Gold Wing Road Riders Association

Transcription

1 Gold Wing Road Riders Association Chapter AB-A A (Calgary) Newsletter November, 2009 Wing Wag SHEEP RIVER Text and Photos by: Lisa Miller Day 1 - Tuesday, September 8, kilometers (8.5 hours) Calgary, AB to Hayden, ID via Radium, BC and Cranbrook, BC We started the day at 9 o clock with temperatures of 13 degrees C so we donned our new Gerbings heated jackets under our motorcycle jackets. By the time we got to AB/BC boarder the temp was just 6 degrees and necessitated a stop to put on our weather pants which we then wore the rest of the day. The scenery was, as always, beautiful for most of this trip but I have to confess to having seen very little of it as I was still tired from a very busy week and kept falling asleep on the back of the bike. In Radium we had breakfast for lunch (eggs, bacon, pancakes, and toast) at Mickey s Grill and Eatery about noon after having gotten gas at the Esso station next door. We needed one more gas stop in Yahk, BC before getting to our destination for the night in Hayden, ID. We checked into a Holiday Inn Express hotel then walked next door to a neighborhood pub called Rusty s where the waitress suggested if we were looking for a meal we should go to Sargent s, which was only a block and a half away so we did. We ordered beer and an appetizer we had never heard of before called steak fingers which are finger sized pieces of steak that are battered and deep fried then served with ranch or blue cheese dressing very tasty. After a really great steak dinner (all steaks are hand cut on site) and a (Continued on page 3) Coming Events Nov 9 Monthly Meeting Nov 28 Christmas Party 2009 Dec No meeting this month Jan 8-10 Motorcycle Show 2010 Jan 11 Monthly Meeting What s Inside Twisty Bits Pics...2 Christmas Party Rider Education...5 Humor...6 Meeting Stars...6 Safety First...8 News & Notices...9 Meetings Information...9 Classifieds...10 Calgary Area Staff Listing...10

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3 Wing Wag November, 2009 Page 3 (Continued from page 1) couple more beer we walked back to Rusty s for a final beer before retiring to our hotel room and doing our laundry for the next day. Over all this was a great start to our 20 day trip. Day 2 - Wednesday, September 9, kilometers (7 hours) Hayden, ID to Ontario, OR via Lewiston, ID We got a bit of an earlier start today after a quick Holiday Inn Express breakfast. Highway 95 turned out to be a much nicer road than Colin had expected with lots of altitude changes all over the place and that, as usual, results in quite a lot of twisty bits to enjoy on the bike. After going through White Bird Hill Summit (4,456 ft) we stopped at White Bird Junction, ID for lunch. The Silver Dollar salon was one of those places where the germ-o-phobic would do best to avoid. While we had a very tasty lunch of grilled cheese for me and a clubhouse sandwich for Colin, you just knew from the décor that a leaking roof and mice played a large part in the decorating. We got in to Ontario, OR about 5:30 got checked in to our Holiday Inn Express and cleaned the bike before covering it for the night. The hotel is in a bit of a no man s land and the only really convenient place to eat was the Sizzler so that is where we went. It was a better experience than our last Sizzler meal a couple of years ago when we were in Klamath Fall, OR so when we stay here on the way home we won t be so reluctant to eat there again. We ended our day by watching TV and sending . Day 3 - Thursday, September 10, kilometers (6 hours) Ontario, OR to Redmond, OR via John Day, OR Since we knew this was going to be a lower mileage day we took the opportunity to sleep in a bit and didn t get on the road until about quarter to ten PDT. We decided to skip breakfast and have an early lunch a couple of hours down the road. The area we rode through today was very changeable and the section before lunch was an extremely arid climate, sort of like the interior of BC but more so. The hills seemed to have nothing but scrub grass and rocks. Colin and I have been wondering what the area looks like in the spring, does all the dry dead looking grass actually turn green in spring or does it always look this dry? While the economic condition in the US is not that great right now this area looks like it has never seen a prosperous time, most of the farms look run down and neglected. During the morning we rode over three passes, Brogan Hill Summit 3,983 feet, Eldorado Pass 4,623 feet, Blue Mountain Summit 5,098. As the elevation increased the temperature dropped and the trees became more prolific and green. We had lunch at Austin Junction Café, where Colin had an average burger and I decided to try the chili which was a great success in my opinion. Back on the bike we crossed three more passes during the afternoon Dixie Pass 5,280 feet, Keyes Creek Summit 4,357 feet, Ochoco Summit 4,720 feet. As I mentioned earlier, lots of elevation changes make for great motorcycle roads with lot and lots of twisty bits to make the ride interesting. Along the way we decided to stop in a little burb called Mitchell at a gas station that had a freezer with a few ice cream treats and a Sierra Mist soda. We got into our Comfort Inn hotel in Redmond about 4:00 but it took a while to get checked in as there was only one clerk on the desk and she had to take telephone reservations, deal with guest requests, and check in new guests, so we didn t get to our room until 4:30. After a short rest and a cocktail (it was after 4:00) we went for dinner at a place called Fountains Bar & Grill, within walking distance of the hotel where we were in time for happy hour and $2.00 beer as well as the early bird special of salad bar, a soft drink or coffee and our selection of Fettuccini Alfredo. Then back to the hotel to clean the bike and do our laundry to get ready for the next day. Day 4 - Friday, September 11, kilometers (6 hours) Redmond, OR to Cottage Grove, OR via Sisters, Santiam Pass, McKenzie Bridge, and Westfir, OR As we were packing up the bike to leave we noticed that once again the flags were flying at half mast, it is beginning to seem that every time we travel down here the country is in mourning all we could think was that this time it was in memory of September 11, We got on the road today at about 10:00 a.m. with a clear blue sky and a very comfortable temperature of 20 degrees C. We again opted to skip breakfast in favor of an early lunch. We rode through Sisters, OR and up to Santiam Pass at 4,817 feet this was (Continued on page 11)

4 Wing Wag November, 2009 Page 4 Our annual Christmas Party is coming up Annual Christmas Party Saturday, November 28, 2009 at the Austrian Canadian Club Street NE Doors open at 6:00 Buffet Dinner at 7:00 Dancing to Follow $32.00/person Early bird Draw will be at the meeting in November so you must have purchased your tickets by November 8. We have decided to make a donation to STARS again so $2.00 from every ticket will go to them. Also, there will be envelopes available should you wish to make a personal donation. If anyone is able to provide something for door prizes that would be wonderful. Any questions please contact: Carol Myers primus.ca GWRRA

5 Wing Wag November, 2009 Page 5 The GWRRA Rider Level Programs are: Level I Safety by Commitment You can sign up for Level I at any time. The only prerequisite is that you have a commitment for safety for yourself and those that you ride with. You will receive one Safe Miles patch with either a Rider or Co-Rider Rocker. No cost other than if you want to purchase a B/G patch - $8.50. Level II Safety by Education Tour Rider / Tour Co-Rider To achieve this Level you must be enrolled in Level I, obtain at least 8,100 KM and have taken an approved Riding Course (rider) or an approved Co-Rider Training Course with in the last 3 years. You will receive either a Rider or Co-Rider triangle patch. No cost other than if you want to purchase a patch B/G - $9.50 Level III Safety by Preparation Certified Tour Rider / Certified Tour Co- Rider You must be enrolled in Level I and current in Level II, be current on CPR or First Aid, taken an approved Rider Course in the last 3 years and carry a First Aid Kit on the Bike. Level IV Safety by Enhanced Preparation and Experience Master Tour Rider / Master Tour Co-Rider You must be a Certified Tour Rider / Certified Tour Co-Rider for at least one year, have ridden 40,500 KM. of safe riding, maintained all Level III requirements, carry a First Aid Kit on the Bike and have written recommendation from any GWRRA Officer and ride always with protective equipment. You will receive a White with Blue boarders Master Triangle Patch with Master Number at no cost. B/G patch $12.00 Master Recognition Program Senior Master 5 years from date of Level IV. Grand Master 10 years from date of Level IV. Life Grand Master 15 years from date of Level IV. High Mileage Program You must have accumulated 81,000 KM and have this total verified by any GWRRA Officer. I encourage everyone to update or register in the Rider ED Program. Alex Middleton, Chapter Ride Educator WW You will receive either a Tour Rider or Co- Rider triangle patch. B/G - $7.75.

6 Wing Wag November, 2009 Page 6 The Economy, How Bad Is It? The economy is so bad... that I got a pre-declined credit card in the mail. The economy is so bad... I ordered a burger at McDonalds and the kid behind the counter asked, "Can you afford fries with that?" The economy is so bad... that CEO's are now playing miniature golf. The economy is so bad... if the bank returns your check marked "Insufficient Funds," you call them and ask if they meant you or them. The economy is so bad... Hot Wheels and Matchbox stocks are trading higher than GM. The economy is so bad... McDonalds is selling the 1/4 ouncer. The economy is so bad... parents in Beverly Hills fired their nannies and learned their children's names. The economy is so bad... a truckload of Americans was caught sneaking into Mexico. The economy is so bad... Dick Cheney took his stockbroker hunting. The economy is so bad... Motel Six won't leave the light on anymore. The economy is so bad... the Mafia is laying off judges. The economy is so bad... Exxon-Mobil laid off 25 Congressmen. And finally... Congress says they are looking into this Bernard Madoff scandal. Oh Great!! The guy who made $50 Billion disappear is being investigated by the people who made $1.5 Trillion disappear! Jim & Dorothy Baker Thanks for your years of great work as Chapter Directors. Wes & Holly Braden Thanks for all you have done for the chapter. Enjoy your new country paradise.

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8 Wing Wag November, 2009 Page 8 If you are interested in attending any courses please contact Alex Middleton at rider goldwing calgary.com to express your interest or for additional information. Scheduled Courses: A First Aid and CPR Course will be held in Spring if enough members are interested or ready to renew their certification. The date, time, and location yet to be determined. If you are interested in attending contact Alex Middleton at rider goldwing calgary.com WW Writers Wanted 1020 Meridian Rd. N.E. Calgary, AB T2A 2N8 If you have a story about your recent motorcycle adventures we would love to share it with the other GWRRA members by publishing your story in the Wing Wag. Please your stories to Lisa Miller at goldwing calgary.com

9 Wing Wag November, 2009 Page 9 1. Welcome our new Chapter Directors, Ron & Betty Syroishka. A big thank you to Jim and Dorothy Baker for their years of service as Chapter Directors. 2. The 2010 Motorcycle show will be held in January and this year. Ron Syroishka and Sid Robinson have volunteered to look after the Motorcycle Show this year. They will be looking for volunteers to help man our booth and provide trip and chapter activity pictures for display on the LCD television. Please consider if you can help out with a shift. WW MEETING SCHEDULE DAY/DATE Nov 9 November Monthly Meeting Nov 28 Christmas Party 2009 Dec No Meeting in December Jan 8-10 Motorcycle Show 2010 Jan 11 January Monthly Meeting Monthly Meetings Monthly meetings are held on the 2nd Monday of each month. This is a time to share information and to meet old and new friends who like to ride together for FUN, Safety and Knowledge. See you at the next meeting at the Fox Hollow Golf Club, 9th Street and 32nd Avenue N.E. 6:30; Meeting at 7:00 PM. Friends for Fun, Safety, and Knowledge Come ride with us...everyone Welcome! For the latest updates on what we are doing and where we re going, check out our website: Rain, snow or shine, we meet for breakfast every Sunday morning about 9 AM. This is a great year round way to stay in touch with your GWRRA friends. So, if you have missed the opportunity to join us for breakfast recently, why don t you come on over to the Fox Hollow Golf Club, 9th Street and 32nd Avenue N.E.

10 Wing Wag November, 2009 Page 10 Classified Ads The Classified ads are free to all members and associates of the GWRRA. While advertised items do not have to be Gold Wing related, we do insist that all ads pertain to motorcycling. Ads will appear on a space available basis for one month. Should you wish to continue to run your ad for a second or succeeding month, you must resubmit or renew your ad. Deadline for submission is the 25th of the month preceding publication. To post an ad or if the item is sold or the offer withdrawn, please contact Lisa Miller at: goldwing calgary.com CLASSIFIED ADS CALGARY AREA STAFF Chapter Directors Jim & Dorothy Baker (403) chapter goldwing calgary.com Assistant Gary & Susan Premech (403) Chapter Directors assistant chapter goldwing calgary.com Quartermaster Brian Perrin (403) goldwing calgary.com Newsletter Editor Lisa Miller (403) goldwing calgary.com Treasurer Darryl Snyder (403) goldwing calgary.com Ride Coordinator Terry Collin (403) ride goldwing calgary.com Rider Education Alex Middleton (403) rider goldwing calgary.com Rider Course Terry Burrell (403) Instructor goldwing calgary.com Social Coordinators Carol Myers (403) social goldwing calgary.com & Susan Premech (403) social goldwing calgary.com Membership Darryl Minsky (403) Enhancement goldwing calgary.com Coordinator & Webmaster October 50/50 Winner GWRRA TOLL FREE NUMBER (CANADA & US) NATIONAL LEADERS Executive Director Melissa Nordeoff (623) Natl Dirs for Cdn Ops Ron & Carol Hodgson (403) Asst Natl Director Rider Ed Milt Sorensen (403) Region J Directors Phil & Margaret Craven (250) District Directors Ross & Audrey Woolsey (780) Carol Myers NOTE: addresses in this publication are displayed in a manner that will deter automatic address harvesting programs. This step is taken to reduce unsolicited to any addresses we post. We regret any inconvenience caused for our legitimate visitors. REMOVE ALL THE SPACES IN THE ADDRESS TO MAKE IT WORK.

11 Wing Wag November, 2009 Page 11 (Continued from page 3) on a fairly major road with lots of traffic including large trucks. This area had been hard hit by fire in late 2002 and again in 2003 so many of the trees were just charred silhouettes of their former selves and there was surprisingly little regrowth in the area even though it has been six years. Looking at the charred trees it was odd how every so often there would be a tree that seemed to have been completely unaffected by the fire. On the way down from the pass we stopped at two waterfalls within a short distance of each other and there was a walking path that connected the two falls but we opted to drive to each. The first falls was called Sahalie and the water appeared to be propelled out of the chute, very impressive. The second falls was called Koosah and was more of a traditional fall, also very nice but less impressive. After walking to the two falls we started to think about finding something to eat. Colin was fairly sure there was not going to be a lot of opportunity for finding food along our intended afternoon route so we found a small coffee shop and deli in McKenzie Bridge. The sandwiches were really excellent and with our stomachs full we set out to ensure the gas tank was also full incase we got delayed or lost. While filling the tank I also picked up some snacks and a soda in case we found an appealing place to take a break. Back on the bike we rode Forestry Road 19 up to the Cougar Dam and overlooked Cougar Reservoir where we stopped to take a few pictures. We continued along FR19 through many twists and valleys at different times following the south fork of the McKenzie river, then the middle fork of the Willamette river and eventually the north fork of the Willamette river. The day of riding was fabulous with twisty roads virtually covered by the intertwining branches of trees on both sides of the road. Between the shade and the cooling effect of the rivers and altitude changes the temperature was moderated and made for very comfortable riding. The road ended in Westfir, OR where we drove across and photographed a covered bridge built in For some reason Oregon is famous for its covered bridges and we saw another one with an interpretative centre but it was too hot by this time to stop again. We got to our Holiday Inn Express in Cottage Grove, OR about 4:00 p.m. and both of us were melting from the heat of the last hour of riding. We checked in and headed straight for the pool for a cooling dip and a cold drink. Once we felt less drained we headed to the guest laundry to wash all our clothes which after today could have stood up on their own. Supper was from KFC which was conveniently located across the road from our hotel. We tried to send out some but we seem to be having a problem with our messages being rejected by some system administrators so we will try to rectify this problem in the next day or two but have given up for now and ended our day watching TV. EDITORS NOTE: This is Part 1 of a multi-part story. Watch for Part 2 in the December/ January Edition. WW

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