What a month for riding! The first part of the month it was so cold we had to go in cars. As usual if you wait a couple of days you

need air conditioning.

We had a couple of rallies this month, a kick-tire, and a ride to Homeland FL for Frontier Days. Lakeland put on a great rally. Good food, a fun chapter challenge, and we came in second and won $25.00. Everybody better watch out next year. Titusville couldn’t have asked for a better day. It was perfect riding weather for their breakfast.

Both rallies produced money winners from the 50/50 sales. Mary Cooper won in Lakeland and Jonathan Hawes won in Titusville. Looks like the chapter’s starting out this year on a winning streak. Hope we can keep it up.

I have noticed that more members are participating in the rides. We had thirteen go to Lakeland, and twenty-four went to Titusville. Eleven rode to Frontier Days in Homeland FL. That’s about 20 miles southeast of Bartow. It’s one of the Southeast's largest pre-1840 interpretive encampments.

FL-2D HARBOR CITY WINGS

GOLD WING ROAD RIDERS ASSOCIATION

MELBOURNE, FLORIDA Feburary 2010

NATIONAL, REGIONAL & DISTRICT STAFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Mellisa Nordeoff REGION A DIRECTOR Bob & Nan Shrader FLORIDA DISTRICT DIRECTOR Bill & Gina Berry 863-860-4484 CHAPTER FL2-D STAFF CHAPTER DIRECTOR Charlotte & Mike Mercer 321-951-1054 ASST. CHAP. DIRECTORS Mo & Deb Dalton 321-728-2908 CHAPTER EDUCATOR Mike & Pat Duquette 321-984-1472 ASST. CHAPTER EDU. Ray & Diane Mercier TREASURER Joanne Davies 321-254-8079 SUNSHINE LADY Rachel Moyer 321-951-0301 NEWSLETTER EDITOR Richard Mitts 321-952-4487

Meetings - First Tuesday of each Month Currently meeting at : MeMaws on Babcock in Palm Bay. Eat, Chat and Mingle at 6:00pm. Meeting starts at 7:00 pm

CONTENTS: Directors Comments pg. 1,2 GWRRA Events pg. 3 Rider Safety pg. 4 Birthdays/Anniversaries pg. 6 Chapter Meeting pg. 7 Chapter Conference pg. 8 Lakeland Rally pg. 9 Kick Tire pg. 11 Four Chapt. Breakfast pg. 12 Sale Items pg. 15 Advertisers pg. 16 Sponsors Ads. pg.17

Chapter Director comments:

A newlywed farmer and his wife were visited by her mother, who immediately demanded an inspection of the place. The farmer had genuinely tried to be friendly to his new mother-in-law, hoping that it could be a friendly, non- antagonistic relationship. All to no avail though, as she kept nagging them at every opportunity, demanding changes, offering unwanted advice, and generally making life unbearable for the farmer and his new bride. While they were walking through the barn, during the forced inspection, the farmer's mule suddenly reared up and kicked the mother-in-law in the head, killing her instantly. It was a shock to all no matter their feelings toward her demanding ways... At the funeral service a few days later, the farmer stood near the casket and greeted folks as they walked by. The pastor noticed that whenever a woman would whisper something to the farmer, he would nod his head yes and say something. Whenever a man walked by and whispered to the farmer, however, he would shake his head no, and mumble a reply. Very curious as to this bizarre behavior, the pastor later asked the farmer what that was all about. The farmer replied, "The women would say, 'What a terrible tragedy and I would nod my head and say 'Yes, it was.' The men would ask, 'Can I borrow that mule?' and I would shake my head and say, 'Can't, it's all booked up for a year.'" While sports fishing off the Florida coast, a tourist capsized his boat. He could swim, but his fear of alligators kept him clinging to the overturned craft. Spotting and old beachcomber standing on the shore, the tourist shouted, "Are there any gators around here?!" "Naw," the man hollered back, "they ain't been around for years!" "Feeling safe, the tourist started swimming leisurely toward the shore. About halfway there he asked the guy, "How'd you get rid of the gators?" "We didn't do nothin'," the beachcomber said. "The sharks got 'em."

People live in camps and portray the many different cultures and regions of early Amer-ica. There was craftsmen and stores demonstrating and selling a large variety of historical repro-ductions.

There were over 25 of us that show up at Jason’s for the kick-tire. We are going to schedule a movie/dinner kick-tire’s once a month, time permitting, on Sunday afternoon. Be sure and check the monthly calendar.

Next month is going to be busy! Bike Week and our annual hot dog sales, starts at the end of Feb. We will be getting everything organized and setting up the time schedules for those of you wanting to come up and help. We will be going over the schedule and signing up volunteers at the monthly gathering. So come ready to help. I’ll see everyone at Memaw’s on the 2nd.

Ride safe and long,

Charlotte

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2010 FLORIDA GWRRA EVENTS 10/24/09

Feb 25 – Mar 7 ……………………...FL1-H Goldwing Getaway, New Smyrna Bch

Mar 11-13............................................Florida District Wing Gathering, Kissimmee Mar 27................................................ FL2-B2 Spaghetti Social, Sarasota

Apr. 10 ………………………………FL1-B Road Rally, (Date Change) Sefner

Apr 17………………………………...FL1-X Chapter Rally, Jacksonville

Apr 18..................................................FL1-E2 Amer. Diabetes Assoc. Poker Run, Ft Walton Beach Apr 24..................................................FL1-W Green Eggs and Ham, Orlando May 1.................................................. FL1-L2 Multi-Chapter Poker Run, Wesley Chapel

May 18 ……………………………….FL1-Y Chapter Rally & Poker Run, Gainesville

Sitting on the side of the highway waiting to catch speeding drivers, a State Police Officer sees a car puttering along at 22 MPH. He thinks to himself, "This driver is just as dangerous as a speeder!" So he turns on his lights and pulls the driver over. Approaching the car, he notices that there are five old ladies -- two in the front seat and three in the back - eyes wide and white as ghosts. The driver, obviously confused, says to him, "Officer, I don't understand, I was doing exactly the speed limit! What seems to be the problem?" "Ma'am," the officer replies, "You weren't speeding, but you should know that driving slower than the speed limit can also be a danger to other drivers." "Slower than the speed limit?" she asked. No sir, I was doing the speed limit exactly... Twenty-Two miles an hour!" the old woman says a bit proudly. The State Police officer, trying to contain a chuckle explains to her that "22" was the route number, not the speed limit. A bit embarrassed, the woman grinned and thanked the officer for pointing out her error. "But before I let you go, Ma'am, I have to ask... Is everyone in this car ok? These women seem aw-fully shaken and they haven't muttered a single peep this whole time." the officer asks. "Oh, they'll be alright in a minute officer. We just got off Route 119."

GWRRA MOTTO: Friends For Fun, Safety and Knowledge

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Safety Educator Gimme A Brake!

Today’s brakes are great. The ability to stop a ½ ton motor-cycle quickly by merely squeezing two small fiber pads against a spinning rotor is an engineering marvel. The basic operation is simple; a small piston, moving a long distance (half an inch), pushes a column of fluid against a large piston that moves a very short distance (a few thousands of an inch). The rim of the large piston forces the brake pad against the rotor with great force, causing friction, which slows the motorcycle down. The system is simple but working directly on the pistons and rotor is usually beyond the skills of the average motorcyclists. Maintenance is confined to the pads and fluids for most of us riders. By looking at each system we can examine how to solve their separate but related prob-lems.

Early brakes consisted of soft pads acting on cast iron rotors. The pads wore quickly and lacked grip when wet. The rotors rusted easily which did not endear them to Gold Wing riders. Different pad compounds solved the wet griping problem and switch-ing to drilled stainless steel rotors helped

the rusting and aided with the water problems. Introducing metal particles into the pads (slintering) gave a vast improve-ment in wet weather performance and increased pad life but also added to the heat load. They countered this by introduc-ing a thin layer of space age ceramic insulation between the pad and it’s backing plate.

When do your pads need replacement? Most pads have a line or wear grove built into the pad itself. A quick visual check can tell you their condition. Pads may last longer or shorter than the manufacturer’s time or mileage specifica-tions depending on the rider. Here’s a handy tip; when changing or checking your pads, wipe the rotor with a cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol. You will be amazed at how much road grime is imbedded in the rotors.

Contrary to popular opinion…brake fluid does require sim-ple and routine maintenance. You cannot ignore the fluid un-til the pads need replacement. The pads usually last much longer than the fluid. Most manuals call for replacing the fluid every two years, however, under severe conditions fluid may have to be changed after only one riding season. Brake fluid is expected to work under a variety of adverse condi-tions: it is expected to provide corrosion protection to the pistons, absorb moisture that seeps past the seals and take the punishment of the heat generated by the brakes.

There are two types of fluid, glycol based and silicone.

Most motorcycles come with the glycol fluid, either DOT 3 or DOT 4.They are compatible and can be mixed or interchanged with each other without problems (DOT 4 is an upgraded DOT 3). Silicone fluid, DOT 5 is to-tally different and not compatible with either DOT 3-4. A quick look at each will explain their differences.

Silicone fluid was originally developed for racing purposes. It has a higher boiling point (over 500 de-grees) than the glycol fluids (450 degrees) and is non-hydroscopic. This means it does not absorb moisture. It will not damage paint if spilled, is only slightly more expensive than glycols and it floats on water.

Glycol fluid’s main disadvantage is that being hydro-scopic is attracts and holds moisture. As the moisture content increases it changes color from a clear or light amber fluid to a dark brown. Because the molecules in a liquid are constantly moving, any moisture absorbed by the fluid will be equally dispersed throughout the entire system in a matter of hours. This leaves no pockets of water to accumulate in the calipers. However, once con-taminated by moisture, the boiling point of the fluid is lowered considerably. “Wet” tests have shown that DOT 4 can boil at 310 degrees and DOT 3 can cook off as low as 280 degrees. For the average rider this major drawback becomes a major advantage.

Racing bikes get frequent overhauls and their brakes are bled on a regular basis. This prevents any water from accumulating in the pockets of the calipers. Tour-ing bikes seldom get this kind of attention; yet they are subject to the same heat build up as racing bikes. The color change that comes with DOT 3-4 signals time for replacement. You get no such warning with silicone-based fluids. Non-racing bikes with silicone fluid and touring bikes with glycol fluids share the same risk.

You start down a mountain, riding two up and pulling a trailer full of collectible anvils on a hot August after-noon. You apply the brakes and they work just fine, a few seconds later you step on them again and find they

T-CLOCK CHECK : Tires and wheels, Controls, Lights and electrics, Oil and fluids, Chassis, Kick-stand.

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are out to lunch. No brakes. What happened and why?

Applying the brakes generated friction, with the ac-companying heat necessary to slow the motorcycle. The heat moved from the pads to the calipers where it was absorbed by the fluid. The fluid becomes very hot but it doesn’t boil because it is under pressure. Once you release the brakes and hence the pressure, the fluid flashes into steam and creates a gas pocket in the caliper. To make room for the steam the fluid is pushed back up and into the reservoir. Gas, unlike a liquid, is highly compressible. When you reapply the brakes, rather than forcing the pads against the rotors, the energy is spent trying to compress the gas in the pocket. Thus you have no brakes. If you are lucky you might be able to regain some braking ac-tion by “pumping up” the brakes. If not…?

This same scenario is not limited to just the brakes. Motorcycles with hydraulic clutches can also fall prey to the heat-pressure-gas syndrome. How often have you been in a parade when someone has to pull over and stop because his or her clutch will no longer disengage? Slow moving bikes tend to overheat and that heat is absorbed by the clutch. The clutch passes this heat onto the fluid. The fluid eventually boils as the clutch is squeezed and released repeatedly. Once the bike cools down and the gas is reabsorbed into the fluid, things operate normally.

Silicone is a superior fluid but only if there is no moisture present in the system. Water boils at 212 degrees; hence any water in the pockets of the cali-pers will render silicone less effective than a con-taminated system using DOT 3-4. For touring riders with DOT 5 in their motorcycles, the brake system must be completely bled every season. Can you switch fluids?

The seals used with each type of fluid are different. Check with the manufacture to be sure the seals will be compatible. Usually, motorcycles with DOT 5 systems cannot be switched by merely changing the fluid.

On new bikes or old, air sometimes finds it’s way into the system. The brakes become spongy. A quick test for this is to see if you can “pump up” the brakes. Bleeding the brakes will usually remove any air in the system and the effect will be felt immediately. On older bikes the brake lines may have weakened with age. Little can be done here except to replace the lines.

How can we prevent contamination to the brake sys-tem? When adding or replacing brake fluid always be sure it is fresh. Glycol fluids will absorb moisture from the air. An improperly sealed can may have bad fluid in it. If in doubt, buy new. Secondly, avoid spraying your brakes with high-pressure car wash hoses. It can force water pass the seals and directly into the calipers. Besides lowering the boiling point, moisture can rust the pistons causing drag on the ro-tors. Total neglect leads to frozen pistons and expen-sive repairs.

Maintaining the braking system is a necessary task. If you can turn a wrench you can bleed the brakes and change the fluid. Good brakes are essential if the motorcycle is to remain safe and roadworthy. Thanks to David Marr and David Searle for providing the basis for this article.

Ride Safe, Bob Groff

(I found this article written by a past District Educator and thought you would all find it very informative .)

Mike Duquette, Chapter Educator

Moisture and Heat are Two of the Big-gest Enemies of any Brake System

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Birthday’s Anniversaries

2/23 George Ricci

2/23 Ellen Jones

2/24 Carol Moore

2/1 Gale & Shirley Furthmiller

A college senior took his new girlfriend to a football game. They found seats in the crowded stadium and were watching the action. A substitute was put into the game and as he was running onto the field to take his position, the boy said to his girlfriend, "Take a good look at that fellow. I expect him to be our best man next year." His girlfriend snuggled closer to him and said, "That's the strangest way I ever heard of for a boy to propose to a girl. But, regardless of how you said it, I accept!"

——————————————- Sometimes women are overly suspicious of their husbands. When Adam stayed out very late for a few nights, Eve became upset. "You're running around with other women," she charged. "You're being unreasonable," Adam responded. "You're the only woman on earth." The quarrel continued until Adam fell asleep, only to be awakened by someone poking him in the chest. It was Eve. "What do you think you're doing?" Adam demanded. "Counting your ribs," said Eve.

—————————————— One day a man spotted a lamp by the roadside. He picked it up, rubbed it vigorously, and a genie appeared. "I'll grant you your fondest wish," the genie said. The man thought for a moment, then said, "I want a spectacular job -- a job that no man has ever succeeded at or has ever attempted to do." "Poof!" said the genie. "You're a housewife."

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Chapter Meeting

MeMaw’s

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CHAPTER CONFERENCE Page 8

Gathering for the ride at County Line.

Breakfast at St. Cloud

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Start of Chapter Competi-tion

Ray sacrifices his shirt

Someone sacrificed a boot

Lynn lost her bra!

Charlotte took second place!

This isn’t easy!

On the ride home, some stopped for a “steak”.

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Kick Tire

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Four Chapter Breakfast at Titusville—FL1F Page 12

Not a motorcycle but…. did you see these Ger-man Trucks? They are painted on the sides to appear three dimensional. Notice the one with a truck front painted on the back with a guy look-ing out the window.

A man asked a clerk: "In what aisle could I find the Polish sausage?" The clerk looks at him and inquires "Are you Polish?" The guy (clearly offended) says, "Well, yes I am. But let me ask you something. If I had asked for Italian sausage would you ask me if I was Italian? Or if I had asked for German bratwurst, would you ask me if I was German? Or if I asked for a kosher hot dog would you ask me if I was Jewish? Or if I had asked for a Taco would you ask if I was Mexican? Would you? Would you?" The clerk says, "Well, no!" "If I asked for some Irish whiskey, would you ask if I was Irish?" "Well, I probably wouldn't!" With deep self-righteous indignation, the guy says, "Well then, why did you ask me if I'm Polish just because I asked for Polish sausage?" The clerk replies, "Because you're in Home Depot."

Harley Limo

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May I have your attention please!…………...

A Very Special Thanks to Charlie Davies and Joanne Davies. They take this publication, make it web ready, and then put it on our Web Site. Without them, we would not be able to enjoy this on our

A special thanks to our members who submit articles. We love the support and the good information. Send them to Richard Mitts rm32904@yahoo.com

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A blind man walks into a store with his seeing-eye dog. All of a sudden, he picks up the leash and be-gins swinging the dog over his head. The manager runs up to the man and asks, "What are you doing?!" The blind man replies, "Just looking around."

A little guy gets on a plane and sits next to the window. A few minutes later, a big, heavy, strong mean-looking, hulking guy plops down in the seat next to him and immediately falls asleep. The little guy starts to feel a little airsick, but he's afraid to wake the big guy up to ask if he can go to the bathroom. He knows he can't climb over him, and so the little guy is sitting there, looking at the big guy, trying to decide what to do. Suddenly, the plane hits an air pocket and an uncontrollable wave of nausea passes through the lit-tle guy. He can't hold it in any longer and he pukes all over the big guy's chest. About five minutes later the big guy wakes up, looks down, and sees the vomit all over him. "So," says the little guy, "are you feeling better now?"

MEMBER ITEMS FOR SALE

For Sale:

New, Black Saddle Bag Mats (set 2) for Honda Goldwing 1800. $20.00 Bike was

NEW 2008 Goldwing 1800 Triked. The following parts are now for sale:

(Color-Pearl White, Color Code NH 452 P)

Swingarm (list $524.60) $150

Neosho Bike Trailer For Sale:

Base Price $925.95 New with Extras:

Door Shocks $35

Cooler Holder $50

Swivel Hitch $60

Carpeting $150

1988 Goldwing Trike

50k miles, Ring of Fire, Floorboards, Heal toe shifter, Run-ning lights, Diamond Seat, Ford rear end, Trailer hitch, and much more. Show room condition, Garage kept.

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I have a motorcycle trailer for sale. It is a tow behind for your lug-gage. It is all aluminum, torsion axles, swivel hitch I'm asking $500. Tel # 1-772-216-3768. Please let you members know if interested. Ken Long FL2-O

PLEASE PATRONIZE OUR ADVERTISERS, THEY MAKE THIS NEWSLETTER POSSIBLE

725-8151

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