for 2012: Chapter rides begin at the east end of the Dunkin Donuts parking lot 128 Myricks Street in Berkley near exit 10- Route 79 (Myricks/Lakeville), just west of Route 140. Come with a full tank of gas, an empty bladder and bring along a smile and perhaps some new friends! **Ride schedule (see below) is subject to change. Unless otherwise noted all chapter rides kick-off at 9:00AM. Please watch for s fro m the Ride Coordinator, the Chapter Director or check our newsletter regularly for changes or updates **If anyone wants to organize a ride on any Open Date on the ride calendar please feel free to arrange rides amongst yourselves. Remember: some of us can and do ride on holidays or holiday weekends, so check with friends to see if anyone is looking for some extra unscheduled FUN and ADVENTURE! Dinner Rides- Will continue with Len Fern with 4 wheels for the winter. Ice Cream or Coffee Rides- Will resume in the Spring 1. Saturday Nite Get-togethers in Plymouth, MA- Mosey on down to Plymouth at your leisure and join us on Saturday evenings (when the weather breaks) generally from May through October! Park your bike (or trike) in front of Isaac s Restaurant on Water Street along the harbor every Saturday night throughout the summer (weather permitting). Gather with friends (and bring new ones with you), enjoy dinner, ice cream, or coffee, show off your machines (especially the light shows after dark) and swap lies (err stories of your adventures) from approximately 6:00 to 9:30PM 2. Wednesday evenings are generally our designated ice cream/coffee ride nights (with the exception of our monthly gatherings on the second Wednesday). Meeting place is the D&D in Berkley and we usually head out at 6:30PM. Destinations (and sometimes temperature) may determine whether we head out for ice cream, coffee, or both! 3

4 3. Monthly Dinner Rides generally take place on the THIRD THURSDAY of the month (weather permitting). Len Fern is the Dinner Ride Coordinator and usually announces the destination at our monthly gatherings. Meeting place is the D&D in Berkley with a leave time of 6:30PM. Should the weather be uncooperative, the dinner rides are usually rescheduled for the following Thursday evening. 4. October Sunday rides that are non-reciprocal start at 10:00AM unless a predetermined time has already been established. Local November Sunday rides start at 11:00AM and are dependent upon seasonal temperatures. 5. The Ride Coordinator reserves the right to adjust the ride schedule should a situation arise that would require such adjustment and shall do so after consultation with the Chapter Director. Any issues, concerns, known ride schedule conflicts or other matters should be directed to the Ride Coordinator and/or Chapter Director. Revisions to the ride schedule will not occur randomly or without the consent of the Chapter Director and/or Ride Coordinator. To Our Members: All of your chapter newsletters are sent out in a MS Word Document format. If you are having trouble opening the chapter newsletter in MS Word format you may visit our website at: where you will find our current and past newsletters. While you re there, check out our Photos page and as well as the rest of the website for other helpful and useful information. If you would like to contribute to the newsletter or have ideas for articles for future newsletters, please submit them to the Newsletter Editor. If you are not receiving or are having trouble opening newsletters, please let us know. Also be sure to update any changes to your address. Please send your updated information to the News Editor and/or the Chapter Director. Directory: Massachusetts GWRRA District Page. Director of GWRRA...Mike Stiger Director@gwrra.org Region B Directors Ed & Dottie Barhenburg... gwrra.ed.dottie@gmail.com Mass District Directors...Kevin & Georgia LeBlond... gwrra.mad@gmail.com Chapter Directors Steve & Robin Alvarez goldwingrider@comcast.net Assist. Chapter Director..Mike Gazard michaelgaz@comcast.net Chapter Rider Educator.Allan Nunes Wings9496@comcast.net Treasurer.Doris Nunes cyclelady@comcast.net Ride Coordinator...Dave Chenard dach162@aol.com Assist. Ride Coordinator.Bruce Wargat silverwing2002@comcast.net Sales..Mike Bartnowski Bartgoldwing5@Verizon.net Sunshine....Ernie Dube ernestdube@comcast.net Ways & Means..Dave Chenard dach162@aol.com Newsletter Editor Claire Chenard MassChpF@aol.com Chapter Photographer.Bunny Kirchdorfer Raythekay@hotmail.com Web Master.Roger Chartier...rogerchartier@gwrramachapterf.org 4

5 Directions to the next Gathering : During the riding season, our Smoke Free Gatherings begin at 7:00PM on the second non-holiday Wednesday of the month. If our monthly gathering falls on a holiday, we will change the get-together forward or back a week with advance notice. During the winter months they will be held at 9 AM on the third Sunday of the month at the Country Buffet in Dartmouth. The next gathering is Sunday February 12, the Country Buffet at 9 AM in Dartmouth From Route 195 East or West: Route 24N (Fall River area) to exit 11- Padelford Street, Berkley. Bear right off of ramp and follow to stop sign. Turn right onto Myricks Street (Route 79). American Legion Hall is on the right side a short distance from the corner. From Points North: Route 24S to Route 140S (Exit 12). At the bottom of ramp bear to the right (toward New Bedford). Follow Route 140S to exit 10 Route 79- (Myricks/Lakeville). Bear right at bottom of ramp and travel approximately ¾ mile. American Legion Hall is on the right. From New Bedford: Route 140N to exit 10 Route 79- (Myricks/Lakeville). At bottom of ramp turn left under Route 140. Follow approximately 1 mile; arrive at destination on the right. BRING YOUR FRIENDS! >>>> ALL MAKES & MODELS of BIKES & TRIKES WELCOMED HERE <<<< MA Chapter F needs VOLUNTEERS! Looking for Road Captains, Membership Enhancement Coordinators, and a Recording Secretary. Items for Sale: None at this time Please see our chapter web site for a list of items for sale Let the News Editor know when you have sold your property. We do not want to advertise SOLD items. Humor or the Month Trick Questions 1. Mr. & Mrs. Smith have 6 boys. Each boy has one sister. How many people are there? 2. There are 24 horses but 9 fall asleep. How many horses are left standing? 3. Mary's mother had five daughters: Nana, Nene, Nini, Nono and. What is the name of the fifth daughter? 4. A man has lived in his house for many years. He decides to leave and turns the light off. That night, 7 men die. Why? 5. What is yours but is used by your friends more than you? 6. A man is walking on the Brooklyn Bridge. He looked over the edge and on the river he saw a boat with 92 people aboard. He jumped in the river and got on the boat. When he climbed aboard, he couldn't find a single person. Why? 7. Why can't an elephant living in Alaska be buried in Hawaii? 8. Which room would be the safest one? Room one is totally in flames. Room two is loaded with cats with very sharp claws. Room three has Tigers that have not eaten in three years. 9. What is full of holes but still holds water? 10. If Mr. Smith's Peacock lays an egg in Mr. Brown's yard, who owns the egg? 1. Nine. Each boy has the same sister. Did you forget Mr. & Mrs. Smith? 2. Twenty four. All horses sleep while standing. 3. Mary 4. He lives in a lighthouse. 5. Your name. 6. They were all married. 7. He's still alive. 8. Room three. The tigers would be dead after not eating for three years. 9. A sponge. 10. No one. Peahens lay eggs, not peacocks. Happy Trails!! 5

6 GWRRA MA CHAPTER F - G R E A T E R S O U T H E A S T E R N M A S S A C H U S E T T S - Ride & Event List for 2012 Rides Dunkin Donuts-128 Myricks Street, Berkley MA Exit 10 (Route 79) off of Route 140 Come with a full tank of gas, an empty bladder and bring along a smile and perhaps some new friends! Rides begin at 9:00AM unless otherwise noted Please note that this is only a tentative list and is subject to change. April 29 RI "B" Kickoff Breakfast May 5 CMA Run for the Son. Meet at Dunkin Donuts at the Middleboro Rotary 9 AM May 6 Open May 12 Ride to Venco Wings - Loudon, NH May 13 Mothers Day-Open May 19 Region "B" Caribbean Cruise May 20 Left Turn Only Ride-Everyone leads May 27 Memorial Day-Open-Also-Mass "B" Weekend Ride June 3 Fort Independence-Castle Island, Boston June 4-9 Americade Week June 10 Disk Golf - destination to be announced June 17 Fathers Day-Tentative ride to 20th Century Cycles-Oyster Bay, Long Island, NY VIA Ferry Ride from New London, CT June 24 Mass "F" Poker Run July 1 Mountain Coaster - Mt. Cranmore, Conway, NH - Fee July 4-7 Wing Ding - Ft. Wayne, Indiana July 8 Norman Rockwell Museum - Stockbridge, Ma - Fee July 15 Windsor Locks, CT - Bradley Air Museum July 22 Mt. Greylock - No. Adams, Ma. Early leave time July NE Convention - Rutland, VT July 29 Open Aug 5 Vermont weekend with Chapter A Aug 12 Vanilla Bean - Pomfret, Ct. Aug 19 Ride For Kids - Fiskdale, Ma. Very Early Leave Time Aug 26 Open Aug 29-Sep 1 Killington Classic Sep 2 Labor Day - Open - Possible 3 day weekend to NH ( Colebrook) Sep 9 Possible Hobo Stew - Keene, NH Sep 16 Mass A Ride Sep Orange County Choppers - NY Sep 23 Southern RI Sep 30 Possible Cape Cod Ride Oct 7 Columbus Weekend - Open Oct 14 Everyone's Favorite Ride Oct 21 Wachusett Mt. get lost ride Oct 28 Corn Maze - destination to be announced Ver

7 7

8 8