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Connecting Colorado April 2020
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I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E 1 Directors’ Details
3 Look Forward to Better Times
4 A Little Space, Please
5 Healthy Dreaming
6 May is Motorcycle Awareness Month
8 GWRRA University
9 From the Desk of Mike Werner
10 Chapter B
11 Chapter G
12 Chapter I
14 Chapter J
16 Chapter L
187 Chapter Q
April 2020
“Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge” Gold Wing Road Riders Association, Colorado District, www.coloradogwrra.com
Connecting Colorado
We hope everyone is still coping well during the Corona virus stay at home situation. We're hanging in there, but at times its difficult for a people person, such as me, to not be able to see and hug all our friends or meet up for lunch and laughs. Let's hope this is over soon so we can all get together for more wonderful rides and great company. We had a Zoom call with John Irons, our Director's Assistant, Jere Goodman, the National Director, and about nine other District Directors this past week. It's not as good as meeting in public, but we had a few laughs, shared some old motorcycle pictures and talked about other things we could do to keep in touch with our members. We joined Chapter G on a virtual Ride for Food Zoom call and it was quite fun. The Chapter Director's wife, Gina Curley, put together some pictures from prior Ride for Food rides that she shared in a slide show and that made it more fun.
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Directors’ Details By Joyce & Rick Elmore, District Directors
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Our 4 Corners District Rally at the Sky Ute Casino in Ignacio, CO is still going to be held on August 28, 29 and 30, as long as the stay at home order has been lifted. If you plan on going, please make your hotel reservations as soon as you can, because there are only so many rooms and they go quickly. The phone number is 970-563-7777. If you haven't registered for the rally yet, you can go to www.gwrra-4cornnersrally.org and pay with Pay Pal or print out a paper registration form and send it in with a check. Remember that this current situation we are all going through will pass and we may even be able to get out and ride while we still can without feeling guilty. Trust me, it's been REALLY hard to sit at home and be good citizens when the bikes are ready, willing and able to go. But the better we are at observing the stay at home order and practice social distancing, the better it will be for everybody, including ourselves and our loved ones. In the meantime, try to stay sane and not be too grumpy with your spouse, significant other and/or family. We hope to see you all in person sometime in the near future.
Chapter G is also planning on doing a Zoom call for their April 18th breakfast gathering, and it'll be nice to see everyone's smiling faces again. Another way to get together with your Chapter members is to have a virtual ice cream social. Pick a date and time, have everyone make an ice cream sundae, banana split, a cone or just a dish of ice cream. Then, when everyone joins the zoom call, you can all sit around eating your yummy ice cream and tell some stories of how you're all surviving staying at home. If you have any other suggestions of ways to get together without really getting together in person, please let me know and I'll pass them along to everyone. As of this date Wing Ding is still a go, so if you're planning on going, get your registration in as soon as possible. I was told a decision will be made about six weeks out from Wing Ding's start date, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that all will be well and it will proceed as planned.
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Look Forward to Better Times By Rich & Linda Fuller, Assistant District Directors As we sit here writing this amid the worst national health crisis any of us have seen in our lifetimes, we reflect on the many opportunities and privileges this great country allows us to enjoy and that we often take for granted. Especially those related to GWRRA. Our monthly meetings with all our friends, our Chapter rides over our favorite routes or newly discovered ones, gathering at our favorite eating establishments, attending other Chapter fund-raisers, and traveling to rallies and reacquainting with friends we may only see once or twice a year. Life has certainly come to a grinding halt. But it's all for our safety and well-being so we will all look forward to better times ahead. As of this writing, it seems it could be some time before we can once again join our fellow riders for group rides. We chuckle when we hear of those who lament the fact that they can't go riding because of all the restaurant closures. Is not the “ride” the highlight of the adventure and not the eating? OK, we realize we are writing this to Gold Wingers so maybe we are being a little harsh!! We have a trailer hitch cooler rack that was designed for the vertical receiver on our previous Wing. We recently had it reworked to accommodate the horizontal receiver on our current trike hitch. Although picnic lunches have never been a very popular item with our local Chapter, we thoroughly enjoy the activity. We are excited about getting out and enjoying the ride and picking secluded areas to stop and enjoy the outdoors and still keep our social-distancing intact. While we all try to keep ourselves safe, don't forget the potential threat from the common everyday gas pump handle. Hundreds of people touch those every day. Although the emphasis has been on airborne transmission only, there has been some back-pedaling from that in recent days to include touching your face after coming in contact with an infected item. While we are waiting and greatly anticipating coming out the other side of this maelstrom and reuniting with all of you, Protect yourself, Be safe, and let the wind kiss your face.
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Spacing is the physical distance, usually reported in feet or meters, between the back bumper of the leading vehicle and the front bumper of the following vehicle. Just like when you’re driving a car, maintaining a safe motorcycle distance between you and other vehicles is one of the best ways to avoid a motorcycle crash. Keeping a safe motorcycle distance 1. Don’t let your attention wander while trying to keep a
safe motorcycle distance.
2. Use the 3-second rule.
3. Consider road conditions.
4. Be on the lookout for alternate routes, even if you are keeping a safe motorcycle distance.
5. Don’t forget about the drivers behind you. I have seen some vehicles, not all vehicles, leave more space between vehicles. Keep in mind that not all vehicles do this and not all the time. Just enough for me to notice. This is awesome. WOW! What a concept. I hope that trend continues even after the Corona virus has gone. That being said, with the corona virus /COVID-19 going around, people are having to yield to six feet away from each other. Now we have to wear masks, when appropriate. (I take my Corona with a lime, thank you.)
Be safe, Be well.
A Little Space, Please By Earl Edwards, District Rider Educator
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Healthy Dreaming By Jacques Perron, District Ride Coordinator
It’s April 6th; I am sitting outside on my deck on a beautiful day and imagine myself on the Gold Wing exploring the roads of Arizona. That is where I was supposed to be this week; before COVID-19 and Stay at Home orders changed my plans. At least I am healthy and hope it is the same for all of you.
So, I hope you can take advantage of the nice weather to run essential errands with the motorcycle. Not as good as going for a nice ride with friends or going on a trip to visit some great places or family. However, Staying at Home and practicing social distancing is really important to make this unprecedented situation pass as fast as possible, and for us to be able to get riding with friends again. Who knows when it will get better, but this crisis will definitely change the world. Hopefully, we can return to some kind of normalcy before too long!
Stay Healthy!
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May is Motorcycle Awareness Month By Peter Keppler, District Motorist Awareness Officer
A version of the following article first appeared in the April 2016 Newsletter. In a recent issue of American Motorcyclist magazine of the American Motorcycle Association, the lead article reminds us that May is Motorcycle Awareness Month. As the MA program in GWRRA, the AMA and other motorcycle organizations promote motorcycle awareness through slogans, training and highway signs. Although we preach motorcycle awareness year-round, during May, we get extra help from the Colorado Highway Patrol and local law enforcement in making the driving public aware of motorcycles. Highway signs flash mottos: “Share the Road,” “Motorcycles are Everywhere,” and “Watch Out for Motorcycles.” Public service announcements implore drivers to look out for motorcycles and respect the rights of bikers on the road the same as other vehicles. We are also writing the Governor of Colorado to sign a proclamation declaring May “Motorcycle Awareness Month.” The AMA article starts by referencing a British study which, not surprisingly, found that car drivers tend to view the roadway as a space for cars and view motorcycles – and pedestrians and bicycles – as intruders. The study found that the most negative attitudes towards motorcyclists on the road tend to come from the least experienced drivers who also have the poorest skills in dealing with bikers on the road. The greatest empathy towards motorcyclists comes from drivers who are motorcyclists themselves. Car
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drivers who ride or who have family members or close friends who ride have fewer accidents with motorcyclists than drivers with little or no riding experience. Accordingly, one of our main goals in the GWRRA MA program is to educate and raise awareness among car drivers that motorcycles are everywhere and should be respected the same as other vehicles: “Share the Road” The AMA article goes on to point out that the Motorcycle Safety Foundation has its own key messages for drivers with an eye toward protecting riders: - Look out for motorcyclists: Use
your eyes and mirrors to see what’s around you and check the blind spots with a head turn when changing lanes or turning at intersections.
- Focus on driving: Hang up the
phone, stop fiddling with the infotainment system, settle the passengers and drive.
- Use your turn signals: Signal your
intentions for everyone’s safety. - Give two wheelers some room:
Don’t tailgate or pass too closely.
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- Take your time: Nothing is as important as the safety or your loved ones, yourself, and the others with whom you share the road.
State efforts at raising motorist awareness include the Colorado campaign called “Live to Ride,” which is intended to “help motorcyclists of all skill levels ride safely, have fun, and most importantly, stay alive.” Live to Ride focuses on three safety messages: Get training, ride sober and wear proper protective gear. There is no doubt that riding a motorcycle is a dangerous sport. We all know the risks and need to take steps to improve the odds for avoiding a crash or minimizing the injuries of a crash, such as ATGATT, training through ARCs and TRCs, etc. All of us have a responsibility to ride safely and be courteous to fellow motorists. Our goal in the Motorists Awareness Program is to reach out and bring attention to motorcyclists sharing the road with other vehicles and have all drivers show the same respect for motorcycles as cars and trucks. We all need to spread the word and remind all to “Share the Road” and “Watch Out for Motorcycles.”
Ride Like Your Life Depends on It!
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By Inez Scholbrock, District University Training Coordinator While we are responding to the Corona Virus Pandemic by reducing our contacts with others in groups, the GWRRA University is offering an alternative training opportunity.
Beginning April 1st, GWRRA University will be offering a limited number of classes by video conferencing (Zoom). The classes offered will be: Mondays ~ GWRRA Module 202-04 Retention is Important ~ How
to retain Members Tuesdays ~ GWRRA Module 301-02 More Members ~ Recruitment
basics Wednesdays ~ GWRRA Module 106-01 On the Level ~ Covers the
Levels Program Thursdays ~ GWRRA Module 201-06 Newsletters ~ Discusses
communication via Newsletters Saturdays ~ GWRRA Module 202-04 Retention is Important ~
How to retain Members The University Team will present the courses. Following are the specifics:
• Preregister on-line on the University website: gwrradot.com • Once registered, you will receive an email confirming your
registration. • Classes will be offered at 3:00pm and 6:00pm Central Time. • Class sizes will be limited. • A U.3 class roster will be completed submitted for entry into
the database. You must participate by computer or phone with a camera. No dial-in calls.
All Members are encouraged and welcome to attend. The University will evaluate and determine if on-line training will be continued and if other classes will be added. If you have any questions, please contact Clara Boldt, Director of the University, at [email protected].
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From the Desk of Mike Werner By Mike & Dorie Werner, Colorado District MFA Coordinators/ Wyoming District MFA Coordinators
Attention!!! Attention!!!
The TRC course schedule for May 2 is still scheduled “for now.” Please send us an email to RSVP so we can have a tentative roster. [email protected] You do not need to pay until the day of the course. We will keep everyone updated as to any changes that might arise due to COVID-19.
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From the Chapter B Directors’ Desk It is 70° outside with a light breeze and we are quarantined for another 3 weeks. Generally, I’m not a rule breaker. I was the tattletale on the playground, but the choice was clear, dig a grave in the back yard for John or sneak out for a little ride. So we sneaked out for a couple of hours and took a little ride through the farm country. There was a lot of sheered sheep and baby lambs with their tails cut off, it was wonderful to be out on the trike. We saw a few other folks out enjoying the weather and the country. A few waves but no-one was stopped and there were no groups except a group of 8 cyclists with matching tee-shirts riding but they were observing the 6-foot rule. It is very sad that there are so many events being canceled but we all have to work together to help keep each other safe from COVID-19. As of today, April 7, Mesa County has 31 positive COVID-19 cases, 117 pending testing, 3 hospitalized and no deaths. We had our own scare last week; our oldest daughter is a nurse at one of the local hospitals / clinics and became very ill, chills, fever, bad cough, and ached all over. It took four days to get her COVID-19 test back. To our relief, she had a sever bronchitis and not the COVID-19 virus. Bronchitis is bad but it was caught and treated before it turned into pneumonia. She is doing much better and is back to work. We had our first Chapter Zoom call; there were five members plus John and I. We decided to try and have a Zoom call every couple of weeks. I hope this will be over fairly soon so we all can get back to somewhat of a normal life. Until then stay healthy and be safe.
#################### Steve Urbach, Chapter B Membership Enhancement Coordinator
By now you are all aware of the sad news that motorcycle riding has been outlawed in all states. April Fools! Seems like April Fools has been around forever. Some historians speculate that April Fools’ Day dates back to when France switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar in 1563. People
Chapter B – John & Barb Romans, Directors
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who were slow to get the news or failed to recognize that the start of the New Year had moved to January 1 and continued to celebrate it during the last week of March through April 1 became the butt of jokes and hoaxes. These pranks included having paper fish placed on their backs, said to symbolize an “easily hooked” or gullible person. April Fools’ Day spread throughout Britain during the 18th century. In Scotland, the tradition became a two-day event, starting with “hunting the gowk,” in which people were sent on phony errands (gowk is a word for cuckoo bird, a symbol for fool) and followed by Tailie Day, which involved pranks played on people’s derrieres, such as pinning fake tails or “kick me” signs on them. Maybe some people think we're fools all year round to ride motorcycles and maybe some people think we're fools to take the risks. Maybe those people should try riding a motorcycle a few times and maybe they would wonder why they waited so long to be "fools" like us. See you on the street.
From the Chapter G Directors’ Desk
The rules have changed for now, so we are changing with them. The virus may do its best to ruin our days, but we are going to have fun anyway! . . . safely online.
Monthly Ride for Food We had our monthly "Ride" for Food on April 5th. Everyone packed a lunch. We had ATGATT (all the gear all the time) - including masks where appropriate. We rode our favorite two- or three-wheel steeds into our living rooms (figuratively, mine did not want to go up the steps). We opened the windows so we could get the wind in our face. And 16 of us met online with Zoom, including one couple from Arizona. We shared photos of our favorite ride and of our favorite motorcycles. Chapter Director Gina took us on a ride by sharing photos from previous rides. Road Captain Joyce did a safety briefing. There were several photos of us riding to the restaurant, another of us all at the table waiting for our meals, and two of meals served. Very well done, Gina! he gathering lasted 45 minutes with very high energy and everyone had a lot of fun.
Chapter G – Hugh & Gina Curley, Directors
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April Monthly Gathering Our monthly gathering will occur after the deadline for this article, but it will be online using Zoom. We will follow the same format as for in person meetings, except rather than having the wait staff serve us we will have to go to our own kitchens to get our meal. Maintenance Day Canceled Our annual maintenance day, May 2, 2020, at Morey & Wanda Stadel’s garage has been canceled for this year. Morey may be able to help you individually if you contact him at [email protected]. Remember to maintain at least adequate separation, especially when you are on your bike.
From the Chapter I Directors’ Desk Hi, Everyone! This is going to be our “Goodbye, Hello!” issue. Jackie and I will be completing our move to New Hampshire this month (May) and will be handing off the Chapter I baton to Claude & Nancy Lockhart. It is a bit bittersweet to be leaving, and we will miss our Colorado GWRRA brothers and sisters tremendously. But don’t worry, the Chapter will be in great hands!
Chapter I – Don & Jackie Lacasse, Directors
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Here’s Claude and Nancy and their beautiful bike
And they’ll be busy hands, too! Here are some up coming activities, virus permitting:
May 2 - Maintenance Day at Rod's Place May 19 – Parking Lot Practice (Tentative) June 13 - Pantry Ride June 28 - Bridge Ride June 30 - July 4 - Wing Ding 42 Springfield, MO July 10-11 - Camping at Strasbourg KOA July 11 - Chapter Picnic
You can see all the details on these activities and more at our Chapter site, http://springswings.org. Our picnic will be at the same spot as the last two years, and there is plenty of room for all y’all to join us. And let me close out with a reminder that motorcycling has always been a good distancing activity!
Let's pray for
less of this. more of that.
Ride safe!
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From the Chapter J Director’s Desk Most importantly, I hope you are all well and staying safe! We have already had at least a few instances of COVID-19 in my neighborhood. These are good people and friends. When the ambulance pulls up, it suddenly gets very real. As they say, wash your hands for 20 seconds, don’t touch your face, and stay home as much as you can. We will get through this because that’s what we do. We motorcyclists deal with adversity all the time be it rain, hail, heat, cold, traffic, road work, mechanical issues (gulp!), or a global pandemic. We don’t panic. We evaluate the situation and react accordingly to maximize our safety and that of our co-riders and fellow riders. During this pandemic, our co-riders and fellow riders become our neighbors and friends. On the bright side, the weather is getting better and sitting outside or taking a mental-health ride during the day and evenings is a nice (and needed) vacation from the indoors! At my house, we have been doing some much needed cleaning and organizing and now have a large (and growing) donation to charity ready to go! May Gathering The May Gathering, on May 13, is going to be our First Ever Virtual Gathering via Zoom! When you dial in, you may be put into a ‘”waiting room.” When the meeting starts, I’ll open the waiting room and you’ll be joined to the meeting. We won’t be doing a 50/50 this time, and I’ll try and keep the content a bit shorter in length. Please MUTE your microphone when you join.
- The link to join is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88991748490 - Meeting ID: 889 9174 8490: One tap mobile: +16699006833 -- 88991748490# - Join by Phone if you just want to listen: +1 669-900-6833 -- Meeting ID: 889 9174 8490
This will be the first time we’ve tried this, so I’ll ask that you all be patient if there are technology issues. Grand Pass Tour Chapter J is proud to sponsor the Grand Pass Tour! What is that, you ask? In short, it’s a way to encourage you to get out, ride, and explore this fantastic state in which we live by riding over or on at least seven identified passes or roads. With 54 paved and 8 unpaved roads identified, there is no shortage of adventure for you! Specifics can be found here: http://gwrraco-j.org/grand-pass-tour/. Our passes in Colorado range from 7,352 feet to 14,160 feet above sea level. That’s real High Altitude Riding, and my subject for April! Altitude Sickness, Sunburn, and Dehydration Many of us that live in Colorado already live above 5,000 feet. But if you’re coming to Colorado from a lower altitude to ride our beloved Rockies, you might consider spending a day or two in town (Denver, C. Springs, Ft. Collins, etc.) before heading up. Why? Altitude sickness. Did you know that 25% to 30% of visitors to Colorado experience altitude sickness? That means if you have four people in your ride group, there is a high probability that at least one of you will experience altitude sickness.
Chapter J – Chris Toomer, Director
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I have personally experienced altitude sickness, and I have seen others who were experiencing it. I can tell you that it is miserable. My worst episode was at one of our highest ski areas, Arapahoe Basin, whose parking lot is at about 10,700 feet. Riding up the lift to the summit at 12,526 feet, I suddenly got very, very nauseous. We skied down to the base lift and I felt better (more oxygen), so we rode up again. Same thing, but worse. I said “We have to leave. Now.”, and we skied back down and drove home. As the altitude dropped, I felt better. I knew the signs, I knew what was happening, and I knew I needed more oxygen. Google defines altitude sickness as an “…illness caused by ascent to a high altitude and the resulting shortage of oxygen, characterized chiefly by hyperventilation, nausea, exhaustion, and cerebral edema.” WebMD (https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/altitude-sickness#1) goes a bit further and states that “…altitude sickness is a group of symptoms that can strike if you walk or climb to a higher elevation, or altitude, too quickly.” In its mildest form, you might feel nauseous, dizzy, be short of breath, lips and ears could turn blue, and have a headache. WebMD describes two more serious versions, High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), both of which are life threatening. HAPE is a buildup of fluid in the lungs. HACE is a buildup of fluid in the brain. At sea level, air is composed of 20.9% oxygen. In Denver, CO, it drops to around 17.3%, which is about 17% less oxygen than at sea level. At our lowest Pass, the oxygen level drops to about 15.7%, which in turn is about a 25% reduction from sea level. Moving on up, the famous Eisenhower Tunnel atop I-70 is about 11,000 feet with an oxygen level of 13.7%, or a whopping 35% less than at sea level. Our highest ride is Mt. Evans at 14,160 feet with an oxygen level around 12.3%, or 41% less than at sea level. It’s important that all riders in your group know the signs of altitude sickness and watch each other (and yourself) for them. Some to watch for include: Loss of coordination; confusion; blue lips, ears, finger tips; trouble breathing; nausea; slurred or slow speech; and a severe headache. Drink lots of water and maybe an electrolyte replacement drink. Give yourself time to acclimate. [Editor’s Note: As a former Ski Patrolman, I found the very first signs were dizziness and some nausea.] Altitude sickness isn’t the only concern though. Because the air is thinner, even in Denver as compared to sea level, the sun is much stronger. As you go up in altitude, it gets even stronger! You can get a mild sunburn in 15 to 30 minutes at altitude, and a severe burn pretty quickly if you are totally unaware of the problem. I apply sunscreen to my face prior to most rides to protect me from that (the rest of me is covered). Dehydration. Yeah, that too. At altitude, the drier air will suck the moisture out of you. You have to drink water and sports drinks like Gatorade, and you have to stay hydrated. A good rule of thumb is that if don’t need to urinate at least two or three times on an all-day ride, you are likely dehydrated. Also, if your urine is a medium to dark yellow, you need to drink a lot more water immediately! Make sure you’re watching your fellow riders and passengers, too. Know the signs of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke because… They might not. Most importantly, have a plan for altitude sickness, for sunburn, and for dehydration. Don’t wait until you or a fellow rider is having issues to try and figure out what is going on. Know the signs and symptoms, and be ready to act. I almost always carry extra water and Gatorade on my rides. But I also sometimes carry a tablet made my NuuN that dissolves in water and provides electrolytes. This is a great addition to your First Aid kit. Know the signs and have a plan. Ride smart and ride safe!
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#################### April Celebrations by Dorie Werner, Chapter J Membership Enhancement Coordinator Life is what you celebrate; GWRRA is what we celebrate with you! Keep being awesome and we’ll keep saying congratulations! GWRRA Anniversaries: J-D Roland, 1 year (4/30/2019); Andie Houdek, 7 year (4/30/2013); Tom Houdek, 7
Year (4/30/2013); Emma Lape, 8 year (4/24/2012); Doug Kile, 16 Year (4/12/2004) Birthdays: David Miles - 4/8, Dorie Werner - 4/8; Amy Sjodin - 4/12; Mike Werner - 4/19; Don Smith -
4/30 Wedding Anniversaries: Paul Janis DeBaca - 4/4 and Thom Deb Dahler - 4/27
From the Chapter L Director’s Desk I sure hope everyone is doing well, staying healthy, and getting out and riding. I have been on a few little rides mysef andMan, does it feel good! I have been scouting some new roads up here that we can ride for our Sunday rides when we get back to it. Don’t be surprised if I give you a call soon to do some riding during the week. I know Jim Hazlett is ready and I believe Critt Coburn has his bike up here now. Let’s ride and, at 60 mph, we are doing “Social Distancing.” Not sure yet about a May meeting. It will depend on when Lakewood opens up the building. If not, I’m thinking about a Saturday picnic lunch get-together at, maybe, Chatfield. Don’t worry, I’ll have my tape measure with me so we can stay apart. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Ricardo & Beverly Gonzales to our Chapter L and our next meeting, whenever that will be. They are currently GWRRA members and are looking for a Chaptger home. Hope to see them at our next gathering. That’s all I have for now, so take care and I’ll see you all soon. Ride safe. Chapter Celebrations: April Birthdays – Ralph Spencer on the 14th and April Hansen on the 20th. No Anniversaries this month. No Birthdays or Anniversaries for May.
####################
Chapter L – Chuck Bellmyer, Director
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Motorist Awareness - Defined and Discussed by Ralph K. Spencer, Chapter L Motorist Awareness Program Coordinator Allow me to begin this month's article with a quick definition of Motorist Awareness, namely, Awareness of Motorcyclists by Other Drivers. I know that most of my readers are not surprised by this definition but perhaps they ARE somewhat taken aback by its brevity. This definition says it all in six words, two of which are merely prepositions (of and by). What I truly like about this definition is that I will remember it tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow, and next week, and so on. I hope you all will remember it as well. I would now like to discuss this topic in the context of efforts to increase motorist awareness (or awareness of motorcyclists by other drivers) of motorcyclists that are present in the traffic mix. Motorist awareness campaigns might be second only to training as the most often implemented component of a State’s motorcyclist safety program. Like training, good communication and outreach awareness programs can be expensive to develop and implement. Given how frequent these types of programs take a leading role in motorcyclist safety efforts and how expensive they can be to implement, one would assume there is abundant clear evidence of the effectiveness of such programs. Unfortunately, this evidence is lacking. I have not been able to find any direct evaluations of the effectiveness of campaigns to increase driver awareness of motorcyclists. This statement should strike a modicum of fear into the hearts of all two and three-wheeled motorcycle riders and their passengers.
Statistical data on crash causation do reveal that when motorcyclists crash with other vehicles, the other vehicle driver has often violated the motorcyclist’s right-of-way (ROW). Drivers may not expect to see motorcyclists on the road and may simply not recognize a motorcyclist in their direct line of sight. As a result of these types of crashes, some States and motorcyclist organizations including GWRRA have developed communication and outreach campaigns to increase other
drivers’ awareness of motorcyclists. Common themes are “Look Twice to Save a Life,” “Share the Road,” or “Watch for Motorcyclists.” Some States kick off these types of campaigns early in the riding season with activities centered on “May is Motorcycle Awareness Month.” I think we all know that Colorado has followed suit with this type of activity, including declaring May as Motorcycle Awareness Month! These programs are based on the assumption that if drivers look twice, pay more attention, or are reminded that motorcyclists are on the road, they would actually “see” approaching riders and the result would be a reduction in motorcyclist right-of-way violations by other motorists. This assumption does not seem consistent with the research on how our eyes and mind work together. We encourage readers interested to investigate the research related to unintentional blindness and the inability of motorists to correctly judge the path or speed of the motorcyclist and accept an adequate gap between vehicle and motorcycle. Motorcycles and their riders DO present smaller visual targets than cars or trucks, resulting in assumed lower conspicuity (in other words, motorcyclists and their riders are not as readily visible as other vehicles on the road). Finally, motorcyclist awareness materials are available from a variety of sources including GWRRA. A web search for “motorcycle awareness” and similar terms will result in millions of hits including hundreds of images for posters, brochures and billboards. As always, my good friends, please continue to Share the Road - Safely!!
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From the Chapter Q Directors’ Desk
There have been and will continue to be a lot of changes in our lives for a few weeks or months. GWRRA has advised us to cancel all activities until further notice. Even though all the shutdowns have caused many inconveniences in our daily lives, it is still better to be safe. Chapter Q has canceled all meetings and rides until further notice. We did have a dinner meeting on March 4th. Howie Peterson presented the Co-Rider Course. He did an excellent presentation, and we had a lot interaction from the members present. Our Mystery Dinner Ride, which was scheduled for March 26, was canceled. Daveto’s Restaurant is now closed for dinner for the time being but provides takeout orders. We will reschedule rides again when we get the OK from GWRRA. This would be a good time for maintenance, cleaning up your bike, and doing a general safety check. This should include your boots, gloves and other riding gear. Until we meet again … Happy Trails to you!
Chapter Q – Gary & Linda Garren, Directors
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District Team
Officers Directors Joyce & Rick Elmore (CO-G) Assistant Directors Rich & Linda Fuller (CO-Q) Rider Education Earl Edwards (CO-I) Ride Coordinator Jacques Perron (CO-J) Motorist Awareness Peter Keppler (CO-L) University Training Inez Scholbrock (CO-G) Treasurer April Hansen (CO-L) Staff MFA Coordinators Mike & Dorie Werner Webmasters Jim & Janet Wohlford Newsletter Editor April Hansen (CO-L) Photographer Donald Redline (CO-L)
Colorado Chapter Directors Chapter B – Grand Junction John & Barb Romans
[email protected] Chapter G – Fort Collins Hugh & Gina Curley
[email protected] Chapter I – Colorado Springs Don & Jackie Lacasse
[email protected] Chapter J – Aurora Chris Toomer [email protected] Chapter L – Lakewood Chuck Bellmyer [email protected] Chapter Q – Montrose Gary & Linda Garren
[email protected] Wyoming B – Cheyenne Larry & Barbara Kuzma [email protected]
Gold Wing Road Riders Association Colorado District
Web: www.coloradogwrra.com
Upcoming Events May 2 – TRC, Cheyenne, WY, flyer attached May 28 – Missouri District Rally, registration
attached June 26-27 – Wyoming District Rally, Buffalo, WY,
registration attached June 30-July 4 – Wing Ding 42, Springfield, MO,
registration attached Aug. 28-30 – Four Corners Rally 2, Ignacio, CO,
registration attached
EDITOR’S NOTICE: THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING NEWSLETTER ARTICLES IS THE 17TH OF EACH
MONTH.
University U.10 Digital Form2221
University U.10 GWRRA UNIVERSITY TRAINING EVENT
District Hosting the University Training Event:
WYOMING
Event Start Date: 05/02/2020
Event End Date: 05/02/2020
Street Address 7006 N. College Drive
Name of Facility Cheyenne Evangelical Free Church
City Cheyenne
State / Province WY
Postal / Zip Code 82009
Starting Time: 08:00 am
Estimated Ending Time: 05:00 pm
The Classes Being Offered Include:
Rider Education "On Bike" (ARC, TRC, etc.)
Class Details TRC (Full Course) Trike Rider Course Classroom 8:00am - 12:00pm Lunch on your own 12:00pm - 1:00pm Range 1:00pm - done **CO-RIDERS encouraged to participate
Cost Per: Bike
Amount $50.00 Checks payable to Wyoming District
Contact Person Michael Werner
Phone 303-434-5242 **Send your payment to reserve your spot Michael Werner 3420 W Edgemore Pl Sheridan, CO 80110
Email [email protected]
Please RSVP on or Before: 04/18/2020
Additional Information: MUST BRING: M/C Registration, Proof of insurance, License with M/C endorsement (ALL these documents MUST BE CURRENT) MUST HAVE: DOT approved helmet, Long sleeve shirt or coat, Long Pants, Over the ankle shoe, Full finger gloves and Eye protection **Class size limited to 12 Trikes
Will Lunch Be Provided? No
Lunch Options: Bring your own or Restaurants nearby
Reminder REMINDER: PLEASE BRING YOUR GWRRA MEMBERSHIP CARD TO THE EVENT - THANK YOU !!!
Submitters Name: Michael Werner
Copyrights U.10 ©2020 GWRRA, Inc. 1/1/2020
Missouri District Rally at Angel Inn
May 28th to May 30, 2020 Branson, Missouri
‘Wingin the Ozarks’ Bob & Jan Wills, District Directors
Jan’s cell (720) 351-6663 Bob’s cell (720) 333-0153 [email protected]
Photo by: Noraleen Hord Wingin the Ozarks
Host Hotels: Southern Oaks
Inn Angel Inn Econo Lodge
3395 Shepherd Hills Exp.
3311 Shepherd Hills Exp. 3269 Shepherd Hills
Exp. (417) 335-8108 (417) 334-2300 (417) 335-6776
$61.99/night + tax $62.99/night + tax $59.99/night + tax Pet friendly $25/1X Fee No Pets Pet friendly - $10/night
Campers: Willow Tree RV Park, 3381 Shepherd Hills Exp., (417) 334-8890
All Pre-Registration forms must be post marked by: April 30, 2020. NO REFUNDS after May 15, 2020.
Full registration includes: Free lunches and 3 dinner vouchers valued at $32.00.
1st 400 registrations receive a free rally pin.
Registrants before 4-30-2020 receive DUB card for $250.00 drawing. Huge 50/50 drawings daily, give-away tickets to shows, gift baskets and much more!
Registration Form – Please print clearly Rider: State: Chapter: GWRRA # Exp.Date: Address: City: State: Zip: Phone #s: (H) (C) Email:
Co-Rider: State: Chapter: GWRRA #_ Exp.Date: Address: City: State: Zip: Phone #s: (H) (C) Email:
Please complete the items you want:
GWRRA Member Registration $35 X = $ GWRRA Member Registration after 4/30/20 $40 X = $ Non-Member Registration $40 X = $ Non-Member Registration after 4/30/2020 $45 X = $ 15 & under (w/paying adult) $20 X = $ District Director, COY, IOY $20 X = $ MFA Refresher Course $20 X = $
Rally T-shirts (Short sleeve, white, Gildan Ultra, large logo on back, small logo on front, crew neck)
TOTAL (enclosed): $
Make checks payable to Missouri GWRRA and send to: Carol White, 605 Della Street Versailles, MO 65084 Email: [email protected]
Liability Release (ALL registrants must sign) I agree to hold harmless GWRRA, the co- sponsoring organization, and any property owners for any loss, injury to self/property by any reason by participating in this rally.
Rider signature: Date:
Co-rider signature: Date:
S M L XL $13 X _ = $ 2X $14 X = $ 3X $15 X = $ 4X $16 X = $
FULL REGISTRATION INCLUDES:• Access to ‘Pre-Event Day’ activities! - Tuesday 6/30• Wing Ding Welcome Party - Tuesday 6/30• 4-day pass to indoor Trade Show - Opens 7/1• 4-day pass to Demo Rides on all participating
manufacturers’ bikes (subject to availability)• Access to Seminars and Parades• Access to Opening and Closing Ceremonies• Access to free Evening Entertainment Event• Optional dinner and priority seating prior to free
Entertainment Event• Souvenir Event Pin and Pocket Guide• Exclusive opportunities for tours, dinners and other
ticketed events• Numbered armband for chance at thousands of
dollars in great prizes!• Precision Drill Team Exhibitions and other
performances• Optional Rider Education Safety Courses, CPR
Classes and more
Register today! Simply mail or fax your completed form.
WING DING 42SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI / JUNE 30-JULY 4, 2020
GWRRA Member ServicesP.O. Box 42450, Phoenix, AZ 85080-2450Call: 1-800-843-9460 or 623-581-2500 (Local)Fax: 877-348-9416Register online at: www.wing-ding.org
Please visit www.wing-ding.org or text WingDing to 555-888 for the latest news, updates, and special offers!
SINGLE1 Full Registration1 Both Dinners10 Gold Wing Tickets3 Yards 50/20/15/10/5 Tickets1 Event Shirt - Size: _____TOTAL: $120
SINGLE1 Full Registration1 Gold Wing Night Dinner10 Gold Wing Tickets3 Yards 50/20/15/10/5 Tickets1 Event Shirt - Size: _____TOTAL: $99
DOUBLE2 Full Registrations2 Both Dinners20 Gold Wing Tickets7 Yards 50/20/15/10/5 Tickets2 Event Shirts - Size: _____ /_____TOTAL: $225
DOUBLE2 Full Registrations2 Gold Wing Night Dinners20 Gold Wing Tickets7 Yards 50/20/15/10/5 Tickets2 Event Shirts - Size: _____ /_____TOTAL: $179
BUFFET 1: SPONSOR NIGHTTossed salad w/ 2 dressingsGrilled chicken w/ signature sauceRoasted potatoGreen beansPlated cookieBeverage service
BUFFET 2: GOLD WING NIGHTPulled porkPotato salad BBQ sauceBaked beansKaiser rollPlated brownieBeverage service
RIDER’S NAME: _____________________________________________ GWRRA MEMBER #____________________
CO-RIDER’S NAME: __________________________________________ GWRRA MEMBER #____________________
MAILING ADDRESS: ______________________________________________________________________________
CITY/STATE/ZIP: _____________________________________________ COUNTRY: _________________________
HOME PHONE: _______________________________ ALTERNATIVE PHONE: _______________________________
EMAIL ADDRESS: _______________________________________________________________________________
GRAND TOTAL: $_______________
CARD #_______________________________
EXP. DATE: _______ /_______ SIGNATURE: __________________________________________________________
ENCLOSED:
CHARGE MY:
Please send check or money order in equivalent U.S. funds. All other funds will be returned to sender for adjustment. Please do not send cash.
CHECK
M/C VISA AMEX
MONEY ORDER
Split payments over two consecutive months. (Credit Card payments only)
DISCOVER
BEST WING DING 42 PACKAGES!PREMIER PACKAGE
GOLD WING NIGHT PACKAGE
SINGLE (NO DINNER)1 Full Registration10 Gold Wing Tickets3 Yards 50/20/15/10/5 Tickets1 Event Shirt - Size: _____TOTAL: $69
DOUBLE (NO DINNER)2 Full Registrations20 Gold Wing Tickets7 Yards 50/20/15/10/5 Tickets2 Event Shirts - Size: _____ /_____TOTAL: $129
STANDARD PACKAGE
August 28,29,30 at the Beautiful Sky Ute Casino
Resort 14324 Hwy 172
Ignacio, Colorado
2 Grand Prizes of $500 Each
Fun for Everyone, with scenic rides,and onsite amenities
Reconnect with Friends while enjoying all that the area has to
offer
Opening Night Ice Cream Social Hosted by the
Sky Ute Casino Resort
The GWRRA room rate of $125 (Plus 3% Tribal Tax) includes all Resort fees.
Make your reservation today, ROOMS WILL SELL OUT. For reservations call 970-563-7777
ask for the Front Desk / Reservations. From there give the August 28, 29 & 30 dates and ask for the “GWRRA” room block to get the discounted room rate.
Early check in and late check outs are available. Standard check in is 3pm and check out is 11am.
Plenty of RV Parking $39.00 per night
Beautiful Rooms
Indoor Pool and Spa Bowling and Mini Golf
4 Corners Multi-District Rally August 28, 29, 30 2020
Rider: _______________________________________ GWRRA#______________ Master #_______________
Rider2/Co-Rider: ______________________________ GWRRA#______________ Master#_______________
Address: _____________________________________ City: _________________ State: ___ Zip: ___________
Phone: _____________________Email: _______________________Chapter: ________ (include District, e.g. AZ-G, CO-A)
Rally Registration: Member - $30 #_______x $30 = _____________________
Rally Registration: Non-Member -$35
Saturday Breakfast Buffet - $20
Dinner Buffet Saturday Night: - $30
#_______x $35 = _____________________
#_______x $20 =_____________________
#_______x $30 = _____________________
Sunday Morning Breakfast Buffet: - $20 # ______ x $20 = _____________________
Masters Breakfast Buffet - $20 #_______x $20 = _____________________
50/25/15/10: $5 = 6 Tickets; $10 = 16 Tickets; $20 = 40 Tickets = ___________
Door Prize: $5 = 6 Tickets; $10 = 16 Tickets; $20 = 40 Tickets = ___________
$500 Grand Prize: $5 = 2 Tickets; $10 = 8 Tickets; $20 = 20 Tickets = ____________
Total Enclosed ___________________ For Resort reservations call 970-563-7777
ask for the Front Desk / Reservations. From there give the August 28, 29 & 30 dates and ask for the “GWRRA” room block to get the discounted room rate.
I/We agree to hold harmless the GWRRA, the sponsoring organization and the property owners for any loss or injury to myself or my property by reason of participation in this event.
Rider: ________________________________________ Co-Rider: _____________________________________
Mail Registration & Payment to: Make Checks Payable to: GWRRA ARIZONA DISTRICT
Dennis Long 924 West Bosch Drive
GREEN VALLEY, AZ 85614
See www.gwrra-4cornersrally.org for all the latest info
