Gold Wing Road Riders Association Region N Virginia District Chapter C Newsletter. Chapter Director Susan Berry

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1 January 2016 Volume 33, Issue 1 Chapter meeting the 2 nd Sunday of each month at Angelo s Steak and Pancake House, 755 J. Clyde Morris Blvd, Newport News, VA. Eat at 6 PM; meet at 7 PM, everyone welcome. 1 From The Directors Chair 2 Motorcycle Safety 4 Membership Enhancement 5 VA District News 7 Regional Updates 9 National News 10 For Sale 11 The Funnies 12 Important Dates 13 Officer s and Staff 14 Rides and Events 16 Pet CPR class Flyer The Tidewater Wings GWRRA VAC P.O. Box 1266 Chapter Director Susan Berry So here we are starting a new year, hopefully an exciting year for VA C. We have new people joining the staff and we have more members with new ideas. We will have a riders meeting soon and please come and share your ideas about new rides and events that you would like us to participate in. After doing the Wreaths Across America the group that attended wants to do more for the Yorktown Cemetery so we will have a jar at every meeting in the hope of purchasing more wreaths next year so that all soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice will have someone place a wreath and visit their grave at Christmas. I will be attending the operations meeting to give the dates for the Spring Thaw and Fall Sprawl, all the chapters in the region should be there and the calendar should be set by the time the meeting is over. We will also discuss education, training and MEPC at the Region, District and Chapter levels. Let s try to get everyone involved this year and make it the best year ever for VA C. Susan GWRRA VA-C Tidewater Wings January

2 Motorcycle Safety Dave Huey, Chapter Educator Can you believe its 2016 already? The past year really flew by and Chapter C had some great events and fun last year. I m looking forward to continuing these traditions this year. If you didn t get out to the Christmas party shame on you. It was a great evening with our riding friends and fun for all. Did I mention we also did what GoldWingers do best, EAT!!! We also had a fun game of drawing Christmas trees and fireplaces blindly on top of our heads and I won. A good time was had by all and it was really nice to just go enjoy and leave no set-up or clean-up. First don t forget to come out to the ride meeting when scheduled. This is a very important meeting for all Chapter members to help decide the planned rides for the upcoming year. Come on out and let your voice be heard as to what rides you would like to see the chapter do. We will also schedule a couple of bike clinics at this meeting. Once again please let me know if you need any particular updates to keep your rider Ed levels current. I will do my best to try and schedule whatever the chapter needs. Do you know that it is quite all right to run your hi-beams on during the daytime hours? Of course it is but you also have to put a little thought into it. For instance, if it is foggy, raining, or that period of time where the sun is almost gone, we do not want to blind any others with our hi beams still on. With our hi-beams on, maybe it will get us that little bit more of someone s attention that actually will get us noticed. What about our clothing? During the daytime, what might get someone s attention a little more quickly? Your typical black t-shirt or a long sleeved yellow t-shirt? And what about the car waiting at the stop sign waiting to make a dash across the median, and does a quick head check to the left, and then starts to move. Yes, you were paying enough attention to have them notice you at the last instant by switching your lights on and off, but why didn t they see you sooner? Were you traveling in the left track of your lane and forgot about that new car behind you? You know the car, most of your GWRRA VA-C Tidewater Wings January

3 new cars and trucks have the daytime driving lights that come on any time the key is turned on. Yes, you were in your proper track for riding by yourself; however, with the car s lights on also, the car waiting at the stop sign only saw 2 lights. If you were in the left track, you were actually blocking the car s lights on the left side. That is why the car waiting to make the dash only saw 2 lights. Change your track making 3 lights, flash your high beams rapidly, do anything to draw more attention to yourself. I know that all of you are just as tired as I am of, I didn t see them. Make them see us and they will learn. That is why we also stress as Educator s; learn something every time you sit your behind in the saddle. Never get so relaxed that you are the accident waiting to happen. As always be safe out there we want to see you real soon. GWRRA VA-C Tidewater Wings January

4 Membership Enhancement Deborah Morris, Assistant Chapter MEC It s exciting to be helping with Membership Enhancement for our chapter and GWRRA was exciting for our chapter for many reasons, but most especially because our riding family grew with new members joining VAC. Let us all agree to keep that momentum going in 2016 by continuing to invite others to gatherings, events and rides. Many thanks to Sharyn, Jeff, Randi and anyone who has helped with MEC. We are looking forward to another great year ahead. We closed the year s rides by honoring our nation s veterans through participation in the Wreath s Across America. VAC had the privilege to join with a couple other bike groups and provide escort of the wreaths to Yorktown National Cemetery. Then we laid the wreaths with about 150 other community members. We even got to give 16 kids from the Boys and Girls club a thrill as they took turns climbing on Debbi s Spyder, Lil Blu to have a photo taken for their parents to enjoy as a keepsake. So, we look forward to a safe new year for all and to the new folks that will be joining VAC in Happy New Year let s get together for fun, safety, knowledge and RIDES! GWRRA VA-C Tidewater Wings January

5 VA District Information Ervin and I are preparing to participated in a few holiday parades and have started planning our riding season for next year to ensure we visit every chapter in Virginia as a start. We are also trying to schedule to attend all five District Rallies. In Region N. We are looking forward to visiting with all the Chapter Couples and packing the District Selection stage next October! How does that sound for FUN? We hope the Chapter Couples will join us in this roller coastal ride for We have received through , phone calls, and person to person thanks, some very nice comments and we appreciate the support and confidence you have in us. We have been honored by VA-O as their Chapter Couple for 2014 & 2015, and we want you all to know, that we will do our best to make all of Virginia and VA-O very proud of us as their District Couple of the Year. We look forward to meeting as many new folks, and lots of old folks or what we commonly refer to as Recycled Teenagers. We will add new folks with the old folks to our GWRRA family. With the holiday season upon us, this is the time that most chapters have their holiday parties and during which they announce their new Couple of the Year for the upcoming year. We strongly encourage all Virginia chapters to select that one couple that has gone above and beyond for your chapter and is deserving of being selected as Chapter Couple of the Year for What an HONOR that is!! With the selection of your Couple of the Year, we would like the Chapter Directors to let us know who their new Couple of the Year is so we can recognize them during upcoming events. We will be planning a Couple of the Year Meet and Greet Reception in early 2016 so we all can meet and have FUN together. We will also include previous Chapter Couples to share their experiences and mentor with our incoming Couples. We are looking forward to meeting all the new Couples of the Year and continuing our visiting and friendships with the previous Couples of the Year. Being selected as Chapter Couple of the Year is an honor bestowed on a deserving couple who has shown dedication and commitment to their Chapter. Being selected as Chapter Couple of the Year is just like being presented an award. Loosely interpreted, being named Chapter Couple of the Year is an honor - an award for a job well-done - and as such, nothing else is expected in return. The decision to participate beyond that or assume more responsibility is totally left to the couple. GWRRA VA-C Tidewater Wings January

6 Why are we bringing all this up? We believe a communication breakdown has occurred and somewhere along the line everyone seems to have forgotten the basic reason for this award. First and foremost, the program provides an opportunity for local Chapters to recognize and honor a couple each year for their dedication, accomplishments and participation within the Chapter. Secondly, it establishes a process for identifying outstanding couples who can serve their Chapters, Districts, Regions, and ultimately the International GWRRA organization as ambassadors and spokespersons This year we d like to ask, rather challenge, all Chapter Directors NOT to utter the dreaded phrase "who wants to be the Couple of the Year?" but rather award a deserving couple with this honor. After you have gone through your selection process, announce your new Chapter Couple. Present them with this new award, thank them for their accomplishments and participation and just watch the smile on their faces. Remember, the Couple you re selecting is already participating, helping the Chapter achieve its goals, spreading good cheer. Why not reward them with this honor? We are look forward to working with all the Chapters and Congratulating all the Couples of the Year. We look forward to meeting all of you. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. If we don t know the answer, we will find the answer. We hope that all have a happy and safe holiday season. Again, it is such an honor to represent the Virginia District as your Couple of the Year. We are excited about and looking forward to the upcoming year with all the Couples. Ervin & Denise Blake Virginia District COY District Membership Enhancement Coordinators GWRRA VA-C Tidewater Wings January

7 Motorist Awareness First of all, we would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. This month, we wish to speak about being aware of one's surroundings. This winter season is starting off in a less than normal way. The temperatures in our Districts are way above normal, with some averaging at least 20 degrees above normal. This means that many of us are still riding our motorcycles and enjoying the weather. With that being said, we need to be aware of what is going on as we ride. Those of us with weather band on our motorcycles need to periodically scan the weather. This is because of the abnormal weather temperatures with low pressures from the south and high pressures from the north. These differences in pressures lead to tornadoes. Yes, tornadoes are possible in all months of the year. Even though we are in the Appalachian Region we can have tornadoes. As of yesterday, when watching the weather channel, the TOR:CON level was a 7 for some areas of Tennessee and western North Carolina. The following will explain the TOR:CON index. The TOR:CON index ranges from 0 to 10. Multiply the value by 10 to get your percentage chance of a tornado within 50 miles of a location. For example, a TOR:CON index of 6 means there's a 60% chance of a tornado within 50 miles of any location in the indicated area. TOR:CON Value Descriptions 8+ Very high probability of a tornado 6 - High probability of a tornado 4 - Moderate chance of a tornado nearby, but hail and/or high wind gusts possible 2 - Low chance of a tornado, but hail and/or high wind gusts possible 0 - Near-zero chance of a tornado or a severe thunderstorm GWRRA VA-C Tidewater Wings January

8 All we ask is that you be aware and scan the weather band as many tornadoes are popping up in the Appalachian Region. The Appalachian Region, as defined in ARC's authorizing legislation, is a 205,000-square-mile region that follows the spine of the Appalachian Mountains from southern New York to northern Mississippi. It includes all of West Virginia and parts of 12 other states: Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. In closing, enjoy the ride, be safe, wear all the gear all the time, and be aware of the weather conditions in the environment around you. "One Team, One Unit!" Kyle T. & Mitzela Craig Regional N Educators In GOD We Still Trust...Here in America! The front line of safety begins with you, the motorcyclist and Safety Is For Life! GWRRA VA-C Tidewater Wings January

9 GWRRA IS NOT FUN ANYMORE! WHAT?? Did I just say that? No, of course not, but I heard it from a Member recently. My first question was WHY? (I was really thinking: "Do you not enjoy riding anymore? Have you met your quota of friends?") My next question: "WHY DID YOU JOIN GWRRA?" This caught them off guard and their answer was "friends asked us to join!" They added that this began a journey of some of the most memorable times in their lives. Scrapbook after scrapbook of memories! "What changed?" I asked. "GWRRA is asking too much of its Members and taking the fun out." I explained "GWRRA is asking the same thing today as it did when you joined. We just want you to have fun with friends and ride safe! You certainly have the option to volunteer and get as involved as you want or just be a JAM!" YOU are in control of your fun, not GWRRA." Before long we were all smiles and everything seemed OK after that. What is GWRRA?? It is you, me and all Members from around the world. Some with titles, most without, but first and foremost, we are all MEMBERS of the largest single marquee motorcycle organization in the world (I love saying that!) Our Officers, and I'm speaking of Chapter Directors, District Directors, Region Directors and so on, have the responsibility of helping to provide opportunities for everyone to enjoy GWRRA and be a safer rider. We all ride what everyone knows as the ultimate luxury touring motorcycle (I love saying that too!) Let's enjoy it every chance we get, be safe and share your experiences with others! GWRRA VA-C Tidewater Wings January

10 2012 GL 1800 GOLDWING GARAGE KEPT DRIVER S BACKREST HARTCO SHEEPSKIN SEAT COVER HONDALINE CB RADIO MATCHING HELMET WITH HEADSET KURYAKYN HIGHWAY PEGS ADD-ON LIGHTS TRUNK SPOILER $17, GL 1800 LEVEL 2 WITH 19,000 MILES MIKE MITCHELL: GWRRA VA-C Tidewater Wings January

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12 January Birthdays January Wedding Anniversaries January GWRRA Anniversaries Lisa Barnes 15 th Sharyn Sullinger 18 th Michael Barnes 19 th Don Smith 21 st Donna Huey 26 th Julie Smith 29 th John and Sidney Newbauer 9 th Calvin Hunt 1 yr Jeanette Hunt 1 yr Cundiff Simmons 25 yrs Ellen Simmons 25 yrs Congratulate these people when you see them. GWRRA VA-C Tidewater Wings January

13 Chapter Director Susan Berry Ride Coordinator Randy Morris Asst. Chapter Director Open Social Coordinator Julie Smith Chapter Educator Dave Huey Charity/Community Relations Sydney Newbauer Treasurer Rebecca J. Pitts Web Master/ Coordinator Membership Enhancement Coordinator Sharyn Sullinger Newsletter Editor Daniel Pitts Assistant Membership Enhancement Coordinator Debbie Morris Activities & Fun Coordinator Sandy Renner Jackie Wall Chapter Couple of the Year Daniel and Rebecca Pitts Motorcycle Awareness Coordinator Open GWRRA VA-C Tidewater Wings January

14 2015 Chapter C Rides and Events Day Date Rides/Events 2016 Keep Checking Back for a new updated list of rides for 2016 Chapter Meetings Departure Locations McDonald s Angelo's Steak & Pancake House McSouth (McD S) 755 J Clyde Morris Blvd. Parking lot of Roses at the corner of Mercury Blvd Newport News, VA & Jefferson Avenue 605 Newmarket Drive North Chapter Website Newport News, VA (This is Rose's address) Facebook McNorth (McD N) Goldwing VA Chapter C Corner of Ft. Eustis Blvd and RT George Washington Memorial Hwy Yorktown, VA GWRRA VA-C Tidewater Wings January

15 Chapter Location Meeting VA A Northern Virginia 2 nd Wednesday 7:30- pm VA B Virginia Beach 2 nd Wednesday 7pm VA B1 Tappahannock 3 rd Sunday 2 pm VA C Newport News 2 nd Sunday 7pm VA D Richmond 4 th Wednesday 7pm VA E Fredericksburg 3 rd Wednesday 7:30pm VA F Winchester 4 th Sunday 9am VA H Abington 2 nd Tuesday 7pm VA I Manassas 2 nd Sunday 9:30am VA J South Boston 2 nd Monday 7:30pm VA K Roanoke 2 nd Monday 7pm VA L Chesapeake 4 th Tuesday 6pm VA O Williamsburg 4 th Sunday 5pm VA R Harrisonburg 1 st Sunday 3pm VA U Hanover 3 rd Thursday 7pm VA V Bedford 3 rd Sunday 3pm VA W Chester 2 nd Tuesday 7pm VA X Salem 1 st Saturday 3pm GWRRA VA-C Tidewater Wings January

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