Gold Wing Road Riders Association

Transcription

1 Gold Wing Road Riders Association Chapter AB-A A (Calgary) Newsletter NEAR PORT HARDY, BC June/July, 2008 Wing Wag, BC Text & Photos by Darryl Minsky Among many biker circles, helmets are supposed to not be cool. There are lots of famous quotes like helmet laws suck and let those who ride decide which you can plaster your helmet or car bumper with. But let me tell you why I love my helmet, and wear it all the time, even when not required by law to do so. As many of you who know, I have long hair. Long hair and riding motorcycles sometimes result in your hair becoming a bird s nest. By wearing my helmet my locks stay put and become an insulator. Long flowing locks on a bike may look cool and feel good, but after a day of constantly spitting out your own tresses and having to constantly untangle it from behind your sunglasses, you re glad to be wearing a lid. Never mind having to comb out the mess! I know many of you follicle-challenged men feel no sympathy for me, but bear with me and hear my story. (Continued on page 3) Coming Events What s Inside June 9 July 14 July 26 Aug 11 Monthly Meeting Monthly Meeting Chapter AB-B Meet & Greet Monthly Meeting Take Time to Remember...2 Birthday Bash...4 Classifieds...4 ARC Courses...6 Trailering Course...7 Safety First...8 News & Notices...9 Classifieds...10 Calgary Area Staff Listing...10

2 Wing Wag June/July, 2008 Page 2 Text by Kim Coubrough As a relatively new member of the GWRRA and a new Gold Wing rider (or biker in general) I always like to take the time to remember back to when I was not able to mount my iron horse and cruise the highways. And I would encourage other members to do likewise. Quite often I think we forget our past, how we were before the days of motorcycling, when dreaming was the only thrill we had. The days when we watched with envy as the colourful large beast would pass us on the highway and be totally amazed at seeing two complete strangers wave to each other as they pass. I remember commenting to my father, How do they know each other. It was not until I became a biker that I realized the secret of the wave. I suspect like all things in life we tend to take things for granted after awhile. And a feeling is no different. After a length of time, perhaps we forget what it was like being the kid in a car watching from a distance and dreaming of the day when two wheels would set you free. Dreaming of how it must feel to have the wind whipping at your face and the perceived freedom what comes with riding a bike. Dreaming of the day when the sound of the road and the smell of the air would accompany you like a long lost friend. As I ride I like to look at the surrounding people, and the expressions that you get. Most men won t look at you, as all bikers must be gang members, but you know they are wishing they were in your place. Women will look at us, and I know that when my co-rider is with me, we can just hear the conversation, Honey that could be us. But kids Kids watch with fascination, and let their dreams take them away. They have no fear of the common biker and will eagerly wave at us, if given a chance. So during this riding season if you see a wide eyed child staring with a sense of awe at you. Take a second and give them a wave. I guarantee you that you will make that child s day and they will never forget the day a biker waved at them. To be acknowledged by one of those cool dudes on a bike is like winning the lottery to a child I guarantee it. I recall a time last year when I pulled up to a set of lights and in the vehicle next to us was a lady driving with three young children. I would guess the children s ages were about 10 or so. Well, they noticed us beside them and they started bouncing in their seats and pointing. One young boy rolled down the window and yelled, Hi to us. Before either of us could get an answer out the mother had the windows rolled back up. Wina and I both lifted our visors and yelled Hi back. I guess after the visors went up and the mother could see we were not monsters or something she allowed the windows to be rolled down. As the light turned green and the SUV rolled away I could hear the same young boy yell out nice bike. A resounding thanks was bellowed back by me. Suddenly I felt a impact on my helmet, I forgot the intercom was still on and Wina s ears were ringing from me yelling. So the next time you are out riding around on one of those big, colourful, iron horses. Remember to not only wave to other bikers, but to the next generation of bikers who will someday be sitting at our Sunday morning breakfasts. That one little consideration could change a young person s life forever. I know it did for me. And I would guess it did for many of you too, my biker buddies. WW

3 Wing Wag June/July, 2008 Page 3 (Continued from page 1) For many years I owned the same shortie helmet. It s been dropped on the pavement many times, and even was painted (by myself) to match assorted motorcycles I ve owned. After joining GWRRA and hearing lots about safety, I learned that helmets wear out with time, and may be damaged when you drop them. So a few years ago, we decided to get ourselves new helmets. I bought the HJC AC-3 ¾ helmet. What that means is that it is not a shortie helmet (similar to a big hat) and it s not a full face helmet (completely wraps around your head). It is open at the chin. After years of wearing a shortie, I did not want to go full face. This particular helmet has removable cheek pads that I have removed most of the time. When they re removed, my helmet feels like a shortie, and the cool air blows across my face. If it gets cool out, I can easily stop and insert the cheek pads, and be as warm as a full face helmet wearer. If found this to be the best feature of my helmet. A microphone and speaker system fits easily in this helmet, unlike my old shortie helmet. Most helmets boast some kind of an airflow system of vents, but personally I ve never really noticed any difference with mine when the vents are open or closed. Perhaps it s all my hair? The AC-3 boasts a CoolMax Moisture-wicking Interior. That s their words, not mine. What that means is that the interior lining is comfortable, removable and washable. The visor unlocks and comes off easily, and I have replaced it with an optional face shield. In my opinion, this is the only way to go. I ride with my shield in the up position 99 percent of the time, only lowering it for rain or severe wind. While at Wing Ding 29, a friend pointed out to me a great add-on for the face shield (Thanks Colin!). It is a tinted piece of plastic that simply clings to the shield, and can peel off easily. The tint blocks out the low sun while riding, and acts just like the rim visor. I ve placed it on the bottom edge of the shield, so if your shield is down, it is closest to the ground. BUT, since I ride with it UP most of the time, it s like having a semi-tinted face shield and blocks out the low sun perfectly. Better yet, it only cost me a few dollars! WW

4 Wing Wag June/July, 2008 Page 4 Due to 40 cm. of snow and lots of rain the BIRTHDAY BASH at the home of Wayne and Linda Renfert in Sundre has been moved to a Campground at Innisfail. We have the camp kitchen booked at the Anthony Henday Campground in Innisfail for the same weekend JUNE 6, 7, and 8. DIRECTIONS to ANTHONY HENDAY CAMPGROUND HWY 54 & 56ST. INNISFAIL (On the west side of town) June Set up your camp June Breakfast on your own (lots of restaurants in Innisfail) Poker 10:30 am Hamburger and fixins after poker run Sit around campfire tell true stories. June Breakfast at the campsite then go for a short ride or sit at campfire and tell more true stories. The new location has washrooms and showers at the campsite. There maybe a charge for camping but they said they will give us a deal. PLEASE let me know if you can make it to the new location so I can reserve some spots for camping and so I can order enough food for supper and breakfast. Contact Jack Hill at telus.net or call CLASSIFIED ADS For Sale 25th Anniversary Edition, Candy Apple Red GL1500 SE. This is a 2000 Gold Wing and comes with all the standard equipment and features of an SE plus Custom Heated Grips, 12V Output Terminal, and more. 72,000 km. $13,000, all reasonable offers will be considered. Call CLASSIFIED ADS For Sale 1992 GL1500 SE, 178K, AM/FM cassette stereo with front and rear speakers, intercom system, CB radio, thousands of dollars worth of extras including Corbin aftermarket seat and backrest, all reflectors replaced with lights for increased visibility, all mileage is highway miles. All maintenance records available. $9,500. Color matched tent trailer also available. Phone Colin at

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6 Wing Wag Text & Photos by Terry Burrill June/July, 2008 agreed we ride in these conditions so we can train in these condithanks to everyone who attended tions. But next year I hope it s nicer. the Advanced Rider Courses this May (1-up ARC Saturday, 1-up The 2-up ARC was held in excelarc Sunday, and 2-up ARC the lent weather conditions. We had following Saturday). Special new riders, old riders, sport bike thanks to Ron Myers and Gary Premech for assisting with the courses, it really makes the courses run smoothly and in a timely manner, their help is extremely appreciated. Darryl Snyder, with SAIT, came through once again to provide a topnotch, safe place to hold the courses, and seminars, thanks. I forgot to collect the $20.00 course donation for Rider Ed from the participants, if you could please give it to Alex or me. There was an excellent turnout despite the adverse weather conditions; it was cold and poring down rain. The participants and I Page 6 riders, a whole assortment of riders that were there to advance their skills. In my opinion it was a positive experience for all, including myself. To see riders learn new skills and practice known skills is a benefit for all. Anyone that would like to use the cones for cornering practice is welcome to use them. There has been some interest in holding a Team Challenge Event this summer, and I d like to do this as well. It takes about 3 hours, and requires about 4 or 5 volunteers. All chapter members are welcome to participate, more info as we get a date nailed down. Chapter involvement, either as participants or as assistants is part of the reason I enjoy being a RCI, the other of course is knowing we have some of the best riders in the GWRRA. I look forward to another season of great riding. WW

7 Wing Wag June/July, 2008 Page 7 Text & Photos by Alex Middleton On Saturday May 10 our Chapter held a Trailering Course at the SAIT Art Smith Aero Center facility. We had 9 riders from our Chapter taking the Course. Gary Premech, Ron Myers, Bob Quinlan, Brian Perrin, Darryl Snyder, Harvey Matthews, Rod Banman, Darryl Minsky, Ron Syroishka. Ron & Carol Hodgson came down from Red Deer to teach the Course and there wealth of knowledge was greatly appreciated. Please put the above article in one of the Wing Wags. Use as many pictures as you feel necessary for the article. WW

8 Wing Wag June/July, 2008 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: None at this time. There has been some interest in holding a Team Challenge Event this summer. It takes about 3 hours, and requires about 4 or 5 volunteers. All chapter members are welcome to participate, more information as available. A special thanks to SAIT and Darryl Snyder for providing facilities for the courses. WW 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 June/July, 2008 Page 9 1. Our chapter will be hosting members from the Edmonton chapter July 26th. Plans include a Saturday ride through the Highwood Pass with a picnic lunch provided along the way. After the ride a dinner will be held at The Wild Wild West Event Centre near Calaway Park west of Calgary. The menu will include salads, BBQ beef on a bun, desert and coffee. We are also hoping the guest members will join us for Sunday breakfast before heading for home. Blocks of rooms have been reserved at several hotels within the city and details have been made available to the Edmonton Chapter. Apparently there has been a challenge issued by the Edmonton chapter to have more of their members attend than Calgary members, that sounds like a challenge worth rising to. A final price for the event has not yet been determined. 2. The weekend ride schedule is about 50% booked but that means there are still 50% of the riding season weekends without sponsors and destinations. So far many of the scheduled rides are overnight rides and we need to include more day rides. It has been suggested that it may be a good idea to have a few Saturday rides to allow more members to participate without interference to other Sunday activities. WW

10 Wing Wag June/July, 2008 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 For Sale: 2004 Goldwing GL1800 A4 model, km, excellent shape, Kuryakin Back Rest, Chrome on side covers, Highway pegs, Chrome on side vents,front fender chrome extension flap, Chrome front vents, Chrome front fender emblem, Cup holder, Chrome strips on side bags, Chrome strip on trunk, Spoiler with LED lights, Honda monogram carpets, Side luggage & trunk,bags, Heated hand grips, Price $ 19,775 This bike was very well maintained and is in excellent condition. Contact: Ron Syroishka Bus Ph Res Ph CALGARY AREA STAFF Chapter Directors Jim & Dorothy Baker (403) chapter goldwing calgary.com Assistant Gary & Susan Premech (403) Chapter Director 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 Rod Banman (403) ride goldwing calgary.com Rider Training Don Martin (403) rider 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 Social Coordinator & Vi Banman (403) Membership social goldwing calgary.com Enhancement Assistant Membership Darryl Minsky (403) Enhancement goldwing calgary.com Coordinator & Webmaster May 50/50 Winner Wes Braden GWRRA TOLL FREE NUMBER (CANADA & US) NATIONAL LEADERS Executive Director Melissa Nordeoff (623) Natl Dirs for Cdn Ops Ron & Carol Hodgson (403) Natl Rider Ed Director Dave Hay (205) Region J Directors Phil & Margaret Craven (250) District Directors Ross & Audrey Woolsey (780) 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 June/July, 2008 Page 11 EVENT SCHEDULE DAY/DATE EVENT AB-A SPONSOR June 9 June Monthly Meeting July 14 July Monthly Meeting July 26 Chapter AB-B Meet & Greet Aug 11 August 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.

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