Gold Wing Road Riders’ Association News from the California District ~~ Newsletter Editor: March 2015 Pamela Puterbaugh Volume VI—Issue III IN THIS ISSUE: Directors Message 1-2 Announcing Chapter of the Year—CA-1A 3 Region F’s Convention Flyer 4 Hi-Lights from The Officer Conference—January Don’t you?? 5-11 ADD— John & Linda Boman’s 12 From you new District Assistant Directors and District COY Bob & Nancy Clark 13 From your District IOY Ken Parmann 14 Mike & Ruth Burke District Educator-Pro-tem 15-16 Steve & Alma Sprenkle Assistant District MEC 17-18 Sponsor—Champion Trikes & Sidecars 19 Sponsor—Law Tigers 20 MAP Coordinators Bob & Linda Harmon 21 From your District IOY/COY Coordinators—Don I& Beth Kuellmer 22 Medic First Aid Bob & Linda Harmon 23 Sponsor—JBJ 24 Advertising with the District 25 Sponsor—Wingstuff 26 St. Patrick's Day Quotes We call u-turns adventures!! 27-28 Sky Med Advertisement 29 Sponsor—Schapiro & Leventhal 30 Upcoming events 31 Leading a group ride can be tough. In addition to monitoring the group, the traffic, the weather, the road conditions and a myriad of other things, you also have to endure the good-hearted razzing that goes along with the inevitable U-Turn. If you were at this year’s Officer’s Conference in January, you saw me stand up in front of everyone and announce the 2015 California District Rally was going to be held at the Marriott in Visalia. Here comes the U-Turn: The Marriott had a minimum requirement of 75 rooms and was willing to give us those rooms for a rate of $89. When the actual contract was presented to us to sign, the Marriott was only willing to guarantee the first 75 rooms at that rate and everyone else would have to pay their regular rate of $119 per night. After several weeks of discussions and the Marriott’s unwillingness to budge on the matter, Pam and I have decided to move the venue to another location. In all good conscious, we just could not create a two tier cost structure that would penalize at least half of our attendees $100 over the 3 days. We are in negotiations with the DoubleTree in Bakersfield and hope to be able to announce a signed contract in just a few days. I guess it just goes to show that no matter how well you know the route, you still may end up having to make a U-Turn in order to get where you want to go. Page 2 On another positive note, this year’s Officer’s Conference was an extreme success. For the second year in a row, we had officers from each of the 22 chapters in attendance and it was a wonderful opportunity to network and get the latest information out to all of the chapters. At CA-1I’s Valentine’s Day run, Chapter CA-1A was announced as the District Chapter of the Year. Bob and Nancy Clark as the District Couple of the Year, and Ken Parmann is this year’s Individual of the Year were also recognized. Pam and I, on behalf of the entire District Staff would like to extend our congratulations to all of the winners for a job well done and we know that you will represent well at the Region Rally! Please mark your calendars for The Rally in the Valley, March 27-29, in Mesquite, Nevada. As always they put on a great rally. Just another reason to get out and ride, their theme this year is Beach Blanket Wingo! Until next month, ride well, ride often Vincent & Pamela Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Greg & Kay Boyajian—CA-2A Mike & Barri Critzman—CA-1V Charlie & Debra Porizio—CA-2A Not attending but achieving their former patches: Ken & Linda Stark—CA-2N Barb Tait—CA-1M Steve & Teri Rippe—CA-2A (Teri not attending conference—she went to Disney World!! Page 7 Page 8 John & Debbie Whitted—CA-2A Trent & Denise Reid—CA-1M Denise playing hooky! Nick & Terri Riolio—CA-2N Terri playing hooky! Pat & Sharon Riley—CA-1V Larry & Linda Jenkins—CA-2W Sal Esposito & Patti O’Neill—CA-2S Page 9 James & Debora Chipman—CA-1K Russ Johnson—CA-1Z Mike & Betty Goodrick—CA-2Q Not attending but new to the position: Tim Butters—CA-2W Tom Whitson—CAC Rocky Fagundes—CA-2S Page 10 Assistant District Directors—Bob & Nancy Clark District Trainers—Steve and Teri Rippe (Teri still at Disney World) District COY & IOY Coordinators—Don & Beth Kuellmer Page 11 New Membership Enhancement Coordinators being presented their certificates and patches by Steve & Alma Sprenkle. From left, Nick Riolo standing in for his wife, Terri, - CA-2N, Gary & Lori Mouldenhauer, CA-2S, Donna Fletcher, CA-2J, Greg & Kay Boyajiian, CA-2A, Danny Merritt, CA-1Z, Carol Mendoza, CA1Q Not pictured—Sheree Tegal—CA-1M New Treasurers, left to right—Dorie Jared—CA-1C & Jim & Mary Kay Wilson—CA-1R Not pictured Teri Rippe— CA-2W—yep still having fun at Disney World Page 12 Running the Race…………. Did you know that you can win the race and not end up in first place? Well it is true!! Depending on who you ask, you will get answers that are very interesting. Such as: Why race if you can’t win? I will do everything in my power to win, and at any cost! To win you have to do some things that may not be entirely on the up and up. And the list goes on…… The best one that I have ever heard is this one: I entered the race to win while knowing that I probably won’t win, but I know in my heart that I am a WINNER because I tried! If you think about it there is a lot of validity in that statement. No one wants to be a loser, but I bet there are many wanting to enter the race, but do not because they do not want to lose, or look bad, or whatever. I am not saying that if you do not enter you are a loser. I am saying that if you don’t enter you do not have a chance. That chance I am talking about isn’t just coming in first place, but about improving yourself no matter what place you come in. The great American Nascar Race is the Daytona 500. There it is all about qualify to enter the race. Then it is about winning the race. One person will come in First place, and then the rest of the field after that. If you ask every one of the racer’s, they will all tell you that they improved their skills just by running the race. Don’t get me wrong, I am sure coming in first place is an awesome feeling, but what about the feelings for those that didn’t even try to make the race? Maybe they felt they were not good enough, or whatever. I am here to tell you that WE are ALL good enough to enter the race of life. At church, they preach about running the race to finish, not to win. Winning is entering the race! In Boy Scouts they taught that we were all winners for entering the Pine Wood Derby Race! Hopefully you got the message that I was trying to convey? We all have different abilities, we all have different skills, but we are all equal in the grand scheme of things. We are all one big family and we should support each other. Let’s go out and support each other and lift each other up as we all race together to be good humans!!!! Ride Safe, and Have Fun! Page 13 Time keeps flying by much quicker than we would like in most cases. With Officer’s Conference in January and our first rally, CA1-I’s Valentine Run, already under our belt, we are ready to charge ahead with more FUN gathering with Wingers around the state and beyond. We had a wonderful time at the Valentine Run, as usual, and were greatly surprised and honored to be selected as Chapter of the Year. The competition was close and we are hoping that next year more chapters will choose to participate. Most chapters are already doing what is required for chapter of the year, so throw your hat into the ring and receive the recognition. We will be in Yuma, AZ attending AZ-U’s event February 28th enjoying spending more time with our Arizona friends. March will be filled with Street Masters and PLPs ending with Rally in the Valley in Mesquite, NV…a full month again. I’m sure we will find time to visit a couple chapter gatherings along the way also…whichever way the wind chooses to blow this month. Our GWRRA family is very important to us. We enjoy opportunities to share time and activities with you as often as possible. Recently, sadly, some of those times have been to share the grief and loss of loved ones. Our hearts reach out with prayer and support to our families in GWRRA that are grieving or going through difficult times, medically or otherwise. We are only a phone call away. As this year progresses, and activities start piling on, please feel free to call on us with cares or concerns. We are never too busy to listen to our friends and family. GWRRA, you are our friends and family. Bob & Nancy Page 14 It took a week to have my drive shaft repaired but I sure did notice the difference. It rides nice and smooth with no vibrations. My first big ride was down to Covina for the Valentine’s ride. Good thing I had the repairs done because we rode most of the way in the rain. My first rain trip! Glad not to have those vibrations. We went to Bert’s Mega Mall where we watched the Gold Angels perform. They were very impressive. We spent most of the day looking at, and dreaming about, the wide variety of vehicular choices available, and the staggering array of options for whatever you choose to drive. We spent Saturday night at the motel and then joined CA1Q for their chapter gathering on Sunday morning. They have a large membership and at least 50 members were present for that meeting. Coming home we rode the 5 north up over the Grapevine. If you’ve ever ridden it you know there’s nothing much to gawk at, so enough said. No rain most of the way until we hit Paso. The next weekend – which actually was Valentine’s Day – we had our monthly gathering and then rode to Arroyo Grande to The Chocolate Sheet, where we sampled a variety of delectable treats. I hate to end on a sad note, but we did suffer a tragedy here. Bob and Barb’s son Robert passed away after an accident involving his motorcycle and a truck. They had a touching life celebration in his honor last weekend. Barb mentioned that a friend asked her if she would stop riding motorcycles now. She will not. And to anyone who asks that question I would ask who among us does not know someone who died in a car crash? And how many of us stopped driving cars? Ken Parmann Page 15 The number of motorcyclist crash-related fatalities has more than doubled during the past 10 years. In the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), P.L. 109-59, Congress directed the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a comprehensive study of the causes of motorcycle crashes. In anticipation of this mandate, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded contract DTNH22-05-C-05079 to conduct a Pilot Study to develop and test a methodology for in-depth motorcycle crash investigation. The safety of motorcyclists on our nation’s roads has become an increasing concern among traffic safety professionals. Figure 1-1 below compares the number of passenger vehicle occupant fatalities with motorcyclist fatalities over the past 10 years. While occupant (and non-occupant) fatalities have decreased, motorcyclist fatalities have steadily increased. Figure 1-1: Motor Vehicle Crash Fatalities by Vehicle Type and Year Motorcycles (MC) vs Passenger Cars (PC) Fatalities Year MCs PCs 1998 2294 31889 2000 2897 32225 2001 3197 32846 2002 3270 31866 2004 4028 31549 2005 4576 30868 2007 5154 29933 With the rising number of motorcyclist fatalities each year, it is important to conduct an in-depth study of motorcycle crashes to develop more appropriate countermeasures. Congress directed the Department of Transportation in Section 5511 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient, Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), P. L. 109-59, to conduct research that will provide a better understanding of the causes of motorcycle crashes. The SAFETEA-LU legislation required the Secretary of Transportation to provide grants to the Oklahoma Transportation Center (OTC) to conduct a comprehensive, in-depth motorcycle crash causation study using the common international methodology for in-depth motorcycle crash investigation. There has been no DOT-sponsored comprehensive study in the United States of such crashes for over 30 years. Page 16 The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) methodology is a comprehensive approach to investigating motorcycle crashes. The 649-page methodology calls for the investigation of crashes of all severities, excluding non-injury cases and the collection of exposure data in the form of controls (two matched, non-crash-involved vehicles for every similar crash-involved vehicle). Crash investigations specify interviews with motorcycle operators, passengers, and ,the drivers of other-involved vehicles. Human factors topics range from rider experience, licensing, and training to fatigue, drug and alcohol use, trip purpose, use of protective clothing, and risk-taking behaviors. Vehicle inspections specify detailed examinations and judgments of pre-and post-crash condition for every motorcycle component. The type, size, and handling characteristics of the motorcycles are also carefully documented. When other motor vehicles (such as cars and trucks) are involved in crashes with motorcycles, data on the points of contact and exterior vehicle damage are recorded. Environmental details are collected to get a full picture of the crash event. Roadway features, traffic controls, and other environmental factors that could have contributed to crash causation are recorded. In addition, circumstances such as line-of-site and potential visual obstructions are noted. Control data include detailed interviews with motorcycle operators and passengers similarly at risk to those involved in each crash. OECD also requires careful documentation of the condition of motorcycles selected as part of the control population. Very limited training materials are available. A database developed in Europe has been used by a manufacturer-sponsored study to record crash investigation and control data but is not available to the public. In anticipation of a congressional mandate for a full motorcycle crash causation study, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded a contract for a Pilot Study to test the methodology for a motorcycle crash causation study using the common international methodology for in-depth motorcycle crash investigation. The project has four main target outcomes. Using the protocol developed by OECD to foster uniform procedures in the investigation of motorcycle crashes, this project: (1) developed comprehensive data collection forms, a coding manual, and field protocol for crash investigations; (2) developed data collection forms, a coding manual, and field protocol for the collection of control group data; (3) developed training material that can be used for a future larger scale study; and (4) assessed the levels of effort and resources required for each stage of an investigation so that more accurate plans can be made for the future study. If you are still reading this article, many of you are probably saying, “Blah, blah, blah, blah. You don’t have to tell me about the increase in motorcycle accidents, and fatalities. I read about it every week”. Even though these studies may give us information that may be useful to us in the future, what can we as GWRRA members do TODAY to cut down on these statistics? The obvious answers and ones we preach on a regular basis; Knowledge, Practice, and Motorists Awareness. Only 1/3 of all GWRRA members are involved in the Rider Education Levels Program. We, who are GWRRA members of friends and family of fellow riders, need to help increase that number to 100%. Not likely you say? It can start with one member at a time. So if you have any members in your chapters who are not enrolled in the Levels program, try to convince them of the benefits by encouraging them to participate in PLPs, rider courses, conventions where there are informational seminars, and of course, show by example. Ride Safely, Mike Burke, California District Educator Page 17 Hi all. Just wanted to say the first California Chapter Rally of the year, February 7th CA-1I, Covina, Ca, was a blast. (Nice tutu Roger “Rabbit” at the performance of the Blue Angles). CA-1I always puts on a great Valentines run. Thank you. We would like to thank the three chapter, CA-1Q, CA-2N, and CA-1A, for your participation in the Chapter of Year Program. You all did and awesome job and we acknowledge you for the work you put into it. In our opinion, you all are winners. However, we do have to choose one, and the contest was close. Chapter CA-1A will be the California’s 2015 Chapter of the Year. Congratulations! Your prize will be: charter fees paid for the 2016, preferred seating at the District Convention, bragging rights for the year, Chapter of the year seal to put on the front cover of your newsletter, and the opportunity to compete for Region Chapter of the Year. We extend an invitation to all chapters to participate in the Chapter of the Year program and be acknowledge in 2016, at CA-1I’s Rally. It is a lot of fun and you will be surprised how this will bring your chapter closer together. If you have any question, please call us. We will be happy to help. Now, some fun facts about the month of March. March is named after the Roman God or war, “Mars”. Its Birth stone is aquamarine & blood stone, its flower is daffodil, and its Zodiac sign is Pisces & Aries. For many years, March, being the start of Spring, was also the start of the New Year. Europe, especially Britain, used it as the start of the New Year until 1752, then they changed to January. If you ever heard the phased “beware the Ides of March” (March 15 th), it refers to” the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BC; A turning point in Roman history as one of the events that marked the transition from the historical period known as the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire”. Page 18 It is also kite flying month. Friends for Fun, Safety, and Knowledge And lastly, we all know and wish everyone we see, on March 17 th, HAPPY ST. PATRICKS DAY. If you are not wearing green, you may get pinched, tee hee! Happy St. Patrick’s Day every one. We’ll see you next month. Steve and Alma Sprenkle CA-1F Membership Enhancement Coordinator Assistant District MEC Page 19 . Page 20 Page 21 The primary focus of the Motorist Awareness program is to educate the motoring public. How about having your chapter seminar presenter set up a presentation to a local group to start spreading the message? There are presentations available for different audiences. We have mentioned several possibilities in the past. One idea is the weekend hamburger joint car show. A couple of years ago we set up a computer with one of the seminars self-running in a loop over and over during a local car show and had a few GoldWing bikes and trikes for interest. We had certified seminar presenters available to discuss the presentation that was running and answer any questions. It was well received by the visiting public and fun for the chapter participants. We need to educate the motoring public to provide for better understanding of motorcycles and the risks involved in “Sharing the Road”. Each person you educate will bring the motorcycle rider one person closer to safety. It is up to us to take a proactive stand for education. I am sure you have all heard we should all be out teaching the motoring public about who we are and how we ride… Safely! So don’t stop after that great local rally. Get involved in your local chapter. Help your local Motorist Awareness Coordinator setup an event and if your chapter does not have an MA Coordinator maybe this is place for you to plug-in. If you’re a seminar presenter then you can present the event. Go out and train the public! Let’s get our message out there. Remember this is the third month in this reporting period, let’s make it a good one. Also please do not forget your N23 forms are due in April for the first quarter of this year. Start filling it out now so it is ready by the due date. Send it in even if you have no events to report. But wouldn’t it be better if you had at least a seminar or something positive to report? May is the National Share the Road month. Now is the time to start planning to set up a seminar or show Good luck and Ride Safe… it’s more Fun! Page 22 Wow, what a month February was. Short, but fun filled. We managed to make it to activities in Southern California, back home, a flight to Boise for a family visit, then a Chapter Gathering hosting a visit from CA2J followed by a ride to Atascadero to support the Dowdy’s, and ending with a visit to see the CA2S Sharks in their home tank, and riding to a training session back home. How do you fit a 40 plus hour a week job in there? Well, just keep going strong and don’t look back. That is what the Chapter COYs and IOYs have done for their chapter. They have continually gone above and beyond to make their chapter the best place for the members to gather and have fun. Always ready to step up and help in any manner that is needed. While we were there at the CA1I Valentine’s Rally, we met the chapter’s future COYs and IOY. They were there, supporting and assisting their chapter, greeting the visitors, assisting with the games and taking the pictorial record of the event. When they were finally introduced to the rally attendees, they were surprised to be selected, however, they truly represented their chapter to all of the rally participants. We were fortunate to have three other bikes from CA2Q join in the ride. Unfortunately for us, Beth came down with a case of the crud and was in no condition to co-ride the 800 mile weekend run, so she stayed home. Steve and Jacque got a head start and met us in Kettleman City on Friday. Which was for the best when we hit the storm of the month on the way back, having to ride the last 150 miles in showers to heavy rain to get home. Our chapter gathering was busy and full, fitting 44 into a room that is really suited to about 35. With the visit from CA2J, we had a great discussion. I got a frog in my throat so turned it over to Beth to complete. Ron Green led the chapter on a great ride to Middletown while we headed south to Atascadero. There we joined a large contingency of the Dowdy’s relatives, friends and a large contingency of their GWRRA Family, supporting them through their loss. We were able to ride back with Sal from CA2S until we parted ways in between Morgan Hill and San Jose, only 40 miles from home for us. Our visit to the Sharks was great. Something that we do not get to do very often as we both gather on the same day at the same time. Their team is strong, and did a great job. After their gathering, we had to head off to meet up with CA2Q for a learning opportunity from Larry, our Chapter Educator. But, why take the freeways when there are nice twisters just begging to help scrape those extra pounds of foot pegs off? So, the 45 minute ride turned into a 2 hour ride. Why else do we ride motorcycles? To have fun!! Until our tire tracks cross again, keep the rubber side down and the shiny side up! Don & Beth Page 23 Home Remedies for Fast Flu Relief This is the middle of the flu season and everyone needs to be aware. Please get a flu immunization. It is protection for you and your loved ones. With the modern advancements of medicine, still some of the best symptom relievers for the flu have been passed down through the ages. It's a good idea to call your doctor at the first signs of flu -- widespread body aches and a fever over 102 degrees Fahrenheit. If taken within 48 hours of the onset of flu symptoms, flu medications may be able to shorten the duration of the flu. Some of the symptomatic home remedies are as follows. Breathe aromatic steam: Fill the bathroom or kitchen sink with steaming water, and add two teaspoons chopped fresh ginger (Zingiber officinalis), Vicks VapoRub® a few drops of oil of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) or menthol to the water. Increase liquids: Stay well-hydrated by drinking at least 8 cups (64 ounces) of water each day. Some hot liquids may be superior. Try clear soups or broth. Avoid coffee, tea with caffeine, or alcoholic beverages as these liquids may cause dehydration. Use moist heat compresses: If your head is throbbing and it's difficult to breathe through your nose, applying warm moist compresses to the cheeks and sinuses may help. Try nasal saline irrigation or saline sprays: Scientific studies support nasal saline irrigation as an effective flu remedy to thin mucus, decrease postnasal drip, and add moisture. Consider decongestant nasal sprays: If you want immediate relief for a swollen, congested nasal passage, decongestant nasal sprays such as Afrin and Neo-ynephrine may be helpful Try an over-the-counter cough syrup: to calm a cough with flu. You can select from a cough suppressant, expectorant (guaifenesin), or topical medicine (menthol rub for the chest). If you have asthma or other lung disease, avoid suppressing your cough. Eat hot chicken soup: Hot chicken soup is a potent mucus stimulant, especially when it's loaded with pepper, garlic, hot curry powder, or other pungent spice that helps to thin mucus in the mouth, throat, and lungs. Steaming chicken soup may also improve the motion of disease-fighting white blood cells. Try an expectorant: With a cold or flu, it's important to keep mucus thin so it doesn't stagnate and allow bacteria to breed, Try an OTC analgesic: A fever is your body's way of fighting the viral infection. There are over-thecounter medications such as Tylenol and Advil that can reduce fever and ease aching muscles. Stay in bed and rest: Getting plenty of rest is important to boost immune function and give your body time to heal. It is during the deeper stages of sleep that you experience metabolic and tissue restoration. Try a humidifier: If the air in your room is too dry, use a warm mist humidifier or vaporizer to add moisture to the air and help ease nasal and chest congestion. Always clean the humidifier with a bleach solution every few days to prevent the growth of bacteria and molds. Use nasal strips: If the flu has caused nasal swelling and congestion, making it difficult to fall asleep, try over-the-counter nasal strips to alleviate this problem. Elevate your head: Prop your head up with pillows and sleep elevated to ease nighttime congestion. The flu is miserable -- no doubt. Get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and do what you can to feel better. If your symptoms don't get better in a few weeks, or seem to be getting worse, call your health care provider. This was prepared with advice from the WebMD Medical Reference. Page 24 California’s oldest independent Goldwing facility Full Service Maintenance - Suspension upgrades - Tune-ups Trike Conversions - Electrical Accident repairs - Lighting Trailer sales - Oil change XM Radio install - GPS hookup Audio systems - Brakes Tire installation - Safety Check No motorcycle too old here!! 1018 E. Chestnut Avenue Unit I Santa Ana, CA 92701 www.jbjcycles.com Page 25 It Pays to Advertise in Wingin through California Full Page Ad $200.00 year -(includes listing on CA District Web page) 1/2 Page Ad $125.00 year Business $ 75.00 year Please submit your advertisement artwork via e-mail to: [email protected]. Checks made payable to GWRRA – CA can be mailed to: Diana Hibden 6910 Coachella Ave., Long Beach, Ca 90805 Page 26 Page 27 Irish Blessing May the road rise to meet you May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, And rains falls soft upon your fields, And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of His hand. Page 28 Page 29 Call Bruce & Pauline Bruce & Pauline Pokallus 503-577-3616—503-577-3613 email: [email protected] www.skymed.com/bppokallus Page 30 Friends for Fun, Safety & Knowledge GWRRA CALIFORNIA DISTRICT GWRRA National Divisions: Vincent & Pamela Puterbaugh District Directors 43793 Acacia Ave. Hemet, CA 92544 951-453-6000 [email protected] [email protected] Visit us on the web at: www.gwrra-ca.org Upcoming Events 2015 2015 Upcoming Events March 27-29 CA-1R April 11th CA-1A April 19th CA-1Q May 2nd CA-1K May 16th CA-2K May 30th CA-2Q June 6th - CA-1L June 14th - CA-1D June 27th - CA-2N July 18th - CAC August 8th- CA-2W—NEW DATE GO TO: WWW.GWRRA-CA.ORG AND CLICK ON CALIFORNIA RALLIES TO DOWNLOAD EACH CHAPTERS FLYER.
© Copyright 2024