GWRRA CHAPTER FL2-F, GULF COAST WINGS
PUNTA GORDA, FL
FRIENDS FOR FUN, SAFETY AND KNOWLEDGE
GWRRA National Team November 5, 2018 FL2-F Team
President
Anita Alkire
Presidential Assistants
Bob & Nan Shrader
Membership
Larry & Penny Anthony
Rider Educators
Bob & Althea Berry
Florida District
Florida Dist. Dir.
Bill & Cheryl Smith
District Ride Educator
Rick & Pam Northrup
District Treasurer
Pat Van Lengen
Assistant Director
Harry & Lynn Anderson
District MEC
Rick & Madalena Buck
Motorist Awareness
Nate & Danelle Kinion
District Ride Coordinator
Denis Durcotte & Nikki Blaha
Assistand Distrit Educators
Ray & Caludia Vega
District Webmaster
Scott & Kathy Kelly
District University Coordinators
Norm & Maggie Van Dame
OUR WEBSITE
WWW.GWRRA-FL2-F.ORG
CHAPTER GATHERINGS
1ST Saturday of Each Month (unless otherwise notified- check the website)
At
GOLDEN CORRAL
1451 Tamiami Trial
Punta Gorda
Social Breakfast at 8 AM
Updates at 9 AM
Guest Speakers+Door Prizes
50/50 + Ride After Gathering
MEETING PLACE FOR
RIDES
We Meet in the Parking Lot
of the Peachland Pominade
Shopping Center behind the
Regions Bank at 24153
Peachland Blvd
Port Charlotte
Director
Glen & Edee Disbrow
Assistant CD
Dave & Jan Beuker
Treasurer
Don Irgens
Membership
Enhancement
Brad Mohr
Rider Educators
Pete Siford & Lori
Gavin
Newsletter Editor
Glen Disbrow
Web Master
Glen Disbrow
Ride Cooridnator
Dave Beuker
Sunshine
Bev Kindred
Motorist Awareness
Glen Disbrow
Goodies
Glen Disbrow
THE GOOD TIMES CREW
IT’S GREAT TO SEE OUR OLD FRIENDS
COMING BACK!
What a great month this has been, Dave and Jan Beuker,
Doug Holmes, Dick and Sandy Shaner, and Edee and myself
All went out and had a great day along with many of the other
chapters at Highlands Hammock State Park near Sebring. We
did a brown bag lunch and got to socialize and do some games
with many of the good folks we have had the pleasure of
meeting here in GWRRA.
Chapter FL2-F has acquired a new sponsor this month!
MASA Medical Transport has signed on to sponsor us. We
appreciate their support!
SLIGHT CHANGE IN MEETING PLACE
Currently we have been meeting behind the McDonalds in the
parking lot of the Peachland Prominade Shopping Center
parking lot.
Since Planet Fitness has opened, we are experiencing a lot
more traffic at our meeting place. This situation has created a
potential safety problem in that when we line up, we
sometime clog up traffic lanes. We are a concerned that this
may become a safety issue. So, we are going to move our
meeting place from behind the McDonalds a little to the east
down in front of where the empty store fronts are and behind
the Regions bank instead.
We got a little bad news this month. The Englewood Bike
Night that was going to happen once per month over the
entire season has apparently been canceled due to lack of
permitting.
We need your help. I need someone to take over the Chapter
Newsletter. If you have any interest or are willing to help with
this important task, please contact me. We also have a few
other positions open. Please support the chapter and step up.
DAVE & JAN BEUKER – A.C.D. AND RIDE
COORDINATOR
I have the rides in the calendar for the month of November but they can be
changed.
Also I’m looking for another place to go on a “overnighter”. I have one place in
mind but would like more to choose from. Please give me suggestions of a place
you would like to go. This is your chapter and you can give input on where we
go. I am looking for your suggestions.
When we are lining up to go out for rides, we are not looking at cross traffic as
we go through the parking lot. BE CAREFUL WHEN LINNG UP ! We do not
have the right of way to the traffic that is going on the roads between the
parking places There have been a few times we have blocked traffic when we
are lining up. To help with this problem we are going to have the group leaders
face their bikes North towards the outlet. Please do not block traffic. We will
also be moving our meeting place to the East in front of the empty stores.
Your ride coordinator Dave
Don’t forget South County Honda offers 10% discount on hard parts to FL2-F
members.
MEC CORNER
MEC NOTES: RIDING AND MENTAL HEALTH
Sometimes I feel that I just need a little mental tune up - OR desperately require a brief escape from a life and world that feels increasingly out of control. I’ve tried religion, self-help books, Gestalt therapy and even a little good Kentucky bourbon to take the edge off of life’s vicissitudes. Nothing has been more calming or provided more clarity throughout my life than a good motorcycle ride. I feel one with the machine when everything is running properly, the pavement flying by five inches below my feet at 70 MPH, and life has never been better than right now on my Wing. I ran across some quotes that describe what
I’m talking about: "You do not need a therapist if you own a motorcycle, any kind of motorcycle!" ― Dan Aykroyd "The older I get, the faster I was. There are old bikers and there are bold bikers, but there are no old, bold bikers." ― Evel Knievel "Four wheels move the body, two wheels move the soul." ― Anonymous "You don't stop riding when you get old, you get old when you stop riding." ― Anonymous Without the chance of danger and uncertainty, life would not be very challenging for me and I suspect most riders feel the same. That is the allure and attraction of motorcycling for me. It is an activity that forces me to employ skill and dexterity while operating a machine that is inherently unsafe at high speeds. Not only does motorcycling represent serenity for me, it also requires the acceptance of risk to achieve that serenity. Crazy but true!!! GWRRA and riding with my Chapter have given me the experience, confidence and ability required to maximize my riding enjoyment. I don’t need a psychiatrist as long as I have my Wing and my Chapter. And mental health is cheap at $2.55/gal. Any comments: Brad Mohr, 571 527-8901 or [email protected]
NEXT CHAPTER GATHERING SATURDAY DEC 1
Our next Chapter Gathering is Saturday Dec 1. A social breakfast (or just coffee, if you like) is at 8 AM, then a short informal update meeting at 9AM. Come on out, these are a lot of fun. Door Prizes and 50/50. Next month’s speaker will be JR Rowland from South County Honda. A Ride will follow the Gathering. We meet in the parking lot after the meeting. Golden Corral 1451 Tamiami Punta Gorda. Chapter Gatherings are informal and social, these are NOT boring business meetings with Roberts Rules of Order and all that sort of stuff.
NEW RIDE MEETING LOCATION
RIDER EDUCATION Hi all.
First off, Welcome back to all of our friends from the north. We’re glad your back.
Lori and I have finally made the move. We are full time Florida residents!
Anyway, our plan is to start to catch up on a few things starting in the New Year. By then, most of our snowbirds will have returned to the area.
There will be a Medic / 1stAid course (maybe 2) along with some Rider Ed seminars and a few of the new “Modules” thrown in. The logistics are yet to be figured out, but we’re working on it. Something to think about: To help reduce motorcycle collisions and injuries and to help save lives, NHTSA has launched the new Get Up to Speed on Motorcycles campaign to help motorists understand standard motorcycle driving behaviors and to learn how to drive safely around motorcycles on our roadways.
Motorcyclists Are at Great Risk on Our Roadways.
• With thousands of deaths each year, motorcyclists are significantly overrepresented in traffic crashes and fatalities.
• According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists accounted for nearly 14 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2015, while motorcycles make up just 3 percent of all registered vehicles in the United States.
• In 2015, 4,976 motorcyclists killed in motor vehicle crashes – an 8 percent increase from the 4,594 killed in 2014. And more than 88,000 motorcyclists were injured in motor vehicle crashes.
• Per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists are about 27 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash, and 5 times more likely to be injured.
• Even the smallest momentary lapse in a vehicle driver’s awareness can result in the death of an unseen motorcyclist.
Ride Safe
And always
RIDE YOUR OWN RIDE!
MASA OFFERS PEACE OF MIND FOR GWRRA MEMBERS by Janet
Bryant, MASA Representative
At MASA, our mission is to provide industry leading medical transportation solutions for our members, and to protect them from catastrophic financial loss. In times of life threatening emergency, our mission is to always be there when we are needed most. We don’t provide the ambulance. We pay the bills. In business for over 44 years, we are the premier provider in the industry. Our reputation is stellar. With over 20 offices, located through the United States, Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, Mexico and Canada, MASA is the premier provider for emergency medical transportation assistance, covering millions of people nationwide. We are about assisting all our members in any way possible, and all transportation decisions are made by doctors, not insurance adjusters. Most insurance companies look to see if an ambulance claim will be paid based on medical necessity or check to see if you could have gone to the hospital in another way, car or taxi, before they will pay the claim. We have seen many claims denied or only a partial payment made by the insurance carrier, leaving the individual with a large bill to pay. Here are a few testimonials from some of our members… “This note is to state my customer satisfaction with the Medical Air Services Association. I recently used the services of two local community ambulance services to two local emergency departments at two local hospitals. The charges were only partially covered by my Medicare Insurance. The balance was my responsibility. The MASA insurance covered the balance which was a significant amount. C Drosdeck”
“Being a Charter Lifetime Member, MASA has been so helpful to me over the years. In 2001 our motor home and ourselves were transferred from NY State to Fla. A driver was compensated by MASA because of my husband’s surgery and hospitalization. It left him incapable to drive. Also, complete payment when my husband passed away was provided by MASA to transport his remains from a funeral home in FL to a funeral home in NY. My son and I benefited by complete payment of our airfare as well. At 86 years old, I’m assured that my remains will be made an easy process for my
present husband. Recently, ambulance transportation was also compensated for by MASA. S Hood” MASA wants all Gold Wing members to be protected while on the road (or at home) having peace of mind to know if you have a medical emergency, MASA will provide for ground ambulance, helicopter, transportation back home, vehicle return home, minor
children protection, mortal remains transport, and much more. MASA doesn’t protect you and your family just while traveling, but also protects you when you’re at home for emergency transport. If you have any questions or would like to sign-up for this service, please contact me… Janet Bryant – [email protected] or 813-843-3739. For a small monthly payment, MASA offers protection from catastrophic loss, giving peace of mind. Please do not sign-up on the MASA website as the price will be higher. I support Gold Wings and offer a special price for Gold Wing Members.
YOU HAVE INPUT AS TO WHERE WE GO AND WHAT WE DO!
This is YOUR Chapter. We all want to do things that are fun and exciting. If you have a place you want to go or an idea for something you want to do please let us know. Call Brad Mohr, Glen Disbrow, Dave Beuker, Don Irgens or any chapter officer.
CHECK THE WEBSITE FOR RIDE INFO Be sure to check our web site www. gwrra-fl2-f.org for ride destinations, times and other pertinent info. You might also check out the photo gallery and look around. Lots of interesting stuff.
VETERANS COMMUNITY BASH Sunday November 11 from 10 AM to 3PM Marine Corps League Detachment 756 will be presenting a VETERANS COMMUNITY BASH. Flag raising ceremony with 21 gun salute and American Legion Honor Guard at 10 AM and a Fly Over at 10:10 AM. Ther will be and extensive collection on military memorabilia and a car show. See the Lfyer at the end of the newsletter.
OPEN ROAD OUTFITTERS
Coming up
TRC- A local TRC will be scheduled right after first of the year but we do not
have exact dates and times yet.
TRC- Sunday, November 18 in Eustis beginning at 9am. For more
information please contact John Cain at 321-728-2821 or email:
BRC2: Sunday, December 16, in Eustis.For more information please contact
John Cain at 321-728-2821 or email: [email protected]
TRAINING: Now that Pete and Lori are back we will be having several
seminars and Medic first aid courses- I will advise as to dates and specifics as
soon as they become available
MEDIC/FIRST AID Saturday, November 10 in Wauchula at the Panda
Restaurant beginning at 9am. For more information please contact Winston
Carlton at 863-773-3648 or email: [email protected]
Saturday, December 8th, at Sun Sports in Ft Myers beginning at 10am. For more information please contact Denis Turcotte at 305-731-0507 or email: [email protected]
SEMINARS: Saturday, November 17, at Sun Sports in Ft Myers, TEAM RIDING and CO-RIDER, beginning at 9:30am. For more information please contact Denis Turcotte at 305-731-0507 or email: [email protected] FL2-G ANNUAL CHILI COOKOFF: Saturday Feb 16, 11 AM to 2PM at
Lehigh Achres High School, 901 Gunnery Rd N in Lehigh Acres, Fl
FLORIDA DISTRICT RIDE IN to Fort Christmas Historical Park,
Christmas FL from 10 AM to 4 PM, Sunday Dec 2 FREE ADMITTANCE!
FLORIDA DISTRICT CHAPTER CONFERNCE: Jan 11 thru 13> Make
your reservations now! Altamont Springs Hilton 350 North Lake Blvd,
Altemont Springs, FL Reservations 407-830-1985
FLORIDA DISTRICT GATHERING OF WINGS: Mar 21 thru 23 .
Altamont Springs Hilton 350 North Lake Blvd, Altemont Springs, FL
Reservations 407-830-1985
CHANGES TO WEEKLY RIDES: Changes to the weekly rides may happen from time
to time due to a great number of different factors. Check the website for the most up to date
information
CONTACT INFO: Your Chapter Directors are Glen & Edee Disbrow. Email is
[email protected] and phone is 206-396-0848. My address is 20972 Exmore
Ave, Port Charlotte FL 33952
You are receiving this email because you have expressed interest in receiving information from and
about GWRRA Chapter FL2-F Gulf Coast Wings. If you wish to be removed from the email list send
an email to [email protected] and write “Remove Me” in the subject line and I will remove
your name from the email list. Your email address is used only for Chapter business and is not given
to anyone else for any reason
WHATS GOING ON.
Come on your bike, Come on your trike, come in your car – just be there!
Rides will meet behind the Regions Bank in the parking lot of the Peachland Promenade Shopping Center 24153 Peachland Blvd, Port Charlotte 33954. Rides meet at 9:30 AM Ride leaves at 10 AM through May 16. Starting May 19, rides will meet at 730 AM rides will leave the parking lot at 800 AM
Wednesday Ride. *Wednesday Nov 7* - Ride to Lazy Flamingo, Bokeelia . Meet at 9:30 AM Ride leaves at 10 AM Saturday Ride. *Saturday Nov 10 * - Ride to Solomans Castle, Ona . Meet at 9:30 AM Ride leaves at 10 AM Sunday *Nov 11* Veterans Community Bash- Laishley Park Punta Gorda 10 Am to 3PM Wednesday Ride. *Wednesday Nov 14* - Ride to Log Cabin, LaBelle . Meet at 9:30 AM Ride leaves at 10 AM Saturday Ride. *Saturday Nov 17 * - Ride to Casa Tequila, Lake Placid . Meet at 9:30 AM Ride leaves at 10 AM Wednesday Ride. *Wednesday Nov 21* -Fords Garage Cape Coral. Meet at 9:30 AM Ride leaves at 10 AM Saturday Ride. *Saturday Nov 24 * - Ride to Sand Sculpting, Estero Beach. Meet at 9:30 AM Ride leaves at 10 AM Wednesday Ride. *Wednesday Nov 28* -Michellis, Matlacha. Meet at 9:30 AM Ride leaves at 10 AM Chapter Gathering *Saturday Dec 1* Golden Corral Punta Gorda. 8Am Social Breakfast with Friends, short update type meeting at 9AM. Ride to Follow After Meeting Ride * Dec 1 * Ride to Linger Lodge, Bradenton. Meet in parking lot after meeting.