SALEM WINGS VA - X

Hello again!

 Only 5 more weeks until Rally in the Valley!   Lee & I are really excited about this year’s theme!

 “Rally in the Valley goes to Hollywood”   While dining one evening at Pink Cadillac a few weeks ago  Lee was inspired by a picture hanging up on the wall of the Wizard of Oz. To get into the spirit of things we would like our Chapter to go to the opening on Friday night as Characters in the Wizard of Oz.

 We have mentioned who we think would be characters for some of the different parts.  We’ll discuss this more at the meeting.  We as a  Chapter have had fun the last couple of years dressing the theme of the rally and hope to do so again this year!

 We really enjoyed our ride to Staunton on the 16th.  Larry joined us and we got to show him some of Virginia that he had not seen before.  The BBQ & ice cream was pretty good !  Wish more of you could have joined us.

 The ride to Shatley Springs started out rather wet but near Wytheville the rain stopped and it was dry the rest of the day.  Pat & Bobby thank you so much for all your work & research you put into planning the trip & making the reservations at the hotel in Sparta.  We were disappointed that we had to head home after we ate but getting Sarah back to school on Sunday could not be avoided. 

 We really had a nice time at the All Chapters Picnic last Saturday.   There was only a light shower near Waynesboro on the way to Richmond.  We took 60 all the way back and luck out by not running into any showers on the way home.  There was evidence along the way that it had rained earlier.   Out of the many tickets we won playing games we only won 1 door prize but it’s a good thing cause we needed the room for the 2 cakes Lee won at the desert auction.  Lee got a little carried away and even though he did not win all the deserts he bid on he did help get the prices up.  The games were quite fun, food delicious, and true GWRRA fellowship.  We were made to feel very welcomed.

 We are sorry we are not at the meeting today but it has been quite awhile since I have seen my parents in Ohio so we have snuck away and headed on Route 52 all the way through WVA on the bike.

 We have talked to several GWRRA members in WVA and they have been very helpful with giving us information of the route.

 Don’t forget the annual picnic & water gun battle a Tony’s coming up soon!  I understand he has a surprise for us for dinner.

 Until next time ……..

 Ride Safe & Be Safe!

 Lee & Julie

Your Chapter Directors 

Rally in the Valley® 2009 – The theme this year is “Hollywood Comes to the Valley”.  Lee and Julie have suggested that we all go as Wizard of OZ                                                                                                          ______________________________

Member’s Choice

September 19th                     Tony & Vickie (Picnic)

Bring a side dish, drink & a change of clothes

Did You Ever Notice……..

That the best way to end up actually riding in the rain is to wash and wax your bike the day before?

That your riding gear seems to shrink over the non-riding season?

That no matter how big your trailer is, it is always full before you leave home?

That you meet the nicest people on a Honda?

Pat’s Corner

 Well, another month has come and gone again. Think most of you know but Bobby found out he has diabetes, Type II. He is taking a pill which we hope will continue to help him. Our eating has changed somewhat and we are walking about a mile a day now (most days). But I hope with exercise, diet, and the pill, we can control this. For the most part he is feeling well - had a couple of not-so-good days - but overall, well.

We had the month of August for our outing and we chose to go to Shatley Springs for a meal and on to Sparta, North Carolina to spend the night. We had a great meal at Shatley Springs - only about a 45-minute wait. Bob and Lil, Debbie and Bryan, Don and Margaret, Lee and Julie, Larry and Joann, Denny and Carolyn, Randy and Joan, Tony and Vickie, Angie, Billy, Bailey and Brandon, and Bobby and myself. Lee and Julie had to go back to Buchanan after our meal - they were not able to stay (we missed them). After eating our meal and browsing around a bit, we went on to West Jefferson to visit the Cheese Factory. We were not in time to see the making of cheese but visited the cheese store and several of us walked to the Emporium there to look around and purchase a few items. We left there and went on to Sparta. Most everyone went to supper at the fish/steak place just down from our motel and enjoyed another great meal. Several of us walked to the store across the way for ice cream a bit later. We sat outside our rooms and talked until late and everyone retired for the night. The next morning we had breakfast at “The Pines” restaurant and everyone split up into groups and traveled home by different routes. Some had to be home early - others not. We had a great time and enjoyed the meals, travel, and everyone’s company. Bobby was able to ride and it was terrific. We missed those of you who could not go. Dexter, Linda, Brittany and Brandon started out but it was raining real hard when they left Salem so they had to go back home. We were sorry they could not go. Mike was not well so he and Jean could not go. John and Patsy had a prior commitment so they could not go. We missed everyone. Bobby and I really had a good time. We hope everyone did. We love you “guys”.

Big Bike Parts has introduces a totally unique heated grip based on their popular Comfort Grip line for the GL1500 Gold Wing. These heated grips are CNC machined; cast aluminum with brilliant chrome finish fir a great look and durability. Chrome Heated Comfort Grips are ergonomically designed and have symmetrical vibration damping rubber inserts with a convex profile to fit the palm of your hand for unsurpassed comfort while riding. The variable position black rheostat switch gives the rider ultimate control over the degree of warmth produced and surface mounts to fairings. Suggested List Price $159.95 pair (Honda GL1500 Pan Number 17-385). (715)234-3336 or www.bigbikeparts.com. (Taken from WingWorld, Sep 09 issue)

WING HUMOR!! Excited by the purchase 10 minutes earlier, an inexperienced rider is taking his brand-new GL1800 down the highway. As he passes a car, he knocks on the window. The driver opens the window and asks, “May I help you?” The rider asks, “Have you ever ridden a Gold Wing?” The driver says, “No, I haven’t.” The rider continues on to the next car. While passing it, he knocks on the window and asks that driver the same question: “Have you ever ridden a Gold Wing?” That driver also answers, “No, I haven’t.” Suddenly, there is a curve and the biker lands in a ditch. Both cars’ drivers - plus a third driver - stop to see if he is okay. The biker - stunned but otherwise unhurt - asks the third driver the same question he’s already asked the other two, “Have you ever ridden a Gold Wing?” “Why, yes, I had a Honda GL1800 for several years,” that driver replies. “Great,” the biker says, “so where are the brakes?”(Taken from WingWorld, Sep 09 issue)

 Benefits of the “Mature” Motorcycle. (By Larry Cole from Colorado) His ‘76 Wing is his daily ride not a restoration project. He thinks there are some great advantages to owning and riding an older bike. Here are his advantages. 1. No payments - minor maintenance. 2. Cheaper insurance and more. He just carries liability insurance. He already has his money’s worth if it is wrecked. He says it is not likely to get stolen. 3. Lower maintenance cost. He says that you would probably have to do work on your bike yourself since a local dealer would not probably work on an old bike. He can do the work when he wants to. So far, he has not had any problem receiving parts he needs online. 4. You know your motorcycle. You have done your own work and probably memorized the shop manual. You know the history of every part. 5. Fewer things to break. He doesn’t have a radio, a CB, cruise control, or airbag. Gas, air, spark? He’s good to go. 6. No “safety chrome” expense. He buys a few chrome items from JC Whitney. But he doesn’t do much chrome. Spends his money on helmets and jackets -- and gas!! 7. It’s unique. The older the motorcycle, the fewer you’ll see on the road. You don’t need anything to stand out. 8. It’s reliable. If it were a lemon, he would have gotten rid of it years ago. You provide gas, oil, batteries and tires, and it provides years and miles of fun. After all, it’s a Gold Wing. (Taken from WingWorld, Sep 09 issue).

What to Do - as a Co-Rider - if the Rider Becomes Incapacitated.

1. Determine the situation. Command the rider to stop. He or she still may be able to respond. If they have heard and not able to do so, or have become unconscious, then you need to get control. 2. Get control of the motorcycle. Remember any movement you make may affect the balance of the motorcycle and your ability to remain with it. You must reach forward to try to gain control of the handlebars. Activate the engine kill switch, which will be located at your right thumb, and let the engine slow down the bike. Remember doing this could potentially throw you off balance. Get the rider to show you this before riding. 3. Prepare for a crash, with your main objective being to increase your chances of survival. Reduce speed after you activate the kill switch. Try to select an impact site that will decrease as many harmful elements as possible. Delay the impact as long as possible. Stay low and let the motorcycle take the impact and protect you rather than letting your body come between the motorcycle and another obstacle. Keep your legs, arms, and hands in as you fall. You won’t be able to hold the bike upright. Just let it fall, trying to keep arms, legs, etc. from being under it as it does fall. After bike comes to rest check yourself, then check the rider. Get assistance to the rider if you are able. Or flag for additional assistance if possible. Once help has arrived, take a moment to let yourself recover. (Taken from WingWorld, Sep 09 issue)

We'll see everyone next month.  In the meantime, ride safely.

Pat  

Bits & Pieces Just for you………………

 Seems just like yesterday that we were gearing up for the water gun battle and the rally.  Boy time sure flies when you’re having fun.

 “Running with the Terriers” 1^st Motorcycle Rally and Poker run is planned for September 26^th at William Byrd High School.  Registration begins at 9:00 AM, last bike out by 11:00 AM.  Check out the website for more information.  http://www.terriers.koolhost.com/

 Just a reminder about the “Ride to Win” competition.  Let’s all be planning some rides and just remember to let everyone know at least 5 days in advance. (Any ride that ends up with food or ice cream would be great)

 Our Chapter Picnic, (Water Gun Battle) is planned for September 19^th. about 4:00.  Please come and eat even if you don’t want to participate in the water gun battle. (The battle starts after everyone has eaten.  But watch Margaret, she usually begins it) The deck is a safe house. Just ask John & Patsy.  They didn’t get too wet last year on the deck. Bring a covered dish, a drink and a change of clothes. We will supply all the plates, napkins, etc.

 Until next time……….