Chapter Director Loriann Robertson cd@gwrrawa-n.org

The WingNut Gazette

Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge.

Next Dinner Social

Timber Creek Grill Buffet 9211 E Montgomery Ave, Spokane, WA 99206

Next Monthly Gathering Sept 16, 2017

Golden Corral 7117 N Division, Spokane, WA

8:00AM to 10:00AM

Newsletter Editor Chuck Grimm

webmaster@gwrrawa-n.org

AND THE BEAN GAME

WINNER IS:

LOUISE SCHUERMAN CONGRATULATIONS!!

News From your Chapter Director!

First and foremost, Thanks’ to all of you of chapter N, for the great support, kindness and help you gave Rob and me when my dad was on hospice and my mom had her stoke. You are more than friend to us. You are family. Thank You.

We will not be at this monthly gathering; we are going to take a weekend for us.

We will be having a fall camp out at Little Diamond KOA Friday September 29 and Saturday September 30, we will ride somewhere for lunch on Saturday and a potluck Saturday night, and this year the chapter will not be paying for camping. The cost will be $28 a night.

I want to thank Louise for being in charge of the raffle tickets and money. And thanks to Kaye for taking care of the drawing that was held at Region I Rally. And thank you to all of you who sold ticket for the chapter.

================================

What’s planned for September?

September 5, Dinner Social at Famous Willies in Post Fall 6:00 pm

September 16, Chapter Gathering at Golden Corral. 8:00am September 29, 30 & Oct 1, Fall Camp Out at Little Diamond

KOA. Potluck Saturday night

LoriAnn Robertson

And never ride faster than your Guardian

As the Motorist Awareness Coordinator, I am usually talking to the other people on the road who are not riding motorcycles or trikes, telling them about us who are, and how they can help us enjoy the ride.

This time I believe it is time to write and remind you, who do ride, ways to help you ride safe, and help these nonriders see you. Thereby avoiding the need for the police to come to another accident.

• New riders should take a motorcycle safety course, and experienced riders should take refresher courses after being off their bikes for a while

• Be aware that riding with a passenger requires considerably more skill

• Never drink and ride

• Drive defensively, especially at intersections, where half of all collisions occur

• Watch for hazards like potholes, manhole covers, oil slicks, puddles, debris, railroad tracks and gravel

• Assume you are invisible to other motorists and position yourself to be seen

• Use headlights day and night

• Be courteous; don't weave in and out of lanes, or ride on the shoulder or between lanes

• Don't speed

• Wear bright and/or reflective clothing that is durable and boots that cover the ankles

• Wear goggles, glasses or use a face shield that is ventilated to prevent fogging, and make sure it's clear if riding at night

After taking on the responsibility of Motorist Coordinator, and now starting to ride again, after my illness. I do see the reason for some of these items that are listed allot more than I have in the past. Especially the ones about the bright reflective clothing!

I used to think it was sort of overboard, but after riding behind my wife, who was riding in front of me, at night, wearing her new bright/ reflective jacket, I now have one also! They make you stand out, so other motorist who come up behind you at night, WILL see you! Also, if they come from the opposite direction it will help them see you, therefore helping the left turn hazard somewhat.

Remember to ride safe, and help the other motorist on the road help you do so.

Your Motorist Awareness Coordinator Carl & Kaye Maier

Notes from your MEC...

CHAPTER ‘N’ MEMBERSHIP Our year is quickly ending and we begin to plan to next year. As Membership Enhancement Chairman, I want to mention a few things that are in our GWRRA MEC Guide.

It is the duty of the MEC to remind you that your GWRRA Dues are due to be paid. You can do this by paying online to our home office in Phoenix, AZ. You will receive an e-mail from them a couple months ahead of the expiration date as a reminder that your dues are ready to be paid. As the chapter MEC when I get the monthly ARL I will call or send an e-mail to let you know my report indicated your dues due. Once you pay them it can take another month to get your name off the ARL report, but I usually only remind you once. Very often you have paid them before I have even reminded you.

Many friends ride with us during the year. They continue to ride with our group without joining GWRRA. We love to have your friends, family members and neighbors ride with our group. We like them to know what GWRRA is about, what is expected of riding groups and how we conform to the ideals of GWRRA. You are welcome to continue to join us for a season to get a full view and scope of what we are about. After the first season of events we ask that you join GWRRA as a member, pay your dues and fully participate.

GWRRA Membership Categories.

Individual or Family (Full) Membership

An Individual or Family who owns a Gold Wing or Valkyrie motorcycle and pays the annual Membership fee. The family Membership applies to all persons living within the same household, who desire Membership within the Association.

Individual or Family Associate Membership

Any individual or Family that does not own a Gold Wing or Valkyrie but is interested in GWRRA Membership and pays the appropriate Membership fees. The Family Associate Membership to all persons living within the same household who desire Membership within the Association. Associate Members are welcomed and encouraged to hold TEAM

POSITIONS, BUT ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO HOLD DIRECTOR POSITIONS OR PARTICIPATE IN COUPLE OF THE YEAR SELECTION PROCESS AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL. As associate member, you may serve as Rider Educator, Membership Enhancement Coordinator, Trainer or Treasurer.

Life Membership

Any member who has belonged to GWRRA for 20 years or more consecutive years. Full and Associate Members in the Life Membership Category receive discounts on Membership rates, GWRRA Official Products and Rescue Plus. When a member joins the New Life Membership Program they receive a Life Member Pin, Special 4” Patch and a special 10” Rocker.

Respectfully, Kaye Maier, MEC

Rider Education Rider’s Guide

Dan Boone, Rider Educator

Motorcyclists are vulnerable highway users. Unlike passenger vehicle occupants, motorcycle riders have neither the protective structural cage nor the advanced restraints which are commonplace in cars and light trucks. Previous research has shown that motorcycle crashes into roadside barrier are particularly dangerous. In one of the earliest studies on this issue, Ouelett (1982) investigated the outcome of motorcycle-guardrail crashes drawn from a larger database of approximately 900 motorcycle crashes in the Los Angeles area . He reported that motorcycle impacts with guardrail impacts have a much higher fatality risk than motorcycle crashes in general. Other researchers have also noted the increased risk of motorcycle collisions with guardrails . Because of an upsurge in motorcycle fatalities, the issue of motorcycle safety is receiving renewed attention. Motorcycle registrations in the U.S. are growing at the rate of 7-8% per year. Unfortunately, fatal motorcycle crashes are growing at a comparable rate.

Based on U.S. accident statistics. Motorcycle crashes were found to be the leading source of fatalities in guardrail crashes. In 2005 for the first time, motorcycle riders suffered more fatalities (224) than the passengers of cars (171) or any other single vehicle type involved in a guardrail collision. In terms of fatalities per registered vehicle, motorcycle riders are dramatically overrepresented in number of fatalities resulting from guardrail impacts. Motorcycles compose only 2% of the vehicle fleet, but account for 42% of all fatalities resulting from guardrail collisions. Motorcycle-guardrail crash fatalities are a growing problem. From 2000-2005, the number of car occupants who were fatally injured in guardrail collisions declined by 31% from 251 to 171 deaths. In contrast, the number of motorcyclists fatally-injured in guardrail crashes increased by 73% from 129 to 224 fatalities during the same time period. Over two-thirds of motorcycle riders who were

Tillamook Rally By Kaye Maier

Carl and I left for the Rally on Wednesday August 16th traveling to Yakima, White Pass, staying the first night just beyond White Pass in Packwood. Just before evening the Elk filled the fields, streets and yards like you wouldn’t believe. At one point Carl had to stop traffic to allow the Elk to cross the street without a wreck with vehicles. They were obscured by the parked cars on the sides of the streets. The town was full of tourists. We were lucky to get the last room in town. What a nice place to spend some time. Many people come to that area to hike Mt. Rainier National Park stay in Packwood. We met three groups from Germany who were hiking the area because it was so similar to Germany. Great fun. We left for Kelso the next morning and lunch at Mo’s in Astoria and on down the road to Hwy 101. It was a beautiful trip to Tillamook, Oregon and only 524 miles. Our trip however was not without mistakes of the self-inflicted kind. I checked the GWRRA web page looking for the first aid class that was to be on that Thursday. Under “EVENTS of the DAY” we found nothing. So, when we could have taken I-5 down faster and cut over to be there on time, we didn’t we went to Astoria and dribbled our way through a great lunch and a leisurely Hwy 101 ride. On one of those little towns we passed through I made one of my additional mistakes. Carl doesn’t care for me to ride close to him as we travel. In those little towns, there are lots of cars parked on the side and at one point I was closer to his rear wheel then he likes and he reminded me to back off. I did a little. At another point however, I was sightseeing briefly and when I looked up I saw he had his brakes on and I had to swerve to miss “rear ending him”. By time I was stopped I had ran right past him. You better believe I turned my helmet mike off. I knew exactly what I’d done but I just didn’t want to hear about it right then. Was he right…absolutely! There was no argument. It was a rookie mistake and I was grateful it was him instead of anyone or anything else in front of me. Any yes he did talk about it later. Those episodes give you that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach and you quickly realize how very lucky you are.

We arrived in Tillamook and checked into the fairgrounds only to find out my first aid class had just finished (whhaaatttt) said hello to fellow Chapter N Members and checked into our motel. Another mistake. I have no idea how I missed that class or how I didn’t see it on the web-page. After registration, I went back to Don and asked him to forgive my attitude. I had questioned him, and others had made the class so clearly it wasn’t a big secret. I just missed it. He is being such a great guy was kind enough to be forgiving and told me “usually people don’t ask forgiveness.” So, we went to check into our hotel and ‘NO’ we didn’t get the ground floor promised, I said nothing. Our chapter was missing our leader but we understood her need to stay at home. We just felt helpless

Dinner Drawing

is now at $295.

Chuck got the

lucky ticket but

still pulled a

brown bean. Oh

well, there goes

his financing for

the trip to Tilla-

mook… So folks,

that’s $295 to

start the next so-

cial dinner.

to help her at such a time. We still had some time to sell tickets and I was anxious to sell as many as possible. Competing only with my self I find it a great way to go around a say hi and meet other GWRRA Members. We did that on the 17th, 18th and some on the 19th. The ride to the light houses on the 18 was fun and enjoyed by many. Carl’s leg was bothering him so we didn’t ride during the week but we did enjoy the train ride on Saturday the 19th. We enjoyed the comradeship of a couple that lived in area and use the trail weekly. They retired from California and drove through the area and fell in love with it and live there the last seven years. Very nice people.

We enjoyed the story telling of BeeJu and the Region I Staff as they honored Don and Sharron Weber. Don and Sharron have spent many years in GWRRA in many positions and are deserving of the love they receive. They are always willing to help, lend a hand, be of assistance in so many ways. They gave trophies (that Don made) to so many people. I am guessing that he made 30 or more. Sharron made a “hot pad holder” for every registration packet at the rally. A simple act of kindness that will last for many years and each of us will remember for a very long time. Ray Garis spoke to the group Saturday evening explaining “each group has to decide what it wants to be” his main point was to explain why GWRRA is removing the REGION level from GWRRA. He said, “we are management top heavy.” “We need to get back to having fun in the chapters, more riding, doing more things that the chapters want to do.” “Each chapter has to decide what it wants to be.” He said the CD is the most important position in GW and the most rewarding.

OCTOBER 7, 2017 – Workshop in Buckley New Modules, Starts at 8:00 AM MARCH 11, 2018 – Riders Ed Class Chapter E MONTANA RALLY – 3RD WEEKEND JULY 50’S Music Festival WASHINGTON RALLY – CASHMERE, 3RD WEEKEND IN JULY

These are the dates I got maybe someone else got more information. There were lots of questions and answers and then the drawings for the prizes. Chapter N’s Raffle winner was Joey Diaz. This lady lives only two houses down from Carl and I. Carl was selling a few tickets in the neighborhood the weekend before we left and he sold Joey her ticket. She was very happy and excited to win.

Kruz Gasper Update

By Don Sundahl

I’m certain that most of you are aware that Kruz had an accident on his Motorcycle late this spring and was very seriously injured with a broken back, broken right hip and right hand and fin-ger that he came close to losing. In short this was Kruz’s second ride of the season after having his left hip replaced last fall, was recovering pretty good from that, but was suffering from the restless riders syndrome as Kruz only managed a few hundred miles last year, had to quit riding as hip left hip hurt him so bad and couldn’t get on his bike or stand too long a time because of his hip. Kruz’s injuries and ailments take a lot longer to heal as he suffers from Parkinson’s disease, and his shaking of head and leg tremors are controlled by 2 electrodes implanted in his head and provide Deep Brain Stimulation and have batteries in them that a remote control is used to adjust the voltage and thereby controlling his shaking. I talked to Kruz today (Saturday Sept. 2nd) and he told me he has to go in to the Dr. to get the batteries replaced in his stimulators as they are starting to get weak, has to be done every 3 – 4 years.

Now for the serious part of how Kruz is recovering, he was in the hospital 2-3 weeks then was sent to St. Luke’s Rehab Center where he stayed before being transferred to a care facility where he received Physical and Occupational Therapy for his injuries, as well as the medical care that was needed. Kruz was discharged from there August 12th to home under the watchful eye of his Daugh-ter Charly and family, he had to give up his basement bedroom as he is unable to go up or down the basement stairs by himself, told me today that Charly has told him he will not be returning to his former bedroom. Here is Kruz’s current situation, he is able to stand 15 -20 minutes using a walker before having to sit or lay down, he is able to walk without any aids holding on to a handrail or a fixed object for short distances. Kruz does get home health care which consists of a nurse, hand ther-apy as well as therapy for his lower extremities. Kruz told me of a Drs. Appointment he went to and after getting home had 4 therapy sessions following that. Kruz still has pain in his right hip and back after being on his feet for a time, he does get tired of the same repetition. Kruz has a long re-covery ahead of him and its unknown if he will be able to reach the same level of mobility he had prior to his accident.

The following items are available in the Chapter Store:

1 Med Zip up Hoodie $33.00 (Your name can be done for an additional $3.50.)

I have 2 different hats (Safety Green & Black) with velcro closure strap on the back that can be embroidered with the Wingnuts Logo on them, the Safety Green would look best embroidered in Black, and the Black Hat would look good embroidered in the colors of the Chapter Patch see photo for example, I pinned Chapter patch on just for show. I will have both samples with me for everyone to look at and decide what they want, can be either color or both if you wish, the price is $12. May order after the June Gathering, or when enough members have looked at them and decided if they want a hat. See photo.

Question How do you unlock a camper that someone has locked the keys inside?

Answer You send in Don and when that doesn’t work, you rely on Marsha to get it done.

Our Trip Notes on the Tillamook Rally

By Chuck Grimm So, Lesley and I made the trip to the Rally in Tillamook. The trip down was warm to say the least. All

was going well until I went to apply the rear brakes at Umitilla for a routine stop. Guess what I found out. My rear brakes weren’t working so well. Had to pump them up. After a few pumps of the pedal, we had brakes. Thank God the front brakes were flawless. Mind you, we were pulling a tent trailer too. We got to

The Dalles, OR and spent a wonderful evening at the

Motel 6. Found a great place called “Cousins Restaurant” where we enjoyed a marvelous dinner

and the next morning the breakfast was pretty good too. For dinner I had a Turkey Dinner with all the trimmings and couldn’t eat it all. For those who know me, that’s saying something. Lesley had a Pot Roast dinner that was beyond good. Then she made the mistake of ordering the Hot Apple Crisp for dessert. I had a bite and told her she was on her own here. Yes, it was wonderful, but I just couldn’t take any more.

We thought it would be a good idea to stop at the Honda Dealer there at The Dalles and in my opinion that this thought was a

bad idea. I asked the Service Manager to please check my reservoir. I explained that I was from Spokane and was on my way to a Gold Wing Rally in Tillamook. He told me that they wouldn’t have time. I asked again if he could get someone to take a look. That would take just 5 minutes. He went in to the service area and came back in about 5 minutes and said they couldn’t get to it till the next day. To say I was upset is an understatement. I went to the parts counter and bought a bottle of DOT 4 and proceeded to look at it and found that yes, the reservoir was low. It is my thinking that when I had the brake recall done, they managed to get some air in the system. So, I filled the tank and continued on my way. I wish that GWRRA could work on some way to get these dealerships to be more supportive of those of us who are on the road. Maybe it’s just me, it sure seems that they are more interested in the all mighty dollar then providing service. Maybe that is why people are buying new wings online and at other locations because of this attitude.

So, off to Tillamook we go. Just paying more attention then usual to the traffic around us and giving more space to the vehicle ahead of us. We made through Portland and got to Tillamook without incident. Now the fun begins. Got the tent set up, after being put in the south 40 since power was getting to be

an issue. Had some friends from ID-H come join us as well. We ran in the “Light Parade” and we also participated in the “Bike Show.” I was lucky enough to take 2nd place while Gary & Kim Schmit. I don’t remember who got third. But, in all honesty, I thought I had a good chance to place in the Trike division

since there were only 3 TRIKES entered. But it was still fun and yes, I’ll take my 2nd place and run with it. Congratulations Gary & Kim for a job well done.

All in all, it was a fun trip. Took some pictures and ate some good food to be sure. On one of our many

trips, we went to Garibaldi. Once to see where the train was and the second to ride the train. Was great to see the Oregon coast again after more than 25 years. Lots of changes to be sure. Tried to get in to the Tillamook Cheese Factory, and that wasn’t happening. Place is under a remodel and everyone else had the same idea. Temp parking just wasn’t going to cut it. And there weren’t any tours anyway. So, we stopped at the Blue Herron Cheese Factory and tasted some of their creations. Came home with two bottles of Salad Dressing that is awesome in flavor, I’m thinking one of them will taste great on Pork and Chicken as a marinade for the BBQ

We went to see the Light House at Cape Mears and I was very happy to see three turnouts on the trail down. I needed them on the way back up that hill. Got some good shots of the light house along with a wonderful view of the ocean and some of the sea birds. Even a Doe came out to give the tourists a thrill.

There was even a whale playing the surf. Folks acting like they’ve need seen “Willy” before. Have to admit, it was a sight to see. Tried to get a picture, but alas, just wouldn’t cooperate with me.

On Sunday, we took off to go north. Went up through Astoria and across the Astoria Bridge. Lesley didn’t think much of that, but she survived it. We went to Illwaco, & Long Beach just because I’ve never been there. Then on up to Grayland were we had permission to camp in the front yard of a school mate of mine. Was fun to see Gerri again. We went to breakfast in Westport then on up to Ocean Shores, Copalis Beach and Pacific Beach. Not sure what I was looking for, but there are truly some changes going on. Especially in Pacific Beach. Condos everywhere and looks like a corporate community if you ask me. On Monday, we watched the eclipse too. Was pretty cool. Tried to get a picture, but didn’t rally turn out. Tuesday morning we headed out for home. Stopped at Rimrock Lake Resort that night. It’s nothing to write home about and yes, they are closed on Wednesday and Thursday. Now, we got there kinda late due to the construction and their office closes at 5PM. But, managed to get a place anyway. The owner lives there and all we had to do was ring the door bell. Left there the following morning and made our way home to Spokane. Drove through Naches and up to Ellensburg. By the time we go home, we

had put on 1630 miles. We were tired and our backsides were sore. But we had a blast. Already making plans to do it again!!!

GWRRA Director Ray Garris director@gwrra.org

Region Director Don & Sharon Weber ponderosads@roadrunner.com 208-660-7836

District Director Garry Alexander dd@gwrra-wa.org 253-677-7812

Washington Chapter Gatherings

Location Chapter Week Day

Auburn V 1st Tuesday

Bremerton B 1st Saturday

Toppenish M 1st Saturday

Walla Walla R 1st Saturday

Vancouver X 1st Saturday

Lynden H 2nd Tuesday

Enumclaw Y 2nd Friday

Kennewick L 2nd Saturday

Puyallup Q 2nd Saturday

Centralia Z 2nd Saturday

Aberdeen D 2nd Sunday

Bellevue E 3rd Saturday

Spokane N 3rd Saturday

Longview P 3rd Saturday

Olympia I 3rd Sunday

Seattle A 4th Saturday

Port Orchard O 4th Saturday

Go to the chapters web page to found out place and time of there gathering.

Rider Safety Thoughts By Lee Hobbs

Always be aware of your space. everything around you.

When riding in a group always ride staggered formation.

Keep safe distance from rider in front of you. I like the 2 second rule between each bike.

Keep track of bikes behind you .

Always use hand signals when needed, IE pot holes ,road kill, rubber parts, ECT.

On long rides always have liquids handy. even some snacks.

Remember if U cain,t see the mirrors on a vehicle in front of u they cain,t see you.

Always be ever cautious on windy roads yoiu never know when there might be loose gravel on road way.

Be safe and always keep the rubber down and shiny side up.

Name Position Phone Email

LoriAnn Robertson Chapter Director 509-251-4443 mmloriann@gmail.com

Dave Betz Assist. Chapter Director 509-235-8518 david953@centurytel.net

Tina Eckhardt Treasurer 208-651-1053 allwood301@aim.com

Dan Boone Rider Education 509-981-0743 dan4077@centurylink.net

Steve Kienzle Ride Coordinator 509-280-3439 kienzle4@comcast.net

Chuck Grimm Webmaster/Newsletter 509-263-6594 chuckgrimm@gwrrawa-n.org

Kaye Maier Membership Enhancement 509-448-5235 kayelincoln06@gmail.com

Carl Maier Motorist Awareness Coordinator 509-448-5235 camaier@cybermesa.com

Don Sundahl Chapter Stores 509-487-5160 foxfour22@gmail.com

Ruthanne Vazquez Sunshine Person 509-468-1581 bikersmnr@comcast.net

2008 Rover Cargo Trailer

In excellent condition, garaged when not on road , upgraded most of lights to LED. Tires are as good as new, with spare. I added some carpet for the floor.

FOR SALE

$1,400 ~ OBO Lee Hobbs

hobbswarren@gmail.com (509) 218-1702

Red 2003 1800 Gold Wing with lots of chrome & lights. It has it all! Call Ronnie Lopez for more information at (509) 760-1060, leave message if no answer. Mileage is at 174,000 miles and has always been garaged when not on the road. Asking price is $6500 or best offer. Can be seen at Chet’s Honda in Quincy, WA.