FLAG CITY WINGS
November 2014
Page 1
FLAG CITY
WINGS
November 2014
MICHIGAN CHAPTER OF THE YEAR - 2011
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Region D and Michigan District Staff
Region D Directors
Lee & Kay Tieche
[email protected]
Region D COY
Gary & Carol Meyerholtz
55697-01
MI District Directors
Bob & Kim Scott
989.429.9144
Asst. District Directors
Dennis & Gayle Jisa
248.627.6320
MI District COY
Gary & Carol Williams—Chapter J
____________________________________________________________________________________
Chapter Directors
Asst. Chapter Directors
Asst. Chapter Directors
Treasurer
Chapter Educators
Newsletter Editor
Patches & Pins
Couple of the Year
Member Enhancement
Sunshine Lady
Restaurant Coordinator
Activities Coordinator
Road Captain
Road Captain
Road Captain
Road Captain
Road Captain
Road Captain
Road Captain
Road Captain
Chapter 50/50
Wing News Reporter
Chapter F-2 Staff
Larry Kephart & Wanda Booth
Don & Connie Smith
Harold & Pat Brown
Ed Leininger
Bill & Linda Diffin
Ralph Rheingans, Jr.
Dr. Ben Benjamin & Lonnie
Don & Connie Smith
Pat Brown
Linda Diffin
Laura Miller
Wanda Booth
Ed Ford
Ken Miller
Terry Hipkins
Ralph Rheingans, Jr.
Ed Leininger
Dave Hornak
Dave King
Don Smith
Carol Muschiana
Frank Beaven
810.348.3702
810.265.3605
810.845.2121
810.686.8747
810.397.1813
989.277.2500
810.614.2050
810.265.3605
810.845.2121
810.397.1813
810.653.1362
810.569.2906
810.569.0499
810.240.9042
810.444.3126
989.277.2500
810.686.8747
248.793.3360
810.250.0194
810.265.3605
810.569.5900
810.919.5545
F2 Mission Statement
It is the mission of Gold Wing Road Riders Association Michigan Chapter F-2 and its officers to promote
GWRRA and reflect positive attitudes; to be good listeners to all Chapter F-2 members as they voice their
opinions and choices of ideas with fun activities; to offer education and training to gain knowledge through
the promotion of safety; to give participants a family and friends atmosphere; to ensure that every chapter
member is treated with respect, dignity, and equality; and to serve foremost under the guidelines of the
GWRRA policies. We will be committed to accomplish whatever is needed so that Chapter F-2 will have a
consistent positive experience throughout their membership with the Gold Wing Road Riders Association.
Monthly Gatherings are the 1st Monday of the month at 6:30 pm at the VFW Hall in Davison, Michigan.
FLAG CITY WINGS
November 2014
Page 2
Larry's Lines of Learning
THANK YOU - THANK YOU - THANK YOU
Well November is here and with it comes THANKSGIVING, and every year I find I have more to be
thankful for.
As long as I can remember I have been the father of 3 beautiful daughters who have given me 6 wonderful
grandchildren and 3 years ago I was blessed with twin great - granddaughters.
Now on November 29th Wanda will become my wife and I will become dad - granddad -and great grandfather to another wonderful family. I truly never expected to see my 71st birthday, let alone enlarge my family, but I am looking forward to this new episode in a very fun packed life.
Then there is my GWRRA family and I am so thankful for every one of you. A lot of weeks I see more of
this family than I do of my immediate family. I look forward to the days when we can meet someplace for
breakfast and then ride all day only to come home and start thinking about where we are going to ride to tomorrow. We have our Thursday night dinner ride every week where we get together to visit and share a
meal. These are one of the highlights of every week and I look forward to all the different places Laura finds
for us to dine. Don has echoed my exact feelings numerous times when he says that F-2 is the best chapter
in Michigan. I have felt that way for 24 years.
We just had an anniversary party and I felt it was one of the best ones we ever had. There were 69 people
there and 7 chapters were represented. You must feel the same about F-2 because when we asked for help to
decorate the hall there were 23 people who showed up. And there is no way to thank those members who pay
the same to get in as everyone else and then volunteer to work the games or the kitchen so that everyone else
has a great evening. And when it is done for the night and I see half the chapter rolling up their sleeves to
help clean up it makes me feel very thankful to be the leader of such a great 2nd family.
I am thankful for our great newsletter that Ralph puts out and all the extra work it takes the members who
get out and line up all our wonderful sponsors. Be sure and frequent their places of business and tell them
we appreciate their support. I am thankful for all of you who take the time to take the rider education classes
that Bill has set up for us that we will be safer riders as well as the First Aid and CPR to help in an emergency.
Most all I have to say that I am thankful to Wanda for just being there to let me vent a little when it seems
to be too much. If you know me very well you know that GWRRA has been a very big part of my life for
over 26 years and when it doesn't seem to be going in the direction I think it should I sometimes become
hard to live with and that’s when Dear Sweet Wanda comes to my rescue. Everyone should have that special
person in their life that listens and says your right or you’re wrong but mostly that it's going to be all right.
I hope you all have a fantastic THANKSGIVING with your 1st family and take just a minute to be thankful for that 2nd family as well.
On a lighter note no matter how thankful we are just remembering it
isn't a good day if you happen to be a TURKEY!
Likeable Larry & Wonderful Wanda
F2 Chapter Directors
FLAG CITY WINGS
November 2014
Page 3
DANDY DON’S NOVEMBER NOTES
Chapter F-2 is one of the best chapters within our great state of Michigan. Our chapter has done many, many things, including visiting other chapters, hosting rider Ed classes, hosting CPR classes and just recently having our 24th anniversary party with GWRRA.
What a great party - thanks to everyone who helped, put it together to the clean up afterwards. THANK YOU CHAPTER F-2 once
again.
We were once again quite busy during the month of October. On October 4th several of our members went up to Midland for Chapter V's anniversary party. We all enjoyed ourselves and most of us won a prize or two.
Then on October 11th, we drove up to West Branch and attended Chapter Y's anniversary party. They too put on a good feed and we
got to see some friends that we have not seen in a while.
Now you say, what is next for Chapter F-2? What are we up to now?? Keep reading and you will see what's up our sleeves next.
How about we load up a few members and go capture both the Michigan Traveling Plaque and the Region D Traveling Plaque??
I’m up for it - so let’s go do this. Let me know if you would like to go with us. We need five (5) members to capture the Region D
plaque but only need four (4) to capture our Michigan Traveling Plaque. Who wants to go??
As Larry mentioned in his article that Thanksgiving is just around the corner, Connie and I would like to wish everyone a very
Happy Thanksgiving. We hope that you are able to spend time with your family or friends.
Congratulations to Larry & Wanda as they tie the knot this year. Please keep in mind that your chapter is behind you all the way on
this one boss. We love you both so very much and hope nothing but the BEST for both of you. Congratulations once again from
Chapter F-2.
It won't be much longer and most of our chapter will be going South for the winter. We want to wish all those traveling to be safe
and we look forward to seeing everyone next spring.
So, because we don't know what tomorrow may bring, be sure to tell your love ones, that you love them.
Till Next Time,
DANDY DON from Outstate Oxford
and Connie Too!
F2 Assistant Chapter Directors
F2 Couple of the Year– 2014
_______________________________________________________________________________________
WINNERS AT THE OCTOBER F-2 GATHERING
It Pays to Attend
Quarter Drop
Ralph Rheingans, Jr.
F2 Pride
Jim Bassett
50/50
Chris Bassett, Linda Diffin
Look for your GW Number—You may be a Winner too!
FLAG CITY WINGS
November 2014
Page 4
RIDER EDUCATION
Do You Ride with the Right Attitude?
When you decide to take your motorcycle out for a ride, what are you thinking about? Where is your attention? Are you thinking about the things
you will be doing when you get to work? Is your mind playing with the words you could have said, or should have said, in the debate with your
boss or your spouse earlier in the day? In short, where is your head at when you saddle up? Each and every time you throw a leg over your motorcycle it matters what you are thinking about. Whether you are simply commuting to work on your motorcycle to reduce fuel costs, or you are heading out on a week-long vacation on two-wheels, your mental attitude plays a big role in how safe you will be on the road, and how much you will
enjoy the ride.
Riding a motorcycle is an activity that is 80% to 90% mental while the rest is physical. When you are thinking about the job on your way to work,
or going over the list of errands you need to complete, or just letting your mind drift as you idle down to the end of your driveway, your level of
safety is reduced. You need to shift your attitude and focus only on the ride to insure an incident free trip.
So how do you make the shift from thinking about daily issues to the ride at hand? Establish a routine that you will go through before every ride.
Start by evaluating the condition of your motorcycle as you walk up to it. Do a mental T-CLOCS. Look at the tires as you approach (inflated, tread,
visible damage). Are there any oily or wet spots on the ground under your bike (where did it come from, is it safe to ride)? And try to be conservative when you answer these questions to yourself. Keep your eyes open for anything amiss. Then, if everything looks okay, gear up. (Of course,
you should do a physical T-CLOCS regularly, too, especially before starting a long ride!)
Next step, finish donning your protective outer layer. Most of us put on our gear in the same sequence every time. Long pants and boots are usually
put on in the house. Out at the bike, your jacket, helmet, eye protection, and gloves complete the process. Consider the weather and make sure you
have packed any other gear you may need before the ride is over.
Put the key in the ignition and start the bike. While the engine warms, check the fuel level. Determine how far you will be able to go before you
need to stop for a fill-up. Do you know the route you plan to take? Do you have all the necessary information with you to get you where you want
to go? Good.
With those aspects considered, you are ready to focus on the journey. Now, when you shift your bike into gear, shift your brain into “active rider
mode” because nothing else matters now except your safety. All your thoughts should be about the ride you are beginning. Your eyes should be
active and scanning your surroundings - aggressively! Look for potential hazards that might cause you to change your speed (by braking or accelerating), to change direction (by swerving or turning), or to communicate to other road users. A wave of the hand, a flash of your high beams, or a
toot of your horn tells others that you are there. Make sure they are aware of you.
All the while your mind should be translating the inputs from your eyes and ears into pictures of things that might happen next. Evaluate in your
mind what your response would be to each of the possibilities. When a hazard comes up, keep your options open until you have to choose one – the
best one – the one that lets you avoid the hazard safely and without any drama. This is riding with the right attitude - the attitude that your job is to
ride safely until you park your bike and remove the key from the ignition. Develop a routine like this for yourself and every ride you take will be a
safer and more pleasing ride.
Ride Smart & Be Safe!
Bruce & Melissa Thayer
Former MI Asst. District Rider Educators
Bill & Linda Diffin
F-2 Rider Educators
FLAG CITY WINGS
November 2014
Chapter F-2 Appreciation Dinner
September 25, 2014 - Little Caesars in Davison
Chapter Director Larry Kephart Awards Certificates of Appreciation
to Road Captains for Great Work in 2014
And the Chapter enjoyed lots of salad and pizza!
Page 5
FLAG CITY WINGS
November 2014
Page 6
CHAPTER F2 PERSON OF THE YEAR FOR 2014
Laura Miller
Laura is our restaurant coordinator and she goes above and beyond to make sure the reservations have been made for our chapter. Laura
makes contact with each restaurant on a weekly basis. Laura is a self-starter type of lady. Whenever our chapter has a pot luck dinner
or a chapter party, Laura is always the first person to help out wherever she can. Laura is married to Ken Miller, who also is a big help
in our chapter. Both are Life Members of GWRRA and both are real assets to our chapter.
Laura Miller is Chapter F-2 “Person of the Year” for 2014.
___________________________________________________________________
Bill and Linda Diffin Recognized by Region D
For Contributions to Chapters F-2 and K-2 for Michigan Rider Education.
—————————————————————————————————————————————
F-2 Members Attend Going Away Party for Preacher Ted Milian—Moving to Arizona
FLAG CITY WINGS
November 2014
Chapter F-2 2014 Anniversary Halloween Party
Page 7
FLAG CITY WINGS
November 2014
Chapter F-2 2014 Anniversary Halloween Party
Page 8
FLAG CITY WINGS
November 2014
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November
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
Chapter A
Anniversary Party
2
9
3
4
Chapter F-2
Gathering at 6:30pm
Chapter F Gathering
Michigan Chrome
Shop in Richmond at
7:00pm
10
11
5
12
17
18
19
23
24
25
26
30
13
Hank Guillett
Birthday
20
14
15
Louie King Birthday
Dave Dell Birthday
21
22
28
29
Sophia's Restaurant in
Grand Blanc at
Sheila Newton
5:30pm
Birthday
Dawn Jordan
Birthday
27
8
Fall Officers Meeting
Bay Valley Resort in
Bay City at 9:00am
Louie's on Davison
Rd in Lapeer at
5:30pm
16
Chapter F-2 Staff
Meeting
7
Starlight Coney Island
on Center Rd at
Davison Rd at
5:30pm
Bob Dennis Birthday
Chapter Q-2
Gathering - Gilligans
restaurant in Cass
City at 9:00am
6
HAPPY
THANKSGIVING
2014
FLAG CITY WINGS
November 2014
Page 10
December
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
4
5
6
12
13
19
20
Chapter F-2
Gathering 6:30pm
Chapter F Gathering
Michigan Chrome
Shop in Richmond at
Linda Diffin Birthday 7:00pm
7
8
Sandie Dell Birthday
14
9
Grandma's Recipe on
Richfield Rd at
5:30pm
George Garrow
Birthday
10
Wanda Booth
Birthday
15
16
17
Char Williams
Birthday
21
22
11
Chapter F-2
Christmas Party in
Lapeer at Ben &
Bill Spencer Birthday
Lonnie’s Club House
Bob & Emma Dennis
Anniversary
18
Leo's Coney Island on Steve Williams
Miller Rd in Flint at Birthday
5:30pm
Steve & Char
Williams Anniversary
23
24
25
MERRY
CHRISTMAS
28
Patricia Dexter
Birthday
29
30
26
27
Durand Benjamin
Birthday
31
Ben & Lonnie
Anniversary
Happy New Year
2014
FLAG CITY WINGS
November 2014
Support Our Sponsors —They Support Us
The Best on Earth
LAPEER HONDA
Phone (810)245-0400
Motorcycles, ATV’s
Fax (810) 245-0282
Scooters, PWC’s
M/Thu 10-8
Power Equipment
T/W/F 10-6
895 S. Main St.
Sat. 10-5
Lapeer, MI 48446
www.lapeerhonda.net
Page 11
FLAG CITY WINGS
November 2014
Support Our Sponsors —They Support Us
Page 12
FLAG CITY WINGS
November 2014
Page 13
Support Our Sponsors —They Support Us
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Quality and Value Since 1959
21 Locations Near You
Little Caesars Pizza has been proudly serving delicious products for over 50 years. We only use the finest
ingredients. Our dough is made fresh each day, and our cheese is freshly shredded. Our world famous pizza
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FLAG CITY WINGS
November 2014
Support Our Sponsors —They Support Us
Page 14
FLAG CITY WINGS
November 2014
Page 15
Hello, my name is Dan Eickhoff and this is my 1997 Honda Gold Wing GL1500 Aspencade. My wife Julie
(of 17 years) and I enjoy getting out for a nice ride whenever our busy schedules allow it. We have 2 children
Megan 15 and Ethan 12 that are very busy with school sports and travel softball and baseball. Our daughter
Megan plays softball for Clio high school along with travel softball for the Genesee county Gatorcats, on top
of being very active in student council and chess. This season will be my 5th season coaching Ethan with travel
baseball and we are heading to Cooperstown NY this coming July for a once in a lifetime tournament. He is
also involved in wrestling and football at Clio as well. I have been in the automobile business since 1995 and
am proud to say I have helped over 3600 customers with getting a new vehicle. I am teamed up with Simms
Chevrolet in Clio and we are excited to say that we have award winning vehicles that are sure to make any one
proud to own. Simms Chevrolet and I are proud to support your Gold Wing chapter. Your business is VERY
IMPORTANT to us here at Simms Chevrolet and we guarantee that your best deal starts right here with me.
You can call me or just stop by and we can talk about Gold Wing’s or if you are thinking of a new or used vehicle I will get to work for you. We are easily located just east of I-75 in Clio on Vienna (M-57). My direct
number is 810-964-6827. Don’t hesitate to call or text me with any questions you may have. I am looking forward to meeting you and if you see a dark green Gold Wing around the area just give a wave, good chances it
is me. Dan Eickhoff 810-964-6827 [email protected]



4220 W. Vienna Road, Clio, MI 48420
Sales: (866) 560-9491
Service:(866) 630-5711
Parts:
(810)686-1700