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GWRRA Frequently Asked Questions
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What
is the chapter all about?
The
"Chapter" is the single most important benefit of GWRRA
because we make friends, we ride our GoldWings with our friends, we
promote safe riding to enhance our motorcycle experience and we
learn skills and safety techniques for riding. Oh, and
GoldWingers also love to EAT!
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How
do I join the chapter?
You
don't join the chapter, you join the Gold Wing Road Riders
Association and you participate in the chapters of your choice.
So the question could be asked "How do I become a chapter
participant?" You do nothing more than attend a chapter
get-together, ride or event. The first time you attend you are
a guest. The second time you come you are a part of our
chapter's family. A local chapter is one of the main benefits
of belonging to our international association. There is no
cost or formal application to participate in a GWRRA chapter. The
GWRRA has a network of chapters worldwide, so you're never far from
home, even when you're on the road
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Why
am I a guest at the first Get-Together?
This
allows us to recognize you as a new person. It's our belief
that nothing is worse than attending a get-together to have fun and
seek out potential new friends, only to sit around ignored and
bewildered. Sometimes in getting ready to conduct a
get-together, the Chapter Director (CD) and/or Assistant Chapter
Director might forget to introduce themselves. If this
happens, please seek them out and introduce yourself, as they truly
want to meet you but had to get the get-together organized and
underway.
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Do
I have to wait until the second Get-Together to become a chapter
participant?
No,
you don't, just tell the Chapter Director or Assistant Chapter
Director that you would like to participate and want to receive the
chapter newsletter and the ride schedule. Schedules for other
chapters in the area are also available on request.
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What
are the different classes of membership in GWRRA?
A
"Full Member" is the owner/operator of a GoldWing
motorcycle. An "Associate Member" is a spouse or
dependent in the same household. The association also has a
"Booster/Supporter" classification for the non-GoldWing
owner. Although the Booster/Supporter is not a Full Member,
they enjoy most of the benefits that a Full Member and Associate
Member does.
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What
do I get for my membership in GWRRA?
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A unique member benefit is the Wing World magazine.
This beautiful, glossy, monthly publication is packed with
GoldWing touring stories, Honda and after market products, technical
advise from Honda technicians and GoldWing accessory advertisements.
Every issue also includes reader classifieds, rider education
information, and an up-to-date listing of all national, regional and
local GWRRA events, as well as a directory of our officers that you
can contact for information.
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Another member benefit is the Gold Book, the exclusive GWRRA
service directory, which lists participating GWRRA members' names,
phone numbers and what they can share with you: Help,
information, tools, lodging, trip assistance, camping space and, of
course, fellowship. Maybe even FOOD! If you find
yourself needing help on a lonely highway, you'll find a GWRRA
friend nearby. Many members think the Gold Book
is the best highway insurance of all, and it works best if kept on
your motorcycle.
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There
are even more benefits, a few of which are, a numbered key chain for
safe return of lost keys, an annual membership pin, an embroidered
patch, safety decals and an embossed membership card.
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What
is the staffing structure in GWRRA?
All
officers are appointed. There is no voting or elections held
in GWRRA. The officers and communication goes as follows:
National
Operations Director
Regional Director
District Director
Chapter
Director
Each
director then appoints his/her own staff of Assistants, Educators,
Coordinators and other supporting staff. The Chapter Director
has the operational responsibility for the chapter and obtains input
from his/her staff and chapter participants in reaching decisions
regarding chapter activities.
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What
are they talking about?
50/50
Tickets
The
chapter receives no money from the national business office so, to
help the chapter pay it's expenses, we sell tickets during the
get-togethers. A ticket is drawn and we give away half of the
money from the ticket sale proceeds, hence 50/50. This is a
voluntary donation and you are not obligated to purchase the
tickets.
Chapter
Rides
Most
chapters have scheduled rides. These rides leave from a
designated location or ride point. The time of departure
varies, so make sure to read your chapter newsletter or ask the
Chapter Director who will be more than happy to assist you. If
you have any special roads and/or parks, that you would like to
share, make sure to let the CD know. Many of these rides will
start from early to mid morning and run until early evening. Sometimes
overnights might be a factor for a longer trip. All activities
are discussed with the chapter staff so be ready with your input to
the CD, Assistant CD or staff.
Get-Togethers
Once
a month we will have a Get-Together. This get-together can
include speakers, videos, ride schedule planning and safety
information, and of course can include a MEAL (and probably
does) with plenty of socializing. These get-togethers are not
business meetings. GWRRA does not operate in a club format.
There is no voting, minutes or Treasurer's report. Decisions
regarding the chapter are made by the Chapter Director who is
appointed by the District Director. The CD does, however, get
input from chapter staff and participants regarding events which are
of interest to the chapter.
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What
are all those pins on people's vests?
Those
are Ride or Event pins. Every time a chapter puts on a Poker
Run or other special events are held, like a District Rally, usually
a ride pin is available, and are sometimes included in the cost of
registration. The pins are basically souvenirs that are fun to
look back on for the memories each represents. HINT: Lots
of pins = an Old Hand that you may want to ask questions of!
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How
do I get a vest?
See
the Chapter Director or Assistant Chapter Director to find out the
current arrangements. Usually they are a special order item.
Vests are optional for participants, but many wear their vest
to display their many pins and awards. Chapter patches, the
10" GWRRA logo and other patches can be purchased for your vest
from your CD.
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Do
I have to do anything while I am a participant?
Yes,
have a much FUN as you can! That's why this association and
especially local chapters exist: Friends For Fun, Safety and
Knowledge! And, of course, you may have a MEAL or two
along the way!
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What
is a Poker Run?
A
Poker Run serves as a fund raising activity. There is usually
a charge for each poker hand, which serves as a donation to the
Chapter/District. Each Poker Run may differ in one way or
another, but are basically as follows: We sign in and get a
set of directions to a check point. When we arrive at the
first check point we draw a playing card. We continue on to
the second and subsequent check points, until we reach the final
point. The high had will win a prize or share in the funds
collected from the event. Some organizations have observations
runs in which you may have questions to answer about sights along
the route. If it all seems a little confusing, don't worry, we
were all confused at first. Just ask some Old Hand for the
help you need.
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What
is a District Rally?
Individual
districts may have a two or three day event for the expressed
purpose of providing a fun, social environment for the participants
and provide funding for the GWRRA district director's office. Bike
judging, vendors, rider education videos, 50/50's, motorcycle light
shows and much more is available at the rally. District
rallies are usually held annually and are located in different areas
around the district.
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What
is a Regional Rally?
This
is a gathering for GWRRA members from throughout the region. It
is held once a year over a three day period. There are many of
the same events and attractions offered as at the District Rally,
only on a larger scale. It is held at various places in the
Region. It is the major fund raiser for the regional office.
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What
is Wing Ding?
This
is our National Rally put on for all Gold Wing Road Rider
Association members, Booster/Supporters and other interested
motorcyclists. It is held at various locations throughout the
country. This rally has all the events you would find at the
Regional Rally but on a much, much larger scale.
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What
is the chapter money used for?
The
Chapter Director uses the chapter funds to cover operation expenses
of the chapter. These expenses include the cost of the
newsletter, staff and office training meetings which may include
gas, meals, motels, postage, telephone calls, the chapter chartering
fee, supplies, etc., which are necessary to run the chapter. Annually,
the CD submits a financial statement to District Director.
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What
is the reason for rides?
The
first is obviously to move our group from point A to point B. The
second is to expand our social contacts while retaining the
camaraderie of our meetings. And the third is to travel, sight
see, and sometimes to EAT!
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What
is group riding?
As
the name implies, it is riding in a group. Most of our
organized chapter movements (rides) will be in this type.
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When
and how do I use my CB?
We
use a predetermined CB channel for communication directions, turns,
lane changes and other pertinent traffic information and potential
dangers to the group. Ask the Chapter Director what CB channel
the chapter uses. Channel 1 is the GWRRA established channel
nationally, but may not necessarily be used by the local chapter.
Limiting
idle chatter is particularly critical during departures and
arrivals. There is a tendency for riders to be tense during take off
and somewhat lax during landings. Experience has shown that
these are the times that unfortunate incidents tend to occur. Be
alert! If you wish to converse with a fellow rider, call that
rider by name. CB handles are fun but unfortunately require
other members to tax their memories. Why not try using real
first names like "Hey Harry, this is Jack".
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How
do I ride in a group?
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Arrive
with a full tank of gas.
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| Attempts
should be made to limit the groups to 5 or 6 motorcycles.
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| CB
channels should be established prior to any movement. The
group should not switch to a different channel until all members
have been informed.
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| Each
motorcycle should ride in staggered formation within an automobile
lane; the leader rides in the left tire track; the next
rider, the right tire track, etc. On curves, individual riders
should pick their own track, then reform the staggered formation
after the curve.
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| When
stopping at a traffic light or stop sign, all motorcycles pull up,
two abreast, directly behind the bike they were following.
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| When
starting, the leader moves out first, accelerating slowly enough for
all motorcycles to move out in turn. No one should accelerate
even with, or pass, another bike.
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| Allow
a minimum of two or three second's stopping distance between
following motorcycles, one or two second stopping distance between
staggered bikes. However, do not allow too much space to
develop between bikes.
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| Don't
just follow. Be sure to check the traffic before lane changes
or other maneuvers. |
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someone in your group pulls to the shoulder of the road and stops,
do not follow. The rear motorcycle should be designated by the
leader to stop and give assistance. |
| When
passing other vehicles on a two lane highway each motorcycle should
pass in order and in turn. The leader should accelerate far
enough ahead for the rest of the group to pass, and the tail bike
should inform the leader when the whole group has passed and he is
back in formation. |
| Groups
should have a leader and rear motorcycle equipped with CB radios
when possible. The lead bike leads the group, the rear bike
controls the group. Expect ride suggestions from the rear bike
and accept suggestions to improve the groups' riding performance. |
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riders and co-riders should wear proper riding apparel. This
is not mandatory but is strongly recommended for your safety. Relax
and enjoy the ride, and remember, getting there is the fun!
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What
are defensive riding practices?
General
| Headlights
should be activated at all times during operation.
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| Never
ride into a space that you cannot see your way clear to ride out of.
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| Never
override your, or your motorcycle's, limits.
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| Never
be overconfident.
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| Always
wear leather gloves and safety glasses, or a face shield.
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| If
you should lose control of your motorcycle while halted and it
begins to fall over, don't attempt to hold it up when it goes past
center. It's better to hurt your bike than yourself.
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Roadway
Surface
| Always
look out for grease, oil, water, sand, etc. on the roadway.
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| Avoid
the center of lanes, particularly at intersections and left turn
pockets, where there is a greater possibility of oil and water
accumulation, no avenue of escape and a greater possibility of being
rear ended.
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| Keep
off of lane lines as they are frequently made from a rubber based
paint and are slippery.
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| Avoid
parking where other vehicles have left oil and/or grease deposits.
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| If
you encounter an object on the roadway that you cannot avoid,
straighten the motorcycle up and attempt to go over the object at a
90 degree angle and accelerate.
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Braking
| When
following another vehicle, ride where you can see the driver in his
rear view mirrors.
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| Practice
using both hand and foot brake. Even though GoldWings are
equipped with an integrated braking system, 70% of your stopping
power is in your front brake.
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| Avoid
braking sharply during turning movements.
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| In
the case of a flat tire decelerate gradually. Avoid heavy
braking and always clear the lane.
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| When
forced to brake hard always keep the front wheel straight. If
the rear tire locks and begins to slide don't release your foot
brake. Your rear wheel will follow your front wheel; however
if your release your rear brake and your rear wheel is off center,
your motorcycle will attempt to correct itself and will probably
"high side" you!
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Lane
Changing and Passing
| Use
your mirrors consistently, but never rely on them. Glance over
your shoulder to confirm what you think your mirrors show you.
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| After
making your lane change always resume the same position you occupied
in the group. The same rule applies when you are passing. |
Curves
| Slow
down prior to entering the curve or turn.
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| Enter
the curve on it's outside, staying within your lane. Then move
into the center to allow room for correction if speed is too great
or radius us misjudged. Be sure of the roadway's surface.
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| When
not familiar with the road SLOW DOWN. Excessive speed and
driver errors are the leading causes of motorcycles accidents.
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Intersections
| When
approaching an intersection, if you observe a vehicle facing toward
you and attempting to turn left, assume that the driver does not see
you and will turn directly into your path. Watch the vehicle's
front wheels, even if the vehicle is halted. If the wheels
start turning in your direction, WATCH OUT!
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Where
do I find out about the Rider Education Program?
GWRRA's
Rider Education Program (REP) has continued to grow at a phenomenal
rate, showing the commitment of association members to be among the
safest and best prepared highway travelers in the nation. For a
complete understanding of the requirements for qualification at each
level contact your Chapter Educator. Sign up forms are
published periodically in Wing World.
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We hope that this
information has answered many, or all, of your questions and that you will
decide to join us in the enjoyment of riding with Friends
for Fun, Safety and Knowledge.
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