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What is “GWRRA?”

The Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA) is the world's largest single-marquee social organization for owners and riders of Honda Gold Wing/Valkyrie motorcycles -- and some would say, the world's largest family. Dedicated to our motto, Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge, GWRRA members enjoy the freedom of belonging to a not-for-profit, non-religious and non-political organization.

Founded in 1977, GWRRA has grown to more than 80,000 U.S., Canadian and international members in 53 foreign countries in just 31 years.

Over 800 active Chapters are managed by 4,000 volunteer leaders working with members to foster safe, enjoyable riding while also working to improve the public image of motorcycling.

Once you join GWRRA, you can participate with as many Chapters as you choose. You decide your own level of involvement and time. Wherever you go, wherever you travel, you're welcomed. GWRRA membership opens doors to friendship everywhere you ride! Monthly Chapter get-togethers (often light-hearted exchanges of information at a breakfast location) are pleasant, social occasions. There are no expectations, riding requirements, elections, politics, required uniforms or Chapter dues.

We invite you to share the joys of owning and riding your Gold Wing/Valkyrie with 80,000 people like you worldwide! We even guarantee you'll be glad you did!

Who belongs to GWRRA?

GWRRA members are men and women from all walks of life with varied interests and backgrounds. We have riders in their teens, riders in their 90's and every age in between! Many ride solo; many ride with their children or grandchildren! Some ride Wings that are new; some ride Wings that are "classics." Some belong for the technical information we share; some just for the enjoyment of riding with friends.

As a family organization, typical GWRRA fun includes restaurant runs, picnic rides, campouts or CPR/first aid workshops conducted in a wholesome, fun-filled environment suitable for all family members. We also have dances, charity runs, parades, ice cream socials and riding clinics.

To be a member of GWRRA, there are only two requirements: own a Honda Gold Wing/Valkyrie and keep your membership fees current. We have individual or family memberships available. For non Gold Wing/Valkyrie owners there is now a classification of our membership titled Associate, which is also available as individual or family.

Some of our most dedicated members, though once apprehensive about riding as passengers, have discovered the joys of touring: the fresh air, the beautiful vistas, the close communication with their partners. Many even learn to ride their own machines.

While generalization about a group of individuals as large as today's GWRRA is difficult, GWRRA members are likely to be independent thinkers, fun-loving, generous, adventuresome, cooperative and unfazed by the natural challenges of riding in the rain, temperature extremes or highway uncertainties. Many members have completed CPR and first aid training, making them the best-prepared riders on the world’s highways!

Why belong to GWRRA?

There are many benefits to GWRRA membership. Our members enjoy special camaraderie and fellowship and the comfort of belonging to the largest family of Gold Wing/Valkyrie owners. We like to share our pleasure in the freedom of riding motorcycles with others like ourselves. We strive for improvement by attending GWRRA safety workshops. We share technical expertise, news and tips about riding, maintenance and the best touring routes in the world. We also offer emergency towing and roadside assistance program. Rescue is a benefit that ensures peace of mind, day or night. Among our 80,000 skilled and dedicated members can be found the answer to just about any question about the Gold Wing/Valkyrie, whether new or old! Membership, signified by our special, plastic membership card, also results in benefits like discounts at many Honda dealerships, certain hotels, campgrounds and travel agencies. And, if you ever need help when traveling, our Gold Book Directory connects you with your nearest friends wherever you are.

Benefits? Yes, we have many benefits and we're adding more all the time. But our most important benefit is sharing how to safely enjoy motorcycles in more ways than you thought possible!

Wing Ding: Incomparable Gold Wing Memories at our annual convention.

Once a year, Gold Wing/Valkyrie owners and their friends meet for the largest, most prestigious Gold Wing/Valkyrie extravaganza in the world. Called Wing Ding, it's four days of fun-filled activities that keeps members coming back year after year. Imagine thousands of Gold wings all in one place at one time! Picture yourself in the miles-long parade of Wings, waving at admirers lining the streets! Browse the busy aisles of the largest Gold Wing trade show in the world, with hundreds of vendors offering more chrome, lights, accessories and riding gear than you'll ever find anywhere else! You'll see talented Wing Riders competing for trophies and honors in skill events and precision drill team maneuvers. From festive dances and parties, to quiet times and reunions with far-flung friends, Wing Ding is a spectacular event. It's thousands of Wing Riders, phenomenal scenery, good food, marvelous riding and special memories you'll treasure for a lifetime.

Wing World: For the Ultimate Touring Machine Rider

A unique member benefit is Wing World magazine. This beautiful, glossy monthly publication is packed with Gold Wing touring stories, Honda and aftermarket product announcements, technical advice from Honda technicians and Gold Wing accessory advertising for finding what you need at the best prices. You'll read stories about people you know and places you dream of discovering; you’ll identify with letters written by riders like yourself from all over the world. No other magazine comes close to Wing World for its beautiful Gold Wing photos, news, commentary, technical tips, maintenance hints and travelogues. Every issue includes reader classifieds, rider education and an up-to-date listing of all national, regional and local GWRRA events, as well as a directory of our officers you can contact for more information.

The Gold Book: A directory of Friends Worldwide

The Gold Book is the exclusive GWRRA service directory, which lists participating GWRRA members' names, phone numbers and what they can share with you: help, information, tools, lodging, trip assistance, camping space and, of course, fellowship. If you find yourself needing help on a lonely highway, you’ll find a GWRRA friend nearby. Many members think the Gold Book is the best highway insurance of all!

Rider Education: Another Important Benefit

Consistently honored by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, the GWRRA Rider Education Program works diligently to teach you how to ride better, safer and smarter: perhaps, even how to save your life! You can learn how to safely pull a trailer, how to cope with adverse riding conditions, how to keep your Gold Wing in top-notch shape and how your passenger can be a better Co-Rider. Your participation entitles you to the best insurance rates available for your Gold Wing and its accessories.

Is There More?
A cloisonné enamel membership pin; an embroidered patch for your jacket; reflective safety decals; an embossed plastic membership card for discounts at many Honda dealers; free courtesy cards; our own "Warehouse" store; information on all GWRRA rallies and events; travel discounts; credit card programs; Rescue emergency towing and roadside assistance while riding on any motorcycle and several other benefits. See Rescue Plus for details on enhanced coverage.

How much is GWRRA?

You'll soon discover belonging to the Gold Wing Road Riders Association is an enormous value for a very small investment! Individual Membership is just $120 for three years, $85 for two years or $45 for one year. Family Membership is $150 for three years, $105 for two years, and $55 for one year.

To join GWRRA, call (800) 843-9460 or (623) 581-2500 during normal Phoenix business hours; or write GWRRA, P.O. Box 42450, Phoenix, AZ 85080-2450; or fax your application or request anytime to (623) 581-3844; or e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . MasterCard, VISA, American Express or Discover are accepted.

We are a proud and caring organization. Whether you ride in a group or alone, whether you're a "joiner" or a "loner," you will find GWRRA offers something special for you and yours. Many first-timers come for "just a look" and find something to last a lifetime!

Over 80,000 of your soon-to-be closest friends invite you to join GWRRA! Discover the pride and confidence of belonging to the largest, best and most caring Gold Wing organization in the world; dedicated to Friendship, Fun, Safety and Knowledge! Come home to GWRRA.

*Satisfaction guaranteed, or your money back!
*GWRRA will gladly refund you any of the remaining portion of your membership.

2010 VEGAS WINGS STAFF ROSTER

1. Chapter Director (CD): Tom & Charlie Ryckman (702) 818-4058

2. Assist. Chapter Director (ACD): Bruce& Christy Wagner

3. Chapter Treasurer: Robert & Dee Dee Senko

4. Chapter Educator (CE): Kent & Laura Marscheck

5. Chapter Correspondence Secretary: Dale & Margaret Elder

6. Chapter Ways & Means: Dave & Sue Hubbard

7. Chapter Photographer: Mike & Sharon Haney

8. Chapter Newsletter Editor: Jeff & Trish Thau

9. Chapter Ride Coordinator: Babe & Sandy Brenner

10. Chapter Store: Jon & Sharon Boothe

11. Membership Enhancement Coordinator: Jack & Mary Mills

12. Host & Welcome Coordinator: Jack & Mary Mills

13. Chapter Historian: Dr. Frank & Pam Krist

14. Recognition/Awards Coordinator: Jim & Dianna Menzel

15. Chapter Activity Coordinator: Teri Lee

16. Chapter Web Master: Jeff & Trish Thau

17. Chapter Technical Coordinator: Daniel & Eliane Nieuwinckel

NEVADA CHAPTER-A, VEGAS WINGS

PURPOSE

The GWRRA Rider Education Levels Program is intended to make the motorcycle environment safer by reducing injuries and fatalities by increasing motorcycle skills and awareness through education and training. The Riders Education Levels Program does not propose to have all the answers. However, our close-working relationship with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), as well as additional GWRRA programs and studies, has provided a wealth of information for use in establishing a comprehensive Rider Education Levels Program. Through Commitment, Education and Preparedness we can reduce our accident rate significantly. Thus we do our part to aid in Membership Retention.

SHORT TERM GOALS

Our immediate goal for the Nevada Chapter-A, Vegas Wings Chapter is to get everyone in the Riders Education Program starting with Level I Commitment. Upon learning the significance of safe riding, we would hope that the Members would continue onward to complete the Level II Education and Level III Preparedness Levels of the program. Upon successful completion of each of these levels, appropriate Rockers, Badges and Pins will be awarded to the Members after the Levels Application Form and associated fees are turned in to the Chapter Educator.

LONG TERM GOALS

Long term goals of the Chapter are to keep up-to-date records of the Member’s Level(s) and Class/Course requirements successfully completed . The Chapter will assist in facilitating advancement by listing GWRRA courses and classes offered in our local, District and Regional areas. We encourage all Membership to become Instructors, Trainers and or Seminar presenters, and will work with those members to assure that they receive the all pertinent information to become GWRRA Certified Instructors.

MISSION: TO SAVE LIVES THROUGH QUALITY WORLD CLASS EDUCATION

To receive the following Level information and forms:

• Levels Application
• Levels Corrections
• Levels Explanations

Contact: Kent Marscheck

Phone: 702-395-2249

GWRRA Chapter-A Finance Overview

Where does our Chapter Operating funds come from and how are they spent?

The GWRRA NV-A, Vegas Wings Chapter derives its Operating funds through a variety of fundraising activities. Fundraising activities include: paid advertising in the Vegas Wings Dispatch by various sponsors; sales from the Chapter Store; drawings and donations at chapter meetings; providing support and assistance to various organizations such as the Boulder City Spring Jamboree; charitable donations; other Chapter activities such as Thanksgiving and Holiday celebrations.

Chapter funds are spent under the direction of the Chapter Director for various activities. These activities include: Chapter social and membership functions; Chapter Rider Education; donations to charitable organizations such as the Ride for Kids and Shade Tree Shelter; production of the Vegas Wings Dispatch; maintenance and domain fees for the Chapter web site; restocking items for sale in the Chapter store; office expenses; postage; annual Chapter re-chartering fees and other various expenses.

Want to Advertise in our Chapter Dispatch?

Full Page -------- $90 Year

Half Page -------- $60 Year

Quarter Page --- $30 Year

Contact our Chapter Treasurer Robert Senko at 702-293-5550

VEGAS WINGS GROUP RIDING GUIDELINES

 

 

I wanted to write a brief overview of the GWRRA “Group Riding” guidelines since there are so many new members in our Chapter that may not be familiar with “group ride” techniques and/or protocol. I hope this article gives you a better understanding of why we do the things we do prior to and during a Chapter group ride.

1. Gathering in parking lot for the ride:

The “Road Coordinator” (Babe and Sandy Brenner) is in charge of planning and directing the group ride from the start area to the destination point. He selects the Road Captains for the ride and finalizes the route to be taken including rest stops and other necessary safeguards for a safe and enjoyable ride. If members have concerns (diabetic, bladder problems, etc,), for the upcoming ride, then let him know in advance so he can inform the Road Captains ahead of ride. The Road Coordinator can also eliminate any cycle from the ride if he feels that the cycle is not in good operation condition and a hazard to the group.

2. The Road Captains:

GWRRA mandates that all the Chapter Road Captains attend and complete the GWRRA Road Captain course study, participate in the road training course and become GWRRA certified in order to perform as Road Captains on group rides. Therefore, only certified Road Captains will be called upon to lead the rides.

3. Organizing the Group Ride Formation:

We try to limit the group size between three and six (seven maximum) in any group ride we take due to safety while on the road. The final number in any given group is up to the Road Captain’s discretion. There will always be a Road Captain Lead (Front Door) leading the group and a Road Captain Drag (Back Door) in the rear of the group. The 2-wheel cycles are always placed in front of the group and trikes in the rear. This is because trikes can stop faster than the 2-wheel cycles. Cycles with trailers or sidecars are placed in the front of the 2-wheelers in the group since they take longer to stop than the 2-wheel cycles. Both 2-wheel cycles and trikes without CBs are generally placed between cycles and trikes equipped with CBs.

4. The Ride:

It is the usually the intent of the Road Captain(s) to travel at the posted speed limit. There are two types of group riding formations – single file or staggered. The most common formation is the “staggered” formation. A single formation will be directed by the Road Captain in route by using hand signals if he feels that the upcoming road condition warrants this formation. In the staggered formation, the Front Door Road Captain will always ride in the left track of the lane and the next bike in formation will ride in the right track of the lane. All riders in the group are to use a “two-second” time spacing between you and the person directly in front of you in the same track. This means that you will be “one-second” spaced behind the closest bike to you in the next track. By using this “one and two second” spacing guideline, the group will remain in a tight and safe riding formation. If the group starts to get “spread out”, then the Drag Leader will notify everyone by CB to tighten up the formation.

Communication chatter on the CB must be kept to a minimum while starting the ride and going through heavy traffic. The Front Door must be able to communicate freely and quickly with the Back Door. It is up to the Front Door Road Captain’s discretion to open up the CB chatter once the group is safely out on the open road and out of harms way.

Hand signals are extremely important to everyone and all riders must know the three hand signals for 1) Single formation, 2) Staggered Formation and 3) Hazard (hand signals are located in the back of GWRRA Gold Book). Hand signals are initiated by the Front Door Road Captain and passed down the group during the ride. The Back Door Road Captain will acknowledge the hand signal back to the Front Door via CB once the hand signal has reached him. Co-Riders are encouraged to learn and use these hand signals also.

When a car breaks into the group formation on the road (which it always does!), the bike directly behind the car now becomes the temporary Front Door for the group trailing behind him. The Temporary Front Door will immediately communicate with the Back Door, identify himself and remain the temporary Front Door until this group can catch up to the rest of the group. Likewise, the bike immediately in front of the car becomes the temporary Back Door and communicates with the lead group Front Door until the two groups become “one” again. When this happens, the group in front of the car becomes Group 1 and the trailing group behind the car becomes Group 2. When communicating on the CB, you must say your Group number first along with your name to avoid confusion amongst the two groups!

Lane changes out on the road are initiated ONLY by the Front Door Road Captain. The Front Door will ask the Back Door to secure the adjacent lane that the group is moving to and once the Front Door receives verbal notification back from the Back Door that the lane is secured, then and only then, will the Front Door activate his turn signal and verbally direct the group via CB to “look left, go left” or “look right, go right” to change lanes. Everyone in the group should use their turn signals and all move together to the adjacent lane.

When passing another vehicle on a two-lane road, the Front Door will announce to the group to “individually pass safely at your discretion.” Once passed, the Front Door will slow down to wait for all the bikes to execute their pass and then re-group.

When stopping at a stop light, the group should double-up (side by side) the formation while waiting for the red light and return to staggered formation once the light turns green.

And last, the Vegas Wings always wants their members to “ride their own ride”. That is to say that if you feel uncomfortable riding the speed limit of 70 mph on highway, then it is advised to communicate this with the Road Coordinator days in advance of the ride so he can possibly arrange a separate group of riders that feel the same as you do. A Front and Back Door Road Captain will be assigned to this group and the group will leave earlier than the other group(s). This will allow all groups to meet up at the scheduled rest stops planned or at the final destination point.

As Always, Ride Safely and Have Fun!!

Tom & Charlie Ryckman

NEW MEMBER INFORMATION

 

DATE: _________

NAME: ___________________________ _____________________ CELL PHONE: _________________

LAST FIRST

E-MAIL: ______________________________________________ BIRTHDATE: __________________

NAME: ___________________________ ____________________ CELL PHONE: _________________

LAST FIRST

E-MAIL: ______________________________________________ BIRTHDATE: __________________

ADDRESS: ____________________________________________ _________________ ________________

NO. & STREET CITY ZIP CODE

HOME PHONE:______________________ ______ __ WEDDING ANNIVERSARY DATE: ________________

EMERGENCY CONTACT, NAME AND PHONE: ___________________________________________________________

(TO BE GIVEN TO ROAD CAPTAIN WHEN RIDING AS A GROUP)

GWRRA MEMBER: Y / N EXPIRATION DATE:____________ M’CYCLE TYPE & COLOR: ____________________

IS IT OK TO PRINT YOUR NAME, ADDRESS, PHONE, E-MAIL ADDRESSES IN THE GWWRA CHAPTER-A, VEGAS WINGS MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY AND INCLUDE YOUR BIRTHDAY(S) AND ANNIVERSARY IN THE MONTHLY DISPATCH?

YES _______ NO _______