Text & Photos provided by: Brian Hooker

Transcription

1 Text & Photos provided by: Brian Hooker On March 4, 2016 I left Okotoks at 10am and got home at 6pm. My ride took me 418 miles over roads that were good and dry with little traffic. A fantastic day! I highly recommend Trappers Saloon for a stop, just over the border, before Eureka, Montana. This was a first, to have enjoyed that ride so early in March. WW Mar 14 Apr 11 May 9 Coming Events Mar Monthly Meeting Apr Monthly Meeting May Monthly Meeting Meetings are at Fox Hollow Golf Club, 9th Street and 32nd Avenue N.E. Dinner at 6:30; Meeting at 7:00 PM. What s Inside February Meeting Notes... 2 February Prize Winners... 2 Region J Report... 3 News & Notices... 4 Meeting Info... 4 Classifieds... 5 Calgary Area Team... 5 Spring Ride through BC... 6 Winter Riding with AZ-D... 7 Winter Riding with AZ-D (cont )... 8 Costen & Associates... 9 Gold Run 2016 Registration Gold Run 2016 Day Pass Pair-a-Dice Trikes Lazy Dawg Motortrikes... 12

2 Wing Wag March 2016 Page 2 Congratulation to Lance Medcalf. Lance received his Level 2 patch from Kim Coubrough, Rider Educator. Welcome to new member Roger Matas. Congratulations to Jim Baker and Ron Syroishka on their recent retirements from the working world. We hope you get more riding in now that work won t get in the way! Ron Syroishka is planning another Bunco night, possible dates include March 30 th or May 2 nd, watch for details. Ron also reminded members to book their Wing Ding rooms. The AED purchase is still in the works model options are still being investigated. Honda recall for brakes are taking a little longer to get done as parts are a bit slower to arrive than anticipated. WW Lance Medcalf Grahame Entwistle

3 Wing Wag March 2016 Page 3 Pat Williams, Region J Director I m sitting here on the patio of my park model in Mesa enjoying a balmy 85 degree temperature. Also there is a nice calm breeze that keeps things very comfortable. I couldn t have asked for a better day for doing nothing. I just haven t figured out how to send this weather home for the rest of you. I ve been going out on the Thursday rides with the local chapter, AZ-D, around the valley. I m wishing I had been able to bring my Spyder down this year, but I guess going on 4 wheels is better than not going at all. The region seems to be running along smoothly. The Region J Rally set up is mostly complete. I ll be meeting with part of the rally committee tomorrow to iron out a few more details. Registrations are starting to come in now and it is starting to look like this will be a record setting year for Region J. I ve spoken to several people from outside our region who have said they are coming, and bringing groups with them. Three of the people I talked to are from Florida, Oklahoma, and Ontario. I know that there are several coming from Washington as well. If you haven t reserved your room at the hotel, or thought about camping, now is the time to do so. The campground will start accepting reservations March 1, but the hotel is already reserving the rooms. Check out the Region J website for information on lodging and the registration forms. Now that the weather is turning warmer for some of you, please remember to dress appropriately. It may be nice and warm in the morning, but could change as the day goes on. Be sure to have the extra layers ready to put on if needed. The opposite is true as well. It could be cool when you leave the house for your ride, but by afternoon, it s really warm. The secret is in the layering. It s easy to take off extra clothing, but not so easy to put more on if you don t have it with you. Until I see you all again, ATGATT (all the gear, all the time). Be safe and keep the rubber side down and the shiny side up. Pat Williams, Region J Director WW

4 Wing Wag March 2016 Page 4 Greeting Cards: If you know of any member, their spouse, or immediate family who would appreciate receiving a greeting card from our Chapter please contact Judy Istvan, address nucleus.com. Judy will arrange to send the appropriate card on behalf of the Calgary Chapter. Veterans Food Bank: Please remember the men and women who committed themselves to ensure the freedoms that all Canadians enjoy every day of our lives. Bring your non-perishable food items or monetary contributions to the Monthly Chapter Meetings and help support the Veteran's Food Bank. Thank you to all who choose to support this worthwhile cause. High Mileage Challenge 2015: Results for 2015 will be announced at the April meeting and in the April edition of Wing Wag. If you have not participated in the challenge in past years send your odometer reading before you start riding this year. Vintage Motorcycle Show: Is being presented at Heritage Park from February 5 to April Flags Classic Tour 2016: Registration is open for the 3-Flags 2016 which will start in Tombstone, AZ and end in Kimberley, BC. Details and registration at Victoria Days 2016: Friday, May 20-23, Rally registration and camping at Salmon Arm Water Slide & RV Park. Salmon Arm, BC. Details and registration information available at GWRRA Region J Chapter BC-G website: WW MEETING SCHEDULE DAY/DATE March Monthly Meeting April Monthly Meeting May 9... 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. Dinner at 6:30 PM; 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 (Fox Hollow opens at 8:00). 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: Fox Hollow Golf Club 9th Street and 32nd Avenue N.E.

5 Wing Wag March 2016 Page 5 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 first Monday of each month. To post an ad or if the item is sold or the offer withdrawn, please contact Lisa Miller at: Goldwing calgary.com CALGARY AREA STAFF Chapter Director Gary & Susan Premech Chapter Goldwing calgary.com Assistant D Arcy Leslie Chapter Directors assistant chapter Goldwing calgary.com Quartermaster Ken Braun Goldwing calgary.com Newsletter Editor Lisa Miller Goldwing calgary.com Treasurer Eric Roberts Goldwing calgary.com Ride Coordinator Harvey Matthews ride Goldwing calgary.com Rider Educator Kim Coubrough rider Goldwing calgary.com Rider Course Terry Burrill Instructor Goldwing calgary.com Special Events Ron Syroishka Coordinator Goldwing calgary.com Webmaster Bill Haggerty Goldwing calgary.com Membership Tracy Boyda Enhancement Goldwing calgary.com Coordinator GWRRA TOLL FREE NUMBER (CANADA & US) NATIONAL LEADERS Executive Directors Ray & Sandi Garris gwrra.org Region J Directors Pat Williams Assist Region J Directors Arnie & Janet Tucke Region J Rider Educator Larry Harland 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 SPAC- ES IN THE ADDRESS TO MAKE IT WORK.

6 Wing Wag March 2016 Page 6 By: Gord Stevenson Hi Everybody: It's that time of year - time to plan a long weekend trip for the summer. Last year we did the "Montana Idaho Triangle" in August. For this year, given the busy month of August (Region J and Wing Ding) and the US currency exchange rate, I am planning a ride through BC. If you're "in" please go ahead and book your own hotel rooms...and please let me know so I can include you on future ride-related communication. Planned departure: 9:00AM Thursday June 30 Planned return: Mid afternoon July 3 Let's ride! Gord gordstevenson.com DAY 1 Thursday, June 30: Calgary to Creston stay at the Creston Ramada. DAY 2 Friday, July 1: Creston to Nelson, Nakusp, Vernon stay at Super 8 at "Lake Country" just south of Vernon. DAY 3 Saturday, July 2: Lake Country to Creston... stay at the Ramada in Creston again. DAY 4 Sunday, July 3: Creston to Calgary. WW

7 Wing Wag March 2016 Page 7 Text by: Roger Matas Photos by: Chet Shupe Chapter AZ-D I thought the best way to introduce myself to the chapter as a new member was to talk about some of the riding I did this winter with Arizona Chapter D. it would be silly to leave the ST at home. So, again deaf to protestations (Irene was out of town), I bought a cargo trailer and put a hitch on the car. No regrets, my wife even talks to me again. Arizona is a paradise for motorcycle riders and the putt-putt and roar of V-Twins can be heard at all hours. Of course there are other bikes out too, but as we know, you don't hear them. I'm not new to motorcycles, having ridden when I was much younger. Driving is my hobby. I drive semis, highway coach and just about anything I can get my hands on. I got my motorcycle license when I was 19 (drive around the block and if you come back in one piece you pass) but I haven't had a bike in years. Last summer I decided it was time to put a motor between my legs, and deaf to the disapproval of my wife Irene, I bought a Honda ST1300. Actually, it was more than disapproval. She flat our forbade it. However, since I have mostly done what I've been told over the past 35 years or so, I thought I had built up some brownie points. I'm sure some of the guys can relate. I also hoped I wouldn't give her an opportunity to say "I told you so." I really wanted a Gold Wing but settled for the ST. I love the bike, but it's not a Gold Wing and I've always wanted a Gold Wing. I'm on the hunt for one now. In October, when it was time to get ready to head to Arizona for a few months, I realized An acquaintance told me about GWRRA and I checked it out. What I saw on the web site and subsequent conversations with Teena, the chapter D director, led me to a November, Saturday morning chapter meeting in Mesa and a ride to the Tonto Natural Bridge north of Payson, a round trip of about 380km. We had a picnic lunch at the state park and looked around for a while then headed home. Some of the members of Chapter D are serious riders. One lady rides her bike to Arizona every year from Victoria, BC. The chapter's Ride Coordinator, Mark Norris, won the high mileage award in 2015 with an odometer reading of 39,000 miles! That's miles, not kilometers. (Continued on page 8)

8 Wing Wag March 2016 Page 8 (Continued from page 7) The Chapter D ride coordinators find routes which avoid the high-speed interstates and, as much as possible, stay on the back roads. They stay at or below the speed limit and that allows for everyone to stay safe while still having the chance to look around a bit. The route to Bagdad went through a spectacular series of switchbacks which were a lot of fun. They also find interesting destinations for the rides such as an airport where the original Air Force One is being restored or Trail Dust Town in Tucson. Chapter D does Saturday rides after their monthly meetings, a trip every Thursday, an extended ride once a month and other outings as well. I didn't go, but a group rode from Mesa to San Diego in January for a long weekend of site seeing. They have a lot of social events as well. I was out with Chapter D for a ride on New Year's Day; a Thursday ride southeast of Mesa with lunch in a town called Oracle, and then back through Florence; and the longest one-day ride of my life (almost 600 km) to Bagdad. Yes, I've ridden to Bagdad. Every area you ride through in the state has different scenery and it's all gorgeous. It's a real thrill to be out in the fresh air, and also a thrill to be on the bike when there's snow on the ground in Alberta. The weather this winter in Arizona was unusually cold. A couple of planned rides were cancelled because of safety concerns such as possible ice through mountain passes. But, I was still able to get out a lot and very much enjoyed the rides we were able to do and also enjoyed the way I seemed to be immediately accepted by the folks of Chapter D despite not being on a Gold Wing. On the whole, I find drivers in Arizona much better than Alberta. Or maybe it's just Alberta drivers are so horrible which we know to be the case. Because there are so many bikes on the road in Arizona and it's all year 'round, drivers seem to be more aware of the motorcycles near them. Also, seeing large groups of riders going by is not unusual. In three months riding in Arizona this winter I only had one bad incident where a car squeezed into my lane between me and another car. The aggressive driver had Alberta plates. I'm looking forward to similar experiences with AB-A as I find out more about GWRAA and what it has to offer. I look forward to education opportunities and enjoying some of the great routes Alberta has to offer. Despite our short season I know there's lots of opportunities to enjoy them. See you on the road! WW

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10 Wing Wag March 2016 Page 10 GOLD RUN 2016 July 1 & 2 In Picturesque Princeton, BC GWRRA CHAPTER BC--D SURREY REGISTRATION Canada's Best Value Inn Friday July 1, :00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Motel and Camping have been reserved in Princeton, BC under GWRRA Accommodations and food are your responsibility (2 nights in Princeton) Hotel: Canada's Best Value Inn 169 Highway 3 Toll Free rooms held until June 10 Camping: Princeton Municipal Campground 2.8kms (1.7miles) east of Princeton on Hwy 3 toll free Camping can be booked after May 3, sites have been held until June 1 **Early Bird Draw, Door Prizes, Bike Games, Fun Run & Light Parade ** ** Friday night Meal & Saturday Continental Breakfast Included in the registration price** To be eligible for the pre-registration Draw registrations must be post marked on or before June 10 To be included in the Chapter with most in attendance registrations must be post marked on or before June 10 $25.00 CDN Registration per person *** GWRRA Members discounted to $20.00 CDN per person*** For more information: V Hildebrand directorsbcd@gmail.com Barry McMillan bc- dtreasurer@shaw.ca PLEASE REMIT CHEQUES/MONEY ORDERS TO: GWRRA CHAPTER BC--D Please mail form and payment to: Gold Run 2015 c/o A Street, Surrey, BC V4N 0L9 RIDER NAME: MEMBER # CO-RIDER NAME: MEMBER # ADDRESS: CITY PROVINCE/STATE: POSTAL/ZIP CODE: PHONE: CHAPTER: FUN RUN $5.00 * SIGNATURE RIDER: SIGNATURE CO-RIDER: AMOUNT PAID $ *Additional Fun Run cards may be purchased on site Saturday July 2 I/We understand this application and agree to hold harmless the GWRRA and all involved Participants of this Rally for Liabilities involved in my/ our injury or loss due to participation thereof. I/We also agree to conform to the rules governing this event and to be responsible for my/our own actions while participating. I/We understand the Rally Organizers reserve the right to refuse entry to this event.

11 Wing Wag March 2016 Page 11 GWRRA CHAPTER BC- D SURREY GOLD RUN 2016 July 1 & 2 In Picturesque Princeton b.c. DAY PASS $10 per Day per person Saturday Continental Breakfast is Guaranteed if registered before June 10 For more information: V Hildebrand directorsbcd@gmail.com PLEASE REMIT CHEQUES/MONEY ORDERS TO: GWRRA CHAPTER BC- D Please mail form and payment to: Gold Run 2016 c/o A Street, Surrey, BC V4N 0L9 RIDER NAME: MEMBER # CO-RIDER NAME: MEMBER # ADDRESS: CITY PROVINCE/STATE: POSTAL/ZIP CODE: PHONE: CHAPTER: FUN RUN $5.00 * SIGNATURE RIDER: SIGNATURE CO-RIDER: AMOUNT PAID $ *Additional Fun Run cards may be purchased on site Saturday July 2 I/We understand this application and agree to hold harmless the GWRRA and all involved Participants of this Rally for Liabilities involved in my/ our injury or loss due to participation thereof. I/We also agree to conform to the rules governing this event and to be responsible for my/our own actions while participating. I/We understand the Rally Organizers reserve the right to refuse entry to this event.

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