From the Chapter Directors

Transcription

1 GWRRA Chapter NH-G The Lakes Region Wings Newsletter Page 1 Gold Wing Road Riders Association Chapter NH-G Laconia, NH THE LAKES REGION WINGS November 2017 Our 29th Year From the Chapter Directors Monthly Gathering & Breakfast November 12 th, AM Breakfast / 9 AM Topic Review Greenside Lochmere Golf Course As the Seasons Change As we enter the fall and the start of the holiday season it is a time to reflect on the wonderful year we have had so far. Great fun with Mardi Gras bowling, painting and dine outs in the winter and early spring months followed by a fantastic season of rides planned by our members, rallies, weekend away, dine outs and lots of ice cream followed by a kick-off to the holiday season with a very FUN Halloween Costume Party. It got us thinking about Friends and Family and how they influence and change our lives. When we joined GWRRA and NH-G it was to meet other folks that ride Gold Wings and to create friendships and ride many miles together. What we found was a GWRRA FAMILY that we LOVE spending time with during those precious few hours we have outside of work and our other life obligations. The Holidays remind us to be generous with our time and talents. As a Family it is so important to be there for each other when we can. One thing we can all do is to help each other when it is needed. In order to do that, we need to let others know when we are in need of assistance. We should never be afraid to ask for help, no matter how large or small. If you don t have someone to reach out to please feel free to call any of your Chapter or Assistant Directors and we will do our best to help or arrange to get you the assistance you need. two events). You can just Paint, just attend dinner or do both. It will be like a Thanksgiving Dinner as a GWRRA family and a chance to warm up for turkey day on November 23 rd. We hope you will be able to make it. The Laconia Christmas Village will start on November 30 th and an opportunity for us to donate cookies and possibly our time and talents to helping make the holidays something wonderful for thousands of children and other beneficiaries of this wonderful event. December will bring our Holiday Party on December 9 th at the Greenside. We will enjoy a great meal, Chinese Auction, Couple and Individual of the Year awards and many laughs. I truly hope that all our members will be able to attend and enjoy in the festivities. The FUN will continue into 2018 with activities discussed at the October gathering. We hope that you will all try to join us in as many of the activities as you can. The schedule will be published soon. If you have an activity or event you would like us to add to the calendar please let your directors know so we can fit it in. If you have a ride you would like to go on let us know that as well. We also need to decide on a location for our weekend away so suggestions are more than welcome. Your directors can negotiate but suggestions would be great. And also we will have a BBQ to celebrate NH-G s 30 th Anniversary. Hope to see you on the road soon and remember it s OK to Just Wanna Ride. With Thanksgiving this month we will give thanks for so many things. Among them will be our Paint & Dine-out at Hart s Turkey Farm on November 18 th (combining the John & Carole Sheehan NH Chapter G Directors

2 GWRRA Chapter NH-G The Lakes Region Wings Newsletter Page 2 Rewind October Meeting 50/50 was won by for $28.00 by who, I forget. It was a little rainy so only a few folks showed up on their bikes. When the meeting concluded we decided to cancel the ride due to the rain. The Sheehan s headed over to the Reid s house to help lay out the lift that Bob & Beryl purchased from Mike Vaillancourt (can you say Garage Day). Around 1pm the sun made an appearance and it reached 70 degrees so the four of us headed out on the planned ride and had lunch at Mickey's. Pumpkin Fest Parking It was an October day with temperatures in the high 70 s. It made for nice day but traffic was light until the early evening as most folks were out enjoying the last days of a lingering summer. I know several members would have rather been riding than parking cars but the help was appreciated. Participating were John & Carole Sheehan, Bob & Beryl Reid, Bob & Kaye Hamel and Russ & Kathy Neal. knows Bob so his presence was greatly appreciated. Next year we will attempt to publicize in advance we are raising funds for the Laconia Christmas Village and change up our signage so folks know they are parking to support a local charity. As with all activities and events we will get better each year as we learn what works and what doesn t. Maybe we will get more volunteers next year. Halloween Party As most folks know the Halloween Party started because it was about Carole and her witch s hat (why does everything start with an accessory) but in the end enjoyed by 13 chapter members plus two friends. Bob & Beryl Reid graciously opened their home to us for the evening. It was a potluck and the food was amazing with more than enough for everyone. Simulating conversation, a Billiards competition (rules made up as we played) and the donut on a string contest made the evening filled teamwork, laughs and so much FUN. In attendance were: Carole wore her fabulous black and purple witch hat, which helped attract customers. Bob Hamel and Beryl Reid waved signs on the side of the road when traffic picked up and got more cars to come park. Everyone. Ó Bob & Beryl Reid Ó Bob & Madalyn Sprague Ó Charlie Collins Ó Dale & Cindy Bickford Ó Howard & Katherine Towne Ó John & Carole Sheehan Ó Lee & Meri Hirtle Ó Vic & Carol Cloutier

3 GWRRA Chapter NH-G The Lakes Region Wings Newsletter Page 3 Please let Carole know if you are planning on attending so we have enough seats. November 18, 2017 Paint & Dine Saturday Afternoon Paint Session followed by dinner at Harts Turkey Farm in Meredith. We had so much fun at the winter event we decided we needed to do it again. Crackers and Cheese will be provided by the Mill and we bring our own beverages of choice. You can Just Paint, Just Dine OR Do Both! Time: 2:00PM 4:00 PM November is the kick off to the holiday season and right after Thanksgiving the Laconia Christmas Village. Bob Hamel participates in this even each year. It could be great if we could add this to our annual events and volunteer our time and talents. From making cookies to volunteering some hours on site we could make a real difference in a child, disabled or seniors life. Artist / Instructor: Larry Frates, Frates Creates Location: Belknap Mill, 25 Beacon Street East Laconia NH Cost: $30.00 per person (If you are a member of the Belknap Mill the cost would be $25.00 per person.) You can share a canvas if you like. RSVP Deadline with Payment via Pre-Registration Form: November 10, 2017 Saturday, December 9 th at 6:00 PM NH-G Christmas Party Check your for details.

4 GWRRA Chapter NH-G The Lakes Region Wings Newsletter Page 4 NH-G PAINT & DINE WHEN: November 18 th, 2017 TIME: 2:00 4:00 PM WHERE: Belknap Mill 25 Beacon Street East Laconia NH BYOB / Crackers & Cheese will be provided. Dine out to follow. TO RESERVE: Complete & Mail Registration Form with full payment Payment must be received ASAP COST - $30.00 per person Names Attending Painting Non Member $30.00 x Total $ Painting Belknap Mill Member $25.00 x Total $ Membership # Make Checks Payable to: GWRRA Chapter NH-G Send Checks & Registration Form to: Carole Sheehan NH-G Director 13 Charles Street Farmington, NH QUESTIONS - CONTACT Carole Sheehan or John Sheehan directors.nhg@gmail.com

5 GWRRA Chapter NH-G The Lakes Region Wings Newsletter Page 5 From the Assistant Chapter Directors Safety + Fun = Chapter G It s been a great riding season. We ve done so many different rides with so many chapter members participating. The greatest thing was that most of the rides were planned or suggested by members, not only officers. That s what makes being a member of Chapter G so much fun! Everyone doing a little something makes it fun for everyone. We are starting to put together our calendar for next year! If you thought of something this year that you wanted to do or a place to ride to, us a suggestion so we can add it to the schedule. Like we ve been saying all year, if you don t want to lead the ride someone else can, we just need to know the particulars. You could pre-ride the route with whoever s going to lead. Maybe you want to be a tail gunner instead? Give it some thought and let us know. Let s make next year an even better adventure. The Halloween Party was a great success. We had soooo much food. The Billiard games were a hit for players and cheerleaders alike. If only we could remember what order we were supposed to go in when our team was up! It was also fun to watch Bob R, Howard, Madeline & Charlie try to get their donuts eaten first. It looked hard. It was great FUN and everyone participated in the games and costumes. We have a couple of events left this year. Paint night in November and the Christmas Party in December. Look for the dates in this newsletter and get your RSVP s in. If you are leaving us for the warmer climates before these events we wish you safe travels and we will see you in the spring. If you are still here please consider joining us for one last fling so we have a chance to say goodbye. Safety + fun = Chapter G Bob & Beryl Reid NH Chapter G Assistant Directors

6 GWRRA Chapter NH-G The Lakes Region Wings Newsletter Page 6 GWRRA Chapter Rider Education It s Cold Outside!!! Today I took a ride to Menard Motorsports to store one of my Gold Wings there and when I got up we had had a real hard frost. My original intention was to head down there first thing in the morning, but I had to go into my office for a couple of hours and on the way to the office I experienced black ice on the road with my car. The road looked dry, but I definitely felt the car slide coming to a stop light. Had I been on my motorcycle, I probably would have lost control and gone down in the middle of the street. Not a pretty sight if you re the Chapter Educator. I finally left about 11AM and it had warmed up considerably, but the temps were still in the high 40 s so I made sure that I was wearing my Gerbings electric jacket and gloves. It s amazing, that traveling on the interstate at 70 mph with the electric s on how cold my legs were behind the fairing. I guess that even with temps in the high 40 s, the wind chill factor at 70 mph makes it feel like you re in the 20 s. All the more reason, while we are all trying to get those last few rides in this fall, to make sure that you dress for the conditions, and you want to make sure that the ambient air temperature is well above freezing so to minimize any chance of black ice. After you have finally finished with your late fall riding, don t forget to put fuel stabilizer in your motorcycle, preferably Marine Grade Stabil, or a suitable replacement. Drive the bike for a few minutes to make sure the stabilized fuel has gone through the system. Your bike is going to sleep for the next 4 to 5 months, and you want to make sure that the fuel is prepped so that it won t go bad over the months in storage. It s always a good idea to hook the bike up to a battery maintainer to keep a full charge and if you don t have electricity where you are storing the bike, take the battery out and bring it somewhere where you can charge it monthly while not in use. It s always a good idea to reduce tire pressure while in storage, and of course, always put your bike on its center stand to take weight off of the suspension and tires. As you folks know, I am stepping down at the end of this year, and since the Chapter Ride Coordinator will be the one to take over the Rider Education duties after the first of the year, it would be nice for someone in the Chapter to step forward to take on the Chapter Ride Coordinator s duties. It s not a hard job, and there are plenty of us that will be on hand to help lead rides and to bring up the rear. If anyone would like to speak to me or Carole as to what is involved, we can be contacted by either or cell phone. Our contact information is on the officers page, or I would be happy to discuss it with you after the Chapter Gathering in Novermber. Till Next Month..Let s keep it safe out there! Mike Vaillancourt Chapter NH-G Educator

7 GWRRA Chapter NH-G The Lakes Region Wings Newsletter Page 7 National, Regional & N.H. DISTRICT STAFF GWRRA President, Anita Alkire president@gwrra.org International Director of GWRRA, Ray & Sandy Garris director@gwrra.org Region B Directors, Tom & Renee Wasluck regionbdirectors.tom.renee@gmail.com 2017 Region B couple of the Year Bob & Julie Ahear rahearn914@aol.com NH District Directors, David & Bonnie Bolster gwrranh.district@gmail.com NH Asst. District Director, Ron & Susie Black darkcat1@myfairpoint.net NH District Educator, Dick Bernier rbernier123@gmail.com District Memb. Enhancement Coord., Carole Sheehan directorsnhg@gmail.com District Treasurer, Julie Bernier Juliekb25@comcast.net NH Chapter G STAFF Chapter Directors, Carole & John Sheehan directors.nhg@gmail.com Assistant Chapter Directors, Beryl & Bob Reid bobnberyl@metrocast.net Chapter Treasurer, Linda Allard LPAllard1954@comcast.net Membership Enhancement Coordinators Meri & Lee Hirtle msgtlee@metrocast.net Chapter Store Keepers, Bob & Kaye Hamel rhamel2@myfairpoint.net Chapter Educator, Mike Vaillancourt gwrra.nh-g@comcast.net Chapter Ride Coordinator, Please Volunteer Chapter Photographer, Bob Reid bobnberyl@metrocast.net Chapter G Goodwill Ambassador, Charles Collins Chapter Sunshine Coordinator, Kaye Hamel rhamel2@myfairpoint.net Chapter Couple of the Year, Meri & Lee Hirtle msgtlee@metrocastnet Newsletter Editor, Carol Cloutier info@brooksidestudionh.com Website Coordinator, Carole Sheehan directors.nhg@gmail.com New Hampshire Chapter Directors A Concord/Manchester... Chris & Lynne Christiansen gwrra.nh.a@gmail.com G Laconia/Lakes Region... John & Carole Sheehan directors.nhg@gmail.com E Keene/Monadnock Region... Ron & Suzie Black darkcat1@myfairpoint.com T Hampton/Seacoast Region... Tom & Kathy Fallon gwrranht@gmail.com

8 GWRRA Chapter NH-G The Lakes Region Wings Newsletter Page Ride Schedule Sunday, November 12 NH-T NH-T Monthly Meeting - American Legion at 10: Calef Highway, Epping, NH Sunday, November 12 NH-G NH-G Monthly Gathering & Ride - 8 AM Breakfast / 9 AM Lochmere, 360 Laconia Road, Tilton, NH Friday, November 17 NH-A NH-A Monthly Meeting - Wingate Hall, Bethany Chapel - 54 Newbury Road, Manchester, NH - 6:30 Friday, November 24 NH-E NH-E Monthly 6:30 at Emma s 321 Pub & Kitchen 377 Rt 202, Rindge, NH. Saturday, December 9 NH- CHRISTMAS Party 6 PM Lochmere, 360 Laconia Road, Tilton, NH New Hampshire Goldwing Chapter Gathrings NH-G (Laconia) 2nd Sunday of the month at 8:30 Greenside Restaurant at the Lochmere Country Club 360 Laconia Road, Tilton, N.H **Breakfast is at 8 am Meeting starts promptly at 9 am NH-A (Manchester) 3rd Friday of the month at 7:00 Wingate Hall/Bethany Chapel (Adjacent to Manchester Airport) 54 Newbury Road, Manchester NH NH-E (Keene) Last Friday of every month at 6:30 Emma s 321 Pub & Kitchen, 377 US Route 202, Rindge NH NH-T (Epping) 2nd Saturday of the month at 10:00 am - American Legion Post 51, Lower Level Meeting Room 232 Calef Hwy (Route 125) Epping, NH 03042

9 GWRRA Chapter NH-G The Lakes Region Wings Newsletter Page 9 Until the Chapter gets a Motorist Awareness Coordinator, Nick Hoppner from the Colorado District, will graciously provide us with MAD articles. Editor Here s an important question Goldwingers: Who Represents Motorist Awareness? Everybody s first assumption is that if you re not wearing the insignia of Motorist Awareness on your vest, then talking about Motorist Awareness is not your job. Wrong! You are the most valuable spokesman or spokeswoman we have! You know firsthand about motorcycles, how they operate, and how critical it is for drivers of other vehicles (and pedestrians) to be aware of us and avoid the embarrassment and expense of colliding with us. It has been said that each of us has a sphere of 250 people with whom we interact regularly. Imagine if all 250 of those friends and associates knew and understood that you need their help every time they get behind the wheel of their car or truck. If, by your influence, each of them became aware of the danger they create for you and all other motorcyclists by (a) driving distracted, (b) driving impaired, (c) rolling through stop signs, etc, we d all be a bit safer. So talk about your riding with everybody you meet. Explain that motorcyclist safety isn t just about helmet use a common misconception. It s about reminding everybody out there that we need their awareness to get us home safely tonight. Yup, Motorist Awareness is your job. Spread the word proudly. Nick Hoppner Former Wing World Editor CO District Motorist Awareness Coordinator Happy Thanksgiving

10 GWRRA Chapter NH-G The Lakes Region Wings Newsletter Page 10 Guest GWRRA Rider Education Foot Brakes and Duck Waddle by Ace (Howie) Peterson Guest Educator CO-Q This month s article is somewhat tongue in cheek, but there is a message in here somewhere! Just be sure to read to the end. One of my hobbies seems to be watching other motorcyclists, checking the gear being worn or not worn, type of motorcycle with or without modifications, and especially take offs and landings. Most motorcyclists, and I really mean most, seem to wear reasonable foot wear even if they skimp on the rest of clothing gear. The badder the biker (visually) the sturdier and heavier the foot wear. Which makes coming to a stop with boot traction easier? Anyway, one would be surprised to find out how many motorcyclists still adhere to that old adage don t use the rear brake, it ll kill ya! This then relates to the feet coming down off the pegs, much like a duck landing on water, relying on the foot brakes to stop the motorcycle. Every motorcycle course I have ever taken and no matter the identity of said course, we were all told to use both brakes, and were involved in exercises to practice using these through several runs at varying speeds. AND, when the motorcycle came to a complete stop, place left foot on pavement, with both front and rear brakes engaged. Read that again; nowhere in our training were we taught to take both feet off the motorcycle while stopping! Practicing the correct method of braking to a stop allows the brain and muscle memory by instinct to make a smooth controlled stop, holding the motorcycle up with the one foot; and if the rider wishes, to then place the other foot down while waiting to proceed. Of course those on three wheels never have to use this procedure; joke folks! One caveat on this paragraph is the Cruiser Motorcycle, or other makes with modifications, wherein the highway pegs are placed far forward, and as such do not allow as smooth a braking rhythm as those with the pegs more centrally located on the motorcycle. Combine this feature with those motorcycles wearing ape hangers and standard braking goes completely out the window. Take offs get interesting to watch as well, as the rider rev s the engine, and paddles frantically to keep his/her balance until the feet can be placed on the pegs. Again, good boot traction must play an important part in this procedure. As the feet lift to the pegs the motorcycle wobbles in a yoyoing effect until enough speed and engine rev s can be gained to straighten things out enough to actually ride the motorcycle. Now lest the reader thinks I am picking on some particular style of rider, or motorcycle etc., each of us has or will be guilty of both these characteristics at some point in time. There is in fact a very real reason these operations happen; remember last month of looking into the future? In virtually every instance via observation the rider drops the chin/eyes to look down while completing the stop, or while taking off. Trust me, that statement is not fake news! To complete safe controlled stops, and takeoffs, the rider must have head up, eyes on the horizon, or the foot brake and/or duck waddle will occur. How often in our BRC, ARC, ERC courses have our instructors talked to us about the previous sentence while on the range? Quite often I am willing to think. Another reason for these happenings is inattention.

11 GWRRA Chapter NH-G The Lakes Region Wings Newsletter Page 11 For some reason our eyes and/or minds get fixated on something other than stopping or starting the motorcycle from or into motion. Suddenly, the rider realizes the immediate problem and makes whatever attempt necessary to stop or start. The result is panic grab of the front brake lever, feet flailing to find brakes or pavement traction, or paddling to stabilize the motorcycle when the clutch gets engaged. Some riders, including myself, may use a trigger to key in the mind, reflexes, and body action to complete a start or start. Mine to stop is both brakes engaged appropriately to slow down, rear brake more engaged to complete stop, and my left foot drops to signal the brain to stop the motorcycle. This all occurs in seconds, the motorcycle stopped; left foot down to support the weight of the motorcycle. Usually, I keep the rear brake engaged during the stop, clutch in, and when taking off, as soon as the motorcycle starts to move, left foot moves up to peg ready to start the gear shifting. My hint to start this is a slight push off on the left foot as the clutch starts to engage, and again all this takes place in increments of seconds. Does all this occur each and every time? Nope, sometimes my mind is in BFE somewhere and I am just as guilty as anyone else in looking as if I had never operated a motorcycle before just that moment. I leave you with the thought we can learn a lot about motorcycling, the things to do, and those of course not so much just by observing other motorcyclists. Our objective in stopping and starting should be to become smooooooth! Make every stop and start a real time practice of what we have been taught over our years of training. Saves on boot leather if nothing else! And as always, RIDE WITH PRIDE AND CONFIDENCE! Birthdays & Anniversaries Happy Birthday and Anniversary to all those listed below November 22 Mike & Tammy Williams November 29 Bob & Beryl Reid November 2 November 12 November 20 November 24 November 25 November 25 Joe Gilbert Roger Kindred Dick Boucher Sandy Williams Charlie Collins Beryl Reid Chapter G Wishes You All The Best! Remember, We can t post your Birthdays and Anniversaries if we don t know the dates. Let us know.

12 GWRRA Chapter NH-G The Lakes Region Wings Newsletter Page 12 Member Wanted or For Sale This is for Chapter Members to advertise for Motorcycle items that they are looking for or that they have for sale. Items will run for three months and then be deleted unless instructed to keep running by the chapter member Gold Wing GL1800A1 Blue, ABS brakes Always garaged, excellent condition 50,600 miles, Bike show winner (Best in Show) CB radio, 6 disk CD changer, XM radio, Garman GPS w/mount, Radar detector, Cell Phone connection, all connect to helmet Many chrome accessories and full light package, extra parts, Hartco Custom seat with cloth eagle cover, back rest and passage arm rests Heated hand grips, Tulsa windshield, Baker air wings, front and rear Progressive Springs, Belly Pan Shoei Helmet white, Bike cover, Luggage rack & bag, full bike cover, Aftermarket pipes Price $9,800 Must sell $8,500 cash or bank check, clear title, available Concord NH Contact Ed Lewis or ed_lewis@comcast.net Trike for Sale Official Shop loose leaf Honda Shop Manual for a 2012/Second Generation GL1800 Gold Wing. Manual is in a 6 ring binder. Contact Ed Lewis at Cost: $50.00 Red 2005, 1800 Honda Gold Wing Hanagan Trike, with 65,820 miles on it. It has been stored in the garage all year round with lots of extras. Items that will go with it are: Tour Pack, Luggage Bags, Cover, Helmet with sound with CB radio, and custom seat. Selling price is $18,000 cash or Bank check. Call: Judi Lewis, 10 Harvard St., Concord NH Phone GWRRA Chapter NH-A Charter Member

13 GWRRA Chapter NH-G The Lakes Region Wings Newsletter Page 13 Think about advertising! We would love to have your business card HERE