Goldwing Road Riders Association Region H, Oklahoma District
Transcription
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 Webmaster@gwrra-ncredibles.org • 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 atchris.cord@me.com. 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 dwightmcbride@juno.comif 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