chapter couple of the year! · a motorcycle is not just a two-wheeled car; the difference between...
TRANSCRIPT
CHAPTER DIRECTORS
TOM & JEAN ZELMORE
EMAIL:
(724)613-1618
ASSISTANT DIRECTORS
JASON & MAUREEN FRITZ
EMAIL:
(412)708-8315
PENNSYLVANIA CHAPTER E GATHERINGS: 1ST. SUNDAY OF THE MONTH:
@ HUGO’S RT. 40 BROWNSVILLE, PA 9:30AM.
CHAPTER “E” HOMEPAGE: WWW.GWRRAPAE.COM
FACEBOOK: G.W.R.R.A. PA CHAPTER-E
IN THIS ISSUE:
PAGE 2: DIRECTOR’S SPACE
PAGE 4: ASSISTANT DIRECTOR’S SPACE
PAGE 5: DISTRICT RIDE COORDINATOR
PAGE 6: WEBMASTER’S SPACE
PAGE 7: EVENTS AND RIDES
PAGE 8: REMINDERS
PAGE 9: COY THOUGHTS
PAGE 10: BIRTHDAYS/ANNIVERSARIES
PAGE 11: DISTRICT DIRECTOR’S NOTES
DISTRICT DIRECTORS
HAROLD & DIANE JACKSON
D E G I N P Q
DISTRICT ASSISTANT DIRECTORS
CHRIS&CHRISTINE HULL
S T W
T.B.A.
H M R X
MIKE & SHIRLEY PRINCE
B-C-K-V-Y
DISTRICT ED & MAD COORDINATORS
PAT DELIO
DISTRICT EDUCATOR
CHUCK & EVELYN STONE
DISTRICT RIDE COORDINATOR
DIANE JACKSON
CHAPTER “E”
WINGIN’ IN THE
WIND!
CHAPTER AND DISTRICT TREASURER
SHARON GOLANKA
(724)938-7876 [email protected]
WEBMASTER
LEN ROVENSKI
(724)730-7506 [email protected]
CHAPTER RIDE COORDINATOR
TOM DURDEVICH
(724)872-7606 [email protected]
CHAPTER M E C
PHIL & SUZANNE WHALEY
(405)698-7202 [email protected]
PARTY COMMITTEE DEBBIE DURDEVICH, MAUREEN FRITZ,
SHARON GOLANKA, SUE WHALEY, JEAN
ZELMORE
PHOTOGRAPHERS WALLY LIPS, DIANE BRUGGERMAN, LEN
ROVENSKI, JASON FRITZ
CARDS AND GOODIES JOANIE LINDSAY
NEWSLETTER EDITOR TOM ZELMORE
FACEBOOK ADMINS.
JASON FRITZ/TOM ZELMORE
CHAPTER AMBASSADOR
BILL RUTH
ROAD CAPTAINS
Tom Durdevich, Jason Fritz,
Phil Whaley, Tom Zelmore
2019
CHAPTER
COUPLE OF
THE YEAR!
KATHIE & JIM
McCLINTOCK
DIRECTOR’S SPACE
Why I Ride a Motorcycle
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.
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 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 pattern-loving 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.
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
Bout sums it up as far as I can see.
On a personal note, we have had a lot of fun being chapter directors for the past 3 ½ years, but
after much discussion and reflection on my recent bout with cancer and my mother’s ordeal the
past few months I am afraid we need to step down as directors. I am concerned if the cancer
relapses it could be worse or more involved to get rid of. Also, I am deeply concerned for my
mother and if I am needed for something for her I don’t think it will be fair to her or the
chapter if my thoughts are not on my family. I will be happy to continue as the newsletter
editor as the ms word program I use is a real pain in the butt to edit and I don’t wish to subject
someone new to fighting with it. While I was being treated and recovering I found it difficult to
focus on the dinner and bike ride schedule. I want to thank all of you for the confidence you all
have shown us in trying to make the events fun for everyone. We have enjoyed every moment
with our chapter family and every ride we have participated in. We will still be active members
of the chapter, just stepping back, enjoying the gatherings and relaxing a little. Unfortunately
for the chapter, with us stepping down, Jason, Maureen, Phil, Sue, are also going to step down.
Consequently, Tom Durdevich will also be stepping down as our safety officer. I want to thank
everyone of them for having my back during our run. We have had a great time planning out
the parties and picnics. Also, a big thanks to Sharon and Ed Golanka for keeping the chapter
funds and ride points straight for us. We will be stepping down at the end of July. I hope
someone is willing to jump into the role. This is a great chapter and you are all terrific people. I
would hate to see this chapter be closed. Perhaps some of our new members would like to carry
the baton so to speak? I am willing to work with whomever takes on the position to advise and
help acclimate them to it. Including transferring all files and passwords/user names. Please let
us know if you are interested so we can have a smooth transition. Perhaps someone new has
some ideas and destinations we have not considered.
Thank you all for the past three years. It has been a fun ride.
See you around the bend.
Tom
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR’S SPACE
1.
Hi Friends,
I bought a Goldwing for my personal dream. One day when I am very old and when I cannot
walk anymore, it will be in my garage as a trophy of my memories. I met people who taught
me something and have the same spirit and I met others that I'm glad I forgot. I got wet, I
felt cold, I felt warm, I was afraid, I fell and I stood up, I even seriously hurt myself. But also,
I laughed out loud inside the helmet. I spoke a thousand times with myself. I sang and
shouted with joy like a madman. I have seen wonderful places and lived unforgettable
experiences. I often made curves that even Marc Marquez would be proud of; other times I
made curves full of terror. I stopped a thousand times to see a landscape. I spoke with
perfect strangers, and I forgot people I see every day. I went out with my demons inside
and returned home with a feeling of absolute peace in my heart. I am always aware of the
risks and dangers, knowing that the meaning of courage is to advance even when feeling
fear. Every time I go up to my motorcycle, I think about how wonderful it is and the joy it has
brought me since having it and I can’t help but smile. I stopped talking to those who do not
understand, (they just do not understand) and I learned through gestures to communicate
with other riders. I spent money that I did not have, giving up many things, but all these
things are not worth even a moment without my motorcycle. It is not a means of transport
or a piece of iron with wheels, it is a part of my soul and my spirit. And when someone says
to me: "You should get rid of that thing, you are going to kill yourself on it”, ... I do not answer.
I just swing my head and smile, walking on. A Goldwing… only the person who loves them
understands it. May God bless my friends and their toy of the great people! And the
adventure continues…
And what an adventure it’s been so far. Maureen and I have been fortunate enough to hold
the position of Assistant Chapter Directors of Chapter E for the last 2 years. We feel we
have done the position justice and are grateful for the opportunity but after much discussion,
we’ve decided we would like to focus more on the riding aspect and less on the
administrative portion. To that end, Maureen and I will be stepping down as Chapter ACD’s
at the end of July. We still have every intention of being active chapter members and
wholeheartedly support GWRRA as well as Chapter E. I encourage anyone interested to
apply for this rewarding officer position. As John F. Kennedy famously said, “Ask not what
Chapter E can do for you but what can you do for Chapter E?” He did say that, right?
And remember, when life throws you a curve, just lean into it!
My very best, Jason
We hope that everyone has had a wonderful riding season thus far and keeping in mind that
the best is yet to come.
Periodically the question has been asked is that MODULATING HEADLIGHT LEGAL?
YES – they are legal in all 50 states and Canada! That doesn’t mean you will not be pulled
over by a law enforcement officer that is unaware of the Federal Standard.
Note that laws do change. Even this one has been revised to a new location within the last
few years.
The now popular manufacturer Kisan includes a card with their unit, which is a partial
reprint from Federal Register: Feb. 21, 1996 (Volume 61, No. 35).
A novice with a little knowledge of Federal codes digging awhile can find this information,
but you need not take the word of someone not trained in law. What do “… As these
devices are permitted by express federal regulation, no state may have a law or regulation,
which prohibits them. The federal standard preempts the state in this regard.
I would highly recommend carrying the manufacturer’s pocket card or information available
in many places on the World Wide Web such as http://users.snip.net/
CLAMB/MODULATOR.HTM
Having it in black and white lends credibility to your explanation. One officer who also
rides a motorcycle was going to see about modifying his own ride!
Remember to be considerate of other riders when riding in a group. If you are not the lead it
is suggested that you turn off the modulating headlight so other riders are not distracted by it
flashing in their mirrors and oncoming traffic is not drawn to it with you riding in the middle
of the group. This is a great safety tool, use it wisely.
Ride Safe and Ride Proud
Chuck & Evelyn Stone
PA District Educators
SAFETY ARTICLE
WEBMASTER’S SPACE
NEWS - HARLEY DAVIDSON SPEAKS TO DECLINING BIKE SALES
Apparently the Baby-Boomers all have motorcycles. Generation X is only buying a few, and the next generation
isn't buying any at all.
A recent study was done to find out why Millennials and Generation Z don't ride motorcycles:
1. Pants won't pull up far enough for them to straddle the seat.
2. Can't get their phone to their ear with a helmet on.
3. Can't use 2 hands to eat while driving.
4 They don't get a trophy and a recognition plaque just for buying one.
5. Don't have enough muscle to hold the bike up when stopped.
6. Might have a bug hit them in the face and then they would need emergency care.
7. Motorcycles don't have air conditioning.
8 They can't afford one because they spent 12 years in college trying to get a degree in Humanities, Social
Studies or Gender Studies for which no jobs are available.
9 They are allergic to fresh air.
10. Their pajamas get caught on the exhaust pipes.
11. They might get their hands dirty checking the oil.
12. The handle bars have buttons and levers and cannot be controlled by touch-screen.
13. You have to shift manually and use something called a clutch.
14. It's too hard to take selfies while riding.
15. They don't come with training wheels like their bicycles did.
16. Motorcycles don't have power steering or power brakes.
17. Their nose ring interferes with the face shield.
18. They would have to use leg muscle to back up.
19. When they stop, a light breeze might blow exhaust in their face.
20. It could rain on them and expose them to non-soft water.
21. It might scare their therapy dog, and then the dog would need therapy.
22. Can't get the motorcycle down the basement stairs of their parent's home. Oh well............
EVENTS AND RIDES
DATE: SUNDAY JUNE 2ND. 9:30AM.
MONTHLY GATHERING AT HUGO’S
DATE: SATURDAY JUNE 8TH. 6:30PM.
DINNER RIDE TO: TAILGATEZ RESTAURANT
SOMERSET PA.
DATE: WED. JUNE 12TH. 6:30PM.
DINNER RIDE TO: THE LAMPLIGHTER
DELMONT, PA
DATE: SATURDAY JUNE 15TH. 10:00AM.
BIKE RIDE TO: BALDINGER’S CANDIES
ZELIONOPLE, PA
DATE: TUESDAY JUNE 18TH. 6:30PM.
DINNER RIDE TO: THE TRAILSIDE INN
WEST NEWTON, PA.
DATE: THURSDAY JUNE 27TH. 6:30PM.
DINNER RIDE TO: CRACKER BARREL
NEW STANTON, PA.
REMINDERS
❖ Please have articles and for sale ads submitted by the 20th of the month so I can
insert them into the newsletter for publishing. Please also have them in M.S. Word
format as it is easier to incorporate them into the newsletter format. (Thank you!)
❖ If you are still having difficulty with the call-em-all, you can call: 877-565-8456 and
have the last message played back.
❖ Mileage is due by the Dec. gathering so Ed and Sharon can figure out the awards for
the Christmas party.
DATES TO REMEMBER
❖ July 4th. 2019 Flag retirement ride to Punxy.
❖ July 13th. 2019 Mt. Pleasant food pantry fundraiser ride.
❖ July 27th. 2019 Chapter picnic at Cedar Creek Park Activities center.
❖ December 7th. 2019 Christmas party
❖ December 15th. 2019 Brunch @ Oakhurst
❖
My neighbor approached me yesterday and after a couple of minutes of idle chit-chat, he tells me
about watching our trike pull into the driveway during a terrible downpour. His question to me was
something like, “Why in the world would you want to ride a motorcycle knowing that you’ll be too hot
in the summer, too cold in the spring and fall, and wet every time it rains?”
I thought for a minute and then asked him, “Do you know why a dog sticks his head out the window
of the car as it drives down the road?”
Without hesitation, he responded, “Of course not.”
Well, as a biker, I do. It is that sense of freedom that one experiences traveling down the road. You
just feel closer to your surroundings and it’s great. To someone who doesn’t get it, you can’t explain
it.
So do I know why the dog sticks his head out the window? You bet. The only difference between us
and the dog is we don’t have a window.
Well, Kathie and I are over the hump with regard to visiting all of the chapters in the PA District.
We’ve been to ten Chapters and have seven to go. We originally decided to do this just as part of
our COY responsibilities, but as it turns out, the experience thus far has been great. And it really
highlights something about GWRRA that I’m not sure everyone thinks about.
I know it’s a cliché, but our circle of friends has really grown. With each visit, we meet new friends
and discover new opportunities to enjoy motorcycling. For example, during our most recent visit to
Chapter W, three members of the chapter escorted us on a covered bridge tour that included eight
different bridges. Additionally, we were able to experience Gravity Hill, where you put your bike in
neutral and watch it drift up hill. Yep, up hill. And members from Chapter R are already planning a
dinner ride for us when we visit there in a couple of weeks. Admittedly, we don’t remember many
names, but the smiling faces continue to welcome us where ever we go. Without GWRRA, we’d still
be enjoying motorcycling, but it certainly wouldn’t be the same. Having the opportunity to meet all
these people who share a common interest has been wonderful. Keep this in mind the next time we
post an invitation to visit a chapter. Join us and we’ll have some fun.
The All Chapters West is being held at Goddard Park Vacationland in Sandy Lake, June 14-16.
Even if you don’t camp, consider participating in some form, even if it’s just coming on Saturday for
meals and a ride. In addition to a great event, you’ll get see where Denny and Sherry spend their
weekends. See you there.
For those of you attending Americade, we are going to get together for dinner on Tuesday, June 4.
We are also planning an unguided ride to either Lake Placid or the Champlain Lake islands on
Thursday. If you didn’t put your name on the sign-up sheet at the last Gathering, please let us know
you will be at Americade, so we can make sure you get an invitation.
Let the fun begin. Jim & Kathie McClintock
Chapter E COY 2019
C.O.Y. THOUGHTS
HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISHES
GO OUT TO:
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY WISHES
GO OUT TO:
Janet Mazon June 2nd.
Missy Caldwell June 2nd.
Diane Bruggerman June 4th.
Dave Burton June 6th.
Becky Wood June 9th.
Doug Gardner June 10th.
Suzanne Whaley June 14th.
Debbie Jenkins June 16th.
Jim McClintock June 16th.
Kyle & Bonnie McGary June 1st.
Dale & Marion Nolan June 16th.
Orville & Bonnie McConnell June 22nd.
DISTRICT NOTES
The GWRRA PA District Rally was held recently. We hope you were able to attend and we hope you had FUN at the rally. We were honored to have many members of Team GWRRA attend. I hope you had a chance to meet them and realize they enjoy GWRRA and are members just like you. Thank you to everyone that attended and thank you to the PA District Team for the great rally! Did you meet Chris and Christie Hull at the rally? They have been added to the PA District Team as Assistant District Directors assisting chapters PA-S, PA-T and PA-W. Thank you for stepping forward and accepting this appointment. We had four couples in the PA District Couple of the Year selection process. Wow! We have wonderful couples representing their chapters and it was our pleasure to become more acquainted with the couples. We would have been honored to have any of the four couples represent Pennsylvania but, only one couple is selected. Chris and Christie Hull, PA-W, were selected as the 2019/2020 GWRRA PA District Couple of the Year. Congratulations! The announcement was made at the rally as to where the rally will be in 2020; it will be in Altoona, PA at the Altoona Grand on May 14 -16, 2020. The theme is “Ride Back in Time”. If you have any ideas or suggestions for the rally, please let us know. I hope you have made your reservations for All Chapters West at VacationLand Campgrounds, Sandy Lake, PA on June 14 - 16, 2019. Reservations were due May 30th. PA-N have some great rides planned and All Chapters are a great time to meet your GWRRA friends and have FUN! Don’t forget to mark you calendar! The PA District – Ride-In is July 13, 2019 at Waltz Creamery & Farm House Café. No reservations are necessary, just join in the FUN! It will be a great day to join in with your GWRRA family and friends and enjoy some great food, ice cream and we hope it will be a great day to ride! Remember to look on the PA District website for all the activities happening with our PA chapters. And chapters, please keep adding your events to the PA District website. We encourage you to join other chapters and participate in their activities. Please use GroupWorks to remind GWRRA membership about what is happening with your chapter and keep posting pictures and comments about the FUN your chapter is having. We hope to see you soon at a chapter gathering, event or on the road! Remember to always ride safe! Harold and Diane Jackson Your PA District Directors