Who is the GWRRA and Chapter J

Transcription

1 Notes Gold Wing Road Riders Association, Region D, Chapter J - Cascade Wings, Jackson, Michigan Chapter J Website address: GWRRA Website address: Who is the GWRRA and Chapter J Allow us to introduce ourselves. We are the Gold Wing Road Riders Association Chapter J, Cascade Wings of Jackson Michigan. The GWRRA promotes enjoyable, safe, and knowledgeable motorcycling. The motto of GWRRA is Friends for Fun, Safety, and Knowledge. We certainly endorse that motto and will work to insure that your association with Chapter J will be a friendly, fun filled experience. Since our beginning we have been actively involved in many community and charitable projects. The Chapter chooses a charity to support for two years. In addition we have several annual social events that are enjoyed by our members: Maintenance workshops, Safety seminars, Wingless Weekend, our Mall Show, Anniversary parties, a Chapter appreciation dinner, riding in several local parades, a Chapter Charity Run, a Halloween party, and a Christmas Party. There are District, Regional, and National Rallies. We also support other chapters by attending their functions. There is a GWRRA or Chapter activity almost every weekend during the summer, you can be as active as you choose. The information in this pamphlet is designed to help you get acquainted with the GWRRA and Chapter J. We appreciate you taking the time to read through this and hope your eventual association with us is filled with Fun, Safety and Knowledge. We hope you will become involved with our Chapter functions. Chapter J supports and endorses the GWRRA Rider Education program which promotes the following; Proper riding attire: helmets, long sleeves, long pants, over the ankle boots, gloves, eye protection and other protective gear. Proper team riding procedures are followed on all Chapter J rides. Chapter J Does Not Promote the Use of Alcohol at any GWRRA Event. 9/

2 GOLD WING ROAD RIDER ASSOCIATION Don Czarnecki Chapter Orientation Coordinator First Sunday of the Month Visiting time at 8:00 a.m. Meeting time at 9:00 a.m. Holiday Power Sports 4501 Page Avenue Michigan Center MI All Are Welcome. Please, Come Join Us! Level III: Safety by Preparedness (Continued from page 10) eted goal of zero accidents, however, we know realistically this is hard to attain. Since accidents will and do occur, it is important that we be fully prepared to lend aid to unfortunate accident victims. We should always be prepared to save a life. The Level III of the Rider Education Program was developed to deal with such circumstances by recognizing and encouraging proper First Aid or CPR training. CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), a level III requirement has been used to save many lives. Being trained to render CPR or give First Aid is a tremendous asset. Level IV: Master Tour Rider Level IV of the REP was designed for those special individuals who desire to "be all they can be" with regards to motorcycle safety. not for everyone. But for those who desire to be of greater service to their fellow man, it is the correct prescription. Why desire to be a Level IV? It's a worthy goal. Being prepared to save a life is a high calling indeed! You are shining examples to the rest of our membership. Others aspire to practice the same commitment as you have displayed. For that reason, because you are our ambassadors to the members at all levels, we provide a special gathering to celebrate your commitment each year at Wing Ding. So there you have the program structure. Level I Safety by Commitment Level II Safety by Education Level III Safety by Preparedness Level IV Safety by Enhanced Commitment and preparedness The GWRRA is proud to present the Rider Education Program. We encourage you to think seriously about motorcycle safety and be a participant in the GWRRA Rider Education Program. You should also remember the old cliché, "an ounce of prevention IS worth a pound of cure." Always wear protective riding apparel! Talking Of Safety Some people say we talk too much about safety. When we cease to TALK about safety we cease to THINK about safety. When we cease to THINK about safety. SAFETY CEASES TO EXIST!!!! 2 The requirements are more stringent than Level III and require a greater commitment on your part. These Riders and Co-Riders are caring, trained and prepared with the experience to back them up. We realize Level IV is 11

3 How does the program work and how do I get involved? GWRRA RIDER EDUCATION PROGRAM STRUCTURE Level I: Safety by Commitment - The first big step to success Safety is a state of mind which can only be attained through total commitment. Every successful accomplishment began with a commitment to reach the intended objective and a promise to learn for the sake of you, your Co-Rider, your friends and family and others on the road. Level I is perhaps the most important part of the REP structure. Regardless of your training and skill level, it is basically worthless if you are not committed to utilize your training and skill to their fullest. This commitment not only affects you and your Co-Rider but others on the 10 road. You will be registered with the GWRRA across the country and your promise never has to be renewed as it truly is a commitment for life. Level II: Safety by Education GWRRA has chosen several educational training programs for the operators and Co-Riders such as the MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) programs, the United Sidecar Association course, the CSC (Canadian Safety Council) programs, and the GWRRA's riding courses and parking lot programs. We say Go see the experts for your On Bike Training. Completing these courses provides the foundation and skills for your quest to be a safe motorcycle rider. All recognized programs are taught by qualified and nationally certified instructors. For the Co-Rider, we have provided an excellent seminar and Two Up programs to assist in your role in the safety aspect of motorcycle riding. Motorcycle education goes "Hand in Hand" with commitment, and the "On Bike" education by MSF, USCA, CSC and GWRRA for the Rider and Co-Rider and the "off bike" education specifically for the Co-Rider provides a very effective approach to Motorcycle safety. This is truly when a Rider begins to understand what his or her Level I commitment means and sees the value in the program. It would be great if we could achieve the cov- Supported Charities Over the years we have donated money, food, and time to the following charities: Hospice of Jackson Toys for Tots Make A Wish Foundation The Rainbow Connection Boy Scouts of America WKAR TV-23 Auction Sitting Tall One of the most rewarding times was when we sponsored the children of two area families at Christmas. A few Highlights of History In 1990, Ken Barnes won the Gold Wing that was raffled at the Michigan Rally and soon became a Chapter J member. In 1991 Chapter J s first Couple of the Year, Ron and Dianna Miller became Michigan s 1991 State Couple of the Year. In 1992 they were offered and accepted the State position of Assistant District Director. In 1995 they accepted the position of Michigan District Director. In 2000 they returned to Chapter J and became our Chapter Educators. In 2003 they became Senior Chapter Educators. In 1993 Chapter J s third Couple of the Year. Jim and Diana Hilleary became Michigan s 1993 State Couple of the Year. In 1995 Chapter J s fourth Couple of the Year, Mike and Loretta Boulton were offered and accepted the State position of Assistant District Director. In 1996 Chapter J s sixth Couple of the Year, Mel and Mary Swetland were offered and accepted the State position of District Treasurer. In 1998 Chapter J s seventh Couple of the Year, Tom and Pat Maynard became Michigan s 1998 State Couple of the Year, then on September 5th, 1998 they became Region D Couple of the Year. In 1999 they were offered and accepted the State position of Assistant District Director. In 1999 Chapter J s eighth Couple of the Year, JJ and Lee Jacobs became Michigan s 1999 State Couple of the Year. 3 Chapter J History Chapter J is located in Jackson, Michigan, and was chartered on May 15, Shortly thereafter we assumed the name of the Cascade Wings, in reference to the beautiful Cascade Falls that are located in the heart of Jackson. We started with five members. Some of our members have spun off to start other chapters such as L, T, and W. Chapter J currently has approximately 125 active members. Chapter J Cascade Wings Patch Our Chapter patch depicts a scene of the Cascade Fall s. Thus our Chapter s name Cascade Wings.

4 What is GWRRA? Welcome to GWRRA The Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA) is the world s largest singlemarquee social organization for owners and riders of Honda Gold Wing/Valkyrie motorcycles -- and some would say, the world s largest family. Dedicated to our motto, Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge, GWRRA members enjoy the freedom of belonging to a nonprofit, non-religious and non-political organization. Founded in 1977, GWRRA has grown to more than 70,000 U.S., Canadian and international members in 52 foreign countries in just 22 years. Over 1,000 active Chapters are managed by 4,000 volunteer leaders working with members to foster safe, enjoyable riding while also working to improve the public image of motorcycling. Once you join GWRRA, you can participate with as many Chapters as you choose. You decide your own level of involvement and time. Wherever you go, wherever you travel, you re welcomed. GWRRA membership opens doors to friendship everywhere you ride! Monthly Chapter get-togethers (often light-hearted exchanges of information at a breakfast location) are pleasant, social occasions. There are no expectations, riding requirements, elections, politics, required uniforms or Chapter dues. We invite you to share the joys of owning and riding your Gold Wing/Valkyrie with 70,000 people like you worldwide! We even guarantee you ll be glad you did! Who belongs to GWRRA? GWRRA members are men and women from all walks of life with varied interests and backgrounds. We have riders in their teens, riders in their 90's and every age in between! Many ride solo; many ride with their children or grandchildren! Some ride Wings that are new; some ride Wings that are "classics." Some belong for the technical information we share; some just for the enjoyment of riding with friends. As a family organization, typical GWRRA fun includes restaurant runs, picnic rides, campouts or CPR/first aid workshops conducted in a wholesome, fun-filled environment suitable for all family members. We also have dances, charity runs, parades, ice cream socials and riding clinics. To be a member of GWRRA, there are only two requirements: own a Honda Gold Wing/ Valkyrie and keep your membership fees current. We have individual or family memberships available. For non Gold Wing/Valkyrie owners there is now a classification of our membership titled Associate, which is also available as individual or family. Some of our most dedicated members, though once apprehensive about riding as passengers, have discovered the joys of touring: the fresh air, the beautiful vistas, the close communication with their partners. Many even learn to ride their own machines. While generalization about a group of individuals as large as today s GWRRA is difficult, GWRRA members are likely to be independent thinkers, fun-loving, generous, adventuresome, cooperative and unfazed by the natural challenges of riding in the rain, temperature extremes or highway uncertainties. Many members have completed CPR and first aid training, making them the best-prepared riders on the world s highways! PURPOSE AND GOAL WE SAVE LIVES The basic purpose and goal of the REP is to make the motorcycle environment safer by reducing injuries and fatalities and to increase skills and awareness. In other words, TO SAVE LIVES! The REP does not have all the answers; however, our close working relationship with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, the Canadian Safety Council and our own safety instructors, as well as additional GWR- RA studies, has provided a wealth of information for our use in establishing a comprehensive Rider Education Program. Through commitment, education and application we can reduce our accident rate significantly. Listed below are several benefits of a fully implemented GWRRA Rider Education Program. Saves Lives! Increases Rider Skills. Prevents Accidents. Reduces Injuries. Reduces Fatalities. Reduces Insurance Premiums. Improves the motorcyclists image with the general public. Generally improves and enhances the enjoyment of motorcycle riding. Promotes the public s interest in participating with us in our organization. Provides the training to reduce the risks involved with motorcycling. Provides the training to make the Co- Rider part of the riding team and enhance the experience of riding together. We are already reaping many positive benefits from the GWRRA Rider Education Program, and through the efforts of the Rider Education leaders, and the participation of the membership, we will reach our goal of establishing the safest motorcycle environment possible. OUR SLOGAN: SAFETY IS FOR LIFE OUR MISSION: To Save Lives Through Quality, World Class Education 4 9

5 (Continued from page 7) -profit charitable foundation to fund these modules. A series of events delayed these plans, however. The longest lasting legacy Bill Kitchin left for GWRRA Rider Education was separation of the Safe Rider Program from the High Miles Program, (still in force today), and the concept of video-taped seminars for use at the chapter level and by individual Members. In July 1987, Robert "Pete" Woodruff began doing motorcycle safety seminars at GWRRA rallies and Wing Ding. By September, Woodruff had been named National Rider Education Director, a post he held until January 31, Woodruff, a safety professional with Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Systems Company in Marietta, Georgia. swiftly put his professional and organizational skills to work, transforming shoe boxes of "Safe Miles" forms into a computerized data base capable of handling what was about to become explosive growth in Rider Education participation. Taking many of the concepts of his predecessors and putting them into action, while also adding whole new programs and involvement opportunities for Members eager to participate, Woodruff released a flood of energy previously unseen on the safety side of the GWRRA organization. In March 1988, GWRRA announced its new Rider Education Program, listing Levels I, II, and III with both Rider and Co-Rider involvement. In addition, the Rider Education Division instituted on-site MSFcertified Rider Courses at Wing Ding and many GWRRA Regional and District rallies. Woodruff also went into the studio to produce his highly entertaining and informative series of video-taped seminars on "Co-Rider," 'Touring & Braking" and 'Trailering." In 1989, an enthusiastic GWRRA membership's demands for another level of Rider Education were fulfilled with the addition of Level IV-Master Tour Rider, the program's highest level of accomplishment. In late 1995, GWRRA Rider Education leadership recognized the need for enhanced rider training above and beyond that which was then being offered. Plans were instituted for the founding of a completely new organization to be known as the Academy of Rider Training, or ART. In February 1996, Pete Woodruff was named Executive Director of the Academy of Rider Training. He was charged with the responsibility for the planning and the imple- 8 mentation of advanced rider training courses. i.e. Two-up, Trikes, Trailering, Sidecars, Trip and Tour Planning and Group Riding. Taking over as National Director of the Rider Education Division in February 1996 was Charlie Davenport, a long time GWRRA Operations Officer who served as Region Director for Regions A and N. Charlie is a veteran MSF Instructor, a Master Tour Rider (#10) and is dedicated to motorcycle safety. In 1997 Bill Noss, a long time Assistant National Director of the Rider Education program from Ohio assumed the role as Director. Due to work commitments Bill stepped down in 1998 and was replaced by Ed Brennan who was Bill s assistant from Tennessee. Ed had been involved for many years with the program as far back as his helping Pete Woodruff with the National Newsletter as the Editor. The Rider Education Division of GWRRA, working with MSF and other motorcycle safety programs will continue its commitment to excellence in motorcycle safety. The acceptance of the new Rider Education Program has been dramatic. Participation jumped from 700 enrolled in 1987 to nearly 40,000 by 1996 with growth continuing. Virtually every GWRRA Region has Rider Education staff in place with Educators in every District and nearly every Chapter. To support these volunteers in their efforts, this revised Rider Education Handbook is now ready for distribution and use, as just one more step toward achieving the safety goals of GWRRA. Having acquired national recognition from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation as outstanding Motorcycle Organization almost every year since 1990, the men, women and children who have given so freely of their time to the GWRRA Rider Education Program can truly be proud of their part in building GWRRA's unparalleled heritage in the world of motorcycle safety education. Why belong to GWRRA? There are many benefits to GWRRA membership. Our members enjoy special camaraderie and fellowship and the comfort of belonging to the largest family of Gold Wing/Valkyrie owners. We like to share our pleasure in the freedom of riding motorcycles with others like ourselves. We strive for improvement by attending GWRRA safety workshops; we share technical expertise, news and tips about riding, maintenance, the best touring routes in the world; and we endorse a great group insurance program that covers the motorcycle and its accessories, we also offer the Towbusters emergency towing and roadside assistance program. Towbusters is a benefit that ensures peace of mind, day or night. Among our 70,000 skilled and dedicated members can be found the answer to just about any question about the Gold Wing/Valkyrie, whether new or old! Membership, signified by our special, plastic membership card, also results in benefits like discounts at many Honda dealerships, certain hotels, campgrounds and travel agencies. And, if you ever need help when traveling, our Gold Book Directory connects you with your nearest friends wherever you are. Benefits? Yes, we have many benefits and we re adding more all the time. But our most important benefit is sharing how to safely enjoy motorcycles in more ways than you thought possible! Wing Ding: Incomparable Gold Wing Memories at our annual convention. 5 Once a year, Gold Wing/Valkyrie owners and their friends meet for the largest, most prestigious Gold Wing/Valkyrie extravaganza in the world. Called Wing Ding, it s four days of funfilled activities that keeps members coming back year after year. Imagine thousands of Gold Wings all in one place at one time! Picture yourself in the miles-long parade of Wings, waving at admirers lining the streets! Browse the busy aisles of the largest Gold Wing trade show in the world, with hundreds of vendors offering more chrome, lights, accessories and riding gear than you ll ever find anywhere else! You ll see talented Wing Riders competing for trophies and honors in skill events and precision drill team maneuvers. From festive dances and parties, to quiet times and reunions with far-flung friends, Wing Ding is a spectacular event. It s thousands of Wing Riders, phenomenal scenery, good food, marvelous riding and special memories you ll treasure for a lifetime. Wing World: For the Ultimate Touring Machine Rider A unique member benefit is Wing World magazine. This beautiful, glossy monthly publication is packed with Gold Wing touring stories, Honda and aftermarket product announcements, technical advice from Honda technicians and Gold Wing accessory advertising for finding what you need at the best prices. You ll read stories about people you know and places you dream of discovering; you ll identify with letters written by riders like yourself from all over the world. No other magazine comes close to Wing World for its beautiful Gold Wing photos, news, commentary, technical tips, maintenance hints and travelogues. Every issue includes reader classifieds, rider education and an up-to date listing of all national, regional and local GWRRA events, as well as a directory of our officers you can contact for more information. The Gold Book: A directory of Friends Worldwide The Gold Book is the exclusive GWRRA service directory, which lists participating GWR- RA members names, phone numbers and what they can share with you: help, information, tools, lodging, trip assistance, camping space and, of course, fellowship. If you find yourself needing help on a lonely highway, you ll find a GWRRA friend nearby. Many members think the Gold Book is the best highway insurance of all! (Continued on page 6)

6 Rider Education: Another Important Benefit Consistently honored by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, the GWRRA Rider Education Program works diligently to teach you how to ride better, safer and smarter: perhaps, even how to save your life! You can learn how to safely pull a trailer, how to cope with adverse riding conditions, how to keep your Gold Wing in top-notch shape and how your passenger can be a better Co-Rider. Your participation entitles you to the best insurance rates available for your Gold Wing and its accessories. We don t say that we are better than clubs, we just conduct our affairs differently from clubs. Some people prefer the club format of operation. This is all well and good. These folks should be encouraged to attend and participate where they are the most comfortable. Sometimes, less informed Chapter participants will try to lead the Chapter into the club format of operation. It s the responsibility of the GWRRA officers to work together to retain the non-political, non-club environment in the Chapter. If this becomes a problem, the members of the Operations Team will be able to assist you. 8. Meetings with a purpose dissemination of valuable information. 9. Common purpose not a popularity contest. 10. Decisions based upon member response and input from all staff and committees. 11. Financial goals and stability, all officers carry liability insurance. 12. No VOTING! 13. No regimentation members participate as they choose. 14. Each member is a WELCOME participant at ALL Chapters. 15. No one will tell a member that they must do anything. 16. All meetings open (member, nonmember and the general public). 17. No additional dues or fees at the Chapter level. 18. Full time Rider Education Division. 19. Chapter communication (newsletters, hot lines, ride lines). Is There More? And What a Difference it is A cloisonné enamel membership pin; an embroidered patch for your jacket; reflective safety decals; an embossed plastic membership card for discounts at many Honda dealers; free courtesy cards; our own "Warehouse" store; information on all GWR- RA rallies and events; travel discounts; credit card programs; Towbuster emergency towing and roadside assistance for up to two motorcycles and several other benefits. The GWRRA Way (How the GWRRA Chapters differ from Motorcycle Clubs ) GWRRA is not a motorcycle club. We ve all heard that, haven t we? But just what does it really mean? Simply put, it means that our Association and our Chapters don t function on the same organizational and procedural format that clubs do. That is, we don t elect anyone to a position by running candidates against each other and having the membership vote for them. We don t have long and heated debates, make motions, second motions, call for votes or go into long, over detailed reports in our Chapter meeting. In other words, a GWRRA Chapter meeting is not presided over by a president and conducted according to Roberts Rules of Order or the parliamentary procedure process. That is the format that clubs use in their meetings. 6 A Club: 1. Self-governing and regulated body. 2. Monthly dues. 3. Political officers-campaigns, voting, etc. 4. Potential for a popularity contest. 5. Individual qualifications may not be paramount in holding office. 6. Attempt to maintain control. 7. Resolves personality conflicts. 8. Bosses and the potential for power struggles. 9. Majority rules 49% disagreement 100% of the time. 10. Funding and disbursement disagreements. 11. Seldom clear Directions and Goals. 12. Non-educational. 13. Potential negativism toward proven patterns of leadership. 14. Everything must be VOTED upon. A GWRRA Chapter: 1. Officers appointed based on qualifications. 2. Continuing officer development. 3. Officers are aware of GWRRA concepts and goals. 4. Regular Operations seminars and meetings to establish new guidelines nothing etched in granite. 5. Officers are volunteer employees will be replaced if insurmountable conflicts develop. 6. The wants and needs of the MEMBER are the guiding force. 7. Criteria for Assistant Officer is the same as for Full Officer. HISTORY The Gold Wing Road Riders Association has been teaching and promoting motorcycle safety from its founding on June 4, The earliest newsletters were of the small group that met monthly at a local restaurant and coffee shop in Phoenix Arizona. They featured guest speakers on safety topics including a motorcycle policeman. When the original charter for GWRRA was established, the only motorcycle organization endorsed by GWRRA was the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) for its efforts in making family motorcycling a safer, more enjoyable pastime. The first "Safety Director" for that first group of GWRRA members (as listed in the April 1978 issue of "Wing News"), was Gary Gardner. By December, Dave Van de Water had taken over as "Safety Information Officer." (Dave's contributions to GWRRA's earliest history were many, including the development of the first GWRRA logo by one of his company's graphic artists.) In the July 1979 issue of "Wing News" the name of another Phoenix native, Avery Poling, was listed as "Safety Information Officer." Poling held the position close to a year. As the scope and growth of GWRRA grew to national, and then international, proportions, new visions of the potential for GWRRA's Rider Education Program came from Frank Germo (then of Virginia Beach, VA), appointed GWRRA's first "National Safety Officer" in Germo had visions of placing at least one MSF Chief Instructor in each GWRRA Region and at least one MSF Certified Instructor in each state having GWRRA mem- 7 bership. He also set out to keep the Membership safety-aware and evaluate motorcycle items with regards to safety, tasks he did through his regular article contributions to "Wing News." Germo went on to become the Virginia District Director and Region A Director, but continued to promote Rider Education at every turn in his GWRRA career. Germo's most lasting legacy is the vision of a wide-spread network of Rider Educators throughout GWRRA, a vision which has become reality today. In September 1982, Jim Cole was listed in "Wing News" as "Safety Editor." Cole, who also was Region C Director, was named National Safety Director in January 1983, Cole instituted GWRRA's first Safe Miles Program, whereby Gold Wingers would update their files for each consecutive 5000 miles of accident-free riding, earning a pin. A month later, Cole added "Pilot" and "Copilot" rockers to the program. giving the first visible recognition to the safety role played by the Co -Rider. Jim Cole continued to promote Rider Education through October 1986, with regular article contributions through "Wing News" and its successor, Wing World Magazine. GWR- RA can thank Jim Cole for the earliest concept of its Rider Education Program, one in which a Rider and a Co-Rider can proudly wear pins and patches signifying their safe motorcycle mileage. A new National Safety Director, Bill Kitchin, took over in January 1987, with plans for an extensive series of videotaped training mo ules. Kitchin also proposed formation of a non (Continued on page 8)