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GWRRA Northeast Region B

PA District Chapter Y

Harleysville, PA www.gwrrapa-y.com

Volume 2 October 2016 Issue 10

CHAPTER Y GATHERING BLUE COMET

MOTORCYCLE FACILITY 4042 Mensch Road

Skippack, PA Sat., Oct. 22, 2016 * * * *NEW TIME * * * *

** 9:00 AM **

Table of Contents Chapter Y Staff 1

Upcoming Events 2

Thoughts from the CD 3-4

Rider-Educator 5

Motorist Awareness 6

From The Tailpipe 7

MEC Corner 8-9

Roll For Dough 10

Hogs N Dogs 11

Weekend Report 11

All Chapters East Gathering

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From the Web Side 13-14

Photos From Along The Road

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PA District Directors 16-17

PA Rally Flyer & Registration Form

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NATIONAL GWRRA DIRECTORS Ray & Sandy Garris director@gwrra.org

800-843-9460

www.gwrra.org

Chapter Directors Peggy & Ron Kratz

Chapter of Year Coord. director@gwrrapa-y.com

610-287-8393

Assistant Chapter Directors Mike & Barbara Silverman

assistantcd@gwrrapa-y.com 215-256-0432

Treasurer Jeff Kratz

treasurer@gwrrapa-y.com 215-256-1626

Member Enhancement

Coordinator Pam Kratz

mec@gwrrapa-y.com 215-256-1626

Secretary

Goodies Store Barbara Silverman

secretary@gwrrapa-y.com 215-256-0432

NE REGION B DIRECTORS Tom & Renee Wasluck

regionbdirectors.tom.renee@gmail.com 570-474-1014

www.gwrra-northeastregion.org

Rider Education Director Motorist Awareness Coord.

Doug Little rider-ed@gwrrapa-y.com

Couple of the Year

Coordinators Doug & Lee Little

coy@gwrrapa-y.com

Roll For Dough Coordinators

Bob & Elaine Williams rfd@gwrrapa-y.com

215-887-1686

Newsletter Editor Joan Cope

newsletter@gwrrapa-y.com

Web Master Dan Reisinger

webinfo@gwrrapa-y.com

Sunshine Jane Youells 215-527-2697

sunshine@gwrrapa-y.com

PA DISTRICT DIRECTORS

Rick & Andi Riek groundshark@atlanticbb.net

814-659-4247

www.codyparker.com

Friends for Fun, Safety & Knowledge

CHAPTER Y STAFF

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***************************************************************** UPCOMING EVENTS

Chapter Y

10/1 &2—PA BRC Trike Class, Blackman’s Cycle Center, Emmaus, PA

10/9 – Staff Meeting – 6pm – P. Kratz’s home

10/15 --Ride –Grey Towers National Park

10/ 22 – Gathering *** 9:00 am ***– Blue Comet MC. Ride to National Christmas Center...

More details later.

10/29 –Ride – Galen Glen Vineyard & Winery, Palmarton

Around the District

10/22/2016 – PA-Q 25TH

Laua Anniversity Party & Murder Mystery Show, Tassel Club, Clarendon,

PA…5pm Social Hour, 6pm buffet, 7pm Murder Mystery Play… $14pp… Reservation deadline 10/10/2016

12/3/2016 – PA-H Christmas Party, Central Susquehanna Community Foundation, Berwick, PA.

Buffet 6pm - $15pp. – Reservation Deadline 11/25

12/10/2016 – PA-Q Christmas Party, Clarendon, PA Buffet 6pm - $15pp – Deadline 11/30/2016

12/10/2016 – PA-N Christmas Party, Fredonia, PA

12/11/2016 – PA-V Christmas Party, New Oxford, PA

4/8/2017 – PA-V 20th

Year Roaring Twenties Anniversary Party, Royal Manchester Golf Links, Mt.

Wolf, PA – 5pm buffet … $25pp. .. Reservation deadline 3/11/2017

4/28/2017 – District Team Meeting, Altoona, PA

5/18, 19, 20, 2017 – 2017 PA District Rally, State College, PA

6/9-11/2017 – All Chapters West, Friendship Village Campground, Bedford Host: PA-W

7/28-30/2017 – All Chapters East, Roxbury Holiness Camp, Orristown, PA Host: PA-C

Around the Region

10/1 – GWRRA TRIKE RIDER COURSE… 8am-5pm… Battlefield Harley-Davidson Dealership in

Gettysburg. Register by 9/23. First come, first served. $40 refunded upon completion of course.

1/5-7/2017 – Winter Thing, Ocean City, MD

8/29-9/2 – Wing Ding 39 –Gaylord Texan Resort, Grapevine, TX

GET YOUR 2017 CALENDARS… MARK THEM SO YOU DON’T MISS THE FUN!!!!!

May 18-20 *** PA DISTRICT RALLY, State College, PA

June 9-11 *** ALL CHAPTERS WEST, Friendship Village Campground, Bedford, PA

July 28-30 *** ALL CHAPTERS EAST, Roxburg Holiness Camp, Orristown, PA

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************************************************************************** Thoughts… Peggy & Ron Kratz, Chapter Directors HEY! HEY! Y FOLKS!!!

OMG, it’s October already, where did the summer go! Beautiful cooler weather is here, don’t miss out on getting some riding in before the S___ starts falling. Remember we ride New Year’s Day weather permitting… great way to start off the New Year 2017!

Update on the BRC Trike Course… On cool damp Saturday and Sunday mornings, four Y members took this two day course on 10/1 and 10/2 at Blackman’s Cycle Shop in Emmaus. It was supposed to be an Advanced Rider Course, but when we got there we were told PA does not have an ARC for trikes, only the BRC. Even though a couple of us had done this course a few years back, we wanted to repeat it as a good refresher and it would also fulfill a requirement in the GWRRA Level 3 program. I was a little vocal in my displeasure about the lack of communication to make our Rider Ed Doug Little aware of what the course was. Even though we “roughed up” the instructor, he was good hearted about it and went on to make the course interesting and informative… classroom exercises and discussion was a mix of new handling/maneuvering methods and experience sharing which benefitted all of us. The range work was challenging and fun. I tested myself to the point of leaving a little rubber on the range surface… it taught me the trike limits and how to use them to increase my safety.

We met Al Hanson’s wife, Ciera, who recently purchased a Spyder trike… she had 1,000 miles of riding on it. It was great to have her join us on this fun adventure. We hope to see them come join us for a Y Gathering and/or other event. It was interesting to share the differences in handling of the trikes with two front wheels versus the one front wheel trikes. Bottom line, this course was well worth the time and effort, and Pennsylvania provides it free.

As the riding year comes to a close, as Chapter Directors, we begin to look back over what we’ve done… but more important, we look forward to what we’ll do next. I urge each member to offer their suggestions for improvement. Why did you join Chapter Y? For group riding, for fun destinations with fun people, for new eating places, new ice cream stops, meeting and making new friends… or how about the great safety information each month from our rider coach. Yes, I called him a coach… he explains motorcycle handling, and encourages us to let safety be our guide to fun on our bikes, and applauds our successes.

The Chapter has some real needs for next year and I’m hoping that some members will be moved to jump in and join the fun. The rides are the highlight of every month, where are we going next? We’d like to have a full schedule of rides for 2017 and need your help to make that happen. Ride Coordinators are needed to share the responsibility. Pick your own destination and date you want to lead us there… make a point to share it with your chapter friends. There are Informal Dinners, Mid Week Rides, Ice Cream Get Togethers, social events… all these things pull us together as a big “family” adding to the “fun” and “friendships”. Let me know if you’d like to plan one of these events. This is your chapter and everyone is welcome and encouraged to lend their support in whatever way works for them.

Our chapter is growing, slowly. We need to keep it going. Invite friends to join, Gold Wing or other ride. MCC offers us the opportunity to meet other motorcycle enthusiasts and extend invitations to check our group out. We welcome your ideas on what we can do to promote our chapter and get more people involved.

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We are planning a holiday get-together… December 10… let Pam know if you’d like to help with it. It’s always a great time.

Remember, riding time is growing short, take every advantage to get out there and inhale the fresh crisp air, smell the fall, and enjoy the “eye candy” of colors all around you. Don’t take it for granted… it’s only here a short time! Peggy and Ron Kratz Y CDs

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From the Rider-Ed Coordinator… Doug Little, Chapter Educator FALL is on the way

Now is a good time to perform a thorough T-CLOCK inspection before the weather changes. Cooler temperatures and beautiful color changes of the leaves makes for very easy and comfortable riding. With the fall season also comes its own set of riding situations that we should keep in mind.

Additional layers of clothing are needed for the temperatures that are encountered from early morning to mid afternoon to late evening and nighttime riding. After riding through the summer months with lightweight protective clothing, the extra layers of clothing may seem a bit cumbersome at first. Take the time to get used to riding with the extra layers. Heavy gloves and jackets will give a bulky feel to the handle grips, controls and maneuvering of the cycle. The clutch and brake handles will feel different at first and all the fancy buttons and switches we have on the cycles may be a little hard to operate.

The fall season of road situations can seem to have a mind all their own. From wet and dry leaves on the roadway, to shade areas of roadway that never gets a chance to dry properly. The dry leaves can be bothersome if blown around by the wind. The wet leaves will reduce the friction patch of the tires thereby allowing the cycle to slide and possibly lose control. The wet leaves may also allow the vehicles coming at us from another direction to reduce their handling ability or lose control. This can be critical at intersections and on curves.

The shade areas of roadways that do not dry properly allowing a slight film to buildup on the roadway that acts very similar to black ice. As we all know there is very little to no control on black ice and the same happens when riding in the areas of wet or damp roadways. Adjusting your speed to match the situation, along with your riding ability and comfort level, can greatly reduce the hazards in these areas.

Remembering these key points can make for enjoyable fall foliage runs as we here in Pennsylvania have some of the best tree lined roads, hills and mountains. Make sure to get out and enjoy the scenery with its beautiful colors whether it is for short or long rides as the general riding season is coming to a close. Also remember that October starts the famous season for Deer to act a little crazy as they chase each other around the woods and fields. Till next month, Be safe and ride safe. Doug Little Director Rider Education

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MOTORIST AWARENESS… Doug Little, Motorist Awareness Coordinator

This past month Dave and Jane Youells invited our chapter to

join in on a Hogs and Dogs Display event. This event was held at the Spring Meadows Assisted Living Facility in Lansdale PA. The event was hosted by the Indian Valley Harleys Owner Group.

Lee and I decided to accept the invitation and we joined Dave and Jane. When we arrived we were escorted to a reserved parking spot next to Dave’s trike. Even though we were the only 2 Gold Wings in the group I feel we represented Chapter Y and GWRRA very well especially with one two-wheeler and one three-wheeler. The residents and guests all showed a lot of interest in the cycles especially since they were not Harleys. As I jokingly stated to the people I knew and those I just met that “I thought we might bring a little bit of class to the event”.

Everyone was very pleasant and the food was very good and not in short supply at all. If you went hungry it was your own fault. Obviously with the event titled Hogs and Dogs there were of course Hot Dogs with quite an assortment of additional choices. So, next time you get an invitation to this type of event please take advantage of it. See our picture in the “Photos From Along the Road” section of this month’s newsletter. Doug Little Chapter Y Motorist Awareness Coordinator

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FROM THE TAILPIPE… Jeff Kratz, Ride Coordinator

We had a sparse September ride schedule with Labor Day, MCC’s Sale A-Thon and All Chapters East consuming three consecutive weekends. Nonetheless, I hope everyone had opportunity to do a little self-guided riding. The weather was certainly cooperative and gave us plenty of opportunities. Our September 24th after-Gathering ride was awesome. We visited Maunch Chunk Lake Park and enjoyed a peaceful picnic lunch along the lakeside. After lunch we obliged those curve lovers enjoying PA-902 and the infamous PA-143 on the way home. What a beautiful ride with some great folks on a gorgeous day!

This month we have a number of great rides in store. As you know the Kundla’s ride originally scheduled for the 1st was cancelled due to weather. We’ve rescheduled this ride for the 8th as Kundla’s closes for the season on the 10th. We didn’t want to miss this ride, which includes a stop at Rusty Palmer’s Honda and some scenic Pocono and Lake Wallenpaupack views. Hope you can make this one and enjoy some great food and scenery.

With rescheduling the Kundla’s ride we had to adjust the ride schedule for the following weekend. The Grey Towers ride has been pushed back to the 15th. The Batsto Village ride, originally scheduled for the 15th, was cancelled. The National Christmas Center Museum and Galen Glen Winery rides remain as originally planned. Check the website calendar (http://www.gwrrapa-y.com/calendar.html) and watch your e-mail for further details.

Pam and I will be in Dayton the 8th through the 16th for Biketoberfest so we’ll miss you on the rides those weekends. As always, be safe and enjoy. We look forward to the Christmas Center and Galen rides and hope to see you then. Fall’s a great time to ride so take advantage of those dwindling opportunities. It won’t be long before Old Man Winter slams that window of opportunity shut.

Here’s wishing everyone an enjoyable fall riding month. Hope to see you at the October 22nd Gathering! As always, feel free to e-mail or call me if you have any ride questions. Until next time RIDE SAFE AND ENJOY!

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MEC Corner… Pam Kratz, Member Enhancement Coordinator

As your MEC, it’s always a highlight to introduce a new Chapter member. That said, I’d like to begin by welcoming Kermit Gable to the Chapter. We met Kermit at MCC’s Sale A-Thon and instantly we hit it off. Kermit endured my Chapter Y pitch and never looked back. He joined right away. It was fabulous to have him with us at September’s gathering and join us for the picnic ride to Maunch Chunk Lake. What a beautiful afternoon of riding, socializing and getting to know each other. Welcome Kermit!

September 16th through 18th, Bob Cox, Katie Green, Lee and Al Clemens, and Jeff and I attended All Chapters East in Gettysburg. The event was held at Drummer Boy Campground. What a beautiful venue. We had a spacious rustic cabin in a secluded wooded area. It was easily within walking distance of Lincoln Hall, where all the festivities were held, and had all the amenities you could ask for. As most of you know, I’m not a camper. In fact, camping to me is a 2-star hotel with basic cable. But these accommodations were on the 4-star level and the campground even had a produce vendor roaming the grounds selling fresh fruits, vegetables and Amish baked goodies. Wow, Jeff (Mr. Vegetarian) was in his glory!

The 3-day event was awesome and the number of members in attendance was impressive! The camaraderie was amazing, the food was outstanding (especially Saturday night’s banquet) and of course, the 50/50 and my personal favorite, the silent auction baskets, were poised to win! We were even blessed to have our daughter, also a Chapter member, join us for Saturday’s festivities.

Chapter K did a fantastic job hosting the event and organized some great rides. Friday evening we enjoyed a 35-bike ice cream ride, Saturday morning we took a 30-plus-bike guided tour and Saturday afternoon we participated in a self-guided quiz run. What a blast! I sure hope more Chapter Y members consider attending next year! You’ll definitely enjoy it!

The following weekend we had our Gathering and afterward a picnic ride to Maunch Chunk Lake. It was beautiful and the park was impressive! It was clean, spacious and very accommodating. We enjoyed a nice lunch in a serene grove by the water. And on the ride home, the “Twistie Lovers” got to enjoy a couple of their favorite roads, i.e., PA-143. Need I say more!

I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to this month’s Christmas Museum and Galen Glen Winery rides! Check out the website calendar and watch your e-mail for details!

As most of you know, Jeff and I will be in Daytona the 8th through the 16th for Biketoberfest. We’ll miss you guys and the rides those two weekends. We hope you have safe, enjoyable trips and good weather. We’ll probably be sweating a lot, but I love Florida weather regardless. It’s also a great opportunity for Jeff to try out his new GPS. You know how he loves to explore, otherwise known as, “Get lost and take the long way home!”

For those that weren’t at the September Gathering, our holiday luncheon will be Saturday December 10th at PC Pub and Pizza Como, noon to 4 PM. We’d love to see as many possible attend. Ordering will be off the menu with individual checks. Family members are welcome so bring your loved ones. Please RSVP by December 3rd so I can give the restaurant a headcount. Gift baskets for the basket raffle would be greatly appreciated. The more we have, the more fun it will be. Please let me know if you’re interested in donating a basket.

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In closing, have a great October and enjoy the fall riding season. Don’t forget, if any of your contact information changes, please let me know. We don’t want you to miss any Chapter communication. Until next month, Be Safe, Ride Safe.

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ROLL FOR DOUGH. . . . . Bob & Elaine Williams, RFD Coordinator

Chapter Y had a good second year visiting chapters and Pa state events. We ended the year with 13 different visits and ended up # 7 out of 17 chapters doing the RFD. I am looking forward to doing more in the coming year.

In 2017 there are a few events we should attend. Pa state Rally also both East and West Rallies. There are a couple of ones we visited this year that might be included this year Bloomsburg and Williamsport if they have a cruise again

Winter Thing in Ocean City Maryland. This was a very interesting rally. A lot of different classes and a lot of fellowship and laughs during the banquet on Saturday night. There was a pool party after wards. Some of our group went into the ocean also Bob Williams got wet to the knees taking pictures. A couple went in the pool. We have to wait and see what the theme will be next year. The different chapters dress up as the theme. A few couples are going to this.

In May we will be attending the state rally. There are a few of us that have reservations made from last year. This one has a lot of classes for the different levels, a few vendors and a great light show, then a banquet Saturday night.

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Hogs N Dogs Event. . . . . by Dave Yoells

Jane and I joined Doug and Lee Little at Indian Valley Hogs annual visit to Spring Meadows

Nursing home in Lansdale, Pa. on September 24th. This was the twelfth year for the Harley group to bring joy to the lives of seniors.

Chapter Y was extended a last minute invitation to join in for a fun day. Chapter Y was also recognized as attending the event. The residents came out to see all the bikes and to vote for their favorites to win gifts donated by local businesses. Grills were going and the staff served up some great tasting food. A DJ played some good music and some seniors got up to dance to the beat.

My son John is involved in the Indian Valley chapter and a challenge has been thrown down for next year's event. HOGS, Hondas' & Dogs. Which club will bring out the most members? In joking with my son, I advised him we only need one more member then they to win.

When the date is set for the 2017 event, I will get it on the ride schedule. Dave Youells

Weekend Ride Report. . . . September 16- 18, 2016 by Dave & Jane Youells

We were on another of our motorcycle trips recently. 750 miles, touring the mountains of

Virginia and enjoying the views. Revisited Luray Caverns, joined by our son John and his better half, Maryellen, both who had never visited there before. When it came time to turn the lights off, as normally done during the tour, of course it was John who did the honors.

If you have never been, put it on your to do list. We also enjoyed the adjoining antique auto museum.

Next, off to Front Royal for the top of Skyline Drive. Front Royal to Waynesborough is a little over one hundred miles long. Speed limit is 35 mph, with amazing viewing points along the way. The goal of riding end to end was accomplished.

Pulling a grade, a black bear was spotted on the left side of the road. Most likely a yearling or two years at most. His front paws were on the stone wall, waiting to cross the road. Stopping cars, chased it back down the mountain. Oh how, they can turn so quickly. About one hour later, we rounded a curve and crossing the road was a LARGE black bear, just starting across the road. I estimated this one at about five years, with a conservative weight of 400 lbs. + I dropped back two gears as we watched it disappear into the woods.

Other wildlife viewed included, deer, crows, turkey buzzards, squirrels, song birds and a single turkey. It was a great weekend as we celebrated our son's birthday and enjoyed family time together. Dave & Jane Youells

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All Chapters East Gathering. . . . . by Katie Green

The weather looked absolutely perfect for the weekend and Bob and I were taking a

leisurely trip down to Gettysburg to the Drummer Boy Campground. We decided to stop for "brunch" at the Cracker Barrel in Fogelsville, and then on to "old 22" for a more scenic, peaceful ride. We wondered who else would be coming, when they'd arrive, and how to contact them when we got there...but all that wondering was unnecessary, as Jeff and Pam Kratz pulled into the campground right behind us! That's when the fun began! We got checked in, unpacked at the cabins, and walked down to the lodge to pick up our registration packets. It was great seeing all the campers with Chapter signs hanging from them, along with all the Gold Wings and GWRRA members from all over! I know that MD and NJ were represented since I saw some of the people I'd met at the State Rally, along with our Regional and State Directors. It was nice to connect with them again. After a nice dinner at the lodge, most of us rode to a great ice cream place up the road for dessert. They didn't know what hit them -- the ice cream was great, but by the time we left, they had run out of most of the flavors!

The Drummer Boy Campground has a "resident" ghost hunter who very graciously accommodated thirteen of us who decided to go ghost hunting later that night after our get-together. He started at 10:30, and it lasted until midnight! His talk, as well as some of the pictures they got, were quite interesting!

Breakfast was served in the lodge Saturday morning, and we signed up for the guided ride around the area. Since my sister lives in Arendtsville (outside of Gettysburg), I've ridden around there alot, but our sister chapter K really took us on some great roads with some great stops, like the Round Barn. Don't miss that if you ever have the chance to go there -- lots of fruit, produce, and items I'd never seen before, along with the very unique structure! I enjoyed a strawberry cream soda, and bought some pumpkin spice maple syrup for my next batch of pancakes. (It was great, by the way!) When we got back to the campground, the three couples from Chapter Y (Al and Lee, Jeff and Pam, and Bob and I) went on an independent ride which included questions to be answered along the way. That was fun and educational and also entered us in an additional drawing later that night.

After a great dinner, catered by the campground, the fun of door prizes and camaraderie began. Kudos to Chapter K for a great program with alot of great prizes! We could tell that many people had worked very hard to make this the great success that it was! Rich and Wendy were the host chapter's Couple of the Year, and the event emcees, but unfortunately Wendy had to miss it all due to having emergency appendix surgery!! Our prayers that she's recovering nicely...

Sunday morning we enjoyed another great breakfast, then the Chapter K meeting, and it

actually saddened me to see all the RVs and attendees pulling up stakes and leaving. But I have

to say that although it was great to see all the other chapters' members and renew

acquaintances, for me, the best part was getting to know our own Chapter Y members even

better. Al and Lee, Jeff and Pam, and Bob and I had so much fun together! Even when, on the

first night, we couldn't find the bonfire, we ended up just sitting around an empty fire ring chatting

and playing with Al and Lee's beautiful dog! This is the stuff memories are made of! The more

rides and events we attend, the more I'm glad to be a part of Chapter Y , with all the great people

we have!

Katie Green

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From the Web Side… Dan Reisinger, Webmaster Hello Chapter Y!

I always love the changing of the seasons and I enjoy each one of them. I was on the lawn tractor a couple of weeks ago on Sunday “vacuuming” up the leaves that have fallen from the trees in the yard and thinking of the next few weeks of how Mother Nature is going to put on her “earth” colors as the leaves turn from green to yellows, reds, browns, and golden before coming down with the breezes.

The sad part is the leaves also signal a closing of another year of riding coming soon. But what a fantastic time to dig out those old magazines, newspaper clippings, travel logs, website links, and that friend of a friend of a distant uncle married to his second removed cousin’s suggested place you just have to see to start planning next year’s rides!

I got to thinking about my article last month discussing T E A M and the benefits of having more than a single contributor. This year we began our planning with 17 members sitting around a large conference room table and I think we came up with some darn good destinations. We didn’t make some of them because of Mother Nature! We got off to a late start with the “planned” weekend showers Mother Nature seemed to schedule in April and May but once we got going –

We Got Going! There was the April 30th PA. Rte. 125 ride that took us to Lucky’s Deli and a

GREAT lunch! Make a note you don’t have to order the LARGE hoagie to get a LARGE HOAGIE! Lucky’s piles it on and it is sooo good! More rain starting off May but we had the PA. District Rally on May 19th – 21st and a great ride out and a fantastic ride on that Friday – but Mother Nature stayed true to her form and we had rain Saturday and Sunday – don’t forget to mention we were riding HOME on Sunday in that RAIN! Even with rain gear on it was cold – but lunch just east of Harrisburg at our favorite Blue Mountain Diner was warm up time and sunshine taking the place of rain for the rest of the trip home.

May found us finishing off the month with a ride to the Chicken Ranch (or “legally” known as Kauffman’s BBQ Restaurant) and this year we did NOT go through Reading! We got all the way into July before we had our next cancelled ride! Those miles just kept adding up on the Gold Wing

odometer! And that Sir, is the way it is supposed to be!

August had us miss St. Annes’ Polish Festival but we had a great month over all – NEXT

YEAR for those great Polish dishes at the festival.

We still have a few more rides and miles to enjoy before that Ole Man Winter comes out of hibernation and brings a cold north wind and a white flowing dusting to remind us that the Gold Wing needs to be on the tender and fuel stabilizer needs to be in the tank.

AND before that time comes we should start thinking about next year! What sign did you pass going to work, shopping, on vacation, or just out and about that sounded interesting? Is it an annual thing? Most things are in our area – there are the fall festivals, the spring festivals, the re-enactments of Brandywine, Gettysburg, Valley Forge, George Washington’s crossing, and others that might be interesting.

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But you know what – we can have the longest list of rides on the internet but without contributing (volunteering) to lead a ride from time to time we will end up with the longer list of cancelled rides! Remember last month – T(ogether) E(veryone) A(achieves) M(ore)? In the past there was a committee that planned the rides, mapped the rides, and led the rides. They were GOOD! They were so good that “we” depended on them year after year after year after year. And you know what happened – “WE” wore them out! They wanted to just join in on the rides but they felt that responsibility to fulfill our wishes and they did so volunteering every ride that was scheduled.

This coming year is going to be a great year – whether you volunteer or not but why don’t you give a leader a rest just once in a while and volunteer to lead one of those scheduled rides? There is already on the “calendar” four events for next year: (1) PA. District Rally in May, (2) All Chapters West in June, (3) All Chapters East in July, and (4) Wing Ding in August/September. There are also Roll For the Dough trips being planned to start in the winter months and throughout the year.

There are so many areas that a volunteer can contribute beyond the rides. You know that co-rider would make a fantastic recorder of rides with a camera! Don’t worry about getting every picture perfect – believe it or not the more you take the more good ones will come out! Just click them off and add them to an email to the Chapter Director or the Web “guy”. Think of how someone at home under the weather would love to see what and who went on that ride? How about if you are at a friend’s house and you start talking about a ride you took and you FORGOT your phone! If you have sent them to the Chapter Director or the Web guy – they are probably on our website! And you know what, on the website they can be made larger than your phone so more people can see them at the same time. Sorry but my old eyes can see better on a nice 22” screen than that small phone you are trying to focus in on for me .

We are a young chapter and growing at the same time. Yea, many of us have been in each other’s company (and those who still have hair that too) for a longer time than the “new” G.W.R.R.A PA Chapter Y but the help is needed from the new members and the old timers – Can YOU help out? We don’t promise great pay but we can promise FRIENDS FOR FUN,

SAFETY, and KNOWLEDGE!

And what a great promise to want to keep! Ride Safe and Enjoy the Ride

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“Photos From Along the Road”

All Chapters East:

Weekend Ride Hogs and Dogs

All Chapters East Presentation Attendees: Sitting at the table – Katie Green, Alan & Lee Clemens, Pam & Becky Kratz.

Chapter Y Attendees at All Chapters East: District Director Rick Riek, Alan & Lee Clemens, Bob Cox & Katie Green, Becky, Pam, & Jeff Kratz, and District Director Andi Riek

Dave & Jane Youells Virginia Weekend trip to Luray Caverns,

VA.

Jane & Dave Youells at the Spring Meadows Nursing home in Lansdale, Pa. on September 24th HOG’s & Dogs Display Event keeping an eye on the Gold Wings

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Pennsylvania District Directors… Rick and Andi Riek Greetings everyone,

Andi and I just returned from All Chapters East at Drummer Boy Campground in Gettysburg and we had a fabulous time. The campground was very nice but seeing everyone that turned out was even nicer. Rich and Wendy and Chapter K did an excellent job putting it together. Seeing the many different chapters come together made all the hard work worthwhile. Thank you Chapter K for showing us all a good time. We really need to thank all the chapters that step up and host these events. We understand all the work that it takes to put something like this together and we truly, truly thank everyone involved in organizing these events for the membership.

The dates for All Chapters West and East were also announced in Gettysburg. All Chapters West will be hosted by Chapter W on June 9th thru the 11th, 2017 at Friendship Village Campground in Bedford, PA. All Chapters East will be hosted by Chapter C on July 28th thru 30th, 2017 at Roxbury Holiness Camp in Orristown, PA. Don’t forget to mark these dates on your ride schedule calendar. The dates seem like a long time off but the way time flies by it will be here before you know it.

The Pennsylvania District also had some exciting news to announce while at All Chapters East in Gettysburg. The announcement came that we have some team members that have gone above and beyond what is asked of them at this past Wing Ding in Montana. Gerry and Bonnie VanArt, our District Trainers, have been awarded International Trainer of the Year award. Also Doug and Cindy Motter, our District Educators, have received a merit award for their dedication to the Rider Ed program in Pennsylvania. With their dedication to the Gold Wing Road Riders Association Pennsylvania District received an award in outstanding service for providing training and education to the members of our district.

We also had some scary news while we were there. Wendy Wirt ended up making a trip to the emergency room on Saturday afternoon. She had been diagnosed with appendicitis and surgery was in her near future. All said and done she missed most of the Saturday events as she went under the knife. Rich was worried to death about her but she was in good hands with their daughters by her side. With them attending to Wendy, Rich could stay at the campground and make sure everything went as scheduled. The last we heard everything went according to plan and her recovery is going well. While there everyone signed a get-well card for her. I'm sure she would appreciate getting a card from anyone that wasn’t there. (hint- hint)

We would like to take this time to thank all the chapters that sold our district raffle tickets for 2016. We had everyone of our 21 chapters sell tickets. By now your chapter director should have received your chapter return. Again, thank you for promoting and supporting our district fundraiser.

Please don’t get discouraged about the riding season coming to an end just yet. Fall sometimes produces the best riding time. With the changing of the leaves and the great scenery fall can be our best time of the year to ride. Just remember the dangers of falling leaves and wet roads. They can be a deadly combination. Also, hunters will be taking to the woods and the deer activity will start to peak. Please watch out for all the critters running out in front of you.

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Safe riding until we see you again,

Rick & Andi Riek

Pennsylvania District Directors groundshark@atlanticbb.net (814) 255-3147 Home (814) 659-4247 Cell Go for it now. The future is promised to no one.

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