1 touring news - Gold Wing Touring Association

TOURING NEWS
1
2
JUNE 2010
In Every Issue
Biker Billy
Event Calendar
Gold Rush Scrapbook & Shield Contest Rules
Gold Rush Registration
Gold Rush - Billings, MT Info
GWTA Business Members
GWTA Contact Information
Honda Tech
New Member Listing
2010 RaveNRide 30-31
20-22
5
9
8
23
10
28
12
6
Advertiser Listing
GWTA Departments
Executive Director
Helping Hands
Rider Education
Webmaster
Features
Big Bike Parts: Supporting the Cause
Excessive Tire Wear: A List of Causes
Fly & Ride: Motorcycle Vacation Tips
Region B Highlights
To Ride or Not to Ride
4
14
7
11
13
19
24-25
16-18
26-27
Add-On Accessories
AIM
Americade
Big Bike Parts
Biker Billy
Cartier Marketing
Chapel Australian Bike Tours
CIMA International
Cooper Communications
Diamond Gusset
Everett Powersports
Lees-ure Lite
Markel American Insurance Co.
Neosho Fiberglass
RAM Mounts
RoadRUNNER
Tour King
Ultimate Motorcycling
11
17
15
13
31
23
21
12
19
23
22
15
32
23
2
20
14
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Send articles, photos & changes to:
Touring News Magazine, P.O. Box 42403
Indianapolis, IN 46242-0403
Email: [email protected]
Canadian members: Beginning April 1, 2009 an additional
payment is required annually in order to receive Touring News
Magazine in the mail. This additional fee exclusively covers the
extra postage required to mail Touring News to Canada.
Touring News is published online 12 times per year and in print 4 times per year for Gold Wing Touring Association (GWTA) in the United
States of America. The known office of publication is GWTA, 2415 Directors Row, Suite K, Indianapolis, IN 46241. $15 of the annual
membership dues go toward a one-year subscription to GWTA’s Touring News Magazine; however, the subscription cannot be deducted
from dues. Postmaster: Send address changes to: GWTA, P.O. Box 42403, Indianapolis, IN 46242-0403. Periodicals postage paid in
Indianapolis, Indiana and at additional mailing offices.
TOURING NEWS
3
Welcome to Summer! I recently met a man in an airport and was able to share some time with him and his philosophy about
motorcycling. We were stranded in the Denver airport during a spring snowstorm and spent the night on the floor along with several
thousand other flyers but that’s a whole different story. His motorcycling had begun years ago with a small motorcycle in his parent’s
back yard. He told me thru the years he had owned many different brands and styles of motorcycles. Some were small and some were
large. Some were designed for touring and some for riding in the dirt. Some had air shocks and some no shocks at all. He even shared
with me that one particular cycle he owned for “trick riding” had no seat at all. I found that strange as I have to have a seat at some
point to be comfortable. He could not recall for sure how many actual bikes he had owned. He only knew that each one was “perfect”
for each ride he had planned. “They were all special” he said with a smile to recall his fond memories of each. Then he revealed what he
believed to be the secret of all motorcycling. “What matters” he said as he looked into the distance of his memories “is the moment”.
It’s the quality of time you spend with the people you love the most. A true rider enjoys the moment for all it has to offer, and when the
moment is gone…..the motorcyclist keeps moving in search of the next special moment. The moments translate into lasting friendships
and memories you will have for the rest of your life.
As we shook hands and said goodbye the next morning, I found myself thinking about the man’s words and stories and how they relate
to me and GWTA. I grew up in a family that was scared of motorcyclists because of my personal safety. My father had always said he
would maintain a life insurance policy on me as he knew I was going to hurt myself or someone around me. I have spent several years
of my life riding. The one thing I have never done was “ride alone”. God has blessed me with many wonderful visions of this world and
many friends I will take to my grave. Every day I have spent traveling and riding has been a new adventure. I have loved every moment
and feel very blessed to have met the folks I have met.
As both my Father and Mother were passing, I reminisced about my trips and shared experiences with friends. My mom rode with
me many times along with her dog “rags”. My dad never rode but did share with me that he knew I had made many friends through
the years I have ridden and all of them had been an adventure I may have never taken. When I ride with friends the stress of the world
and everyday life just seems to disappear. I know that is one of the many things Linda and I love about riding together. We get to just
talk with no distractions. Linda and I have had our children involved their whole lives. I think they have many an adventure they could
share with you. A bike trip is a place where time seems to slow
down to the point a husband can enjoy a moment with his wife and
remember why they are in love. It’s a place where a father can get
to know his kids before they hurry off to being adults. Now that two
of my children have become adults they are still heavily involved
with riding with our family and friends with many different styles
of riding. We as a family ride ATV’s, dual sport bikes, snowmobiles
and we still tour as much as we can as a family. It just seems the
world has a different view from the seat of a motorcycle, riding
with family and friends.
All of this brings me back to GWTA. What would we all do without
the moments we share with our TA family? Our world has become
very complicated for each of us. We, as we have aged, have become
more complacent. But what we all need to remember is there are
several generations behind us that are struggling to become part
of a world we take for granted when it comes to GWTA. By now
you are asking yourself “what is his point”? The point is we need
to treat younger riders as if they are our family. Get them out to a
chapter event or a Saturday ride. Slow them down and show them
the fun they are missing not to mention the adventures.
Every day I see examples of how motorcycling has a way of
helping us enjoy what precious few moments we have with those
we truly love. Life is short as we all are learning every day. Are
you ready to give it up?
The Keenon’s
4
JUNE 2010
Shield Contest
Regions, States or Chapters will create a shell design and decorate a medieval shield with their Region, State or
Chapter crest (the crest should incorporate GWTA and something special about your Region, State or Chapter).
The Shield contest will be judged on:
1. Originality
2. Use of GWTA in the Crest
3. The shields should be of a certain size (approximately 3 feet high 2 feet wide) and be made of cardboard
or light weight wood like thin plywood or balsa.
Here are some examples but make it your way
TOURING NEWS
5
Once again, everyone is invited to take part in RaveNRide 2010! Region A has arranged two tours. Please contact the Region A directors to request a tour card. Participants have from January 1, 2010 through October 31, 2010 to visit each business or chapter listed on
the card. A sticker will be placed at each location visited and once the card is completed, turn it in to the National Office for a chance
to win a $1,000 prize which will be awarded in December 2010! More information on each location is available at www.gwta.org or
Region A Tour #1
Chet’s Honda
17 H St. SW
Quincy, WA 98848
509-787-3617
www.chetshondapolaris.com
Everett Powersports
215 SW Everett Mall Way
Everett, WA 98204
425-347-4545
www.everettpowersports.com
Cycle Barn
Either Location
Smokey Point or Lynnwood
360-530-7800
www.cyclebarn.com
Gerry Andal’s
27021 - 102nd Ave. NW
Stanwood, WA 98292
360-629-6569
www.gerryandal.com
GWTA WA Chapter N
North Cascade Riders meet at Eagle Crest
21102-67th Ave NE, Arlington, WA 98223
www.northcascaderiders.org
GWTA WA Chapter C
Evergreen Wings meet at Everett Eagles
1216 Broadway, Everett, WA 98201
253-538-4915
www.evergreenwings.org
GWTA WA Chapter S
Skagit Valley Wings
meet at Cranberry Tree Restaurant
2030 Freeway Dr., Mt. Vernon, WA
360-630-1780
www.skagitvalleywings.netfirms.com
GWTA WA Chapter V
Auburn Valley Wings
meet at Puyallup Eagles
202 5th St. NW, Puyallup, WA 98371
253-208-9867
www.auburnvalleywings.org
6
Region A Tour #2
Hinshaw’s Motorcycle Store
1611 West Valley Hwy So.
Auburn, WA 98001
253-939-7164
www.hinshawsmotorcyclestore.com
Sheri’s Sweet Shop
207 Riverside Ave.
Winthrop, WA 98862
509-996-3834
Onthree Trike Conversions
1725 - 268th Ave. N.E.
Redmond, WA 98053
425-836-0373
www.onthreetrikes.com
Timber Creek Grill Buffet
9211 E. Montgomery Ave.
Spokane Valley, WA 99206
509-892-6390
Renton Motorcycle Mall
3701 East Valley Rd.
Renton, WA 98057
425-226-4320
www.rentonmotorcycles.com
Westside Motorsports
4201 S. Grove Road
Spokane, WA 99224
509-747-1862
www.westsideracing.com
GWTA WA State
22865 Bridgewater Rd.
Sedro Woolley, WA 98284
Come see us at the State Rally!
360-856-5815; www.gwta-wa.org
Wingman Enterprises
5663 - A N.E. 105th Ave.
Portland, OR 97220
503-257-4141
www.wingman.com
JUNE 2010
Rider Education Levels attained
since March-April 2010 Touring News: (Jan, Feb, & Mar)
Commitment: David Anderson, Region A, OR, Chapter A; Joe
Packer, Region F, OH, Chapter W; Debra Packer, Region F, OH,
Chapter W; Chuck Gibson, Region F, OH, Chapter W; Merlyn
Gibson, Region F, OH, Chapter W; Gary Smart, Region F, OH,
Chapter W; Sharon Smart, Region F, OH, Chapter W; John Byram,
Region F, OH, Chapter W; Joleen Dalton, Region F, OH, Chapter W;
Ron Pester, Region F, OH, Chapter W; Anna “Peg” Pester, Region
F, OH, Chapter W; Russell Higbee, Jr., Region F, OH, Chapter W;
Balinda Higbee, Region F, OH, Chapter W; Robert Lindsey, Region F, OH, Chapter W; James L. Bevens, SR., Region F, OH, Chapter
W; Karla Bevens, Region F, OH, Chapter W; Martin Zavakos, Region F, OH, Chapter W; Janet Balsamo, Region F, OH, Chapter W;
Norma J. Palmer, Region F, OH, Chapter W.
Level I: David Anderson, Region A, OR, Chapter A; Joe Packer, Region F, OH, Chapter W; Debra Packer, Region F, OH, Chapter W;
Chuck Gibson, Region F, OH, Chapter W; Merlyn Gibson, Region F, OH, Chapter W; Gary Smart, Region F, OH, Chapter W; Sharon
Smart, Region F, OH, Chapter W; John Byram, Region F, OH, Chapter W; Joleen Dalton, Region F, OH, Chapter W; Ron Pester, Region
F, OH, Chapter W; Anna “Peg” Pester, Region F, OH, Chapter W; Russell Higbee, Jr., Region F, OH, Chapter W; Balinda Higbee,
Region F, OH, Chapter W; Robert Lindsey, Region F, OH, Chapter W; James L. Bevens, SR., Region F, OH, Chapter W; Karla Bevens,
Region F, OH, Chapter W; Martin Zavakos, Region F, OH, Chapter W; Janet Balsamo, Region F, OH, Chapter W; Norma J. Palmer,
Region F, OH, Chapter W.
Level II: Joe Packer, Region F, OH, Chapter W; Debra Packer, Region F, OH, Chapter W; Merlyn Gibson, Region F, OH, Chapter W,
Sharon Smart; Region F, OH, Chapter W; Joleen Dalton, Region F, OH, Chapter W; Anna “Peg” Pester,Region F, OH, Chapter W;
Balinda Higbee,Region F, OH, Chapter W; Karla Bevens, Region F, OH, Chapter W.
Level III: Joe Packer, Region F, OH, Chapter W; Debra Packer, Region F, OH, Chapter W.
Level IV: Joe Packer, Region F, OH, Chapter W; Debra Packer, Region F, OH, Chapter W; Joe Stradley, Region F, MI, Chapter M;
Denise Stradley, Region F, MI, Chapter M.
Renewals: Mike Zmiarovich, Region A, WA, Chapter Z; Doug
Green, Region B, CA, Chapter NR.
Time sure flies when we’re having fun and who wants stop
and take time to do maintenance in the middle of all this great
weather? You should always treat that motorcycle just as you
would an airplane and conduct a pre-flight check before every
ride. There is nothing worse than standing on the side of the
road, broke down and waiting for a tow truck on a beautiful day
except for an accident caused by poor maintenance.
One great guy, an ex-pilot, who I used to ride with, taught me
to fill the tank and do a thorough check every night after a long
ride to ensure that I was prepared for the next day.
Put the bike on the stand and do a T-Clock inspection. Rotate
those tires and look for nails that you could have picked up
along the way. Look for signs of fluid leaks and check that all of
the lights are still working. While you’re at it, give it a cleaning.
You’ll be glad you did when you get on it the next morning with
the confidence that it is ready to serve you well for another
day’s ride.
When checking those brake pads, be sure to check both the
inside and outside pads because they don’t always wear evenly.
Judy and I want to wish everyone, especially those going to
Billings, a safe and enjoyable ride and look forward to visiting
with each of you. Billings is a great place to visit with lots to do
and see in a short time so be sure to check the schedule and
plan your day so that you can make the best use of your time.
In Friendship,
Don & Judy Coons
TOURING NEWS
7
Gold Rush Goes Medieval in Billings: Tips for Your Vacation
8
JUNE 2010
Gold Rush XXIII: July 19-22, 2010
Billings, MT
HOST HOTEL - Crowne Plaza Hotel: 27 N. 27th Street, Billings, MT 59101 406-252-7400; $92 per night
mention Group Code GA312930 / Wash 0
Best Western ClockTower Inn: 2511 1st Ave North, Billings, MT 59101; 406-259-5511
Reservations 800-628-9081; $81 per night plus tax.
Boothill Inn & Suites: 242 E. Airport Rd, Billings, MT 59105 406-245-2000; $79 per night plus tax.
Dude Rancher Lodge: 415 N. 29th St., Billings, MT 59101; 800-221-3302; $69 per night plus tax.
Circle appropriate codes after name: A=Adult, C=Under 16, R=Rider, P=Passenger. Use name wanted on ID
Name ( A C R P )__________________________Name ( A C R P ) __________________________
Name ( A C R P )__________________________Name ( A C R P ) __________________________
Address_______________________City_____________State/Province_____ Zip/Postal_________
GWTA Chapter/St./Pr._______________ Membership #__________ Other AffiliaE-mail_________________________Will you use:
Motel
Campground
Other
GWTA MEMBER Registration before 7/1/2010
NON MEMBER & Registration after 7/1/2010
Welcome Dinner; Sunday, July 18th
Gold Rush XXIII T-Shirts
$55
$60
$15
$12
Children under 16 free (not eligible for drawing)
Welcome Dinner will be Sunday, July 18th
at the Crowne Plaza (Host Hotel). Time TBA.
x
x
x
= $
= $
= $
x
x
= $
= $
Total $
T-shirt Pre-order
GR
XXIII
Pre
Order
T-shirts
Qty
Size
SM
MD
LG
XL
2XL
3XL
4XL
Visa/Mastercard/Amex #_________________________________________Expiration Date_______
Billing Address____________________________Billing Zip Code __________CVV2 Code_______
Cardholder Signature______________________________________________________________
Make checks and money orders, US funds, payable to: GWTA
REFUNDS MUST BE RECEIVED IN WRITING BEFORE JULY 1, 2010. NO REFUNDS WILL BE ISSUED
WITHOUT WRITTEN NOTICE. CONFIRMATION POSTCARDS WILL BE MAILED FOR ALL REGISTRATIONS
RECEIVED AT THE OFFICE. IF YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED A CONFIRMATION POSTCARD CONTACT
THE OFFICE BEFORE THE NEXT CUT OFF DATE!! PLEASE NOTE: CONFIRMATION EMAILS FROM
ONLINE ORDERS ARE NOT SENT FROM THE OFFICE AND DO NOT CONFIRM THAT YOUR REGISTRATION WAS RECEIVED & PROCESSED.
1-800-960-GWTA (4982); www.gwta.org; P.O. Box 42403, Indianapolis, IN 46242
TOURING NEWS
9
10
JUNE 2010
TAKE PRIDE
IN YOUR RIDE . . .
Quality Parts and Accessories
for your 1975 to 2010 Wing
What is the ‘Big ©’? What does it mean for you and the Internet?
The ‘Copyright’ rules had to be rewritten for the web. What you are about to learn may
surprise you.
We all do it. We see something really cool on someone’s website and we grab it. We use
it as is, or modify it to spruce up our own website. Why not, right? “I don’t see anything
stating I can’t use it.” Surprisingly enough, even if the website doesn’t mention any word
about needing permission from the author, you can still face copyright infringements.
It doesn’t seem fair. But will you get caught? Unlikely. But the possibility exists. I suggest
contacting (usually by email) the sites webmaster in writing asking permission to use
images or content (& source code). Make sure you email contains their web address for
your future reference, what the request is for and your intentions of using it. Save your
correspondence to a folder called ‘Copyright’.
NEW Folding Rack Bag
Trailer Accessories
Here’s a few resources to some great information;
•
•
•
Copyright and the Internet - http://mason.gmu.edu/~montecin/copyrightinternet.htm
ISO – International Organization for Standardization - http://www.iso.org/
iso/home.html
Protect Your Rights - http://smallbusiness.findlaw.com/copyright/gettingcopyright/starting-business-ip-copyright-pointers.html?DCMP=KNCCopyright&HBX_PK=copyright+guide&HBX_OU=50
Economical Trailer Hitch GL1200 to 1800
You can use ‘Royalty Free” images and animations. But you will pay for that privilege.
Below are a few examples;
•
•
•
•
iStockphoto - http://www.istockphoto.com/index.php
freedigitalphotos - http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/
shutterstock - http://www.shutterstock.com/
Animation Factory - http://www.animationfactory.com/en/ I’ve had a
subscription for this site for years. It’s fairly inexpensive compared to others.
Along with what we just covered, are your photographs. What are the precautions you
need to take when posting pics of people and places? Do you need a release form and
etc.? The answer is yes. I will address this in a later article.
Trailer Wire Harness GL1800 & GL1500
You can find this article linked on my web page where you’ll see references to all kinds
of other cool stuff.
http://www.gwta.org/webmaster
Thanx for coming.
John Hunrath, GWTA National Webmaster,
Email comments or questions to [email protected]
TOURING NEWS
®
For a free catalog, free gift
and the name of your nearest dealer
Call 1-800-821-9861
Web www.addonaccessories.net
Email [email protected]
11
Universal Gadget Pouch
State City
CA
CA
IA
IA
IL
IL
IL
MI
MI
MI
MI
MI
ND
NM
OH
OH
OH
OH
ON
ON
ON
OR
OR
OR
PA
PA
WA
WA
WA
WA
WA
WA
WA
WA
WA
WA
WI
12
Last Name
Rio Vista
Grass Valley
Woodbine
Harlan
Coal Valley
Ellis Grove
Woodstock
Brighton
Rochester Hills
Howell
Kalamazoo
Brighton
Arnegard
La Luz
Clayton
Waynesville
Degrapp
Huber Heights
Georgetown
Holland Landing
Bowmanville
Grants Pass
Gresham
Central Point
Center Valley
Harleysville
Marysville
Bellevue
Spokane
Federal Way
Kent
Newport
Greenbank
Algona
Oroville
Tacoma
Fort Atkinson
de Manincor
Wright
Shafer
Walton
Polzin
Roscow
Hogan
Sheldon
Van Curen
Wolfe
Holmes
Jamros
Wisness
Glidden
Schulze
Palmer
Stout
Zavakos
McKelvey
Manion
Perry
Collins
Hull
Garcia
Newton
Jackson
Hoag
Muren
Hammer
Woodley
Pace
McMullin
Aaron
Linnell
Bensing
Ricketts
Blodgett
First Name
William
Gary & Donna
Larry & Bonnie
Jeff & Carol
Anthony D.
Mick
Robert & Cyndi
Robert & Lisa
Mark & Catherine
Henry & Deanna
William M.
Michael & Linda
Robert & Debra
Wayne & Rachel
Martin
Norma
Dennis
Protect your portable GPS with the simplest & most versatile
weather resistant pouch available. Our new Gadget Pouch has
the ability to accommodate almost any size GPS, cell phone or
iPod & can be mounted to the handlebars in seconds without any
tools. Touch screen compatible & works with or without Küryakyn
accessory mount. Kit includes a foam insert to accommodate
smaller GPS units.
Fits: Universal for bar mounting (3/4” to 1-3/4” Diameter) &
Küryakyn accessory mount plates.
Part #4195 MSRP = $29.99
Contact Information: Visit your local Küryakyn dealer or call
866.277.9598. http://www.kuryakyn.com
Martin & Janet Balsamo
Brian & Martha
Paul
John & Janice
Coy
Charlie
Nicholas & Karen Walker
Bernie & Diane
Paul
Jonnie
Gene & Linda
Lynette & Mic Schilling
Allan J. & Robin Gebken
Chris
David & Carol
Samuel & Debra
Troy & Susan
Don & Pam
Robin
Miles & Nancy
Fran Broten
Richard Miller
Dennis Smith
JUNE 2010
In an effort to encourage early detection, network support, and a cure for Breast Cancer, Big Bike Parts® has committed itself to help.
In collaboration with The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®, Big Bike Parts® has created a Limited Edition UltraGard Motorcycle Cover
to help raise funds to support breast cancer research.
While October is officially Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Big Bike Parts® is now launching this Limited Edition line of covers with
their own special Support The Cause box. This Limited Edition cover will be available in Medium Street/Cruiser Cover, Large Cruiser
Cover with expandable windshield and sissy bar pockets, and Large Touring Cover. These Supporting The Cause covers are pink over
charcoal with a pink ribbon noting your support.
Big Bike Parts® will donate $5.00 from each purchase to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation®. The retail price has not been
artificially increased, but is at UltraGard’s everyday low retail price. Covers start at UltraGard’s low $39.99 retail price. Major stocking
dealers are: J&P Cycles, Cruiser Customizing, J.C. Whitney and Niehaus Cycle Sales, or contact www.bigbikeparts.com to find other
locations.
4-443PC – Medium Street/Cruiser Cover
$39.99
4-444PC – Large Cruising Cover – 700CC up
$49.99
4-459PC – Large Touring Cover – Goldwing etc.
$49.99
Help Supporting The Cause For Breast Cancer™ by getting involved today!
TOURING NEWS
13
Accidents can happen during any season. You can slip and fall
on the ice during the winter, get caught in a severe storm in the
spring, become dehydrated or get sunburned in the summer.
Accidents are by definition an unexpected, undesirable event or
an unforeseen incident.
There are some things you can do to help prevent accidents,
like remaining alert to your surroundings or preparing for bad
weather. You might even lessen the effects that an accident
may have on you by something as simple as choosing to wear
protective clothing. Unfortunately, unexpected and undesirable
events will still happen.
The Helping Hands program was put together by the members
of GWTA for this reason. We are here to help our members who
have been involved in an accident or suffered from some type of
unexpected and unforeseeable event. The Helping Hands program
receives all of its funds from these same GWTA members. Dennis
and I would like to take this opportunity to say that Helping Hands
is here for you if you need it and most of all to say “Thank you”
to all of you that have been here to support this program. Our
thanks go out at this time to these people and Chapters that have
made a donation to Helping Hands. Jim & Jean Bryant, Frenchman
Valley Riders, Chap. W, NE, Keystone Wings, Chap. B, PA, Sunshine
Riders, Chap. A, Maine, and Riverbend Riders, Chap. B, IL.
Dennis, Nancy Seery
Directors Helping Hands
14
JUNE 2010
A Life in the Days of a Biker
by Dave Norton
Motorcycles were my downfall. The first, a saucy Italian wench
named Lambretta, came into my life in 1960. She was more than
a bit rumpled around the edges, and had been around the block a
few times more than a few times. Jim Hill, Tim Cunningham and I,
high school buddies in Garden Grove, CA, pooled our lunch money
and bought her for $45, $15 each. Tim took one ride, realized
he didn’t know how to stop her, strong-willed as she was, and,
football player that he was, threw a shoestring tackle at a passing
phone pole. He had had enough. She wandered off a ways and
lay down to rest. And then there were two.
I didn’t own a helmet then (for sissies, and besides, I wear glasses
so my eyes are already protected). My opinion changed on my
first ride into the country. Fate presented me with a largish
grasshopper squarely in the nose at only about 35 mph. It
brought tears to my eyes and a Bell Compac with bubble-shield
to my riding attire.
Jim and I flailed her incessantly, with frequent trips into the wilds
around Lake Mathews for Lizard Plinkin’. Ah, she served us well
and truly. She was a high-maintenance beauty, as those hotheaded Italians are wont to be, but treated with some modicum
of respect she would provide many a happy mile in exchange for
ten cents worth of reclaimed oil and a 25 cent gallon of Hancock’s
finest regular.
Three incidents stand out: returning home on the unavoidable
Freeway through the Santa Ana Canyon (she hated crowds), she
displayed her displeasure by shedding her skirt. The sensuously
formed side panel jumped ship and slid along behind us and under
the wheels of the following car. By the time we recovered the
tattered remains, it had been mightily smitten. We used a handy
rock to do a bit of reshaping of our own, wired the offending panel
in place, and soldiered on.
The second incident involved an occasionally repeated bit of high
theatre involving a broken up-shift cable. Jim, riding Mechanic
on the pillion, would wrap the end of the cable around a stick
and do yank-on-demand. We worked it into a well coordinated
dance: on acceleration we would work up through the gears
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518-798-7888
at full chat by verbal command: “Prepare to upshift…upshift…
NOW!” I would roll off the throttle an instant and back on. The
replacement cables became a significant expense (more than
$2.00), so I dumped the cable system entirely and brazed a long
brass rod on the shifter bellcrank, with a Coors beer tapper handle
on the top. I could then shift myself without benefit of my riding
mechanic, either by hand or foot.
The third would happen unannounced when least expected,
usually while trying to make flank speed over rough ground. The
entire exhaust system was one piece, a rusty can the shape of
a small rumpled throw-pillow placed directly under the engine,
ahead of the rear tire. Its attachment to the engine was tenuous
at best. When it came from together, two things happened
in rapid succession: the Sound and the Fury. The effect was
indistinguishable from that of having trod upon a small land mine.
The suddenly unmuffled roar of the entire 175cc of exploding
gasses combined with the rear wheel yumping over this new large
metal rock at just the wrong place and time had a most off-putting
effect. Off into the weeds, usually.
What this sleek black beauty did best, however, was whet my
appetite for Motorized Adventure. The lust she awakened within
us both would not be denied. The road beckoned, and she had
taken us just about as far as she could, both figuratively and
literally.
To be Continued…
Next installment: Racer Russell
Lees-ure Lite Popup Tent Trailers
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15
“Our Ride”
By Christi Cue /Pictures provided by Henry Clayton and John Hunrath
It was an after meeting ride and it was our month to pick! The first GREAT month of the year where maybe there would be sun
and a bit of warmth and all the while keeping our fingers crossed that since it was in the 70’s in the valley it would NOT be foggy on
the coast! We e-mailed all the club members days before and asked them to come with a picnic lunch and be ready for a ride to
Marin Headlands in Northern California. We left about 10:15 am and rode down Hwy 80 to
37 toward Hwy 101 South to Sausalito. We took that exit and drove through sunny Sausalito
with its harbor of beautiful sailboats and fancy-named shops with lots of little flower shops
and small eating establishments with tables and umbrellas right outside their front doors.
As we drove through town and up and around through neighborhoods, we caught glimpses
of the Golden Gate Bridge. How beautiful with the sun shining on it!
We arrived at the Headlands which used to be an old missile base. Not really sure which
branch of military service for which it was used, but was very important, I’m sure, to protect
the coast and the city of San Francisco. I remember my mom telling me that when she lived
in Oakland during World War 2 how they would have the air raids and everyone on the whole
coast had to turn off the lights, similar to a practice drill. After waiting for five minutes at
this end of the one-way tunnel to get into the Headlands, we winded through rolling hills of
green and got to what looked like the staff housing (maybe it’s the park service now?). At this point, you had choices to go straight
or up the hill. Well, in honor of our friend Larry Cassevah, we had to go straight just to realize that we went the wrong way and had
to make a U-turn, which in Chapter V fashion wouldn’t be a club ride without one.
We went back up the hill to a spot my husband and I found last year and I said we have to bring the club here. It just looks like a
parking area and you don’t really know what you are getting yourself into until you walk down the trail a bit and you see the whole
beautiful array of ocean and the BIG Golden Gate Bridge right in front of you! What a picture! Everyone just loved it and it is so
quiet just to sit there and enjoy the sounds of the lighthouse horn and see the boats in the water, to imagine all the hustle and bustle
of the city just across the water and to have this peaceful place to come to. I could have stayed there forever… but alas, after our
picnic lunch, we decided to go on to another part of our ride but just up the road from there is the park and down the road from
that is the lighthouse and that is about a half-mile mile trek down (and I mean straight down) a one-man trail through a tunnel. You
have to be careful if you’re tall; you have to bend down! The little bridge only allows two to three people at a time to cross. And the
trek back up is again straight up! There are three very large three-story hostels that you can stay at for very reasonable overnight
prices on the property also.
From the headlands we went north on 101 to get off the freeway to go to Stinson Beach on the coast for some ice cream. You
don’t realize how long it takes to get to the coast (especially since you were just there) until you wind around and keep driving and
driving just to get to ice cream, but what a beautiful drive it was! Highway 1 was very winding in this section and has very high bluffs.
We finally arrived at Stinson Beach only to realize that the rest of the world was there also and couldn’t find a place to park so we
decided to keep riding and got to the town of Olema which used to be
a Chapter V destination for camping back when GWTA was first formed.
This is a cute one-block little town, and we found ice cream at a tiny
sandwich shop right next to a big parking lot where we pulled into.
With about 9 bikes, 12 people and 2 cages with 4 kids, we were on
a mission to take kids to the beach to dig in the sand for a bit and then
get on our way back to reality and life. We finally did find that little
beach and the kids did get to dig. Then we were on our way home just
as the sun was going down as we reached Hwy 80. A typical day in the
life of a Chapter V Northern California life and we are loving it! Don’t
you wish you were here?
16
JUNE 2010
After Meeting Ride March 2010
Jay Hadley has been working on the River City Wings Face Book page, informing our members as to what is happening. Looks like a
lot of people are reading it and as a result we had a packed house for our monthly meeting and ride.
I was elected to lead, only bikes or trikes, no cages this time, so we left toward Folsom Blvd. going slow so those needing fuel could
catch up, or meet us down the road. I almost forgot the words (ON THE ROAD AGAIN). As we turned east on Folsom Blvd we met Phil
and Kathy Honig, and we proceeded east and turned right onto Jackson Highway.
When we got to Rancho Murrieta, Gary Wright mentioned his fuel
was getting low, so we stopped while he filled his tank. We neglected
to tell him and remind everyone else to have full tanks and empty
bladders at the beginning of the rides, then when we stop for fuel,
everyone fills their tanks at the same time.
We continued up to Plymouth and turned right toward Fiddletown.
There were a lot of daffodils and other wild flowers to see along with
a lot of green pastures. The sky was a bright blue and the air was a
little on the cool side for about an hour, then it was just right for a
Sunday Ride through the hills. After going through Fiddletown that
still looks like an 1800’s town, we continued east to the end of that
road, going slow at times to watch the deer and other wild animals.
At the end of that road which came to a “T” we turned toward
Daffodil Hill where we had to stop for all the traffic and people crossing
the road. We then continued down the other side of the hill to a small
1800’s town called Volcano. They have some public restroom which
became a big attraction at first, then we talked to some of the other
people passing through, took some pictures of the bikes and of the
buildings that were falling down because of their age. It was getting
close to lunch time so we left Volcano and headed for highway 88, turned right which took us into Jackson where we stopped at the
local watering hole, called Mel’s, for lunch.
The City of Jackson was having a yearly Dandelion Festival and I think everyone from miles around was there and parking was kind of
hard to find. We had two trikes and two bikes in one space. After Lunch we headed North on highway 49. (I know it was North because
we were going uphill) anyway we went back to Jackson highway and turned right toward Plymouth (Old Hang Town) and this time we
stayed on 49 and went through Placerville and on to Coloma. Coloma is where gold was first found in California. We made a stop in
front of the old post office and something was mentioned about ICE CREAM.
We almost stumbled over ourselves trying to get to our bikes to leave toward a restaurant that was supposed to have good ice cream,
but it only had two flavors and they were not open yet, so on the road again to the next one across the river. They only had ice cream
bars, so on the road again to Cool. They had a regular ice cream counter soooo… ice cream it was.
From there Garry and Donna headed
back toward Auburn and the Grass Valley
area and the rest of us went back on 49 to
Rattlesnake Bar road and onto Salmon Falls
road. Al and Joyce turned off on their road
and the rest of us split and went our own
ways when we reached Greenback Lane. It
was a good day for a ride, the weather was
great and we all had a good time.
TOURING NEWS
17
Annual Golden Throne Ceremony
by Ken Downs
The 1st event for N. California Chapter O of Redding, Ca. is our that not all National Parks are created equal. Some are more
annual Golden Throne Ceremony, now in its 24th year. This event like museums, entirely located within a building or buildings
could be seen similar to a celebrity roast of sorts, although the and sometimes located in dense central city areas served by bus
“winner” must wear a golden toilet around their neck for a full lines and with little or no adjacent parking. Witness the web site
year at all rides & events involving motorcyclists. To “qualify” statement for the Rosie the Riveter National Park: “During this
for a chance requires only doing something dumb, inane, initial development phase, the park has limited visitor services
careless, boneheaded or, well,
and no visitor center”.
you get the idea, in the presence
So…..back they go to try to get
of at least one other motorcyclist
the documentation right. In at
or witness willing to “snitch you
least one case, they had to return
off” to the “secret” Golden Throne
a 3 rd time! Did I mention Les has
committee.
a “slight” competiveness streak?
In California, besides GWTA, there
Well, sometimes embedded in
is a loose association of Motorcycle
that little character trait is a little
clubs called the Southern California
sub-trait requiring “by-the-book”
Motorcycle Association. This fine
documentation so there would be
organization sponsors a number
no possibility of failure to earn that
of rides including the Three Flags
coveted Triple Crown Award. As you
Classic and Four Corners (of the
might guess, after awhile the miles
United States) tours. New for
start to really add up, somewhere
2008 was the California Adventure
in the neighborhood of 27-28,000
Parks tour, (a much more arduous
miles for each bike for the calendar
Ken Downs at the Golden Throne Awards
event than you might imagine),
year!
requiring documenting and visiting
Attending this year’s Golden
24 National Parks in California within one year. Besides the Throne ceremony were GWTA members from N-Cal chapters
awards given for finishing any one of these tours, there is a E, S, T, V, X and, of course Chapter O. As you might imagine,
special award for completing all three of these events in the the roast of Les & Joyce was something to behold, with howls
same year, called the Triple Crown Award.
of laughter erupting from the audience as the “charges” and
While watching these awards given out for the first time at allegations were read against them. It should be stated that Les
the Feb. 2009 banquet, I could clearly see desire, fascination, & Joyce have been wearing the Golden Throne necklaces all this
lust or whatever you want to call it on our Chapter Director, Les past year, doing penance for past “wrongs”. While they were
Long’s, face. Clearly!
not awarded the Order of the Golden Throne for the latest acts,
So. The stage is set. Les signs up for all three events for himself the award instead going to two other miscreants errrrr riders
and his wife, Joyce (who is also our newsletter editor & chapter (including myself), the entire spectacle was great entertainment
photographer). Keep in mind these two are both in their mid as well as a chance to renew friendships for many of Northern
70s, each riding their own GL1800. Have I mentioned that Les California’s GWTA members.
has a “slight” competiveness streak?
The year is hardly started before Les & Joyce are combining
other typical rides such as our semi-annual trek to Death Valley
with visiting National Parks such as Manzanar which is located
adjacent to Hwy 395, and mid-year they are off to Blaine, Wa.
, mixing in a few more parks on the way to San Ysidro, Ca.,
followed by traveling to Key West, Fl. and Madawaska, Maine,
all within 21 days. A few more parks are visited between leading
our monthly meetings, going on local rides with members of the
Chapter, & the ever present job.
Near Labor Day a few more parks are obtained on the way to
the start of the Three Flags Classic which started in Mexicalli,
Mexico, and ended in Lethbridge, AB. Canada in 2009 over the
Labor Day Weekend. After returning home from this event, there
are only a few more parks to go.
However, I should back up to a previous scene. It seems that
the required documentation for a few of the previously visited
parks was not satisfactory for some reason or another, possibly
having something to do with “camera malfunctions” by Joyce.
Joyce and the Long’s bikes in front of
There were other transgressions, but I do wish to remain friends,
the Mojave Nat. Preserve
so we won’t go into that just now. The reader will have to realize
18
JUNE 2010
Excessive Tire Wear
A list of causes
By: James R. Davis
Excessive tire wear, and/or cupping, is a problem that most
motorcyclists experience over time. Too often this is simply the
result of failing to maintain proper tire pressure. However, this is
far from a complete answer.
Cupping is a phenomena that is absolutely normal! Excessive
cupping or excessive wear on one side of the tire as compared to
the other is not.
There are at least seven causes of cupping and/or uneven wear in
the front tire other than tire air pressure:
·
Most roads are banked away from the center. Thus,
if you ride vertical, the side of your tire closest to the
center of the road wears more.
·
Your tires ‘scuff’ when you force a speed change
with them. The rear tire scuffs when you accelerate
and when you brake (and every time you ride in a
direction other than straight ahead.) Thus, it tends
to have even ‘cupping’ as compared to the front
tire (which scuffs when you brake but not when you
accelerate.)
·
While alignment is not usually a problem with
motorcycles - it can be.
·
Carrying an unevenly divided load (all your tools,
jumper cable, etc.) in one saddlebag can result in
your riding the bike other than vertical most of the
time.
·
Setting your TRAC (anti-dive) unequally can easily
cause uneven tire wear.
·
If one of your front shocks is defective you will
experience uneven tire wear.
·
Excessive use of the front brake will result in excessive
cupping.
Copyright © 1992 - 2010 by The Master Strategy
Group, all rights reserved. http://www.msgroup.org
(James R. Davis is a recognized expert witness in the
fields of Motorcycle Safety/Dynamics.)
TOURING NEWS
19
GWTA National events
Gold Rush XXIII July 19-22, 2010. Billings, MT. Gold Rush XXIII will
be held in Billings, MT in 2010. The host hotel is the Crowne Plaza.
Please see the registration form in this issue of Touring News for
hotel and rally information or contact the GWTA National Office
at 800-960-4982.
Region a
Wing Washington 2010. Sponsored by Chapter E, Washington
State. Wing Washington is a photographic tour within the state
of Washington. All bikes and club affiliations are welcome. Wing
Washington gives you a chance to get out on your motorcycle
and find the photo sites and to see some unusual sites and cities.
It is a way to GET INVOLVED. A banquet is held in October. For
more info email [email protected].
2010 Annual Veterans Museum Poker Run, June 5-6, 2010.
Chehalis, WA. Benefiting the Chehalis Veterans Memorial
Museum. Open to all who wish to participate in a late 50’s/early
60’s style poker run. Check in and starting time at the museum
is from 9 -11am. Kick stands down back at the museum at 4pm.
Rest rooms, free coffee and cookies. Entry fee is $10 per person.
50/50 split. Course is 182 miles with 5 check points. Check
points one and five are at the museum. June 5th – Motorcycles.
June 6th – Four Wheel Vehicles. Contact Pete Slempa at sonny@
sipnsearch.com for more info.
Family & Friends Campout, June 25-27, 2010. Ellensburg, WA.
A laid back camping weekend at the Ellensburg KOA. Potluck
dinner Saturday evening. The chapter provides hamburgers
and hot dogs and attendees supply a dessert or side dish.
50/50, card/domino games, dirty bingo. Sponsored by Emerald
City Wings, Chapter A. Contact Al or Di Hennings for info on
registration fees at 206-878-9090.
Washington State Gathering, July 1-4, 2010. Ritzville, WA.
Rally theme is “Down on the Farm.” Free camping is available
on school grounds. Each paid pre-registration by April 30th will
receive a free Saturday meal ticket and chance at a $100 preregistration drawing. Each paid pre-registration before June
15th will receive a free Saturday meal ticket. Registration $30
per person; Children (ages 6-15) $10 per person. Registration
includes door prizes, lots of vendors, scenic rides, light parade
judging, bike show & shine, rider education and more! Contact
Don & Carol Sims for more info at [email protected]
or 360-856-5815.
Guiness Book of World Records Attempt, July 4, 2010.
Ritzville, WA. Check in 12:00 at the Ritzville Airport. All
Honda motorcycles needed for the largest parade of Honda
motorcycles. Free event, pins awarded, 50/50. For more info
contact Don or Carol at 360-856-5815.
Beartooth Rally, July 16-18, 2010. Red Lodge, MT. The
Beartooth Rally takes place each year on the 3rd weekend in
July in Red Lodge, MT. Located just 66 miles from Yellowstone
National Park at the base of the Beartooth Scenic Byway, the
riding is outrageous. The town is beautiful, and the people will
show you what western hospitality is all about. Make plans
20
now to attend the 16th Annual Beartooth Rally on your way to
Gold Rush in Billings, MT. For more information check out www.
beartoothrally.com or call Tim at 406-446-2022.
Evel Knievel Days, July 22-24, 2010. Butte, MT. Evel Knievel’s
hometown of Butte, MT plays host to the world’s greatest
celebration for the World’s Greatest Daredevil in the finest
fashion. Spanky Spangler, Ryan Capes, Trigger Gumm and the
Kaptain himself, Robbie Knievel have all performed headline
stunts for EK Days, not to mention dozens of dazzling feats
attempted by some of the country’s greatest stuntmen and
daredevils. All Evel Knievel Days events will be in Historic
Uptown Butte and free unless otherwise noted. For more info
visit www.knieveldays.com.
Oregon State Rally / Region A Rally, September 2-6, 2010. Grant
County Fairgrounds in John Day, OR. Wingward-Ho. Visit www.
oregongwta.org/Oregon-State-Rally.htm for registration form,
flyers and schedule of events.
Non-alcoholic Halloween Dance, October 30, 2010. Masonic
Temple, 1004 SW 152nd St., Burien, WA. Sponsored by Emerald
City Wings, Chapter A. $15 per person. Dancing, costume
contest, pumpkin decorating, 50/50, snacks and late night
supper. A photographer will be available for purchasing pictures.
Contact Al & Di Hennings for more info at 206-878-9090.
Experience RoadRUNNER’s
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Download GPS files
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To order, call (866) 343-7623 or go to
www.roadrunner.travel/shop
JUNE 2010
REGION B
Chapter J Watermelon Run for Charity. Southern California. June
6, 2010. Contact Robert Griffen at 760-363-6110 for more info.
Willits, CA (a Campout!). Northern California. June 11-13, 2010.
Come join the fun at the Willits KOA campground! Visit the giant
redwoods, Fort Bragg, ride along the Northern California coast, ride
the Skunk Train, or just kick back and have a restful weekend. Preregistered campers $10 per person per night. On-site registration
$12 per person per night. RV’s welcome but you must make your
own space reservations with the campground at 800-562-8542
– key word is “GWTA”. For more info call Bob Merrick @ 530-8720883 or email [email protected].
Chapter L Fun Run. Southern California. June 12, 2010. Contact
Gary Biddy at 818-352-1777 for more info.
Chapter L Fun Run. Southern California. June 12, 2010.
Nor Cal Chapter X Ronnie Lee King Memorial Run. Northern
California. June 26, 2010. Contact Terry Owen at 530-384-1407
for more info.
Chapter P Karts/Golf/Candy Adventure. Cordelia, CA. July 10,
2010. Meet at Scandia Fun Center, Cordelia, CA at 9:30 a.m. for
mini-golf and mini-kart competition fun. Visit the Jelly Belly Factory
in Fairfield at 1:30pm for a tour and awards. Lunch is available
at Scandia or the Jelly Belly Factory. Hotels available in the area
for overnight visits. Pre-register by July 1; cost $15 per person.
Contact Karen Davis at 925-686-3774 or harrykaren@comcast.
net for more info.
South Lake Tahoe Campout by the Lake. Northern California.
August 6-8, 2010. Come join us for a great weekend get-a-way
at the “Campground by the Lake” in South Lake Tahoe! Friday
and Saturday night 50/50 and campfire stories. Saturday lunch
ride. Pre-registered campers $10 per person per night. On-site
registration $12 per person per night. RV’s welcome but you must
make your own space reservations with the campground at 530542-6096. For more info contact Dennis Therien at 530-877-4279
or email [email protected].
SO CA State Poker Run. Southern California. August 29, 2010.
State Picnic. Tehachapi, CA. September 16-18, 2010.
Chapter W Poker Run. Southern California. October 24, 2010.
Chapter L Support Our Troops Run. Southern California. November
14, 2010.
at La Quinta Inn in Willowbrook, IL. The ride will go to Chicago to
catch the beginning of RT-66 and follow RT-66 to Santa Monica, CA.
The ride ends in Santa Monica, CA on June 19th, where there will be
breakfast and awards. Call 817-488-4940 or 304-481-8350 or email
[email protected] or [email protected] for more information.
Registration is required.
Iowa Extravaganza, August 6-8, 2010. City Park in Winterset, IA.
Camping, auction, food, fun run. Contact Don & Kathy Thomason
at [email protected] or 641-493-2053 for more info.
Region E
Region E Rally. June 4-6, 2010. Eureka Springs, AR. Guided and
self-guided rides through some of the greatest motorcycle roads
anywhere. Friday night group dinner ride. Group campfire Saturday
night with hot dogs, awards, and 50/50 drawing. Tents/trailers
$11 shared site per night w/E+W; motel rates $62 per night plus
included breakfast. Registration $25 per person, $30 after April
15, 2010. First 35 to register will receive a free rally pin. www.
gwtaregione.homestead.com. Contact Tommy at tdossey@aol.
com or 903-831-4686 for more info.
Colorama 2010. October 8-10, 2010. Shady Oaks Campground
and The Hub Motel in Harrison, AR.
Region C
Nebraska Chapter B & Iowa Chapter L Fun Run, June 6, 2010.
Council Bluffs, IA. Shelter #6 Lake Manawa State Park in Council
Bluffs, IA. Contact Barry Frum at [email protected] or 712-5453028 for more info.
GWTA Region C Country Hoe-Down, June 10-13, 2010. Spearfish,
SD. Come join us for fun, friendship, riding, games, talent shows,
great sights and great food! The first 300 adult registrants will
receive a rally pin. Your registration includes Saturday night’s
awards banquet meal. Saturday breakfast offered for $6.50 per
person. Dinner plays are available. Rally location is at the Trethway
Pavilion Right across the street from the city campgrounds.
Registration before April 30th is $25 per member and after April
30th is $30 per member. Non member registration is $35. Kids
under 16 are $17. For more info contact Rick & Kandie Hinrichs at
[email protected] or 402-578-2368.
Mother Road Ride Rally, June 12, 2010. Willowbrook, IL. This is a
motorcycle ride down old RT-66. The ride starts on June 12, 2010
TOURING NEWS
21
REGION F
GWTA Chapter P presents Ride for Ronald McDonald House,
June 5, 2010. Meet at Ugaldies in Huntington, IN. Kickstands up
at 11am. Please bring your pop can tabs. If you cannot ride with
us please feel free to bring your donations to us before 10:30am
in the parking lot of Ugaldies. Please contact the Operational
Department at the Ronald McDonald House if you have any
further questions about donations at 317-269-2247 ext 204.
14th CycleFest, June 5, 2010. Auburn, IN. This annual park event
includes a parade through Auburn, poker run, people’s choice
bike show, bike rodeo, burn-out cage, and commercial vendors.
Good food, beer garden, and great music will be available. The
event will take place at the national Military History Center. Cost
is $15/bike (including up to one passenger) and $5 for spectators.
Contact Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival at 260-925-3600 or
www.acdfestival.org for more info.
Region F Family Rally. June 11-13, 2010. Richmond, IN. Come
out and join the Family! We’ll be riding some very scenic roads,
having ice cream social, Saturday evening dinner, movie night
and fun for all! Contact Pat & Marie Beaudoin at 586-532-7724
for more info.
Michigan State Rally 2010. June 25-27, 2010. Evart, MI. Camping
onsite and motel adjacent to fairground. Many activities planned,
join us for a relaxing weekend. For more info contact Norm or
Sandy Helfer at 517-694-4665 or [email protected].
Indiana State Rally Fun Run, August 13-15, 2010. Van Buren, IN.
Free registration, camping and dinner Saturday night. Rides, on
& off bike games, camaraderie around campfire Fri & Sat night,
popcorn festival. Contact Cliff or Norma at 260-344-1132 or
[email protected] for more info.
Region F Das Essenhaus Gathering, September 11, 2010.
Middlebury, IN.
Apple Harvest Festival, October 2, 2010. Peru, IN.
Region J
Fun Run Weekend, September 17-19, 2010. North Bay, ON. All
Motorcycles Welcome! You experience the north and the south
shore of Lake Nipissing. Saturday morning poker runs, a ride,
afternoon horseshoes, evening auction, and a dinner. Saturday
evening join a secret ceremony on the beach and a bonfire. Become
part of more fun with the Secret League of the Loon. An evening
you will not soon forget! http://nipissingriders.com.
For Sale: 2002 Kawasaki Nomad 1500FI, 25,000 miles. Includes
trailer hitch, luggage rack and oversized lowers. $5000. Contact
Chuck Holland at [email protected] or georgannel@
aol.com.
Email your event information
and classified ad information to
[email protected]
22
JUNE 2010
Add On Accessories
www.addonaccessories.net
AIM
www.ON-A-BIKE.com
Americade
www.tourexpo.com
Baker Built Air Wings
www.bakerbuilt.com
Big Bike Parts
www.bigbikeparts.com
Chapel Australian Bike Tours
www.chapelaustralianbiketours.com
Everett Powersports
www.everettpowersports.com
Markel American Insurance Co.
www.GWTAInsurance.com
Neosho Fiberglass
www.neoshotrailers.com
Road Runner Magazine
www.RoadRUNNER.travel
Stop & Go
www.stopngo.com
TOURING NEWS
23
Fly & Ride: Motorcycle Vacation Tips
Got limited time? Try a “Fly & Ride” to Optimize Your Next Motorcycle Tour
Article By: Ragan Jenkins (a.k.a. Flash)
As an experienced international adventurer and travel photographer preferring the two-wheeled mode of transportation,
an airline ticket is also a ticket for dreaming about the chance to ride new roads on a “Fly & Ride” motorcycle vacation.
What is a “Fly & Ride” motorcycle vacation? Simply put, you fly to a location and then rent a motorcycle at that location. Since
we live in Florida, it takes half our vacation days just to ride out of the state. But, flying to a location and renting a motorcycle
means that in a one week span of time it is possible to explore areas of the country that we might not have otherwise gotten
the chance to. It also means we get to maximize riding the area we want to, rather than spending most of the time getting there.
As much as I love a good cross country road trip, we simply don’t always have the time to take one.
On a Fly and Ride you can save time, and the hotel or gas expenses you’d have shelled out along the way while getting to
exciting new areas faster. But, to have a successful “Fly and Ride” motorcycle vacation there are a few basic things to you’ll
need to know to make the process go a little smoother.
Find the Right Motorcycle Rental Company
Renting a motorcycle, you can expect to pay about $80 per day and up, with discounts for extended time periods. But
don’t let rates be your only consideration when choosing your rental agency. You will want to examine other factors, such as
insurance coverage, supplementary fees, and incentive perks, before you make your final decision.
As soon as you have your airline reservation, begin checking with the motorcycle rental agencies in your destination city
about reserving your motorcycle. The sooner you book the reservation, the better
chance you have of getting the style bike you prefer. Ask if they have airport pick-up EagleRider is one of many motorcycle
and luggage storage. Some agencies even rent helmets and riding gear, if you want rental companies you can choose from.
to avoid packing yours. The reservation staff can also advise you on helmet laws
in the states you will be riding in and their company policies on wearing helmets.
Often you can fill out the rental paperwork in advance, to save time the day you
pick the motorcycle up. Each agency will have its own benefits to match your needs.
Choosing the Right Motorcycle
Different motorcycle rental agencies offer different makes and models of
motorcycles. If you intend to ride more than 100 miles (here is where you should
inquire about mileage caps and extra charges), you should pay attention to the
comfort some motorcycles over others. If a long, two-up ride with infrequent pit
stops is the plan, the luxury cruisers choice is a Harley Electra Glide Ultra Classic
or Road Glide with cushioned seats and back rests, stereo CD player, intercom,
floorboards, lower fairings, and a host of other amenities.
Another item that makes every trip check list for me is a china marker...We use
it to jot directions on the corner of the windshield. It wipes off with the swipe of a
thumb and doesn’t wash away in rain.
Motorcycle rental agents report that Harley Davidson Road Kings are the top
choice for consumers, probably because they combine the best qualities of a touring
bike with the appearance of a cruiser. The next most requested cycles are the Harley
Davidson Fat Boy and the Heritage Classic. The latter comes with windshield, large
leather saddlebags and passenger back rest standard from the factory. The same
equipment can normally be added to the Fat Boy— all of which are detachable for
that cool, solo rider who likes to travel­
light. Of course, if you always wanted to try out the V-rod, but didn’t think it would work as your full-time ride- this is your
chance.
If Harleys are not your motorcycle of choice, BMWs, Triumph, Hondas, even off-road bikes are available in different areas if
you find the right agency. Make sure to choose a model that fits both your physical and riding abilities and has the options
that you’ll need for your vacation. Don’t pick a dirt bike if you’re going to be touring on paved roads for the next week - you’ll
be short on packing space and comfort!
When making your reservation, inquire about their insurance policies and surcharges. Does the agent carry liability insurance,
with whom and for how much? Does it cost extra above the price they quoted you? They should furnish you a card or certificate
to carry on the motorcycle in case of an accident or traffic stop. Most states have laws mandating liability coverage. It’s worth
a phone call to your own insurance agent to determine what coverage you may or may not have with your current policy.
24
JUNE 2010
This is also the time to ask about pick-up and drop-off times, fuel costs, maintenance responsibility, motorcycle substitution,
theft or damage waivers and cancellation policies.
When you make that final decision, and book your reservation, be sure to ask the agent what documents you need to
bring with you when you pick up the motorcycle. While some European dealers may only require a valid driver’s license, U.S.
companies will also want motorcycle class notation on that valid license.
Packing for your Motorcycle Vacation
If you plan to be on the road for a week or more, or expect to be passing through cool climates, you could be packing quite
a lot of gear. It only took one trip with lost luggage for alternate plans to formulate on how ensure my preferred riding gear
was at my destination when I arrived.
For years now, I have shipped myself a big box of clean clothing to a hotel about halfway through any cross country or
extended road trip. I enclose a roll of packing tape and address labels to mail the box back to myself from the hotel. It is free
to sign up online for an account with UPS, which gives you a discounted rate for each shipment and you can call to arrange
for pickups. UPS also includes a minimal amount of free insurance, or you can purchase additional insurance. You could use
any package delivery service. UPS has just worked well for me over the years, and will now be my new Fly & Ride luggage plan
after our lost baggage experience. I do suggest sending the package so it is delivered at least 2 or 3 days before you expect to
fly out, so you can confidently confirm its arrival before you leave home.
While this may cost you an extra $50 in shipping fees, it will save you time and hassle at the airport. When our luggage was
lost on a recent trip, we had to replace everything from leather riding gear to toothpaste on a moment’s notice. We would have
gladly paid the $50, because the airline had already charged us an extra $20 for the “extra weight” of the bag! I guess it was SO
heavy with all our riding gear that they could not even lift it into the airplane that day! The airline only offered to reimburse
$25 per day for the inconvenience of our bag not showing up when we did. We were lucky that trip that Eagle Rider of Salt
Lake City took pity on us and cut tags off of brand new leather riding gear to loan to us, in addition to filling our saddlebags
with t-shirts, hats, gloves and other necessities.
If you already know how to fill a saddlebag for a good long road trip, you know that packing light is the golden rule on a bike.
But did you know how much smaller things are if you pack them in a Ziploc bag? Try putting on day of clothing in each bag.
This way, you are not tearing up your entire tour pack every night. Roll your shirt and undergarments into your jeans and slide
into the Ziploc bag. (The 2 gallon size works nice for this trick.) Now seal about half of the bag and sit on the roll of clothes
to squish the air out of the bag. Seal the rest of the bag while seated. Voila! Vacuum sealed and water-proof packing in half
the space! Each night, you can pack your dirty clothes into that bag to go back into the tour pack using the same process. If
you wrap a shirt on the outside, instead of jeans – it is easy to tell which bags are clean or dirty at a glance.
Ziplocs are also great for toiletries, documents that need to stay dry or organizing tech toys, like cameras and iPods. Next,
check the weather outlook for the area you will be riding in, summer lows can mean winter clothing in some parts of the
country. You may want to pack rain gear or leather even if you are flying out of Florida in shorts and sandals.
I like to throw a couple extra bungee cords and a cargo net in when I am riding a rental motorcycle because I never know
exactly how my tour pack will work out for attachment on the set up of a different bike. The cargo net also comes in handy
when I begin to acquire things that no longer fit in the saddlebags, and items begin getting loaded onto the outside of my tour
pack. I usually have an extra drawstring bag or two for this very reason.
Another item that makes every trip check list for me is a china marker. Some call it a grease pencil. We use it to jot directions
on the corner of the windshield. It wipes off with the swipe of a thumb and doesn’t wash away in rain. No pulling out papers
to look for directions while rolling down a strange road.
Getting Going
When you arrive at the motorcycle rental agency, check the bike over
before leaving for any dents, scratches or problems that you don’t want to
be responsible for. Get a copy of rental agreement with agent’s emergency
phone numbers, mileage caps, time of return and any late return charges,
gas charges, and make sure you get the agent’s signature on the agreement.
We know you already got the best routes for the area off of OpenRoadJurney, but don’t forget to bring along a map of
the area anyway, just in case. You never know when you might hear of a local festival nearby that you want to check out, or
unexpected road closures may have you discovering new routes and experiences.
No matter which motorcycle rental company you choose, which model motorcycle you ride, or what you throw in your
saddlebag, it all comes down to the ride! Here’s wishing you a safe “Fly & Ride” adventure that has you heading home with
lasting memories and an exciting tale to share online at OpenRoadJourney.com.
TOURING NEWS
25
To Ride or Not to Ride
(That crisis of conFidence moment)
By: Cash Anthony
Whether you’ve been riding a motorcycle for days or for decades, a time may come when you find yourself wondering, “What
on earth am I doing out here?”
Where and when this happens is important in trying to figure out what it means, if anything. If you are trying to stay on two
wheels in high crosswinds with 18-wheelers passing, a fleeting wish to be elsewhere is understandable. Wanting to “get the ride
over with” is probably not an abnormal attitude even for the hardcore, if the landscape you’re looking at resembles a nuclear
test site or if you’ve got a storm at your back.
Sometimes, though, this question hits, and it just seems irrational.
Remembering what learning to ride was like for me, and my sense of breathless amazement at going 50 the first time, I suspect
new riders frequently wonder what on earth they are doing out there. When first learning to handle a motorcycle, whether it’s
on motocross trails or in the middle of city traffic, it’s natural to be concerned for your own skin.
Riding a street bike is risky. Dropping a bike is embarrassing if not painful, and the pavement can be soooo hard. Until the skills
required to operate these complex machines become well-practiced, a rider might be asking “What am I doing out here?” several
times in a day’s ride. But for a more experienced rider who knows her own limits and can better manage her risks, this could
mean she’s riding too far, too fast — and a part of her knows it.
If a person is scaring herself regularly, maybe the search for adventure has become reckless thrill-seeking — and dangerous to
herself and others. One rider’s loss of control creates an enormous risk for a group. This is one reason the Lone Star Ladies (LSL)
regularly discuss and practice our group riding safety rules, especially with those new to us, and they are asked to ride toward
the rear.
Once motorcycle touring gets into your blood, and you gain experience on your bike, your skill and confidence increase. Because
you keep your bike well maintained and practice safety in the everyday details of riding, you learn to relax. Fear is forgotten in
the glorious fun, in the sights and sounds and smells and people encountered on a run, in the companionship of the “family” as
you travel, and in the interest you generate in the people you meet. A bout of irrational, stark terror becomes a rarity — but it
can still happen.
Several years ago, as I started the first leg of a major trip, I had a panic reaction that stayed with me for several hours and was
very hard to shake. (I needed sleep.) But I’ve heard about it happening to riders with far more years and miles on them than I
have, and I’ve even seen several examples of it when, for no particular reason, a turn or a U-turn just looked “too hard” to make
on a Gold Wing, despite the rider’s demonstrated abilities.
What should you do when you can’t shake a negative feeling? Are you losing your nerve? Are your riding days over?
Without attempting some kind of “biko-psycho-analysis,” I suggest that a crisis of confidence or intense fear while riding first calls
for that rider’s attention. The rider should signal for a stop if necessary to allow her to pay attention to what is going on without
endangering herself or others. It should not be ignored.
Even in a moment of terror that comes out of nowhere, sudden movement on a motorcycle is not recommended. A street rider
expects to maintain control at all times. Unless you decide to put your bike down and give up control for some definite reason,
chances are you will be fine if you just keep on doing all the right things.
I’ve experienced a number of moments of discomfort when riding that seemed unrelated to road, traffic, or rain. It may have
been a memory, or my imagination running away. I have ridden through them, but I couldn’t ignore how uncomfortable I was. I
continued to question whether I needed to make a “head-check” stop, whether my riding skills were being affected, whether I
could “breathe through it,” and what was really nagging at me. I stopped “casually” before many more miles, but I didn’t want
to let my paranoia take over and make sure I crashed.
26
JUNE 2010
After encounters with my demons of the road, I’ve looked back and tried to analyze the circumstances. I’ve realized a lot of things
can cause my pleasure in riding to seep away, and my awareness of risk to grow irrationally. These include not eating and getting
low blood sugar, fatigue, dehydration, cramped muscles, riding an unfamiliar bike, starting out on a trip without understanding
the route or the stresses it would take, believing I should do something differently to please someone else in the group, and
not personally checking some aspect of my equipment. Any of these things can cause extra stress in the midst of what can be a
stressful sport. Dealing with some of these factors takes a change in habits; some, a change in attitude. To ride safely and keep
enjoying it, across, say, a 400-mile day, confidence has to play a big part.
What about peer pressure to get through a bad ride or a shaky moment without “inconveniencing” the other riders? Most LSL
fellow riders would tell you this: “If you’ve ever been ‘inconvenienced’ by having to follow a friend to the Emergency Room to
see if she makes it, you can handle an extra five-minute break to keep a rider out of there.”
Besides, motorcyclists expect help from each other along the road: a helmet placed on the ground by a bike’s front wheel is the
universal signal that a rider needs assistance. In a Lone Star Lady group, as in many others, if a rider needs to stop for any reason
— or no “rational” reason at all — that person will not be left to deal with a problem alone. Neither should a rider who has a
crisis of confidence expect to be criticized.
“Ride your own ride” puts the responsibility on each individual rider to exercise the proper degree of care and skill needed under
the circumstances. Group riding LSL-style is not for everyone, but it has some definite advantages in the give-and-take.
Some riders are sensitive to pressure from peers to test their skills and try something risky. If you want to experiment, don’t take
a dare. Do it in an environment you can at least partially control: on an empty parking lot, or in a quiet neighborhood, or on the
training range at a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course. Being pushed into riding longer, faster, harder, on a bike you can’t handle,
or under conditions you find unsafe — especially out in the boonies with people who don’t respect your limits — doesn’t set up
good conditions for success, or learning, or having fun, or being uninjured and well enough to ride the next day.
When the Lone Star Ladies and Gents acknowledge and recognize our members who take a safety course or perfect a new skill,
this attitude encourages all our riders to practice, share what is learned, and to feel good about it.
”What on earth am I doing out here?” If it happens, the decision is yours: to ride or not to ride? If you just can’t get to relaxedbut-aware, you may not enjoy yourself. If you have to stop to regroup emotionally and mentally, don’t beat yourself up. Take a
break, find a friendly back-seat, or come to club events on four-wheels. Attend to your needs, and don’t ignore the signs: a candy
bar might be all you need to feel safe again.
If there’s no ‘real’ reason for panic, perhaps you can ride through it and trust your common sense to keep you safe. Finding a
way back to the fun is one of the challenges of motorcycling that has involved real personal growth, for me. It has taught me
courage and self-control to deal with my fears. Like the old farmer, I find “I’ve had a lot of worries in my life, but most of them
never happened.”
C o p y r i g h t © 1 9 9 2 - 2 0 1 0 b y T h e M a s t e r S t ra t e g y G ro u p , a l l r i g h t s re s e r v e d . h tt p : / / w w w. m s g ro u p . o rg
(James R. Davis is a recognized expert witness in the fields of Motorcycle Safety/Dynamics.)
Join us on facebook!
GWTA - Motorcycle
Touring Association
Check out the many GWTA chapters, states
and regions that are on facebook too!
TOURING NEWS
27
HONDA TECH COLUMNIST
Randy Rundle
415 Court Street
Clay Center, KS 67435
(785) 632-3450
Fax: (785) 632-6154
[email protected]
STRONG SALES AND NEW SERVICE PLAN FOR HONDA’S VFR1200F…
in the UK for now…
Following the launch of Honda’s all-new VFR1200F in February, the great appeal of the machine is speaking for itself with over fifty
sold across the UK in the first two weeks of sales alone and, the launch of a new fixed price servicing plan also proving popular.
The VFR1200F’s youngest customer so far is in his twenties, with the oldest just a few months shy of his seventieth birthday. All three
colors – Seal Silver Metallic, Candy Prominence Red and Pearl Sunbeam White – are proving equally popular and, with machines partexchanged against the VFR spanning a wide range of makes and models, the VFR1200F’s proud new owners highlight that the appeal
of this bike spans a wide range of riders.
A new fixed price servicing plan for the VFR1200F is also now available and proving popular among customers. With scheduled
servicing of 8,000 miles or annually, this new three year package covers the first four services* (600, 8,000, 16,000 and 24,000 miles) for
a one-off payment of just £575, and customers can take their VFR1200F to any official Honda dealer for servicing. This not only creates
impressive cost savings and ease for ongoing servicing, but also peace of mind provided by a full dealer service history and stronger
second hand value for the machine. The service plan is also transferable to another owner should the bike be sold.
The majority of new VFR1200F customers opted to wait until 1 March to register their machines in order to benefit from the latest
’10 registration plate. But many also couldn’t wait even a few weeks for their awesome purchase and opted to take delivery in February,
with one customer who had pre-ordered a VFR, seeing it for the first time at the launch event and riding it away that evening!
Steve Martindale, General Manager of Honda (UK) Motorcycles commented, “The customer and dealer research that went into the
development of the VFR1200F across Europe was extensive, so we had confidence that this bike would really match what customers
are looking for in a great all-round road bike across performance, handling, quality, technology and looks. The initial reactions during
the launch weekend were incredibly positive, both about the styling of the VFR and also from the test rides, and selling over 50 in the
first two weeks since launch is testament to what a great bike it is. The current low rate and affordable finance offer available on the
VFR, coupled with the new fixed price service plan, all further add to making this bike so attractive to a wide range of riders.”
As is most always the case we in the United Stated do not always get the same offers and same color choices for motorcycles as they
do in the UK. As noted in the press release they have a choice of three colors
for the VFR1200F in the UK while we have just the Candy Red. In some cases
the offers like the flat rate maintaince offer may eventually make it over to the
United States.
Laws are different in the United States as compared to those in the UK. Also
the market may be bigger for a bike like the VFR1200F in the UK than it is in
the Unites States. But nevertheless it is fun to compare the offerings between
the two markets.
There is quite a difference between what sells well in the UK and what sells
well here in the United States. Gold Wings sell very well here but not so much
in the UK because they are much more expensive to own and getting the drivers
license to operate one is quite expensive and time consuming. They are on a
tiered license system where you are limited on the size of motorcycle you can
operate based on your license and the tests…both written and driving that you have passed. As a result a bike like this is more popular
in the UK.
With the optional hard luggage and additional Honda accessories this bike would make a good touring bike. Only time will tell.
Ride SafeRandy
28
JUNE 2010
1 Wheel Revolution to Perform at Gold Rush XXIII in Billings, MT
1 Wheel Revolution(1WR) was created in 2006 by Rob Carpenter
and a close group of friends. What started out as a funny name for
a few friends that enjoyed pushing their bikes to the limits, quickly
became a popular group of daredevils known for their charitable
contributions within the community. 1WR’s team has varied
between two to ten riders, but their aim has never changed...to
positively promote the sport of Freestyle Stuntriding! Over the past
four years 1WR has evolved into a skilled motorcycle performance
involving a multitude of different motorcycles and atvs that have
thrilled thousands of spectators. In those four years, 1WR has
raised over $3,500 for a local non-profit, The Billings Angel Fund.
The Angel Fund provides underprivileged middle and high school
students with necessities to make it through everyday life. The
1WR team members all feel that a continued focus on charity will
keep our sport moving in a positive direction. 1WR’s lead rider
(Rob Carpenter), for the second year in a row, will be traveling the
country with World Record Harley Stuntman Bubba Blackwell; and
will be performing over 25 shows for varying motorcycle events all
over the US in 2010.
”We had so much fun performing for the GWTA in 2008. I
thought the crowd would enjoy our show, but when we finished
I was amazed at the overwhelming excitement and kind remarks
from the GWTA members. We look forward to entertaining you
again with the most thrilling stunt performance in Montana!” Rob Carpenter
You won’t want to miss the 1 Wheel Revolution performance
at Gold Rush or any of the other exciting events being planned!
Don’t forget to pre-register for Gold Rush in Billings, MT before
7/1/2010 to receive the pre-registration rate and be eligible for
the pre-registration door prize.
TOURING NEWS
29
Losing the Legacy
The other day I was hanging out at a friend’s shop. I know from past experience as a small-business owner how hard it is to do everything
with a small staff, so I like to help out if there are a lot of customers. Therefore, I wasn’t surprised to be handed the phone when a
customer called and asked to talk with “the guy with the grey beard.” Well, as it turns out, the customer had spoken with someone
else (who actually has a small grey mustache—so much for that fellow’s memory), but it got me to thinking about how my long beard
has gone mostly grey.
It has been a long slow change from just a touch of grey—funny how changes can go unnoticed till some objective observer points them
out. I guess now I officially have a grey beard, and can even be described by it. Back in the day when I was a new rider, the term “Grey
Beard” was a title of honor bestowed on the old-timers, guys who had been there and done that and could help a newbie learn the
ropes. Of course, you can’t lay claim to the “Grey Beard” title—it never was a self-proclaimed status but one granted by your buddies,
a title earned from hard riding and living. Nowadays, of course, TV tells you that if you have grey in your beard, it’s a loser’s attribute,
and if you’re too grey, you won’t get the job or the girl. (Well, I don’t need to worry about those two things; besides, most of what you
see on TV these days ain’t worth the electrons it’s made of.)
Thinking of “Grey Beards” made me ponder how things have changed. Change has been the ubiquitous buzzword in politics for quite a
while now, but have you ever heard the saying “hide in plain sight”? Well, there are some monumental changes threatening the future
of motorcycling, and they are hiding in plain sight. Here are three things that, if taken separately, seem unconnected, but when viewed
together don’t bode well for the future of our lifestyle.
Item one is land closure. The continuing trend to close public lands to off-road riding seems to be advancing unabated. Even private
off-road riding venues are threatened by the encroachment of new development. Many of today’s riders started with dirt bike riding.
With fewer places to ride off-road, it often means that families who share this great sport have to travel farther and farther, which can
reduce the time and frequency of the off-road riding experience. Add to that the slow economy and rising fuel costs, and this youth
riding experience is at risk.
Item two is consumer product safety. Discoveries of high lead content in children’s toys imported from China led to the passage of
Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) in 2008. While this law is intended to prevent children from ingesting lead from
toys that they are likely to be put in their mouths, it has also been applied to youth motorcycle and ATVs. Have you ever seen a kid put
a dirt bike in their mouth? So it is now illegal to sell youth-size motorcycles and ATVs. This is likely an unintended byproduct of a poorly
written law that probably was unread by congress before being voted on—an all-too-common failure of our elected officials. While the
Federal Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) may delay enforcing it for a while, it might still be enforced at the state level. Even
if all this is corrected, it could still take years and deprive a generation of young folks from off-road riding.
Item three is proposed laws that allow the government to determine how old a child must be to be allowed as a passenger on a motorcycle.
This is part of a larger trend of government interference in parental rights and decision-making regarding their own children’s best
interests. Many of today’s riders became interested in motorcycling based on early experiences of riding with a family member. With
all the competition for kid’s attention—from computer games, phones, texting, and the Internet—these laws make it less likely that
young folks will have the vital experience to become interested in motorcycles as adults.
While I am not a conspiracy theorist and I don’t believe that these three issues are a conspiracy, they do present a danger to motorcycling.
While we who ride age out, if new younger riders don’t join our ranks, who will be the future riders of our lifestyle? Will all the “Grey
Beards” be just so many quaint anachronisms, and thus the legacy will be lost?
30
JUNE 2010
Pop Senn’s Macaroni and Cheese
1 rounded tablespoon salt
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 pound vermicelli noodles, broken into small pieces
1 1D2 pounds sharp cheddar cheese
4–6 tablespoons margarine or butter
Fill a 4- to 6-quart saucepan three-quarters full of water and
bring to a boil over a high heat. Add the salt, oil, and noodles
and cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. While the noodles
are cooking, grate the cheese; set aside until noodles are done.
Drain water from the noodles and return to the pot over a low
heat. Add the margarine or butter and stir until melted. Then
gradually stir in the cheese until all of it is added and melted.
Serve immediately, or it can be reheated in the microwave later.
It is also very good baked with sliced tomato and more grated
cheese on top.
Makes 4–6 servings.
Column copyright Bill Hufnagle 2010. Recipe reprinted with
permission from “Biker Billy’s Roadhouse Cookbook”, published by
The Globe Pequot Press, P.O. Box 480, Guilford, CT 06437 Copyright
© 2009 by Bill Hufnagle
Don’t forget about the current recruiting and membership programs!
Take advantage of them and invite a friend to join the GWTA family!
RECRUIT PINS
Recruit pins are mailed out annually to members who have reach
the 5, 10, or 25 members recruited levels.
CAMPAIGN 31
Sign up three (3) “ NEW ” memberships and get one FREE year added to your membership.
This campaign focuses on memberships, not members.
HAND OF FRIENDSHIP
Effective immediately! If you know someone who belongs to another motorcycle club and they are
interested in joining GWTA, you can offer them the following incentive: If the prospective member
shows proof of belonging to another organization including the amount they paid for the membership and the amount of time left on the membership, GWTA will put half of the value of what is left
on their current membership with the other organization toward a 3 year GWTA membership .
EARN LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP
Members can earn an Individual Lifetime Membership at 75 members recruited
or a Family Lifetime Membership at 100 members recruited.
TOURING NEWS
31
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For a FREE quote, call 1-866-936-1880 or visit GWTAinsurance.com
32
Markel is endorsed by the GWTA.
JUNE 2010