1. Art and Diseño

Volume 10 Number 2
February 2015
would want to see, attend, or just plain have fun
at…
From the CDs
Court & Diane van Sickler
[email protected]
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Texas “U” Roundup; and what you can
do to be a part of the fUn…..
In this newsletter you will read about the
Chapter Leadership Team’s participation
in their first TX District “Roundup” and,
while visiting with the District team and
other Chapter leaders from throughout
Texas, we met a great bunch of folks and
came away with some ideas about how to
make Chapter “U” the best Chapter in the
District, Region and GWRRA.
So what can you do? PARTICIPATE!!!!
We’re going to have fun at the TX District Rally
participating in events such as “Chapter Feud”,
where five (5) Chapter members work together to
win the “Family Feud” type game; and some of
our couples will take part in the “Not So
Newlywed Game” (can’t wait to see what happens
with that one). We also plan on taking part in
some of the other competitions, and games (onbike and off-bike) being offered at the Rally,
which will be held April 30 to May 2, in Temple,
TX.
So watch your email accounts for more specific
information on these upcoming events, and visit
the Chapter calendar to start planning your next
trip to a GWRRA, Region, District or even
another Chapter’s event.
Whatever you do, have fUn doing it!!!!
Court and Diane van Sickler
Chapter Director’s, TX “U”
First take a look at your calendar about
traveling to some of the upcoming rallies/
conventions or activities that so many
other GWRRA members in our Chapter,
and around the area (and even the
country) are having fun attending. Next
would be to take a look at the schedule of
events at the rallies/conventions to see
what kind of fun is scheduled. There will
most likely be something you, and/or
your co-rider or other family members
1
18 February, Wednesday - “Chapter Gathering" will be at the La Cabana Restaurant, upstairs room, at
170 Buffalo Place Cibolo, TX. Meet to eat at 6:00 PM with information sharing beginning at 7:00 PM
Inside this issue:
Topic
Page Number
From The CD’s
From the ACD’s
District, Region or National Article
Events/Ride Schedule
Rider Education
Tux Penguin
MEC/ACD’s
Birthdays & Anniversaries
From the Editor
Chapter U Officers & Team
Texas District Officers & Team
Classifieds
January Events and Pictures
Sponsor’s Ads
2015 Event/Convention Flyers
1
3
4
5
6
8
9
10
11
12
12
13
14-19
20
24-29
Ride Meeting Location
Unless otherwise specified, all Saturday rides
depart from Kent PowerSports, 15564 I-35
North, between Evans Rd and Olympia
Parkway, Selma, TX. Check the website at
www.texaschapteru.org for ride information.
Chap "U" Gatherings
3rd Wednesday of each month at the La
Cabana Restaurant, upstairs room, 170
Buffalo Place, Cibolo, TX 78108. We "Meetto-Eat" at 6:00 with "Information Sharing"
beginning at 7:00 pm. Hope to see "U" there!
Next Chapter Gathering is 18 February.
Grip. Twist. Ride.
2
that you’re going to find, that if we all work
as team members, we’re going to have a
happy chapter that continues to grow
From the ACDs
Steve & Donna Van Gilder
Steve & Donna Van Gilder
ACD’s, Chapter “U”
[email protected]
I was excited and pleased to see all the
new Chapter Directors being sworn in on
stage at the Texas Mid-Winter Round Up
in Temple, TX. In conversations with them
afterward it was great to see the
excitement they each had toward the
upcoming year and all the events. Each
one of them talked about the opportunity
to lead their chapters, to enter into their
leadership role hoping to inspire new
goals, keep the time honored traditions
but try to put a new spin on them while
helping the chapter grow and thrive. Each
new director enters this position with
excitement and hopes of making their
chapter better. This is an exciting time for
them and I want to wish each of them a
very fruitful term as chapter directors. To
our members, remember that the District
Director appointed the Chapter Directors
due to qualifications and willingness to
serve. It is not always an easy job but it is
Fun!! We know that Court and Diane will
do a fantastic job as our Chapter “U”
Directors. They both have great ideas
and are always willing to listen to yours.
Should you have any suggestions or
complaints, just contact them or one of
the staff and everyone will do their best to
support you or answer your questions.
This is going to be a great year for rides,
events, and meeting new friends. To do
that we need to attend as many of the
upcoming events as possible. I’m sure
Tux understood this one.
3
logos. Last, include the month and year
distributed.
I've read newsletters that are one page and
some that are thirty, forty and even fifty plus
pages. Some are very informative and some
are well, let's just say less informative.
Several important questions regarding the
newsletter: First, if I am a non-active member,
is there enough information to interest me in
wanting to associate with the chapter?
Second, is the date, time and place of the
chapter gathering in a prominent place? Third,
are there interesting and informative articles
by each team member? Fourth, is there a
chapter activity calendar and does it look
busy? Does the calendar include District,
Region and National events? Fifth, does it
include awards and recognition of members?
Last, does it have plenty of activity photos?
The following information was provided by
Bill & Dea Ann Gray, GWRRA Deputy
Director’s.
Hear Ye, Hear Ye!!
Newsletters are the life blood of
communication for our members. Newsletter
editors are one of the most valuable (and
many times least recognized) team members
in GWRRA. For the record, I applaud each
and every one of you!!!
The time and effort it takes to pull
information and pictures together month after
month is sometimes a daunting task.
As you can see, the newsletter can play a
major role in the life of a chapter! Hard copies
should be available at every chapter gathering.
Copies or links to the newsletter should be
emailed to EVERY member assigned to your
chapter on the ARL. This should also include
all Chapter Directors in your District as well
as all District Directors in your Region. Don't
forget the Region Director and as a Deputy, I
like to read them as well. Social media can
certainly be used as a supplement to link your
newsletter and chapter activities but NOT as
the sole vehicle of communication for the
chapter.
Newsletters should be distributed monthly at
no charge to ALL members both non-active
and active within a chapter. The newsletter
gives officers, team members and all members
an opportunity to "talk" about rider education,
safety, events, trips, anniversaries, calendar,
etc. National, Region and District activities
should be represented as well. Editors need
help!
Everyone has a story to tell and a picture to
share. If I could suggest only one thing that
would improve nearly all newsletters, it's
proper identification! First, GWRRA or Gold
Wing Road Riders Association should be
prominent with our current logo. Second,
Chapter name, initials and/or logo. Third,
District and Region letter designation and/or
Good reading, writing and riding!!
Bill & Dea Ann Gray
Gold Wing Road Riders Assn. Deputy
Director
918-231-9371 cell
4
Chapter "U"
February
Events/Rides
2015
Dates to Remember
2 February – Groundhog Day
9 February, Monday – Hooky Run Depart Kent Power Sports (KPS) at
10:00 a.m. We'll take a familiar scenic
route to Marble Falls. There we will
have lunch at the Bluebonnet Cafe. We
should be home by 3:00 p.m.
14 February – Valentine’s Day
16 February – President’s Day
17 March – St Patrick’s Day
26-28 March – Louisiana District
Convention, Lafayette, LA, “Mardi Gras
Madness”
14 February, Saturday – Valentine’s
Day ride to Italian Garden Cafe at
Canyon Lake, TX. Depart 10:00 a.m.
and after scenic ride stop for lunch
around 11:15 a.m. **** New meeting
location **** Kent Motorsports, 1574
N. IH-35, New Braunfels. Dealership
opens at 9:00 a.m. so stop in early to
visit the showroom and meet the staff.
10-11 April – Chapter O “Bluebonnet
Rally” – Fredericksburg, TX
16-18 April – Region H Convention,
Marshall, TX, “Catch the H Train”
30 April-2 May – TX District Convention,
Temple, TX
21-23 May - Arkansas District Convention
- Harrison, AR
18 February, Wednesday - “Chapter
Gathering" for Chapter U will be at the
La Cabana Restaurant, upstairs room, at
170 Buffalo Place Cibolo, TX. Meet to
eat at 6:00 PM with information sharing
beginning at 7:00 PM. From I-35N turn
right onto FM 3009/Roy Richards
Drive, then turn left onto FM 78 for 0.7
miles, then right onto Buffalo Place and
this will dead end at the restaurant.
17-20 June – Reno Rendezvous, Reno NV
3-6 September – Wing Ding. Huntsville,
AL. Labor Day weekend
17-19 September – Kansas District Rally,
Park City, KS (Wichita)
15-17 October – Oklahoma District Rally,
Hulbert, OK
5
If the gauze or towel soaks through with blood, add
another layer. Never take off the gauze. Peeling blood
soaked gauze off a wound removes vital clotting
agents and encourages bleeding to resume.
Rider Education
Skip & Beth Surre
Gravity makes blood flow down easier than it flows
up. If you hold one hand above your head and the
other at your side, the lower hand will be red while
the higher one is pale.
[email protected]
Chapter U riders,
Step two to control bleeding uses this principle.
Elevate the wound above the heart. By elevating the
wound, you slow the flow of blood. As the blood
slows, it becomes easier to stop it with direct
pressure. Remember, it must be above the heart and
you must keep direct pressure on it.
Through rider education and having safety in the
forefront of our minds whenever we ride we can
avoid having to use our first aid training. When
things happen that are out of our control and we need
to act let’s do it right. Here is a review on how to
control bleeding. If you have any questions on this
please let us know.
Skip and Beth
Pressure points are areas of the body where blood
vessels run close to the surface. By pressing on these
blood vessels, blood flow further away will be
slowed, allowing direct pressure to stop bleeding.
As with all emergency treatment, make sure you
remain safe. Follow universal precautions and wear
personal protective equipment if you have it. You
cannot be helpful to a victim if you allow yourself to
be injured in the process.
When using pressure points, make sure you are
pressing on a point closer to the heart than the wound.
Pressing on a blood vessel further from the heart than
the wound will have no effect on the bleeding.
Regardless of how severe, all bleeding can be
controlled. If left uncontrolled, bleeding may lead to
shock or even death. Most bleeding can be stopped
before the ambulance arrives at the scene. While
you're performing the steps for controlling bleeding,
you should also be calling for an ambulance to
respond. Bleeding control is only part of the equation.
For tips on summoning an ambulance, check out
Calling for Help.
Common pressure points:
•
•
•
Arm between shoulder and elbow - brachial
artery
Groin area along bikini line - femoral artery
Behind the knee - popliteal artery
Remember to keep the wound elevated above the
heart and keep pressure directly on the wound.
The first step in controlling a bleeding wound is to
plug the hole. Blood needs to clot in order to start the
healing process and stop the bleeding. Just like ice
won't form on the rapids of a river, blood will not
coagulate when it's flowing.
When should you apply a tourniquet? The simple
answer: almost never. Tourniquets severely restrict or
occlude blood flow to the arm or leg to which they are
applied. Using a tourniquet to stop bleeding has the
potential to damage the entire arm or leg. Patients
have been known to lose limbs from the use of
tourniquets.
The best way to stop it is to...stop it. Put pressure
directly on the wound. If you have some type of
gauze, use it. Gauze pads hold the blood on the
wound and help the components of the blood to stick
together, promoting clotting. If you don't have gauze,
terrycloth towels work almost as well.
Often, if a tourniquet doesn't cause a loss of function
on the extremity which has it, then it probably wasn't
applied correctly. Applying a tourniquet is a
desperate move - only for the most dire emergencies
6
where the choice between life and limb must be
made.
Using a tourniquet requires wrapping a cravat (non
stretchy material like terry cloth or linen) around an
extremity and tightening it with the use of a windlass
stuck through the bandage.
The tourniquet should be tightened until the wound
stops bleeding. If there is any bleeding at the wound
after placing a tourniquet, then the tourniquet must be
tightened.
When a tourniquet is applied, it is important to note
the time of application and write that time down
somewhere handy. The best bet is to write the time on
the patient's forehead with a water-proof marker.
Once bleeding is controlled, take steps to treat the
victim for shock.
1. If you do not suspect a neck injury, lay the
victim on his or her back (supine) and elevate
the legs.
If you suspect a neck injury, do not move the
victim. Car and other vehicle accidents often
lead to neck injuries. Neck injuries are also
common in falls, especially falls from a height
taller than the victim.
2. Keep the victim warm.
3. Continue to check on the victim. If the victim
stops breathing, begin rescue breathing. If the
victim vomits, roll the victim to one side and
sweep the vomit from his or her mouth with
your fingers.
7
the ocean?
A: A title wave!
Chapter U Mascot
Q: What does a fish smoke?
A: Sea weed.
Tux Penguin
[email protected]
Q: Why do two Penguins in a nest always agree?
A: Because they don´t wanna fall out.
Q: What do you call a penguin in the desert?
A: Lost.
I went to Antarctica for the holiday’s and brought
home some Penguin oriented funnies. Hope you
enjoy them. - Tux
Q: Where do penguins go to the movies?
A: At the dive-in!
Q: How does a penguin make pancakes?
A: With its flippers!
Q: Why are penguins good race drivers?
A: Because they're always in the pole position!
Q: How does a penguin build its house?
A: Igloos it together!
Q. Where do penguins build their igloos?
A. In coldisacs!!!!
Q. What bird can write underwater?
A. A ball point PENguin!
Q: What did the valentine card say to the stamp?
A: Stick with me and we’ll go places!
Q: What do you call a happy penguin?
A: A Pen-Grin!
Q: What did the snowman and his wife put over their
baby’s crib?
A: A snowmobile!
Q: Where do snowmen go to dance?
A: Snowballs.
Q: What do you call a snowman in the summer?
A: A puddle.
Q: What lies at the bottom of the ocean and
twitches?
A: A nervous wreck.
Q: Who keeps the ocean clean?
A: The mermaid.
A penguin walks into a bar. The bartender says, "Nice
tuxedo, what's the occasion?" "I was supposed to get
married," the penguin responds. "Well then, what
happened?" the bartender asks. "I got cold feet.
Q: What would we get if we threw all the books in
8
VERY careful on the roads as we never know
what Mother Nature is going to “gift” us with
from hour to hour. Also worth
mentioning...when you’re in a somewhat
unfamiliar area slow down and be more
cautious of road construction, traffic cones,
poor reflectors or lights and directions on the
roads at night. Beware of other drivers
struggling or those speeding because they
ARE familiar with the area.
From the Membership
Enhancement
Coordinators/ACDs
Sal and Phylis Pesta
[email protected]
Fellow Chapter U Riders:
Whew!! Our first big hurdle as new Assistant
Chapter Director’s (ACD’s) and Membership
Enhancement Coordinator’s (MEC’s) is in the
books!! Saturday, January 10, 2015 was the
Mid-Winter Round Up in Temple, TX.
We all want to arrive at our next Chapter
Gathering safe and sound!
Ride Safe, Meet Other Riders and HAVE
FUN!!
Attending a Round Up, Convention, or Rally
of any size offers many opportunities for
education, friendship, and fun. Sometimes the
fun is in the form of seminars, or impromptu
group discussions between seminars, and
sometimes it’s unexpected road construction,
bad hotels and dicey weather!!!
Sal and Phylis Pesta
Chapter U ACD’s
Chapter U MEC’s
Make time to enjoy the education and the
people, as there’s ALWAYS something to
learn and share. Introduce yourself to new
people, or those you don’t recognize. You’ll
probably find others who are also new to
GWRRA and/or “Officership”. The exchange
of info is priceless; when there’s a Q&A
portion of a seminar, TAKE ADVANTAGE!!
There’s no such thing as a dumb, unnecessary,
or crazy question. Sometimes even the
seminar leaders don’t have a clear answer, but
another MEC or other person would, and
everyone in the seminar benefits from the
discussion.
Too often. . . I would hear men boast of the
miles covered that day, rarely of what they
had seen. ~~ Louis L'Amour ~~
Be friendly and reap the benefits - they’re
always there!
At this time of year even in South Texas, be
9
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
FEBRUARY
Tim Gressler Carol Wall Jill Severe Connie Jordan Joyce Whiteside Earl Bartolomeo June Stewart Jill Bailey Michele Carlton 2/10 2/14 2/17 2/19 2/22 2/22 2/23 2/25 2/28 HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
FEBRUARY
June and Randy Stewart 2/14 Air in your hair is nice,
air in your brains ain't.
10
them. I can see everything in a sweeping 360
degrees, up, down and around, wider than
Panavision and IMAX and unrestricted by ceiling
or dashboard. Sometimes I even hear music. It’s
like hearing phantom telephones in the shower or
false doorbells when vacuuming; the patternloving brain, seeking signals in the noise, raises
the acoustic ghosts out of the winds roar. But on a
motorcycle I hear whole songs; rock ‘n roll, dark
orchestras, women’s voices, all hidden in the air
and released by speed. At 30 miles an hour and
up, smells become uncannily vivid. All the
individual tree smells and flower smells flit by
like chemical notes in a great plant symphony.
Sometimes the smells evoke memories so strong
that it’s as though the past hangs invisible in the
air around me, wanting only the post casual of
rumbling time machines to unlock it. A ride on a
summer afternoon can border on rapturous. The
sheer volume and variety of stimuli is like a bath
for my nervous system, an electrical message for
my brain, a systems check for my soul. It tears
smiles out of me; a minute ago I was dour,
depressed, apathetic, numb, but now, on two
wheels, (or on a trike for that matter), big, ragged,
windy smiles flap against the side of my face,
billowing out of me like air from a
decompressing plane.
Newsletter Editor
Tom Hendricks
[email protected]
The following article was taken from the Gold
Wing Road Riders Group internet web site:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoldWingRoa
dRidersGroup/permalink/863168603735164/.
Contributed by Richard Boslow.
I am often asked why I ride/why I still ride and I
thought I would share this with the group. It is a
bit long, but so well written and so very
descriptive I thought I'd share it.
Why I Ride a Motorcycle
When people ask me why I like to ride a
motorcycle I do not always have a ready
response. I came across this article and found that
it accurately described my riding experience. I
wish I could memorize it and regurgitate it when
someone say, “Why do you ride that thing, do
you have a death wish”?
A motorcycle is not just a two-wheeled car; the
difference between driving a car and climbing on
a motorcycle is the difference between watching
TV and actually living your life. We spend all our
time sealed in boxes and cars are just the rolling
boxes that shuffle us from home-box to work-box
to store-box and back, the whole time, entombed
in stale air, temperature regulated, sound
insulated, and smelling of carpets.
Transportation is only a secondary function. A
motorcycle is a joy machine. It’s a machine of
wonders, a metal bird, a motorized prosthetic. It’s
light and dark and shiny and dirty and warm and
cold lapping over each other; it’s a conduit of
grace, a catalyst for bonding the gritty and holy.
Cars lie to us and tell us we’re safe, powerful, and
in control. The air-conditioning fans murmur
empty assurances and whisper, “Sleep, sleep.”
Motorcycles tell us of a more useful truth: We are
small and exposed, and probably moving too fast
for our own good, but that is no reason not to
enjoy every minute of the ride!
Author Unknown
On a motorcycle I know I am alive. When I ride,
even the familiar seems strange and glorious. The
air has weight and substance as I push through it
and its touch is as intimate as water to a
swimmer. I feel the cool wells of air the pool
under trees and the warm spokes that fall through
11
Chapter “U” Officers & Team
Chapter Directors: Court & Diane van Sickler Phone: 830-606-0068, email: [email protected]
Ass’t Chapter Directors: Steve & Donna Van Gilder Phone: 210-391-9495, email: [email protected]
Ass’t Chapter Director/Membership Enhancement Coordinator: Sal Pesta Phone: 210-662-8161,
email: [email protected]
Ass’t Chapter Director/Scrapbook/Historian: Phylis Pesta Phone: 210-662-8161,
email: [email protected]
Chapter Educators: Skip & Beth Surre Phone: 210-787-6653, email: [email protected]
Treasurer: Helen Smith Phone: 830-486-8981, email: [email protected]
Ride Coordinators: Larry Hammond Phone: 210-705-4717, email: [email protected]
Tom Hendricks Phone: 210-262-6532, email: [email protected]
2015 Couple-of-the-Year: Ken & Connie Jordan Phone: 210-219-3059, email: [email protected]
Webmaster: Ed Smith Phone: (830) 486-8982, email: [email protected]
Newsletter Editor: Tom Hendricks Phone: 210-262-6532, email: [email protected]
Chapter Photographer: Helen Smith Phone: (830) 486-8982, email: [email protected]
Chapter of the Year Coordinator: Donna Van Gilder Phone: 210-391-9495, email: [email protected]
Hospitality Ambassador: Pat Kendrick Phone: 210-653-3892, email: [email protected]
Road Captains
Ken & Connie Jordan Phone: 210-219-3059, email:
[email protected]
Brad & Jill Severe Phone: 210-386-0507, email:
[email protected]
Steve & Donna Van Gilder Phone: 210-391-9495, email:
[email protected]
Court & Diane van Sickler Phone: 830-606-0068,
email: [email protected]
Bill & Jane Johnson Phone: 830-393-3541, email:
[email protected]
Hilmer Merz Phone: 210-857-8234, email:
[email protected]
Sal Pesta Phone: 210-662-8161, email:
[email protected]
Sam Morris Phone: 210-889-7330, email: [email protected]
Archie Haley Phone: 210-410-1748, email:
[email protected]
Texas District Officers & Team
website:
www.gwrra-tx.org
District Directors
Assistant District Directors
District Educators
District Trainer
Couple of the Year 2014-2015
District Treasurer
Membership Enhancement Coordinators (MEC)
Chapter Of the Year Coordinator
COY Coordinators
District Activities Coordinator
Newsletter Editor
Vendor Coordinator
Entertainment Coordinator
Webmaster
Mike and Robin Thacker
Tom & Dawn Sprague
Lynn & Cindy Harris
Cliff & Gillian Allen
Cliff & Gillian Allen
Diane Shults
Steve & Donna Van Gilder
Robin Thacker
Steve & Donna Van Gilder
Open position
Tom Sprague
Kenny Shults
Kenny Shults
Tom Sprague
12
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
For Sale
2001 Honda Goldwing 1800cc Motor
Trike Conversion. VIN:
1HFSC47011A002502, 43,121 miles,
Cruise control, Highway pegs, Radio
with MP3, AM/FM, CB, Weather
Band, 6-CD, Intercom, Blue, custom
paint, Fog lamps, LED's above each
cylinder head, LED's around luggage
compartment, Upper and lower wind
wings, Luggage rack, Trailer hitch,
Rear fender brows, New ECM, New
front tire, New front brake pads,
Chrome front lower cowl, Driver
backrest, Chrome front rotor covers,
Chrome front fender rails, Front fender
extension, Chrome windshield panel,
Windshield vent, Chrome lever set,
Master cylinder covers/Gold eagle,
Helmet with ear phones, Rain cover
never used. Haynes Service and Repair
Manual. This is an excellent vehicle,
no known defects. $18,000.00, OBO.
Do you have something you want to
buy, sell or swap? Send your ad to
Tom Hendricks at
[email protected].
GOING ONCE, GOING TWICE,
if it's gone, let it be known!
Please! Ads expire in 60 days!
Jimmie Scruggs, 210-649-1563,
[email protected]
2008 red Gold Wing.
Very low mileage.
$14,000.00 for bike.
$2,000.00 for trailer.
Cecil Horton 918-346-5927
or
Kerry Teem 830-730-6264
13
The new Texas District Team was introduced
to the enthusiastic crowd of past, present and
future GWRRA leaders. Everyone attended
several classes, on varying topics pertaining
to the new positions each person, or couple
has volunteered for; and we can’t forget
Steve Van Gilder making several
presentations as the Texas District
Membership Enhancement Coordinator
(MEC).
‘Mid-Winter Roundup’
Texas District
Temple, Texas
January 9-10, 2015
Boy was it cold; and wet but what a great
turnout we had for the first official meeting
for the Chapter U Leadership Team members
at the Texas District Mid-Winter Roundup
Friday and Saturday, January 9th and 10th.
Steve telling a “big” fish story
New friends were made, old acquaintances
were renewed and everyone that needed to be
sworn-in as a new Chapter Operations
Officer – Chapter Director, Assistant Chapter
Director, and Treasurer – stood up and did so
proudly.
New MECs/ACDs being learning the ropes
Chapter U was represented by Court and
Diane van Sickler, Sal and Phylis Pesta,
Steve and Donna Van Gilder, Ed and Helen
Smith, and Ken and Connie Jordan.
The paperworks never completed
Your Team learned a lot about the workings
of GWRRA, as well as how to use available
resources to have, and in the case of Chapter
U, continue to have a very successful
GWRRA Chapter.
U’s are participating
14
Cemeteries across all 50 states.
Doing a small part in the grand scheme of
honoring our Veteran’s, Chapter U aided
in picking up the wreaths at the gravesites
at the Fort Sam Houston Cemetery in San
Antonio, Texas.
Not quite DQ but pretty good
Write-up provided by Court van Sickler and
photos provided by Helen Smith.
Wreaths Across America
Clean-up Day
January 17, 2015
Fort Sam Houston
National Cemetery
Tom – Cleaning-up
It is a humbling experience to participate
in an event honoring our Veteran’s and it
was doubly so as so many of us had
family, friends and comrades in arms who
have been laid to rest in Fort Sam’s
cemetery.
A before picture
Wreaths Across America is a
national organization on a mission
to REMEMBER those who’ve served
in the military, HONOR their
service and sacrifice, and TEACH
others to do the same. Each
December, wreaths are laid upon
the
gravesites
at
National
Starting our day
There were very few things Tux and I
could have done today that would have
given me the satisfaction of being
involved in such a stupendous project.
Great cause, great turnout and doing
15
justice to our departed Veteran’s. It
doesn’t get much better than that. Thanks
to all the participants who ensured the
success of today’s endeavor!
Love our volunteer’s
Wreath’s have done their duty
Chapter U members participating in this
clean-up were Tom Hendricks, Court
and Diane van Sickler, Hilmer Merz,
Ed and Helen Smith, Pete Ryson, Steve
and Donna Van Gilder, Clint and
Michele Carlton, and Sal and Phylis
Pesta.
Write-up provided by Tom Hendricks and
photos provided by Helen Smith.
Good eats!
Following the clean-up the Chapter
participants retired for lunch at the Teka
Molina restaurant for a late breakfast. It was
a good way to cap off the morning and in
addition Tux was in bad need of a caffeine
fix.
Q: What do squirrels give for Valentine’s
Day?
A: Forget-me-nuts.
16
Chapter Gathering
21 January, 2015
After the Pledge of Allegiance and ensuring
everyone had signed in for the meeting,
Chapter Director’s Court and Diane van
Sickler made administrative remarks and
discussed the agenda for the evening. Court
also gave a breakdown on the national,
regional, district and chapter relationships as
pertains to Chapter U, as well as introducing
the new Chapter U staff.
It’s been a cold, wet, and a not so good start
to the riding year for 2015. Although we
have had to cancel a few of our rides due to
adverse weather we have done some
impromptu rides in which we took advantage
of some good afternoon hours with sunny
skies. Again, it’s not always in the plan but
an ability to be spontaneous and able to go
quickly can make for some adventuresome
days and rides.
Sal Pesta, one of the Chapter’s Assistant
Chapter Directors (ACDs), and Membership
Enhancement Coordinator (MEC), explained
the benefits of being a member of GWRRA.
He emphasized keeping memberships up-todate and recruiting of new members into
GWRRA and Chapter U. Recruit a new
member and make a new friend!
New Year’s resolutions are for the resolute.
The rest of us are making plans for the long
term and we are starting to lay the foundation
for some travelling to, hopefully, memorable
rallies/conventions and seeing some of the
great countryside betwixt and between. Look
out spring and summertime; we are lying in
wait to ambush you! See the Chapter U
Newsletter and web site for a listing of the
major rallies/conventions many of us will be
attending.
A new year also brings changes and much to
look forward to. If you have ideas, projects
or items of interest that are just FUN to do,
let someone know. 2015 can be the Chapter
U year of FUN, and Tux wants everyone on
the bandwagon!
A bunch of cuties!
YOU + CHAPTER U = FUN!!
Pat and Rick Kendrick, Hospitality
Ambassador’s, introduced the following
guests to the Chapter; Debbie “Cupcake”
Speegle, Frank Jensen, Lois Smith and Dave
Hoerle, (mother of Ed Smith and her friend),
Scott and Debbie Hay, and the visiting family
of Archie and Sharon Haley. Pat also
mentioned that if any Chapter members knew
of someone in the hospital or having other
problems to send their name and address to
her and she would send them a card from the
Chapter.
The point is FUN!!
17
Ed Smith’s mom, Lois
Chapter U Femme Fatales
Donna Van Gilder recognized the January
birthdays and anniversaries, which was
followed a rendition of Happy Birthday in
honor of those attaining another year of life.
Phylis Pesta was recognized in her new
status as Chapter Historian and keeper of the
Scrapbook. She requested a copy of any
pictures of events that members will be
involved in for inclusion in the scrapbook,
Newsletter and web site.
Tom Hendricks went over the following
events scheduled for the remainder of
January and into February; they should have
something to hold everyone's interest.
Tom Hendricks thanked everyone for their
input into the January 2015 Chapter U
Newsletter. The decision was made that this
particular Newsletter will be the Chapter U
entry in the Newsletter competitions for
2015.
31 January, Saturday - Indians Artifacts
Show - Leaving Valero Station on Hwy 46 at
9:30 a.m. We'll be going to Fredericksburg
for lunch, then to the Indians Artifacts Show
at Lady Bird Johnson Park (next to the
airport). ALL DAY EVENT. Cost is $6.00
per head. Should be home by 5 p.m.
Ed Smith, Web Site Administrator, provided
an update on the web site and is looking for
new ideas and ways to better portray our
Chapter on the web site.
9 February, Monday – Hooky Run - Depart
Kent Power Sports (KPS) at 10:00 a.m., and
will meet other riders at the Valero Station on
Hwy 46. We'll take a familiar scenic route to
Marble Falls. There we will have lunch at
the Bluebonnet Cafe. Should be home by
3:00 p.m.
14 February, Saturday - Valentine's Day ride
for lunch at Italian Garden Cafe near Canyon
Lake. Meet at Kent PowerSports at 10:00
a.m.
18 February, Wednesday - “Chapter
Gathering" for Chapter U will be at the La
Cabana Restaurant, upstairs room, at 170
Buffalo Place Cibolo, TX.
Enjoying an evening of FUN!
Steve Van Gilder, one of the Chapter’s
18
Assistant Chapter Directors (ACDs), is also
the Texas District Membership Enhancement
Coordinator, (MEC) and provided feedback
on the Mid-Winter Round-Up and other
happenings in the Texas District. The Texas
District is trying to generate involvement at
the District Rally and will have a prize for
the chapter that participates in the largest
number of events. Texas District Newsletter
competition entries will be confined to
Newsletters from the January-March 2015
timeframe. To be in competition for the best
District web site the competing Texas chapter
web sites must be ready by 15 March 2015.
going to be buried at Fort Sam Houston with
a full military honors this Friday, and
personnel wishing to honor his service were
encouraged to attend.
Fred Jenson, a long time Gold Wing rider,
representing the Pediatric Brain Tumor
Foundation, provided an update on the next
Ride for Kids scheduled for the end of
October 2015. He also asked for Chapter U
support for other rallies in the area.
La Cabana groupies
A special thanks was given to Diane van
Sickler who brought cupcakes and brownies
for dessert. Tux cannot understand why
Court is not about 25 pounds heavier than he
is with access to such great desserts.
Michele Carlton volunteered to bring
desserts to the February Gathering.
Never misses a Gathering
The drawing for the GWRRA number of a
Chapter member in attendance at the
Gathering was won by Connie Jordan. As
we had a winner, $10.00 will be put in next
month’s drawing for a new total of $10.00.
Shock and awe!
Thanks were given to our waiter Zach at the
La Cabana restaurant for his excellent service
and to those who donated raffle items
including our sponsors Kent PowerSports in
Selma and Kent Motorsports in New
Braunfels.
The 20/30/50 raffle was won by Connie
Jordan (20%) and Skip Surre (30%). The
winner of the Kent PowerSports gift
certificate was Sal Pesta. Donna Van
Gilder won the item donated by New
Braunfels Motorsports.
The next Gathering will be 18 February
2015.
Court closed out the meeting mentioning
that a fallen Korean War Veteran who was
Missing in Action (MIA) for many years was
Write up was provided by Tom Hendricks
and the photos were provided by Helen
Smith.
19
20
GOLD WING ROAD RIDER'S ASSOCIATION
Region H, Texas District
United Wings, Chapter U
Established in 1977, the Gold Wing Road Riders Association provides an atmosphere for fun, safety,
and knowledge to Gold Wing and Valkyrie motorcycle owners.
GWRRA Vision:
GWRRA (Gold Wing Road Riders Association) is a leader of associational organizations, respected by
its Members as well as its competitors and the communities it operates within.
GWRRA strives to offer the highest quality service to its Members.
GWRRA is a family-oriented, non-religious, non-political association comprised of owners of Honda
Gold Wing and Valkyrie Motorcycles as well as non-Gold Wing owners, our Associate Members.
GWRRA provides a culture which fosters Members with shared values, team concepts and
camaraderie. This culture also provides its Members with opportunities for personal development and
achievement.
GWRRA’s divisions work harmoniously as a team to increase the membership base by creating an
atmosphere that provides fun, promotes safety, heightens knowledge, and by offering a full range of
desirable services and benefits for its Members.
GOLD WING ROAD RIDER'S ASSOCIATION
Region H, Texas District
United Wings, Chapter U
United Wings, Chapter U, represents the Northeastern and surrounding areas outside San Antonio, Texas
(Including Bracken, Bulverde, Canyon Lake, Cibolo, Converse, Floresville, Garden Ridge, Kirby, Live
Oak, McQueeny, New Braunfels, Pleasanton, Poth, Sattler, Schertz, Spring Branch, Seguin, Windcrest, &
Universal City). We were re-chartered as a GWRRA chapter in 2006 and consider ourselves to be a
"riding" chapter and part of the world's largest family. We love to ride and get together regularly for us at
our monthly gathering or contact one of Chapter Team members for more information.
21
Q: Why is “U” the happiest letter? A: Because it is in the middle of “fun”.
“Fun is not an activity, it is a state of mind.” Bryant McGill 22
Writers Wanted - If you have a story about your recent motorcycle adventures we would
love to share it with the other GWRRA, Chapter U members by publishing your story in
our Newsletter. Please submit articles that you think will be of interest or informative to
the chapter. The articles may be about your favorite ride, bike accessory, or just a funny
story. All articles submitted may be edited at the discretion of the newsletter editor
depending on the space available. Controversial subject matter may not be submitted.
Please submit your article by e-mail to Tom Hendricks at [email protected] by the
25th of each month for the next month’s issue. We need 5 articles per month from our
members to make the best showing for our newsletter and our readers.
If you are riding a Honda Gold Wing or Valkyrie motorcycle, you should be a
member of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA)! With
membership in the GWRRA you receive the following: Wing World magazine,
the Gold Book Member Directory, Towbusters Emergency road-side Assistance
Program, Affinity Credit Card Program, USA hotel discounts, and much more.
Call any staff member listed in this newsletter and ask how you can become a
member of the GWRRA.
23
2015 EVENT/RALLY/CONVENTION CALENDAR
Discover The Hospitality Region
Catch the “H” Train to Marshall, TX, Region H Rally
Marshall Texas Civic Center Complex
2501 East End Blvd S.
24
2015 EVENT/RALLY/CONVENTION CALENDAR
Louisiana District Convention
MARDI GRAS MADNESS, Lafayette, Louisiana
March 26, 27, & 28, 2015
Come Enjoy Our Southern Hospitality!
Prizes, Money & Fun!
Win Money!
50-25-25 Thurs, Fri & Sat
Game Show Prizes
Bingo, Bingo, Bingo
Grand Prize Money
2 - $500 winners
(Closing Ceremonies)
Vendor Prizes
Door Prizes
Liassez les Bon Temps
Rouler!
”Let the Good Times
Roll!”
Ramada Lafayette
Conference Center
2032 NE Evangeline Thwy.
Lafayette, LA 70501
337-233-6815
Special Room Rate
$79.99/night
Reservation Code: GWRRA
Special Rate ends
March 2, 2015
Pet Friendly Hotel
What’s Happening?
Thurs – Noon – Vendors Open
6pm – Opening Ceremonies
Live Cajun Band, Ice Cream
followed by a Light Parade
Fri – Vendors All Day
COY Breakfast & COY Selection
Trike Course
Guided Tours by LA – B
CPR/First Aid , Bingo
Cajun Dance Lessons, Seminars
Evening Mardi Gras Costume
Contest & Live Dance Band!
Sat – Vendors All Day, Seminars,
CPR/First Aid
Bike Show, Dress Competition,
Bingo, Game Show and More!
Closing Ceremonies
Check our website for the most current information: gwrra-la.org
Early Registration Form – Prior to 3/13/2015
Rider’s Name ____________________GWRRA#___________Exp.Date________ DOB*___/___/___
Co-Rider’s Name _________________GWRRA#___________Exp.Date________ DOB*___/___/___
Address ___________________________________________ Chapter/District___________________
City ____________________________State_________Zip______Phone(_____)______-___________
Rider E-Mail ___________________________Co-Rider E-Mail_______________________________
QTY DESCRIPTION
PRICE TOTAL
GWRRA Member Early Registration $30 on site
$25/ea vnzvmncvxcv
GWRRA Life Early Member
$18/ea
Non-member Early Registration
$30/ea
50-25-25 Tickets/Stretch (10 double tickets)
$10/ea
Grand Prize Ticket Stretch (10 double tickets)
$10/ea
Level IV Breakfast (Sat 7 am) Your Level IV #
$5/ea
Refunds subj to 10% Service Charge & NO refunds after Mar 3, 2015 TOTAL
I/we agree to hold harmless the GWRRA, co-sponsoring organization, and any property owners for any
loss or injury to self or property to which I/we may become involved by reason of participation in this
Convention.
Rider Signature_____________________________________________________Date_______________
Co-Rider Signature__________________________________________________Date_______________
Make Checks or Money Orders Payable to: Louisiana District
Mail to: Robert “Red” & Brenda Roussel, LA D/D, 120 Kaylee Drive, Hahnville, LA 70057
25
2015 EVENT/RALLY/CONVENTION CALENDAR
Austin TX - Chapter O
Invites all riders to the
28th Annual
Bluebonnet Ral-a-vention & Camp Out
April 10 - 11, 2015
Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park - Fredericksburg Texas
www.fbgtx.org/index.aspx?nid=343
Located: on Hwy 16 South towards Kerrville, 3 miles from center of town.
Camp for the weekend or come Sat. April 11th for the day. No park entrance fee.
Chapter O has rented the park’s indoor Pioneer Pavilion - so join us, rain or shine!
Registration: Saturday: April 11 8AM-12PM
● Sat. Breakfast Tacos for Sale ● Catered BBQ Lunch ● Fun Run ● Off-Bike games ● Silent Auction ●
● 50/30/20 ● Participation Prizes ● Cookies & Coffee ● Peoples Choice Bike Show ●
Closing Ceremony Start at: 2 PM
Camping: with hot showers and hookups. Sites 1 thru 30 reserved for participants. Email
[email protected] to request a site in advance. Pay for camping at Park Office.
Fredericksburg Area Food Bank Collection: We are collecting non-perishable food items to donate to the
Fredericksburg Area Food Bank. If you would like to donate, please bring items to the
Ral-a-vention. Your name will be entered into a special drawing for a gift certificate.
Contacts: John or Wanda Osborn Home:(512) 528-8105, Mobile (512) 810-1767, email:[email protected]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------cut along line-----------------------------------------------------------th
Registration Bluebonnet Ral-a-vention & Camp Out (Pre-register by April 4 - save money + prize tickets)
Rider _______________________________________ Co-Rider ___________________________________
Address ____________________________________ City ______________ State _____ Zip ____________
Telephone (________)________________________ Chapter/Club, if any ___________________________
Pre-registration by April 4th: - - -Rider: $13 ________ Co-rider: $12 ___________ Total: $______________
After April 5th & On-Site Registration: Rider $15________Co-rider $14________ Total: $_____________
Make Check payable to: GWRRA Texas Chapter O
Mail form and fee to: Hubert Jackson, 306 Mildred St, Burnet, TX 78611
The undersigned agree to comply with the rules covering this event and agree to hold harmless GWRRA, Texas Chapter O, Lady Bird Johnson
Municipal Park and any sponsors of this event for loss or injury to myself or my property as a result of participation. I have read and understand this
statement.
Signature _______________________/___________ Co-Rider _______________________/____________
GWRRA Member #
26
GWRRA Member #
2015 EVENT/RALLY/CONVENTION CALENDAR
PAGE 16
TEXAS DISTRICT NEWSLETTER
27
JANUARY 2015
2015 EVENT/RALLY/CONVENTION CALENDAR
PAGE 19
TEXAS DISTRICT NEWSLETTER
28
JANUARY 2015
2015 EVENT/RALLY/CONVENTION CALENDAR
29