How did GWRRA get started? [top]
Based on the premise of Fun, Safety and Knowledge, GWRRA, an international association for Gold Wing and Valkyrie motorcycle Riders, Co-riders, and Associate members, was started June 4, 1977, by seven people with a common interest of riding Gold Wing motorcycles. They wanted to establish an association that would allow freedom from regulatory membership, yet provide benefits superior to those available from other, more ordinary, motorcycle groups.
Now, almost 30 years later, the Association continues to grow and flourish. Today there are over 80,000 Members spread across the United States and 52 other countries! There are over 900 chapters where Members gather to have fun and live the motto of "Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge."
The Association is built on four simple ideals. First is to "promote safety and skill enhancement." so we can continue to enjoy our hobby of riding. The second is to "promote friendship" among the entire biking public. The third is to "promote the positive image of the motorcycle rider" to continue striving to overcome the negative image many non-motorcyclists attach to folks like us. The fourth ideal is to "promote fun." After all, life is too short not to enjoy, and the one common thread that runs through this Association is the FUN factor!
What are some of my benefits as a Member of GWRRA? [top]
The benefits of membership are many. Member benefits include a monthly subscription to Wing World, one of the finest Gold Wing/Valkyrie magazines in the world! A second benefit, the annual "Gold Book" Service Directory, has thousands of names of fellow Members offering services that range from roadside assistance to lodging. Members also receive an attractive gold-plated GWRRA pin, membership card, logo patch, and distinctive logo decals. Other benefits that many of our Members take advantage of are:
Social Amenities / Chapter Life / Interactive Web Site with Message Boards
Rider Education & Training / Rescue Emergency Roadside Assistance
Rescue Plus Emergency Roadside Assistance for as low as $25 per year
GWRRA Official Products / Honda Dealer Discounts at Many Locations / Insurance Discounts
Credit Union Services / Discount Credit Card Program / Hotel Discounts / Health Insurance
Most of the above are material benefits, however many of our Members feel the greatest benefit of belonging is the camaraderie and friendship.
How is GWRRA Structured? [top]
The International Offices, located in Phoenix, Arizona, take care of the day-to-day business activities of the Association. For example, this is where your initial and renewal memberships are processed, where Wing World magazine and the Gold Book are published, and where GWRRA fills daily orders for clothing and other items displaying the GWRRA name and/or logo. The International Office has a small, paid staff to do all these things for you. Also located at International Headquarters is the Founder of the Association, a Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board, and the President and Executive Director. These officers ensure the Association runs smoothly and in the best interest of the membership.
To provide a communications link between the Home Office and our Members, an Operations Division, headed by the Executive Director, has been established. This Division is comprised of a large network of officers, also referred to as "volunteer leaders," at various levels within the organization. To help you understand this Division; we need to explain what these various levels are.
The Association is comprised of "Regions." Within each Region are two or more states (U.S.) and/or provinces (Canada) – we refer to states and provinces as "Districts." (To help you visualize the Regions; you may want to look at the Region Map.) [Click Here] Within each District are "Chapters."
A Director and Assistant Director(s), who are the network of officers, or volunteer leaders, comprising the Operations Division, lead each Region, District and Chapter.
To help carry out the motto and ideals of the Association, other Divisions, headed by National Directors, have been established:
Rider Education Division (RED)
The basic purpose of the RED is to make the motorcycle environment safer by increasing skills and awareness. As such, it focuses on the "Friends for Safety" aspects of the slogan. This Division provides various rider education seminars and courses, and maintains a close working relationship with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. It also sponsors a "Rider Education Program" whereby Members can achieve advancing levels of rider safety and education. [Go to Rider Education web page]
Member Enhancement Division (MED)
The MED focuses on the "Friends for Fun" aspects of our motto. It oversees various programs which (a) promote a positive image of the Association and motorcycling in general, (b) publicize fun activities to ensure our Members enjoy their GWRRA experiences, and (c) encourage Members to retain their membership and to recruit new Members into the Association.
Leadership Training Division (LTD)
The LTD provides a smorgasbord of formalized training programs that provide opportunities for new learning experiences and personal growth to any of our officers and Members who wish to take advantage. This Division is responsible for the "Friends for Knowledge" aspects of our motto.
Throughout the Association, there are thousands of Members who have volunteered to be on staff at the National, Region, District, and Chapter levels, to perform the functions of these last three Divisions. These Members contribute their time to help ensure the motto and ideals of the Association are achieved.
Motorist Awareness Division (MAD)
The Motorist Awareness Division fully embraces our Association’s ethos for providing leadership, training, inspiration and motivation at every GWRRA organizational level.
"Ride Aware!" is an international effort to reduce the number of crashes, conflict situations and hazards occurring between motorcycles and other highway users. "Accident" is a term we choose not to use, because the term implies crashes -- conflict and hazardous situations that were not preventable.
In "Ride Aware!" we believe most crashes are predictable, preventable and a culmination of many factors. It is our belief that riders and drivers can minimize the interaction of factors and by so doing reduce or eliminate the possibility of hazards, conflicts or crashes through use of an active strategy and good judgment. "Ride Aware" is GWRRA's campaign to realize these ends. Join us as a "Motorist Awareness Liaison" and "Ride Aware!"
Communications Division
The National Communications Director assists with various Web sites and on-line communications through coordination with the International Headquarters of GWRRA in Phoenix, Arizona.
Special Interest Groups Division (SIG)
The primary purpose of a Special Interest Group is to provide the opportunity and organizational support to GWRRA Members who share and enjoy a common area of interest.
SIG’s operate as a subdivision of the SIG Division (SIGD) and function autonomous of the operations of the Association. SIG’s can be formed when sufficient interest has been expressed to warrant the formation and operation of a SIG sub-division. The SIG will function within an operational/administrative structure designed specifically for each group.
The organizational format of regions, districts and chapters (or local groups) should normally suffice. It is important for a SIG to not become a distraction within the chapter and take away from the primary purpose of the chapter, motorcycling. Some SIG’s, such as bowling, classic Gold Wings or classic cars, for example, could blend very well within the chapter’s structure. Other SIG’s such as golf, scuba diving or photography may not have sufficient interest to operate within the chapter structure and may warrant the formation of an outside group. The SIG must remember it is supplemental to the Association and that its activities not interfere with the daily operations/activities of the region, district or chapter.
Global Affairs Division
The first Global Affairs Director was appointed in June of 2001. A new position was announced dedicated to the rapid growth of our expanding International Membership. The Director of Global Affairs, Frank Rasbury, with his wife, Naida, were the pioneers of this office and played a crucial role in the formation of Chapters in Denmark, Central America, Indonesia, England, Malaysia, New Zealand and Singapore.
After serving the Association extremely well in this endeavor, the Rasbury’s passed the torch to Peter Russell & Leslie Kennedy of London, England. Under Peter’s leadership, and with his knowledge of the Gold Wing and motorcycle industries in Europe, Frank’s pioneering spirit will continue its positive trend with continued gain of new Members and the development of new Chapters.
Are there different types of Membership? [top]
Individual Membership: For individual Members only, this membership is for the person who owns a Gold Wing or Valkyrie motorcycle and pays the annual membership fees.
Family Membership: For families with two or more people in the household, who own a Gold Wing or Valkyrie motorcycle and pay the annual membership fees.
Associate Individual Membership: For those individuals who wish to take advantage of GWRRA and its benefits, do not own a Gold Wing or Valkyrie and pay the annual membership fees.
Associate Family Membership: For families with two or more people in the household who wish to take advantage of GWRRA and its benefits, do not own a Gold Wing or Valkyrie and pay the annual membership fees.
Gold Membership: For those individuals who have been a Member of GWRRA for twenty years and pay a nominal annual membership fee.
Subscription Only: The subscriber receives 12 issues of Wing World magazine only.
What is the benefit of belonging to a "Chapter?" [top]
Many Members feel the Chapter is the single most important benefit of belonging to GWRRA and for many reasons, some of which are stated below.
New Friends: Countless new friends are made with a common interest. It provides an opportunity to ride our Gold Wings with our friends.
Safe Riding: Safe riding is promoted to make our riding experience even more enjoyable. Skills and safety techniques are learned.
Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge: You really get an opportunity to live the motto of "Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge."
When you receive your Wing World magazine, you will find an "Officers Listing" by District with contact information to locate a chapter within riding distance of where you live.
The best advice that can be offered is to attend a Chapter meeting (sometimes referred to as a "gathering" or "get-together"). These meetings (normally monthly) basically are social events that try to offer something for everyone. New ideas are always welcome!
You don’t "join" a Chapter; you are a Member of GWRRA and a “participant” of a Chapter or Chapters. You can participate in as many or as few activities and meetings as you wish! There are no applications or fees needed to participate in a GWRRA Chapter. With over 900 chapters, when you travel you’re never far from "home."
How do I find a local Chapter? [top]
You can find a local Chapter by referring to the Officer Listing located towards the back of your Wing World magazine or [Click Here].
What’s a "CD" or "ACD"? [top]
Each Chapter has someone who has volunteered to take responsibility. They are known as the "Chapter Director," or "CD." Their assistant is called the "Assistant Chapter Director," or "ACD" for short. These are the individuals who can answer any questions you may have. They help organize and run the Chapter. Their primary "job" is to make sure the Members have FUN! In fact, upon your becoming a new Member, they should have initiated contact with you via a phone call and invited you to attend a Chapter meeting.
Most of our Chapters publish a chapter newsletter, usually on a monthly basis. When you attend your first meeting, you will probably be asked to sign in, and then you’ll be on the distribution list for that Chapter’s newsletter. In it you’ll find everything from upcoming rides, to recipes, to motorcycle items for sale, to information about other Chapters’ meetings and events.
I have a problem within my Chapter, who should I talk to? [top]
It’s always best to start with the Chapter Director. If you are uncomfortable discussing the issue with the CD, the next step is to contact your District Director. The only time you need to contact the International Headquarters regarding Chapter issues is if you do not receive a response from one of the aforementioned parties. We strive to trust in the field officers and the designated chain of command and structure that already exists.
What’s a Director? [top]
Within GWRRA there are several levels of "Directors”: Chapter, District, Region, National and Executive. With the exception of the President and Executive Director, who reside at the Home Office, Members who volunteer their time fill all these positions. These volunteers provide a communications link between the International Offices and its Members, to serve and ensure their fun and entitlement as Members of GWRRA. (For more information, see the "Officer’s Guidebook" available from your Chapter Director or [Click Here].
What is the best way to contact customer service? [top]
On-line: http://www.gwrra.org or http://www.gwrra.org/contact.html
E-mail: customerservice@gwrra.org
Telephone: 800-843-9460; Phoenix area 623-581-2500
Postal Delivery: 21423 North 11th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85027
What hours is customer service available? [top]
Monday-Thursday 6:30 am – 5:30 pm (Mountain Standard Time) or visit www.gwrra.org/members.
How will I know when it’s time for me to renew my membership? [top]
You will receive a renewal reminder 60 days and again at 30 days prior to your membership expiration date plus a final magazine cover as a reminder that this is the last issue you will receive. After expiration, an exit survey letter is sent to the expired Member.
Can I renew and/or update my membership on-line? [top]
From the convenience of your home or office computer, you can manage your membership information on-line www.gwrra.org/members. Renew your GWRRA membership. Change your mailing address. Change your telephone number. Change your e-mail address. Register for events.
How do I stay in the GWRRA Information Loop? [top]
Many e-mail providers block unidentified e-mail addresses as spam. Just add the various GWRRA e-mail addresses to your e-mail address book as they come to you, and you will be assured of receiving all communications and confirmations from the GWRRA Home Office.
The most commonly used e-mail addresses are:
Customerservice@gwrra.org
Info@gwrra.org
Info@wing-ding.org
Make sure your e-mail address is always current in our database!
How do I get my password to post on the Message Board? [top]
You must use a username/password combination to post messages on the message board. To participate you must have a valid e-mail address registered with GWRRA Member Services. IMPORTANT: IF YOU DO NOT HAVE AN E-MAIL ADDRESS ON FILE WITH MEMBER SERVICES, YOU WILL NOT BE IN THE MESSAGE BOARD DATABASE! You can register your e-mail address by mailing customerservice@gwrra.org or by calling 800-843-9460.
In order to post a message, GWRRA Members must use their 6-digit GWRRA Membership number as a username. If your member number is only 5 numbers long, put in a leading zero "055555".
User passwords are a combination of the first numerical combination in your address combined with your 4-digit expiration date with hyphens (-) or slashes (/) removed. For example, if your address is 12345 Mill Road and your expiration date is 03/03, your password is 123450303. The exception would be if you have numbers and letters to identify your address. An example would be "1234b W Earll". If your expiration is 12/05, your password would be 1234b1205. If you are a GWRRA Life Member, replace the expiration date with the word “life”. For example, if you are a GWRRA Life Member and your address is 1942 W Earll, your password is 1942life.
Your Membership number and expiration date are printed on your GWRRA Membership card and Wing World label. If you have lost your card, please contact GWRRA Member Services by e-mail at customerservice@gwrra.org or by phone at 800-843-9460 to request a replacement. New Members must wait until their membership is processed before participating on the message board. This may take up to five business days.
To receive your Member number or to update your e-mail address, contact customerservice@gwrra.org. If you are not currently a GWRRA Member, please complete the GWRRA Membership Application to join now.
Does my membership include towing coverage for my motorcycle? [top]
Rescue Emergency Roadside Assistance with 35 miles of towing coverage is included for your motorcycle.
Does my membership include towing coverage for my other vehicles? [top]
For enhanced benefits, Members can purchase Rescue Plus Emergency Roadside Assistance with 50 miles of towing coverage while you are driving or riding in any non-commercial vehicle for an additional $25.00 a year; non-members pay $50.00 per year.
How soon will I receive my first issue of Wing World? [top]
Your first issue of Wing World will arrive in 6-8 weeks from the date your membership is processed.
When can I expect to receive my Wing World each month? [top]
The magazine is shipped from the distributor the first week of each month to all Members. Depending on your postal service, you should receive delivery no later than the 20th of the month. If you do not receive your issue, please contact 800-843-9460; you may also access Wing World on-line at www.wingworldmag.com.
How can I view Wing World on-line? [top]
Members are now able to use their GWRRA Message Board password to access Wing World Online. If you have not registered your e-mail address with GWRRA Member Services, please use the password supplied in your issue of Wing World.
Does GWRRA offer a Life Membership program? [top]
GWRRA no longer offers a Life Membership. Another program is being offered to those members who have attained twenty consecutive years of membership – Gold Membership.
What is the Gold Membership? [top]
The Gold Membership is for those members who have attained twenty consecutive years of membership. In addition to their existing benefits of being a Member of GWRRA, they also receive discounted Wing Ding registration with special recognition, 10% discount on Official Products and free Rider Ed renewals. The Gold Membership is just $20 a year, less than half the price of the current membership dues.
What are Rallies? [top]
Each year GWRRA rallies are held at the District, Region, and International levels. They all have one express purpose in mind: to provide a fun, social environment for the participants. District rallies are normally two days in length, Regional rallies are normally three days, and Wing Ding is usually four or five days in length. Depending upon the size of the rally they are held at convention centers, hotels, fairgrounds, schools or other locations.
Regardless of which rally you attend, they typically have several things in common. For those who like to compete, there is a bike show, field events (on-bike skill events as well as off-bike games), a talent show, seminars, poker or observation run, and many other fun-filled things to do. Generally the rallies have vendors selling everything from leather wear to chrome, polish, pin-striping, cargo trailers, campers, tires, tune-ups, oil changes, helmets, CB’s, intercoms, and a multitude of other "must have" accessories.
All of the rallies we’ve described thus far have been those normally held when the weather is conducive to riding the Gold Wing or Valkyrie. However, when the weather turns colder and the bike has gone into hibernation, many Districts also hold "winter rallies" to give our Members an opportunity to socialize during the off-season months. These rallies go by various names, such as "Wingless Weekend" and "Cabin Fever." They offer many of the same activities as the warmer weather rallies, with the exception of anything that requires a Gold Wing or Valkyrie, e.g., bike show or on-bike field events.
Does GWRRA have a national rally/convention? [top]
Currently GWRRA has one annual national rally, Wing Ding, which occurs around the 4th of July and travels across the country to various cities. Visit http://www.wing-ding.org for additional information.
Wing Ding is the granddaddy of all rallies. This event is the largest GWRRA rally of the year, drawing over 10,000 participants and about 150 vendors! The Gold Wingers basically fill a convention center and surrounding town for four or five days of clean, wholesome, family fun! Since 1979, Wing Dings have been held in places such as Madison, Wisconsin; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Greenville, South Carolina; Knoxville, Tennessee; Louisville, Kentucky; Billings, Montana; Huntsville, Alabama and Fort Wayne, Indiana.
What is EMG? [top]
The Event Management Group (EMG) is a subsidiary of GWRRA. It provides event management services for all GWRRA events such as Wing Ding. It also produced the Motorcycle Jubilee and many other events.
What is the history of the Event Management Group? [top]
EMG has had many names over the years. The bottom line is that the folks who are responsible for GWRRA’s events, since the days of our earliest Wing Dings in Phoenix, Arizona, make up the Event Management Division of GWRRA.
Why call it Event Management Group instead of a division of GWRRA? [top]
As with all growing and successful companies, GWRRA has opportunities to expand its operational base to grow in areas that may benefit not only the Association but also its Members. To that end, EMG has formed to expand its operations and try to promote its services outside of the Association, mainly other organizations and corporations. With 28 years of experience, we have the expertise and the ability to provide our services to other groups.
Why does the Event Management Group go outside of GWRRA? [top]
Our prime focus and primary client will always be GWRRA. We have plans to recommend new events and activities to GWRRA such as cruises as well as motorcycle events in other countries. We feel it is important for GWRRA and its management company to create other revenue streams to help keep the membership fees as low as possible. By doing other events outside of GWRRA, EMG can provide better exposure, pricing and negotiation power when we do GWRRA events.
Who makes up the Event Management Group? [top]
Ed Price currently manages EMG. Ed and volunteer members of the EMG team are mostly former officers of GWRRA and many are Life Members. All are current Members of the Association. All of the other departments within GWRRA assist EMG with a variety of services: accounting, advertising, Web sites, etc.
Are EMG services available to Chapters, Districts, etc. within GWRRA? [top]
EMG is a “pay-for-services” entity. If any entity within GWRRA or other entities, such as vendors or Member-owned companies, require our services, we will be glad to discuss our fees based on their needs. All revenues come back to GWRRA to assist with the Association expenses and, therefore, benefit the Members.
What services does the Event Management Group provide? [top]
Full management services are provided, from site selection and contract negotiation support to function planning, hotel block and rate assistance, and individualized needs like pins, patches and T-shirts. This group also has partnerships with other companies such as the International Network of Businesses (INB) for Web-based services (Web hosting, Web radio, Web conferencing and Web meetings) and publishing services. Feel free to call Ed Price at 800-843-9460 Extension 215 or within Arizona at 623-581-2500 Extension 215.
How is the Event Management Group funded? [top]
EMG is funded through the proceeds of its events. Therefore, no membership dues fund this aspect of GWRRA.
Does GWRRA advertise? If so, where? [top]
Based on the year’s budget and goals, GWRRA runs ads for membership in Rider and American Motorcyclists magazines. Additional ads may appear in other motorcycle industry publications or event programs.
Do we ever send Wing World to non-members? [top]
Yes. Members often suggest this to us as being a key way to expose GWRRA to more people. Each year in March, May and December we send Wing World to 50,000 non-members who are registered as owning a Honda of 1100ccs or greater, to promote membership and as a benefit to our advertisers.
What is Wing World? [top]
Wing World is the monthly publication of GWRRA. Its primary subjects are the interests of GWRRA Members, such as GWRRA functions, Honda Gold Wing and Valkyrie motorcycles and topics that specifically apply to motorcycling according to the Association’s motto, Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge. The Official Products pages share the latest items for purchase.
I’m thinking about writing an article for Wing World. What should I do first? [top]
Before devoting hours of your time to preparing a photo or story, you may wish to discuss your plans with the Managing Editor of Wing World, Nick Hoppner. Call 623-581-2500, Extension 231. Often a bit of guidance beforehand can save a lot of wasted time.
Does Wing World pay its contributors? [top]
Typically Wing World does not pay for contributions; articles and photographs are voluntary contributions from our Members and readers and, once published, come under the copyright of GWRRA.
How does Wing World select its contents? [top]
The editor picks stories that create a good mixture of interest for each issue. Standard items include tour stories, technical features, reader letters, reader technical questions and answers, GWRRA charity efforts, editorial comment, etc. Wing World also has the responsibility of presenting GWRRA information on a regular basis. Listing of Association Officers, Member registration forms, GWRRA identity merchandise, GWRRA rally listings, etc. are important features for many readers.
How do I get my bike in Wing World? [top]
Well-composed photos (color prints, slide transparencies or black & white prints) enhance your chances for publication. Proper exposure and focus are critical. Polaroid photos will not be used. Please, don’t send negatives! Identify subject with captions taped to back of photos. High-resolution digital photos will work for “Readers’ Rides,” etc. (300 dpi or better) if the images are 3 by 5 inches or larger. Matte finish (not glossy) prints scan poorly and are usually rejected.
How do I get my bike on the cover of Wing World? [top]
Because cover photos must be enlarged almost to 10 by 12-inch size, yet still maintain extreme image sharpness and color richness, most amateur snapshots don’t make the grade. Best amateur results are attained with either 35mm or larger format camera using transparency film. We prefer cover shots to be appropriate to the season of the magazine issue. Riding shots and people with motorcycle shots are generally preferable to static shots of bikes with scenic background.
How do I forward photos by e-mail to Wing World? [top]
E-mail attachments are limited in size to 9 mb; so please place your document on our FTP server at ftp://files.gwrra.org. Log on to the FTP site with User Name: “gwrra” and Password: “gwclients”. After you have placed the document on the FTP site, e-mail editor@gwrra.org and reference the file name. Note: Pictures placed on the FTP server should be 300 pixels per inch, no greater than 8.125" x 10.875" maximum size and in a JPEG (JPG) format.
I submitted a photo to Wing World. Why wasn’t it published? [top]
The main reasons photos aren’t selected are poor focus, poor lighting, distracting foregrounds or backgrounds or poor framing (subjects are too small or halfway off the photo).
I submitted a story/letter/article to Wing World. Why wasn’t it published? [top]
Like most magazines, Wing World receives a great deal more submissions than it has pages to print. The editorial staff tries to choose contents that will interest, educate and/or entertain the majority. Items of limited or questionable value are bypassed. Stories that are too long or have been delayed in publication beyond being current also don’t make it sometimes. Likewise, if we receive seven stories about tours to Alaska (for example), we’re likely to use only one.
What about letters of praise and letters of criticism? [top]
In the past, Wing World has often been perceived as a convenient way to tell the world about a person or dealership that helped them. Likewise, it has been perceived as a place to send letters criticizing others for some perceived injustice. Many of these letters are long and highly detailed, reducing their chance of publication. We are currently looking carefully at publication of “Gold Book—they helped me on the road” stories in the Gold Book itself.
Perceived injustice complaints require extensive cross-checking of all parties concerned for verification. Most result in one-sided or unverifiable he-said, she-said situations that benefit no one. As a result, few of these complaint letters are printed.
How do I contact the technical editor? [top]
The technical editor is not located at the Home Office, therefore is not available by phone. You may email to workbench@gwrra.org.
Can you tell us what next year’s Honda Gold Wing will look like? [top]
No. Except in special instances when an editorial quarantine is required of us (and all other motorcycle magazines), Wing World receives no information about new models earlier than Honda dealers.
How long does it take for my “Official Product” order to arrive? [top]
In-stock merchandise orders are usually shipped within 7 to 10 business days upon receipt and processing of your order. Arrival depends on the postal service.
How long until my custom pin or patch order arrives? [top]
Custom pin and patch orders take approximately 6 weeks upon receipt of the request and/or approved sample.
What is….? [top]
As with any organization, there are terms you will hear which may be new to you, or may have some unique meaning within GWRRA. We’ve attempted to identify and define many of these. However, if you hear something not described in this material, feel free to ask your Chapter Director—remember, there is no such thing as a "dumb question!"
What is the GWRRA Home Page? [top]
The GWRRA Home Page is an on-line forum available for those Members who enjoy computers and using the Internet. A few of the services available from the Home Page include general information about GWRRA and upcoming events such as Wing Ding. In addition, questions may be addressed directly to the National Staff; access is available to Members’ classified ads and on-line ordering of GWRRA official products; access to Rider Ed information and the volunteer officer guide book, as well as additional information available on GW Info Exchange for members.
What is GW Info Exchange? [top]
GW Info Exchange is an on-line publication on the GWRRA Home Page. This publication is full of articles to assist members with up-to-date information and includes the Officer Guidebook and downloadable forms.
What is a Fifty-Fifty (50/50) Ticket? [top]
To help fund expenses, tickets are sold (where legal) and later, ticket stubs are drawn. Half of the money (50%) is given away, typically in increments of 25%, 15% and 10%, to the persons holding the drawn ticket numbers, and the other half (50%) is deposited into the treasury. At Chapter meetings, rallies and other events, 50/50 tickets are sold.
You may see or hear someone selling "50/50" tickets at your Chapter meeting. First and foremost, you are under no obligation to purchase these tickets, or anything else at a Chapter meeting. Your attendance does not cost you a cent, except perhaps the cost of your meal, dessert or beverage. The reason these tickets are sold is because each Chapter has some minimal expenses such as printing and mailing newsletters, annual ride schedules, event flyers, etc. To help fund such expenses, tickets are sold (where legal). During the meeting ticket stubs are drawn and the money is given to the lucky ticket-holders. So partake if you like, but you’re under no obligation!
Chapters are self-supporting; they do not receive any portion of your annual GWRRA membership dues. Because most Chapters incur expenses, various methods of raising funds are found. In addition to the 50/50 tickets, craft and bake sales, raffles, etc. are also held. Again, there is no obligation to buy anything in order to participate.
Since some parts of the world are not conducive to riding motorcycles all year-round, there are all sorts of non-riding Chapter events held such as bowling parties, roller skating parties, potlucks, chili dumps, etc. After all, this is a social/fraternal organization, and most Members do like to be with other Members once they take that initial step and attend that first Chapter meeting or activity!
What is a Chapter Challenge? [top]
This can be on or off the bike. It is an event(s) that allows us to act like the kids we usually think we are! Normally there is a timed event in which a team of 4-6 Members representing a Chapter plays a game or takes some sort of a harmless and fun challenge.
What is a Charity or Toy Run? [top]
You’ll find people in this Association to be a lot like you – they have big hearts and like to help the less fortunate. Many times a "Charity" or "Toy Run” is held where you will meet at a pre-arranged point with a new/stuffed toy. With the assistance of local law enforcement you will be "escorted" to a children’s hospital or ward to deliver your toys to children with critical and even terminal illness. Visits are also made to nursing homes, homeless shelters, etc., to share some joy and happiness.
What is the process for the Couple of the Year Program (COY)? [top]
The COY program, which is managed by the Member Enhancement Division, was started in 1988 as a way to recognize Members by selecting a couple that represents the best qualities and ideals of GWRRA and its Members. The program starts at the Chapter level with "Chapter COY," and then through a friendly "competition" process, COYs at the District, Region and National levels are selected and recognized. These COYs normally serve for one year. At the National level, the term "International COY" is used because the competition at that level includes Region COYs from both the U.S. and Canada. (For more information, please see the "COY Guide," available from your Chapter Director or through the Member Enhancement link on our Home Page.)
What is a Field Event? [top]
At rallies you will hear about "field events." These can be both on-bike or off-bike. On-bike events are done at low speed (usually first gear) within a designated area and are designed for fun! Some are done with just the rider, and others require a co-rider, such as when the co-rider tries to take a bite out of a hot dog that’s dangling from a string overhead as they slowly ride by! Off-bike events are similar to on-bike events except they’re done off the bike. Plaques, trophies, and other similar forms of recognition are normally given to acknowledge the winners within each event.
What is a Mall Show? [top]
This is a pre-scheduled "bike show" set up at a local shopping mall. This gives us an opportunity to set up and display our beautiful machines to the general public. It also assists us in recruiting new Members or Associate Members who may not otherwise have heard about us. (For more information, see the "Public Relations Guide" available from your Chapter Director or through the Member Enhancement link on our Home Page.)
What is a Motorcycle Rider Course: Riding and Street Skills (MRC:RSS)? [top]
This is a course offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) which teaches the basic skills of riding, such as straight line riding, turning, shifting, and stopping. It also teaches advanced turning techniques, maximum braking techniques, and swerving. In addition, mental skills are taught such as street riding strategies and special situations and how to deal with them. The class (on and off-bike) is about 22 hours, and motorcycles are provided for the students.
What is the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF)? [top]
The MSF is a national, nonprofit organization sponsored by Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki and BMW. Its purpose is to improve the safety of motorcyclists on the nation’s streets and highways. The MSF offers programs in rider education, licensing improvement, public information, and statistics.
What is the Experienced Riders Course (ERC)? [top]
This eight-hour course is offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and expands on the physical and mental skills taught in the Motorcycle Rider Course: Riding and Street Skills (MRC: RSS). Unlike the MRC:RSS, in the ERC you use your own motorcycle and, in some states, you can take it "two-up" with your co-rider.
What is a Poker or Observation Run? [top]
A poker or observation run normally serves as a fundraiser for the Chapter, District or Region, as there is usually a small registration fee to participate. There are many formats but these are basically conducted as follows: You sign in and receive a set of directions for a scenic ride.
For a "poker run" you may be required to stop at certain check points and draw a card. At some events you may draw all your cards at the end of the ride when you check in. As in poker, the best hand wins, normally some pre-announced percentage of the proceeds, or a plaque, trophy, or fixed cash prize. An "observation run" is similar but requires that you answer questions about sights along the route. The person who answers the most questions correctly wins.
What is a Bug Run? [top]
Same as a "Poker Run" or "Observation Run" except you have a target on your windshield. The bike that returns with the bug closest to the bull’s-eye or with the most bugs on the target wins. (For more details, see the "Fun Activities Guide," available from your Chapter Director or through the Member Enhancement link on our Home Page.)
What is a Ride? [top]
All Day or Weekend Ride: As the name implies, this is generally a scenic trip that is planned well in advance and includes several meals and normally quite a few miles (over 100 per day).
Dinner Ride: Most Chapters have scheduled dinner rides (year-round by bike or, in bad weather, by car) to their favorite restaurant. Normally these rides will be scheduled at least a month in advance and the schedule published in the Chapter Newsletter or in the "Annual Ride/Activity Schedule" that many Chapters prepare. These rides will start from a designated point, but the meet/departure times may vary. The ride may be a short one directly to the restaurant, or it may be a longer ride with a stop for dinner at the beginning, in the middle, or at the end of the ride.
Ice Cream or Dessert Ride: This is similar to a "dinner ride" except, as the name implies, it is normally a shorter ride (such as after work) and a stop is made for some sort of dessert (ice cream is a big favorite of many GWRRA Members).
November 2005 |
