gold wing road riders august, 2016 association … · weather was perfect for a stroll around town,...
TRANSCRIPT
GWRRA Pennsylvania Chapter I 1
GOLD WING ROAD RIDERS ASSOCIATION
Northeast Region B Pennsylvania District Chapter PA-I
Inside this issue
Ray & Doreen Snyder, Chapter Directors ... 1
Chapter, District, Region Team Listings ..... 2
Web Links ................................................... 2
Rick & Andi Riek, Pennsylvania District Directors .................. 3
Levels Program ........................................... 4
Jim & Pat Delo, Assistant Chapter Directors ....................... 4
Release Your Inner Author! ........................ 5
Lori Schill, Chapter Educator/MAD Coordinator ......... 5
Advertisement: World of Wheels ............... 5
Advertisement: The Dog House .................. 5
On The Road With The Wandering Hartle and Simcox Team ............................ 7
Jim & Pat Delo Chapter I couple of the Year ....................... 7
Kathie Simcox & Danise Hartle Ambassadors of Fun ................................... 7
Let’s Celebrate ........................................... 8
Event Calendar ........................................... 8
Hi Chapter I…
Pennsylvania is in GWRRA’s Northeast Region B. What are the other states in the Northeast Region?
Doreen and I just got back from the weekend ride that Donna and Lee Miller led to Blackwater Falls in West Virginia. There was a total of 13 people on
seven bikes enjoying the beautiful scenery, good roads, and having fun with great friends! Thank You Donna and Lee!
Looking back to the beginning of the month, on July 3rd, we led a ride to the Texas Road House in State College. The four bikes on the ride attempted to go through Black Moshannon State Park on the way to State College but found that an accident had closed the road. We returned to Philipsburg, the on to State College. After dinner, we returned home via Black Moshannon since damaged vehicles were removed and the gas spill was cleaned up.
On July 4th, we led a group of four bikes to Ellicottville, New York. The weather was perfect for a stroll around town, and lunch at one of the local eateries. It wasn’t until we were almost home that we saw a little light rain.
Then on July 7th, Doreen and I enjoyed some fantastic weather as we rode the bike to Delaware to our grandson's birthday party.
We had a nice turnout at the gathering. There were 36 members plus Roger Witter brought a guest .
There were 11 that attended the Meet & Eat at the Pine Inn in Falls Creek.
The summer is going fast! Keep watching your emails for rides!
The Chapter Picnic is on August 13th (See Page 9). Let us know if you are coming.
Friends for Fun, Be Safe, and Learn Something New!
Ray and Doreen Snyder Chapter Directors
The Answer to the question at the beginning of this article: CT-DE-ME-MD-NH-NJ-NY-PA-RI-VT.
(Continued on page 3)
AUGUST, 2016
On The Web: www.pachpateri.com
Chapter I Gatherings Third Friday each month
Hoss’s Steak & Sea House 675 Liberty Boulevard
DuBois, PA 6:30 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Gathering Come Join Us!
Ray & Doreen Snyder ..................................... Chapter Directors
Contact Chapter Directors, Ray & Doreen Snyder at:
814-583-5619 [email protected]
(Continued on page 3 )
GWRRA Pennsylvania Chapter I 2
Chapter Directors
Ray & Doreen Snyder 814-583-5619 [email protected]
Assistant Directors
Jim & Pat Delo 814-328-5133 [email protected] [email protected]
Chapter Educators/Motorist Awareness Coordinators
Lori and Gary Schill 814-226-6314 (home) 814-229-6314 (cell) [email protected] [email protected]
Membership Enhancement Coordinators
Dick & Mary Lou Hetrick 814-856-3222 [email protected]
Treasurer
Nancy Knarr 814-952-5317 (home) 814-938-3729 (cell) [email protected]
Album Coordinator
Donna Miller 814-849-8997 [email protected]
Couple of the Year Coordinators
George & Kathie Simcox 814-371-7387 [email protected]
Chapter Couple of the Year
Jim & Pat Delo 814-328-5133 [email protected] [email protected]
Chapter of the Year Coordinator
Doreen Snyder 814-583-5619 [email protected]
Ambassadors of Fun
Kathie Simcox [email protected] and Danise Hartle [email protected]
Ride Coordinators
Terry & Mary Mauk 814-856-2148 [email protected] [email protected]
Roll for the Dough Coordinators
Dana & Danise Hartle 814-938-7136 [email protected]
Greeting Card Coordinators
Gary & Carol Doverspike 814-256-3773 [email protected]
Goodies Coordinators
Dave & Cindy Marconi 814-781-6383 [email protected]
Newsletter Staff
Lori Schill, Editor 814-226-6314 [email protected] with Bill & Peg Zortman 814-653-8851 [email protected] and Dave & Susan Moore 814-653-2091
Webmaster & Advertising Coordinator
Gary Schill 814-226-6314 [email protected]
Pennsylvania District Directors Rick & Andrea (Andi) Riek [email protected]
Assistant Directors Jim & Diane Heffelfinger [email protected] and Harold & Diane Jackson [email protected]
Educators Doug & Cyndy Motter [email protected] Phil & Darlene Pirozzi [email protected]
Trainers Gerry & Bonnie Vanart [email protected]
Couple of the Year John Steele & Kit Johnson [email protected]
Goodies Coordinators Dave & Cindy Marconi
CHAPTER I TEAM PENNSYLVANIA DISTRICT TEAM
NORTHEAST REGION B TEAM
Northeast Region B Directors Tom & Renee Wasluck [email protected]
Region B Assistant Directors Kevin & Georgia LeBlond [email protected] and Ken & Lois Ingram [email protected]
Educators John & Pam Van Deusen fj.vandeusen@icloud
CPR/FA Coordinators Keith and Elaine Price [email protected]
Couple of the Year Coordinators & Membership Coordinators Dan & Mary Costello [email protected]
Chapter of the Year Coordinators Bob & Julie A’Hearn [email protected]
2015 / 2016 Couple of the Year Rich & Wendy Wirt [email protected]
Trainers Eileen & Time Guile [email protected]
Webmaster Clark Clemens [email protected]
GWRRA International www.gwrra.org
Northeast Region B www.gwrra-northeastregion.org
Pennsylvania District www.gwrrapadist.org
Pennsylvania Chapter I www.pachapteri.com
WEB LINKS
GWRRA Pennsylvania Chapter I 3
Hello everyone! Andi and I hope that everyone is doing well and is able to get a lot of riding in this summer. We've been reading the chapter newsletters as they come out and have seen a lot of interesting rides being
posted. If you need some ideas on where to go, check out the chapter newsletters and websites to see what all of the chapters have to offer. I'm sure you will find something interesting.
We are in the hottest time of the year for riding now and one thing we must do is stay cool and hydrated while on our Gold Wings. If you want to have a FUN ride, do everything in your power to keep your co-riders safe and cool. Keep water and sports drinks available while riding to keep hydrated. Stop often and drink if needed to make sure you don’t get heat stroke.
Another thing you can do to keep cool is place towels soaked in ice water around your neck. There are many tools out there to keep you cool while riding so check them out and if you can use them please do. Remember that if you wait until you’re actually thirsty, you’ve waited too long to take a drink! Stop for regular breaks, before anyone gets overheated. Why not plan some rides in the evening instead – dinner rides, or “moonlight rides.”
Andi and I will be attending the NY/NJ Bi-State Rally in Swedesboro, New Jersey on August 4-6. It's always a fun time being with fellow Gold Wingers from neighboring districts. Also, along with having fun, chapters that have at least five members attending will receive Roll for the Dough points.
Speaking of Roll for the Dough, it looks like many chapters are doing a lot of visiting and receiving points. That is a good thing to see. We always said that the main goal of Roll for the Dough is visiting and getting to meet other chapter members. The points you receive are just an added bonus.
Make sure to watch the evening daily 4 digit lottery number beginning in August to see if you have the winning Pennsylvania District raffle ticket. Last year Chapter D sold three winning tickets. Thank you to everyone for selling the district raffle tickets for the chapters. There were eight chapters that sold all of their tickets and we sold 10% more tickets in 2016 than we did in 2015. Congratulations and thank you again for all the hard work in selling the tickets.
We now have two chapters who have stepped up and committed to sponsoring All Chapters East and West for 2017. A big thank you to these chapters. In talking to previous chapters who have sponsored an All Chapters event, they all said that doing this brought enthusiasm to the chapter. They all had a great time planning the event. It is a lot of work, but in the end it is well worth the effort. Maybe this is something your chapter may want to think about for 2018. More information about these events will be coming soon.
Plans are coming along for the District Rally in State College in 2017. We read the suggestions you gave us in the survey and will
GWRRA Pa Chapter I Pig Roast at Clarion County Park Flyer ....................... 9
Gravity Hill Ride Flyer ................................. 10
Advertisement: Brookville Motorsports ...... 11
Advertisement: Xtreme Wear ..................... 11
For Sale ....................................................... 12
Chapter Pride (Chapter Goods) .................. 12
Terry & Mary Mauk, Ride Coordinators ..... 13
Advertisement: G&L Designs ...................... 13
Dave & Cindy Marconi, Chapter I Members/Goodies Coordinators ................................. 13
Gary Schill: Advertising Coordinator/Webmaster: What’s Old is New Again! From the Grave to Production Line........................................... 14
Support Our Advertisers!............................ 14
Peg Zortman, Chapter Historian: American Honda Plant Tour: A Memory From January, 1988 .................. 15
Advertisement: Biker King .......................... 15
Lee & Donna Miller ..................................... 17
Holly & Dan Stitt ......................................... 17
Advertise With Chapter PA-I ....................... 17
Photo: Ranger Dana Hartle ......................... 18
Photo: George Simcox and His BFF ............. 18
Photo: Danise Hartle & Kathie Simcox: What A View! .............................................. 18
Fourth Annual Teddy Bear Fun Ride ........... 19
(More of what’s inside)
GWRRA Chapters of the Pennsylvania District
Rick & Andi Riek ......................................... PA District Directors
GWRRA Pennsylvania Chapter I 4
try to incorporate as many as we can. Thank you for your feedback. It was very helpful. I know it's early to start planning, but we need to find a place to hold the District Rally in 2018. We will be sending letters to a few hotels, but if you know of a place that you think would be able to accommodate us, please let us know.
Rick & Andi Riek Pennsylvania District Directors
Hello to all!
Can you believe it is almost the end of July? We sure hope you have been getting some nice rides in. The weather has been beautiful...a little hot and humid, but with the wind cooling us off on the bike, it is nice.
Terry and Mary Mauk led a very nice ride to Amish Country. Jim was having some problems with his one hand and didn’t feel up to the ride when he got up. I emailed Mary and explained that we would not be joining them. As the morning went on, and the nice sun came out, the aches and pains melted away and we decided to head out and meet up with the group in Volant. We had no trouble finding them in the small town. First, there was the Gold Wing with a duck on the back. It had to be Chapter I. Then...where to look for the riders? Find food! There they were.
Just a reminder: If at first you think you aren’t up to the ride and then wish you had gone (and it is within reason) hop on the ‘Wing and catch up. This was a very enjoyable time and we almost missed it.
By the time you read this, the trip to Blackwater Falls will be over. This is an overnight trip that Lee and Donna Miller have put together and we are sure looking forward to a great time. We are going to places that we would never see on our own, but with others it is so much fun.
Another reminder: Don’t worry about not really knowing everyone (or anyone) on a ride or at an event. By the end of the day, you will be like a family member. Sometimes we just have to put ourselves out there. Do it, and I’m sure you won’t be sorry.
Enjoy your riding and we’ll see you soon.
Jim & Pat Delo Assistant Chapter Directors
Levels Program
Have you enrolled in the GWRRA
“Levels Program?”
Contact the Chapter Educator to enroll now!
Are you “current” in the Levels Program?
Check your status at: www.gwrra.org.
On the Rider Education page, click on “My R.E. Information”
and log in to see where you stand.
Watch for announcements here, and in your email inbox, about
upcoming education opportunities!
We encourage you to accept the challenge to make the commitment, learn the skills, and
apply what you learn so that you can make motorcycling safer,
increase your riding skills, and make other drivers
more aware of motorcycles.
Safety doesn’t happen by accident!
Jim & Pat Delo ................................................. Assistant Directors
GWRRA Pennsylvania Chapter I 5
Safety Quiz
I found this quiz on a South Dakota website. Give these questions some thought; we’ll discuss these at the next gathering.
1. When riding a motorcycle, the rider: a. Uses both hands, both feet and both thumbs to operate the
motorcycle. b. Must stay alert. c. Must be in good physical condition to ride a motorcycle. d. All of the above.
2. What is the minimum safe following distance behind a motorcycle?
a. One second. b. Two seconds. c. Two car-lengths. d. Three car-lengths.
3 Since motorcycles are so much smaller than other vehicles, it is okay to share a lane with them.
a. FALSE b. TRUE
4. When riding you should: a. Turn just your head and eyes to look where
you want to go. b. Keep your arms straight. c. Keep your knees away from the gas tank. d. Keep your head and shoulders straight
ahead.
5. How much alcohol does it take to impair one’s ability to drive safely?
a. One drink. b. Two drinks. c. It depends on your gender. d. It depends on your age and/or weight.
(Keep going...there are more quiz questions!)
Release Your Inner Author!
Not everyone has a novel inside them, but we all have a story to share. Release your “inner author” …
Share your stories here in the Chapter I newsletter.
Submissions received before the 27
th of the month
appear in the next month’s publication (space permitting).
Email your story, recipe, etc. to Lori Schill at: [email protected].
Lori Schill ...................... Chapter Educator/MAD Coordinator
GWRRA Pennsylvania Chapter I 6
6. The most accurate statement about motorcycles is: a. They are dangerous. b. Motorcycles take longer to stop than other vehicles. c. Motorcycles are easier to see in traffic because they can
weave in and out of other vehicles. d. They cost less to drive than most cars.
7. A motorcyclist who weaves around within one lane: a. May be avoiding hazards in the road. b. Is probably drunk. c. Doesn’t know how to ride his motorcycle correctly. d. Shouldn’t be riding a motorcycle.
8. When passing a motorcycle: a. You are allowed to pass in the same lane due to the
smaller size of the motorcycle b. You should allow as much room for the motorcycle as you
would for any other vehicle c. You can come up close behind a motorcycle because they
don’t take up as much room on the road d. You don’t need to signal because a motorcycle doesn’t
take up a full lane
9. Why do motorcycles have their headlights on during the daytime?
a. To increase their visibility to other drivers. b. To tell the difference between other motor vehicles and
motorcycles. c. Motorcyclists forget to turn off the headlight. d. All of these answers are correct.
10. If an animal chases you on your motorcycle, you should: a. Try to kick the animal. b. Stop until the animal loses interest in you. c. Approach the animal slowly and then speed up. d. Swerve around the animal.
11. If a tire goes flat while riding, it is usually best to: a. Shift your weight away from the flat wheel and brake. b. Hold the handlebars firmly and stay off the brakes. c. Use the brake on the good wheel and steer to the side of
the road. d. Use both brakes and stop quickly.
12. A plastic face shield: a. Helps protect your whole face. b. Is not necessary if you have a wind screen. c. Only protects your eyes. d. Does not protect your face as much as goggles.
Hopefully, these quizzes get you thinking about your riding skills and strategies.
Be aware that motorcycling is not a passive activity. We need to always be thinking about the next “what if” moment that may pop up in front of (or behind or beside) us.
Safety doesn’t happen by accident… Ride like your life depends on it!
Lori Schill Chapter Educator/MAD Coordinator
GWRRA Pennsylvania Chapter I 7
Our time as your Couple of the Year is almost over. It has been a great year and a half. I can’t tell you how many new friends we have made, and it is all because of being asked to represent Chapter PA-I.
This has been an experience that we will treasure for a long time to come. If you had heard Jim before we became Couple of the Year, you know he really didn’t want the position. Now he will tell you, “Go for it.”
There probably isn’t a chapter in Pennsylvania that we can go to and not know someone. It’s been one of the best times of our GWRRA membership. So if you are approached, don’t say “no” too quickly. There are many adventures around the corner, and it is a great journey. Travel and make memories.
Jim & Pat Delo Chapter I Couple of the Year
Hi Chapter I! It's Danise and Kathie hailing from Oregon. We are on the 21st day of our 35-day trip. We’re more than halfway through, and we can't believe it. Not a drop of rain as of this writing.
We have traveled over 5,500 miles … so far. Every once in a while, we will see Dana or George doing laps around the parking lot, each hoping to rack up more miles than the other. We told them not to bother; Dale Bundy will beat us anyway!
We have seen so much beauty in each state. We have also seen temperatures ranging from 52 degrees to 111 degrees! We have been trying to keep a journal each night but it is so easy to forget things! Now we know why Peg Zortman keeps that little notebook and pen with her at all times!
The wildlife has been amazing. We’ve spied prairie dogs, roadrunners, elk, antelope, seabirds, seals, and sea lions to name a few.
Everywhere we go, people stop us to ask questions about the bikes and take pictures of them. We have been quite the celebrities!
We miss everyone and hope you are having a great summer with lots of riding. We know you miss our games and we'll be sure to make up for it at the next gathering! Love, Danise & Kathie
Kathie Simcox & Danise Hartle Ambassadors of Fun
(Continued on page 8)
Jim & Pat Delo ............................... Chapter I Couple of the Year
Kathie Simcox & Danise Hartle ............ Ambassadors of Fun
On The Road With The Wandering Hartle
and Simcox Team
Kathie and Danise sent along a little extra that they thought you might enjoy!
Signs You Probably Will Not See In Pennsylvania:
Tsunami Evacuation Route
Avalanche Zone
Shark Sighting: Swim at your own risk
Electric Car Charging Station
Wildfire Season: Is your home ready?
Chains may be needed at any time
Pig Crossing
High Gusty Crosswinds Next Three Miles
Active Bear Area: Don't take food from bears.
(They must have heard that George was coming to the area!)
Danger: Falling will cause injury or death.
Stay back from cliff edges.
Caution: Skunk Crossing.
Please Don't Steal sign, it cost me $40.
Plague Warning. Don't feed chipmunks and squirrels.
They have been infected.
GWRRA Pennsylvania Chapter I 8
Let’s Celebrate!
Happy Birthday
Ken Maines ............................. August 3
Leslie Snyder ......................... August 11
Bonnie Horner ....................... August 13
Jack Horner ........................... August 19
Denny Snyder ....................... August 20
Dana Hartle ........................... August 26
Sheila Reams ................... September 1
Happy Anniversary
Ray & Doreen Snyder .............. August 6
Terry & Mary Mauk ................ August 15
Dave & Susan Moore ............. August 21
John & Patti Marnati ............... August 24
Bill & Nora Jean Nall ............... August 26
Richard & Dorothy Youngdahl August 26
Dana & Danise Hartle ............ August 30
Jack & Bonnie Horner ....... September 2
Check the Chapter I website calendar
for more event details as they become available!
http://www.pachapteri.com/
AUGUST 2016 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
July 31 1 2 3 4 5 6
Ken Maines’ Birthday
Ray & Doreen Snyder ‘s
Anniversary
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
4th Annual Teddy Bear
Fun Ride
Meet & Eat
Leslie Snyder’s Birthday
Chapter I Pig Roast
Bonnie Horner’s Birthday
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Terry & Mary
Mauk’s Anniversary
PA-I Gathering
Jack Horner’s Birthday
Grice/Ft. Worth Ride
Denny Snyder’s Birthday
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
Bedford County
(Gravity Hill)
Dave & Susan Moore’s
Anniversary
John & Patti Marnati’s
Anniversary
N.6 Report Due
Newsletter Articles Due!
Chapter I Campout
Dana Hartle’s Birthday
Anniversaries: Bill & Nora Jean
Nall
Richard & Dorothy
Youngdahl
Chapter I Campout
28 29 30 31 Sep 1 Sep 2 Sep 3
Chapter I Campout
Dana & Danise Hartle’s
Anniversary Wing Ding 38
Wing Ding 38
Sheila Reams’ Birthday
Wing Ding 38
Jack & Bonnie Horner’s
Anniversary
Wing Ding 38
UPCOMING EVENTS:
DATE EVENT TIME LOCATION NOTE
August 7 Teddy Bear Fun Ride * * Looking for a leader to
organize this ride.
August 11 Meet & Eat 6:00 pm
Sarah’s Place, Route 950
Reynoldsville
August 13
Chapter I Pig Roast/Picnic
2:00 pm Meat Served at
4:00 pm
See flyer on Page 9 RSVP, Please!
August 19
Chapter I Gathering
6:30 pm—Dinner 7:30 pm Gathering
Hoss’s Steak & Sea House,
DuBois
Print & bring email that is sent out before gathering
August 20
Grice Museum/Ft.
Worth 10:00 am
Meet at Sears parking lot in DuBois Mall
This ride is in honor of Gary & Carol Doverspike’s 50th
wedding anniversary
August 21
Bedford County
(Gravity Hill) See flyer on
Page 10
August 25
Newsletter Articles Due
Share a story, recipe, or joke! Email
August 25
Meet & Greet 6:00 pm
Deb’s Diner, 720 Main
Street, Strattanville
August 26-28
Chapter I Camp Out All Weekend Curwensville
GWRRA Pennsylvania Chapter I 9
Members and Their Families Are Invited!
August 13, 2016 2:00 pm (Meat Served at 4:00 pm)
Take Exit 60 off Interstate 80
On Route 66, travel 9/10 of a mile from Jiffy Mart
Turn Left at Charles Tool, across from Bauer Truck Repair
Travel 1/2 mile on heavily-wooded road to Clarion County Park
We have Pavilion #8 (near the soccer field)
GWRRA Pennsylvania Chapter I 10
Gravity Hill Ride Sunday, August 21, 2016
Ride hosted by Terry and Mary Mauk. Please let us know if you plan to join us. ([email protected] or 814.648-0836) Thank you!
Meet at Brookville Sheetz, corner of Routes 322 and 36 – Kickstands up at 11 a.m.
Stop at Punxsutawney WalMart on Route 119 to pick-up additional riders – estimated time 11:30 a.m.
We’ll enjoy a scenic country ride to Gravity Hill in Bedford County. Located in the “suburbs” of New Paris, Pennsylvania, Gravity Hill is quite a phenomenon. Cars (and bikes!) roll uphill and water flows the wrong way. It’s a place where gravity has gone haywire. There is no fee to venture onto Gravity Hill, because it is, quite simply, a road in a remote corner of Bedford County!
We’ll turn around nearby where one of the locals has a small fish hatchery and sells fresh honey on the comb or in jars.
From there, we follow part of the Bedford County Covered Bridge Driving Tour viewing Cuppett’s and Ryot covered bridges and stopping at Kniseley covered bridge.
Just up the road from the Kniseley Covered Bridge is Long’s Outpost. This unique store has a little something for everyone from tools and farm supplies for the guys, to candles and kitchen towels for the ladies, to genuine John Deere toys for the kid in all of us.
Our lunch stop is to be determined. We’ll choose between 1) The Cow, a family-owned and operated soft ice cream and sandwich stand in operation since 1958
serving soft ice cream treats crafted from local dairy milk and hamburgers from their own beef cattle raised on Claycomb Farms, or 2) Traditions, a step back in time to grandma’s table where you can enjoy some true Pennsylvania Dutch culture featuring fresh made-from-scratch cooking and baking. A bakery and store are adjacent to the restaurant with many Pennsylvania Dutch items such as gifts and toys, handmade clothing and footwear, thousands of fabrics and notions, and wildlife displays for the whole family to enjoy.
(Our grandson, Cayden, posing at The Cow.)
Our hope is for this to be a relaxing, enjoyable day for all. Total travel time is 8-9 hours depending on the number of rest and refuel stops. Estimated arrival time back home is 8:00 p.m.
GWRRA Pennsylvania Chapter I 11
GWRRA Pennsylvania Chapter I 12
For Sale:
*WINDWARD Camper. Gently used. King-sized bed with 6 x 6 sitting area. If seriously interested, call Dick at 814-856-3222.
*MARKLAND Heal/Toe Shifter & Floorboards. Fits GL1500. Very good condition with little to no rust. Check Chapter I website Classified ads for pictures and what all comes with. Asking $215. Contact Gary & Lori Schill at 814-226-6314.
*Driver backrest for GL1500. Adjustable from front-to-back using chromed sliding tubes. Retails for about $210. Asking $50. See Chapter I website Classified ads for pictures. Contact Gary & Lori Schill at 814-226-6314.
Chapter Pride
A variety of Chapter Wear items are available from the suppliers below.
Secco Designs
If ordered “in quantity” from Secco Designs, prices are as follows.
Polo Shirts:
Small to XL $12.00* 2XL $13.00* 3XL to 5XL $14.00*
T-Shirts: Short Sleeve Long Sleeve
Small to XL $ 8.00* $11.00* 2XL $ 9.00* $12.00* 3XL to 5XL $10.00* $13.00*
Hoodie Sweatshirt:
Small to XL $25.00* 2XL $26.00* 3XL to 5XL $28.00*
* Adding name adds $1 to the price
Biker King
An advertiser - and chapter member - Biker King offers a wide variety of high-quality Chapter I clothing - many items feature exclusive “Gold or Black Glitz” (sparkling metal flake) printing of logos and names. Order just one ... or more!
Go to Biker King’s website to view the selection and pricing of Chapter I gifts and wearables. Complete your order online and have your items delivered to your home … usually within one week!
*Biker King supports Chapter I by donating a portion of your purchase price back to the chapter.
Brookville Motorsports
Black Denim Vests
Brookville Motorsports, an advertiser - and chapter member - stocks a very attractive black denim vest in sizes S to 5XL. Contact Dale or Lisa at 814-849-0004 for current pricing and
availability. More on these vests is on the Chapter website merchandise page.
GWRRA and Chapter I Bike Flags, Patches, Pins, & Pin Locks! Contact Goodies Coordinators, Dave or Cindy Marconi at [email protected] with inquiries and orders. Payment due upon receipt of order.
Looking to buy, sell, or trade something?
There is no charge to Chapter I members who wish to list items
here.
Contact Lori Schill at [email protected]
with detailed information!
GWRRA Pennsylvania Chapter I 13
What do teddy bears, ice cream cones, honey bees, cows, and wienies roasting on an open fire all have in common? They’re things you’ll see when you participate in the Chapter I group rides scheduled in August! Check the Chapter I online calendar for more information as it becomes available. Flyers will be distributed via email and/or at the monthly gathering. Here’s a brief explanation of each ride to whet your appetite:
4th Annual Teddy Bear Fun Ride to benefit the Pediatric Units at IRMC & Children’s Hospital, Sunday, August 7th. Fifty miles of escorted riding from Indian Springs Road Fire Station in Indiana. Cost: $15/driver & $10/rider. (See flyer on page 19 for more information) We’re looking for someone to organize and lead our group to Indiana. Interested? Let us know!
Meet & Greet #1: Sarah’s Place, Route 950, Reynoldsville. Thursday, August 11th at 6 pm.
Chapter I Picnic, Clarion County Park, Saturday, August 13th. Games start at 2 pm, and serving of Pig Roast at 4 pm. Bring a covered dish. RSVP to [email protected] or call the Snyders at (814) 591-5538. (See flyer on page 9 for more information.)
Grice’s Museum, Clearfield followed by Fort Worth Restaurant, 229 West Long Avenue, DuBois. Saturday, August 20th. We will meet at - and leave from - Sears’ parking lot at the DuBois Mall
at 10 am.
Bedford County Ride: Stops include Gravity Hill, Rick’s Apiary, covered bridges, Long’s Outpost, and The Cow. (See flyer on page 10 for more information.) RSVP to [email protected] or call the Mauks at (814) 648-0836.
Meet & Greet #2: Deb’s Diner, 720 Main Street, Strattanville. Thursday, August 25th at 6 pm.
Chapter I Camp-Out, Curwensville Lake, Clearfield County. Weekend of August 26th - 28th.
Terry & Mary Mauk Ride Coordinators
We want to sent a special “thanks” to Kathy Simcox for sharing her vacation photos. We looked forward to updates from your travels every day.
What an adventure you are having!
Dave & Cindy Marconi Goodies Coordinator/Chapter I Member
Terry & Mary Mauk ....................................... Ride Coordinators
Dave & Cindy Marconi..…Goodies Coordinators
GWRRA Pennsylvania Chapter I 14
What’s Old is New Again! From the Grave to Production Line
Several years ago - in fact, decades ago - there were many motorcycle manufacturers producing some incredible bikes for their time. They came from Italy, Spain, England, Sweden, and others.
Although many of us ride big touring bikes, most notably Gold Wings (except for the few “rebels” among us), most started on smaller bikes. While some of those manufacturers are still producing, many have succumbed to bad economic conditions or the fiercely strong competition of the predominantly Japanese market.
You may recognize the names: Benelli, Bultaco, Husqvarna, Laverda, Excelsior-Henderson, and BSA. Not so long ago, even Indian and Triumph were on the list of now-defunct bike makers, but these two are now back in production and doing quite well.
For those that admire Italian style, Benelli has been on the comeback trail for a few years now. After a few shaky restarts, they seem to have firm footing. Recently, they announced that they will again enter the larger displacement classes soon. For the story leading up to the recent announcement, you can read the article that I have published in a Biker King Newsletter back in 2015 here.
The Swedish Husqvarna has been limping along for more than a few years. After at least two buyouts, they are again on solid ground and expanding their lineup rapidly. Although Husqvarna was primarily dirt bike-oriented, they are now getting in to street bikes thanks to the brand purchase by KTM.
Excelsior-Henderson tried, and failed, at a comeback after about 2,000 bikes were produced. Approximately 100 million dollars was raised and spent in that revival by CEO Dan Hanlon. They were nearing profitability, but could not raise the needed capital fast enough to keep up with manufacturing, and were forced to cease production. Their website is currently maintained for those who purchased the bikes, and with the hope of one day trying it again.
Laverda and BSA never returned to production. That brings us to Bultaco. For those that don’t know, Bultaco had produced some very competitive bikes in everything from road racing, trials, motocross, and even short track. Their trials machines were perhaps the most well-known and successful. However, it was their short track model - the Astro - that put many larger machines to shame on the track.
Bultaco also produced some great street bikes. Out of production since 1983, they are coming back with a very slow introduction of new models. The new models, though, are certainly not what an old Bultaco fan might expect from the reborn company. Why? That will be revealed in an upcoming Biker King Newsletter within the next several weeks. To be sure you know when that newsletter is published, like Biker King’s Facebook page.
Gary Schill Advertising Coordinator/Webmaster
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ADVERTISERS ! The advertisements in this newsletter have been purchased by
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We encourage you to thank them by giving them your business,
whenever possible. Be sure to tell them that you
saw their ads in the PA Chapter I newsletter!
Gary Schill ................... Advertising Coordinator/Webmaster
GWRRA Pennsylvania Chapter I 15
American Honda Plant Tour:
A memory from January 1988
The * indicates a deceased friend
Now keep in mind this was nearly 30 years ago and the facts were correct at that time.
Friday January 22, 1988 … Bud and Pat Howell and Bill and Peg Zortman left the Zortman’s at 3:20 am ... AM ... as in, before anyone should be expected to be up. We traveled from Murray Summit to Diamond J’s at Exit 15 (86) of I-80 to catch up with 12 more from the chapter including friends from Canada.
From there, we traveled - convoy fashion - to the Golden Bison Restaurant at the Blue Beacon Truck Stop in Lodi, Ohio. Dave and Susan Moore opted to travel by themselves because, “Susan had planned a route to include as many BOB EVANS Restaurants as she could.”
The only snow we encountered on our entire trip was between mile markers 175 and 172 on I-71... just three miles out and back – not bad for January (although Peg’s notes show roads got bad that night as we slept in Ohio).
At 277.4 miles and an hour ahead of schedule (9:50 am), we arrived at the Honda manufacturing facility in Marysville, Ohio where chapter people who had gone the night before met us. Our total was now 31 people for the tour.
Two young women herded us into a large conference area for an orientation that included a slide program giving us an idea of what the tour included.
The ladies then introduced a gentleman who requested we speak slowly - he hadn’t been in the US long; the three lead us into the plant and around the various stations and back to the conference room where coffee, soft drinks, and cookies were waiting on a long white cloth-covered table.
Two more Honda Associates were introduced – one gentleman knew the technical side and the other the production side. We were ready for the Question and Answer session.
A new 1988 Honda Gold Wing was prominently displayed at the front of the room for inspection. We were invited to (and did) sit on, lean on, push, climb over, under ,and around that ‘Wing. We even had it lying on its crash bar just to see where we didn’t want to be if that should happen.
Here are some of the facts and observations from that 1988 encounter...
It all started in 1948 in Japan. Mr. Honda (yes, there was a Mr. Honda and a Mr. Honda, Jr.) manufactured a motorized bicycle. The first bike to come off the Honda of America line was a dirt bike in 1979. The auto plant became a reality in 1982, and the engine
Peg Zortman ...................................................... Chapter Historian
GWRRA Pennsylvania Chapter I 16
plant started production in 1985. Motors for the Gold Wing and for the Honda Civic auto were produced in the engine plant in Anna, OH.
Honda of America (in 1988) employs approximately 8,000 people with a starting wage of $11.25 per hr. There are nearly 30,000 applications on hand and they hire about 75 people per day. All Associates are treated equally. Even the boss occasionally works the line and the person in charge has a desk in the same huge room as the other office personnel. We saw suggestion boxes throughout the facility including one at the time clock.
It takes about six hours to build a Gold Wing motorcycle. We watched this happen on our tour – assembly, painting (robots except for that one man at the end of the line), testing ,then disassembly and crating. The walkways and assembly line were clean and uncluttered. Even the ceiling beams looked to be freshly painted. The Associates (plant workers) were friendly and enthusiastic about their product.
Question: Why go to a 1500 cc engine?
Answer: Have you ever looked at our bikes – loaded with accessories, packed with necessities, pulling a fully loaded camper (also loaded) and carrying two well-fed wingers? That power is necessary!
We were informed that Honda does not recommend you overload the ‘Wings or pull trailers – but it looks like they’ve built a motorcycle to handle the load.
After the tour and Q&A Session, some of our group headed home. The rest of us had room reservations locally for the night - but first a quick self-guided tour of the Anheuser-Busch Brewery just a few blocks away.
We also fit in dinner at Red Lobster. In 1988, this was a special treat. There was no local Red Lobster. Peg’s notes proclaim, “They don’t grow shrimp in Sandy Lick Creek.”
Next morning we were heading home. One special event to mention, though...
Kevin Smith, our favorite faithful follower, ran into a slight problem. There was no one to follow out of the motel. The in/out doors were part of the glass wall. Door, wall and all had a metal bar running through its middle. Kevin, arms loaded with parcels, pushed and pushed and pushed... on the WALL. He couldn’t find the right glass panel. Good friends that we are – we sat in our vehicles cheering him on – although no one moved to help.
On the way home we stopped in downtown Seville, Ohio at the Historic Seville Inn – an old 1823 stagecoach stop. We considered it an excellent meal, good price, great attitude, and we talked about a future supper ride there. Wonder if lit still exists?
History download complete – now go make a memory.
Bill & Peg Zortman Chapter I Member/Historian
GWRRA Pennsylvania Chapter I 17
Lee and I lead a trip to The Blackwater Falls State Park in West Virginia July 23. Riding along with us were Ray and Doreen, Dave and Sheila, Terry and Mary, Ron, Patty and Larry and Jim and Pat.
We stayed at The Canaan Valley Resort near Davis, West Virginia. We rode around 460 miles
round trip. We rode on all good roads except for a unplanned detour. We ate at some really good restaurants with good country cooking. We shared a lot of good stories with hardy laughter. There were a few raindrops but only a few which is good for a West Virginia trip. Thanks Chapter I friends for letting us experience our first time at leading a weekend ride.
Lee & Donna Miller Chapter I Members
I would like to thank everyone for all your cards and prayers while my Dad was ill and when he passed away. It is truly appreciated, and is nice to know we have such good friends.
Thank you...
Holly & DanStitt Chapter I Members
Lee & Donna Miller ...................................... Chapter I Members
Lee & Donna Miller ...................................... Chapter I Members
GWRRA Pennsylvania Chapter I 18
George Simcox (left) with his new BFF Danise Hartle and Kathie Simcox (above) enjoying the beautiful view on their big west vacation.
Dana Hartle (right) trying on the hat as “Ranger For A Day” … a near-perfect fit!
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