CHAPTER "O" TEAM. Volume 24, Number 12 O Fallon, Missouri March CHAPTER DIRECTOR Brian & Christi Heideman

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1 1 Volume 24, Number 12 O Fallon, Missouri March 2015 CHAPTER "O" TEAM CHAPTER DIRECTOR Brian & Christi Heideman brheidman@centurytel.net ASSISTANT CHAPTER DIRECTOR TBD CHAPTER RIDER EDUCATOR Steve & Diana Lake Slake12@hotmail.com TREASURER/HISTORIAN Joe & Pam Biondo jabiondo@sbcglobal.net MEMBERSHIP ENHANCMENT Karen Kaufmann Kamb22@centurytel.net 2015 COUPLE OF THE YEAR Joe & Vera Hulsey Jhulsey486@hotmail.com NEWSLETTER/WEBSITE Allen & Debby Biddlingmeier 2wingers@charter.net SPECIAL EVENT COORDINATOR Vera Hulsey Vera.hulsey@hotmail.com Chapter Web Site Meetings at Moudy s Bar & Grill 2151 West Terra Lane O Fallon, MO I-70 & Lake St Louis Exit. On the 3 rd Monday of the Month 6:00 to eat, 7:00 to meet As I sit in my office on this first day of March, I am staring at snow on the ground with more to come this afternoon. We had it pretty good with some riding days this winter but I guess time was not on our side and we had to pay for the nice days with snow days. But just because it is snowing outside does not mean we cannot prepare for the upcoming riding season. We all know from Steve s reports that we need to make sure we have the gear for all different riding conditions and that our bikes and trikes need to be ready to go. So let s talk about the gear part of riding. While you may have the gear, is it in good shape and ready to go. I have a three seasons Honda jacket that is 11 years old. The outer jacket is cracking just due to use and age and is no longer weather proof. So I need to get a new jacket. What about your boot laces? Any frays or weak points that may break. Are the soles of your boots and sides in good shape? Should you spray your boots with silicone treatment to make them weather proof? Christi bought me a new pair of rain boots from Totes. Keeping your feet dry is essential on a rainy day ride. The all-purpose rain suit is another key piece of clothing to check for cracks or make sure it is water proof. This one will get me in trouble but as we get older we do tend to gain some weight so does your rain suit fit along with your jackets and riding gear. Nothing is worse than to have your intercom system go out due to a short in the cords while riding so check those for wear also along with checking your headsets to see if the microphone cover is dried out. Lastly is the helmet.

2 How old is your helmet? The Snell Foundation recommends replacing your helmet every 5 years due to the liner glues and materials degrading due to hair oils, temperatures and use. Interesting enough a helmet still in the box does not apply until you wear it according to the industry. HGC no longer makes my helmet (XXL CL33) so I have two spares in the boxes waiting to be used. So while we cannot ride right now, we can still get our gear ready for the season. And if you re like me, I sit on the Trike every once in a while and dream of winding roads ahead of me. And as always, be safe while riding. Brian & Christi Heideman Chapter Director 2 SPRING IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER

3 3 SPRINGERIZING" IT'S TIME TO GO RIDING!! By Steve & Diana Lake Have ya been waiting and counting the days until spring? Yearning to roll that bike or trike out of the garage and hit the road again? Welcome to the club! If you're anything like me the wait for spring has been a long one.too long. Now that it s s-l-o-w-l-y warming up again for the year you re just itching to yank off the bike cover, fill up the tank with some fresh gas, throw on some extra warm clothes and go...right? Think a minute. Are you really ready to roll because the thermometer says it s finally warmer? Don t we first need to reverse all of those steps we took to winterize our bikes? Now instead of "winterizing", we need to "springerize" our bikes. Here's a list of things you will need to check before your first ride of the season: 1) Find your storage checklist. You know? The one you should have made when you were putting your bike away for the winter. Reverse all of your steps. If you did not make a checklist, then keep reading and follow the below steps. 2) Uncover your bike. Wipe down your cover, fold it up and store it in good shape until you'll need it again next year. 3) Remove the rags in your exhaust pipes. Wipe the Armor-All COMPLETELY off of the seats and handlebar grips. Remove any traces of WD-40 from your rims and exposed metal parts. If you oil-fogged the cylinders, wipe off any excess oil from around the plugs, tighten them down and reconnect the plug wires. 4) Roll the bike outside and wash it well with warm water and soap. As you dry and detail it look for any rust or corrosion spots. 5) If you removed the battery a few months ago for winter storage, check the charge on it and if all is well, re-install it. If the battery remained in the bike over winter (so you could start it periodically) and you're sure it is already up to charge, great. But still just to be sure, check the terminals for corrosion and connection integrity. 6) Now do a complete T-CLOCS check on your bike. Don't skip or shortcut anything on this inspection. Remember your bike has set for maybe 3 months now. Did a mouse get to the bike? Maybe a wire was chewed? Did a tire crack in the cold weather? Did the cold weather extremes cause something to split or warp? Start at the top of the T-CLOCS and work down hitting EVERY point. 7) Let's look at our tires and wheels. How do the tires look for wear? Cracking? Are they up to pressure? Probably not huh, as cold weather means lower tire pressures. How do the brake

4 pads look? Is there noticeable movement in the wheel bearings if you grab ahold of the tire and flex it back and forth? Any seals leaking? 8) Now let's a look over the controls such as the clutch lever, throttle, brakes, etc. Make sure they are in working order and do not stick / jam. 9) Inspect your electronics (lights, odometer, etc.). Turn on the bike's ignition. Do you have ALL lights and signals displaying? Check the mirrors for any damage. 10) Check the condition and level of fluids (gear oil, brake fluid, coolant, etc.). If you're old school and winterized your bike with cheap "storage oil" in the crankcase, drain it and put in the brand of oil and filter you intend to run in the bike. While you were under there, did you see any oil or fluid leaks? Remember to check the level of coolant in the anti-freeze overflow reserve tank. 11) Now examine your chain and sprocket (or belt) for wear, if applicable. 12) Look over your chassis and the overall body of your bike. Any stress cracks? What is the condition of your shocks? Are all the nuts and bolts tight? 13) Finally, two-wheel riders, check the side stand to see if it is still in good condition. 14) Return any and all paper work into the bike you may have removed for storage. Look over your insurance card. Is it up to date and current? Did you use the last few months to do some comparison shopping for the best rates on insurance? (You should have.) 15) And now---will she turn over? Time to finally twist that key!! Watch your tachometer as the motor warms up. Does it idle smoothly? Roll the throttle grip to see if it operates smoothly. (Some smoke is probably normal---for a bit---as gas treatment will cause that if you added too much when storing.) Yee-ha!! Just as you hoped, everything checks out. N-O-W, you're good to go! Put on some warm clothes and take her out for a spin. Remember though...you might be a little rusty if you haven't driven a motorcycle all winter. For a few miles ride at slower speeds until you get the feel of the bike and the road again. Watch for wet pavement, and be especially watchful of non-motorcycle drivers. They haven't had you on their minds for two or three months now, and most automobile and truck drivers may not expect you to be back on the roads yet, so they will NOT be looking out for you. That means you have to be especially watchful...of them. And finally, don't forget to call the rest of us in "O" to see if we'd like to go riding with you. RIDE YOUR OWN RIDE...AND BE SAFE!! 4

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6 6 Some thread for that.. Stitch in Time Last month s Newsletter article was about helping a Chapter that may be struggling. This month we will share some ideas on Recruiting. This article will provide some of the more successful recruiting techniques used by Chapters. Advertise in the free weekly/bi-weekly newspaper type For Sale sheets. Put your Chapter ad under motorcycles. Most of these newspapers will not charge or charge very little for this type of ad. They are usually distributed throughout the area your Chapter serves. Some Culvers Restaurants have a SHARE night where Chapter members deliver food to customer s tables and then clean tables. Many things happen when working at the SHARE night. A Chapter will earn money. Do this three times a year and the Chapter will most likely make $ A Chapter may recruit new members by parking motorcycles outside with their Chapter banner displayed. This is a great Motorist Awareness opportunity! It s just plain FUN. The best night to work is Kid s night! Chapters can bag groceries at a large grocery store. Same principle as the above SHARE night. Wear your Chapter shirts and park your motorcycles in front of the store with banners. Saturday morning is best! Talk to as many bike riders as you can, particularly in the parking lots of big stores like Wal-Mart. If you both have ridden to the store, you already have something in common. Invite them to your gathering or the next Chapter ride. Every chapter member should

7 7 carry a flier in their bike about your Chapter with gathering location and times. Remember, most of the time that new member is NOT riding a Gold Wing! If possible, when you meet for a Chapter ride try and meet at a busy parking lot. Your Chapter will draw the most attention at a busy store and this may give you an opportunity to recruit that curious motorcyclist. When a new person arrives at your Chapter gathering ALWAYS greet them as soon as they enter the room. The Successful Chapters will have assigned couples that stop what they are doing, get up, greet and sit with the new person. This Host should introduce them during the gathering and when they return next month reintroduce them again. The most important thing now that you have them there is to make sure they feel welcomed and part of the group! Here is a sure way to get a perspective member to come back to the NEXT gathering and probably join your Chapter. Work out a deal with the Restaurant Manager where you hold your gathering to donate a free meal to perspective members. Explain to the manager that you would print a voucher good for a free meal where the perspective member purchases their meal at the first gathering, and the voucher is dated for next month s gathering. Tell the manager that after attending twice the perspective member will probably join and the restaurant will sell them a meal each month. Tell the perspective member that if they enjoyed the group, come back next month and the Chapter will buy their meal! Give each perspective member a voucher with the date of the NEXT gathering filled in. If your Restaurant Manager presently gives one or two free meals each month explain that it s a Win-Win to honor vouchers for new members instead. This voucher deal works very well, costs nothing, and is a fantastic recruitment tool. Each Chapter is different, so put your twist on one of the above ideas or come up with your own creative idea. It may just be the thread needed. It s the Journey. Not the Destination. Bruce S. Watkins Region E Director

8 8 I will start the article this month by asking Frosty the snowman to kindly go away. That being said, I am going to share some inner feelings with all the members. Since the time GWRRA decided to allow associate members to join our ranks, have all of us extended to these new members the courtesy we would like extended to us? I know some members that cannot ride a Goldwing because of the physical demand it places on their knees. These folks have had to find a motorcycle they can ride and still enjoy the ride. I realize we all like to joke and have fun, but fun to some may be hurtful to others. We all share the same benefits befitting a GWRRA member. We attend the same classes, we share the same benefits of Fun, Safety, and Knowledge. That brother or that sister next to you is family, let us all remember this fact the next time we act or speak. Sara and I had the pleasure of judging the Couple of the Year and the floats in Indiana in February. We had a blast!! One thing Sara and I have learned traveling to other states; you find many new ideas to bring back with you. If you are chosen as an Individual or a Couple of the Year by you Chapter and you do not proceed in the selection process you only cheat yourself out of many great memories. Sara and I are looking forward to visiting with the Chapters in the District. We are hoping to attend many chapter functions during the course of the year. We are aware a few of the activities in the District and beyond are over lapping. It is our wish that each member have their best year yet, go where and when you can. Bottom line HAVE FUN! Les and Sara Gibson Missouri District Directors

9 9 If you have questions about any listed items, please call Brian at for more information. March 7 th Spring Fling (Don t forget your Cookies) March 8 th District Staff Meeting March 8 th Daylight Savings Starts March 21 st Road Captain Seminar April 11 th Chapter W2 Maintenance Day April 12 th Chapter O s 25 Year Anniversary April 18 th MS Walk April th Chapter O ride to Anniversary Ride to Mt. Home

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12 12 Full Registration Includes Free Dinner Thursday evening ~ Observation Runs ~ Seminars Light Show/Parade ~ Bike Show ~ Trade Show Chapter Competitions ~ Master Gathering ~ Free Lunch Saturday Free Ice Cream Social ~ (2) $7 Meal Vouchers If Pre-Registered by May 1, 2015 you also receive: *Dub Card (Entry into $250 Drawing) *Rally Pin to first 400 Pre-Registered Rally Lodging on Site at these Hotels (Be sure to mention GWRRA) For additional Rally Information contact Les & Sara Gibson, modirles@gmail.com Our Web Site is:

13 13 Missouri District Rally June 4 ~ 6, 2015 Registration Form Make checks payable to: GWRRA of Missouri MAIL TO: Glenn & Carol White, 605 Della, Versailles, MO REGISTRATION: (Please Print) Rider: GWRRA Number: Co-Rider: GWRRA Number: Expiration Date: / (Month/Year) State/Chapter: (ex. MO-A) REP Master Tour Rider Number: (If applicable) Rider: Co-Rider: Address: City State Zip Code: Telephone Pre-Register before May 1, 2015: When pre-registered you will receive an entry card (DUB Card) into a drawing for $250! DUB card will be in your Registration packet you will receive at the Rally. Rally pin included with the first 400 pre-registrations. FULL Registration on or before May 1, 2015: GWRRA Members: Non-GWRRA Members: FREE Dinner Thursday evening x people TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED $ AFTER MAY 1, 2015 and onsite registration: GWRRA Members Non-GWRRA Members: $30.00 x people = $ $40.00 x people = $ $35.00 x people = $ FREE Dinner Thursday evening x people TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED $ $45.00 x people = $ Day Pass Available on site $20 (includes 1 meal voucher) Children 15 years and under admitted free of charge. Sorry No Refunds after May 1, 2015 I/we agree to conform to and comply with the ideas governing the Rally, and I/we further agree to hold harmless GWRRA, Co-sponsoring organization or any property owner for any loss or injury which I/we become involved by reason or participation in the rally. I/we also agree to assume responsibility for any property that I/we knowingly damage. I have read and agree with all stipulations of this entry form. Rider Signature: Co Rider Signature: MFA Refresher CLASSES will be presented at the Rally. If you are interested in taking this class please check here with the number attending: #

14 14 MISSOURI CHAPTER O CALENDAR March 2015 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 Cecelia Cooke Nick Millich 7 Bill & Joyce Bell Missouri District Spring Fling Lake of the Ozarks 8 District Staff Meeting 9 Ric Redtman 10 Karen Kaufmann Fred Gerdeman Daylight Savings Time Begins Diane Jones St. Patrick's Day Roni Bradford Spring Begins 21 Road Captain Seminar Middendorf Library 9:30am to noon Harry Carrigan 26 Joe & Vera Hulsey Sharon Gibson

15 15 April 2015 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Good Friday 4 5 Allen & Debby Biddlingmeie r Chapter W2 Maintenance Day 12 Chapter "O" 25 Years Lyle & Susan Real Walk MS St. Charles Community College Noon Archie & Candy Ervin Steve & Diana Lake Chapter O Roller Ride to Mountain Home Arkansas 25 Chapter O Roller Ride to Mountain Home Arkansas 26 Chapter O Roller Ride to Mountain Home Arkansas Notes:

16 May 2015 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 Dan & Pam Moore 2 Chapter O Walmart Fundraiser 9am to noon John Nixon Keith & Tara Wooden 8 9 Joe Long Motorist Awareness Show Premium Outlets Mall 10am to 6pm 10 Mother's Day Peggy Senior Joe & Pam Biondo Niehaus Appreciation Days Niehaus Appreciation Days 17 Niehaus Appreciation Days Tara Wooden Joe Biondo Randall Jones Memorial Day Dwayne Ketcherside Chapter O Lunch Ride