June 2010 - Texas Chapter M The Moonlighters

GWRRA CHAPTER M
SOUTH CENTRAL REGION H
ARLINGTON / MANSFIELD TEXAS
JUNE 2010
WEB PAGE: http://www.txmoonlighters.com
CD’s Corner
CD’s Corner
Happy June Chapter M.
It seems like the hot has finally come to Texas. Maybe the rain will leave us alone on the weekends for
now and we can get some of our cancelled rides in.
We had our District Rally May 6-8 down in Killeen and it sure was nice not to have to drive very far to
get there. We had 21 Mer’s and we won again for the largest pre-registered chapter. Our wonderful webguru Charles McConnell, won 3rd place for web design and we are so proud of him. Of course we think
he should have gotten 1st but there is always next year. Ken and Barbie Peterson stepped down as our
District Directors and it was a little bittersweet, we were sad to see them leave as our leaders but glad to
have them back in the M family. The green really does look good on them. Next years District Rally will
also be back in Killeen so we will all be able to find our way and we all know the host hotel will be glad
to see the green gang back. (A little inside joke)
Craig and Mary had a ride planned for Saturday May 15th but a little bit of the Warren curse (rain)
showed up and ruined the day. Hopefully Craig can get that rescheduled soon as it sounds like a good
ride.
Unfortunately the next day Sunday May 16th we had Chapter M day at the range planned and it also got
postponed because of the weather. I sure hope Warren saves some of his rain for July and August so I
don’t have to water my yard very often.
On Saturday May 22 and Sunday May 23 Larry Jennings lead the “Ride to the Wall”. We did not get to
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go but it looks like there was a good turnout judging from the pictures on the web. I’m sure the riders
appreciated everyone who turned out to welcome them and ride with them. This is a wonderful
organization and it is amazing how much it has grown over the years from such a humble beginning.
Thank you to all the Mer’s who participated.
By the time we all read this we will have had our Chapter M Memorial Day Party at Ken and MariEllen
Johnson’s house. He opened his big mouth and said “I have a pool” and we jumped on it and ran with the
rest of the planning. I hope his poor wife will let him back in the house one day.
We have some good rides coming up in the next months and our fun run in August. We also have some
open dates for the ride you would like to put on, we will help in any way. Come on and put on a ride and
get your patch- aren’t you getting tired of the same old people taking you for a ride? I know we have
some fun people with some new places to eat, it’s all about the food anyway, so call us and let us help
plan or show you how it’s done.
The planning is underway for this years Fun Run and we can use any and all your help. If you have any
prize donations please bring them to the next chapter meeting. . Don’t be shy; any and all donations are
appreciated. Thanks for your help.
Ken and Karen
Chapter M Officers
CHAPTER DIRECTOR
Ken and Karen Olson
817--297-3232
[email protected]
ASST. CHAPTER
DIRECTOR
J.D. and Luann Walker
817-361-8121
[email protected]
ASST. CHAPTER DIRECTOR
CHAPTER EDUCATORS
David & Ginny Topley
817-235-5269
COY
Chapter M Staff
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TREASURERS
Craig and Mary Watkins
940-648-2028
[email protected]
WEB PAGE
Charles McConnell
817-451-5196
[email protected]
NEWSLETTER EDITOR
Sherry Myers
817-375-9294
[email protected]
SUNSHINE LADY
MEMBERSHIP COORD
RIDE COORDINATOR
Sylvia Andrews
[email protected]
Fern Oakes
[email protected]
Ken Johnson
[email protected]
Event Schedule
Chapter Meeting
Impromptu Ride
Staff Meeting
Impromptu Ride
Breakfast Run
Loco Coyote Run
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June
June
June
June
June
June
3rd
6th
8th
12th
19th
27th
Spring Creek BBQ
Leave Exxon
Spring Creek BBQ
Leave Exxon
Leave Exxon
Leave Shell Station @
I35 and HWY 1187
7 PM
10 AM
7 PM
7 PM
8 AM
TBA
Event Schedule
Wing Ding Des Moines Iowa
Chapter Meeting
Fireworks @ Ken & Karen’s
Staff Meeting
Dinner / Ice Cream Run
The Rain Ride
Breakfast Ride
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June 30th –July 3rd
July 1st
July 4th
July 7th
July 10th
July 18th
July 24th
See Web Site for more info
Spring Creek BBQ
7 PM
Olsen Home
See Web
Spring Creek BBQ
7 PM
Details to Follow
Posados
9:45 AM
Details to Follow
WAS IT REAL OR NOT
I LIKED GETTING UP EARLY AND RIDING BEFORE THE SUN RISES. I DO
THAT SO I CAN WATCH THE SUNRISE. THERE IS SOMETHING ABOUT SEEING
THAT AND FEELING GOD’S GLORY ALL AT THE SAME TIME.
ONE SUNDAY MORNING I TOOK OFF AND WAS ON MY WAY TO SEE MY
DAUGHTER IN SPICEWOOD. IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL MORNING, COOL, BRIGHT
SUNNY DAY. LAMPASSES WAS IN THE REAR VIEW AND SPICEWOOD WAS
NOT THAT FAR AWAY. TRAFFIC WAS VERY LIGHT; IT MIGHT BE MILES
BEFORE I WOULD SEE ANOTHER CAR. SO I WAS VERY RELAXED AND
ENJOYING THE RIDE.
THEN SOMETHING STRANGE HAPPENED. I SAW A BRIGHT COLORED
VEHICLE COMING TOWARDS ME. DON’T KNOW WHY BUT THE HAIR ON THE
BACK OF MY NECK STOOD UP; SO NOW I WAS IN THE ALERT MODE AND IT
WAS A GOOD THING TOO. THE ORANGE MUSTANG SWERVED INTO MY
LANE. I WAS DOING SEVENTY AND THE MUSTANG WAS DOING AT LEAST
THAT; WITH ONE HUNDRED FORTY MPH+ CLOSING SPEED THINGS HAPPEN
REALLY FAST.
Cruzin the Canyon
ADRENLIN AND INSTINCT WHAT A WONDERFUL COMBINATION TO HAVE.
excited and
after
Mid Winter
Round UpFIELD,
I’m evenI HAD
more excited.
The WHAT I
WITH I’m
DISTANCE
LESS
THAN
A FOOTBALL
TO DECIDE
session on
was well
attended
(87 smilingSTOP
faces)AND
so I know
WAS GOING
TOAmarillo
DO. I KNEW
THAT
I COULDN’T
GET you
OFFare
IN TIME. I
interested.
I
did
a
brief
layout
of
all
the
activities
old,
new
and
no
telling
COULDN’T SEE THE OTHER DRIVER. THE WINDSHIELD WAS SMOKED. I
whatDOWN
else willTHE
pop up.
We also
a continuous
slide
of the
area. You LEFT
LOOKED
ROAD
NOThad
ANOTHER
CAR
INshow
SIGHT.
I SWERVED
can find
this slide
show on the
District
WebAROUND
Page (www.gwrra-tx.org)
AND THEN
BACK
RIGHT(JUST
LIKE
GOING
A POTHOLE).and
I PULL
click
on
the
Rally
Logo
(Giddy-up)
under
the
rally
sticky
note.
OFF THE ROAD AND LOOK OVER MY SHOULDER TO SEE WHAT THE
MUSTANG WAS GOING TO DO. IT WASN’T THERE! NOW THIS WAS A
This isFLAT
a general
synopsis
planned
for the
rally.
All the
usualI BEGAN
STRAIGHT
ROAD
FOR of
A activities
FEW MILES.
WHERE
DID
IT GO?
THEN
TO WONDER
DID IT
OR DID
IT JUST
IMAGINE
IT. it
TO THIS
rally activities
- aREALLY
schedule HAPPEN
is being worked
up now
and you
should have
DAY Isoon.
REALLY DON’T KNOW.
The social Thursday will conclude with the Armadillo Drag Races on Route
SO IF YOU
ARE
EVERDirector
TRAVELING
DOWN
HWY 281
ON
A COOL
66. Your
Chapter
was given
an armadillo
(drag
racer)
with MORNING
the
AND YOU
SEE A packet.
ORANGE
MUSTANG
COMING
AT
YOU. BE
registration
Contact
me if you
don’t have
one.
CAREFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Special Theme Contest - A decorated boot - once again guidelines in
packet.
LARRYAdded
JENNINGS
this year - Chapter Competitions has added a Windshield Cover Rules in packet.
Two new sections 5
Where Chapter M Meets
Chapter Meeting 1st Thursday of each month,
Dinner at 6:00 PM
Meeting at 7:00 PM
Spring Creek Barbeque, 1724 HWY 287 (at Debbie Lane),
Mansfield, TX
Exxon Station -1721 FM 157 West of US-287, Mansfield, TX
See Web site for other locations
KILLEEN THRU CLIFTON
Rhonda and I got to Exxon about 9:45 a.m. on May 6th. Feet up was at 10:00 and we
had five bikes and trikes. Rhonda and I, Marvin and Sylvia, and Charles, we head thru
Mansfield to FM 917. We went thru Cleburne and Rio Vista ended up in Clifton for
lunch. Casa Gonzales was a small place, food was good and price not too bad (good
place for a chapter ride if someone was looking for one). Bellies full it was time to
make the final run to Killeen. We arrived at our hotel about 2:30 unloaded and went to
register for the rally. Fun time was had by all.
Larry Jennings
Other Area Chapter Meetings
“B”
11:00 AM on 2 Saturday at Steak Kountry, 7010 Hwy 78 in Sachse, TX
“P” 7:00 PM on 2nd Thursday, Spring Creek 317 Hwy 377 @ Overton, Granbury
“R”
7:30 PM on 4th Tuesday, Fuddruckers (near Bass Pro Shop), Grapevine
“U2” 9:00 AM on 3rd Saturday, Golden Corral, 1120 William D. Tate, Grapevine
“W2” 7:30 PM on 3rd Thursday, Ryan’s, 1400 N. HWY 77, Waxahachie
“Z2” 7:00 PM on 4th Thurs. Steak Kountry, 153 Westgate Shopping Center, McKinney
nd
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Happy Anniversary
Anniversary
Gene & Bonnie
Terry & Sue
David & Thu
Mike & Debbie
Larry & Rhonda
Dave & Ginny
Dayle & Shelia
Jim & Vicki
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Lowery
Davis
Biegler
Fuller
Jennings
Topley
Penney
Carpenter
Happy Birthday
6/12
6/12
6/14
6/15
6/21
6/23
6/24
6/25
Ken
Ken
Rhonda
Charlene
Dee Dee
Ken
Cyndi
Debbie
Ron
Ken
Becky
Vicki
Dayle
Johnson
Olson
Jennings
Vickers
Hayes
Peterson
Burt
Fuller
Johnson
Sudbrook
Moss
Carpenter
Penney
6/1
6/4
6/14
6/15
6/18
6/20
6/22
6/24
6/24
6/24
6/27
6/28
6/30
STAR OF THE MONTH
Charles was born and raised in what was called “Tater Hill” and lived in what passed for a “log
cabin” in the 1940’s. The area is now about ¼ miles East of Lake Arlington on Arkansas Lane. It
was out in the country back then Lake Arlington did not exist “Tator Hill “is now a part of the city of
Arlington.
Charles got into riding about 2004 while he was working at United Educators Association. He was
getting ready to retire and looking for a new hobby, so Sheila Penny suggested that Charles go
with them to Chickasha Honda. So Charles got on the back of the trike with Dayle driving and
Sheila telling Charles not to worry that Dayle was a safe driver. Charles was holding onto the
hand grips for the passenger. He says it would have taken a crowbar to get his hands loose. He
held on very tight. He said as they passed the Parks Mall heading for Grand Prairie on I20 he
looked over Dayle,s shoulder and saw 80 something on one of the dials. He was thinking I hope
that is rpm measurement. He told himself Sheila told him Dayle was a safe driver so he would be
ok! So to be sure, he hung on tighter to the hand grips. After deciding that the ride wasn’t that
bad he decided he wanted to get into motorcycling. So he goes back to Chickasha Honda with his
truck to bring the bike home. Charles said he wanted something that really looked like a bike so
he decided that a Honda Valkyrie was his starter bike. The owners later told Charles that him and
his daughter that worked there thought they would never see Charles again when he left with that
Valkyrie. So Charles got his new bike and got it loaded up
in his truck and headed south. When Charles got home he
backed his truck up against the curb… the truck blocking
half the street and proceeds to unload the bike. The
tailgate was up about six inches from the ground. After a
lot of work of tugging and straining he finally got it off the
truck. Now it was on it’s side. After a monumental effort,
he finally got it in the garage where it sat for six months.
Because he didn’t have a license to drive it
after six months Charles signed up for a motorcycle
course. Which he says was a totally disappointment
because they did not teach the basic fundamentals like
how to shift etc. So Charles failed! They suggest he sign
back up and pay another $150.00 for the course and try
again but that was not to be. With much determination
Charles started practicing on parking lots by his self and
got the hang of it. They he went and took the test and
Now he is ALL LEGAL!!
After getting all legal he is like everyone else he wants to
fix his new bike up. So he noticed that some of the
Valkyrie’s he believes they are called Interstate has
saddle bags and a truck. He starts thinking I will put some
of those on my bike then he discovers that they do not
make them anymore for his bike, this is what happens when you don’t do your research on the
bike you are buying Charles says. So to make things right with everything he wants on a bike he
trades his Valkyrie in for a Goldwing! And he has never looked back! Charles has ridden many
places but the place he likes today is Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia with Craig
and Mary. Which from the pictures I am looking at is a place I hope to ride myself someday.
When Charles is not riding he works part time at the United Educators Association of Texas
managing their website and database of about 75,000 e mail addresses of teachers in North
Central Texas. He likes to read a little and watch TV, visit with his friends and his family of nieces
and nephews.
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Who Is It?
Last month’s picture was Warren Burt. Sylvia Andrews won the tickets.
Send in your guess, you may win a set of drawing tickets at the monthly meeting.
Everyone gets a guess, except me. Spouses get a guess, too.
Here are the official rules:
1. One entry per person
2. Contest open to Chapter M participants only
3. E-mail your guess to [email protected] or call 817-346-0789
4. Contest closes at 8:00 pm the day before the chapter meeting
5. All correct entries will be entered into a drawing at the chapter meeting
6. You must be present at the monthly meeting to win
7. Winner will receive a free set of drawing tickets
8. If no one guesses correctly, the person whose picture is used that month
wins the free tickets
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HOT WEATHER TIPS
Once again hot weather is upon us. It doesn't seem long ago at all that we were bundled up in jackets and
gloves and throwing snowballs in northern New Mexico and here we are with the thermometer hitting 100+!
Such is life in Texas in the summer.
With that in mind, we have three choices for riding motorcycles in Texas- don't ride (that doesn't see to be
an option with goldwingers, and especially M'ers), ride very early in the morning to avoid the heat as much as
possible or try to avoid riding during the heat of the day.
We will look at the latter two options as those are the most likely course of action for die-hard riders. If
we can drag ourselves out of bed early on the week-ends, (and David can attest to the fact that that is a
rarity with me since I do that through the week) that is probably the best choice for riding. Irregardless
of the low temperatures experienced in the morning, 6:30-7:30a.m., we're still looking at temps starting out
in the '80s. Even at that time of the morning, hydration is important to you. Having gone all night without
drinking water can leave you mildly dehydrated. And what is the first thing we want in the morning? Coffee
of course, which is a diuretic that reduces your blood volume by excreting liquids from your system. If
you're going to climb on the bike first thing in the morning, try to limit your coffee intake and increase the
water consumption. Yes, you do want a full tank of gas and empty bladder but the latter shouldn't be as
much of an issue when riding in the summer.
As temperatures climb, try to take sips of water as often as possible on your ride. Even when the wind is
hitting you, you are losing moisture through your skin, even if you don't feel that you are. If you wait until
you really feel thirsty before drinking water, you have waited too long and are starting to get dehydrated.
Protecting yourself from sun exposure is important as well. As your skin heats up your blood capillaries
under the skin will dilate to try to cool the skin. Not only can you get sunburned but you lose moisture
through the skin as the capillaries try to cool the surface. They can be easily overcome by the heat and not
able to perform as well as needed so a protective covering is helpful for this purpose as well as to avoid
sunburn. While sun blocks are helpful to avoid sunburn, they are not conducive to cooling your skin, as
perspiration does, as they can block the pores. Sun block may be needed to keep your face from burning but
11
be careful that you wipe it off your hands to keep it off your handle grips. You also don't want it getting in
your eyes while riding, so be careful how you apply it.
Protective coverings should be part of your riding gear in the summer. The white or light gray cotton
sleeves that can be removed are excellent for sun protection and, when soaked in cool or ice water, do a
wonderful job to help to keep you cool. If you carry a small ice chest with you for water, consider putting
ice in a large zip-loc baggie along with some water for soaking your sleeves in. You will be surprised how
much this helps to make you more comfortable on your ride. As the sleeves dry out, you can re-soak them at
your next rest stop. A cooling vest that you can soak in water and wear on your ride is very beneficial as
well. When you do stop, try to get out of the sun.
While we don't necessarily want to stop riding in the summer, serious thought should be given to take precautions
to keep yourself, and your passenger, comfortable and safe in hot weather.
Stop frequently for breaks, drink plenty of water, not cokes or coffee, and protect your skin from sun exposure.
Ride safe and ride cool.
Ginny and David Topley
Chapter Educators
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Thoughts from the District Rally
So I went to my 1st district rally. I had a great time. I tail gunned 4 different rides
(Because members asked me to, even after last months comments from myself on my tailgunning skills). I was much happier with my performance on these rides and I felt good
from the comments I received from the members. The coaching I got from made all the
difference in the world. So as I said before if you have not planned or tail gunned a ride,
try it out we have a great support system in place.
The rally was a new treat for me, seeing that many Gold Wings and “Wingers” in one place
was unreal. I can not imagine what Wing Ding must be like. I took first aid and CPR
classes, I had a blast at some poolside get togethers. I enjoyed a great ride to Killeen
and another great ride around the area. I was shown some great new lakes that I think my
boat and I are going to have to explore. I Enjoyed meeting and talking to different
members of different chapters from Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Kansas and even
Missouri. I even won a $50 gift card at the closing ceremonies. I just had a great time at
the rally. I got to spend time with Motor trike and learned even more about the products
they offer. Since I am having my left knee replaced during the 1st week of June I feel
with 2 replaced knees, I see a trike in my future real soon.
I even had the chance to see what my bike would look like as a trike. They were so many
trikes of different brands; it was like being a kid in a candy store.
I was able to see so many different types of trailers including bike trailers that looked
like they were carrying a small hot rod and another looked like it was carrying a 57 Chevy
and one type of trailer with only one wheel.
I watched as so many of the chapters rooted for they members in some of the
competitions. I saw how much Ken & Barbie Petersen were respected and admired by so
many people at the rally, I watched how happy they were when Chapter “M” welcomed the
back to “M” and presented them with chapter jackets. I might be a little Bias, but even
if we did not win the most awards, I think we had the most fun. (And if we got into any
trouble, I guess we could always blame it on Chapter V2, who has copied our Lime Green)
(Just kidding). To everyone who went, Thanks for a Great Time.
Officers, Staff and Members of “M” you have a lot to be proud of.
Ride Safe & Ride Cool Moonlighters.
Ken Johnson – Ride Coordinator
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Chapter Apparel
Moonlighter T-shirts, polo shirts and vest available
See Craig or Mary Watkins for all your Chapter apparel needs
16
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Wheels 'n Deals
Greetings!
Is it too early to be looking forward to Autumn?
May/June '10
IN THIS ISSUE
Honda's New Street Models
May Specials
It seems like only a few days
What's All The Buzz?
since we had snow on the
QUICK LINKS
ground here in North Texas.
Yet in just over a week, Texas'
public schools will be breaking
for the summer, many of us will
be hitting the roads - in our
cars or on our bikes, standing
in line at airport ticket lines,
the area lakes will resemble
the 1980 Mariel Boatlift and
the air will be filled with the
aroma of grilled hamburgers
Vintage ad for 1964 Honda S90 and hotdogs. Add to the mix an
generates 6.5 hp, 165 mpg and
economy that is on the mend
selling price of $350. What's not to
love?
(despite some recent market
hiccups) and the next three months are shaping up to be the
summer we may have missed out on last year. And yet, many of
us have already begun the countdown to "the crisp days of
Autumn."
Honda is also feeling bullish - they have released nine new
street models to North America for the '10 model year.
These models range from the "back to basics" Shadow RS and
Fury, to the high tech, high performing VFR1200F. Of course,
this is where I take the opportunity to invite you to stop by
DFW Honda and check out these new models for yourself. In
fact, you can contact a DFW Honda sales associate for more
information or to schedule a test ride by using our new chat
client up on DFW Honda's website.
If getting on a new bike or watercraft is still a little out of
reach - or if you prefer to let the first owner "break 'er in",
check out our large selection of pre-owned bikes and
watercraft. As I write this, we have over 50 pre-owned
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bikes priced at under $5000. Visit our online pre-owned
department by clicking here. (By the way, we're always in the
market for trades and buyouts. Contact one of our sales
associates for details.)
In closing, we at DFW Honda want to wish you a Happy
Memorial Day and a safe and relaxing summer for 2010. Enjoy
it while you can - Autumn will be here before you know it!
Ride Safe!
Mark Lamb
President
Aprils Showers Bring May Specials @ DFW Honda
Motorcycle-USA's First Ride of
the 2010 Honda Shadow RS
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Motorcycle.com's 2010 BMW
K1300S vs Honda VFR1200F
Shootout
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