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Nobody has more Fun than “G”! Gold Wing Road Riders Association Chapter NH-G Laconia, NH THE LAKES REGION WINGS August 2016 Our 28th Year From the Chapter Director Mike Vaillancourt Chapter G Director Well another GWRRA New England Districts Rally has come and gone and it was VERY EXCITING! I can’t tell you how proud we all were of our own Carole and John Sheehan representing Chapter G in the District Competition of the Couple of the year program. The competition was very strong, with both couples competing putting their best feet forward. But ultimately, the prize went to a very deserving Lynn & Chris Christensen from Chapter NH-A. Congratulations to you both. I want to take a moment and thank Chapter Members Gary & Sandy Williams, Bruce & Linda Hartley, Bev & Roger Kindred, and Ron & Suzie Black for helping Chapter G complete it’s task at the New England Districts Rally of Leading the “Ben & Jerry’s” ride on the Friday of the rally. The ride was a 100% success and due to the team that helped put it on and Ron & Suzie stepping in when we had a radio problem, made Chapter G “Look Good”. We even had some Harley Riders comment to our tail gunner that they were impressed watching us ride down Route 100 in staggered formation. Well Done Everyone!! Barb and I just got back from the New York/New Jersey Bi-State Rally held from August 4 th to the 7 th . I am pleased to announce that our own Region B Directors Tom & Renee Wasluck have been named Assistants to GWRRA Deputy Director Bruce Beeman. Bruce flew in to attend the rally and make a few presentations. If you remember, Tom & Renee were presented the “2015-2016 International Directors of the Year” at the 2015 New England Districts Rally up on Lewiston Maine. Our annual GWRRA NH-G Weekend Get Away is coming up in a couple of weeks. I have ordered flawless weather for the three day event and Chapter Ride Coordinator John Sheehan promises nothing but the best of roads and Carole promises the best of times. Although the room block has been released, there still might be some time for get a “last minute” reservation in. Barb and I will be heading up on Friday afternoon as I have to work until 2:30. If anyone wants to tag along, just contact me on my cell or by email and we can meet somewhere. This month’s ride after the Chapter Gathering says that it is open, so I will do the ride that I planned to do after the July Gathering that was cancelled due to inclement weather. This will be an “East West ride with us going West First, then heading East, and ending up in Ossipee at the Yankee Smokehouse for lunch, then down to Wolfeboro for Ice Cream at Morissey’s Front Porch. This ride has all the makings of a great ride…Good Roads, Good Food, and Good Fun…especially the Ice Cream part!!! I just got an email from Ron & Suzie Black, Chapter NH-E Directors, that Chapter NH-E has changed the day and time of their Chapter Gatherings to the last Friday Evening of the Month. They will still be meeting at the Jaffrey Country Café, 80 Peterborough Street, in Jaffrey in the strip mall across from MacDonalds. Meet to eat at 6:30 with the Gathering starting at 7:30. They will not be meeting in August so their new schedule starts with the September Gathering on September 30 th . Barb & I plan on attending, so if anyone wants to car pool, let me know. Lastly, I also got an email from Tom & Kathy Fallon over at NH-T and their August Gathering is Friday August 12, at the Old Salt Restaurant in Hampton. Dinner is at 6PM. We are also heading there on Friday on our bike, weather permitting. Anyone wants to tag along, contact me by Thursday August 11 th . See you on the 14 th at the Greenside!

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Page 1: August 2016 Our 28th Year From the Chapter Directorgwrra-nhg.org/sites/default/files/file/news/2016/NHG August 1016.pdf · August 2016 Our 28th Year From the Chapter Director Mike

Nobody has more Fun than “G”!

GWRRA Chapter NH-G The Lakes Region Wings Newsletter Page 1Gold Wing Road Riders AssociationChapter NH-G • Laconia, NH

THE LAKES REGION WINGSAugust 2016 Our 28th Year

From the Chapter Director

Mike VaillancourtChapter G Director

Well another GWRRA New England Districts Rally has come and gone and it was VERY EXCITING! I can’t tell you how proud we all were of our own Carole and John Sheehan representing Chapter G in the District Competition of the Couple of the year program. The competition was very strong, with both couples competing putting their best feet forward. But ultimately, the prize went to a very deserving Lynn & Chris Christensen from Chapter NH-A. Congratulations to you both.

I want to take a moment and thank Chapter Members Gary & Sandy Williams, Bruce & Linda Hartley, Bev & Roger Kindred, and Ron & Suzie Black for helping Chapter G complete it’s task at the New England Districts Rally of Leading the “Ben & Jerry’s” ride on the Friday of the rally. The ride was a 100% success and due to the team that helped put it on and Ron & Suzie stepping in when we had a radio problem, made Chapter G “Look Good”. We even had some Harley Riders comment to our tail gunner that they were impressed watching us ride down Route 100 in staggered formation. Well Done Everyone!!

Barb and I just got back from the New York/New Jersey Bi-State Rally held from August 4th to the 7th. I am pleased to announce that our own Region B Directors Tom & Renee Wasluck have been named Assistants to GWRRA Deputy Director Bruce Beeman. Bruce flew in to attend the rally and make a few presentations. If you remember, Tom & Renee were presented the “2015-2016 International Directors of the Year” at the 2015 New England Districts Rally up on Lewiston Maine.

Our annual GWRRA NH-G Weekend Get Away is coming up in a couple of weeks. I have ordered flawless weather for the three day event and Chapter Ride Coordinator John Sheehan promises nothing but the best of roads and Carole promises the best of times. Although the room block has been released, there still might be some time for get a “last minute” reservation in. Barb and I will be heading up on

Friday afternoon as I have to work until 2:30. If anyone wants to tag along, just contact me on my cell or by email and we can meet somewhere.

This month’s ride after the Chapter Gathering says that it is open, so I will do the ride that I planned to do after the July Gathering that was cancelled due to inclement weather. This will be an “East West ride with us going West First, then heading East, and ending up in Ossipee at the Yankee Smokehouse for lunch, then down to Wolfeboro for Ice Cream at Morissey’s Front Porch. This ride has all the makings of a great ride…Good Roads, Good Food, and Good Fun…especially the Ice Cream part!!!

I just got an email from Ron & Suzie Black, Chapter NH-E Directors, that Chapter NH-E has changed the day and time of their Chapter Gatherings to the last Friday Evening of the Month. They will still be meeting at the Jaffrey Country Café, 80 Peterborough Street, in Jaffrey in the strip mall across from MacDonalds. Meet to eat at 6:30 with the Gathering starting at 7:30. They will not be meeting in August so their new schedule starts with the September Gathering on September 30th. Barb & I plan on attending, so if anyone wants to car pool, let me know.

Lastly, I also got an email from Tom & Kathy Fallon over at NH-T and their August Gathering is Friday August 12, at the Old Salt Restaurant in Hampton. Dinner is at 6PM. We are also heading there on Friday on our bike, weather permitting. Anyone wants to tag along, contact me by Thursday August 11th.

See you on the 14th at the Greenside!

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Nobody has more Fun than “G”!

GWRRA Chapter NH-G The Lakes Region Wings Newsletter Page 2

GWRRA NH-G WEEKEND AWAY

Lodge Amenities: • Sauna & Hot Tub • Outdoor Pool • Common Room • Game Room - Foosball, Air Hockey

and More

WHEN: Friday, August 19, 2016 Saturday, August 20, 2016 Sunday, August 21, 2016 WHERE: Mendon Mountain View Lodge 5654 US Route 4 Mendon, Vermont 05701 Phone: (802)-773-4311 http://www.mendonmountainviewlodge.com

Ride to Mendon VT with a Lunch stop Dinner - Open

Friday, August 19th

Breakfast – Mendon Mountain View Lodge ($10 per person – optional, must be added to hotel reservation)

Ride: Green Mountain Gaps

Dinner at Lodge Cost per person: TDB

Saturday, August 20th

Sunday, August 21st

Breakfast: Sugar & Spice - Order off menu, Individual Checks Ride: Return home

RATES: • Singer or Double - $60.00 per night

plus tax • Breakfast - $10.00 per person, add

at time of reservation • Reserve no later than July 16, 2016

TO BOOK RESERVATIONS: • Call (802) 773-4311 • Ask for Reservation for Group:

Carole Sheehan, GWRRA (or Gold Wind Road Riders)

• Optional: Add breakfast for Saturday, August 20th to your reservation

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Nobody has more Fun than “G”!

GWRRA Chapter NH-G The Lakes Region Wings Newsletter Page 3

NATIONAL, REGIONAL &N.H. DISTRICT STAFF

GWRRA President, Anita Alkire [email protected] 800-843-9460

Executive Director of GWRRA, Ray & Sandy Garris [email protected] 800-843-9460

Region B Directors, Tom & Renee Wasluck [email protected] 570-474-1014

2015/2016 Region B Couple of the Year Rich & Wendy Wirt 717-579-6656 (Rich) / 717-315-5387 (Wendy) [email protected]

N.H. District Directors, Ed & Denise Heath [email protected] 603-934-4168

N.H. Asst. District Director, Dave & Bonnie Bolster [email protected] 603-315-9471

N.H. District Educator, Dick Bernier [email protected] 978-496-4363

District Memb. Enhancement Coord., Carole Sheehan [email protected]

603-973-4011

District Trearurer, Madalyn Sprague [email protected]

NH CHAPTER G STAFFChapter Director, Mike Vaillancourt [email protected] 603-276-0715

Assistant Chapter Director, Carole Sheehan [email protected] 603-973-4011

Chapter Treasurer, Beryl Reid [email protected] 603-892-6854

Membership Enhancement Coordinators Meri & Lee Hirtle [email protected]

Chapter Store Keepers, Bob & Kaye Hamel [email protected] 603-524-6360

Chapter Educator, Bob Reid [email protected] 603-892-6854

Chapter Ride Coordinator, John Sheehan [email protected] 603-755-3414

Chapter Photographer, Bob Reid [email protected] 603-892-6854

Chapter Trainer, Please Volunteer

Chapter G Goodwill Ambassador, Charles Collins 603-875-0184

Chapter Sunshine Coordinator, Kaye Hamel [email protected] 603-524-6360

2016 Chapter Couple of the Year, Carole & John Sheehan [email protected] 603-973-4011

Newsletter Editor, Carol Cloutier [email protected] 603-569-3288

Website Coordinator, Mike Vaillancourt [email protected] 603-276-0715

2016 NEW HAMPSHIRE CHAPTER DIRECTORSA – Concord/Manchester .................... David & Bonnie Bolster 603-624-0268 [email protected]

G – Laconia/Lakes Region ................... Mike Vaillancourt 603-276-0715 [email protected]

E – Keene/Monadnock Region ............. Ron & Suzie Black 603-532-9342 [email protected]

T – Hampton/Seacoast Region……Tom & Kathy Fallon 978-294-9772 [email protected]

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GWRRA Chapter NH-G The Lakes Region Wings Newsletter Page 4

Rewind

Mike VaillancourtChapter NH-G Director

The July Chapter NH-G Gathering was held on Sunday, July 10, 2016. There were 27 in attendance.

We welcomed Vince & Louise Laposta who have been riding with Chapter NH-A and have recently sold their house and moved up to Newfound Lake in Bristol. The Laposta’s will be riding with both NH-A and NH-G. Also attending were Guests Robert Bryant from Belmont, and Chris Ferris, who has been riding with NH-A but has just taken a position with NH-T as their new Member Enhancement Coordinator. We also hope to see them all again!

We had Special Guest Shawn Menard, from Menard Motorsports over in Brentwood. Shawn is an independent Gold Wing Technician with a Honda “Red Level” certification from American Honda. He was employed by Nault’s Honda for many years and is experienced on all models of Gold Wing. His shop is newly equipped and seems to be very eager to please. We have been sorely missing this type of alternative since our “Old Friend” Jim Venne passed a couple of years ago. Please give Shawn a consideration the next time you need work done on your Wing.

The Weekend Getaway to Mendon Mountain was again discussed with the room block expiring on July 16th.

Bob Hamel did a brisk business on Chapter G Clothing and Accessories.

Chapter Educator Bob Reid spoke about eye protection and road conditions.

It was mentioned that the 40th Anniversary Celebration over at HK Powersports is ending on August 31st as is the 15% discount on a Full Gold Wing Service, and 15% off of Tires when they install.

The ride scheduled after the Gathering was cancelled due to much needed rain. The ride will be re-scheduled in August.

The 50/50 was won by Shawn Menard of Menard Motorsports and he donated it back to the Chapter. Thanks Shawn.

That’s all for this month….

Due to popular demand, WING DING 38 has been moved back by one day to a Wednesday through Saturday pattern!

The NEW DATES are AUGUST 31 - SEPTEMBER 3, 2016.

We appreciate all the feedback and hope this makes for more convenient travel time. We look forward to seeing you in Billings!

Be sure to visit our website for info on how to book your room and to get registered for the event! You won't want to miss this great event in

BIG SKY COUNTRY! WING DING 38

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GWRRA Chapter NH-G The Lakes Region Wings Newsletter Page 5

From the Assistant Chapter Director

Leadership and Participation will help grow NH-G Membership!

When John and I were selected as your 2016 Couple of the Year (COY) we were surprised and honored. It was not something we had aspired to but nice to receive the recognition. The next step was to go for District Couple of the Year. At first we had no intention of participating in District COY but after much discussion we felt that to not go forward may in some way let down our chapter. We love NH-G and felt it was important to represent you in a way that would show you how much appreciate the honor of the award.

In preparing our resume for District COY we became aware of what goes into selection process. It is not just a popularity contest; it is based on documented criteria of your dedication to and participation in GWRRA. • Participation in chapter recruiting and retention,

activities, public relations and leadership • Rider Education• Leadership training• Length of membership

So much is taken into consideration that we did not ever consider but has made us more aware that there is more we can do to support our chapter and GWRRA as an organization.

The selection process, interviews and oral presentations were a little nerve racking but we made it through. Though we were not selected as the District COY we understand it was a close and possibly came down to a tiebreaker…or at least we like to think it did.

Interesting fact: Dick Bernier came up to us after the selection and said that NH-A thought they had the COY “in the bag” but when he heard our orals he got very nervous and knew they had competition.

We are happy for Lynne and Chris from NH-A our new District COY and happy that we represented NH-G in a positive way.

We want to thank you for your confidence in us. We hope we represented you well and we look forward to many more years of riding and serving you in the best way we can.

Ride Safe and Have Fun!

Carole SheehanAssistant Chapter NH-G

Director

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Nobody has more Fun than “G”!

GWRRA Chapter NH-G The Lakes Region Wings Newsletter Page 6

From the Ride Coordinator

John SheehanChapter G Ride Coordinator

We had a great first ride in August to the Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne Falls, MA.

We departed Tilton Dunkin’ Donuts on Saturday August 6th at 8AM with Roger & Bev Kindred. Bob & Beryl Reid met up with us at McDonald’s in Hillsboro. NH-E’s Ron & Susie Black, Michelle Shepard, Phil Shea and Rod Stone met us with at the Citgo Station on Rte 10S in Swanzey. With seven bikes we departed and enjoyed a day of riding with no rain and great weather.

The Bridge of Flowers was in full bloom. Many flowers that were not in bloom during our shakedown ride on Wednesday had bloomed. The fragrances were amazing and the colors vibrant.

Riding Season is in Full Bloom!

August Ride & Event Schedule

Sunday, August 14th Monthly Meeting @ Greenside Restaurant (Lochmere Golf Course) 8 AM Breakfast / 9 AM Meeting Ride to follow

Friday, August 19th – 21st, 2016 - Mendon Mountain View LodgeRutland VT

Wednesday, August 24th @ 6:00 PMNH-G Monthly Dine Out @ 104 Diner, Laconia NH

Keep the Dirty Side Down.

We continued the ride over the Mohawk Trail stopping for lunch at the Golden Eagle Restaurant at the hairpin turn.

While eating, there was a very quick downpour that lasted less than five minutes and by the time we finished, most of the bikes required only minimal drying off.

After lunch we continued down the Mohawk Trail to 8N into Vermont, thru Brattleboro and back to NH where we stopped for ice cream at the High Tides.

280 miles and we were back in Tilton around 7pm.

I hope you will consider joining us on the rest of rides we have planned. It is not too late to attend the weekend away.

The rooms have been released but if you still want to go call and mention Carole Sheehan, GWRRA and they should still honor the room rate.

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GWRRA Chapter NH-G The Lakes Region Wings Newsletter Page 7

Welcome to GWRRA Rider Education

Bob ReidChapter G Educator

!JUST DO IT!

Here we are already the first of August. Summer has flown by but the roads are still busy. As a matter of fact, August is one of the busiest summer months for travel. People trying to get the last good weather fun in. That just means people rushing around trying to get it all in, just in a hurry or not paying attention.

As motorcyclists we always need to be alert but more so at this time of the summer. We need to be attentive to the little things. Looking twice at the intersections, looking behind us when coming to a light or stop sign, using hand signals when we can should always be part of our riding routine. Use your co-riders eyes to help you and tapping your brakes a few times before coming to a stop.

You get the picture! As Wing riders we know what to do, we just need to do them all the time, not just when it gets busy out there on the road. That way it will become routine and we won’t have to think about it. This will help to keep us safe and we won’t have to say “I should have”.

On another note, Beryl & I had such a great time leading the Saturday ride at the Rally in the Valley. We didn’t expect such a large group but because it was the only guided ride of the day it turned out to be 18 bikes. With the help of Kevin LeBlond we were able to find another leader & tailgunner to break up into two groups instead of eliminating people off the list. About 6-8 miles out of town we were able to link back up again to be one group. It was a beautiful day and everyone stayed together the whole 140 miles except for the last 10 minutes where some construction at a bridge broke us up. We all got back safe and sound and everyone had a good time.

The whole rally was exceptional. What a great job by our Directors and their staff. One of Beryl’s favorite parts was dunking Ed twice in a row in the tank. What a great sport!

Be safe!

Bob

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Nobody has more Fun than “G”!

GWRRA Chapter NH-G The Lakes Region Wings Newsletter Page 8

GWRRA Chapter NH-G“The Lakes Region Wings”

2016 Ride Schedule(Updated 8-4-2016)

8-14-2016 August Monthly NH-G Gathering at the Greenside Restaurant, 360 Laconia Road, Tilton, N.H. Breakfast at 8 AM. Meeting at 9 AM. Ride following to be determined.

8/19-21/2016 Chapter NH-G Weekend Get-Away. Rutland, VT. Open to all GWRRA Chapters. Hotel: Mendon Mountain View Lodge. Rates: $60.00 per night. Optional full breakfast to $10.00 per person per day. Ride led by Chapter Ride Coordinator John Sheehan.

8-24-2016 NH-G Monthly Dine-Out. 104 Diner, Rt. 104, New Hampton NH Meet there 6PM. Ice cream to follow.

8-7-2016 Ride: Bridge of Flowers, Shelburne, MA. Meet at the Tilton Dunkin Donuts at 8:30 AM. KSU at 9 AM. Ride led by Chapter Ride Coordinator John Sheehan.

9/1-4/2016 Wing Ding, Billings Montana.

9-11-2016 September NH-G Gathering at the Greenside Restaurant, 360 Laconia Road, Tilton, N.H. Ride following to York Maine to Kaye Hamel’s Brothers Restaurant for some killer lobster rolls. Ride led by Bob Hamel.

9/15-17/2016 GWRRA VT-A Wells Ogunquit Weekend.

9-24-2016 Foliage Ride and Dine-Out through Eastern N.H. Optional: Meet at the Tilton Diner for breakfast at 7 AM. Line up at Dunkin Donuts at 8AM. KSU at 8:30 AM. Ride to Lincoln, N.H. to board the Hobo Railroad. $16.00 per person. Enjoy an 80 minute round trip train excursion through a woodsy setting along the banks of the Pemi River. Train departs Hobo Jct. station at 64 Railroad Street, Lincoln N.H. We can enjoy a Hobo picnic lunch onboard or have lunch at the Woodstock Inn around the corner after the train ride. Ride led by Chapter G ride coordinator John Sheehan.

10-8-2016 Fryeburg Fair Ride (Runs 10/2-9). Meet at Tilton Dunkin Donuts at 8:00 AM. KSU at 8:30 AM. Pickup group at Citgo station on the Alton Traffic Circle at 9:30 AM. KSU at 10:00 AM. Pick up last group at Morrissey’s Front Porch in Wolfeboro at 10:30 Am. KSU at 10:45 AM. Arrive at the fair around noon. Enjoy the food and activities. Regroup at 4 PM with KSU at 5:30. Ride leader to be determined.

10-9-2016 October NH-G Gathering at the Greenside Restaurant, 360 Laconia Road, Tilton, N.H. Kangamangas Foliage Ride following with lunch at the Yankee Smoke House, Ossipee and Ice Cream at Morrissey’s Front Porch in Wolfeboro. DRESS WARM!! Ride led by Chapter Ride Coordinator John Sheehan.

10-??-2016 NH-A/NH-G/NH-E Holiday Season Kick-Off Get Together Pot Luck at TBD. 6 PM till whenever.

11-13-2016 November NH-G Gathering at the Greenside Restaurant, 360 Laconia Road, Tilton, N.H. Ride following, weather permitting. Destination TBD.

12-8-2016 Chapter NH-G Annual Holiday Dinner at the Greenside Restaurant, 360 Laconia Road, Tilton, N.H. Social hour 6-7. Dinner at 7 PM. Announcement of the 2017 Chapter NH-G Couple of the year. More to follow.

KSU=Kick Stands Up

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Nobody has more Fun than “G”!

GWRRA Chapter NH-G The Lakes Region Wings Newsletter Page 9

Guest GWRRA Rider Education

“WHOA NELLY”by Ace (Howie) PetersonGuest Educator CO-Q

The other evening while returning home from work, I rode my usual route through our neighborhood with my mind starting to turn towards a cool drink, evening news, and an easy chair. Suddenly, out of the shadows, and from behind a pine tree came a black and white missile aiming for the front tire of my V-Strom motorcycle. This object was in fact our neighbors Border Collie, extremely fast, and was in front of the tire in a heartbeat. Visons of injured dog and downed motorcycle zoomed along my consciousness about eye level it seemed, along with decisions to avoid an unsatisfactory conclusion to my ride. With the dog almost under the tire, the decision was to brake, and brake hard, which was accomplished shutting the motorcycle down to a hard stop, and my feet hitting the ground to stabilize the motorcycle. Dog fine, motorcycle fine, me, not so much with the adrenaline rush that occurred. Sending the dog on its way I proceeded into my garage still a tad shaken from the experience. This experience is an example of the rest of this month’s article regarding two very important subjects.

This article has two parts which correlate with each other beautifully, and since I am on the first portion I will stay here for a couple paragraphs. Last meeting I discussed with the members the need to be “here” while riding, staying in the moment, etc. In the instance above, I was still about 90% in the here which was indeed fortunate for me, the dog, and my relationship with our neighbors.

Envision if you will the following scenarios: riding along a residential street with cars parked on both sides of the street, and a soccer ball comes out from between the cars; same street, but instead a child zips out from between the cars going over to play with a friend; or a dog streaks into the street chasing the soccer ball mentioned above; an alley way suddenly ejects (seemingly) a vehicle into your path of travel; in rush hour traffic brake lights suddenly erupt in all lanes bringing traffic to a sudden halt; all of these not uncommon circumstances in the least. Where were we at any of those moments in time? Mentally “here”, or somewhere else riding on auto pilot? Is there an exit, and

if so, can the rider make the exit without encompassing the impending collision? Perhaps it is the last resort of full braking and down shifting that is the only and best option, of which begs the question, how quick can we brake, and what is our braking distance given factors addressed later in the article.

Thus the second portion of the article concerns braking. In the riding courses we all have most likely taken, a portion of the “on bike” range portion covered braking, both normal and emergency. Recognize if you will that we were using ground speeds of 15-18mph, which allowed us to stop fairly quickly after given the signal to brake to a stop. Recognize that the distance it took has no relationship to the majority of real life situations, as we have a host of other factors to consider, the main factor which is speed of travel and rate of closure with other traffic.

One of my favorite Motorcycle Safety Instructors and writers is Ken Condon who I mentioned before in articles of various natures. So this month his article in Motorcyclist Magazine is indeed timely. Using his figures we can get an idea of just how far it may be from point of obstruction recognition to actual full stop, using the “average” motorcycle and “average” rider. The majority of the following commentary is from Ken’s article, Reaction Time, found in the September issue of Motorcyclist Magazine. Rather than go over all the points Ken included, I urge the reader to purchase a copy of this edition for the very important views on the subjects at hand.

Consider the “average” rider riding along at 40mph. Without breaking down all the factors of perception, reaction time etc. it will take said rider approximately 177 feet to come to a complete stop. This is using the “average” motorcycle, perhaps of the sport type which are found in great numbers on our streets and highways. Again, same “average” rider, motorcycle, traveling 60mph which will take approximately 332 feet to come to a complete stop. A little sobering perhaps? Over the length of a football field at 60 mph; what

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GWRRA Chapter NH-G The Lakes Region Wings Newsletter Page 10

about normal highway speeds 70mph and over? As Ken Condon states, “with perception time adding nearly 50% to the total stopping distance, you can see why it is so important to remain alert”. As stated previously, be in the “here” now!

I realize that we must factor in motorcycle type, total weight, tire condition, brakes condition, travel speed, traction, ABS or non-ABS plus brain efficiency to totally factor in everything that could be factored to arrive at the mean stopping distance. Some things are difficult to factor such as attention span, fatigue, and other physiological conditions which enter into whatever formula is being used to get the entire answer(s) to both of these subjects. I am

not going to discuss following distances etc. as it is up to the rider to use a safety margin that provides for all the factors discussed in this article. This article is more tiered to the “what if” scenarios perhaps, but it all applies some time, somewhere.

I urge all of us to be in the “here” and “present” mentally at all times, and if we cannot, then it is time to pull off the road for a break or a motel. We as motorcyclists must ride at our “best” given our training, and abilities to ensure we will able to take the next ride.

And as always. RIDE WITH PRIDE AND CONFIDENCE!

Birthdays & AnniversariesHappy Birthday and Anniversary to all those listed below

Chapter G Wishes You All The Best!Remember, We can’t post your Birthdays

and Anniversaries if we don’t know the dates. Let us know.

August 14 Ed & Denise Heath

August 13 Meri Hirtle

August 17 David Moorehead

August 24 Chuck Alberico

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GWRRA Chapter NH-G The Lakes Region Wings Newsletter Page 11

Until the Chapter gets a Motorist Awareness Coordinator, Nick Hoppner from the Colorado District, will graciously provide us with MAD articles. Editor

The Moth EffectBy Nick Hoppner

Now and then, I happen upon an article someone has written for another publication that “says it all” with remarkable clarity. Without further ado, I happily present the article I found in Parade Magazine, July 24, 2016, in the question-and-answer feature called “Ask Marilyn” by Marilyn vos Savant.

Why do motorists sometimes drive right into a car that is stopped in the breakdown lane with its lights flashing? I don’t get it!—Brian K. Smithfield, R.I.

This strange and fascinating phenomenon has been studied but without clear conclusions. Some people call it the “moth effect,” arguing that drivers may inadvertently steer toward warning lights at night due to an attentional preoccupation that affects their ability to maintain the direction in which they were previously heading.

Regardless. much research does show that people may unconsciously move in the direction of their distracted gaze—whether the object is lit or not, and whether they’re driving or walking—rather than in the direction of their travel. The consequence when one is walking may (or may not!) be minor, but when one is driving a car, especially at highway speeds, the result can be a disaster.

Humm, I’ve never heard of the term “attentional preoccupation” before, perhaps because I am neither a savant nor a psychologist. However, as a frequent student in courses conducted by the Gold Wing Road Riders Association and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, I know the topic well. The phrase we riders use is even simpler:

“You go where you look!” Essentially, the human brain is conditioned to progress toward wherever one’s eyes are focused.

Try to walk a straight line with one’s head turned 45 degrees to the left. Without exception, your feet will take you on a left veering course. On either a bicycle or a motorcycle (since both must lean to turn), turning your eyesight toward the intended course initiates the change of direction.

This also affects motorists, as any driver that persistently gapes out of his side windows realizes just before going into a ditch!

Many states have laws requiring drivers on four-lane highways to move out into the passing land when passing emergency vehicles stopped in the breakdown lane. This is to protect the emergency personnel as well as the occupants of the broken-down vehicle. Obviously, these laws were enacted as a result of wrecks that could be attributed to the “Moth Effect.”

So as we chat with, or make our Motorist Awareness presentations to, the non-motorcycling public, it is wise to teach them a bit of motorcycle lore that can help them avoid trouble. “You go where you look!”

So resist the temptation to gape at roadside distractions (no matter how well she stuffs a wild bikini!). Instead, keep your eyes on the road straight ahead. It’s the responsible thing to do.

Page 12: August 2016 Our 28th Year From the Chapter Directorgwrra-nhg.org/sites/default/files/file/news/2016/NHG August 1016.pdf · August 2016 Our 28th Year From the Chapter Director Mike

Nobody has more Fun than “G”!

GWRRA Chapter NH-G The Lakes Region Wings Newsletter Page 12

FOR SALEPIT BULL MOTORCYCLE LIFT. VALKYRIE INTERSTATE

ATTACHMENT AVAILABLE - ORIGINAL COST $521.00. ASKING $150.00. FOR SALE: MOTORCYCLE WHEEL CHOCK MADE

BY BAXLEY TRAILER COMPANY. $100.00Bruce Hartley 603-664-2415

(Leave Message)

A new seat from the 2015 Anniversary Edition gold wing. It would look good

on a black or red bike. It fits model year 2012 and later.

We would like $150. Any interested buyer can call

Gary at 603-491-9077.

Member Wanted or For SaleThis is for Chapter Members to advertise for Motorcycle items that they are looking for or that they have for sale. Items will run for three months and then be deleted unless instructed to keep running by the chapter member.

Page 13: August 2016 Our 28th Year From the Chapter Directorgwrra-nhg.org/sites/default/files/file/news/2016/NHG August 1016.pdf · August 2016 Our 28th Year From the Chapter Director Mike

Nobody has more Fun than “G”!

GWRRA Chapter NH-G The Lakes Region Wings Newsletter Page 13

Member Wanted or For SaleThis is for Chapter Members to advertise for Motorcycle items that they are looking for or that they have for sale. Items will run for three months and then be deleted unless instructed to keep running by the chapter member.

Page 14: August 2016 Our 28th Year From the Chapter Directorgwrra-nhg.org/sites/default/files/file/news/2016/NHG August 1016.pdf · August 2016 Our 28th Year From the Chapter Director Mike

Nobody has more Fun than “G”!

GWRRA Chapter NH-G The Lakes Region Wings Newsletter Page 14

LACONIA

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OFFER GOOD FROM APRIL 1st- AUG 31st, THIS OFFER CAN’T BE COMBNED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. WINGS OLDER THAN 1999 DO NOT QUALIFY. APPT BASED ON AVAILABILITY.

OFFER GOOD FROM APRIL 1st- AUG 31st, THIS OFFER CAN’T BE COMBNED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. WINGS OLDER THAN 1999 DO NOT QUALIFY. APPT BASED ON AVAILABILITY.

Page 15: August 2016 Our 28th Year From the Chapter Directorgwrra-nhg.org/sites/default/files/file/news/2016/NHG August 1016.pdf · August 2016 Our 28th Year From the Chapter Director Mike

Nobody has more Fun than “G”!

GWRRA Chapter NH-G The Lakes Region Wings Newsletter Page 15

Think about advertising!We would love to have

your business card HERE