Gold Wing Road Riders Association Region N Virginia

Gold Wing Road Riders Association Region N Virginia District Chapter C Newsletter

GWRRA VA-C Tidewater Wings January 2014 1

Chapter Director Mel Brooks

Well, I bet ya’ll thought you got rid of me. Not yet it seems. I think we had a real good Christmas Party. I want to thank Daniel, Jackie and Sandy for doing all the hard work, and for making it all happen. Plus everyone else in the chapter who brought stuff, and help set up and clean up. I always said, and will say it again; Chapter C is a really good chapter for pitching in and helping. The game was a great hit and very entertaining. The food was excellent as usual. It was a very nice evening.

We start out a new year, hopefully with new ideas. Sometime in the end of January or early February, we’ll have a ride meeting and decide what our rides are going to be this year. Hopefully everyone has had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Let’s get out there and be seen, ride safe and have fun!

Bye for now, Mel

January 2014 Volume 31, Issue 1 Chapter meeting the 2nd Sunday of each month at Angelo’s Steak and Pancake House, 755 J. Clyde Morris Blvd, Newport News, VA.

Eat at 6 PM; meet at 7 PM, everyone welcome.

1 The Chapter Director Speaks

2 Motorcycle Safety

4 It’s never too late to learn something new…

10 Information updates

13 Motorcycles Plus

Animals = Disaster

15 Comic Corner

16 Important Dates

17 Officers and Staff

18 Rides and Events 20 2014 Spring Thaw Flyer 21 Rally in the Valley Flyer

The Tidewater Wings

GWRRA VAC P.O. Box 1266

Yorktown, VA 23692



Motorcycle Safety

Dave Huey, Chapter Educator

Can you believe its 2014 already? The past year really flew by and Chapter C had some great events and fun last year. I’m looking forward to continuing these traditions this year.

If you didn’t get out to the Christmas party shame on you. It was a great evening with our riding friends and fun for all. Did I mention we also did what GoldWingers do best, EAT!!! We also had a fun Skit of “Oldie-Weds and old TV commercials. Of course we had a visit from Santa. A good time was had by all.

First don’t forget to come out to the ride meeting when scheduled. This is a very important meeting for all Chapter members to help decide the planned rides for the upcoming year. Come on out and let your voice be heard as to what rides you would like to see the chapter do. We will also schedule a couple of bike clinics at this meeting.

Once again please let me know if you need any particular updates to keep your rider ed levels current. I will do my best to try and schedule whatever the chapter needs.

Do you know that it is quite all right to run your hi-beams on during the daytime hours? Of course it is but you also have to put a little thought into it. For instance, if it is foggy, raining, or that period of time where the sun is almost gone, we do not want to blind any others with our hi beams still on. With our hi-beams on, maybe it will get us that little bit more of someone’s attention that actually will get us noticed. What about our clothing? During the daytime, what might get someone’s attention a little more quickly? Your typical black t-shirt or a long sleeved yellow t-shirt? And what



about the car waiting at the stop sign waiting to make a dash across the median, and does a quick head check to the left, and then starts to move. Yes, you were paying enough attention to have them notice you at the last instant by switching your lights on and off, but why didn’t they see you sooner? Were you traveling in the left track of your lane and forgot about that new car behind you? You know the car, most of your new cars and trucks have the daytime driving lights that come on any time the key is turned on. Yes, you were in your proper track for riding by yourself; however, with the car’s lights on also, the car waiting at the stop sign only saw “2 light’s”. If you were in the left track, you were actually blocking the car’s lights on the left side. That is why the car waiting to make the dash only saw 2 lights. Change your track making 3 lights, flash your high beams rapidly, do anything to draw more attention to yourself. I know that all of you are just as tired as I am of, “I didn’t see them”. Make them see us and they will learn. That is why we also stress as Educator’s; learn something every time you sit your behind in the saddle. Never get so relaxed that you are the accident waiting to happen.

As always be safe out there we want to see you real soon.

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John Bowles, Virginia District Educator

Taken from the December 2013 Newsletter

Never Too Late To Learn Something New ... Tis the Season…, At this time of year, I’m taking some time to be extra thankful and appreciative that our 2013 has been rich with safe riding and lots of fun! While helping Santa with some online shopping I realized it was also time to develop an idea for this month’s newsletter. Facing the usual seasonal warnings, like beware of deer, bad weather, bad/drunk drivers and the other usual topics which I’ve already discussed this year, I thought I would again share an article on the Motorcycle Cruiser website that includes something for everyone regardless of whether you’ve been naughty or nice. Happy Holidays to all! 50 Ways to Save Your Life Motorcycle Cruiser's mothership, Motorcyclist magazine, recently published the following advice to an overwhelmingly appreciative response. We have decided to republish the list of living-saving techniques-in its entirety-for our own reader-ship. Assume you're invisible Because to a lot of drivers, you are. Never make a move based on the assumption that another driver sees you, even if you've just made eye contact. Be considerate The consequences of strafing the jerk du jour or cutting him off start out bad and get worse. Pretend it was your grandma and think again.



Dress for the crash, not the pool or the prom Sure, Joaquin's Fish Tacos is a five-minute trip, but nobody plans to eat pavement. Modern mesh gear means 100-degree heat is no excuse for a T-shirt and board shorts. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst Assume that car across the intersection will turn across your bow when the light goes green, with or without a turn signal. Leave your ego at home The only people who really care if you were faster on the freeway will be the officer and the judge. Pay attention Yes, there is a half-naked girl on the billboard. And the chrome needs a polish. Meanwhile, you could be drifting toward Big Trouble. Focus. Mirrors only show you part of the picture Never change direction without turning your head to make sure the coast really is clear. Be patient Always take another second or three before you pull out to pass, ride away from a curb or merge into freeway traffic from an on-ramp. It's what you don't see that gets you. That extra look could save your butt. Watch your closing speed Passing cars at twice their speed or changing lanes to shoot past a row of stopped cars is just asking for trouble. Beware the verge and the merge A lot of nasty surprises end up on the sides of the road: empty McDonald's bags, nails, TV antennas, ladders, you name it. Watch for potentially troublesome debris on both sides of the road. Left-turning cars remain a leading killer of motorcyclists Don't assume someone will wait for you to dart through the intersection. They're trying to beat the light, too. Think before you act Careful whipping around that Camry going 7 mph in a 25-mph zone or you could end up with your head in the driver's side door when he turns in front of you. Beware of cars running traffic lights The first few seconds after a signal light changes are the most perilous. Look both ways before barging into an intersection.



Check your mirrors Do it every time you change lanes, slow down or stop. Be ready to move if another vehicle is about to occupy the space you'd planned to use. Mind the gap Remember Driver's Ed.? One second's worth of distance per 10 mph is the old rule of thumb. Better still, scan the next 12 seconds ahead for potential trouble. Beware of tuner cars They're quick, and their drivers tend to be young and aggressive, therefore potentially hazardous. Excessive entrance speed hurts It's the leading cause of single-bike accidents on twisty roads-some cruisers can make unheard of amounts of power. Use it on the way out of a corner, not in. Don't trust that deer whistle Ungulates and other feral beasts prowl at dawn and dusk, so heed those big yellow signs. If you're riding in a target-rich environment, slow down and watch the shoulders. Learn to use both brakes The front does most of your stopping, but for a lot of heavy cruisers a little extra rear brake can really help haul you up fast. Keep the front brake covered-always Save a single second of reaction time at 60 mph and you can stop 88 feet shorter. Think about that.

Look where you want to go Use the miracle of target fixation to your advantage. The motorcycle goes where you look, so focus on the solution instead of the problem.

Keep your eyes moving Traffic is always shifting, so keep scanning for potential trouble. Don't lock your eyes on any one thing for too long unless you're actually dealing with trouble. Come to a full stop at that next stop sign Put a foot down. Look again. Anything less forces a snap decision with no time to spot potential trouble. Raise your gaze It's too late to do anything about the 20 feet immediately in front of your fender, so scan the road far enough ahead to see trouble and change trajectory. Get your mind right in the driveway Most accidents happen during the first 15 minutes of a ride, below 40 mph, near an intersection or driveway. Yes, that could be your driveway.



Never dive into a gap in stalled traffic Cars may have stopped for a reason, and you may not be able to see why until it's too late to do anything about it. Don't saddle up more than you can handle If you weigh 95 pounds, avoid that 795-pound cruiser. Get something lighter and more manageable. Watch for car doors opening into traffic And smacking a car that's swerving around some goofball's open door is just as painful. Don't get in an intersection rut Watch for a two-way stop after a string of four-way intersections. If you expect cross traffic to stop, there could be a painful surprise when it doesn't. Stay in your comfort zone when you're with a group Riding over your head is a good way to end up in a ditch. Any bunch worth riding with will have a rendezvous point where you'll be able to link up again. Give your eyes some time to adjust A minute or two of low light heading from a well-lighted garage onto dark streets is a good thing. Otherwise, you're essentially flying blind for the first mile or so. Master the slow U-turn Practice. Park your butt on the outside edge of the seat and lean the bike into the turn, using your body as a counterweight as you pivot around the rear wheel. Who put a stop sign at the top of this hill? Don't panic. Use the rear brake to keep from rolling back down. Use Mr. Throttle and Mr. Clutch normally-and smoothly-to pull away. If it looks slippery, assume it is A patch of suspicious pavement could be just about anything. Butter Flavor Crisco? Gravel? Mobil 1? Or maybe it's nothing. Better to slow down for nothing than go on your head. Bang! A blowout! Now what? No sudden moves. The motorcycle isn't happy, so be prepared to apply a little calming muscle to maintain course. Ease back the throttle, brake gingerly with the good wheel and pull over very smoothly to the shoulder. Big sigh. Drops on the faceshield? It's raining. Lightly misted pavement can be slipperier than when it's been rinsed by a downpour, and you never know how much grip there is. Apply maximum-level concentration, caution and smoothness.



Everything is harder to see after dark Adjust your headlights, carry a clear faceshield and have your game all the way on after dark, especially during commuter hours Emotions in check? To paraphrase Mr. Ice Cube, chickity-check yo self before you wreck yo self. Emotions are as powerful as any drug, so take inventory every time you saddle up. If you're mad, sad, exhausted or anxious, stay put. Wear good gear Wear stuff that fits you and the weather. If you're too hot or too cold or fighting with a jacket that binds across the shoulders, you're dangerous. It's that simple. Leave the iPod at home You won't hear that cement truck in time with Spinal Tap cranked to 11, but they might like your headphones in intensive care. Learn to swerve Be able to do two tight turns in quick succession. Flick left around the bag of briquettes, then right back to your original trajectory. The bike will follow your eyes, so look at the way around, not the briquettes. Now practice until it's a reflex. Be smooth at low speeds Take some angst out, especially of slow-speed maneuvers, with a bit of rear brake. It adds a welcome bit of stability by minimizing unwelcome weight transfer and potentially bothersome driveline lash. Flashing is good for you Turn signals get your attention by flashing, right? So a few easy taps on the pedal or lever before stopping makes your brake light more eye-catching to trailing traffic. Intersections are scary, so hedge your bets Put another vehicle between your bike and the possibility of someone running the stop sign/red light on your right and you cut your chances of getting nailed in half. Tune your peripheral vision Pick a point near the center of that wall over there. Now scan as far as you can by moving your attention, not your gaze. The more you can see without turning your head, the sooner you can react to trouble.

All alone at a light that won't turn green? Put as much motorcycle as possible directly above the sensor wire-usually buried in the pavement beneath you and located by a round or square pattern behind the limit line. If the light still won't change, try putting your kickstand down, right on the wire. You should be on your way in seconds.



Don't troll next to-or right behind-Mr. Peterbilt If one of those 18 retreads blows up-which they do with some regularity-it de-treads, and that can be ugly. Unless you like dodging huge chunks of flying rubber, keep your distance.

Take the panic out of panic stops Develop an intimate relationship with your front brake. Seek out some safe, open pavement. Starting slowly, find that fine line between maximum braking and a locked wheel, and then do it again and again. Make your tires right None of this stuff matters unless your skins are right. Don't take 'em for granted. Make sure pressure is spot-on every time you ride. Check for cuts, nails and other junk they might have picked up, as well as for general wear. Take a deep breath Count to 10. Visualize whirled peas. Forgetting about some clown's 80-mph indiscretion beats running the risk of ruining your life, or ending it.

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Taken from The Appalachian Gazette, December 2013 Newsletter by Kyle T. & Mitzela Craig Regional N Educators

Information Updates First of all, let's start with the promotions. At various times at a Chapter, District or a Region level certain educators rise above their peers. It is always a pleasure to see others excel in Rider Education. During the past several years, three District Educators have excelled in various multiple areas of Rider Education. Additionally, there has been a Chapter Educator that has also excelled above his peers. Some of these Educators have received District, Regional and International awards for their valiant efforts. The following Educators have been promoted to the position of Senior. *Senior Chapter Educator, VA District, Chapter VA-Y, William (Wil) G. Bell, Sr. *Senior District Educators, NC District, Wayne and Elva Grant *Senior District Educators, TN District, Gary and Patti Hamilton *Senior District Educators, VA District, John and Michele Howe The following Educators have retired from their District Educator positions and have received their former patches for outstanding service to their Districts, Regional and International Rider Education Programs.



A huge thank you goes to the Senior District Educators, NC District, Wayne and Elva Grant and Senior District Educators, VA District, John and Michele Howe for service well done. The following Educators have been promoted to District Educator positions and Assistant Regional Educator position. District Educators, NC District, Susan N. and George Huttman District Educator, VA District, John L. Bowles Assistant Regional Educators, Senior Educators, Wayne and Elva Grant Regional N Educator Merit Award: The Region N Rider Education Merit Award went to the Senior Chapter Educators, Chapter TN-A, Donald E. and Sheila Luth. Regional N Educators of the Year: As Duncan MacLeod, the fictional character in the TV Series, the Highlander, says, "there can be only one". With that said, we are proud to announce that the Regional N Educators of the Year for 2013 to 2014 are the Senior District Educators, TN District, Gary and Patti Hamilton. UTDP: On the 2nd of November 2013, the WV District Trainer and Regional Educator conducted a joint UTDP in Summersville, WV. We had 11 University Trainer candidates attend the training. Additionally, we had 3 District Educators to be evaluated as Master University Trainers (MUT). Join us in congratulating the following District Educators on the successful completion their evaluations. MUT, District Educator, NC District, Susan N. Huttman MUT, District Educator, VA District, John L. Bowles MUT, District Educator, WV District, Larry A. Wheeler Also successfully completing his evaluation was the VA District Trainer, Ken Taylor. Way to go, Ken!

Safety Note: The weather is changing and getting colder and for those of you that are still riding, please re-member if you're riding cold, you're not riding safe.



Training Note: With the weather changing, Chapter Educators need to start thinking about getting the CPR/FA Training completed and conducting Co-Rider Seminars for the Co-Riders that want to maintain their levels. Additionally, please ensure the Motorist Awareness presentation has been presented to all Chapter members at one time or another. This information needs to be provided to the District Educators so they may update the database. Additional Note: All training in the Rider Education Program must go through the District Educators prior to them being conducted. Enough said about this issue! Please join us in congratulating all of the recipients for their most appreciated service to the Association. A large thank you goes out to each and every one of you. Hooah! Mitzela, the family, and I wish everyone a VERY HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON! Don't eat too much, and watch your sugar levels.

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RIDER EDUCATION ARTICLE

Submitted by Joe and Gracie Mazza

International Motorist Awareness Director

Motorcycles Plus Animals = Disaster

I recently received a call from a good friend of mine, Doug Roberts, whom I met many years ago thru GWRRA here in Florida. Doug, who is a Level IV Master Tour Rider and has won many skill riding awards, recounted a story of a recent encounter he had with a deer while riding his motorcycle. I mention his skill and ability to emphasize that this type of accident can happen to any of us regardless of our riding talent. On November 23rd, 2013 at about 6 PM, Doug was cruising along highway 321 coming out of Maryville, Tennessee when a buck suddenly appeared directly in front of the bike. Since Doug was traveling between 65-70 mph, he immediately came off the throttle and applied the brake. Apparently, there was no time for any evasive maneuvers. He t-boned the deer and found himself airborne in a blink of an eye. Fortunately, Doug always wears all the gear, all the time and this night was no exception. He remembers landing on his left shoulder and sliding down the road. Having landed heavy on his left shoulder, he broke his left scapula. He also had a very small abrasion on his left wrist and both hips. That's it. Doug wears top of the line protective gear and it paid off big time. I always shake my head when I see so many riders riding dressed like they are going to the beach. I remember the words of a biker who told me, when discussing riding and accidents, "that it's not a matter of if but when". Unfortunately, in my case, he was to be proven right a few years later when my "when" happened in Dallas, Texas.



The following appeared on the WSAW News 7, Wisconsin on June 15, 2011: . A third person died this month following a motorcycle accident involving an animal. Authorities say Craig Vick 50, of Oscola died Monday afternoon after colliding with a deer in St. Croix County. Vick hit a deer and was thrown from his cycle. . Also, on Monday, Dale N. Hart, 51, died after hitting a wolf with his motorcycle near Black River Falls. . On Sunday, Terry Holmgren, 67, died when he struck a turkey with his motorcycle near Eagle River. None of them were wearing helmets. In an article entitled "Motorcycle vs. Animal-Rider Safety Tips" the author, C. Eakins, states: . Heed deer-crossing signs, particularly in the seasons and times of day when deer are active. Slow down, use your high beam, and cover the brake. . Flashing your headlights may break the spell that seems to cause deer to freeze. ."S.E.E." - Search, Evaluate, and Execute a simple but powerful strategy in the Basic Riders Course (BRC) . It should be employed as far in front of the rider as visibly possible when riding in areas where deer are common. This strategy will allow more time to stop if a deer is spotted. . Small animal motorcycle collisions with raccoons, armadillos and the like can also be deadly. A fast moving motorcycle with the brakes locked is a recipe for disaster. A glancing hit can veer a motorcycle off the road. These animals are low and have a round body structure that doesn't "crush", causing the body to roll under the undercarriage. The proper position in this case is to ride across the animal as one would ride over a small fixed obstacle. ( Personal note: Being an animal lover, I had a tough time writing this but I understand it in theory). Hopefully, none of us will ever have the terrifying experience that Doug Roberts had. But since it is possible, this is another example of why ATGATT is so very important to all of us who enjoy the open road. Ride safe, ride often.

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January Birthdays January Wedding Anniversaries January GWRRA Anniversaries

Lisa Barnes 15th

Sharyn Sullinger 18th Michael Barnes 19th

Don Smith 21st Donna Huey 26th

Julie Steele-Smith 29th

John and Sydney Newbauer 9th

Cundiff Simmons 23years Ellen Simmons 23 years

Congratulate these people when you see them.

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Chapter Director Mel Brooks 757-596-7943

[email protected]

Ride Coordinator Don Smith 757-898-0735 [email protected]

Asst. Chapter Director Open

Social Coordinator Julie Smith 757-898-0735 [email protected]

Chapter Educator Dave & Donna Huey 757-325-8838

[email protected]

Charity/Community Relations Sydney Newbauer 757-827-0834

[email protected]

Treasurer Bruce Barnes

757-223-7770 [email protected]

Web Master/E-Mail Coordinator Jackie Wall 757-766-3391 [email protected]

Membership Enhancement Coordinator Open

Newsletter Editor Open

Chapter Couple of the Year Open

Activities & Fun Coordinator Sandy Renner 757-867-6940

[email protected] Jackie Wall 757-766-3391 [email protected]

Ways & Means Coordinator Randy and Deb Morris

804-824-9186 [email protected]

Motorcycle Awareness Coordinator Open

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2013 Chapter C Rides and Events

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Chapter Meetings Departure Locations – McDonald’s Angelo's Steak & Pancake House McSouth - Mercury Blvd & Jefferson Avenue 755 J Clyde Morris Blvd. Parking lot of Roses at the corner of Mercury Blvd Newport News, VA & Jefferson Avenue 605 Newmarket Drive North Chapter Website Newport News, VA 23605

WWW.GWRRAVAC.COM (This is Rose's address) Facebook McNorth – Ft. Eustis Blvd & Rt. 17 Goldwing VA Chapter C Corner of Ft. Eustis Blvd and Rt 17

8129 George Washington Memorial Hwy Yorktown, VA 23692

Chapter Location Meeting VA – A Northern Virginia 2nd Wednesday – 7:30-pm VA – B Virginia Beach 2nd Wednesday – 7pm VA – C Newport News 2nd Sunday – 7pm VA – D Richmond 4th Wednesday – 7pm VA – E Fredericksburg 3rd Wednesday – 7:30pm VA – F Winchester 4th Sunday – 9am VA – H Abington 2nd Tuesday – 7pm VA – I Manassas 2nd Sunday – 9:30am VA – J South Boston 2nd Monday – 7:30pm VA – K Roanoke 2nd Monday – 7pm VA – L Chesapeake 3rd Saturday – 8am VA – M Martinsville 3rd Tuesday – 7:30pm VA – O Williamsburg 4th Sunday – 5pm VA – P Charlottesville 3rd Sunday – 3pm VA – Q Covington 3rd Thursday – 7pm VA – R Harrisonburg 1st Sunday – 3pm VA – U Hanover 3rd Sunday – 3pm VA – V Bedford 3rd Sunday – 3pm VA – W Chester 2nd Tuesday – 7pm VA – X Salem 1st Saturday – 3pm VA – Y Leesburg 3rd Sunday – 5pm

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Documents

Gold Wing Road Riders Association Region N Virginia