Goldwing Road Riders Association Region H, Oklahoma District

Goldwing Road Riders
Association
Region H, Oklahoma District
Chapter “N” Norman OK
March 2012 Newsletter
Get 'N' Together
Monthly Chapter Gathering Third Tuesday of the Month
► 6:00 Dinner ◄ ► 7:00 Meeting◄
Chapter “N” Newsletter – March 2012
DIRECTOR'S CORNER
Our dinner for the 40 to Phoenix riders was a great success and
everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy the evening. Much to our
surprise Brian McCallum presented us with a very nice plaque in
appreciation for our efforts on their behalf. We had some nice
contingency prizes and presented one lucky rider with $230.00 in
50/50 money. Many thanks to all who contributed contingency
gifts and/or work on making it even better than last year.
Welcome to our new sponsor, Morris Motor Sports of Chickasha.
Let’s all support them all we can.
We have the Region H Conference coming up March 29 – 31.
Several of our members are planning to go and the departure time,
etc., will be forthcoming for anyone who wants to ride with the
group. This conference kicks off the convention season and is always a fun weekend. Hope you plan to
attend.
In spite of our infamous Oklahoma wind, we have had some great riding weather and spring is barely
here! Let’s get our bikes out and RIDE!!!!!
Li”N”da
Convention Classroom Offerings
Medic First Aid – There have been changes in the program which mean new materials and information.
Motorcycling for the Mature Rider – Discussion of the physical changes that happen as we get older and
discuss ways to adapt or compensate for these changes.
Night Riding – Dicusses night riding, techniques, ideas, and problems that one can expect to incur while
riding after the sun goes down.
Co-Rider Seminar Two – Does not qualify for Levels attainment or maintenance. This seminar will help a
Co-Rider become a great Co-Rider, one who is a contributing factor to safety, navigation, loading and the
enjoyment while riding.
First Aid Kit – What is in Yours? – Does not qualify for Levels attainment or maintenance. When is the last
time you looked at the first aid kit that is carried on your motorcycle? Will you have what you need when you
go to use it? Did you replace what you took out of it? Have you checked the expiration dates on the
packages?
Trailering Seminar – Does not qualify for Levels attainment or maintenance. Provides education and
information about various aspects of pulling a trailer resulting in a better understanding of potential
problems, a reduction in the risks associated with pulling a trailer and an increase in riding safety.
Co-Rider Seminar – Qualifies for Levels attainment or maintenance. The Co-Rider Seminar is intended to
provide education and information that will result in an increased awareness, greater team interaction
between the rider and co-rider.
Chapter “N” Newsletter – March 2012
Fun! Food!
Friends!
What more could you want?
Chapter “N” Newsletter – March 2012
We had our COY luncheon at Pete’s Place in McAlester on Saturday, March 10th. We were able to
have 5 couples with us and we had a great meal. We are hoping to visit the chapter meetings of the
ones that weren’t able to come and take them their manuals and meet them.. We found out that in
most of the chapters this was their first year of being the couple, so we talked about that too. We
passed out folders with the COY manual so that everyone could read it and learn what the program is
all about. We went over some of the things in it and had a great discussion about it. One of the things
we discussed was the fact that Oklahoma is out of sync with how the policy was written from being
district coy to regional coy selection. So it was decided that we will not have a coy selection at our
district rally this year.
We discussed the COY baskets at the convention and what happens with the money and that maybe
we should think of coming up with another idea for a fundraiser for the program. Also on how the
competition has gotten out of hand because it is hard to get some of them home for being so large. It
was discussed in the past about making sure you are able to carry the stuff from the basket in your
bike or trailer. That way you don’t have to worry about getting them home. We feel this is a good
thing and we will be pushing this again this year. We want to make it fair for all chapters to compete.
We have large and small chapters and it should be equal for all. We will be discussing this again at
our luncheon at our convention.
We visited and laughed and gave the waitress a hard time, which she in turn gave it back. We were
able to visit and meet one another and get to know a little about each other. It made it easier for us to
see other at meetings, convention or rallies and be able to visit with one another and not feel uneasy
about it. All in all we had a great time.
Sincerely,
Don and Vera
•
Reminders
Anyone who has been taking pictures this year and wants them included in the Chapter CD,
please get them to Bob Bledsoe as soon as you can so he won’t be inundated at the end of the
year. You can email them to him at [email protected]
• Be sure to visit the members directory at http://gwrrancredibles.org/Meet_Our_Members/Meet_Our_Members.html . If you aren't pictured there,
send Bob a picture!
Chapter “N” Newsletter – March 2012
BY THE BOOK
By: Steve Cotton
Region H Trainer
The “By the Book” articles are intended to help familiarize GWRRA Volunteer
Leaders and Members with the policies, procedures, and information contained
in the GWRRA Officer’s Handbook (OHB). A copy of the Officer’s Handbook can
be found at the following Internet website:
www.gwrra.org/oconnect/officerhandbook.html
Please feel free to reprint these articles in Region, District, or Chapter
newsletters. Thanks to Dave Barham (former Region H Trainer) for the
inspiration to write this month’s article based on ideas he wrote in October 2006. Revisions have been made to
keep it current.
Fundraising for Charities
During certain times of theyear, fundraising can become a very popular activity for some of our Chapters.
Moreover, as a result, this becomes a topic of much discussion. First, we should consider the primary purposes
of our Association as stated in the Officer’s Handbook. That is the emphasis in this month’s article, so let’s
review those purposes:
The Purposes of Our Association (pages B-1 and B-2 of the OHB) · GWRRA is an International Association
of Gold Wing and Valkyrie motorcycle riders.
 GWRRA is an informal, educational, social organization of proud, unique and special people – Gold
Wing Owners.
 It was formed for people with whom we can exchange ideas, share safety information relating to
motorcycling and motorcyclists, educate the nonmotorcycling public concerning motorcycling problems
and participate in impromptu rides. In addition, it supports the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) and
assists all motorcyclists in achieving and/or improving public acceptance of motorcyclists.
 GWRRA is a family-oriented organization, without political or religious affiliations or influence and
supports civic, local, police, charity, and government organizations.
 GWRRA publishes and distributes Wing World and other media that will inform, educate, entertain and
enlighten our Members and Officers.
Now that we understand that our primary focus is our own Membership, a few more questions should be
answered.
1) Is GWRRA a “charity” group? No, GWRRA is not a “charity” group.
2) If my chapter collects donations for a fundraiser to assist a charity, do we provide proof of GWRRA’s non-profit
status: No, donations to GWRRA (for any reason) may be a legitimate business expense, but they are not taxdeductible contributions. “..donations to GWRRA (for any reason) may be a legitimate business expense, but
they are not tax-deductible contributions.” The Hospitality Region March 2012 Page 15
3) If my Chapter’s sponsors provide food and drinks for an event, do we provide proof of GWRRA’s nonprofit
status: No, the value of these items becomes a business expense for them, normally associated with advertising.
The information here is NOT meant to discourage fund-raising for charities of any type. It is provided for
guidance and information to be used at any level within GWRRA. THE MEMBERSHIP COMES FIRST. Never
forget that important point. Before sponsoring an event to fund a cause other than the Chapter, make sure the
needs of the Members are taken care of. A few elements that may require attention: a suitable meeting place;
door prizes and gifts, the newsletter printing and mailing costs, a special fund for flowers, cards, etc. Once these
financial requirements are accounted for, you can then direct your resources towards other avenues. Charity
begins at home.
Learn Something New…Then Teach Someone! Steve and Carolyn Cotton, Region H Trainers
Chapter “N” Newsletter – March 2012
April Eat n' Ride
Date
04/03/12
Restaurant
Kendall's
Location
100 W. Main, Noble, OK
Phone Number
405.872.0303
04/10/12
A & E Grill
820 W. Grand, Chickasha, OK
405.224.6900
04/17/12
Libby's
111 E. Center, Goldsby, OK
405.288.2418
04/24/12
El Pepeyac Mexican
Restaurant
1517 Memorial Highway,
Blanchard, OK
405.485.3131
Oklahoma Events
April 21- Thunderbird Chapel at Camp Gruber Motorcycle Run. Governor Mary Fallin instigated the building of
this chapel over a year ago and it is almost complete. Our troops with the 45th Infantry have not had a chapel on
Camp Gruber since the 1940's. Camp Gruber is where they train and stage to go overseas and where they often
come back.The cost will be $25 per bike. That donation is tax deductible as well. We will have a few stops along
the way and you all could join us at the beginning in Yukon, or any stop along our route. We would love to have
you and our troops would surely appreciate your support. Thanks, Chris Cord/Bethel Bikers. If you would be
like to participate contact Chris [email protected].
May 3-6 - Chapter B Anniv ersary Celebra tio n and camp -o ut, R ay mo nd Pelt ier Park ,
S hawnee, O K
May 5th: Dwight has set up an ERC course, 8:00am to 5:00pm, location of class is NE 36 and Kelly in OKC. Cost
is $60.00 per person, please email Dwight at [email protected] interested in taking.
June 2 – Chap ter N L uau Go o dr ic h M emo r ia l M et ho dist C hur ch , 200 W Hayes
Chapter “N” Newsletter – March 2012
June 16 - OK Baptist Children's Home Bike Run, 6301 S. Western, OKC. Their new name for the bike run is Miles
4 Smiles - see their website at www.miles4smilesokc.com or more info.
Other
Upcoming
GWRRA District Events
March 29-31, 2012 - Region H Convention will be in Marshall Texas. The theme is "Fabulous 50's"
April 12-14 – Louisiana District Convention
May 17-19, 2012 - Texas District Convention & Rally will be in New Braunfels Texas. The theme is "Texas Derby
Days."
May 24-26, 2012 - Arkansas District Convention will be in Harrison Arkansas. Our theme is Ride N Arkansas
July 4-7, 2012 – Fun in the Fort WingDing in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Also NEW in 2012 is an authentic Amish
experience for you to enjoy. After just a short, scenic drive through the Amish countryside to Grabill, Indiana,
Wing Dingers can enjoy a homespun opening party centered around this special Amish community - complete
with foods, crafts and experiences unique to the area. http://www.wing-ding.org/
August 24-26, 2012 - Kansas District Convention, Manhattan, Kansas (The Little Apple)
October 5-7, 2012 – “Gone with the Wing” Oklahoma District Convention McAlester, OK
http://www.gwrraokla.org/Oklahoma_District_Website/2012_District_Convention.html
Rider Education Article (from http://gwrra.org/enews/0312/rider_education.html)
Submitted by:Anthony Van Schaick, International Rider Education Director
"A Fighter Pilot Approach to Motorcycle Riding"
Commentary by Col. Mark Mouw
12th Air Force Chief of Safety
3/6/2009 - KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. (AFNS) -- "A man's got to know his limitations," said Clint
Eastwood's "Dirty Harry" character in the 1973 movie, "Magnum Force."
Those words I'm sure were in the back of Maverick's mind in "Top Gun" as he paused on his Kawasaki GPZ 900
Ninja by the runway at Miramar to watch the Tomcats takeoff. He should have taken a moment to reflect,
given how often he put his aircraft out of control throughout that movie.
While flying a fighter and riding a motorcycle may have little in common, except both being a "hoot," the
deliberate approach required in aviation, to do what needs to be done without bending metal, is also a smart
way to approach a motorcycle ride before letting out the clutch. This commentary is written by a fighter pilot
and a motorcycle enthusiast to blend the best of both worlds. We want all motorcycle riders to have a "hoot"
for years and years come!
Training
A fighter pilot goes through extensive training to learn the basic skills of flying an airplane, but more
importantly, undergoes continuation training to develop new skills while honing existing skills. Recurrent
training builds habit patterns that can be relied on when things get hairy.
Chapter “N” Newsletter – March 2012
Motorcyclists can benefit from this same approach. Our traffic safety rules already require us to get some
basic motorcycle training, but really, how effective is an initial course and perhaps a refresher course in
developing a lifetime of skills? Those courses give you some basics, but you're on your own to practice
periodically, to sharpen your reflexes and habit patterns.
Take time to hone your riding skills, especially after a layoff, to rebuild those good habit patterns. Find a
parking lot where you have some room to practice handling your motorcycle. Fighter pilots never practice in
the main airways; they go to special airspace where the dangers of the maneuvers can be managed. With
that said, the street is no place to practice your skills. Many excellent programs are available to develop
advanced riding skills.
Planning
A great sortie always starts with a great plan. Sitting down with your wingmen to decide what the job in front
of you will require is a key step to understanding what it will take to get from point A to point B.
Not all motorcycle rides necessarily involve a great deal of planning, but you should take a few moments to
consider where you're going and how you intend to get there. Doing so should make the ride more enjoyable.
When selecting your route of travel, consider how bad weather or traffic congestion might affect driving
conditions for you and other motorists.
Weather also affects the human machine. "Dress for egress" is a common saying among pilots, who may start
out warm and comfy, then end up wet and cold in the middle of nowhere, with nothing except their wits for
protection. If you've been getting fat and lazy all winter, your first ride of spring shouldn't be an all-day run
through the twisties, hoping the highway patrol doesn't put a laser on you.
The Right Gear
Suiting up is a very personal affair. Getting harnessed just right, choosing the color of the skull cap under your
helmet and other accessories are important considerations for the pilot. You gotta look and feel right. More
importantly, the equipment has to work. Unlike a fighter pilot, most motorcyclists can't afford a highly skilled
life-support technician, so you're on your own to wear the right gear, all the time. Road rash isn't funny, even
when it's on someone else. A steer gave his life so you can look good in leather, so wear it! If your girlfriend is
a diehard PETA member, even textile is better than being naked.
The most powerful muscle you have, or maybe the second-most one, is your brain, which is easy to squash
like a melon. The rules say to wear a helmet. If you chose not to wear one, please keep a copy of your living
will in your wallet so your family can unplug the life-support machine.
Preflight
The walk-around with the crew chief is the traditional informal ceremony where the pilot is officially lent the
aircraft. As a rider, you are your own crew chief; if the machine is unreliable, it's your own fault. Take time to
make sure all is in order: tires are inflated properly, fluid levels are good and all lights are serviceable.
Even better than being able to accelerate is being able to stop. Inspect your brakes so that something else
doesn't have to bring you to a sudden stop. Clean machines run better and look better, and at least you know
there's still oil in the engine.
Area Work
Once in the area, the plan-aircraft-man interface is put to the test. Where will problems arise and which part
will be the weak link? You're cruising along, king of all you see, and then a missile comes off your wingman
about the same time a warning light goes off on your instrument panel. What will you do, act then think, think
then act, or just react? Your actions may reflect badly on you, or have you looking like a hero. In "Top Gun,"
Maverick had to recover from hallucinogenic episodes before he started to react.
Chapter “N” Newsletter – March 2012
As a motorcyclist, you won't have that luxury. You face similar scenarios on your bike every day. Is the car in
the next driveway going to back out? Does the "snowbird" driving next to you know you're there? Why does
that pickup I'm following have so much junk in the bed? Any of those situations can quickly put you in
reaction mode. The most common outcome when facing an unanticipated situation is overreacting to it and
putting the shiny side of the motorcycle on the pavement.
How do you prepare for such incidents? Pilots call knowing what's going on around them "situational
awareness." Maintaining SA while you ride, so you can apply the techniques you were taught in your rider
training, is paramount to controlling and preparing for the risks you'll face. Anticipate the unanticipated and
expect the unexpected! Operating your motorcycle within your capabilities, just like flying a fighter, may
make the difference between stopping short of a catastrophe or launching over the hood of a vehicle. You
don't want to hear those infamous words, "I'm so sorry. I didn't see you."
Visual Lookout
What about visual lookout tactics for riding? Fighter pilots always say "lose sight, lose fight," and they train
themselves to pick up the first tally on an enemy airplane. Can the motorcycle rider benefit from a deliberate
"problem ID" plan? An enemy airplane at 600 knots and 10 miles away could be a friendly, so improving SA
rests a great deal on using your vision effectively. Planning should have revealed how environmentat
conditions might affect your plan.
Anything you put in front of your eyes will decrease your long-range vision, so think about how many layers
you put between yourself and the road. A scratched visor is a killer when hit by headlights or the sun, and
dark visors on a dark or cloudy day significantly delay the range at which you can pick up hazards, such as
potholes.
How you use your eyes is as important as knowing what can be seen. Focus techniques and scan patterns are
important tools of the fighter pilot. They are taught to scan from near to far, to ensure the "kill zone" is clear,
and then to look at threats outside the kill zone. When scanning from 3,000 feet to 2 miles, using things along
the ground helps with focus. Why? Because depth perception and measuring distance is important to protect
and react to things inside the "kill zone."
For the motorcycle jock, that "kill zone" is based on the ability to maneuver out of harm's way. A motorcycle
traveling at 60 miles per hour approaching an oncoming car also traveling at 60 mph achieves a closing rate
of 176 feet per second. The rider's kill zone is now 528 feet - more than a football field and a half! He has
three seconds to react. If you're doing 120 mph on a sport bike and that oncoming car is going 60 mph ...
well, you get the picture, and it ain't pretty.
Keep your eyes moving, but look for something in the distance to focus on, then refocus at a range that will
give you time to react, and don't get lazy and let your eyes glaze over at about 10 feet.
What if I'm having a bad day and my reaction time doubles? Understand contributing factors and be more
cautious. Peripheral vision comes into play as it supports our SA by triggering us to move our head and
assess the threat. Most people have greater peripheral vision in their dominant eye, meaning, for example,
better peripheral vision on the right side leaves a weakness on the other side. No good fighter pilot is going to
leave that left side unscanned and let a threat into the "kill zone."
Can you improve focus, scanning and the distance that you first pick up targets? Absolutely. The Air Force
Fighter Weapons School -- "Top Gun" for Air Force fighter pilots -- taught focus techniques moving from near to
far on almost all flights to improve vision and scan techniques. For peripheral vision, they tested your ability
by having you hold a ball in each hand and then moving your hands to see how far your vision extended, then
trying to improve it through scans. Remember this -- heads down time can kill you in flying and on a
motorcycle. Keep those eyes where you're going!
An understanding of the enemy is also important for both fighter pilots and motorcycle riders. What's the field
of the view of that "snowbird" waiting at that upcoming intersection? Probably not near what yours is, and I'll
Chapter “N” Newsletter – March 2012
bet nobody ever taught him or her to scan. Do you think the driver can see the distance you can?
There's a lot to how fighter pilots use their vision to protect and defend the "kill zone." Motorcyclists can do
the same thing.
What If
Fighter pilots consider breakdowns in the plan as part of the plan, calling them "what ifs." What if a
coordinated strike becomes uncoordinated, someone doesn't show up, or the timing is off? What if our missile
employment isn't as lethal as we hoped? What if we fail to destroy the target on the first pass? Those "what
ifs" force a risk-management action plan in the calm of the briefing room, and help avoid real-time actions
becoming too ad-hoc, reactionary or ineffective.
The motorcycle rider should have plans, as well. What if the group I'm riding with exceeds my comfort level,
either through speed or questionable actions? What if the weatherman was wrong, and the predicted sunny
day is instead drizzly, and a damp layer of grease and oil coats the road? What if my favorite roads haven't
been maintained lately, and gravel or sand covers the apex of my turn?
Fortunately for the motorcyclist, there is one simple solution to help you survive the unexpected: slow down.
Slower speeds allow for greater reaction time should an unexpected event occur. If a collision appears
unavoidable, understand proper braking techniques, leave yourself an out, and as a last line of defense,
always wear a full ensemble of personal protective gear.
Lesson Learned
After the flight is over, honest and pointed feedback draws out what went right and what went wrong, so we
don't make the same mistakes again. If you're lucky and have a wingman to ride with, you'll get some
feedback on things you might need to work on. If you care about your buddies, and they need some
constructive feedback, you'll provide it. Simple things, such as cornering techniques, worn or unserviceable
motorcycle parts, or wearing riding gear that just isn't cool anymore are just a few examples. If you ride with
friends who think doing wheelies and stoppies on public roads is OK; then you have your "being a good
wingman" work cut out for you. You might try discussing problems you see with another rider who has
credibility and might team up with you in correcting a problem.
One Last Thing
After the debrief is over, invariably someone has one last tidbit of insight they feel compelled to share. So,
here's one last item for riders. The public and military opinion of riders is about the same as the cute club
bartender's opinion of fighter pilot stories - not great!
Cleaning up the sport and keeping an eye on each other will go a long way toward changing attitudes. There
are many great motorcycle clubs out there whose members have tons of riding experience, training ideas, fun
ride tips and great friendship available.
(Dan Maham, deputy division chief for Air Force ground safety, and Bud Redmond, Air Force deputy chief of
safety and Air Force Safety Center executive director, contributed to this commentary)
Chapter “N” Newsletter – March 2012
Chapter N Sponsors
Morris Motorsports
www.morrismotorportsok.com
Johnie Fredman, Owner and Operator
www.okhypnosis.com
Wing Enterprises
http://wingenterprisesokc.com/
Chapter “N” Newsletter – March 2012