Volume XXXI, No. 2 May/June, 2017

Region D -

Saddling up for the

Region D Rally Ride

Harrison Bay State Park - Labor Day

Weekend, 2016.

Chapter A, Nashville Tour Riders celebrate Spring with a day-long ride through Williamson County. Destination Soda Popo Junction for the best hamburger in Tennessee. Beautiful ride, great friends, lots of fun! There’s nothing like the open road and running with your peeps!

Announcing …

Returning and new Board Representatives.

Terms beginning June 1, 2017.

Board of Directors

Chairman Larry Oswald

Region A Mike Zmiarovich continuing

Region B TBA – Charles Horner filling in

Region C Bill and Carol Seith continuing

Region D Tony Carpenter

Region E TBA – formerly Larry Oswald

Region F Ron and Betty Klann for another term

Region H TBA – Darlene

Region J TBA – Gerry Wayne filling in

Life TBA

From the Editor ...

It’s hard to believe this will be my fifth Gold Rush. I remember not so very long ago first meeting the Chapter A,

Tennessee, Region D members at the post Christmas party at Chuck and Georganne Holland’s house, and the ro-

mance with GWTA began. I can’t remember ever feeling so at home and welcome when walking into a house full of

strangers. By the time Tony and I left, I felt like I had known everyone my whole life. So thank you, Chapter A, for

five plus years of fun, laughter, friendship, adventures, my first bike ever, and discovering the freedom of the open

road. And thank you, GWTA, for the friendships across the country, the travel, the discoveries of new places, but

most of all the people. From my first Gold Rush in Big Sky, Montana (stunning), my first long distance trip on a

trike (spectacular), the sights, landmarks, and states we travelled through, to now, it’s been the greatest adventure of

my life.

As I write this, so many images of people and events, State Rallies, Region Rallies, Saturday rides, discovering new

places to eat and play games, the camaraderie that fills every event come to mind. Priceless memories that will be

with me forever. And so, in keeping with our theme this year, let’s all bring scrapbooks, photos, mementos, and sto-

ries to Colorado with us to share our collective memories with each other. The schedule this year is pretty open,

with opportunities to share time and perhaps some meals or gather in someone’s room, or site-see in a group, with

new friends and swap our reminiscences with each other, renew old friendships and perhaps start new ones.

When describing this year’s Gold Rush, Bruce called it small and intimate. I like that. While not as large as it used

to be, it’s certainly an opportunity to exchange ideas on growing the organization again. Let’s not grumble about

where we are but get excited about where we can be. Instead of talking about what won’t work, let’s talk about what

will. Every time Tony and I talk to riders, we invite them to join us on our rides and stop by our meeting. While we

haven’t grown in a few years and lost a few to ill health, we keep talking and inviting. What other ways can you think

of to bring like-minded riders into the group?

I’m looking forward to seeing all of you soon. In the meantime, I wish you good health, safe riding, and spectacular

memory-making!

Happy trails,

Sarah

Events

June 9-10, 2017

Region C Rally – “Game On”

Colona Scott Family Park

Colona, IL

See flyer and registration form

June 22 - 25, 2017

Michigan State Rally

Osceola County Fairgrounds

Evart, MI

See Registration Form

June 22-25, 2017

Washington State Rally

Jefferson County Fairgrounds

4907 Landes Street

Port Townsend, WA 98368

See Registration Form

Jun. 24; Friendship Ride - ride-in lunch, chapters meet at 1:00 p.m. at Springfield, IL restaurant Jim & Jamie Caffrey, Directors, jimjam152009@yahoo.com

July 10-13, 2017

Gold Rush XXX

“Making Memories”

Fort Collins, CO

See Registration Form

August 24-27, 2017

Pennsylvania State Rally

Bedford, PA

See flyer and registration form

Aug. 25-26-27; Friendship Cam-pout, Pawnee State Recreation Area, Nebraska; see gwta.nebraska.com for registra-tion form;

Continued on Page 3

FEATURE YOUR REGION ON THE FRONT COVER. Send photos with a brief description of your

region, along with contact information, to sdumais812@hotmail.com. Added copy on page 2 — Re-

gion director name and a “snapshot” of region information.

REGION D - Region Directors George and Debby Deskins.

Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Geor-

gia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Featuring

Chapter A, a close-knit family of motorcycle enthusiasts who love

to ride, camp, eat, and have fun. We’ve been known to ride 150

miles or more on a dinner rides through twisty-curvy Tennessee

mountains to eat at a favorite watering hole or to discover a new

one. Our rides take us into Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama, and

Missouri. We ride every first and third Saturday, sometimes on

planned rides and sometimes just to ride. Come visit!!! Contact:

georgedeskins@hotmail.com

Touring News needs your help for new features:

1. Blast From the Past

Go through your back issues of Touring News and create a synopsis

of that issue's highlights., send it to the Touring News editor, and

leave the rest to her. Suggestions for the Feature’s name also wel-

come.

2. List of Places to Go, Things to Do

Create a list of your region/state/chapter best tours and highlight

points of interest, places to eat, spectacular views, and so on. The

list can also be of interesting annual events, such as art, music,

food festivals, particularly those that highlight your area. Some of

us may want to plan a weekend visit.

3. Top Ten Places to Visit — when crossing your state, region, etc.

Email sdumais812@hotmail.com with your contributions or any ques-

tions, comments, other feature ideas.

Thanks to Judy Schaefer and Barb Johnson for your wonderful ideas!

Events, continued

September 1-4, 2017

Region D Rally

Henry Horton State Park

4209 Nashville Hwy.

Chapel Hill, TN 37034

931-314-2222

Campsite reservations:

615-364-7724

Inn on site

Governor’s Table restaurant

Sep. 15-16-17; Golden Wheels, Double J Campground, Springfield, IL Jim & Jamie Caffrey, Directors, jimjam152009@yahoo.com

Nov. 11th, Fall Follies, Nebraska – watch for details.

Send your events and they will be listed here in date order.

sdumais812@hotmail.com

Region D

Tennessee State Rally

Spring turned to Autumn the weekend of the Tennessee State

Rally, with temperatures falling from the mid-eighties down

into the upper sixties and mid-seventies – and cooler at night.

State Directors Tony Carpenter and Sarah Dumais, with Re-

gion Directors George and Debbie Deskins and Chapter A

member John Whitefield, traveled to Montgomery Bell State

Park a day early, amid a steady rain and falling temperatures. The weather cooper-

ated long enough to get the toy haulers and John’s bunk house set up, then we set-

tled in for a relaxing evening with the Deskinses, who hosted a hot meal followed by

movie night in their camper.

The Quinns were the next to arrive shortly after noon on Friday, and the rain mirac-

ulously dissipated on time to prepare dinner and set up a large canopy for dining

outside. All enjoyed pulled pork barbeque, corn on the cob, cole slaw, macaroni sal-

ad, and baked beans, along with a layered salad and a variety of desserts courtesy of

the state members. Jim Quinn prepared his signature bonfire, and we all enjoyed a

very pleasant evening of talk, laughter, and stories.

Saturday morning brought cool temperatures but

clear skies, and members left after breakfast for a day

-long ride arranged and led by Jim Quinn. Alas, To-

ny stayed behind to plug a flat tire on the camper,

but the ride, we’re told, was very nice and scenic.

The evening meal was more of the same and the

evening evolved as did Friday night, with the man-

datory fire, members sitting around the campfire and enjoying each other’s company.

Attending were George and Debbie Deskins, Tony Carpenter and Sarah Dumais,

Jim and Karen Quinn, Dennis and Nancy Seery, John Whitefield, Ronnie and Bonnie

Jones, and Chairman of the Board Larry and Peggy Oswald. Bruce Keenon also

made a brief appearance Friday morning.

Montgomery Bell State Park is beautiful, with plenty of

trees, creek-side camping and lots of space to set up the

dining area. This was the second year there for the

State Rally.

This list has been started for you. Forward to me at least one landmark destination for your state/region or a favorite

destination landmark. I’ll start compiling the list and we’ll see how many destinations per state or region we can put

together.

Top Ten Things to see when riding through …

KANSAS

1. St. Fidelis Church, the Cathedral on the Plains in Victoria, KS

TENNESSEE

1. The Parthenon in Nashville, TN

Important Dates

June 1st - Deadline for Rally TShirt Orders on web or snail mail or phone. No exceptions. Rally TShirts are $15.00 each. As a suggestion, have rally attendee order via web by early evening June 1st local time. There will be NO extra Rally TShirts for purchase in Fort Collins. June 1st - Rooms at Residence Inn & Courtyard will be released on this date at the special rally rate. June 30th - Online registration and Welcome Dinner registration closes on web. The registration rates listed on the website and printable registration form are valid through June 30th. • Full rally registration at $50 for members and $60 for non-members by June 30 is required to ensure that

each attendee receives a rally logo pin. Do not plan on extra rally logo pins for sale at Gold Rush. • Welcome Dinner registration at $20 each is required by June 30 to ensure attendance. Day passes are $25.00 / day. As a reminder and as in previous 5 years, rally attendees must show current TA membership card to retain member registration rates and pick up their rally packet. Expired cards will not be accepted.

Courtyard Fort Collins 1200 Oakridge Drive

Fort Collins Colorado 80525 USA

Phone: 970-282-1700

Residence Inn Fort Collins 1127 Oakridge Drive Fort Collins Colorado 80525 USA Phone: 970-223-5700

Accommodations in Fort Collins at Event Rates

OPENING SCHEDULE

Sunday, July 9th, Welcome Dinner, 6p, Elks Lodge, 1414 E. Mulberry Street, Fort Collins

Monday morning, July 10th, Registration, 8a-9:30a, Residence Inn, 1127 Oakridge Drive, Fort Collins

Monday, July 10th, Opening Ceremony, 10a, Elks Lodge, 1414 E. Mulberry Street, Fort Collins

Judy Schaeffer

Region Director

gwta-c.com

Region C Rally 2017 , Colona Scott Family Park

Colona, IL June 9 -10

Destination Friendship

http://www.gwtaofmichigan.com

mailto:statedirector@gwta-wa.org

GOLD WING TOURING ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION Regions B, F, H, and LIFE have openings for their Board of Director. Members will elect a Regional Rep-resentative to the Board of Directors. The term of office will be from July 1, 2017 to December 31, 2020. If you reside in Regions B, F, H or you are a Life Member, and would like to run for the position of your Regional Representative to the Board of Directors or the Life Member position, please complete the self-nomination form below and mail to the address indicated. Mail the completed form with proof of owner-ship of an operable Honda Gold Wing motorcycle, a photograph of yourself, and a resume only to arrive on or before May 1, 2017. Please copy and enlarge the form for your use. GWTA 2017 ELECTIONS Larry Oswald 339 Hastings Drive Cedar Hill, TX 75104

GOLD WING TOURING ASSOCIATION Self-Nomination Form for Board of Directors Name:____________________________________________ Membership Number _______ I would like to self-nominate for a position on the Board of Directors.

If elected:

1. I understand that the Board of Directors is the governing body of the Gold Wing Touring Association, as a Board Member I will fulfill my tenure in office as a professional whose highest priority is to the as-sociation and its members. I will endeavor to the best of my ability to help guide GWTA to a productive and meaningful future.

2. I will attend the annual Board of Directors meeting scheduled each year during my term. I will make every effort to attend the National Rally, “Gold Rush” each year to meet with and address the mem-bership at large.

3. I will maintain a current membership during my tenure in office. I understand that should my member-ship lapse, I automatically forfeit my position on the Board.

4. I assume full responsibility for my campaign and pledge to conduct that campaign within the guidelines of fair play, honesty and respect for my fellow candidates.

5. Should I move from the region from which I was elected as a regional representative to the Board, I will notify the Chairman of the Board and declare my position vacant.

6. I will submit proof of ownership of an operable Honda Gold Wing motorcycle to the Chairman of the Board.

Year___________ Model_______________ Serial Number__________________________ I declare my candidacy for the position of Board Director for the Gold Wing Touring Association. Please Mark One, I declare my candidacy for Board of Directors member from Region B___ D___ F___ H___ Life ___

Signed:_____________________________________________________Date:___________

Anyone who would like to serve the membership in this capacity is urged to self-nominate for this election. The Gold Wing Touring Association is unique in that the governing body is elected from the membership.

Regional Director Job Description

• Attend all Gold Rush and Operations meetings

• E-mail or regular mail out of monthly printouts in timely manner. These should be ac-

companied by a letter keeping the State Directors informed of any National or Regional

news.

• Work at Gold Rush at assigned tasks. If your room is paid for to this event be prepared to

work to serve the Membership.

• Prepare a yearly financial statement once a year for your Region and mail it to all State Di-

rectors in your region.

• Have a Regional meeting once a year for all State Directors and Staff. Use this as a tool to

communicate directly with your State Directors on how all can work together to improve

the workings in your Region. Should be centrally located and equally same distance for

all to travel. Don’t make it just convenient for you! Get everyone involved. It’s every-

one’s Association!!

• Create a Regional Staff; Treasurer, Safety Director, Recruiting Director, TN Advertiser

Seller/Coordinator, etc. Delegate if you can tell the job is getting too difficult for just you

to handle! Be a great leader!!

• Have a Fund Raising event or Rally to make your Region self sufficient financially. Fun

Run, Raffle, Rally etc…. Be creative!!!!

• Appoint State Directors to all States (Provinces) in your Region.

• Promote National Programs (Safety, Recruiting, Raffles, etc.) as well as creating your own

recruiting contests, safety programs, etc.

• Keep open communications. Actively call your State Directors once a month just to see

how things are going. Don’t expect them to call you. They won’t

• Write a Regional article for Touring News each month. Write about things going on in

your Region not just your experiences. If you call your State Directors monthly you

would have input for the article to keep it informative and interesting.

• Attend as many as possible GWTA functions within your Region. Be seen, look profes-

sional and generate some pride in GWTA. You are a National Officer that was appointed

by the Executive Director. Promote GWTA and have fun!!!!!

Your Member-Elected GWTA Board of Directors

Chairman of the Board

Larry Oswald

339 Hastings Drive

Cedar Hill, TX 75104

(972) 291-4905

Click for Email

Meeting Agendas & Minutes

Board Representatives

Region A

Mike Zmiarovich

P.O. Box 2595

Sequim, WA 98382

(360) 681-8085

Click for Email

Region B Charles Horner (Interim)

P.O. Box 919

Palo Cedro, CA 96073

(530) 524-8145

Click for Email

Region C Bill Seith

917 Cleveland Rd Hinsdale, IL 60521

(630) 655-1098 Click for Email

Region D Tony Carpenter 230 Akin Street

La Vergne, TN 37086 Click for Email

Region E Click for Email

Region F Ronald & Betty Jo Klann (3 more

years) P.O. Box 483

Pinchney, MI 48169 (734) 277-5111 Click for Email

Region H Darlene Farnum (Interim)

75 Farnum Lane Sebago, ME 04029

(207) 576-7477 Click for Email

Region J Garrie Wayne

147 Wellington St West #714 Aurora, ON L4G 3M1

Canada (905) 727-5272 Click for Email

Life Member Representative

Eugene & Sylvia Jones 1002 Westlake Woods Dr

Battle Creek, MI 49037 (269) 420-6664 Click for Email

Legal Representative

Mike Johnston (530) 713-0389

GWTA Operations Officers

Executive Director

Bruce & Linda Keenon PO Box 348

Huntington IN 46750-0348 Ph (260) 358-0851

Fax (260) 356-3392

Operations Staff

GWTA Office Box 42403

Indianapolis IN 46242-0403 800-960-GWTA (4982)

(317) 243-6822 Fax (317) 243-6833

GWTA Business Office Box 42403

Indianapolis IN 46242-0403 800-960-GWTA (4982)

(317) 243-6822 Fax (317) 243-6833

Social Media Tom & Barb Johnson

6400 Munich Rd Bartelso, IL 62218

(618) 604-9559

National Events Coordinator TBA

Executive Secretary Eva & Ron Wodehouse

936 Rose St. Longmont, CO 80501

(303) 776-9836

Helping Hands Chris Larson

9261 Rossmon Hwy Eaton Rapids, MI 48827

(517) 290-6802

Touring News Magazine Sarah Dumais

230 Akin St LaVergne, TN 37086

(615) 793-3005

Education & Retention Carol & Mike Brush

12516 Poppleton Ave Omaha, NE 68144

(402) 397-4663

Rider Education

TBA

Webmaster John Hunrath

9265 Amarone Way Sacramento, CA 95829

(916) 682-0734

Regional Directors

Region A

(Interim)

Steve Andrus

2108 Lighthouse Dr

Fairfield, CA 94534

(707) 429-9547

Click for Email

Region B

Ralphine Andrus

2108 Lighthouse Dr

Fairfield, CA 94534

(707) 429-9547

Click for Email

Region C Judy (& Phil) Schaefer

116 Andrew Dr Swansea, IL 62226

(618) 593-8269 Click for Email

Region D George & Debbie Deskins

Murfreesboro, TN (615) 653-1057 Click for Email

Region E Kelly & Donna Felix 2326 S. Cardington

Wichita, KS (316) 773-2598 Click for Email

Region F Bob & Kim Davis

11863 Scott Park Rd Delton, MI 49046

269-342-0852 Click for Email

Region H TBA

Region J Kevin Welch

169 Holmes Ave. North York, ON MZN 4M7

Canada (416) 229-9378 Click for Email