Web Site: mogwrra.org July Missouri District Team. Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge. District Director Les & Sara Gibson

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1 N Web Site: mogwrra.org July 2015 Missouri District Team District Director Les & Sara Gibson Assistant Director TBA Rider Educator TBA Treasurer J.P. & Jana Wicks Membership Enhancement Carol & Glenn White LTD Master Trainer & Patch Shop Nancy & John Hofmann 2015 Couple of the Year Paul & Cheryl Engelman 2015 Individual of the Year Jan Bacon Newsletter/Webmaster Allen & Debby Biddlingmeier Vendor Coordinator Debby Biddlingmeier Missouri MFA Coor. Jerry Blatt I want to start the July article by thanking all of the people who helped in making the Missouri District Rally a success. First, the owners of Angel Inn and Southern Oaks hotels; the fire fighters, Randy and Dennis; all of the utilities locators; Walt and all his helpers from the tent rental; Dewayne, Sandy and their family members, our caterers; the folks from the Branson Chamber of Commerce; the personnel at Branson Planning and Zoning; Allison from Branson Landing; the twenty-seven vendors that provided us with goodies to purchase; the Golden Corral; the IMAX; McFarlain s Restaurant; the dealerships and businesses that support our rally through gifts, gift certificates, cash, etc.; the Kansas Twisters drill team; Mike Sullivan, light show coordinator; the Region E team; ALL the Chapters and ALL the Members that stepped up where Help was needed; and lastly our District Team. If I have forgotten anyone I am sorry. Sara and I have had positive feedback along with some good ideas for next year, and we will be talking with many of the folks we have to deal with in order to have our District Rally in Branson. I will tell everyone we have already been kicking around some ideas for the 2016 Rally. We have support from many of the businesses in Branson as they do not want to lose our business. Many of the vendors have already made a commitment for next year. I know some of us received bad news while at the rally; our prayers go out to those folks and their families. I know many of us will be heading out on vacations, rides, and short getaways. Please be careful and remember what you have learned from the rider educators. Sara and I will be traveling to judge for one of the Region Couple of the Year events. Remember to mark your calendar August 6 th thru the 8 th Region Rally in Green Bay, Wisconsin; August 22 nd Missouri District appreciation picnic; Wing Ding is just around the corner, September 3 rd thru 6 th in Huntsville, Alabama. 1

2 WOW!! That is a lot of FUN coming in the near future. Everyone, Please check your membership card for the expiration date; I know many of us just plain overlook it. HOLD ON! This is just a friendly reminder as I do not want anyone to miss out on the many benefits you are entitled to. Be safe and have fun, Sara and I will see you soon. Les and Sara Gibson Missouri District Directors cell modirles@gmail.com Success is sharing thoughts and Ideas 2

3 Your Helmet Will Not Protect You From Bugs that are inside when you put it on. I wear a full face helmet for all of the reasons you ve learned about in our Rider Ed courses. And, simply put, for me, it s just plain comfortable. It feels good. I wear a head skin to put a layer between the lining and my skull since my natural barrier (hair) has faded into the sunset along with Hopalong Cassidy and Roy Rogers. I am very careful about where I put my helmet during pit stops, usually affixing it to a secure handlebar mount. Which is precisely where it hung at the beginning of my adventure. The downside of this position is that the opening of the helmet faces toward the sky, or, in this case a magnificent stand of pine trees in the mountains near Jacob Lake, Arizona. It was a beautiful spot; the only sound was wind rustling the pine branches and the occasional bird or forest creature making its way to wherever forest creatures make their way to. After recalling passages from Walden Pond we remounted our Wings and headed for gas at the Jacob Lake station about 30 minutes away. Initially the feeling was a small itch on the top of my head. I could readjust things at the gas stop, I thought. After a few miles the itch gradually intensified into noticeable scratch. I thought about calling the leader to stop, but you know how guys are all macho and that bull. So I didn t. After a few more miles the rhythm of the road and the rhythm of the work going on in-side my helmet seemed to synchronize, but still not bothersome enough to stop. And then there was a breakthrough. I didn t know it at the time, but the breakthrough was the parting of the head skin fibers so work could begin on the next level my skull. Well, we were only a mile or so from the gas stop so I ll take care of it there, I thought. As soon as we arrived, I very carefully and gently removed my helmet, by now having a healthy respect for the excavation that had occurred during the ride and there was a monstrously ugly beetle you know, the ones with the two enormous pinchers sticking out front. My helmet was once again in the inverted position and Mr. or Mrs. Beetle realized they had been digging in the wrong direction. So this creature of the forest quietly exited the scene in search of something better tasting than my skull. They did not even have the courtesy to repair the desecration heaped upon my personal environment. My companions confirmed that the beginnings of a major excavation was visible on the top of my head and we all witnessed the hole in my head skin. So, the Rider Ed message for this month is keep the shiny side of your helmet up or at least be sure the only co-rider you have with you is one of your own choosing. Bob & Althea Berry GWRRA Rider Education Directors berryconsulting@comcast.net 3

4 CONGRATULATIONS and THANK YOU to all the chapters that showed their chapter pride and brought items and entered them into the contest at this year s Missouri Rally. Glenn & Carol White Membership Enhancement Coordinators AND THE MISSOURI WINNERS WERE: THE OUT OF DISTRICT WINNERS WERE COMMERCIAL BANNERS COMMERCIAL BANNERS 1 st Place Missouri Z 1 st Place Nebraska O 2 nd Place Missouri W2 2 nd Place Wisconsin C 3 rd Place Missouri O 3 rd Place Oklahoma X HOMEMADE BANNERS MASCOTS 1 st Place Missouri I 1 ST Place Wisconsin C 2 nd Place Missouri B 2 nd Place Arkansas B 3 rd Place Missouri B2 SCRAPBOOK MASCOT 1 st Place Nebraska O 1 st Place Missouri B2 2 nd Place Missouri B NEWSLETTER 1 ST Place Nebraska O SCRAPBOOK 2 nd Place Oklahoma X 1 st Place Missouri Z 3 RD Place Iowa I 2 nd Place Missouri B2 3 rd Place Missouri O WINDSHIELD COVER 1 st Place Oklahoma X NEWSLETTER 2 nd Place Iowa F 1 st Place Missouri O 2 nd Place Missouri B2 CASUAL SHIRTS 3 rd Place Missouri Z 1 st Place Oklahoma X 2 nd Place Illinois H2 WINDSHIELD COVER 1 st Place Missouri B DRESS SHIRTS 2 nd Place Missouri Z 1 st Place Illinois H2 3 rd Place Missouri B2 JACKETS CASUAL SHIRTS 1 st Place Illinois H2 1 st Place Missouri B2 2 nd Place Oklahoma X 2 nd Place Missouri I 3 rd Place Missouri Z CAPS 1 st Place Oklahoma X DRESS SHIRTS 2 nd Place Illinois H2 1 st Place Missouri W2 2 nd Place Missouri Z COOKIE WINNER 3 rd Place Missouri B Linda Stevens Oklahoma X 4

5 By the Book By: Jack Wagner Deputy Director Region H Trainer 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: Please feel free to reprint these articles in Region, District, or Chapter newsletters.. YEA or NAY A GWRRA Chapter is designed to operate as a politically free, educational, social unit of our Association. When we hear the term 'political', we usually think of either being 'for' or 'against' and making choices through voting. Politically free means we do not conduct our operations through voting. If we have voting, two things happen. First, Chapter Members take over the decision making responsibility which lies with the Chapter Director; and second, it starts the process that will lead the Chapter out of the GWRRA Chapter concept and into a club format. With voting, there is always the feeling of having 'won' or 'lost' and we don't want anyone to feel like a loser! If we don t do any voting, what about the times when a decision needs to be made and you need input from your Team and the Members? How is a decision made if you don t call for a vote? There s a very simple way to do this. We survey our Team and our Chapter participants for their opinions, ideas, desires and find a consensus of the group. You should get all the input and advice you can, weigh it with what you know about GWRRA procedure and policy, then make your decision. A decision that will give the Members what they want! You may think taking a survey and voting sound like the same thing, but they're not. The term 'survey' relates to inquiry, study, and analysis, whereas 'vote' implies ballots and majority rule. Most of the time, your decisions will be in agreement with the majority of your Team and/or Members, but there will be times when you will need to explain why your decision can t be a certain way. This is where your leadership ability will really count. This is where you will really need to know and understand how GWRRA operates and be able to convey this information to your Members so they will understand your decision. Sometimes, decisions may be proper but not popular explain well! There will be times when you don t feel you have enough input to make a good decision. That is when you need to call your District Director. If necessary, they have the Region or Deputy Director to depend on. Although the District, Region or Deputy Directors may not always be able to solve a particular problem for you, they often can help find information to provide you with input that should help you resolve the issue. The more you know, the better it gets! 5

6 As I sit here writing this article I am listening to rain and thunder and watching the lightening streak across the sky while the trees are swaying in the wind. This scenario seems to have encompassed much of the riding season thus far in the St. Louis area. In fact, Missouri Chapter Z s June newsletter sported a rain cloud with cancelled across it on the front page instead of the customary monthly Chapter ride picture. That said, the Missouri District Rally was fortunate to have beautiful blue skies for their annual Rally the first weekend in June. Those fortunate enough to attend were treated to informative seminars, wonderful guided rides, and an incredible demonstration by the Kansas Twisters Drill Team and many and varied vendors carrying everything from safety chrome to jewelry and even soap. As the Missouri Individual of the Year I had a great time helping with the Annual Early Bird Spaghetti Dinner and doing double duty working with the Region E Team as they served hot dogs to Rally goers on Friday and Saturday. What a wonderful opportunity that provided me to see many of my GWRRA family and friends, meet new GWRRA friends and have lots of fun! My work schedule is going to keep me from attending all the District rallies as previously planned but I do hope to see many of you in Green Bay, Wisconsin for the Region E Rally August 6-8 and at Wing Ding 37 in Huntsville, Alabama September 3-6 Until then, ride safe! Jan Bacon 2015 Missouri District Individual of the Year Region E Coordinator 6

7 So where do you start when a GWRRA Chapter turns 25 years old? There were only two old newsletters available from when the Chapter started, but there were lots of photo albums with notes that reflected what activities the Chapter participated in. We noticed that we had been members of three different Regions, Region H, Region M and currently Region E. But where did we come from?? One of the first Chapters in the Greater St. Louis area was Chapter C, which formed in early That Chapter spawned Chapter A in January 1986, with Chapter A North of Highway 40 and Chapter C South of Highway 40 Both Chapters moved along quite fine for a while, but on April 12 th of 1990, 10 couples from Chapter A met at Isabell s Restaurant in Lake St. Louis to organize and establish Missouri Chapter O, to represent the growing number of members located in St. Charles County. The Missouri State Rally was held in Hannibal that year, which was the FIRST rally for Chapter O. Other activities included attending the Indiana Spring Wing Warm up in Vincennes Indiana, the South Central Region H Rally in Hot Springs Arkansas, and the Illinois State Rally in August. They also had an Observation Run and had to count how many red mailboxes, railroad tracks, 20 MPH or less speed signs, churches, and greenhouses that they passed. In August they had their first Poker Run. With all this activity, the Chapter grew quickly. At that time there were no web sites, , or cell phones and newsletters were printed, folded, sealed, labeled, stamped, and taken to the Post Office for delivery. The Chapter developed a Phone Tree which let folks know about impromptu rides and to verify everyone made it home safe from an event. We also had a Secretary who took minutes of the meeting, which were published the next month in the newsletter. Chapter O sponsored the first 2 Up ERC class in the state of Missouri. The Instructors were Bob & Glinda Carter and Fred & Linda Wissen. Since this was the FIRST Class to be given, notes were taken to share with other chapters. Jerry Rothermich, our Rider Ed at the time gets the credit for putting this together. Our first area Rep s were Steve & Donna Shaff. After a few months Steve stepped down due to business reasons and Jesse & Alice Freeman took over with Richard & Louise Burton taking their place. Chapter Directors since have included Bill & Joyce Miller, Jim & Judy Schwent, Jack & Candy Vogel, Allen & Debby Biddlingmeier, Steve & Patricia Hames, Tom & Bev Richardson, Cathey & Pete Wright, Joe & Joyce Long, Karen & Gene Kaufmann and currently Brian & Christi Heideman. Although the times and technology have changed, the rides, activities, friendship and family atmosphere has remained the same throughout the years. This proud Chapter is looking forward to another 25 years.. Allen & Debby Biddlingmeier, Chapter O Missouri District Newsletter/Webmaster A more complete history along with pictures can be found on our website at 7

8 Make it a Big Deal. When we, as Directors, appoint fellow GWRRA members to positions on the Team, many times not much is done to inform the members of this change. By not making a big deal out of this appointment we convey the impression to the members that this new appointment is not really important. Suppose a new Chapter Director is appointed to lead a struggling Chapter and no big deal is made of the change. Do you think this will excite the members and encourage them to participate or will it just be business as usual.no new excitement no encouragement no reason to participate; oh ho hum, yawn. However, what if we had something special planned for this new Director s first gathering? I would bet that the members who don t attend regularly would show up just to see what all the excitement is about! This not only would give the new Director an opportunity to share their enthusiasm with the group, it would signal that a positive change is in the Chapter s future. So if it s a strong Chapter, or a struggling one, the next time you have a new member join the Team, or change positions within the Team, make a big deal out of it and honor their willingness to help ensure the Chapter s continued success. Excitement is contagious! Talk about contagious excitement, the Region Team had a great time while at the Missouri District Rally in Branson. We were able to share in the fun that Directors Les and Sara Gibson and the Missouri District Team provided the attendees by helping serve at the Annual Early Bird Spaghetti Dinner on Thursday night. In addition, the Region Team donned our aprons and chef hats on Friday and Saturday as we grilled and served delicious hot dogs to approximately 400 hungry rally goers each day! This gave the Region Team an opportunity to meet with most everyone and share some good food and laughs. Hopefully we will see you this summer at one of the upcoming Region E District Rallies It s the Journey. Not the Destination. Bruce S. Watkins Region E Director 8

9 OUR MEMBERS ARE CRASHING WHAT MORE CAN WE DO TO HELP? In the last few weeks, we have received word of at least FIVE crashes involving our two and three-wheel riders. All of these crashes were serious and involved critical injuries and even some fatalities. Bob and I find ourselves each time asking ourselves if we as an Association have done everything possible to help our Members avoid these tragic situations. We are blessed with the best, most thorough Rider Education and Skill Development Program in the world. In addition, most Members can participate in Motorcycle Safety Foundation courses, and safety/skill training by Street Masters, Total Control, Ride like a Pro, and a myriad of other training opportunities that keep us safe. We have trained Educators at all levels, fabulous live seminars on a variety of subjects focused on keeping us safe, professionally designed on-bike training courses, several video presentations and much more. But, can we do more? What else can we do to equip our Members with the education and training to hopefully avoid these serious accidents? That, my friends, is the question that we are asking of you. As a key person in GWRRA leadership, you are in a unique position of influence and responsibility. We ask you to ask yourself, What can I do to help prevent these heartbreaking events? Are the Chapters you are responsible for passing on all of the information that is available in Rider Ed? Do we reserve at least 5 minutes at each gathering to share some important Rider Ed safety tips? Do we feature an article offering more in-depth Rider Ed information in each of our newsletters at all levels? At our rallies or Training Days do we include some Rider Ed seminars and/or on-bike (trike) training wherever possible? We will probably never know what really caused many of the tragic accidents that we hear about. Several of these are single vehicle events. Did we share our knowledge about the changes that occur as we get older? Did we equip our Riders and Co-riders with enough knowledge about Rider Ed to help them make smarter and safer decisions as they travel the highways and byways? We all know that RISK is a Constant Companion on all of our opportunities to ride and enjoy our hobby. Are we doing everything possible to reduce that risk for ourselves and all of our Members? Here s a good way to get started. In a few weeks, thousands of our Members will be on the road to Wing Ding in Huntsville, Alabama. Every year, we hear of incidents/accidents/crashes that occur on the way to or from Wing Ding. We ask no, we challenge each of you to do all you possibly can to have those statistics and those for every ride we take, be ZERO. We look forward to hearing from you with any comments or suggestions you might have on how we can help keep our Members safe on the highways and byways. 9

10 Please ride safe and as often as your weather will permit. Thank you. Ray & Sandi Garris, Bob & Althea Berry Directors of GWRRA, Directors of Rider Education REGION E IS RESPONSIBLE FOR WORKING THE GOODIE BOOTH. SIGN-UP FOR THIS FUN ACTIVITY IS AVAILABLE ON THE REGION E WEBSITE AT Dates: September 3 6,

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13 All Courses will be First come First Served All Courses must be pre-registered For More Information Contact: Jerry Allhands (815) Hosted by Missouri Chapter Z 13

14 Trike Course Registration Fee is $40.00 per trike (1-up or 2-up) (No bikes with Voyager or Tow Pack kits) Registration fee in non-refundable Registration must be received by June 30, You will receive confirmation when your registration is received. Check-In for course is 7:30 AM in Conference Room E GWRRA # Rider GWRRA # Co-Rider Address City, State, Zip Phone # All courses will be held rain or shine. All courses offered are taught by GWRRA and/or Motorcycle Safety Foundation Certified Instructors. You will need to supply proof of insurance coverage and proof of motorcycle endorsement on driver license. Rider and Co-rider must have proper riding attire (helmet, glasses or face shield, full finger gloves, long sleeves, long pants, and over the ankle shoes or boot, preferably leather no tennis shoes). By signing this form, and any additional forms at the time of instruction, you are agreeing and understand these terms. Further you agree to follow the rules and instructions of the facility and instructors of this event. Rider Signature Co-Rider Signature 14

15 Honda Of The Ozarks in Springfield isn t just any motorcycle dealership; they re a Honda Powerhouse, and the only Powerhouse dealer in Missouri. By having Honda exclusively, it allows Honda Of The Ozarks to give the customer the widest selection of models and colors. With hundreds of new Hondas in stock, it s guaranteed you ll find exactly the Honda you ve been looking for. All the latest Gold Wing models are in stock and ready to go. Even the hard to find models and colors. Honda Of The Ozarks promises a hassle-free sales experience with their Price Matching Guarantee, and Limited Life-Time Warranty on a new Goldwing. Perry, our Parts and Accessories Manager, has stocked Honda Of The Ozarks with thousands of Gold Wing accessories; tires, helmets, apparel, C.B.s, intercom systems and just about anything you can imagine for a Honda Gold Wing. Great selection with Honda Of The Ozarks Price Match Guarantee that ll meet or beat anyone s price on parts, accessories or apparel. Speaking of guarantees, Honda Of The Ozarks guarantees superior service for your Honda Gold Wing. For over twenty years, Honda Of The Ozarks Service Manager, TC, has pretty much done and seen it all; from complete Gold Wing cases and frame up rebuilds, to achieving all the factory certifications levels there are to certify. From regular maintenance to trike conversions, TC and his techs are there to service every Goldwing need. So whatever you need for a Honda Gold Wing, check with Honda Of The Ozarks, your Missouri Gold Wing Headquarters. Stop in and see for yourself why Honda Of The Ozarks is one of the top Honda dealers in the world. 15

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17 Updated 06/29/15 JULY July July July 26 Minnesota District Convention, Rollin Round the Rapids, Grand Rapids, MN. Contact Scott & Joy Mattson, Chapter W2, St. Charles, Ozark Hellbender Ride, contact Jerry Rothermich, Kansas City RIDE FOR KIDS, Johnson County Community College, College Blvd., Overland Park Kansas AUGUST August 6-8 Region E Convention, Green Bay, Wisconsin, Radisson Hotel and Conference Center, , contact Bruce Watkins, regionedirector@live.com August 8 Chapter I, Cape Girardeau, "Fun Run", 9 AM - 2 PM, contact George White, g d white@prodigy.net August 16 August 22 St. Louis RIDE FOR KIDS, St. Charles Community College Southwest Entrance, 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Dr., Cottleville, MO 6337 Missouri District Appreciation Picnic, Jefferson City, contact Les & Sara Gibson, , modirles@gmail.com SEPTEMBER September 3-6 September September GWRRA, Wing Ding 37, Huntsville, Alabama, contact Chapter P, Sullivan, Switchback to Arkansas, staying at "The HUB", Hwy 7 Spur Marble Falls AR., contact CD Dave Dawson ddsc@fidmail.com Chapter O, O Fallon, A Week in the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, TN. Starting time TBD, contact Brian & Christi Heideman, (636) , brheidman@centurytel.net 17

18 September Iowa District Convention The Roads All Lead to Toledo, Designer Inn Suites, $62 a night, contact Lonnie & Diane Borseth, borseth2wings@gmail.com September 26 Chapter K, Kansas City, Harvest Moon Ride, Rolling Wheels Training Center, Kansas City, 6:30 PM, Fred Mays fmays4@gmail.com OCTOBER October 9-11 October 10 October 17 Chapter O, O Fallon, Mystery Weekend Ride Chapter Z, Arnold, Fall Festival, Arnold City Park, 9 AM to 2 PM, contact John Rugge, =-4639 Chapter W, Columbia, "34 th Salvation Army Toy Run" supporting Salvation Army, contact Leroy Anthony, , leroy62@centurytel.net NOVEMBER November 7 November 7 November 7 Chapter W2, St. Charles, Chili Cook-off contact Jerry Rothermich jrothermich@centurytel.net Chapter K, Kansas City, Bon Fire/Wiener Roast, 3522 Sweeney Rd & Grain Valley, 6 PM contact Fred Mays, , fmays4@gmail.com Missouri District Operations Meeting 18