March - TX Chapter C

MARCH 2006
Friends for Fun, Safety & Knowledge
GWRRA
SOUTH CENTRAL REGION H
TEXAS DISTRICT
“C” The
Country
With
Chapter
“C”
Chapter Directors: Robert & Angela Cherry (281)573-2384 rcherry4@houston.rr.com
CHAPTER “C”’s MEETINGS are held on
the 1st Thursday of each month, 7:30 p.m.
at the Cedar Bayou Community Center,
7711 Hwy 146, Baytown, Texas
One mile South of I-10 East
WHAT’S INSIDE
Page 3 - Editor’s Notes
Page 4 - CD Chatter
Page 5 – Word From Our ACD
Page 6 - Rider Ed
Page 7 – Their Sooo Coy
Page 8 – The Chatter Room
Page 10 – New Members
Page 11 – Members Spotlight
Page 12 – Superbowl Party
Page 13 – GW’s Birthday Ride
CHAPTER “C”’s PLANNING MEETING is held
on the 3rd Tuesday of each month, 7:00 p.m.
at Golden Corral, 4610 Garth Rd, Baytown, Tx.
.
ALL RIDES LEAVE FROM THE CRACKER BARREL PARKING
LOT ON I-10 EAST AT GARTH ROAD
(Northeast sector, behind the restaurant)
******************************************************************************************
VISIT CHAPTER C’s WEBSITE FOR THE LATEST ON RIDES
AND EVENTS AT:
www.txchapterc.org
Chapter C Officers & Staff – 2005
Chapter Directors
Robert & Angela Cherry
(281) 573-2384
rcherry4@houston.rr.com
Chapter Treasurer
Shelia Lewis
(281)383-2117
dwlewis@webcomet.com
Asst. Chapter Directors
Buddy & Shirley Ward
(281) 426-2589
wardgl1500@houston.rr.com
Chapter Co-Secretary
Mary Wilkins
(281) 487-2972
marykw@swbell.net
Newsletter Editor
Rick & Sherry Lowe
(281) 471-0150
sherryll5@yahoo.com
Asst. Chapter Directors
Michael & Betty Waddell
(281) 470-9026
iseethru@earthlink.net
Chapter Co-Secretary
Cheryl Morrison
(713) 453-0951
Cheryl@jamdistributing.com
Web Master
Jim McCormack
(281) 422-3198
jaymac1500@earthlink.net
Chapter Educator
Phil & Annette Lockler
(281) 422-9473
phil.lockler@earthlink.net
Blood Bank Coordinator
Dennis Cude
(281) 479-1281
dcude01@sbcglobal.net
Phone Tree Coordinator
Diane DeLoach
goldwingers@netzero.com
281-459-3873
Ride Coordinator
Harold & Dianne DeLoach
goldwingers@netzero.com
281-459-3873
Chapter COY
Jim & Yvonne Benton
(281) 576-5047
Timeforusok@aol.com
Chapter Historian
Diane Huntley
281-421-2115
CharDi53@classicnet.net
TEXAS DISTRICT STAFF – 2005
Sr. District Directors/ Webmaster
Louis (Breeze) & Carolyn Hoadley
(940) 243-5237
breezech@gte.net
Assistant District Directors
Membership Coordinators
Steve & Judy Mueller
(281) 955-7220
stevemueller@houston.rr.com
Dist. Treasurer/Newsletter Editor
Pamela Meyer
(281) 578-8371
wingridr@sbcglobal.net
Texas Dist. 2005-2006 COY
Everett Hunt & Fay Eger
(409) 925-5672
ehunt@swbell.net
Page 2
District Educators
Sam & Anita Belinoski
(281) 469-5755
txed@texasdist.org
Assistant District Directors
Blood Bank Coordinators
Steve & Judy Ferguson
(281) 328-2936
fergwinger@aol.com
District Couple Coordinator
Merlyn & Alyce Hartman
(361) 573-6529
clearwing@cox-internet.com
Asst. District Educators
John & Lydia Bourg
(281) 242-5125
jbourg@omsi.net
Assistant District Directors
District Trainers
John & Bonnie Simonick
(210) 497-0447
GWRRATXTrainer@msn.com
Assistant District Directors
Vendor Coordinators
Ken & Barbie Peterson
(817) 293-4667
kbar2@mindspring.com
Editor’s Notes
Rick & Sherry Lowe
Newsletter Editor
We have received many nice words about the
newsletter and want to thank everyone. But at
the same time wanted you to know we could
not do it without all of you. So we wanted to
thank you as well. That’s right without all of you
there would be no newsletter. The newsletter
is to keep you informed on happenings with
GWRRA, Chapter C and you. You, yes, you
can participate. We would love to have articles
from you about rides with the chapter and even
rides without. Big news in your family? Well
hey, share it with us. We are a family and want
to share in each others lives. Something you
came across that may interest all of us? With
your help we will continue to have a newsletter
that informs and is enjoyed by all.
We have had another great month with lots of
fun. We missed several rides but heard about
them and wished we had been there. We did
make GW’s birthday ride and enjoyed
celebrating with him. We saw old friends and
new. At our February chapter meeting Phil
talked to us about group riding and I sure
learned a few things. Good thing too since we
both expect to be leading our first ride soon. I
have learned all the rules and have even taken
the Road Captain course just leading that first
ride is giving me reason to pause. The idea of
it I suppose.
The Suggestion box has made it’s debut. If
you have a suggestion, idea for a ride, or any
Chapter related Ideas please drop them in the
box. You can be anonymous. Don’t be shy
drop a note and let your voice be heard!
I would like to encourage attendance to the District
Rallies by asking each District to share rides or
places that people coming from out of state or a
different part of the state might enjoy on their way to
or from your rally.
Would you please ask your Chapters if they have a
ride or place of interest to share?
These rides would be highlighted in the May Region
H newsletter. The deadline for this is April 21
2006. Please send the articles to
newsletter@region-h.org.
Thanks for your help with this. I look forward to
seeing you in Marshall!
Lydia Bourg
GWRRA Region H Newsletter Editor
Master # 4646
home: 281.494.7687
office: 281.238.3543
Cell: 832.567.2004
email: lbourg@omsi.net
______________________________________
Hotel info for Region H Rally in Marshall
Fairfield Inn had 2 double queens $73 + tax and
several executive suites at $89.
The good news is that we now have rooms
At our planning meeting we discussed our up
available at the Inn of Jefferson in Jefferson.
coming rally and we still need help. Check the Their room rate is $69.99 + tax with a full hot
chatter room for more info. We have lots of
breakfast. People booking at the Inn of
rallys coming up and we are sure looking
Jefferson will only be about 15 minutes away
forward to attending many of them and hope
from the Civic Center in Marshall. The phone
you are too. As Robert said the more that go the number is 903-665-3983 and ask for
more fun we have. So make plans to join the
Melanie; be sure to ask for the GWRRA rate
fun.
Ride Safe and Have Fun
Rick and Sherry Lowe
Page 3
Don't learn safety rules
by accident.
CD Chatter
Robert & Angela Cherry
2005-2006 Chapter Directors
Here we are again. At the beginning of “Rally Season”. As we have mentioned lately,
there are Chapter rallies, District rallies, Region rallies and don’t forget the BIG ONE,
Wing Ding (GWRRA’s annual International event). Over the last several years, Angela and I
have attended many of these events. I can honestly say that they are all different, but also
very much alike. At first, we thought you just went to the rally, walked around the vendors,
rode around the local country-side, got something to eat and then rode home. Boy were we
wrong. Our moving to Baytown a little over two years ago not only changed where we lived,
but brought us to Chapter C. The folks here were doing things at rallies that we didn’t
know even existed. There are tons of things going on at the bigger rallies. Seminars, games
(both on-bike and off), competitions (both individual and Chapter) and much more. So
Angela and I started participating in some of the other functions and found that we had
missed so much in the early years of our rally travels. We now look forward to going. We
check to see what is available at any one rally and try to schedule some of the seminars, etc.
It’s a GREAT TIME.
SO, let’s get together and attend as many of these rallies as we can. Obviously, we
all can’t make them all. We all bought our bikes for the same reason. To ride and have fun
with people we enjoy sharing a good time with. Although we all do some individual riding, I
think we can all agree that riding with a group of good friends is truly a “blast”.
We have the local Chapter rallies coming up in March and April, the Region H rally in
Marshall, TX (weekend of March 23 – 25), the District rally in Kerrville, TX (weekend of
May 11 – 13) and again don’t forget about Wing Ding in Nashville, TN (the week on July 4 th).
Let’s make plans to enjoy some of these great events together. JOIN IN.
BE SAFE, RIDE SMART.
Your friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge,
Robert & Angela
Page 4
And Now A Word From Our ACD
Assistant Directors
Buddy and Shirley Ward
Wow!! What fun we have had in the first two months of 2006. If this is any indication as
to how the year will be for Chapter C, I’d say we have a lot more fun in store for us. It sure has
been good to see some old faces again and hope we continue to see more return plus all the
new faces that have joined us. We want to encourage those who for one reason or another
have had to miss events to make a special effort to get back with the chapter. We understand
how priorities have a tendency to change, but remember your friends and Chapter C Family,
and why you originally became involved with us. Chances are that we all were looking for the
same thing – people to ride with in a safe and fun environment. While we do have a lot of fun
and interesting rides we also have a lot of special events in which we have a great time of just
being together with others that we share a common denominator with. So, if you have missed
participating in some of C’s happenings, and you know who you are, be sure to know that you
were missed and that you missed a good time.
We had a wonderful time at the Cherry’s house for the Super Bowl Party. Some people
had a better time than others. (It had something to do with the scores of the each quarter.) I kept
listening for my name to be called since I was too busy to keep up with what was going on with
everyone else. I think everyone had a good time and no one went away hungry for sure.
th,
Saturday, the 11 we had our Valentine ride to the Texas Pepper Restaurant. It was cold
and so the most of us opted to go on 4 wheels. Buzz Browning was the only hot blooded one to
ride two wheels. He said it wasn’t all that cold, but the way I figured it from the new Gold Book
the wind chill factor was around -4 F degrees. That’s cold in my book. Anyway, we had a lot of
fun with some games, sharing favorite pet names we call our loved ones, like “Magic Man” or
“Doodlebug” or “Dip Stick” and “Ole’ Fart”. We wrote sweet love poems. Wonder if you could
guess who wrote;
Roses are red, Violets are blue,
we straddled our Gold wing a beautiful blue.
We left on our journey, a fantastic ride,
Just God and me and my motorcycle bride.”
Gary and Connie Williams won “Best dressed with the most hearts” although it was determined
by the restaurant owner that Shirley had more per square inch. (HAHA!)
Harold and Diane DeLoach won “Bravest Hearts” for wearing their heart underwear on the
outside. Gary Williams won for knowing what Connie carry’s in her handbag. Ken DeFoor
analyzed our hand writing and doodles, much to the demise of some of us. The food was out
fast and was great, as was our service. I think everyone had a good time. Some of us had more
than a good time – like a “Chocolate Eruption” which we thought was appropriate since it was
Valentines. Sure was good.
We’ll have so much fun with many upcoming events in the near future. Hope to see you
at all that you can attend. Be thinking of what and where and how you can help with the rally and
volunteer your services to help make it another Chapter success.
Your Friends, for Fun, Safety and Knowledge,
Buddy and Shirley
Page 5
Chapter Rider Education
Phil & Annette Lockler
GWRRA Chapter TX-C
Baytown, Texas
2005 Chapter Educators
Conspicuity
by Robert Vaughan
Conspicuity means more than just making yourself seen--it means making yourself easy to
recognize. Placing a strobe on your helmet will make you visible at night, but it certainly doesn't
make you recognizable. Seeing the two headlights of an oncoming truck doesn't help if you think it
is two motorcycles and try to go between them. Even if you could make yourself look the size of a
tractor trailer truck, it wouldn't be enough. Several studies have proven that reflective markings
make even trailers safer.
To be conspicuous, an object must be recognized without confusion or ambiguity. Every second
counts in avoiding a crash. A few tenths of a second spent deciding the meaning of what is seen
can mean the difference between a close call and a hospital call.
Drivers go through four stages in responding to an object they see:
They detect it.
They identify it.
They make a decision to react.
They act.
Good conspicuity acts to shorten the reaction time in the first three stages.
White reflects five times more light than red but red means danger. It says stop. Red and white
are used for stop signs and railroad crossings. Red also appears brighter to the human eye than it
really is.
Drivers are used to interpreting these colors as something to avoid. Using the same colors at
night on retroreflective tape on helmets or vests when riding a motorcycle will undoubtedly reduce
our chances of being hit by making us both visible and recognizable as a motorcycle.
Copyright © 1996 by Robert Vaughan.
This article may be used if I'm given credit and a copy of the publication.
From your Chapter Educators
Phil & Annette
Ride Safe and Ride Again
Page 6
February 17th
Hi Gang,
Well it's time for the Durable Duo to report
on our latest exploits, here in the shadows of
New Orleans West! (Baytown,Houston,etc.)
We would love to tell you how much fun
we had at our regular meeting. How the time
spent with all of our riding buddies gave us a
lift and kept us mindful how much our friends
make us happy, just knowing there is
someone who loves to ride like we do.
Then there was the Valentine Ride! What a Hoot. The beautiful
weather and what a nice day and ride it was.
We would like to tell you of the good time we had with Chapter Z
promoting our upcoming Rally. A visit we had planned to make for
awhile.....Yes we would!!!!!!!! But the sad truth of all this is it didn't
happen due to illness, personal duties, bad eyes, and a broke rib.
Mama said there would be days like this.......We caught a bunch of
them in Jan. and Feb.
However, we actually did meet last night with Chapter J. in
Beaumont. We did our best to promote our up coming Rally, and
were well received! These folks were hit hard by storm Rita. They
gave us one piece of advice.........That when they (government) tell
you there will be a staged evacuation....Be darn sure you catch the
first stage out of Dodge!....Hoping for good weather...
Ride Safe, Ride often......Jim and Yvonne
Page 7
The Chatter Room
ATTENDANCE AT
CHAPTER MEETING
February 2, 2006
Happy Birthday
March
1
1
6
7
9
11
16
18
29
30
-
Tina Bailey
Glynda Oliver
James Cash
Phil Lockler
Sherry Lowe
Ima McDaniel
Cheryl Morrison
Yvonne Benton
Bill Stecket
Kathy Sailer
Happy Anniversary
1
2
8
16
23
25
-
Joe & Sandy Huntley
Wayne & Stephanie Howser
Charles & Tina Bailey
Larry & Cindy Fiedler
Buddy & Shirley Ward
Bill & Deana Moore
If you don’t find your birthday or
anniversary here, please contact
Mary Wilkins at (281) 487-2972 marykw@swbell.net
If you have an event or need to
send out a group email, you can
contact
Mary Wilkins, (281) 487-2972
or email, marykw@swbell.net
Page 8
We had a good turnout for our February Chapter meeting.
There were 37 members present, and we had 2 visitors:
Billy & Peggy Thacker
112 Private Road 4501
Dayton, TX 77535
936-258-7534
bthacker@hydril.com
Billy visited last month and he brought his wife, Peggy, with
him last night. Chapter C welcomes you both!
We had a good turnout for our planning meeting 2-21.
Thanks to all for being there!
We had 33 members present, and no visitors.
Ride safe,
Jo D4
Leah Eames of chapter "I" is the winner of
this years pin design for the Denim &
Diamonds Rally. A copy of the wining
design is in the Texas District Newsletter
for February.
Thanks to all that entered and next year is
another chance to show your stuff.
Breeze & Carolyn
_________________________________
Our own Shirley Ward received honorable
mention.
The Chatter Room 2
Chapter C’s Luck O' the Irish
Rally will be held On Saturday, March
11. At the planning meeting it was
decided we will all wear green.
Donations are needed for the silent
auction and prizes. The silent auction is
always a success. Please turn your
donations in to Harold or Diane DeLoach
before the Rally. The items do not have
to be bike related. Anything from A to Z.
Gift certificates, candles, ect… Items
Ladies will enjoy as well. Shirley needs
volunteers for the games. Angela has
asked that we all bring desserts in small
baggies for an individual. If we all chip in
there should be plenty. We need you! If
you have not volunteered yet contact
Robert or Angela Cherry. The Rally
starts at 10:00 AM. We need to be there
at 8:AM to set up.
Our March Chapter meeting will be
held at the Community Room at
San Jacinto Mall. Hallway where
Mervyns use to be. The meeting will
be held at 7:00 PM a half hour
earlier than normal. There will be no
refreshments, so eat before you
come.
We are having a Brisket cook off April 7th
and 8th. The proceeds will benefit Ride
For Kids. Please contact Robert Cherry if
you can help. And he needs all the help
he can get!!!
Page 9
Please Continue to remember
Diane DeLoach had surgery on her hand, a
result of it not healing correctly when she
broke it.
Jim Benton took a fall and broke a rib. But
he still rides.
Robert and Angela Cherry suffered the loss
of their beloved pet.
Nancy Norris is doing well after her surgery and has
another scheduled. A note from Nancy:
Hello Everyone! What a fun surprise to receive the
biggest card in my life full of best wishes from old
friends. Surgery went supernaturally well, so much
that we can’t wait for hip #2. By mid-summer Old
Blue will be rolling again 2 up! Your card was a
great reminder that out of site doesn’t necessarily
mean out of mind. Thanks for the reminder friends,
Nancy and Tom
________________________________________
Welcome to our New Members
Please welcome Billy &
Peggy Thacker from
Dayton. They have been
married 8 years celebrating
their union on May 5th.
They both had a Birthday
in February. Peggy’s was
the 15th and Billy’s was the
19th. Happy Belated Birthday to both of you. They have 5
kids and 3 grandkids. One of the many things they enjoy is
spending time with their family. Billy is a Corporate Safety
Manager for Hydril and Peggy is a pharmacy tech at The
Medicine Shop in New Caney. They ride an ‘05 pearl
yellow gold wing. They have enjoyed riding for many
years’ long trips and short. Sometimes enjoying an evening
ride to Galveston to watch the sunset and ride the ferry.
They are active in their church and ride with a group there
as well. In fact they have a trip planned to The Grand
Canyon in June. Peggy enjoys crafts, she makes porcelain
dolls. She loves to bake and specializes in fudge. She
always gets request for it. She also knows sign language.
They both love to eat out while Billy prefers Mexican;
Peggy loves Salt Grass Steak House. Billy found Chapter C
through the internet. Saw GWRRA’s web site, then from
there went to Texas Chapters. They both are happy to join
us and look forward to getting to know all of you.
Page 10
Each month “C” Another Member In The Spot Ligh t
This month, meet Joe & Sandy Huntley
Joe and Sandy are in their second year as members of GWRRA . They have
made so many good friends and just love being a part of Chapter C. Sandy
says there is always something fun going on. For Example the Valentine ride.
Everyone wrote a valentine to their sweetie and read it to the group. She
shared them with me. Sandy wrote “Roses are red, Violets are blue. You
look good on your Gold Wing and I do too”. That’s a great poem Sandy. Joe
wrote “Roses are red, violets are blue. After 40 years I still Love you”. Yes
that’s right, they will be married 40 years on March 1. They both say they
would do it all over gain. There will be a party in their honor given by their
children. They hope you will attend.
Joe is in business for himself owning
2 branches of Tanner Construction.
Joe, at one time, was a Police officer
and was Chief of Police in Seabrook.
They wanted to raise their children
in the country and moved to their
new home in Dayton. They have 2
grown children and 3 grandchildren
8 years and under. They enjoy
camping in their motorhome and
going out to eat. They own 2
goldwings, a 92 Magenta Trike, and
a 2006 black cherry bike.
Page 11
By Mary Wilkins
It didn’t take long for the two sides to be determined – you could easily
identify who was for the Seattle Seahawks and who was for the Pittsburgh
Steelers by the raucous yelling as we arrived for the watching of Super Bowl
XL. Robert and Angela Cherry had, once again, opened their home up to
the “fans,” although, I’m sure, at sometime during the evening they were
questioning their judgment!
We watched the game loudly and intensely in the living room, while Angela
and many of the female attendees, were working diligently on the Chapter
Scrapbook in another room.
Each of us checked our “numbers” as the quarters came to an end….hoping
to be the lucky one. However, when it came close to half-time, there were a
few of us adamant about the crowd being quiet while the Rolling Stones
were performing…..in fact, one person, I won’t name names, yelled “If you
don’t like the Stones –LEAVE THE ROOM!” Okay, it was me, but I was
quickly backed up by Cat Faucheux, and a few other nodding heads.
Unknown to all of us until the next day, Jim & Charlotte Cooper came a
little late & wanted to come in. They said they rang the bell, knocked, and
finally banged on the front door, but to no avail…so they just took
Charlotte’s “delicious Peach Cobbler & went home!” I asked later what she
did with the cobbler –she took it to work and they ate the whole thing!
Oh, yeah, I have not yet mentioned the abundance of good food, snacks &
desserts that everyone brought to the “munch & crunch” event. If you
missed it – you should feel real bad!
We all had a great time – especially Steve Ferguson, Berta Burgess, Cathy
Faucheux, and eventually Joe Huntley. You see, Joe didn’t even know he
had won anything until it was announced at the planning meeting two weeks
later – boy, when Sandy found out she sure hugged his neck real fast.
Hmmmmm how is shopping in Winnie Sandy?!?
Page 12
Brrrrrrrr! The coldest, dreariest week-end of the winter, and it was
Saturday, February 18 th, the birthday of GW Wilkins. Our Trike was at the
doctor’s, so we already knew we would be going on the Birthday Ride to
Friday’s by way of the truck….and we didn’t expect anyone else to be riding
their bike on this cold & dreary day. Actually, we thought that there would
be a real light turn out for the 11:30 AM lunch ride.
When we arrived at the Cracker Barrel, there was
Donnie & Sheila Lewis in their car, and Buddy
Ward alone in his. We asked where Shirley was,
and he said she was shopping. “Is she coming with
us,” we asked. “I don’t know, maybe,” he replied.
About that time Harold & Diane DeLoach arrived,
followed soon by Mac McDaniel - another bachelor
on the ride??? Nope, he had let Ima off at the front door of the CB, and it
wasn’t long before she rounded the corner, hurrying toward our group and to
the shelter of her warm car.
Then came the lone biker - Rick Lowe, on his bright blue steed. Mac walked
over & put his hand on Rick’s forehead to see if he had fever & was sick –
or, as Mac suspected, & quickly decided, that Rick was just plain crazy!
The last of the Mohican’s rolled up about then – it was Robert & Angela
Cherry. Angela got in the truck with me to stay warm while the men
congregated & talked shop. A few minutes of chit chat revealed that Sherry
Lowe would meet us at Friday’s, so GW said, “Let’s Go!” – and we did! He
called Friday’s & let them know we had 14 in our group & we would be
there within the hour (no sight seeing ride today!).
Upon arrival at Friday’s, GW went in like he owned the place ( having
worked there on an extra job for
seven years), cut through the waiting
line, & took us back to our reserved
table.
Before we all sat down, Frank &
Judy Scott joined us – as soon as we
made room for them, Mike & Betty
Waddell and David & Kathy Sailer
came in – add another table waiter!
Page 13
Then shortly, Ray & Suzie Elam and Jim & Yvonne Benton made it. By
then we were re-engineering the seating arrangement. GW & Jim pinned
Yvonne in the corner seat, but later had to move the table so she could make
use of the ladies room.
Speaking of the ladies room – hmmmmm, our
illustrious editor of this newsletter threatened to
edit out all mention of the fact that she
“mistakenly” followed a handsome hunk into the
MEN”S room! Everyone yelled at her as she
walked right in there…and she made some lame
excuse about how she got that far!
We even had “entertainment” at this affair – as Buddy called everyone to
order to listen to an e-mail he had received from Pat Burgess just that
morning. It sounded like a very serious situation as Buddy began to read –
but, knowing Pat, the whole group was anticipating a punch line – sure ‘nuf
– there was one! (Maybe our editor will include the whole reading in a
related article today).
Back to the crowd – by the time we were all seated there were 24 bikeless
wingers there, excluding Rick of course. The food was great – the company
even better!
Oh, yeah, you’re still wandering where
Shirley was? She WAS shopping – but all
the time she was shopping right there in the
Cracker Barrel! She did make it to the car
in time to show Sheila what she bought &
then hop in with Buddy to ride to lunch.
Thanks to all of you for helping GW
celebrate the day! We love you all.
Mary
Page 13 Continued
GW Wilkins found this article in the newspaper & gave it to us for the newsletter. I have always felt fortunate
to live in a country where we are truly free. Can you imagine having to submit a lot of paperwork & pay
several hundred dollars in fees just to take a trip to the casino in Louisiana? Texas is a big state with many
great motorcycle roads, but after time, if this was the only place we could ride, it would start to get a little
smaller.
THE RIDE IS ROUGH IN CHINA
Harley-Davidson plans retail outlet despite cities’ bans on motorcycles
By Ryan Nakashima – Associated Pres
For Ray Ma, freedom on the open road means riding his
Harley-Davidson motorcycle behind two police cars through the
Chinese countryside.
The 53-year-old Hon Kong dental surgeon and members of his
35 bike riding group had to pay $1,290 per bike in escort and
paperwork fees last fall to make their trip to Guilin city a reality.
“We have to follow the rules in the place where they have the
rules,” Ma said.
But Ma said he yearns for the day when he can escape the
cramped city for the Chinese mainland without the hassle.
“We really hope that we can ride through the border like
UNEASY RIDERS: Harley-Davidson
motorcycle enthusiasts pause during a ride
anywhere else, like in the States or Canada or Europe,” Ma Said.
through the streets of Hong Kong. Riders are
“So that we can just plan a weekend trip, three days and two
hoping that China will relax its riding restrictions
nights in China. That is really the best for a Hong Kong rider.”
so they can take weekend trips without paying
For years, iconic motorcycle maker Harley-Davidson has pushed
fees for paperwork & police escorts
hard to find ways to sell its motorcycles in China. Now, the
Milwaukee-based company says it plans to announce before summer that it will open its first retail outlet in the
country since at least World War II.
“Mao said that a thousand-mile journey begins with the first step,” said Timothy Hoelter, Harley-Davidson’s
vice president of government affairs. “I guess we’re taking some baby steps already.”
The company says there are still major hurdles – some 170 Chinese cities limit or ban motorcycle use or
ownership, largely because they are viewed as underpowered, cheap, polluting machines that clog traffic and
endanger others.
After China joined the World Trade Organization in 2001, import restrictions, quotas and tariffs dropped
substantially against foreign motorcycle manufactures, but municipal traffic ordinances have remained, Hoelter
said.
Harley-Davidson estimates small Chinese manufactures build some 17 million motorcycles a year, but most
are small and used in rural area, so they evade many of the limits on Harley-style heavyweight bikes.
Alan Tonelson, a research fellow at the U.S. Business and Industry Council, said all U.S. manufactures still
face formidable barriers to gaining access to the Chinese market.
Also, the company’s products can exceed $20,000 retail, in a country where most Chinese make $1,000 a year.
Page 14
We’re celebrating Joe and Sandy’s 40th Anniversary
By turning back the clock to those wonderful Fifties
By having an old fashioned SOCK HOP.
Guys, roll up your blue jeans, and throw on a shirt,
You gals put on your “bobbies” or a great poodle skirt.
Dressing up will bring back memories and be lots of fun,
But there is so much more, we’ve just begun.
Music by a DJ will get you in that groovin’ mood,
We’ll also have a jumper for the kids and plenty of food.
Cheeseburgers will be served and Root beer floats, too!
Please try to be here; it won’t be the same without you!
You have all shared in the lives of Joe and Sandy,
So please send to me your coolest stories or photos so dandy!
Your fondest memories of the couple please send or bring!
And who knows, we may even get to hear the KING sing.
Aren’t you ready to jump in your ride and cruise by the Soda shop,
As you travel back to the Fifties to celebrate at the Sock Hop?
Then come on over to 29 Enchanted Lane on this fun filled date,
It’s Saturday, March 4th, from five until eight!
Please RSVP at 936-258-7717 to none other than Kristi Leigh;
Don’t forget to mark your calendar; such fun this will be!
Page 15
Wings At Sea
Come join your fellow Gold Wingers
On a fun-filled vacation while supporting
Our favorite charity
If you have questions please contact
Angela Cherry
281-573-2384
MS Conquest
Oct. 8-Oct. 15, 2006
Day 1 Depart Galveston 4:00PM
Day 2 At Sea
Day 3 At Sea
Day 4 Montego Bay, Jamaica 8:00AM-5:30PM
Day 5 Grand Cayman 7:00AM-4:00PM
Day 6 Cozumel 9:30AM-6:00PM
Day 7 At Sea
Day 8 Galveston, TX 8:00AM
Inside: Cat. 4A
Inside: Cat. 4B
Cruise Only
$370.00
Port Chgs & Tax
$195.42
Donation
$ 35.00
Per Person
$ 600.42
Per Cabin
x2= $1,200.84
Oceanview: Cat. 6A Oceanview: Cat. 6B
$420.00
$195.42
$ 35.00
$650.42
x2= $1,300.84
$490.00
$195.42
$ 35.00
$720.42
x2= $1,440.84
$530.00
$195.42
$ 35.00
$760.42
x2=$1,520.84
Deposits $50.00 per person
Tina Terrell/Mr. E’s TravelCell 281-782-2515Email ucruz2@mail.com
www.travelbytina.com
Page 16
GWRRA, REGION, DISTRICT
EVENTS
DATE
EVENT
LOCATION
CONTACT
PHONE
TEXAS DISTRICT EVENTS - 2006
Mar. 4
TX “S” 3rd Armadillo
Roundup
Mar. 11
TX “C” - “Luck of
the Irish” Rally
TX “X2” 7th Annual
Birthday Party
TX “J” Fool’s
Run Rally
TX “O2” 3rd Annual
Mar. 18
Apr. 1
Apr. 29
Heart of Texas Wings Rally
May 11-12
TEXAS
District Rally
Montgomery Community
Center, Montgomery, TX
East Side Honda
Baytown, TX
Eric & Toppy Swain
ejswain@yahoo.com
Robert & Angela Cherry
rcherry4@houston.rr.com
979-826-9463
Bear Creek Park,
Houston, TX
Winnie Community Center
Winnie, TX
Riverside Park,
Brownwood, TX
Inn of the Hills
Kerrville, TX
Jim & Fran Rigell
jrigell@sbcglobal.net
Gary & Glenda Wagner
gwagner@gt.rr.com
Dave & Jean Simmons
713-983-0696
Breeze Hoadley
breezech@gte.net
940-243-5237
Cliff & Donna Miller
hdirector@region-h.org
Jere & Maurine Pyburn
goldwing98@jam.rr.com
Dale Wingrove
405- 949-1748
281-573-2384
409-769-4328
325-382-4469
REGION “H” EVENTS – 2006
Mar. 23-25
Apr. 6-8
May 18-30
Jun. 16-17
Sep. 23 -25
REGION “H”
Rally
Louisiana
District Rally
Arkansas
District Rally
Oklahoma
District Rally
Kansas
District Rally
Civic Center Complex
Marshall, TX
Hotel Acadiana,
Lafayette, LA
Velda Rose Resort Hotel
Hot Springs, AR
Payne Co. Expo Center
Stillwater, Oklahoma
WinfieldFairgrounds
Winfield, Kansas
318- 387-1741
870-845-0025
arkansasgwrra.homestead.com
Rick & Robin Greninger
rag101353@aol.com
John & Paula Crow
minuteofglory@yahoo.com
918-272-9055
GWRRA
www.gwrra.org
800-843-9460
785-828-4801
GWRRA EVENTS – 2006
July 3-6
Page 17
WING DING XXVIII Gaylord Opryland Resort
(28)
Nashville, TN
Texas Chapter C, Baytown, Texas
Luck of the Irish Rally
Saturday
March 11, 2006
BIKE SHOW
$5.00 entrance fee
10:00 am till 2:00 pm
at Eastside Honda
1-10 East—Baytown
2 mi. east of Hwy 146
(281) 385-0700
FOOD
Registration
GAMES
$12/person GWRRA members
$15/person Non-GWRRA member
(includes meal)
SILENT
AUCTION
For more information:
Robert &contact:
Angela Cherry
(281) 573-2384
rcherry4@houston.rr.com
BLOOD
DRIVE
Texas WingFest-2006 District Rally
Hill Country Reunion
Denim & Diamonds
Kerrville, TX – May 11, 12 & 13
Registration Form
Rally pins to first 500 pre-registered
After May 1st-Register at Rally
All pre-registrations must be postmarked by May 1, 2006
GWRRA
Members
$25.00
Non-GWRRA
Members
$30.00
On-Site
Registration
Add $5.00
Day Passes
On-Site
$15.00
Children under 12 free with registered adult.
GWRRA Membership Cards Will Be Checked
Rider: ________________________________________________________________________________________
GWRRA #: ________________________ Exp: _____________________ Age: __________
Co-Rider/Second Rider: ______________________________________________________________________
GWRRA #: ________________________ Exp: _____________________ Age: ___________
Add’l Participants & Ages: ____________________________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________________________________________
City: ___________________________ State: ____ Zip: __________ Email______________________________
Phone: (_____)___________________District/Chapter: __________________Direct Miles: ___________
Check Applicable Boxes:
RIDER/MALE
RIDER/FEMALE
CO-RIDER
Pre-Registered ONLY will be available to win prizes for Longest Distance Male Rider, Longest Distance Female Rider, 2 Up,
Oldest & Youngest Male & Female Riders, Largest Pre-Registered Texas Chapter & 1st Pre-Registered.
Level IV Breakfast (Master Tour Riders/Co-Riders) # of meals ________ Sign-in At Rider Education Booth.
Escorted Parade to the Downtown “STAR”
An escorted parade to the ‘Star’ will include a people’s choice Bike Show, music courtesy of ‘The Music Man’
Don Price, Light Show, Food Vendors and “Dancing on the Star”. The city of Kerrville is invited to join us in
all the activities with our “Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge”
Waiver: I/we agree to hold harmless the GWRRA, the Co-sponsoring Organizations, City of Kerrville, Inn of the Hills and any
other property owners for any loss or injury to self or property in which I/We may become involved by reason of participation
in this event.
Rider Signature: ______________________________________________________________ Date_____________
Co/Second Rider Signature: _____________________________________________________ Date_____________
Mail Payment & Pre Registration Form To:
Pamela Meyer, Texas District Treasurer
20906 Auburn Trace Ct
Katy, TX. 77450
MARCH 2006
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
1
Thu
2
Fri
3
Sat
4
Gator Ride
Chapter “C”
Meeting Community
Room San
Jacinto Mall
7:00 PM
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Chapter“C’s”
Luck of the
Irish Rally
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
TX-X2
Rally at
Bear Creek
Park
19
26
20
27
21
Chapter “C”
Planning
Meeting
28
22
23
24
Region H Rally
Catch The “H” Train
29
30
31
25
Marshall,
Texas
APRIL 2006
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
Tx J’s
Fools Run
Rally
Winnie, Tx
2
3
4
5
6
7
Chapter
“C”
Meeting
8
Brisket
Cook
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
28
29
Easter
23
30
Ride for
Kids
Chapter
“C”
Planning
Meeting
24
25
26
27
WE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS !
Pasadena Honda
(713) 941-5920
www.pasadenahonda.com
Eastside Honda
(281) 385-0700
www.eastsidehonda.com
Northwest Honda
(281) 447-3476
www.lunsfordshonda.com
Honda of Houston
(713) 476-2426
www.hondaofhouston.com
Galveston Honda
(409) 938-4820 or 1-800-342-7151
http://galvestonhonda.hondamcdealers.com
WingToys
(866) 489-TOYS (8697)
www.wingtoys.com
Houston Trikes & Trailers
(281) 488-3686
www.houstontrikesandtrailers.com
Baytown Accessories
(281) 383-3738
www.inb.net/BAYTOWN/
Kowboy Korner
Crazee Wear
(214) 579-8222
www.kowboykorner.com