Newsletter - South Carolina District Rally

Transcription

Newsletter - South Carolina District Rally
Chapter SC-P Newsletter
Monday, October 3, 16
LEXINGTON AREA WINGS
GOLD WING ROAD RIDER ASSOCIATION
REGION - A
CHAPTER SC - “P”
OCTOBER 2016
Chapter P Officers
HTTPS://S
ITES.GOO
GLE.COM
/SITE/GW
RRASCPL
EX/
Chapter Directors
John & Cindy Wood
843-729-7143
[email protected]
Assistant Chapter
Directors
David & Karran Robbins
Chapter Ride Educator
Richard Kitko
Treasurer / Storekeeper
Mary & Elvin Ventresco
MEC Coordinator
Rudy & Joyce Bouknight
Chapter Couple of the
Year: 2016 - 2017
David & Karran Robbins
Chapter P Support Team
Webmaster
Ron Post
Chapter Information
Chapter Historian
Mary Coral
Our gatherings are on the 2nd Saturday of
every month. We meet at The Flight Deck
MAD Coordinator
Restaurant, Located at 109-A Old Chapin Road,
Dalton Shull
Chapter Ride Coordinators in Lexington, SC.
Ron & Viviane Post
Newsletter Editor
Vacant
Chapter Educators
Phil & Judy Stone
From I-20, take Exit 58 towards Lexington.
The restaurant is just past the intersection
of Hwy 1 (Main Street) and Columbia Ave. on
the left. Buffet Style Breakfast at 8:00 a.m.
and Chapter Business starts at 9:00 a.m.
Please come and join us.
CHOY Coordinators
John & Cindy Wood
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Chapter SC-P Newsletter
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CHAPTER DIRECTORS ........................................................................................................................ 3
ASSISTANT CHAPTER DIRECTORS …………………………………………………………………………...5
CHAPTER RIDE EDUCATOR …………………………………………………………………………………. 6
CHAPTER MEC………………………………………………………………………………………………....7
CHAPTER MAD COORDINATOR…………………………………………………….……………………….8
CHAPTER RIDE COORDINATOR…………………………………………………………………………….. 9
CHAPTER HISTORIAN ………………………………………………………………………………………. 10
TUESDAY NIGHT DINNER RIDES…………………………………………………………………………….11
BIRTHDAYS…………………………………………………………………………………………………….11
WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES…………………………………………………………………………………11
GWRRA ANNIVERSARIES……………………………………………………………………………………11
GWRRA - LINKS……………………………………………………………………………………………….12
ANNOUNCEMENTS/MEMBERS CORNER………………………..........................................................13
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Chapter SC-P Newsletter
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Chapter Directors
John and Cindy Wood
As September comes to a close I must say we’ve done a little traveling.
The month began with the Chapter Trip to the Blue Ridge Motorcycle
Campgound over Labor Day Weekend. The weather was nice and the
group met at Bill & Frans Restaurant for breakfast before heading west
along I-26. Initially seven of us planned to spend a relaxing weekend in
the mountains. After setting up camp the group headed to Maggie Valley
for a visit to Wheels Through Time and then dinner at Clyde’s Restaurant
in Waynesville. To our surprise Ron & Vivian stopped in while on vacation
to spend a few days camping before continuing their holiday. On Sunday
we took a ride along NC 209, “The Rattler” to Hot Springs. After lunch we headed back to the
campsite for a little relaxation. It was a great weekend spent with friends having FUN.
The following Saturday we had our Chapter Gathering, Welcoming new members Bruce & Geraldine
Lovell, along with bidding farewell to our friends Randy & Pam Wood as they head back to Indiana.
We covered past events, along with some upcoming events for September. The North Carolina
Rally, Blue Ridge Parkway Ride, and the Chapter Camp Out & Picnic at Hickory Knob State Park.
We have more on the agenda for October so don’t put those Wings away yet. We plan to participate
in the Home Coming Football game at Dutch Fork High School on October 14th leading the team onto
the field. We have both the Mississippi Rally and Region A Rally in October, and we’re looking to
have a Chapter P Reunion, Halloween Party, & Chili Cook-off at the Hoovers on October 29th. So,
there’s still a lot to do, and the weather is cooling down for riding. The 50/25/25 was taken home by
Nathan Oxner and Bruce Lovell. Rudy took the Quarter Jar winnings, and Bruce Lovell won Chapter
Pride. The next Gathering will be October 8th.
On September 10th, Six members traveled to Simpsonville to visit Chapter E. There were also
members from Chapter I, Clemson in attendance. Chapter I surprised Chapter E with the Hot
Potato. We enjoyed visiting with members from both Chapters and invited them to Lexington
On September 17th we had 11 members travel to Newberry to visit Chapter S at Ronnie’s
Restaurant. There was an equal number of visitors from Chapter E, who presented them the Hot
Potato. Word is Chapter S carried the spud to Chapter F the same day. The little guy sure gets
around, but bringing Chapters together for fun and friendship is what it’s all about.
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The NC Rally & Blue Ridge Ride brought two groups together at Hardees for a joint ride to the Beef
& Ribs Restaurant in Westminster SC. After lunch the group split up with some heading directly to
Cherokee and the other riding Hwy 28 (curvies) to Cherokee. We actually were able to communicate
on CB’s in Cherokee as they entered the BR Parkway to begin their journey. The Rally was a little
different since they had to move everything outside under tents, but all-in-all there seemed to be a
good crowd in attendance. On Friday, six of us headed out for a ride to Pigeon Forge, lunch at the
Old Mill, then over to Deals Gap, and onto Bryson City before returning to Cherokee. We rode about
160 miles in great weather through the mountains. The group of folks who rode the BW Parkway
returned home on Saturday, with those attending Wings over the Smokies returning on Sunday. SC
had the largest District outside the Region in attendance. I think Chapter P had about 20 members
in attendance. Hope everyone had FUN!
As we approach the end of September the Chapter has another gathering. Our annual Camp Out
and Picnic at Hickory Knob State Park. The weather was terrific and there was plenty of good food,
friendship, and FUN. We look forward to next year. Thanks to everyone who participated, and to our
Assistant Chapter Directors, David & Karran for setting things up.
One more event I’d like to bring up. The Yellow Ribbon Ride on November 12th to Honor the 982
South Carolinians who were KIA/MIA during the Vietnam War. Go to WelcomeHomeToCarolina.com
to sign up for the ride and carry a Yellow Ribbon. I received some information on the event, and to
date there are only 200 folks signed up.
It’s been a great month for our Chapter.
Until Next Time…John & Cindy
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Assistant Chapter Directors
David & Karran Robbins
Hey y'all!!!
Great month we and the chapter have done a lot of camping and riding,
Labor Day Camp Out, Chapter visits, and Wings over the Smokies. Let’s
not forget the best camp out was the Chapter P Camp Out this weekend at
Hickory Knob State Park. We had a good turn-out, 31 members total with 9
camp sites. The Chapter provided sub sandwiches and we’d like to thank
all the folks who brought additional goodies making for a great lunch. The
weather was great, the group sat around talking and visiting like it is meant
to be. If you couldn’t come out you missed some FUN.
We also had some good food for supper too. With homemade veggie soup, chili, ham & beans, and
chicken bog. We also had a nice camp fire. We’d like to say thanks to Bruce and Geraldine, our
newest members for supplying the firewood and other items to make the weekend as success. David
& I would like to Welcome Bruce & Geraldine to Chapter P. We even cooked breakfast. The rest of
the year is going to busy as well with parades and more camping. Hope to see everyone soon.
So, till next time ride on!
David & Karran
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Chapter Educator
Rich & Jean Kitko
Defensive Driving Rule #60:
Use the Center Lane for Safety
By Robert Schaller
If you have a choice whether to use a controlled access roadway (or freeway, expressway, etc), or a
city boulevard, you should choose the controlled access road, because your potential for a collision
is less. A freeway has no intersections, and, with few exceptions, traffic is typically moving at similar
speeds. This contributes to safer travel.
But what's the best lane to use on the freeway? I suggest that in most cases, the center lane is your
safest bet. While you read my advice on this topic, put your thinking cap on. This particular rule is an
exercise in logic and experience, and there aren't many statistics that bear on the topic. You may
have a different point of view, but I want you to think about it -- just as you should every aspect of the
driving task.
Some driving instructors advise drivers to always use the right lane. I don't usually agree, but I see
their point. (And when I'm on my motorcycle, I often use this advice, because of other overriding
concerns.) It's based on the idea that speeds are slower in the right lane. Therefore if there is a
collision, the results will be less serious and result in fewer injuries. However, near on/off ramps, the
right lane is used for preparing to enter and exit -- it is the closest equivalent to an intersection on the
freeway. With vehicles constantly transitioning on and off, there is an increased potential for
collisions -- even if usually they are minor ones. My goal is to avoid ALL collisions.
Other instructors suggest the left lane is safest, because there are fewer vehicles over there. But we
call that lane the "high speed lane" or the "passing lane," right? If you have a collision there, it can
have serious results because of the higher speeds. Second, in many states, it is not legal to drive in
the left lane unless you are passing someone -- vehicles that are not passing are required to drive to
the right. Is there any such thing as a "high speed lane?" Is the speed limit any different in the left
lane? The answer to both questions is, "No." Is it legal to speed in order to pass someone? It is not,
contrary to popular belief.
I believe the center lane or lanes are the safest. One of your goals should be to avoid getting "boxed
in." Constantly adjust your speed as necessary to maintain a safety cushion all around your vehicle.
Don't let others drive in your blind spots, and don't drive in theirs. In the center lanes, you will find it is
easier to ensure you have a "way out" when you need it -- because you'll have two ways to go. If you
work to maintain your space, then the only vehicles to worry about are the ones you are passing, or
who are passing you. With a lane on each side, you have increased odds of a clear path if you
suddenly need one.
In the center lanes, you avoid the vehicle conflicts that occur in the right lane, and you are out of the
way of the speeders and tailgaters common to the left lane. Anyone coming up behind can get
around, left or right, if they want. All things considered, the center lane is where I want to be.
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Keep the shiny side up!
Richard Kitko
GWRRA SC District Rider Educator
SC District Motorist Awareness Coordinator
Chapter MEC
A MESSAGE FROM YOUR MEC
Hey Y’all
GEEZ I can’t believe that October is here already. This year is just flying by.
Rudy asked me to please be sure to give a HUGE SHOUT-OUT to Dalton for
putting the ride together that the guys went on this past week-end ( 9/23 – 9/25)
and also to Ron for leading this ride. There were 6 members and 1 friend of
Dalton’s who rode and from what I heard they sure had a great time. I was told
they rode over 800 miles.
We will not be able to attend the campout this weekend at Hickory Knob as
Rudy has committed to work a high school football game Friday night and also the USC game on
Saturday. I KNOW we will miss out on a lot of fun and therefore we can’t wait to see some pics and
hear the stories when the group returns. HAVE FUN Y’ALL!
Until next time –
Ride as often as you can and please….
ALWAYS BE KIND TO ONE ANOTHER...
Joyce and Rudy
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MAD Coordinators
Dalton & Ginny Shull
A Message from your MAD Coordinator
As I type this, many of us in Chapter-P are still unpacking, cleaning up, and
resting from a wonderful weekend of FUN and RIDING in the Blue Ridge
Mountains. Whether attending the NC District Rally or on the BRP southern-half
ride, a great time was had by all. Most will not even un-pack; rather they will repack for the annual campout and picnic at Hickory Knob. I hope everyone will
come out, whether for the day or the entire weekend. I am excited that Frank
Wilson has arranged to have Chapter-P participate in the Dutch Fork- White
Knoll Football game on October 14th. We have been invited to lead the team onto the field before the
game. What a great opportunity to reach out to hundreds of people, young and old, with our
message of Sharing the Road with Motorcycles! To maximize the impact of this event, I will be
lobbying to get additional brochures from the Home Office this week so we will have them in plenty of
time for the game. We will need volunteers to participate both riding and helping hand out brochures
at the gates as people enter. More info will be available at the October meeting.
While not directly related to MAD, I wanted to share an experience that created a close call for me on
my ride this past weekend. I bring this incident up to stress the importance of never letting your guard
down, staying focused on your ride, and not getting distracted. My failure to pay attention to traffic,
and another driver’s excessive speed, almost caused my glorious day to turn into a BAD day. During
a fuel stop, I was moving from in front of the fuel pump to allow someone else to pull in. As I was only
moving a few feet, I left my gloves perched on the top the tank filler. As I was moving, I was looking
down at the instrument cluster to check the odometer. My gloves began to slip off and fall, so I took
my right hand off the bars to grab them. Because I was distracted, I failed to check for cross traffic.
As I was moving, I looked up and realized that an elderly gentleman was pulling in way too quickly
from the roadway. Needless to say, realizing that I almost got to be the hood ornament on the front of
his Buick was quite the eye opener. Fortunately, he got stopped, I passed in front of him, and he
pulled in to park. I circled around, he exited his car, and we both adamantly apologized to each other.
I think both the other driver and I realized that we were both at fault for this near miss. It was certainly
an eye opener for me, and a reminder of a couple things: 1) Don’t allow yourself to be distracted from
your primary responsibility of watching traffic. 2) Don’t assume collisions only happen on the
roadway, 3) Secure all items before moving the bike, 4) Wear your gear, 5) Cover your controls- I
took my hand away from the throttle and front brake and could neither accelerate, nor stop, 6) Be
humble and admit when you are wrong.
Ride Safe, Ride Often, but in the end, Ride Home.
Your MAD Coordinator,
Dalton Shull
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Chapter Ride Coordinator/Web Master
Ron and Viviane Post
September sure was a busy month; I almost did not
have any time to work. Ok, that is the way it should
be. The Labor Day camping at the Blue Ridge
campground was a lot of fun. We circled our tents,
plugged in all of our devices, and you could just see
the glow from the charging cell phones as we kept a look out for any wildlife.
From there, Viviane and I went over to Cedar Mountain and camped at the Black
Forest campground for the rest of the week. It was a very nice place but would
be hard to access on Bikes because of the gravel roads. We did tour from Saluda, NC to beyond
Pickens, SC just to see the sights.
The middle of September brought more camping. There was a mixed group as we all headed to
North Carolina, just not the same ending points. After lunch at Walhalla we split up and some of us
to curvy 28 to Cherokee while others took the not so wavy way. We all went past or to the Event in
Cherokee, an many even stopped. Six of us head on up to the Blue Ridge campground for a night
via the Blue Ridge Parkway. We got just beyond the first peak when I had to stop for an elk in the
road. It was right beside me and there were several other females and a male not very far away. A
Gold Wing is a nice sized bike but nothing compared to one of those, so after the elk cross the road,
I just eased on away. We all wanted to get pictures, but safety was a concern as we could not hide
in two tons of steel that would have provided more protection. It was a very memorial experience!
We continued up the Parkway clear to Virginia with an overnight in Boone. The transition from more
technical riding in the first day and a half changed to gentler arcs as we made our way north. There
was plenty of beautiful scenery as we made our way to Mayberry on Saturday. We stopped in Mt
Airy and toured the town. There was an impersonator of Aunt Bea that was about as perfect as she
could get and just as nice. We all had a good time and enjoyed the ride.
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While there are not a major rides planned in October; that does not mean there will not be one. I
would like to go see Mo one more time at the kickstand Lodge if the weather holds. There al also the
dinner rides and other events going on throughout the month.
Chapter Historian
Mary and Mike Coral
Well we made it safely back from Wing Ding, a little tired, a little less
money, but with loads of wonderful memories! I have lots of pictures and
will be sure to bore everyone with them and the stories we have to tell!
I know there were a lot of events going on and I hope you were taking
pictures. Be sure to send me what you have and give me info on what
was happening!
Until then ride safe.
Thanks again!
Mary Coral
Chapter Historian
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Tuesday Night Dinner Rides
Oct 4
Arbys
5546 Sunset Blvd Lexington
Oct 18
Zesto's
504 12 St W Columbia
Nancy Huggins 2nd
Wayne Jackson 7th
John Berry 10th
Judy Stone 16th
Ron Post 16th
Michelle Prevost 26th
Beverly Selman 29th
Jim & Rose Wood 2nd
John & Cynthia Berry 4th
Rich & Jean Kitko 9th
GWRRA ANNIVERSARY
John & Nancy Foglia
John & Cynthia Berry
William Jackson
If we forgot anyone, please let the Chapter Director know so we can update the list. Thanks
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Region A Directors
Jim & Sue Jackson
http://www.gwrra.region.org/
1-334-297-1719
SC District Directors
Buddy & Kim Summer
[email protected]
1-803-924-2851
RALLY’s for 2016
October 13-15, Mississippi Rally, Gulfport Ms.
“Goldwingin to Old Hollywood (1920-1950)”
October 27-29, Region A Rally, Eufaula Ala
“Steel Pony Rally”
November 4-5, Region N Rally, Johnson City, Tn.
2016 Appalachian Fall Finale
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Dates to Remember:
Oct 13 – 15th
Mississippi Rally
Oct 14th
Dutch Fork High School, Football Game
Oct 27 – 29th
Region A Rally, Eufaula, Alabama
Oct 29th
Reunion Halloween Party/Chili Cookoff
Nov 4-5
Regoin N Rally, Johnson City, TN
Nov 6
Lexington Veterans Day Parade
Nov 12
Vietnam Vets, Yellow Ribbon Ride
MEMBERS CORNER:
September 2016 Chapter P Blue Ridge Parkway Ride, Cherokee, NC to Fancy Gap, VA
On September 22nd, a group of 11 riders, 10 Chapter P members and one guest, left Lexington on 8
bikes in search of sunshine, cooler temperatures and miles of smiles. After picking up David and
Karran Robbins in Saluda, the group of 13 riders and 11 bikes made their way via back roads to the
Beef and Rib Restaurant in Westminster, SC. After a hearty lunch, the group split into two, and we
said good-by to William as he headed back toward home. The first group headed up through Long
Creek to take the more direct, but still scenic route through Clayton, Dillard, and Franklin to the NC
District Convention in Cherokee.
This article will focus on the second group, which split off toward Cherokee and the BRP via the Hwy.
28 route. Ron Post took point as Wayne Jackson, Barry Anderson, Rudy Bouknight, Dalton Shull,
and Dalton’s friend John Ballentine (on his new- to- him 2005 Goldwing Monarch Trike) traveled
through the twisters toward Highlands, NC. After settling in to a pace that everyone was comfortable
with, we made our way up historic Moonshiner 28 with a stop at Dry Falls to admire the beauty of this
waterfall. Continuing on, we made our way to US 441 and through Cherokee. Knowing that food
would be limited in camp, we grabbed food and fuel in Cherokee, bid good-by via CB to the ones
attending the rally, and entered the BRP at the Southern end, at Mile Post 469.
Within a few miles, we encountered what was one of the highlights of the trip. Soon after talking
about the need to look out for wildlife crossing our paths, we came around a curve and heard Ron
excitedly saying, “Slow Down- BIG animal in the road.” We were greeted by the sight of five beautiful
elk. Two cows and their calves were standing in the roadway, requiring us to wait on them to
meander off before passing. Standing nearby, watching over his ladies, was a beautiful bull, easily
500 or more pounds. Unfortunately, due to the fear of them charging the bikes, we were unable to
get photos of these majestic animals. We noted one of the cows still had on a radio collar. If you are
unfamiliar with the Cataloochee Elk, you can learn more at
https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/nature/elk.htm. Seeing these elk are fairly common around the Soco
Gap area of the parkway. We continued on and around the twist, turns, and tunnels of this southern
end of the Parkway, stopping at one of the many beautiful overlooks. We reached NC 215 and
headed south to the Blue Ridge Motorcycle Camp. If you are in search of curves, NC 215 beats the
infamous Dragon any day of the week.
After a restful night of enjoying the fire, company, and hospitality of the BRMC, we had breakfast at
the Jukebox Diner, where we said our Goodbye’s to Wayne Jackson as he headed back toward
Cherokee and the Rally. The rest of the group continued North on the Parkway, stopping at the gift
shop at Mt. Pisgah before continuing through the Asheville area without stopping. The speed drops
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from 45 to 35 in this area due to the local traffic and the frequent access points in the area. It was in
this area we saw that the Park Rangers do enforce these speed limits, as we were passed by a
Ranger going after a violator in the opposite direction. As we continued north and got well away from
Asheville, fuel became a concern, as we had last fueled in Cherokee. We realized that stopping in
Asheville may have been wise. Fortunately, we all made it to the Little Switzerland area without the
reserve lights coming on. We decided on a light lunch and continued northward. Just up from the gas
stop, we made a quick detour to Linville Falls Winery for a special bottle that a friend had requested.
Four or five bottles were tucked away in trunks to take home as thank you gifts for allowing us to
break away for this adventure. With plenty of time to make out night’s destination, we decided to get
off the bikes for a while and hike the trail to Linville falls. Ron acted as a “fish finder” while standing
over the bridge for the fly fisherman below. Fortunately, his skills leading on the road were better
than his skills as a fishing guide, because he never could get the fisherman in the right spot.
As we rolled in to Boone, we realized that it was a busy little college town, as traffic was quite heavy.
After checking in to our hotels and resting a bit, we dined at a casual dining steakhouse. Ask Barry
how many sizes of Prime Rib there are! We settled in with full stomachs, tired bodies, and happy
memories of the beauty of God’s creation.
As Day 3 dawned, we were up fairly early and enjoyed a beautiful 57 degree morning as we climbed
once again onto the parkway. While the entire parkway is beautiful, the further North we went, the
roads changed from tight, technical curves and sheer drops with very little visible civilization along
the route to long, sweeping curves and hills lined with a mixture of wilderness, hay fields, cow
pastures, and less-frequent but still beautiful overlooks. As the mile post continued to drop toward
out exit point at 199.4, I think everyone hated that our time on the parkway was nearly over.
We exited as planned and set our sights on Mt. Airy, aka Mayberry. As we continued to drop down
from the mountain crest, the temperatures increase was shocking, as temps rose almost 20 degrees
and the humidity doubled. In a matter of minutes, we went from pleasantly cool to uncomfortably hot.
Despite the heat, we made out way to Historic Mt. Airy and enjoyed the Mayberry Days Festival. Ron
and I were hoping for haircuts and Floyd’s, but the line was just too long. A return trip is on my to-do
list, probably on a spring or fall weekend when we could enjoy shopping for gifts and antiques. I still
need to stop in at the diner for a pork chop sandwich!
As we left the festival, we felt one last decent meal was in order. Over lunch, we took the time to
reflect on the sights and thrills of the past three days. More important, though, we reflected on how
much we enjoyed being together as a group, getting to know each other better, and just enjoying the
gifts that the Creator blessed us with. I think deep down, we also each yearned to return to our
spouses and wished they could have shared this special adventure.
The trip home through Charlotte was uncomfortable, with hot temperatures and heavy three and four
lane traffic. Ron, as lead, and Rudy, as tail, did a great job of keeping us together and as safe as
possible in this heavy traffic.
I think Rudy summed the trip up best. While in Mt. Airy, he asked if we were going to plan any more
trips, because it was going to have to be pretty incredible to top the weekend we had together on the
BRP.
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Monday, October 3, 16
FOR SALE
Asking $850.00
Contact: Wilbur Bair
803-536-6787, or [email protected]
$2800. for sale call David and Karran Robbins for details 803-608 -1471 or 803-608-2578
2005 GL 1800 Gold Wing with 2008 Champion trike kit, EZ steer option, wood burl dash, passenger
armrests, driver's backrest, amber ring of fire, chrome cowl, trailer hitch, air brushed eagles on
fenders, lots of extras, 94,600 miles. Contact Phillip Stone 803-425-7833 or
[email protected].
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