Gold Wing Road Riders Association         Friends for Fun, Safety & Knowledge

Z Riders

February 2006

1 - Recap of January Meeting
2 - ZRiders Educators
3 - A Challenges Z
4 - Ride to Thornwell Home and School for Children
5 - Chapter S Sweetheart Poker Run
6 -Tickets and Volunteers for Wing Fling 2006
7 - Membership Enhancement
8 - Event at Crossroads Church

was introduced by Ray & Lynn Roberts, Assistant Chapter Directors and interim Secretary.  MAD is a relatively new division of GWRRA that has the goal of increasing awareness of motorists (non-motorcyclists) about motorcycles and the riders.  Although it seems, at times, as if motorists are "out to get us". 

January Z in Review  The reviews are in ~ it's being said that Z is a sitcom mixed with moments of gravity and education. 2006 is destined to be as enjoyable as 2005, the storyline has changed slightly but still has the same friendly feeling as before.  The Georgia District Director has maintained the quality of Z, so visitors for 2005 won't be disappointed, overall, with the new season.  The ZRiders are a group of characters and each has their unique quality that adds to the attendee's pleasure of being a part of their family.  Z's 2006 season definately a do not miss!!  Eat at 5:30, meet at 6:30 the 4th Saturday of each month.  Ok, I admit it, that was cheezy but I enjoyed making up the 'review')
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ZRiders Educators  Paul & Lorraine Burt reminded us of The Prime Directive (Don't hit the bike in front of you)  As we enter the new year and begin riding more and more, we need to remember some of the key points for group riding.  1 - The Ride Leader Leads, even if the lead bike misses a turn - as a group we follow the leader (but never into a dangerous situation)  2 - The Tail will drop off with a disabled bike. 3 - the rest of us enjoy the ride, stat attentive, maintain a safe distance from the bike in front of us and let the bike behind us know if he riding too close for our comfort (using hand signals).  4 - The CB is a wonderful modality for communicating with the group as a whole, but we do need to be familiar with hand signals.  There are times when members of the group either don't have a CB or are having mechanical problems with their CB, you will need to use hand signals to pass information back through the group (to supplement the CB) in addition to advising the rider behind you of a hazard,  or that you need a little more space between you and them (whether it be for comfort or a questionable situation that you see ahead). 
 
Group riding is a joy.  To keep the ride enjoyable, we each need to be responsible for ourselves.  In keeping ourselves safe, the group will be safe.  You are not responsible for the bike in front of or behind you.  They will take care of that.  
Follow the Leader and enjoy the ride!
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Chapter A Challenges Z  In case you missed it ~ Dave informed Alan Head (ZDirector) that he was going to "take him down" !  I don't know about you, but that's something that I don't want to miss.  The SHOWDOWN is set for Sunday, March 12th at High Noon.  (Sunday is the date for the SHOWDOWN because......Saturday is League day at the bowling alley, Friday and Saturday nights are filled with teens, dates and families ~ so Saturday was out.  By the time everyone gets off of work, the week nights are too short ~ since we need our "beauty sleep" so that the world can stand us the following day.  
    
We realize that many of our ZRiders won't be able to attend because their Sunday is dedicated to Church and family.  We'll be sorry to miss you and appreciate your dedication and faithfulness.
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Ride to Thornwell Home and School for Children  Ride to Thornwell Home and School for Children  Keith & Sharon Burkingstock, Chapter P Treasurer, extended an invitation to Chapters A and Z tag along with Chapter P, a ride to Thornwell.  Bob & Carla Grier, Chapter Director of A, were present and they, along with Alan and Denise of Chapter of Z, accepted the invitation.  The ride is scheduled for Saturday, April 29th.  A letter from Keith & Sharon is linked to this article on the website.
     Thornwell is operated and funded by the Presbyterian Church.  It accepts children from Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.  These are children that aren't adoptable, but aren't able, for 1 reason or another, to live at home with their parents.  Chapter P hosts an annual fall ride, to provide school supplies, toys, household items, clothes....., although supplies are always welcome ~ the main goal of this ride is to have LOTS of motorcycles and trikes show up at their doorstep and bring pleasure to the children.  The little ones always enjoy "seeing" the motorcycles. They're respectful and a joy to be around.  The older ones get just as much pleasure ~ their faces just don't glow quite as much as the little ones.....you know how teenagers are, not quite as transparent as littleb
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Chapter S Sweetheart Poker Run  Many of us had previous engagements but John and Karen Haun were able to attend.  The Sweetheart Poker Run was as fun as always, but their hearts went out to Chapter S because the turnout wasn't quite what it usually is.  Even though the quantity of attendees was lower, the quality of the event was as outstanding as usual.  There was 1 motorcycle that arrived....so, he won both best of show and 2nd best.  When they began awarding the prizes for the bike show, he stood up and started toward the front.  The announcer said "no, this is for 2nd best" so he turn around and headed back to his seat, then they called his name!  After receiving his prize, he returned to his seat ~ then they called him back up to accept the prize for best of show.  You see what I mean, there may not have been as many folks there, but it sure was fun.  I'm sorry that I missed it and plan to attend in 2007.
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Tickets for prizes and Volunteers at Wing Fling 2006  Karen Haun,  Treasurer........about the tickets for the $500 to be awarded at Wing Fling.  They're in books of 10 and sell for $1.00 each.  90c of each ticket sold goes back to the chapter (so it's a  fundraiser for the chapter, in addition to an opportunity to win the $500 prize at Wing Fling).  The seller of the winning ticket receives $50, what an incentive to sell! (So be sure to also put your name on each ticket that you sell.)  If you are interested in getting some tickets, or more tickets, to sell ~ see Karen at the next chapter meeting.  You don't have to pay for the tickets when you take them, you can take them with you to sell and then bring the money to the meeting, but the money, ticket stubs and unsold tickets need to be turned in to Karen no later than May 27th, Z May meeting.
 
Lorraine Burt, Educator....about the tickets for a set of motorcycle tires.  They are in books of 6 and the funds go to the District Riders Education program and sell for $1 each, or a book of 6 for $5.  The District Education program is there to educate all of us.  Other than charging for the courses, this is the only way the program is funded.  Education is an important part of GWRRA and helps us keep our attention focused on safety.  Lorraine can get as many books as we can sell.  These need to be paid for as they're received and are $5 per book.  Turn in the ticket stubs to Lorraine no later than May 27th, Z May meeting.
 
Denise Head, chapter Webmaster.......about volunteers.  Rick Stevens, District Director, had asked chapter Z and all other Georgia chapters to volunteer at Wing Fling.  We agreed to help with 3 areas.  We agreed to help with 3 areas.
 
*Friday, June 16th, 8am to 1pm help with door prizes  ~  Ray and Lynn have already accepted this. 
*Saturday, June 17th, 10am to 12pm help at recruiting tent  ~  we need 2 people to accept this.
*Saturday, June 17th, after closing ceremony  ~  "light" clean up.  Alan and Denise and 4 more ZRiders.
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Membership Enhancement  John Haun introduced the "I Made 'Em Laugh" hat.  The Yellow Beenie has retired.  At Z 2005 Christmas Party, the Yellow Beenie was awarded to Alan Head for his "Humorous Moments."  Those that had been honored for their Moments will always blush when reminded of how they captured the Beenie for a month, or two.....Alan had it the most months and will now be remembered as 2005's Yellow Beenie Recipient.
 
The "I Made 'Em Laugh" hat is a "Z Blue" golf hat with the chapter emblem on the front and "I Made 'Em Laugh" on the strap in back.  Each month, John will ask for ZRiders to nominate other ZRiders for the hat.  Nominations are not for "humiliating or embarrassing" moments, rather for what someone did to make you laugh.  Either intentionally or without even meaning to.  If it's something that you don't think the person would want others to know about, then please don't share it with the group.  This is for fun and to recognize those that bring joy to our lives.  I know that there are alot of people that I just enjoy being around because they're Jolly Folks.  Even though everyone isn't constantly making everyone laugh, everyone has their "moment".  That's what Chapter Z wants to recognize people for doing.
 
We have 4 Anniversaries and 4 Birthdays
 
01/09 Michael & Linda Dumes
01/28 Chris & Shannon Adams
02/14 Lyron & Laurie Brasher
03/14  David Jones & Ann Cobb
 
01/06 Jim Smith
02/04 John & Sue Stevens
02/28 Lyron Brasher
03/31 Thomas Smith
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Extra ~ Extra ~ Extra

Crossroads Church Pancake Breakfast, Bike Blessing and Ride on April 22, 2006.  The breakfast starts at 7:30am followed by a short devotional by Tom Solomon, a Bike Blessing (individual blessings, not a “group” blessing), and some giveaway items then the ride.  The details aren’t set yet,  so more information is to follow.  For now,  Buck Wood is planning a ride through west Georgia and east Alabama, approximately 220 miles round trip.  He should have a flyer available by the February 25th Z meeting.  This is a free kick off to the 2006 riding season.  Come one, Come all! (Thanks for the info for the newsletter Buck)

Cushman to compete with GoldWings!

Henry has made it known that his Cushman Scooter is in the shop….getting a new paint job and powder coat.  He’s hoping that it’ll be able to keep up with the GoldWings when he’s finished.  What do you think?  Even if it’s not able to keep up, it’ll sure look spiffy!
(thanks for the info for the newsletter Henry)

Chris2 Has a New Do         

We heard from someone we haven’t seen in a while.  Chris Hagebak….or, as some of us know him, “the other Chris” or “Chris2”.  His GL500 SilverWing had a makeover and is now bright PURPLE.   Oh, but that’s his bike, not Chris2.  Now about Chris…he got a new Full Length Leather Duster, a new Leather Jacket, new Leather Gloves, a Pair of Combat Boots and a Leather Do-Rag.  You’ll have to check it out on Zweb…you’ll be able to see for yourself!  (thanks for the info for the newsletter Chris)

Tax Tip from the Treasurer

Standard Mileage Rate Decreases
IRS has announced that the optional standard mileage rate will drop 4c to 44.5c a mile for all business miles driven after 2005, down from 48.5c for the last four months of 2005.  The rate for computing deductible medical or moving expenses after 2005 will drop to 18c a mile, down from 22c for the last four months of 2005.

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