Chapter CA1R  
(link)
South Orange County, CA

General Meeting Place:
Knowlwood's Restaurant
14952 Sand Canyon Ave.
Irvine, CA
(I-5 Fwy/Sand Canyon Exit)

7:00 AM Breakfast
8:00 AM Meeting
First Sunday of the Month

Chapter Miles for 2008:
99,527
('07) 266,613
('06) 340,848
('05) 236,419
('04) 259,040

Chapter CA1R Communicates on Channel 31

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L.A. Cycle Sports

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Schapiro & Leventhal

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Notice: The information contained in this newsletter is confidential and for the exclusive use of GWRRA members. Any use contrary to its intended purpose is strictly prohibited.

Copyright © 2008 GWRRA-CA1R

In this issue:

Good Morning (Chapter Director)
Assistant Chapter Directors (Assistant Chapter Directors)
Rider Education (Chapter Educator)
Tour Director's Corner (Chapter Tour Directors)
Golden State Gems (District Directors)
California Ride Calendar
Chapter Store
Joke of the Month
Chapter Information
Calendar
Links

Good Morning

Tom and Vicki Lorenz, Chapter Directors

The most important subject on our minds this month is accident prevention. We all care about our goldwing family so be careful out there. Don't drive distracted. Keep your head up. Watch out for the other guy. We've heard it all before and try like heck to keep out of trouble, but things happen. You're driving along paying attention and enjoying the scenery when something catches your eye. You turn your head to see what it was and all of a sudden you're taking the next curve wide because you were late setting up for the curve. Or you look up to see that hawk and find yourself hitting a pothole. It happens to all of us but it also happens to drivers coming the other way too. We need to watch out for their mistakes as well. So remember please: Be careful out there. Don't drive distracted. Keep your head up and watch out for the other guy.

Summer is upon us and it is getting hot. Are you ready? Is your bike ready? Be sure and carry plenty of water, cool snakes, cool vests (a very worthwhile investment), sun block, and a hat. Check your tires, battery, oil and coolant. It would be miserable to be broken down in the middle of nowhere when that could have been prevented by a little prep work.

Cathy and Bob have really been putting their heads together and have come up with a lot of new and fun events that we're sure you'll enjoy. You can keep track of them all with Cathy's weekly updates.

We'd also like to thank Rick and CJ for the awesome work they've been doing, and thank the rest of the chapter staff for their hard work. They all help to keep this chapter running smooth. It takes a lot of people each doing their part to make things happen for all of us and this staff has been doing an outstanding job. Thank you.

Tom and Vicki

Assistant Chapter Directors

Rick and CJ Kagamaster

"Ride Your Own Ride"

How many of you have heard that phrase? Hopefully most, if not all of you at one time or another. Although recent incidents don't fall in this category, now may be a good time to remind ourselves how important it is to "ride your own ride".

Like any group of riders, we have all kinds of riding styles, desires, and experience. One of the great things about being associated with a GWRRA chapter like ours is the opportunity to gain from the experience of others, not only where all the really neat rides and restaurants are - yep, food is an ever-present priority with this group - but to also see and experience how others handle not only themselves but also their riding choices. We are very fortunate in that we have a variety of riding conditions and challenges along the great riding routes available to us here in Southern California. And as we all know, we also have many different riding styles among the members of our chapter. They vary from laid-back to aggressive - covering riders who enjoy actually seeing the passing scenery, to those who believe every turn and twisty is to be attacked with gusto, and just about everything in between. What we should always keep foremost in our minds is what and where our comfort levels are in any particular circumstance. We are fortunate to be a large enough chapter that no matter what your preferred style is, there is most likely a group that is a good fit for you.

Ok, so what does "ride your own ride" really mean? In a nutshell it means only you can define what riding style, comfort level, speed, road position, group position, spacing, as well as all the other things that make up your ride, work best for you. And then only you can ride your ride - it can't be done by anyone else. While it can be tempting to "do like everyone else is doing," it's critical to remember that you are the best, and ultimately the only, true judge of your riding capabilities. No matter how tempting a challenge nor how confident you may feel, gaining experience must be done in small increments, never in large jumps - it just doesn't work any other way. Pushing the envelope of your limits is a very tricky thing and the road can be an extremely unforgiving place when that slips your minds. And if it means letting someone go ahead of you, then great -- now there is another bike/rider to watch and gain experience from. A small side note here - sometimes learning what NOT to do can be just as valuable as anything else you might gain while following another bike/rider. So the next time you hear someone say "ride your own ride", do just that, and over time "your ride" will improve and so will you.

Lets ride! - RK

Chapter Educator

Pat Lewis

Tour Director

Cathy and George Diaz

Couple of the Year

Jan and Harold Jaffke

When the idea of going to the Oxnard Strawberry Festival was brought up, Harold and I jumped at the opportunity. It wasn't going to be the usual method of transportation our group would use (motorcycle/trike). We would go by train.

On Sunday, May 18, Harold and I met Tom and Vicki Lorenz and Vern and Novella Vandal at the Irvine train. We would board our train at 7:56 a.m. Once on the train, Vicki started pointing out the various areas that were familiar. The Kagamaster's house, JBJ's street and the various train stations along the way to Los Angeles

The ride up to Oxnard was quiet and relaxing. When we arrived in Oxnard, there were shuttle buses waiting to take us to the Festival. The shuttle ride took about 20 minutes; and after seeing how crowded the area was with vehicles and all the no parking signs on the streets, all of us were happy we didn't have to deal with the parking situation.

Upon arriving at the Festival, the first thing we saw was those famous Budweiser horses. What magnificent animals. They live like kings-pampered and fussed over. Then it was onward to see the rest of the Festival. This was our first time at the Oxnard Strawberry Festival so we didn't know what to expect. On our way to the main area, we came across the Zone Nutrition Bar tent. They were giving away free bars and coupons. Oh boy, something to eat. Not wanting to linger, it was on to the rest of the Festival and those strawberries.

Yes, at the Strawberry Festival they give free samples of what else but strawberries. They were sweet and very juicy. Next to those tents they were selling strawberry beer and wine, champagne with strawberries and strawberry margaritas.

Vicki found her way to the chocolate covered strawberries and shared them with the rest of us. Later she found the strawberry nachos and Tom found the strawberry crepes. I found the strawberry pizza. By the time we finished with the strawberry goodies, we all craved protein. Food abounds at this Festival!

After our food binge, it was on to the vendors. There was a great variety of items and all the women had fun looking at all of them. The men were good sports and kept up with us.

Around 1:30 p.m., we headed back to the shuttle area. We had a real treat when we again passed the Budweiser tent. The horses were harnessed to the wagon ready to parade. (After all the fairs and festivals Harold and I have ever been, this is the first time we have ever seen this sight other than Budweiser commercials). The horse crew stopped and let people take pictures. Picture this-eight horses harnessed to a red beer wagon, two men in green uniforms, sitting in the rider's seat of the wagon and a beautiful Dalmatian sitting between them ready to go. If you think that the horses were in finery, you should have seen that Dalmatian. It had a dog harness covered completely with shiny silver pieces. Some lucky dog. What a sight to see once the horses started pulling the wagon.

After a short wait for the shuttle, we were on our way back to the train station. We were told to expect the train would be crowded on our way back to Irvine; and boy, it was. The six of us were lucky to board at Oxnard. We stood for the first 1 ½ hours. (It's a three hour ride to Irvine). It was so crowded that the conductors would let people off at the various stations after Oxnard and told people trying to get board that they would have to wait another two hours for the next train unless they were business class. This process continued until we arrived at the LA Station. At that time, some of us were lucky to get seats for the rest of the ride. (You are probably wondering why Amtrak didn't add more cars-other people asked the same question. Who knows why government agencies do what they do)?

By the way, did you know that there are speed limits on the RR tracks? Some of us had a conversation with a female conductor just before we arrived at the Irvine Station. The city imposes speed limits on the train. Between the Santa Ana Station and the Irvine station the limit is 80 miles. After that, it is slower. The train we were on is capable of going 120 miles an hour.

Continuing to talk with the conductor, who loved sharing information, we learned some interesting things. Most of us think of a conductor as someone who punches holes in tickets, talks to passengers, helps passengers to their seats/cars and announces information over the PA system. This conductor's job also includes checking to see if people who try to commit suicide need medical attention or is it too late. If there is an attempt, the train stops and she is the one who checks on the victim. In her first year as a conductor, she had to do this three times. She has only been working at this job for two years. So far this year, there have been no suicides on her run.

Finally, it was time to depart the train. Would we do it again? Yes. We didn't have to put up with the freeway or streets traffic wise. (If you remember, it was a rather warm weekend. The train is air conditioned). It was relaxing. Yes, it was crowded on the way back but then it was a special weekend and people were friendly.

Jan and Harold Jaffke
Couple of the Year

Golden State Gems

Anita and JR Alkire, District Directors

We had an awesome vacation! We are so blessed to live in a gorgeous state with great motorcycle roads! We left San Diego and headed for Lake Isabella through some desert twisties out of California City (didn't even know that they existed). The theme of the vacation was "no freeways" and we held to that theme. After a night in a vintage California motor inn, we were off to Mariposa/Yosemite by way of some beautiful back roads. We came upon a fantastic fruit stand on a corner and decided that was a great place for lunch, fresh fruit, cheese and crackers. It was quite fabulous. After settling in, we were up the next day to travel the twisty roads into Yosemite and Glacier Point. The waterfalls were beautifully swollen and flowing in all their grandeur. JR took amazing pictures! We also, holding true to spirit, took the Yosemite Sugar Pine Train, great experience. As we left, we headed up the 49 toward Lake Tahoe, which was to be our home away from home for 3 days. We road the roads around the lake, out to Auburn, walking the old town and shopping, of course :, and drenched ourselves in all the beauty. As we bit farewell to the lake, we headed toward Concord to attend 2J's poker run. Their ride was full of twisties and outstanding views of the San Francisco bay and the bridges. Barry Bullock created this fabulous ride and having read and given directions many times as a co-rider, these were the very best directions that I have ever had the pleasure to read! I loved the cardstock and the precise directions. As an out-of-towner I felt great that I was able to keep the group on course and arriving at the destination with NO u-turns (except the planned one). When we arrived at the end, Aylesa Bullock had cooked up an outstanding lunch or pork or chicken tacos and rice and beans and a fantastic, virgin strawberry margarita cake! Great appreciation for a job well done to CD Pat Riley and all of 2J.

We finished our vacation by heading to Monterey. That lead to a great dinner at Rappa's at the end of the pier and then some shopping. In the morning we took that breathtaking ride down the 1! The views never get old and the sites always bring pleasure! We stayed our last night in Solvang, walking the town when the shops were closed (that saved a bunch of money!). The next morning we took some back roads home until it was necessary to take those dreaded freeways to bring us home sweet home. To say our puppy was glad to see us would be an understatement! It was a fabulous trip but it's always great to get home. It was a great trip with great friends and fabulous experiences!

So now we turn our sites to the District Rally. Be sure you've made your reservations at the Doubletree, following the link from the website is the easiest so you get the room location that you want. Don't forget to bring your chapter banner, as they will let you hang them from the balconies. Then, send in your registration for the rally so we know that you are coming. We are planning many fun activities and the talent show should be a hoot this year with all the chapters acting out their movie! We have also added three classes to the agenda. We will be publishing the agenda by the time you are reading this. On Saturday we will have the Rider Ed Instructor Certification course so you can teach the 3 basic rider ed courses and have the participants get credit toward their levels. The other class that will be offered is the First Aid/CPR Certified Instructor course so you can teach First Aid/CPR classes. Our own fabulous Joel and Marti Winkler will be instructing this class. This class is limited in size so register early! Both of these are all day Saturday classes, the Rider Ed class has a $20 deposit, returned at the end of class and the First Aid/CPR course has a $40 enrollment fee. As a result of this course, we will be offering on Sunday a full First Aid/CPR class and a re-certification class in the afternoon, cost for either class is $20. There will be a separate registration form for these classes that will be posted on the website or available through your chapter.

Our vendors this year will mostly be indoors and those that must be outside will be under cover unless that is not possible due to what they do. We will be posting the vendors on our website with links to their sites where possible so you can plan your budget. We are working to make this a weather friendly event and the hotel is coming up with great offerings. The skills games will be outdoors but we'll have as much shade as possible for riders and spectators.

Our pool party will follow the talent show. At the conclusion of the talent show, each chapter will walk the red carpet after their performance to be announced into the party. We'll enjoy ice cream, great music to dance by or enjoy listening to, and great friends to pass the time with and did I mention…ICE CREAM!

We are packing this rally with education, fun, vendors, games, rides, including the ride of 1000 turns, and an overall great experience. We know that you are spending your hard earned money to attend and we want you to get the most for your money. We will conclude with a star studded banquet and closing ceremony before we all head for home. So come and spend your Labor Day weekend with your friends and enjoy a great GWRRA California District event!

In closing, my eyes are getting better and we're so thankful. We are also thankful that your District Educator is feeling much better. John went in for some tests to be taken into surgery for a quadruple bypass! He is feeling stronger and stronger each day and he tells us that Joan is taking great care of him. Through all of this they were blessed to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary surrounded by their children and grandchildren and their surprise guests, their maid of honor and best man. A great event and even better by John being well enough to attend! Our very best to John and Joan on their golden anniversary and we're so pleased that John is on the mend!

So to all of our GoldWing family, have a fantastic 4th of July. I know you have loads of red, white and blue to wear and display so do so proudly and give thanks to all who have given so much for our independence. God bless America, truly the land that we love. Be safe, ride often and we'll see you soon!

Ride safe, spread happiness and be good to each other!

Anita and JR

Chapter CA1R Volunteers

California District Volunteers

Region F Volunteers

California Ride Calendar

California Chapter Meeting Times and Locations

Just our Store

Funny Bone!

Cowboy Chili

A young cowboy walks into "The Oak" in San Angelo, TX

He sits at the counter and notices an old cowboy with his arms folded staring blankly at a full bowl of chili.

After fifteen minutes of just sitting there staring at it, the young cowboy bravely asks the old cowpoke, 'If you ain't gonna eat that, mind if I do?'

The older cowboy slowly turns his head toward the young wrangler and in his best cowboy manner says, 'Nah, you go ahead.'

Eagerly, the young cowboy reaches over and slides the bowl over to his place and starts spooning it in with delight. He gets nearly down to the bottom and notices a dead mouse in the chili.

The sight was shocking and he immediately barfs up the chili into the bowl.

The old cowboy quietly says, 'Yep, that's as far as I got, too.'

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Bottle of wine

A woman and a man are involved in a car accident on a snowy, cold Monday morning; it's a bad one. Both of their cars are totally demolished but amazingly neither of them is hurt.

After they crawl out of their cars, the man is yelling about women drivers. The woman says, 'So, you're a man. That's interesting. I'm a woman. Wow, just look at our cars! There's nothing left, but we're unhurt. This must be a sign from God that we should be friends and live in peace for the rest of our days'.

Flattered, the man replies, 'Oh yes, I agree completely, this must be a sign from God!' But you're still at fault...women shouldn't be allowed to drive.

The woman continues, 'And look at this, here's another miracle. My car is completely demolished but this bottle of wine didn't break. Surely God wants us to drink this wine and celebrate our good fortune.'

She hands the bottle to the man. The man nods his head in agreement, opens it and drinks half the bottle and then hands it back to the woman.

The woman takes the bottle, puts the cap back on and hands it back to the man. The man asks, 'Aren't you having any?'

The woman replies, 'No. I think I'll just wait for the police....'

Last Month's Meeting Information:

GWRRA Home Page

GWRRA Region F Home Page

GWRRA California District Home Page

GWRRA Chapter CA1R Home Page

Wing World Magazine

CA1R Classified Ads

Chapter Photos  

Check your weekend weather on  Online.

(Making a difference one person at a time.)

If you really want to do something, you'll find a way.
If you don't, you'll find an excuse.


*******************

Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over
if you just sit there.

Electronic newsletter editor: Tom Lorenz

Please send your praise and well wishes to: newslettereditor@gwrra-ca1r.org

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