Gold Wing Road Riders Association

Transcription

1 Gold Wing Road Riders Association Chapter AB-A A (Calgary) Newsletter April, 2011 Wing Wag NEAR CASTLE MOUNTAIN Text and Photos by Kim Coubrough (Pic #29) N ormally the ride home tends to be very dull. Well, for the most part it was quick and direct, but we did have a couple of hiccups that are worth mentioning. Well, for some it might not be, but I m the one writing the story, so here we go. On Thursday morning after the Banquet, we mustered up in front of the hotel to (Pic #29) say goodbye to Susan and Shelly and start our trek home. The ladies were catching an 8 o clock flight back to Phoenix and then Calgary. So at 6 a.m. we headed out of Tucson and made our way to Phoenix ourselves. After making our way out of the city, we hit the Interstate and headed northwest. When the (Continued on page 2) Apr 11 May 9 Coming Events Monthly Meeting Monthly Meeting What s Inside 3 Flags Classic-Final Flags Classic-Final (con t)...3 News & Notices...4 Meeting Guest Speakers...4 Safety First...5 Meetings Information...5 Classifieds...6 Calgary Area Team Listing /50 Winner...6 Riding in the Rain...7 Top 10 Kilometer Totals...8 Riding in Utah...8

2 Wing Wag April, 2011 Page 2 (Continued from page 1) (Pic #30) posted speed limit is 75 mph, (Pic #30) boy you are really cruising and after awhile at those speeds I noticed that when we slowed down to 60 mph it was like we were crawling along. Anyway, we made great time, so much so we even passed a sheriff. Ron and Gary decided they would stay over in Phoenix for a day or so and visit with Ron s brother. So as we entered the city they turned off and we carried on. We were hoping to make it to the other side of Salt Lake City as our first stop for the night. This would be some 1300 km of riding for the day. We were on target to accomplish this, when around 3 hours south of Salt Lake, I noticed Terry had what appeared to be a string wrapped around his rear tire. After discussing this on the CB, we pulled over a little earlier then expected for fuel and to check out the situation. As it turned out, the threads around the rear tiring were showing through. The odds of making it another 1800 km home on them was slim at best. Terry used the GPS on the bike (with some teaching by Art on how to locate all the Honda dealers in the area). It turned out the closest one was some 100 miles away. Terry contacted them and they agreed to stay open for us (Pic #31) so we headed to the small town of Nephi, UT. (Pic #32) (Pic #31) The dealership was great. (Pic #32) We arrived 10 minutes after closing, so they opened the doors, cleaned all the machines out of the work bay and went to work on the bike. (Pic #33) That was the most costly rear tire any of us had ever seen. But within about 45 minutes, we were back on the road and headed home. As luck would have it, this incident helped place us at the end of the rush hour in Salt Lake City. From what I have been told two things never change there, one is that the road is always under construction, and two you never want to be in their rush hour. Apparently it makes the Deerfoot look like a kiddie s (Continued on page 3)

3 Wing Wag April, 2011 Page 3 (Continued from page 2) (Pic #33) with duct tape and bailer twine. That got Art, Terry, and the mechanic to come up with a great idea. Remove the calliper, (Pic #34) place a wrench in between the shoes, duct tape it all together, and bailer twine the lot to the front shock. It wasn t pretty, but it worked. After a test run to ensure Art had brakes, we were off again. (Pic #35) Within an (Pic #34) parade. Anyway, we pushed through for about a hour or so north of there, until we hit the town of Ogden, UT. A hot bath never felt so good. Breakfast was served at 6 a.m., so after some waffles and a pot of coffee, we hit the road again. Terry was doing the commentary about all the hotels he stayed in along the way. Art and I started to wonder if Terry and Shelly actually rode, or just came down here to use the motels. Apparently, most of them are pretty good to stay at. hour we hit the border and three hours or so after that we were home. It was truly a wonderful time had by all. Great We traveled along the Interstate headed for the border crossing at Sweet Grass. After judging the amount of fuel we had and the distance to Lethbridge, we figured we would pull into a small town called Conrad and top up. As we entered the city and slowed down, I could hear a grinding noise coming from Art s front tire. We pulled over for gas and inspected the situation. It turned out that his front right break shoe let go and was hanging down. Well, it was time for the mechanics to put their thinking caps on. Since I ain t a mechanic, I took pictures and offered moral support. Once again we used the GPS to locate a Honda shop to see if they had shoes or a calliper. Turns out there was a shop in this town, but they did not have any parts. The closest place was Lethbridge, and that was at least two hours away. What to do? Well, the mechanic at the gas station mentioned that most of the vehicles he has around there are held together (Pic #35) roads, great weather, and a great bunch of guys, tearing up the highways and back country together. I know this ride definitely will be one for the books. The memories, photos, and the good times will be cherished. So from the hippie of the group, I say thanks for a great ride and I still ain t going to shave my head. Ride on wild hogs, ride on. WW

4 Wing Wag April, 2011 Page 4 1. Our Calgary Chapter has been asked to host the 2011 Region Rally on the August long weekend. Anyone interested in being involved please contact our Chapter Directors to express your interest. 2. Birthday Bash Ride June 23 to 27, If you have a birthday in 2011 this is the ride for you. For more information contact Jack Hill at or telus.net. 3. Leather n Chaps Ridin for SNAPS (Special Needs Association for Parents & Siblings) 2 nd Annual Motorcycle Poker Rally - Saturday, July 23, Registration and pancake breakfast at 9:00 a.m., Ride at 11:30 a.m. $40.00 per rider (includes poker hand) $25.00 per passenger; $15.00 from each registration is a cash donation to SNAPS. For more information please call Bike Week Canada is a unique gathering of motorcycle enthusiasts from Canadian and nearby U.S. cities which is to be held September , 2011, in St-Pie de Bagot at the Sanair Racetrack. As CEO I, Robert Végiard, would like to invite you and your group to participate in Bike Week Canada A free VIP ticket will be offered for the weekend, a 200$ value, plus Bike Week Canada t-shirt and cap to the organizer who gathers 10 person or more. If you are interested please contact me at bikeweek.ca or at Please note that accommodation is available on the site (camping) and in nearby hotels, for more information, visit WW Many thanks to Harvey Matthews for his Safety Moment regarding Motorcycle Maintenance. Many thanks to Tracy Boyda for agreeing to take on the Executive position of Membership Enhancement.

5 Wing Wag April, 2011 Page 5 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: None scheduled at this time.. WW DAY/DATE Apr 11 May 9 MEETING SCHEDULE April Monthly Meeting May Monthly Meeting 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: 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. 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.

6 Wing Wag April, 2011 Page 6 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 For Sale 2005 Gold Wing miles, US bike, CB, lots of Chrome, $13, or OBO CALGARY AREA STAFF Chapter Director Ron Syroishka (403) chapter goldwing calgary.com Assistant Gary & Susan Premech (403) Chapter Directors assistant chapter goldwing calgary.com Quartermaster Barry Lammle (403) goldwing calgary.com Newsletter Editor Lisa Miller (403) goldwing calgary.com Treasurer Eric Roberts (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 Webmaster Darryl Minsky (403) goldwing calgary.com Contact: Ron Hodgson Cell Membership Tracy Boyda (403) Enhancement March 50/50 Winner GWRRA TOLL FREE NUMBER (CANADA & US) NATIONAL LEADERS Executive Director Mike Stiger (623) Asst Natl Director Rider Ed Milt Sorensen (403) Region J Directors Phil & Margaret Craven (250) District Directors Ross & Audrey Woolsey (780) Barry Lammle 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.

7 Wing Wag April, 2011 Page 7 T he operative word here is DROPS. Most riders get used to riding in the rain by accident. They take off on an all day ride when the sun is shining, and by afternoon they realize they're going to get their first taste of wet asphalt, like it or not. So, suppose you're thinking about getting on a wet road for the first time or perhaps you've done it a few times, or you do it so much you're not thinking about what the hazards are. Here is a list of critical rain hazards I watch for when riding in a typical Florida rain storm: Painted Lines: Painted lines are inherently slippery when wet. Crosswalks can be unsafe for motorcyclists, particularly if you're turning and crossing the lines at an angle. Slow down more than usual and make the turn straight up, rather than in a lean. The same holds true for diamonds in the HOV lanes. They can be very nasty when you lean into them, especially on the freeway. The diamond is shaped so you just slide across it and continue to slide along it. Any painted line is a hazard. Until the DOT addresses the issue and comes up with a tackier texture, you're the one in control of your destiny. Surface Textures: Many commercial and residential parking areas are paved with very slick concrete surfaces. When you leave the road and enter the local mall or condo complex, the change in road surface can cause you to drop your bike in a second. Again, ride slower and straight up, and don't let the concrete bite you. Steel: Manhole covers are enemy number one and railroad tracks rank a close second. Making a turn over these surfaces sets you up for trouble. Avoid them or keep the bike straight up and cross over slowly. Railroad tracks have a way of popping up on you just after a turn, and you may still be into a lean when you reach them. Look for the crossing signs ahead of time, slow down, and again, stay straight up when crossing. Are you sensing a theme here regarding motorcycle positioning when dealing with various hazards? Grated bridge crossings and metal plates are nasty to encounter in the rain. Look at where you want to ride, take it slow and don't try any fancy maneuvering. Puddles and Pot Holes: It only takes once to know how this one feels. You cruise through what you think is just a puddle and when it's too late you have dropped into a pothole that wants to suck you down to a place you definitely don't want to be. Avoid puddles if you can; use caution and be aware of the possibility the puddle just may be a black hole from which there is no return. Oil: It can be everywhere. Those little red and blue rainbows on the ground mean danger. Ride slowly and straighten up. Per the DOTs motorcycle safety manual, if you're caught in the first rain following a few dry days, remember the roads are covered with lots of oil and dirt that will be lifted from the surface in the first minutes of a new rain. Great time for a coffee break! Ride Safe, Have Fun Joe Mazza International Assistant Director, Rider Education WW

8 Wing Wag April, 2011 Page 8 Art Foster 33,413 Ron Myers 29,091 Kim Coubrough 23,520 Gary Premech 20,091 Carol Myers 19,851 Gord Stevenson 19,500 Stu Hartt 18,922 Harley Sanders 17,507 Colin O'Brien 15,901 Brian Hooker 15,478