April - N2

Transcription

April - N2

The N2 Buzz
April 2015
Gold Wing Road Riders Association
FRIENDS FOR FUN, SAFETY, AND KNOWLEDGE
Texas District South Central Region H
Chapter N2
Humble, Texas
Monthly Gatherings - 4th Saturday, 6:00 p.m.
American Legion Hall
307 Charles Street, Humble TX 77338
2015
Chapter N2 - Humble, TX
Page 2
INSIDE THIS ISSUE...
Monthly Meeting/Ride Location Map
Chapter N-2 Staff
Birthdays and Anniversaries
Texas District Staff
Dates to Remember
News from the Chapter Directors
News from the Assistant Chapter Directors
News from the Chapter Educator
MEC Spotlight
News from the Chapter Events Coordinator
Kudos
News from the Camping Coordinators
Get Well Wishes
Social Dinner Schedule
George’s Words of Wisdom
March Participation Report
This & That
Calendars
Region H Chapter Challenge
Meet us at the Hobo Hop in Marshall, TX
Texas District Rally
Let’s Get Ready to Rally!
Temple of Goldwingers
By the Book
Members Business Cards
2015
Page 3
Chapter N2 Staff - 2015 (www.gwrra-n2-humbletx.com)
Asst. Chapter Dir.
George & Linda Stich
Chapter Directors
Randy & Sharon Rainwater
281-360-4577 / 281-794-1909
281-812-0997 / 832-264-2005
rrainwater@embarqmail.com /
sharon.k_rainwtr@yahoo.com
dutch2046@yahoo.com /
nitzy115@yahoo.com
Chapter Educator/MAD Coord.
Kenny Shults
281-642-4619
Treasurer
Robin Smith
832-434-2991
rfsmith1962@gmail.com
Newsletter Editor
Sharon Rainwater
281-360-4577
sharon.k_rainwtr@yahoo.com
Ways N Means
Randy Rainwater
281-360-4577
rrainwater@embarqmail.com
Scrapbook Coordinator
Karen Frazier
281-615-1365
frazier21784@gmail.com
MEC
Steve & Linda Seligman
Camping Coordinators
Rex & Ann Nix
713-231-4604
rexnix@hotmail.com
Chapter N2 Email Address
humblechaptern2@gmail.com
Events Coordinator
Billie Fleming
832-630-2293
bfleming5200@yahoo.com
Website
www.gwrra-n2-humbletx.com
2015 Couple of the Year
713-305-0225 / 281-844-6207
swselig@gmail.com
lsselig@gmail.com
Web Master
Brad Rodger
281-687-3267
bradrodger@comcast.net
April 2015
Birthdays
May 2015
Birthdays
Steve Seligman
4/20
Ann Nix
5/24
Jim Flournoy
4/24
Jerry Barnett
5/27
Wedding Anniversaries
Wedding Anniversaries
David & Cathy Southwell
4/24
GWRRA Anniversaries
GWRRA Anniversaries
4/2003
Steve & Linda Seligman
4/2005
Jim & Lynn Flournoy
4/1989
Paul & Mari Rich
4/1998
Adrian Summers
4/2011
Mike & Robin Thacker 4/2004
Marty & Donna Uphoff 4/2012
2015
Page 4
Texas District Staff - (Texas District Website - www.gwrra-tx.org)
District Directors
Mike & Robin Thacker
281-686-8892
TxDD@gwrra-tx.org
Assistant District Directors
Tom & Dawn Sprague
858-755-6071
TxADD2@gwrra-tx-org
District Rider Educators
Lynn & Cindy Harris
386-846-8521
TxED@gwrra-tx.org
Couple of the Year 2014/2015
Cliff & Gillian Allen
972-207-7557
TxCOY@gwrra-tx.org
Membership Enhancement Coord.
Steve & Donna VanGlider
210-391-9495
TxMEC@gwrra-tx.org
Vendor Coordinator
Kenny Shults
281-642-4619
TxVC@gwrra-tx.org
Newsletter Editor
Tom Sprague
858-755-6071
NLE@gwrra-tx.org
Chapter of the Year Coord.
Robin Thacker
281-687-8548
CHOY@gwrra-tx.org
District Treasurer
Diane Shults
713-562-3994
TxTreasurer@gwrra-tx.org
Webmaster
Tom Sprague
858-755-6071
Webmaster@gwrra-tx.org
District Leadership Trainers
Cliff & Gillian Allen
214-886-5798
TxTrainer@gwrra-tx.org
Couple of the Year Coord.
Steve & Donna VanGilder
210-391-9495
TxCOY@gwrra-tx.org
DATES TO REMEMBER...
2015
4/16-18
4/30-5/2
5/9
5/14-16
5/21-23
6/17-20
6/18-20
7/16-18
9/3-6
9/17-19
10/15-17
Region H Rally, Marshall, TX
TX District Rally, Temple, TX
Chapter TX-J’s Rally, Beaumont, TX
Alabama District Rally, Eufaula, AL
Arkansas District Rally, Harrision, AR
Reno Rendezvous, Grand Sierra Resort, Reno, NV
GWRRA Georgia Gold Wing Dynasty, Dillard, GA
South Carolina 31st Annual District Rally, Anderson, SC
Wing Ding 37, Huntsville, AL
Kansas District Rally, Park City (Wichita), KS
Oklahoma District Rally, Sequoyah State Park, Wagoner, OK
Entertainment Coordinator
Kenny Shults
281-642-4619
Entertainment@gwrra-tx.org
2015
Page 5
NEWS FROM THE CHAPTER DIRECTORS
first experience of riding with Chapter N2. The
monthly Social Dinner was at El Ranchero and was
well attended. We had several attending the Florida
and Louisiana District Rallys. I understand that the
Uphoffs upgraded their bus while in Florida, so you
will have to ask them about the details. After our
Monthly Gathering we shared a potluck dinner with a
St. Patrick’s theme and everything was great.
Welcome to April 2015. We had great fun in March
2015 with all of the planned and unplanned events.
You were missed if you couldn’t attend the events,
but we look forward to seeing each of you at our upcoming events.
Breakfast at Luby’s was our first event for March
2015. Everyone that went felt that it was worth keeping on the breakfast rotation list.
Fourteen Chapter N2 members drove to Baytown to
invade Chapter C’s Monthly Gathering. We all had a
great time visiting with the Chapter C members and
left one of our Humble Bumble Bees as a reminder of
our visit.
We received news from Linda Stich that the doctors
thought that George had suffered a stroke after returning from the Florida District Convention. After a
short stay at Hermann Memorial Hospital in Humble,
the doctors ruled out a stroke, but found several
masses on the right side of George’s brain. George
will be going to Hermann Memorial Hospital in the
Medical Center for further testing and a biopsy. We
ask that everyone keep George, Linda, and their family in your thoughts and prayers as they work their
way through these steps.
You Chapter Staff is continually looking for ways to
improve Chapter Life and to bring in other Chapter
Members. If you have ideas that might help, please
contact anyone on your Chapter Staff with ideas or
bring them up and any of our events or meetings.
The more ideas that we have the better it gets for everyone.
Remember “Bee seen in 2015.”
We had four members on three trikes from Chapter
N2, two trikes from Chapter C, and one trike from
Chapter J to take the Trike Rider Course. On the
same day we had three bikes for the No-Meal Ride
that turned into a meal ride at Phil’s in Montgomery.
Steve Seligman and I were riding, when I went down
due to gravel in the turn off from Hwy. 105 and Hwy.
390 between Navasota and Brenham. Needless to
say that ended the day of riding for me, but Steve
stayed around until someone picked up my bike to
transport it to my house and Sharon and my daughter
brought us a picnic lunch. I ended up with a broken
left arm and the bike was totaled. But, I was happy
to be able to walk away with only that injury.
To round out March, Steve Seligman lead the ride to
the Pickett House for lunch and you will need to meet
David & Karen Huggins and ask them about their
Please send your articles, pictures, recipes, etc.
to Sharon Rainwater. Let’s make this newsletter a group effort and the “best” one around!
2015
Page 6
NEWS FROM THE ASSISTANT CHAPTER DIRECTORS
some unique gifts available and we brought some home.
The pecan pie cheesecake was ~AWESOME~. If you
have the chance stop in Robertsdale, Al off I-10 West at
Exit 53. It was a great travel diversion. It rained some
more in Tallahassee where we stayed for the night.
FLORIDA BOUND & DERAILED
We awoke to rain on the 18th of March and based on current weather from here to Florida we would encounter rain
4 days out of 6, so we elected to take the car, bummer. To
our disappointment the weather cleared in Beaumont and
rained lightly in Orange and Lake Charles, so much for
the weather predictions!
The trip was uneventful until we stopped at a Tourist Information Center in Alabama. The Oasis Travel Center
brochure caught my eye because it was the home of THE
DERAILED DINER. It was a unique experience and the
food was great too! The dining car was detailed from the
1920’s period.
Each dining table had a glassencased memory
box of railroadin’ history
which kept you
entertained
while
waiting
for your meal.
Or you could eat
off the back of a
tailgate or sit at
the lunch counter with a school
bus as a backdrop. Each bar
stool was different, however, I couldn’t see all of them
because I didn’t want the other patrons thinking I was
checking out their butts!!! Chose a saddle, motorcycle
seat, or bucket seats to name a few and enjoy the experience. You could shop in the Western Store, Toy Shop,
Sweet Shop, or browse around the pirate ship. There were
We drove into Kissimmee the next day and found our
room wasn’t ready, so we joined the Thackers and Flemings for a seminar on Smart Moves. We all accepted an
invitation to join the Couple of the Year Social. We enjoyed a delicious meal of baked chicken, scalloped potatoes, corn, salad and a roll that evening for opening ceremonies. George and I left early to hopefully get a room
and missed the costume contest. I rejoined Robin and Billie later for Bingo. Billie was a $60 big winner. We met a
couple that had moved from New Caney many years ago.
On Friday, we played the indoor games, visited the vendors, went to the ice cream social, and had a delightful
time watching the talent show. There was a beauty contest (men dressed as ladies), exceptional singing, a production of Mt. Rushmore, comedians and many more patriotic skits. It was an enjoyable evening. The Uphoffs
and George and I ate at Pizza Hut inside the hotel, which
was good also. We saw the last run of the bike show after
dinner.
On Saturday we had a good breakfast, played more indoor
games, watched the Couple of the Year selection, and
played Bingo again. Unfortunately, none of us won the
Couple of the Year Baskets. I won a wooden bowl crafted
by Nate and a hand embroidered picture of Jesus with
frame, both crafted by Corky and Ron at AL-G at the Rider Ed/MAD prize give away. Since all of us were newbie’s to the Florida rally, we received “Explorer” ribbons.
At closing ceremonies, George won a gift card for attending the rally as an Explorer. Alas, none of us came home
with the new Goldwing given away. We were all winners
with the Indoor Game Prizes; 3 battery chargers/engine
starter, 2 picnic utensil baskets, free massage, drill with
flashlight, angle grinder, decals, mugs, socket set, screwdriver set, patio lights, pool toys, and so much more. The
rally was attended by the Flemings, Thackers, Uphoffs
and Stichs from Chapter N2 with Alonzo Brown, Dale and
Carleen Garrett, and Jim and Alvalin Woodul from Chapter T. Texas was IN THE HOUSE! It was a great weekend and a wonderful trip. Hopefully, I didn’t leave out
anyone. Be Safe!
2015
Page 7
NEWS FROM THE CHAPTER EDUCATOR
Kenny Shults
hazards, like small rocks, bugs, and cigarette butts, that
people in cars are protected from. At 60 miles per hour,
even a small rock can sting. Leather gear can help protect
you.
Of course, you don’t have to look like a reject from “Easy
Rider” to ride a motorcycle. A lot of companies specialize
in armored motorcycle gear, and it’s not all leather. You
can get vented motorcycle jackets that keep you cool
while keeping you safe. These jackets are made of lightweight, breathable material, but have heavy-duty amour
panels in key places (along the spine, torso, shoulders and
elbows) to protect the wearer.
8: Protect Your Feet
Hi everyone,
As I looked around on the internet for a subject to talk
about in this month’s newsletter, I come across these ten
safety tips and they hit home with me. So I decided to
just share them with you.
10: Take a Motorcycle Safety Course
In most states, if you’re going to get a motorcycle license,
you need to take a skills test. In many states, you also
have to take a motorcycle safety class – think of it as driver’s education on two wheels. Even if your state doesn’t
require you to take a motorcycle safety course, you
should. The class will teach you about the traffic safety
laws that apply to motorcycles in your state, how to respond to emergency situations on a motorcycle, and give
you a chance to try out your new skills in a controlled environment. The instructors will also give you tips about
motorcycle maintenance and how to avoid unsafe situations. After all, the time to learn how to recover from a
skid on a bike is not when you go into one for the first
time. Taking a motorcycle safety course prepares you to
hit the road safely and with more confidence.
9: Get the Right Gear
We’ve all seen people on motorcycles in shorts and flip
flops. Those people are not being safe. Since a motorcycle offers little protection in a crash, what riders wear is
part of the crash protection system. Even if you aren’t in
a crash with another vehicle on your bike, you could
simply lose control and lay the bike down. In that situation, you’ll be sliding along on asphalt. That’s not something you want to do in shorts.
There’s a reason a lot of bikers wear leather: it’s strong
enough to protect their skin if they slide along the road
surface. Plus, motorcycle riders are exposed to other road
The right shoes are also important to riding safely. To
shift gears on a bike, you lift up with your toes – so opentoed shoes can become painful fast. Plus, when you’re
riding a bike, you’re sitting on the engine and exhaust system, which get hot. It’s easy to burn your feet. Not only
do open-toed shoes like flip-flops expose your feet while
on a bike, they can slip off, causing a dangerous situation.
When riding a motorcycle, you want sturdy shoes. Those
shoes are the only protection your feet will have. Look
for something with a rugged sole. When you’re at a stop
and using your feet to balance, the last thing you want to
do is slip and drop your bike. Motorcycle shoes should
also have sturdy ankle supports and a low heel. Look for
shoes or boots in a durable material, like leather, for better
protection.
7: Ride With in Your Skills
Riding a motorcycle is a skill, and like all skills, it’s something that you need to develop. While you may be fine to
go on an easy cruise around town, it takes time to grow
the skills you need to be an expert rider. To stay safe,
make sure that you always ride within your skill level.
Your friends who have been riding longer may be able to
go fast, weave in and out of traffic, or control their bikes
on curvy roads, but that doesn’t mean you should. Take
the time to build your skills and only ride in situations
where you know your skills are up to the job.
Of course, you should still challenge yourself — that’s
how your skills grow — but you need to do it in a safe,
controlled way. This is why GWRRA suggest advanced
riding courses where you can practice more advanced maneuvers. These schools are not only fun, but they help
you safely build your skills so that you’re safer on the
road.
2015
Page 8
(News from the Chapter Educator, cont.)
6: Avoid Distraction
3: Educate Your Passengers
We all know distracted driving is a bad idea, but it’s
worse when you’re riding a bike. One of the keys to staying safe on a motorcycle is staying hyper-aware of everything that’s going on around you. Remember, motorcycles are tough for drivers to see – especially drivers in
large cars or SUVs. You need to see and avoid them, rather than bet on them seeing you. In addition to the risk
of distraction, taking your hands off your bike lessens
your control more than taking your hands off the wheel of
your car. Not only is steering compromised, but so is
braking, accelerating and shifting. It’s just a bad idea.
Part of the fun of having a bike is having someone on the
back. Having a passenger with their arms around you as
you cruise the open road can be quite romantic. But your
passenger has a part to play in keeping both of you safe.
If you’re on a bike, remove all temptation for distraction.
Don’t wear headphones, and put your phone where you
can’t get to it.
5: Leave Enough Space
One of the biggest mistakes drivers and motorcycle riders
make is not leaving enough stopping distance for bikes.
While it’s true that since bikes are smaller and lighter than
cars, they need less space to stop and maneuver, they still
need more than you might think.
Anti-lock brakes are still relatively new on many bikes,
and older models don’t have them. That means that bikers
can’t just slam on the brakes like a driver could. Their
wheels would lock up, they’d lose control, the bike would
drop and they’d go for an asphalt slide. Practice stops on
your bike in a safe environment and know how much
space you need. Then, make sure you give yourself that
much space in traffic. Leave a generous following distance between your bike and the vehicle in front of you,
and try to keep an escape route open to the side (onto the
road shoulder, for example) if you can’t stop in time.
4: Watch the Weather
Because they aren’t as stable as cars, riding a bike in the
rain is much riskier than driving a car. With only two
wheels, you have half the traction of a car. Plus, without
windshield wipers, your visibility is compromised. Finally, riding through the driving rain can hurt.
When you’re preparing to go for a ride, check the weather. If heavy rain, snow or ice is predicted, leave the bike
at home. If you absolutely must ride in the rain, don’t ride
right after the storm starts. When rain first hits the road, it
brings up oil and other residue, making the road extremely
slippery. If you wait a while, the rain will wash away the
oil and slick stuff it brought up. Give the rain time to
clear the road for you. Then, when you’re on your way, be
extra cautious. Go slowly, leave plenty of space for stopping, and if the weather gets worse, stop and wait it out.
Make sure anyone you carry on your bike has the right
gear. Like you, they should wear sturdy shoes and protective clothes. You should also practice having a passenger, especially if they’re bigger than you, in a safe
place, like a parking lot. That will get you used to having
the extra weight on the bike and the passenger used to
how the bike feels, and how they need to move with you
in various maneuvers. Make sure your passenger knows
not to distract you, and what things like stopping and
turning on a bike feel like, so they won’t panic. If you’re
carrying a young child, check the laws of your state. In
many states, you need to be over a certain age to ride on
the back of a motorcycle.
2: Look Twice
This tip is more for drivers than bikers, but it’s so important that it’s worth mentioning here: Look for motorcycles. Motorcycles are small and tough to see. That
means many drivers miss them, causing collisions that are
often fatal to the motorcycle rider.
Keep your eyes and ears open for motorcycles. Lots of
bikes have loud exhaust systems specifically to draw
drivers’ attention. Use that to your advantage. But you
still need to look out for quiet bikes. Look twice before
changing lanes, and always check your blind spot. A
bike may be there. Also, before pulling into traffic, look
for motorcycles. They’re harder to spot than cars, but
taking an extra second to look could save someone’s life.
For riders, look twice is still a good rule to follow. Never
assume that a driver sees you. Ride defensively and take
responsibility for staying safe around cars.
1: Wear a Helmet
The most important thing you can do to stay safe on a
motorcycle is wear a helmet. Helmets protect your head,
and head injuries are the leading cause of death for motorcycle riders. Your brain just wasn’t meant to be exposed.
Of course, wearing a helmet isn’t enough. You need to
wear the right helmet. Lots of places sell novelty helmets
that look good but don’t protect you. Look for a Department of Transportation-approved helmet. Those helmets
have been tested and provide a minimum standard of protection.
2015
Page 9
(News from the Chapter Educator, cont.)
Make sure your helmet fits properly. It shouldn’t be too tight or too loose. It shouldn’t obstruct your vision, but it
should cover most of your head. For more protection, opt for a full-face helmet with protection all the way around. A
simple windshield can at least protect your face from bugs, rocks and rain, but a full-face helmet will have a piece that
goes around your chin, so your face won’t make contact with the road.
Even if you ignore every other motorcycle safety tip, wear a helmet!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Come this summer, the Rainwaters will be wearing a jacket along with a helmet, boots, and
gloves. The proper equipment DOES make a
difference!
2015
MEC SPOTLIGHT
Steve & Linda Seligman, (Membership Enhancement Coordinators)
Master Tour Riders 6748 & 6747
Remember - come out and have fun with us!
Remember - MECs rock!!!
In March, when our chapter visited Chapter C’s meeting,
Carolyn and Gene Tice talked about how all GWRRA
members are ambassadors for GWRRA. An ambassador
is defined as an authorized representative or messenger. The more I thought about this term Linda and I both
feel Carolyn and Gene are correct – we are all ambassadors of GWRRA. Now that spring has officially arrived,
it is time to dust off our bikes and get out riding. We are
also preparing and attending the numerous rallies around
the GWRRA country, our monthly rides through the countryside, to restaurants and to the rallies gives us a great
opportunity to teach the community about GWRRA. It is
very rare that when we stop for gas or a meal, that someone does not ask us about our bikes or what do the initials
GWRRA mean. So, of course, being proud of our bikes
and GWRRA we have a great opportunity to be GWRRA
ambassadors – to represent and tell everyone about GWRRA and our love of riding.
Another was we are ambassadors of GWRRA is the way
we treat fellow members. A great example of this was
from our ride to Pickett House. I was lucky enough to be
the lead for this ride. During the ride new chapter members, David and Karen Huggins, had an issue with their
bike tire. After a few miles the tire was no longer safe to
ride on, so we parked the bike in a parking lot. Jim and
Lynn Flournoy decided to ride home and bring back to
David and Karen a tire on a rim. During the wait for Jim
and Lynn, Steve Fleming and I waited with the Huggins. It was a beautify day to relax and enjoy the weather. This type of support for another GWRRA member
shows what ambassadors we are and send the message the
GWRRA is a family.
So, thank you Carolyn and Gene for introducing the
thought to us that we are all GWRRA ambassadors. Let’s
keep up the good work!!!
Page 10
2015
Page11
NEWS FROM THE CHAPTER EVENTS COORDINATOR
Billie Fleming
BLUEBONNET LOVE
As the first hints of spring appear, the question on every good Texan’s mind is
“When will the bluebonnets bloom?” In a typical bluebonnet season, Texas Bluebonnets will bloom in the southern parts first. Places like Brenham, Houston, and
San Antonio will start lighting up with bluebonnets.
Did you know there is a Bluebonnet Triangle? The majority of bluebonnets grow in
this area. Okay, it’s not really a true triangle as it is more like a triangle with a hump
on its side. Imagine Houston, San Antonio, and the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex as the corners, throw the
Texas Hill Country in as the hump, and you got the picture.
While Texas Bluebonnets bloom throughout the Bluebonnet Triangle, there are a few choice places in the state
known for being Bluebonnet Hotspots. Fortunately they’ve spread themselves far and wide within the Bluebonnet Triangle; this sounds like a great road trip.
Here are a couple of Bluebonnet Hotspots that makes an easy day trip for taking in fresh air, warm sunshine,
and Texas Bluebonnets. Washington County known as the birthplace of Texas Independence, not only oozes
with history but bursts at the seams with Texas Bluebonnets. With expansive pasture lands and gently sloping
hills, Washington County is home to the small, but quaint, towns of Brenham, Chappell Hill, and Independence, as well as Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park. These areas abound with bluebonnets during a typical
bluebonnet season.
The Texas Hill Country is a great way to spend a weekend cruising back roads lined with Texas Bluebonnets,
pink granite boulders, and Prickly Pear Cactus. Here bluebonnets don’t typically spread into the adjacent
fields and pastures; instead they line the roads like beacons marking a path to your next Texas back road adventure.
Well, we all know the 3 B’s that makes Texas our favorite place to “BEE”; Brisket, Blue Bell Ice Cream, and
Bluebonnets.
(Information from article by Perri Angela Wickham)
Kudos to..
Ricky Frazier, Steve & Judy Ferguson, Randy & Sharon Rainwater,
Linda Stich, and a member of Chapter J - for participating in the
Trike Course; and also to the instructors, Max, Lynn, and John and
to Ricky & Karen Frazier for hosting the seminar and feeding us
lunch; a special thank you to First Baptist in Porter and (the Stichs) for the use of the church parking lot
2015
Page 12
NEWS FROM THE CAMPING COORDINATORS
Rex & Ann Nix
CAMPING IN 2015
Camping for this year will be sporadic, for several reasons. We have several people that enjoy camping either
dealing with prior commitments, or like myself, on the
mend from medical issues. The later has a tendency to
make it somewhat difficult to do all the setup and assorted
physical things involved with this particular sport. Even
though going camping may involve a lot of relaxation, the
more the better as far as I am concerned, it also involves a
lot of physical involvement.
So, for this year, we have in the planning process at least
two trips at this time. The first trip currently on the planning table is going to the Arkansas area and staying at the
Petit Jean State Park on May 23rd through the 30th. The
plan on the first day is to get to the park and set up. There
will be several day rides to various areas around the park
and beyond. We may ride as little at 100 miles a day, or
quite a bit more depending on what we decide to do on a
particular day. Besides the seemingly never ending motorcycle roads in the area, there are other museums, parks,
waterfalls, and many other things to do and see. The area
is a big draw for motorcycle enthusiast; Arkansas openly
invites riders of all motorcycles to their area. If you are
interested in this event, please contact Randy Rainwater.
The next trip on the planning schedule at this time is our
annual Thanksgiving Family Campout. Normally this is
held at Wolf Creek Park north of Coldspring, Texas on
Lake Livingston. This started out as a family event for
the Nixs and their family, as time went on they started
inviting friends to join the fun. At last year’s event, there
were 50 plus attendees, using 8 different camping spots,
staying in everything from motor coaches to tents and
nearly everything in between. We had people from four
or more different chapters, children, grandchildren and
great grandchildren with several families. We ended up
having movies after dark, cooking Ho Bo stew, there was
food for everyone, walks all over the park, campfires,
s’mores cooked every way from here to Sunday. Stay
tuned for this event, it will be held Nov 26 - 29 and at this
time, it looks like we can use the park. If you are interested, please let Rex know so we can keep a tally of the folks
that would like to join us.
I also know there have been several attempts to check out
the area around Lake Summerville this year, knowing that
many campgrounds have been looked at and more are still
planned to be inspected. We like shade, clean bath houses, restrooms close by, and lots of room to spread out and
relax. More details will be offered as they become available.
Finally, I am looking to put a trip together going to Colorado. It will be at least a one week event. There is nearly
anything you can think of to do there with roads perfect
for our sport of pleasure. Typically I like to go between
Sept 1st and 15th for several reasons. Mostly because the
kids are back in school and traffic is a lot lower as well as
this is the last of the good weather in the area. Anyone
that does not desire to camp will almost always have a
hotel nearby. There are no details for this event so far,
just thinking and pondering.
If you have a camping event you would like to put on, let
the chapter know. We aren’t picky, in the back yard or at
the park. I offered our back yard for an unofficial overnighter, but I found out last week that it holds a lot of water after several days of rain. I know we can put 3 campers back there with electricity. Just saying, maybe you
need to test some equipment. Your back yard may be the
best place to start. At least you know if a storm blows in,
you have a dry place to go. All things said, keep the mattresses dry, the sheets clean, the bugs outside, more than
one way to start a fire, and the mosquito spray handy.
Happy camping.
GET WELL WISHES GO OUT TO…
Rex Nix
Randy “Crash II” Rainwater
Sharon “Crash” Rainwater
Paul Rich
George Stich
2015
CHAPTER N2 MONTHLY
WEDNESDAY NIGHT SOCIAL DINNER
6:30 p.m.
APR
Wed., April 15 - (Humble City Café - 200 E. Main 77338 - 281-319-0200)
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Robin Smith
Gary & Marie Rabalais
Steve & Billie Fleming
Jerry Barnett
Renzo & Donita Nardi
Rex & Ann Nix
Marty & Donna Uphoff
Alternates: Jim & Lynn Flournoy, Ricky & Karen Frazier, and Bubba & Carolyn Tice
George’s Words of Wisdom…
By George Stich
A smart man will give you a smart answer,
but a wise man will ask you a smart question.
March 2015
RIDE/EVENT PARTICIPATION REPORT
DATE
03/01/15
03/05/15
03/07/15
03/07/15
03/13/15
03/14/15
03/18/15
03/21/15
03/22/15
03/29/15
EVENT
#OF BIKES
Breakfast @ Luby’s
Bee Invasion - Chapter C
Trike Course - Porter
3
Lunch Ride @ Phil’s
3
Movie Night
Pickett House Ride
8
Social Dinner @ El Ranchero
1
Chapter Gathering
1
Florida District Rally
3
Louisiana District Rally
4
#OF PARTICIPANTS
16
14
5
3
9
9
14
19
8
11
Page 13
2015
Page 14
Good Friday
April 3
Left Behind Lunch Ride
Saturday, April 18
9:00 a.m.
Meeting at the Valero gas station at the corner of Northpark
and Hwy. 59.
Spring Getaway
Fredericksburg, TX
April 2 - 5
Come join us! Make your reservation at the Econo Lodge
Hotel (810 S. Adams, Fredericksburg 78624).
Ride for Kids Volunteer Training
Thursday, April 23
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Training will take place at FMC on Beltway 8.
Easter
Sunday, April 5
Ride for Kids Setup
TX Chapter O Campout
@ Lady Bird Municipal Park
Fredericksburg, TX
April 10 - 11
Humble Civic Center
Saturday, April 25
10:00 a.m.
We help with setup and go to lunch afterwards.
Ride for the Bear
(for the Lindsay Foundation)
Saturday, April 11
Registration: 8:00 a.m.
Ride: 9:00 a.m.
Ride begins at the Harley-Davidson of Kingwood parking lot.
Left Behind Breakfast Ride
Chapter N2 Monthly Gathering
@ the American Legion Hall
Saturday, April 25
6:00 p.m.
Following the meeting, we will go eat at a local restaurant
(TBA).
Saturday, April 11
7:00 a.m.
Meeting at the Valero gas station at the corner of Northpark
and Hwy. 59.
Chapter Social Dinner
Wednesday, April 15
6:30 p.m.
George & Linda Stich have chosen Humble City Cafe (200 E.
Main 77338) for the April social dinner. Ya’ll come!
Region H Rally
Marshall, TX
April 16 - 18
Humble Civic Center
Sunday, April 26
Registration: 8:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Ride: 10:00 a.m.
Texas District Rally
Temple, TX
April 30 - May 2
2015
Page 15
2015
Page 16
2015
Page 17
2015
Page 18
2015
Page 19
TEXAS DISTRICT RALLY IN TEMPLE, TX
Website Winners will be announced. After the Talent Show, people can start decorating there tables for
the Social Event, which begins at 6:30 p.m. This is
also where the Couple of the Year and Chapter of the
Year winners will be announced. We are also going
to be playing the NEW GAME...Not So Newly Wed
and, of course, have the 50/25/25 drawing.
Wow, we have less than two months until the District Rally, April 30 - May 2, in Temple, TX. Everything is coming together and everyone is doing a
great job to make sure there are a lot of fun activities
and things to keep the members busy.
Thursday beginning at 3:00 p.m., we will have registration, vendors, and a concession stand for food
and drinks. At opening ceremony, we will have the
famous chapter competitions with your decorated
pyramids; the winner will receive an awesome trophy for their chapter to display. After opening ceremony, we will begin staging the motorcycles for the
light show. We will have categories for moving and
nonmoving lights. There will also be a drawing for
50/25/25. We will have a table set up on the inside
to display your awesome work on your chapter pyramids throughout the Rally. They will also be judged
for the best overall pyramid.
Friday: Doors open at 8:00 a.m. with food onsite.
Wait until you see what will be displayed at the registration table. Everyone is going to want it.
On Friday and Saturday we have more fun and education planned. Of course, we will have the ever so
popular Medallion Hunt. There will be Vendors,
Seminars, Ticket Sales, First Aid/CPR Beginner, and
On-Bike Games. Before lunch, we will have the
District Couple of the Year Selection and we hope
everyone will attend to show support for the couples.
It is always a great feeling to see all your friends supporting you. After lunch, we will be having BINGO,
a couple of more Seminars, a NEW GAME...Chapter
Feud, and a Talent Show. The Newsletter and
Saturday: Doors Open at 8:00 a.m. with food onsite.
On Saturday, we will have another Medallion Hunt,
Vendors, Seminars, Ticket Sales, and a First Aid/
CPR Refresher. We will have BINGO, On-Stage
Dress Competitions, a Pride Room to display your
mascots, banners, scrapbooks, and out-of-state newsletters. (The Texas newsletters will be read and
judged after March 15th, just let Steve know which
one you want to enter - January, February, or March).
We will be having the Bike Show, On-Bike Games,
more of Chapter Feud, and Not so Newly Wed games,
then closing ceremony. At closing ceremony there
will be grand prize giveaways, 50/25/25, and a lot of
Rider Ed giveaways.
We cannot wait to see everyone again. Don’t forget
to get your reservations for the hotel. If you want to
know anything about the Rally go to the Texas website and click on the icon on the right bottom.
TX District Directors
2015
Page 20
Let’s get ready to Rally!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Come out and join us for the Texas District Rally!!! The rally will be April 30 through May 2 in
Temple, Texas at the Frank W. Mayborn Convention Center. This year’s theme Temple of Goldwingers! Preregistration ends on April 10.
There is so much going on this year’s rally. There will be on bike games, Bingo, Chapter Feud, Bike
Show, Chapter Pride competition (mascot, scrapbook and banner), plus a lot more fun. There also will be
plenty of seminars, games, and, of course, vendors. Don’t forget the Chapter Feud Game, Talent Show, and,
of course, the Not So Newly Wed Game, which will be held on Friday night.
This year we also have a new opportunity to show our Chapter Pride! We can decorate our tables for
the weekend. We can combine our Humble Bumbles with the theme of the rally – can you see Bees at the pyramids – or a Bee Pharaoh?
This year Steve Van Gilder is introducing a new competition and award – it is called Chapter Participation Award! This award was created and designed to stimulate Chapters towards participating in Rally events
and contests, and encourage all participants to try some new things and have even more “Fun” at our Texas
District Rally. It will allow both large and small chapters to compete and possibly win. The points will be
awarded based on a ratio of the members pre-registered versus the average members at our chapter gatherings. There will be 25 events that will count towards the Chapter Competition. The more we participate the
more points we earn. For example, if the chapter competes in the T-Shirt completion we receive points, if we
participate in the Chapter Feud we get more points.
The Membership Enhancement Team is raffling off a quilt at this year’s rally. The tickets can be
bought at the rally.
So – let’s get pre-registered, go to the 2015 Texas District Rally and have some fun!!!
2015
Page 21
2015
Page 22
GWRRA Region H Newsletter
BY THE BOOK
Spreading the Word, Part 2
Last month By the Book addressed the topic of newsletters and their importance. Many distribute their newsletters as an email attachment; however many choose to provide a link to their web site. So let’s talk this
month about websites.
Most Chapters, Districts, and Regions develop websites to share information regarding Membership Enhancement, Rider Education, activities, announcements, etc. They can range from very fancy and sophisticated to
plain and simple. Websites have become the most common method used for communication today with anyone worldwide having access to them. Therefore, to display an association with GWRRA, it is recommended
that these guidelines be used:

The GWRRA Logo, and the words “Gold Wing Road Riders Association” or the acronym, “GWRRA”,
should be included as a part of the website home page.

Region, District, Chapter designations, city, and state should also be on the home page. Other information
to be considered for the home or front page would be Chapter meeting info and perhaps even a map to the
location so that new Members or those just traveling thru can find you.

Building and maintaining a website requires a few special skills. Since you will likely need someone to
serve as a webmaster, it may be helpful to also have that person listed as the point of contact for inquiries
and questions. There could also be a link to the Chapter Director. Just make sure that someone is designated as a point of contact and that any inquiries are responded to promptly.

A link to the GWRRA Home Page (http://www.gwrra.org) as well as the Region homepage. That way, a
Chapter Member or anyone else, can go to the Chapter's website and easily find information on a Region or
National level.

GWRRA websites should not advertise or link to competitors such as other motorcycle organizations.
Some webpages identify Team Members using direct email links to Team Members. A tip is to use alias
email addresses like director@gwrra-h.org which then link to the individual. That way, when an officer
changes, the webmaster only has to change the alias link rather than everyone else having to change their
address books.
The final word on websites–keep them updated as information changes. Frequently GWRRA Members from
outside of your area may be traveling and wish to visit a Chapter gathering or event. I can tell you from personal experience there is nothing more frustrating than showing up at a location expecting others to be there
only to find out the event was canceled or moved to another venue. Out of date information also results in
having to make several phone calls or have emails ‘bounce back’ when attempting to communicate with the
current Officers. Visit your website frequently to make sure it is up to date and that everything functions
properly.
The more you know, the better it gets!
Jack Wagner
Region H Trainer
2015
Page 23

April - N2

Transcription

Similar documents

WHAT: 4th Annual GEICO Motorcycle HOT BIKE TOUR ®

Fast Facts

The 7 th Annual Orchard Beach Car Show

American Iron Magazine: Top 10 Motorcycle Rallies of the Summer

BackRoads Magazine

the electric exoskeleton motorcycle

Co-driving

Summer 2013 - San Diego Antique Motorcycle Club

Two Wheels, Five DAYS, One Thousand Miles, Millions of

Live Lakini`s Juice