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 Page 1 Chapter SC-P Newsletter Monday, October 3, 16 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 Page 2 Chapter SC-P Newsletter Monday, October 3, 16 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. Page 3 Chapter SC-P Newsletter Monday, October 3, 16 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 Page 4 Chapter SC-P Newsletter Monday, October 3, 16 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 Page 5 Chapter SC-P Newsletter Monday, October 3, 16 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. Page 6 Chapter SC-P Newsletter Monday, October 3, 16 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 Page 7 Chapter SC-P Newsletter Monday, October 3, 16 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 Page 8 Chapter SC-P Newsletter Monday, October 3, 16 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. Page 9 Chapter SC-P Newsletter Monday, October 3, 16 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 Page 10 Chapter SC-P Newsletter Monday, October 3, 16 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 Page 11 Chapter SC-P Newsletter Monday, October 3, 16 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 Page 12 Chapter SC-P Newsletter Monday, October 3, 16 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 Page 13 Chapter SC-P Newsletter Monday, October 3, 16 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. Page 14 Chapter SC-P Newsletter 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]. Page 15