GWRRA South Central Texas District Region H DFW ... Central Region H GWRRA Texas District Texas Chapter R Friends for Fun, Safety & Knowledge DFW Rallycats Raconteur December 2008

South Central Region H

GWRRA Texas District

Texas Chapter R

Friends for Fun, Safety & Knowledge www.gwrra-txr.org

DFW Rallycats Raconteur December 2008

Volume 11, Issue 21

Leaf Change Ride to Talamena, Arkansas, November 1 - 2, 2008

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

DFW Rallycats Raconteur, December 2008

“R” Officers and Staff — 2008

About the Cover

The front cover features the leaf change ride to Mena, AR. If you missed it, you missed a really great time! Send your photos and stories to Cheryl Baker at [email protected], and you, too, could end up on the next cover of the DFW Rallycats Raconteur!

• Chapter R’s Monthly Gathering is held on the 4th Tuesday of every month.

• The Gather-ing is held at Fuddruckers in Grapevine, near Bass Pro Shop. (Check website for directions.)

• For our mem-bers’ safety and well-being, Chap-ter R holds smoke free meetings.

• All visitors are welcome!

• Dinner at 6:30 pm; Meeting at 7:30 pm

Staff Articles 3

GWRRA Riders Ed Levels 8

Member Articles 9

Humor 13,16,17

Recent Rides 15

District Staff/News 16

Region Staff/News 17

National Staff/News 17

Celebrations 18

Calendars 19,20

Upcoming Events 21

Classifieds 21

Toy Run Flyer 22

Sponsors 23

Chapter News — Staff Updates

Chapter Directors Jim and Tish Jones Cells: (817) 521-3491 (Tish) (682) 438-0317 (Jim) [email protected] Asst. Chapter Directors John and Ruth Fuls Home: (972) 484-9399 Cells: (214) 236-0522 (John) (214) 476-9003 (Ruth) [email protected] (John) [email protected] (Ruth) Asst. Chapter Directors Brian Neal Home: (817) 721-1014 [email protected] Chapter Educator Gary and Alice Meyer - Educators Home: (940) 497-4818 [email protected]

Chapter Couple of the Year Don and Linda Holley Home: (940) 382-3076 Cells: (940) 390-0873 (Don) [email protected] (Don) [email protected] Secretary/Treasurer Rebecca Herman Home : (817) 481-6546 Cell : (817) 706-1799 [email protected] Ways and Means Jim Jones Cell: (682) 438-0317 [email protected] Newsletter Editors Don and Cheryl Baker Home: (817) 329– 8765 Cell: (817) 703-4008 (Cheryl) [email protected] (Cheryl)

Web Master Brian Neal Home: (817) 721-1014 [email protected] E-Master Ross Crum (817) 638-5248 [email protected] Scrapbook Coordinator Donna Thompson (940) 240-0166 [email protected] Ride Coordinators Ross and Liz Crum Home : (817) 638-5248 Cells: (214) 497-8924 (817) 706-2167 [email protected](Ross) [email protected] (Liz)

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Jim and Tish Jones

Chapter Directors 2008 - Jim & Tish Jones

Well, the year is winding down, and the holiday season is upon us. For those of you who have not heard or were not at the last monthly meeting, Tish and I will be stepping down as CD’s at the end of this year. Ken Peterson has accepted our recommendation of Brian Neal as our replacement. Tish and I believe that Brian will continue to make Chapter R the choice for anyone wanting to ride and have a good time. We certainly hope that you will give him your support and volunteer to help wherever he needs. Being CD has taught us many things, the first being “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” It can be challenging at times, but it is also very rewarding, and we enjoyed the association we have had with every one of you. Now, we won’t be going anywhere so you can count on seeing us on the rides and at meetings just like always. The only difference will be in we won’t have to be MC’ing the meetings or co-ordinating the group. Anyway, let’s be sure to give Brian our support and keep Chapter R the best Chapter in GWRRA! Now for some other stuff. We are quickly coming up on the Annual North Texas Toy Run and Santa is working hard to get it all put together. We certainly encourage one and all to help out. You can help by just showing up and showing these kids just how much we care. You can also do things like helping take a child to sponsor, bidding at the auction that we will have that morn-ing or even just helping to clean up afterwards. However you choose to help, remember that it is all about the kids who, without us, would not have a Christmas with gifts. Some are just lucky to have a place to live! I now some of us are facing tough times with the economy but nothing reminds me more about how lucky I am than to see those folks down at the Salvation Army who have nothing. I count my blessings every day for my good fortune and try to spread a little of it around for those who are not as lucky. So, we do hope you will come out and participate in some way and give yourself a boost by help-ing those who are a lot worse off than us. Jim and Tish Jones Chapter Directors GWRRA TX-R [email protected]

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Asst. Chapter Directors 2008 - John & Ruth Fuls

John and Ruth Fuls

ACD’s Corner John Fuls

It’s getting close to the end! Only about one month left until this year ends and a new year begins, along with a new staff for Chapter “R”. Even the USA is getting a new staff! For us folks who ride motor cycles, this is a great time for that activity. The heat of the summer has passed, the fall colors are here, the bitter cold hasn’t yet arrived, it couldn’t be much better. There have been several chapter rides to take advan-tage of the fall ridding, Mena overnighter, the east Texas day ride, and a couple others. Up-coming is the annual Toy Ride to Salvation Army in Ft. Worth is always a great event, along with the dinner at Joe T. Garcia’s Restaurant in Ft. Worth, following the festivities at Sal-vation Army. Other things on the agenda that have become annual events are the “No Tur-key” bonfire fire at the Scotts, the Chapter Christmas Party, and the sock hop at the Baker’s. Several things to bring us all together in a party atmosphere. And there is the pos-sibility of a ride or two of an impromptu nature. In addition to the motorcycle events, we are now in the season for parties and celebra-tions. December is the month when work and club parties take place and each is a time for merriment, laughter and gift giving. So to all of you from the soon to be retired ACD’s cor-ner we wish to you the best of the Holiday season, a Happy Thanksgiving, a wonderful Christmas, and a joyous New Year. Through all of this, pause a moment and reflect and re-member what brought all this celebrating about and why we do this. Especially this coming month wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, be smart; and be careful so you don’t make a mess! John Fuls ACD GWRRA TX-R

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Who's leading? Asst. Chapter Directors 2008 - Brian & Tina Neal

Jack and Jill went up the hill... to get their parents’ car keys If you point your nose in just the right direction, you can smell the new plastic of fresh driver’s license. That’s right; it’s almost Christmas, and a new batch of 16-year-old drivers, who can’t see over the hood, will be unleashed to prove they haven’t a clue as how to drive. Jack has to prove to his friends that his dad’s car can do a burn-out; Jill is thinking how to get to the mall the fastest way for the shoe sale. We’re caught in the mid-dle. It’s just 1000 or so per high school. I want rubber bumpers on all four sides of my bike! Sorry, almost lost it for a second. I am not say-ing they can’t drive, rather that their brains aren’t working half the time, and add to the mix a cell phone glued to the side of the head. I watched cars go by my office and counted how many young kids had a cell phone. Is this a right of passage, like in our time we had blue jeans with the holes in them? Ok, so I rant just a little, but it’s hard to be safe when the other 16- year-old guy or gal thinks mom and dad’s car is safe to be in, just be-cause of how big it is. I just want to point out: be safe and watch out for Jack and Jill, and if you see Peter, just get out of his way. Be Safe, Ride Long Brian Neal ACD GWRRA-Texas Chapter R

Brian Neal & “Kat”

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Chapter Educators 2008 Gary & Alice Meyer DFW Rallycats Raconteur, December 2008

GETTING YOURSELF READY – Continuing Education Last month we gave you an article about Motorcycle Myths from Motorcycle Cruiser Maga-zine. Now let’s expand our discussion a little further. “I’ve been riding for over X years.” “I’ve already taken an ERC X times.” “I do parking lot practice every X.” Does any of this sound familiar? Have you said any of the statements above? What’s your excuse for not continuing your Rider Education? Just like riding your motorcycle, continuing Rider Education is a choice. There are many opportunities to increase your knowledge about riding and improving your riding skills. Here are just a few suggestions. Books and Magazines – We all get Wing World each month. In the magazine we can usually find several articles about riding safely, including their Rider Education article. Are you like us, and subscribe to other Motorcycle themed magazines? If so, they probably have some tidbits of wisdom to share with you each month. Take the time to read an article or two. Have you heard of “Proficient Motorcycling” by David Hough? How about “Guide to Motorcycling Excellence” by the MSF? You may want to wander the isles of the local bookstore or check out some of your favorite on-line shops to add some great books to your library and knowledge about motorcycling. Or see if someone in the chap-ter will let you borrow their copy. You may find that you want a copy for your own! DVDs and Videos – Chapter R has several educational Videos available in DVD and VHS format, including: Co-Rider, Trailering, Slow Speed Cycling, Touring & Braking. They are ready for check out, so you can watch at your leisure. Seen them? How about the “Ride Like a Pro” DVD? This video course is based on MotorCop training. Are there others out there you’d like to see in the Chapter library? Please let us know! Rider Courses – On bike training can be an invaluable source of information for the rider and co-rider. The course can help those with an open mind see their areas of weakness and ways to improve them. They also help to identify bad habits that develop and correct them. You may be a great rider, but the instructor has the outside perspective that you lack. So, you’ve taken the ERC so many times you can do it with your eyes closed? How about taking the time and money to attend a riding school like Street Masters, Stayin’ Safe, Total Control Advanced Rider Clinic, or one of the many other options? Other Education –Believe it or not, there are a wide variety of training opportunities that are not designed spe-cifically for motorcyclists that can help you. Have you taken advantage of some of the free seminars at the lar-ger Rallies, like trip planning, using your GPS, packing your motorcycle, motorcycle maintenance, etc.? How about a CPR or First Aid Course or a fitness class? What does this have to do with being a better rider? Being pre-pared and being fit are keys to making motorcycling more enjoyable and safer. Have you checked out the Motor-cycle Safety Foundation’s (MSF) or American Motorcyclist Association’s (AMA) Websites? They have a library of resource materials available for download or reading online. Give yourself the gift of education this holiday season! “Safety Is For Life” Gary & Alice Meyer GWRRA, TX-R Chapter Educators

Alice and Gary

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Chapter Couple of the Year—Don and Linda Holley

Don and Linda Holley

The holiday season is fast approaching. It will be a busy time for all of us. We have Thanksgiving, the Toy Run and the Chapter Christmas party all happening in the next couple of weeks. Spend time with your fam-ily during the Thanksgiving holiday. Then spend time with your R family and partici-pate in the Toy Run and the Christmas Party. If you have participated in the Toy Run before you will be there again; if not, be there and it will become a tradition for you. We have ridden in all but one Toy Run over the past 12 years. We really look forward to the Toy Run and it always makes us appreciate what we have, knowing we can make Christmas a little brighter for a couple of children. The Christmas Party is always something we look forward to in December. There are always a few gifts that several people want and the stealing is on for the night. It is so much fun to spend this time with members of R since everyone will be going in their own direction for the Holidays. Don’t miss it if you can be there. It is always a blast. Have a safe Holiday Season.

Ride the Roads with R. Don and Linda Chapter R Couple of the Year

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We are proud of our participants that have put the time, effort, and commitment into the GWRRA Riders Education Levels Program.


Grand Master Tour Rider

10 Years of Level IV

Master Tour Rider

Level IV (cont) 928 - Mat Talmadge 3693 - Mike Needham

929 - Mike Barchers 4010 - Vern Attaway

984 - Carolyn Hoadley 4375 - Jeanne Nevil

4376 - Jerry Nevil

Senior Master Tour Rider

5 Years of Level IV

4850 - Donna Thompson

4851 - Jeff Thompson

1668 - Fay Tolson 4867 - Gary Meyer

1669 - Ron Tolson 5028 - Mandy Mew

1852 - Sandy Levengood 5029 - Fred Mew

1854 - Linda Holley 5153 - Alice Meyer

1855 - Don Holley 5325 - Greg Dean

2186 - Mark Johnson 5326 - Cassima Dean

2557 - Debbie Scott 5496 - Lena Bryant

2558 - Greg Scott 5497 - John Bryant

2864 - Joe Levengood 5635 - Jim Jones

3694 - Carolyn Barton 6075 - Tish Jones

6076 - Leona McDade

Master Tour Rider Level IV

6077 - Terry McDade

6316 - Pam St John

2896 - Dolly Griffin 6317 - Jim St John

2897 - Dave Cobb 6569 - Rebecca Herman

2991 - Betty Mann 6570 - Mark Herman

2992 - Bob Mann 6946 - Sheila Walton

3692 - Dwan Needham 6947 - Jim Walton

If you would like more information on the GWRA Rider Education Program, please see the information listed here: www.gwrra-tx.org/education/levels.php, ask Chapter Educators Gary & Alice Meyer, or talk to one of the folks listed above!

Chapter Educators 2008 Gary & Alice Meyer

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Leaf change ride 2008 By: Charlie Garalis

The following is based upon actual events.

The ride started like any other ride, but was soon going to prove to be anything but ordi-nary. I began to suspect that this would be an extraordinary weekend when I took account of the members joining the expedition. Most of the riders were solo and a few brought their spousal units. But two brought their guard dogs. So vicious were they that one was stored in a deep bucket tethered to the bike while the other being the most vicious was stored in an impenetrable cage. One of the riders, “Boy Scout Jim,” came so prepared for battle that he even carried along a spare tire, something you just don’t usually see on a typical Chapter R adventure. The riders were split into three groups. By doing this most unsuspecting souls think that they only have to recon with one wave… but yet there are three. First wave softens up the enemy, second wave goes in with a reckless abandon and the final wave cleans up those that remain. I was assigned to group three. We were nearly to check point Charlie when the first of a series of horrific events occurred. Jeff & Kay’s bike suddenly started shooting flaming balls of molten rubber. The flames soon engulfed the entire bike ala Ghost Rider. Jeff, piloting the bike, and Kay not wiggling around at all, brought the bike to a screeching halt in front of a tree with several serious signs some of which read: No Dumping; No Parking or Stopping for any reason; Keep Out; and of most concern, Trespassers please prominently display name and phone numbers of next of kin so they may be contacted. Next thing you know, not one but two well-camouflaged, gun-toting, baseball-cap-wearing, mean-looking locals drove up to inquire about their presence and checking for next of kin dis-plays. Fortunately, Jeff, being the sly devil that he is, convinced the locals that instead of suf-fering a much worse fate, they as punishment have his Goldwing converted into a Valkyrie trike. But as they drove off, they heard the camouflaged ones yell "and don’t come back again or next time you get a Harley." After the forced triking the gang became unruly and hungry. Ross, our journey coordinator, knew if they didn’t get food soon a mutiny would ensue and his head would be on the Chopping Block. As we invaded a local eatery and demanded food the workers, who were struck with fear, escaped out the back door. So Tish was forced into service. Later the pressure got to her and she simply passed out while trying to satisfy this motley crew. We bunked down that night in an area known for desperadoes like us. We blended well into the background and took some time to relax. The relaxation quickly turned to merrymaking then an all out bash. The commotion was more than a neighboring traveler could stand, and the local SWAT team was called in to quiet the mob. After sev-eral tear gas cans were spent, we begrudgingly disbursed. A few of the heartier souls retreated to a secluded hideout to formally wind down the evening.

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Leaf change ride 2008 By: Charlie Garalis

We continued our plunder of the mountainside the next morning. Marilyn was one of the few who were appropriately equipped for what laid ahead. She simply scoffed (scoffed I tell you) as the driving rain turned to ice, snow and then six foot snow drifts, as she had the foresight to wear ski pants. She was ready for anything that Mother Nature could dish out. The conditions turned so treacherous that leader Ross directed us to Queen Wilhel-mina’s place. Much to our chagrin we were not welcome, so in typical Chapter R style we demanded they serve us breakfast or else! Lucky for them they acquiesced.

As we left the lodge we encountered Wilhelmina’s bear. Some say it was pay back for past misdeeds. To buy some time we sent forth both the “dog in a bucket” and the “dog in a cage” to distract the beast while we executed our escape. Sure going to miss those dogs.

As we fled down the mountainside, averaging 130 to 140 mph, with only inches between each bike, grinding metal on every turn, we flew by a cop, with radar fully engaged, heading in the option direction. The public servant promptly locked up his brakes did a screeching 180 and gave chase. Recognizing the potential jail time should we be appre-hended, we pulled off the road and pretended to be tourists, taking pictures of each other. Once we successfully shook the cops we continued our rapid decent. That is until we ran up on a slow moving camper that utterly refused to yield. So to rem-edy the situation, Jeff drove up next to the camper. Donna stood up in the seat and leapt to the storage ladder bolted to the back. Climbed up and with James Bond like precision walked across the roof with the wind whistling through her hair. She jumped from the roof down to the hood of the vehicle. Grabbed the windshield wiper, ripped it off the truck and put it between her teeth like a pirate holds a knife while boarding an en-emy vessel. She then snarled as she stared into the eyes of the road hog. This frightened the campers and caused them to swerve off the road; at that moment Jeff skillfully pulled along side and Donna jumped back on the bike before the camper careened off a cliff… and away we went. I believe Donna kept the wiper as a souvenir, but she’ll never admit to it. Once safely at the bottom of the mountain the ride became relaxed. That is until I spotted a deer lurking roadside off in the distance. It was alert and ready to pounce upon any unsuspecting biker. I saw the silhouette in time to alert the group. It was standing eerily still as we approached. Recalling that Jim had seen such a beast in his earlier travels that day. I began to brake and prepared to take evasive maneuvers. As I got closer the deer, without so much as a warn-ing, turned into a pile of cardboard boxes. I think Jeff & Donna cast the "deerboard spell," which converted the deer into mere cardboard and thus could have very well saved my life and the lives of our compadres. The ride back became long and monotonous. I have to assume that’s why Alice announced: “I can't take it anymore. I’m going to have to hit a liquor store, convenience store, gas station, something. If you’re scared just go on without me.” But being a dedicated loyal gang we all helped execute the operation. Alice took the lead, several went in as back up and some stayed outside as look outs. The raid began with a hearty “GO! GO! GO!” and was executed with sur-gical precision and we were back on the road in no time. As planned, nobody got hurt. In closing I would like to add Joke #22. Go ahead and show them your nuts. (Ask Jim. He knows.) All in all, I suppose it was just another typical Chapter R rrride.

Note to self: Need to start doing the Jell-O shooters AFTER I write these articles.

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The bike's passenger seat swept up just enough that I could see over my father's shoulders. That seat was my throne. My dad and I traveled many back roads together... searching for the ones we had never found before. Travelling these roads just to see where they went. Never in a rush, just be home by supper. I remember wandering down a back road with my father, sitting on my throne watching the trees whiz by, feeling the rumble of our bike beneath us like a giant contented cat. A motorcycle came over a hill towards us and as it went by, my father threw up his clutch hand and gave a little wave. The other bike waved back with the same friendly swing of his left wrist. I tapped my dad on the shoulder, which was our signal that I wanted to say something. He cocked his head back slightly while keeping his eyes ahead... I yelled, "Did you know him?" "What?" "You waved at him...who was that?" "I don't know. Just another guy on a bike.... so I waved." "How come?" "You just do...it's important." Later, when we had stopped for ice cream, I asked him why it was so important to wave to other bikers. My dad tried to explain how the wave demonstrated comradeship and a mutual understanding of what it was to enjoy riding a motorcy-cle. He looked for the words to describe how almost all bikers struggled with the same things like cold, rain, heat, wind, and drivers who didn't see them, but how riding remained an almost pure pleasure. I was young then and I am not sure that I really understood what he was trying to get across, but it was a beginning of something. Afterwards, I always waved along with my dad whenever we passed other bikes. I remember one cold October morning when the clouds were heavy and dark, giving us another clue that winter was heading in from just over the horizon. My dad and I were warm inside our car as we headed to a friends house. Round-ing a corner, we saw a motorcycle parked on the shoulder of the road. Past the bike, we saw the rider walking thru the ditch, scouring along thru the tall grass, crowned with a touch of frost. Dad pulled over and backed up to where the bike stood. I asked Dad..."Who's that?" "Don't know" he replied..."but he seems to have lost something. Maybe we can give him a hand." We left the car and wandered thru the tall grass ditch to the biker. He said that he had been pulling on his gloves as he rode, and that he had lost one. The three of us spent some time combing the ditch, but all we found were empty cans and bottles. My dad then turned and headed back to the car and opened the trunk. He rummaged thru various tools, oil containers, and this and that until he found an old pair of crumpled up leather gloves. He continued looking until he found an old catalogue. I understood what he was doing with the gloves....but I had no idea what he needed with the catalogue. "Here's some gloves for you," my dad said as he handed them to the rider, "and I brought you a catalogue as well." "Thanks.. I really appreciate it." He reached into his hip pocket and pulled out an old chain wallet. "Lemme give you some money for the gloves" he said. "No thanks," dad replied as he handed them to the rider. "They're not worth anything and they're old anyway." The biker smiled. "Thanks a lot." He pulled the old gloves on and unzipped his jacket. I watched as my dad handed him the catalogue and the biker slipped it inside his coat. He jostled it around, positioning it up high, centered, and then zipped it up. I remembered now making sense of why my dad had given him the catalogue. It would keep him a bit warmer. After wishing the biker well, my dad and I left him warming up his bike. Two weeks later, the biker came to our home and returned my father's gloves. He had found the address on the cata-logue. Neither my father nor the biker seemed to think that my dad stopping at the side of the road for a stranger and giving him a pair of gloves, and that the stranger making sure that the gloves were returned, were events out of the ordi-nary for people who rode motorcycles. For me, it was another subtle lesson. It was spring of the next year when I was sitting high on my throne, watching the farm fields slip by when I saw two bikes coming towards us. As they rumbled past, my dad and I waved, but the other bikers kept their sunglasses locked


Why We Wave — Unknown Author

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Why We Wave - Author Unknown straight ahead and did not acknowledge us. I remember thinking that they must have seen us because our waves were too obvious to miss. Why didn't they wave back? I thought all bikers waved at one another... I tapped my dad on the shoulder and yelled..."How come they didn't wave back?" "Don't know. Sometimes they don't." I remember feeling very puzzled. Why wouldn't someone wave back? The next summer, I was finally old enough to learn to ride a motorcycle with a clutch. Many an afternoon were spent on a country lane beside our home, kicking and kicking to start my dad's old 1955 BSA. When it would finally come to a sputtering start, my concentration would grow to a sharp focus, as I tried to let out the clutch slowly enough, and bring us to a smooth take off. More often than not, I would lurch forward.... and begin to attempt to kickstart the motor again. Eventually, I got my own motorcycle license, and began wandering the backroads on my own. I found myself stopping along sideroads if I saw another biker alone, just to check and see if he needed help.... and I continued to wave at other riders. But I remained focused as to why some riders never waved back. It left me with almost a feeling of rejection, as if I were reaching to shake someones hand, but they kept their arm hanging by their side. I began to canvass my friends about waving. I talked with people at biker events, asking what they thought. Most of the old riders told me they waved to other bikers and often initiated the friendly air handshake as they passed one an-other. I did meet some riders though, who told me that they did not wave to other riders because they felt that they were dif-ferent from other bikers. They felt that they were a "breed apart." One guy told me in rather colorful language, that he did not "wave to no wussies." He went on to say that his kind of bikers were tough, independent, and they did not re-quire or want the help of anyone, whether they rode a bike or not. I suspected that there were some people who bought a bike because they wanted to purchase an image of being tougher, more independent, a not-putting-up-with-anyone's-crap kind of person, but I didn't think that this was typical of most riders. People buy bikes for different reasons. Some will be quick to tell you what make it is, how much they paid for it, or how fast it will go. Brand loyalty is going to be strong for some people, whether they have a Harley, Ford, Sony, or whatever. Some people want to buy an image and try to purchase another person's perception of them. But it can't be done. Still, there is a group of people who ride bikes who truly are a breed apart. They appreciate both the engineering and the artistry in the machines they ride. Their bikes become part of who they are and how they define themselves to themselves alone. They don't care what other people think. They don't care if anyone knows how much they paid for their bike or how fast it goes. The bike means something to them that nothing else does. They ride for themselves and not for anyone else. They don't care whether anyone knows they have a bike. They may not be able to find words to describe what it means to ride, but they still know. They may not be able to describe what it means to feel the smooth acceleration and the strength beneath them. But they understand. These are the riders who park their bikes, begin to walk away and then stop. They turn and look back. They see something when they look at their bikes that you might not. Something more complex, something that is almost se-cret, sensed rather than known. They see their passion. They see a part of themselves. These are the riders who understand why they wave to other motorcyclists. They savor the wave. It symbolizes con-nection between riders, and if they saw you and your bike on the side of the road, they would stop to help and might not ask your name. They understand what you are up against every time you take your bike on the road.....the drivers that don't see you, the ones that cut you off or tailgate you, the potholes that lie in waiting. The rain. The cold. I have been shivering and sweating on a bike for more than 40 years. Most of the riders that pass give me a suppor-tive wave. I love it when I see a younger rider on a "crotch rocket" scream past me and wave. New riders carrying on the traditions. I will continue in my attempts to get every biker just a little closer to one another with a simple wave. And if they do not wave back when I extend my hand into the breeze as I pass them, I will smile a little more. Maybe they're just mis-taken about who is a "breed apart."

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If you're ever looking for the right words,... The exchange between Churchill & Lady Astor: She said, 'If you were my husband I'd give you poison,' and he said, 'If you were my wife, I'd drink it.' - A member of Parliament to Disraeli: 'Sir, you will either die on the gallows or of some un-speakable disease.' 'That depends, Sir,' said Disraeli, 'on whether I embrace your policies or your mistress.' - 'He had delusions of adequacy.' - Walter Kerr - 'He has all the virtues I dislike and none of the vices I admire.' - Winston Churchill - 'A modest little person, with much to be modest about.' - Winston Churchill - 'I have never killed a man, but I have read many obituaries with great pleasure.' - Clarence Darrow - 'He has never been known to use a word that might send a reader to the dictionary.' - Wil-liam Faulkner (about Ernest Hemingway). - 'Poor Faulkner. Does he really think big emotions come from big words?' - Ernest Hemingway (about William Faulkner) - 'Thank you for sending me a copy of your book; I'll waste no time reading it.' - Moses Hadas - 'He can compress the most words into the smallest idea of any man I know.' - Abraham Lin-coln - 'I didn't attend the funeral, but I sent a nice letter saying I approved of it.' - Mark Twain - 'He has no enemies, but is intensely disliked by his friends.' - Oscar Wilde - 'I am enclosing two tickets to the first night of my new play; bring a friend.... if you have one.' - George Bernard Shaw to Winston Churchill 'Cannot possibly attend first night, will attend second... if there is one.' - Winston Churchill, in response. -

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If you're ever looking for the right words,... 'I feel so miserable without you; it's almost like having you here.' - Stephen Bishop - 'He is a self-made man and worships his creator.' - John Bright - 'I've just learned about his illness. Let's hope it's nothing trivial.' - Irvin S. Cobb - 'He is not only dull himself, he is the cause of dullness in others.' - Samuel Johnson - 'He is simply a shiver looking for a spine to run up.' - Paul Keating - 'There's nothing wrong with you that reincarnation won't cure.' Jack E. Leonard - 'They never open their mouths without subtracting from the sum of human knowledge.' - Thomas Brackett Reed - 'In order to avoid being called a flirt, she always yielded easily.' - Charles, Count Talleyrand - 'Why do you sit there looking like an envelope without any address on it?' - Mark Twain - 'His mother should have thrown him away and kept the stork.' - Mae West - 'Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go.' - Oscar Wilde - 'He has Van Gogh's ear for music.' - Billy Wilder -

A biker stopped by the local Harley Shop to have his bike fixed. They couldn't do it while he waited, so he said he didn't live far and would just walk home. On the way home he stopped at the hardware store and bought a bucket and an anvil. He stopped by the feed store/livestock dealer and picked up a couple of chickens and a goose. However, struggling outside the store, he now had a problem: how to carry all of his purchases home. While he scratched his head, he was approached by a little old lady who told him she was lost. She asked, "Can you tell me how to get to 1603 Mockingbird Lane?" The biker said, "Well, as a matter of fact, I live at 1616 Mockingbird Lane. I would walk you home, but I can't carry this lot." The old lady suggested, "Why don't you put the anvil in the bucket, carry the bucket in one hand, put a chicken under each arm and carry the goose in the other hand?" "Why thank you very much," he said, and proceeded to walk the old girl home. On the way he said, "Let's take my shortcut and go down this alley. We'll be there in no time." The little old lady looked him over cautiously then said, "I am a lonely widow without a husband to defend me. How do I know that when we get in the alley you won't hold me up against the wall, pull up my skirt, and ravish me?" The biker said, "Holy smokes lady! I am carrying a bucket, an anvil, two chickens and a goose. How in the world could I possibly hold you up against the wall and do that?" The lady replied, "Set the goose down, cover him with the bucket, put the anvil on top of the bucket and I'll hold the chickens."

15


Chapter News— Gatherings

Ride to Piney Woods, Winsboro, November 8, 2008

TX District Education Weekend, October 25, 2008

Participants: John & Lena Bryant Greg & Cassima Dean Jeff Elrod Kay Franklin Fred & Mandy Mew Gary & Alice Meyer Brian Neal

Dinner ride to Eden Bistro, Southlake November 11, 2008

Participants: Don & Cheryl Baker Ross & Liz Crum Greg Dean John & Ruth Fuls Hank & Marolyn Hetrick Jim & Tish Jones Fred Mew Tony & Pam Senia Jim & Sheila Walton

Leaf Change Ride Talamena, AR November 1-2, 2008

Ride to International Motorcycle Show, Dallas, November 15, 2008

Participants: Murray & Amie Allen Vern Attaway Ross & Liz Crum Brian Neal Charlie & Jeanne Garalis Gary & Alice Meyer Greg & Debbie Scott Hank & Marolyn Hetrick Jim & Tish Jones Jeff Elrod Kay Franklin Marvin Euchner

Participants: Murray & Amie Allen Charlie & Jeanne Garalis Rod & Kim Hassett Jim & Tish Jones Gary & Alice Meyer Lloyd Porter

Participants: Don & Cheryl Baker Ross & Liz Crum Greg & Cassima Dean Charlie & Jeanne Garalis Fred Mew Brian Neal Tony & Pam Senia Jeff & Donna Thompson

Dinner ride to Sushi Sam’s, Southlake November 22, 2008

Sonic Night November 7, 2008

Participants: Murray & Sarah Allen Don & Cheryl Baker Greg Dean John & Ruth Fuls Rod & Kim Hassett Mark & Rebecca Herman Jim & Tish Jones Joe & Sandy Levengood Gary Meyer Brian Neal Mike & Dwan Needham Johnny & Jill Tork

Impromptu Leaf Change Ride, DFW Metroplex November 2, 2008 Participants: John & Lena Bryant Greg & Cassima Dean John Fuls Rod Hassett Lloyd Porter

Participants: Murray Allen David Arnold Don Baker Cheryl Baker John Fuls Charles Garalis Rod Hassett Gary Meyer Brian Neal Jim Roberts Mark Tucker

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TX-U2, Keller, TX 3rd Saturday, 9:00 am Golden Corral, Grapevine Hwy N. Richland Hills, TX TX-W2, Waxahachie, TX 3rd Thursday, 7:30 pm Ryan’s Steak House Waxahachie, TX TX-Z2, McKinney, TX 4th Thursday, 7:00 pm IHOP Allen, TX


District Directors Ken and Barbie Peterson (817) 791-6685 MED Activities Coordinator Carolyn Barton (254)-578-3353 MED-COY Coordinators John and Lena Bryant (817) 741-5216 District Trainers Ron and Magaly Griffis (361) 777-3670

Vendor Coordinators Jim and Ruby Seale (903) 856-5153 District Educators John and Lydia Bourg (281) 242-5125 Asst. District Educator Collen Campbell (281) 839-0176 Dist Treasurer/Newsletter Edi-tor Pamela Meyer (281) 578-8371

These, or any other District Staff members, can be reached by phone or by e-mail at www.gwrra-tx.org

District Couple of the Year 2008 Fred and Mandy Mew (817) 354-4963 Chief Advisor Dieter Meyer (281) 578-8371 MFA Coordinator Larry Colson 903-777-2202

TX-M, Arlington, TX 1st Thursday, 7:00 pm Spring Creek BBQ Hwy 287 & Debbie Lane Mansfield, TX TX-P, Granbury, TX 2nd Thursday, 7:00 pm Spring Creek BBQ, 3l7 Highway 377 E Granbury , TX

TX-B Garland/Richardson, TX 2nd Saturday, 11:00 am Steak Kountry 7010 Hwy 78 Sachse, TX TX-F2 Fort Worth, TX 1st Tuesday, 7:00 pm Luby’s Cafeteria 251 University Dr. Ft. Worth, TX

Texas District Staff — 2008

Other Area GWRRA Chapter Gatherings

An 85-year-old couple, having been married almost 60 years, die in a car crash. They had been in good health the last ten years, mainly due to her interest in health food and exercise. When they reached the pearly gates, St. Peter took them to their mansion, which was decked out with a beautiful kitchen, master bath suite and Jacuzzi. As they "ooohed and aaahed," the old man asked Peter how much all this was going to cost. "It's free," Peter replied, "this is Heaven." Next, they went out back to see the championship golf course. They would have golfing privileges every day and each week the course changed to a new one representing the great golf courses on earth. The old man asked, "What are the green fees?" Peter's reply, "This is heaven, you play for free." Next they went to the clubhouse and saw the lavish buffet lunch with the cuisines of the world laid out. "How much to eat?" asked the old man. "Don't you understand yet? This is heaven, it is free!" Peter replied. "Well, where are the low fat and low cholesterol foods?" the old man asked timidly. "That's the best part...you can eat as much as you like of whatever you like and you never get fat and you never get sick. This is Heaven." The old man looked at his wife and said, "You and your bran muffins. I could have been here ten years ago!"

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Executive Director Melissa Eason Canadian Director Ron & Carol Hodgson Director-Canada Rider Education David Hay

Chapter of the Year Coordinator Jim & Shirrin Hutchens Wing World Editor Sharon Stanley Global Affairs Director Peter Russell/Lesley Ann Kennedy

Region Directors Cliff and Donna Miller (405) 949-1748 Asst Reg Directors Harry and Joan Dollarhide (405) 391-7661

Region Treasurer Ed and Ann Nahl (405) 321-6467 Region Educator Walt and Maggie Smith (281) 362-0960 Region Trainers Dale and Susan Wingrove (870) 845-0025

Region/National News


Region H Staff — 2008

2008-09 Region H COY Mike and Pam Jastram (225) 964-3999 Region Webmaster & Newsletter John and Lydia Bourg (281) 242-5125

These and other National Officers can be contacted through the GWRRA Website: www.gwrra.org

National News

These and other Regional Officers can be contacted

through the GWRRA Website: www.region-h.org

National Staff — 2008

Rider Education Director Mark & Mary Zingery

Leadership Training Director Melissa Eason, pro tem

Member Enhancement Director Ed & Linda Johnson

A minister who was very fond of pure, hot horseradish always kept a bottle of it on his dining room table. Once, at dinner, he offered some to a guest, who took a big spoonful. The guest let out a huge gasp. When he was finally able to speak, he choked out, "I've heard many ministers preach hellfire, but you are the first one I've met who passes out a sample of it."

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Celebrations


Lena Bryant 01/02

Hank Hetrick 01/04

Joe Levengood 01/04

Rebecca Herman 01/07

Marvin Euchner 01/14

Jim Roberts 01/20

Kay Franklin 01/23

December Birthdays January Birthdays

December Anniversaries January Anniversaries Jim & Tish Jones 12/17

Mark & Rebecca Herman 01/01

Tony & Pam Senia 01/10

Herb & Gini Parsons 01/12

Leonard & Glenda Reiter 01/12

Fred & Mandy Mew 01/21

Herb Parsons 12/05

Pam St. John 12/07

Mike Needham 12/08

Bill Pendergrass 12/13

Pam Senia 12/15

Carolyn Hoadley 12/21

Liz Crum 12/30

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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25

26 27

28 29 30 31

Happy New Year

1

2 3

December 2008

Most rides leave from the Circuit City Parking Lot on the SW corner of Hwy 114 & Kimball (opposite McDonald’s). Meet 15 minutes before the listed departure time. For CB users , Chapter R monitors channel 1. Unless otherwise noted, come with full tanks, full bellies, and empty bladders. All rides are Weather Permitting.

Chapter R Christmas Party

Capriccio’s Ristorante

Flower Mound

Meet There 3:00pm

Dinner Ride

Buffalo Wild Wings,

Grapevine

Meet there 7:00 pm

DFW Honda

Customer Appreciation

Night Meet there

7:00 pm Followed by

Christmas Lights

Ride

Annual Salvation Army

Toy Run

Meet at Main Event, Grapevine

8:30 am

Merry Christmas Happy Holidays

2nd Annual Sock Hop at The Baker’s

Bring a dish and

socks

Meet there 7pm

New Year’s

Day ride

Lv CC 10 am

Brian Leads

Video Training Day at Baker’s

Meet there

2 pm

20

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

January 2009

Most rides leave from the Circuit City Parking Lot on SW corner of Hwy 114 & Kimball (opposite McDonald’s). Meet 15 minutes before the listed departure time. For those using CB’s, Chapter R monitors Ch 1. Unless oth-erwise noted, come with full tanks, full bellies, & empty bladders. All rides are Weather Permitting.

Dinner Ride To Razoo’s Lewisville

Meet there

7:00 pm

New Year’s Day Ride to Little Pete’s

Café, Lake Grapevine

Lv CC 10am Brian Leads

Video Training

Day at the Baker’s

Bring a snack

Meet there

2:00 pm

Midwinter

Roundup Kerrville

Lunch ride To Yucatan

Taco Stand, Ft. Worth

Lv CC 9 am Brian leads

Staff Meeting

Feedstore BBQ, Southlake

Meet there

6:30 pm

Chapter ‘R’ monthly meeting

Fuddrucker’s, Grapevine Mills

Eat 6:30 pm

Meet 7:30 pm

Game night At the Crum’s

Bring a dish

Meet there

6pm

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December, 2008 ♦ December 13: Toy Run ♦ December 14: Chapter ‘R’ Christmas Party, Capriccio’s Ristorante, 420 Parker Square Flower Mound, TX 75028 ♦ December 27: 2nd Annual Holiday Sock Hop January, 2009 ♦ January 10: Mid-Winter Roundup, Kerrville, TX

Wanted to buy: Used cargo trailer for GL1800. Call Don or Cheryl, 817-329-8765 Note: Classified ads will be posted for 2 newsletters.

Please notify the newsletter editor ([email protected])

if:

- your item has sold (so that it can be removed from the postings),

or

- you want your item to be posted for longer than 2 months.

Upcoming Events


Calendar

Classifieds

22


23

2350 William D. Tate (SH 121)

Grapevine, Texas 76051


24


25


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All The GOLD WING Parts & Accessories

You're Looking For

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Specializing in

Foreign and Domestic Exhaust System Repairs,

Specialty & Custom Exhaust

Mufflers, Pipes, Catalytic Converts & More

Brake Service, Suspension Service, Shocks & Struts

Alignment, Fabrication & Welding

Jerry Nevil

590 E State Hwy 121

Lewisville, TX. 75057

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If you could save money AND

Help the environment, Would you?


This space available For YOUR ad Full page $200 per year Half page $100 per year Quarter Page $50 per year

Ads run from April 1st through March 31st

Cheryl Baker Director/Distributor Southlake, TX 76092

Tel 817-329-8765 Cell 817-703-4008

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.YourBestFuel.com

Increase mileage from 7 to 19% Decrease emissions up to 30%

Call today to begin saving

29

Lasting Impressions


Cars - Lt. Trucks Motorcycles - Motorcycle Trailers

Color Match Motorcycle Parts

DON HOLLEY

940-365-9762

14517 Aubrey Industrial Park

Aubrey, Texas 76227

Increase fuel mileage Don Baker Increase performance 682-551-2707 Increase octane to 120 817-329-8765 Decrease emissions www.H2OFuelBooster.com

This Space

Available And

Waiting for

Your Ad!

This Space

Available And

Waiting for

Your Ad!

30

DFW Rallycats Raconteur

GWRRA Texas Chapter R Jim and Tish Jones Chapter Directors 112 Silver Rock Drive Trophy Club, TX 76262

www.gwrra-txr.org

December 2008

Volume 11, Issue 21

Documents

GWRRA South Central Texas District Region H DFW ... Central Region H GWRRA Texas District Texas Chapter R Friends for Fun, Safety & Knowledge DFW Rallycats Raconteur December 2008