Gold Wing Road Riders Association
Friends for FUN, Safety & Knowledge
Region A
Chapter Director
Paul and Sharon Matz
(813) 389-0888
Assistant Chapter Director
Donny & Aimee Peters
March 2015
FL1-L2
Treasurer
Florida District
Director of GWRRA
Ray & Sandi Garris
Deputy Director East Region
Bob & Nan Shrader
Judy Murphy
Rider Education
Jim Siebel
Membership Enhancement
Fred & Carol Bley
Region A Director
Jim & Sue Jackson
Couple of the Year
Lisa & Jeff Duffey
Individuals of the Year
Peggy Newman
Don Hicks
Ride Coordinators
Florida Sr. District Director
Bill & Gina Berry
Bob Fox & Ron Brown
Webmaster
Assistant District Director
Madalena & Rick Buck
Carol Fleurant
Newsletter Editor
Ken Kloc
Leadership Trainers
Dana & Jo Voight
Motorist Awareness
Mary Palomino
Membership Enhancement
Bruce Griffing/Mary Haight
Phone Tree
Shirley & Chuck Smith
Rider Educators
Rick & Pam Northrop
50/50
Jan & Rick Meredith
Goodie Sales
Lisa Duffey
Celebrations
Carol Bley
Charity Coordinator
Debbie Kloc
Chapter Gathering
1st Tuesday of each month
Eat: 6:00pm
Meet: 7:00pm
Lexington Oaks Golf Club
26133 Lexington Oaks Blvd
Wesley Chapel, FL 33544
Historian
TBA
District Treasurer
Jim & Rebecca Iverson
District Couple of the Year
Tom & Linda Mitchell
District Webmaster
Howie Taylor
District Motorist Awareness
Nate & Danielle Kinion
1
www.FL1L2.com
Chapter Director
This past month had
some wonderful rides,
but for a few dollars, I
really enjoyed the one
we had on Saturday
the 21st of February.
We went to the
Herrmann’s ranch to
watch them put their
Royal Lipizzan Stallions through a one hour
amazing show.
As a youngster, I remember watching the movie
Miracle of the White Stallions, a 1963 film released
by Walt Disney starring Robert Taylor and Lilli
Palmer. The movie described the rescue of a herd of
Lipizzan Stallions by George Patton’s 3rd Army
from the German Army during WWII.
I’m a
history buff and hearing about the history and the
training this particular horse went through then used
as a instrument of war, was intriguing to me.
As the trainer put the horses through the show, she
explained how each movement was used on the
battlefield. During the show, the trainer explains
how this breed of horse turns from its birth color of
brown or black to become the white horse we all
vision in our mind. If you missed this ride you
must put it on your bucket list for next year.
We have our 36th Annual Florida District
Gathering of the Wings, March 19 – 21. For those
of you who will be attending either all three days or
just doing a one day visit please stop by and spend
some time at the Chapter’s hospitality room. It’s
located on the third floor of the Magnuson Grand
Hotel which is just across the parking lot from the
Rally. As you exit the elevator proceed straight
ahead and open the double door, we will have our
chapter sign out front. We will have cold water in
the refrigerator, snacks and a quiet place to recoup
from all the rush happening at the rally.
Saturday, the Chapter will host a lunch at our
hospitality room prior to the Closing Ceremony.
We ask that you bring a soft drink to share and a
side dish, many of us pick-up something at the
Publix just down the highway. We will most likely
be serving Publix Subs, everyone enjoys them, and
it is an easy cleanup prior to leaving for the
Ceremony. Last year we had more food than
everyone could eat treated the hotel cleaning staff to
Wings of Wesley Chapel
a free lunch on Sunday. The room will be open
approximately 6:00 am each morning serving;
coffee, an assortment of English muffins, bagels,
cream cheese, and strawberry preserves. The one
thing you must remember it’s all about Fun Fun
Fun and believe me what happens at the District
Rally stays at the Rally.
As of February 25, 2015 the chapter still has
approximately 20 books of Gold Wing Tickets left
that we need to sell prior to the Rally. We have
done a wonderful job of selling 1,680 tickets this
year with a few of us even selling tickets at last
year’s Wing Ding in Madison, Wisconsin. We only
have a couple weeks left to sell them before the
chapter will have to write a check from our
checking account to cover any tickets left.
I also want to remind everyone that our March
Gathering is our Double Point month. This means
that we will have a larger than normal number of
visitors. Not to worry, it only means that we will
have twice the amount of Fun.
Most of you may have seen the overnight ride that
we have planned for April 10 – 12 to Pensacola.
This is their double points Gathering. Several
chapter members expressed an interest in going on
an overnight for this distance. We will be placing
other visitations, rallies, and Double Point
visitations on the ride calendar coupled with chapter
rides.
Remember the Ride Planning Meeting is open to
everyone. Everyone is welcome to attend the
meeting and present your ride for inclusion to the
Ride Calendar. A little research on your ride is
required, we ask that the destination be within
reasonable riding distance and that a restaurant for
lunch be suggested (please check them on line or
call them to ensure they are open on the day of our
ride and can accommodate us stopping with a group
of approximately 10 to 20 people).
Have a wonderful month and see everyone at this
year’s rally.
Please ride safe and Sharon and I will see you on
March 3rd, at our gathering.
Paul and Sharon Matz
Chapter Directors, FL1-L2
2
Membership Enhancement Coordinator
Assistant Chapter Director
Wings of Wesley Chapel
Hello Chapter FL1-L2,
Extra! Extra! Extra! Read All
About It!!
It’s time again for the GWRRA
Rallies of Region A. First up
is the Florida District Rally
which will be taking place on
March 19th, 20th, and 21th,
2015. Our Chapter still has
rooms available for the District Rally which is quickly
approaching!! If you haven't booked your room yet,
what are you waiting for...An invitation? Well here it
is!
FRIENDS ARE THE
FAMILY WE CHOOSE
A unique blend of loyalty, affection,
love, respect, trust and loads of fun.
This is the magic that my wife Carol
and I have discovered becoming
members of the Wings of Wesley
Chapel.
You are all cordially invited to attend the 2015 Florida
District Rally. As always, it promises to be a FUN
time. Come and support our own Jeff and Lisa Duffey
as they will be participating in the Couple of the Year
selection. Let's show everybody else what being part of
Chapter FL1-L2 is all about!
Here is the contact information for our hotel liaison. We
are staying at the Magnuson Grand Hotel (Formerly
Ramada Maingate West) 7491 W. Irlo Bronson
Memorial Highway, Kissimmee, FL, 34747. The rate is
$50/night with the nightly resort fee waived (13% state
and local tax per room/per night NOT waived). Contact
Ms. Mercedes Haibon.
Members of our chapter don’t always
do silly things alone. Mostly when we
get together we have FUN and laugh
so much we can’t stop. Some times in
life you find special friends. Someone
who changes your life just being a part
of it. We find being a part of the
GWRRA is a great feeling and makes
you believe that there really are good
people in the world.
Next up is the Alabama District Rally will be taking
place May 14th, 15th and 16th, 2015. Some of us have
already booked our rooms for this event and wanted to
make sure that we passed the information around to
everyone. If you are interested in joining us, we will be
staying at the Quality Inn, located at 631E. Barbour St.
Eufaula, AL. The phone number is (334) 687-4414.
The rate we got when we made our reservation was
$58.50/night!! What a deal! Keep in mind that this is
not the host hotel for the event.
Rally. This
Most of us know how crazy we are The Georgia Rally follows ththe Alabama
th
th
rally
will
take
place
June
18
,
19
and
20
, 2015. We
together and are still willing to be seen will be staying at the Dillard Gateway Inn (formerly
the
in public with you. We all lift each Holiday Inn Express) located at 64 White Oak Lane,
Ga. This is the host hotel for the event. In order
other up in times of need and help Dillard,
to get the discounted rate of: weekdays $75.65 + tax
when we can.
It’s not all about and weekends $84.15 + tax, you must call
motorcycles, but more about the (706) 746-3585 and ask for the GWRRA Rally rate.
lasting friendships you will make by Please if you are interested in any of these upcoming out
of state trips, get with Aimee & Donny Peters at the
|belonging to a GWRRA Chapter.
Gathering or you can call or email us anytime!
Membership Enhancement
Ride safe & have FUN
Coordinator
Donny & Aimee Peters
Frederick Bley
3
Chapter Education
Wings of Wesley Chapel
Jim and I, were joined by Dave and Adrienne for the
Charity Law ride again this year. We had beautiful
weather for our escorted ride through the area
around Kissimmee. I wanted to update everyone on
the little boy Thomas who was involved in the bike
accident last year, during the law ride.
We had the pleasure of meeting Thomas’ mom, dad
and brother, what a wonderful family. His mom
told us when they were told of the accident, they
were not allowed to return to the scene and were
directed to meet the helicopter carrying Thomas at
the hospital.
The Florida District Conference is coming up soon
and we have a busy month ahead with Rider Ed.
I felt her pain as she explained how she felt so
helpless not being able to see for herself how
Thomas was doing. Our mutual friend Don let her
know that Thomas was with us and he knew us
personally. Small comfort, but at least it was
something.
We have a TRC and an ERC planned for this month.
If you are interested and need this class for the
|levels program, please be sure to send your check to
Rick Northrup to hold your spot in the class. |
Classes will also be offered at the conference, so
please check the schedule upon arrival.
They let us know Thomas was a real trooper
through his hospital stay and one week at home with
some awesome black eyes he will be able to brag on
one day. Thomas is doing great and suffered no
permanent injury from the accident. His scar is
barely noticeable, did I mention his sparkling eyes
and blonde hair, and you can hardly notice anything
once he looks at you.
Warmer weather is around the corner, this is a good
time to brush up on your skills by attending one of
the classes.
We would like to thank you for purchasing the rider
ed tickets, which allow us to take these classes with
no cost to us.
He informed me he will be 6 this year! He is full of
energy and does everything with a big bold smile.
What a great kid.
We hope to see all of you in Kissimmee and have
fun as only Wesley Chapel can do!
Ride Safe,
We were able to arrange dinner with some of the
bikers from the ride and in walks Thomas with a
bouquet of flowers for me. (Threw poor Jim right
under the bus) Attached was a hand written note
thanking me for the hand holding while he was hurt.
He has so touched our hearts. WOW! Are kids
wonderful or what?
Jim and Denise
*************************************
So You’re a Co-Rider
Princess Denise
What a great month of riding and weather we have
had…….hey now at least we are not snowed in!
This month’s article is a follow up to March 2014.
If you remember we had attended the charity law
ride for Osceola County and I experienced for the
first time a bike go down. (a reprint of the original
article will follow this update) UPDATE 2015
4
February in Pictures
Wings of Wesley Chapel
5
Editorial page
Wings of Wesley Chapel
the chapters Couple of the Year with their signature.
If you are selected at District level, then the District
Director forwards your application and certifies and
signs. This process continues to the Region and
International if we advance at each level.
Hello chapter
participants!
To recap last month:
One of the many
questions Jeff and I
had to discuss as
you’re 2015 Couple of
the Year (COY), was
to make the decision
to compete or not at
the next level, which
is District. We began to read through the Couple of
the Year manual which made our decision easier.
The decision was made to go out and have FUN!!!
Page three is the “Nominators comments” page. On
this page the Chapter Director or Assistant Chapter
Director writes a brief summary as to why you were
chosen for Couple of the Year. Then they sign and
date.
Pages four and five the applicants describe a brief
history of themselves.
First the Narrative and Involvement page, where you
first tell a brief history about yourselves to include
family (we have 4 sons) work (Jeff works for
Travelers as auto appraiser and Lisa as a Lead
Accounting Technician at Department of Veterans
Affairs) and motorcycle history (we have owned 3
Harley’s and 2 Goldwing’s).
Our first contact was an email from one half of the
District COY Coordinator’s Karen Taylor,
congratulating us and asking details for District.
Karen then asked the question “are we are going to
compete at the district level”? Our answer being yes
Karen she sent another email explaining what
happens at the District rally and the paperwork Next is our GWRRA Involvement and participation
for the preceding 5 years.
required.



For a short synopsis, we joined in 2010, then Jeff
asked to be the Assistant Chapter Director in 2011
while I became the Membership Enhancement
Coordinator. From 2011- 2013 we were Chapter
Director’s. Through the years we continue attending
training/ seminars as recently as last week.
First at the district convention a COY social
Thursday from 4:30-5:30.
Friday, from 9:30-10:30am, the judges hold
interviews
The judges make their selection for the 2015
District Couple of the Year at 1 PM.
Jeff and I hope you will be able to join us and cheer One of the requirements is to explain what you have
us on as we look forward to representing our chapter done regarding the Membership Enhancement
FL1-L2 in competition and become the next 2015
Program. Jeff and I have recruited 4 and while I held
Florida District Couple of the Year.
MEC, we worked together on the ARL (area run list).
The application process starts with completing our The ARL is a list that informs you of new prospective
resume. The first page states “Candidates members to contact and possibly recruit and present
Information”. It’s the usual name, address, phone members close to expiring their membership and
number and first born. No not really, just joking inquire about renewing.
about the first born. It also asks for GWRRA
membership number, GWRRA join and expiration Next is the Rider Education Involvement. Jeff and I
dates. This is to make sure you are current while are both Level IV riders and through GWRRA
competing. Then you have to make a copy of both training we became Parking Lot Facilitators. We ride
with all the gear all the time (our choice) and we have
cards and add a picture of yourselves.
FUN while doing it. We attended PLP’s to hone our
Page two is “the Certification” page where you print own skills as well as set up and answer any questions
and sign your name and date. The Chapter Director or others may have.
Continued on page 7
Assistant Chapter Director must certify that you are
6
Letters From the Reader
Wings of Wesley Chapel
The Medic First Aid and CPR class we had just
taken flashed before my eyes, as Jim dismounted
Next is Leadership Training. Jeff and I went through the and headed for the downed rider.
COY Continued from page 6
Horizons Program. The Horizon teaches members about
the concepts such as; Team-building Expectations As Jim walked ahead he turned back and confirmed
Communication, and how to run meetings and
it was Bobby. When I got to Bobby, a more
gatherings, as an officer couple. Jeff and I had more
qualified rider was by his side, his left arm was
FUN!! It was “All That” and more!!
The Officer Certification Program (OCP) is a program
that gives an in depth look at the functions of a chapter,
including the financials and its operation. It was very
informative and we both learned a lot about GWRRA
and Chapter life.
The last part is page 5 which asks: Why do you want to
be District/Region/ International Couple of the Year.
Jeff and I want to give back by sharing with others, the
knowledge we have learned along with the FUN. We
feel the decision to join and participate in this very
worthwhile organization has brought us many new forever friendships far and near and to not only watch out
for ourselves but others too!!
immobile and his breathing labored, he felt quite
sure he had broken some ribs. He was stabilized
and taking short breaths so as not to cause any
further injury. Bobby’s only concern was for the
little boy and his condition. We assured him that he
was awake, had a cut, some road rash and was being
taken care of. He continued asking about the boy’s
safety; Bobby just wanted to make sure we were not
keeping anything from him. His mind was only on
the condition of the boy.
Since the rest of the motorcycles were blocking the
road and emergency vehicles were on the way they
were asked to continue on the route. My rider
stayed with his friend and his bike. After Bobby
was taken by ambulance, Jim stayed and helped
Now the resume is almost done except for a few tweaks. with securing the motorcycle on the trailer.
Next we can work on our 5 minute presentation,
however, you will have to come and see that part at the I then went back to the little boy to so some hand
competition.
We hope that by the time the next newsletter article is
due, we will be representing you as your new 2015
District Couple of the Year. That would mean our
journey will continue and the next goal will be be
The 2015 Region Couple of the year.
If you don’ t compete and have FUN, you will miss out
on that special part of your life that brings new
friendship’s, laughter, FUN and memories of a lifetime.
Hope to see you at the District Rally to celebrate!!
Jeff & Lisa
Bike Down Reprint
So you’re a Co-Rider
On a serious note, this month I had a new
experience, these are my thoughts…………….
You hear the dreaded words over the CB “Bike
Down”, followed by your rider saying ‘It’s Bobby’.
As your heart sinks, you remember your friend had
volunteered to have a five year old co-rider; ‘Bike
Down’ just took on a whole new meaning.
7
holding. What a brave little man this child was.
His name is Thomas and has the most beautiful eyes
I have ever seen. A parent’s worst nightmare was
being played out right in front of me. Fellow bikers
were all around keeping him calm, while his head
and neck were being stabilized. Once the medic
arrived he kept reassuring Thomas he was doing
great. The mom in me felt helpless so I just held his
hand and talked to him, I just wanted to keep his
mind off what was going on. After the initial
assessment, the decision was made to air lift him to
the hospital. So the medic came back to Thomas
and asked him if he had ever been in a helicopter, he
said “no”. The medic then let him know ‘good
news’ “today you will have that helicopter ride”.
The corner of his mouth had a slight smile. Then
came the ‘bad news’, as the medic explained”…..we
are going to have to cut off your Spiderman
hoodie”. I think at that moment time stood still for
Thomas and he then realized what was happening.
Continued on page 8
FUN n FACTS
Don Hicks
Wendy Ortiz
Krista Taylor
Ric Spearin
Bob Fox
Wings of Wesley Chapel
8-Mar
11-Mar
10-Mar
18-Mar
21-Mar
Rick & Madalena Buck
Joey & Lynn Everhart
Ken & Debbie Kloc
Howie & Karen Taylor
16-Mar
20-Mar
26-Mar
26-Mar
2015 FLORIDA GWRRA EVENTS
Road Captains
Carl Brenn
Rick Buck
Madalena Buck
Ron Brown
Lee Cargill
Frank Corradini
Karen Davidson
Jeff Duffey
Lisa Duffey
Kay Durham
Dave Epler
Adrienne Epler
Lynn Everhart
Joey Everhart
Matt Forman
Bob Fox
Donald Hicks
Debbie Kloc
Ken Kloc
Jill Kwiatkowski
Carol Fleurant
Paul Matz
Sharon Matz
Rick Meredith
Judy Murphy
Doug Newman
Peggy Newman
Donnie Peters
Aimee Peters
Steve Ponder
Pam Ponder
Jim Siebel
David Skelton
Chuck Smith
Shirley Smith
Howie Taylor
Karen Taylor
Mar 19-21 Florida District Convention
Kissimmee
April 4 FL1-K Rally & Park
St. Augustine
April 11 FL1-B Road Rally
Seffner
Sept 3-6 Wing Ding
Huntsville, AL
Here are some additional endorsements to your
policy that can be purchased
1. Bodily injury--this can cover the passenger, as
long as they are not a family member
2. Guest Liability--only covers the co-rider
3. Medical Payment-pays medical only for you
and the guest rider
4. Uninsured Motorist- will pay for an accident
with an uninsured motorist
Regarding the uninsured motorist ask your
insurance agent if you can stack your coverage, as
this maybe available if you have additional
vehicles with the same company.
We all try to be safe, but accidents do
happen. This is just for informational purposes as
it is beneficial to review the coverage we have
prior to an accident.
Continued from Page 7
Bike Down
As I looked at him for a reaction, I noticed the
quivering lip, as the slight tear started to flow.
Thomas was not the only one with tears at this
moment in time. The brave little man turned into a
little boy who loves his Spiderman hoodie. I
reassured him that he would definitely have a new
Spider man hoodie!
This information is courtesy of Jason Kurrack, an
agent with Allstate Insurance.
As of this writing Bobby and Thomas are on the
mend. Bobby suffered 5 broken ribs and shoulder.
Thomas had lacerations on his head, road rash and
bruising. The Blue Knights chapter presented
Thomas with a Spiderman helmet and he is ready
to go riding as soon as the doctor gives the Okay!
Once we were advised all were doing well, there
were many questions as to expenses and who or
what is covered in this type of accident.
Sometimes we have a tendency to ask
questions regarding our insurance after an accident,
so I called my personal insurance agent to ask
some
general
questions
about motorcycle
insurance.
Co-Rider Denise
Some information courtesy of Jason Kurrack, agent
for Allstate Ins
8
Sponsors
Wings of Wesley Chapel
I would like to take this opportunity to thank
each and every person who wrote articles,
provided pictures and read our newsletter for
the past few years. This edition of the
Wings of Wesley Chapel will be this editors
final edition.
Thank you
9