Gold Wing Road Riders Association, GWRRA, SOUTHEAST REGION "A" ALABAMA CHAPTER
"N", GADSDEN, AL. "FRIENDS FOR
FUN, SAFETY AND KNOWLEDGE" MONTHLY
MEETINGS: FIRST SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH. EAT AT 5:00 PM. MEET AT 6:00 PM AT WESTERN SIZZLIN . Breakfast Meeting
8:30 AM every Wednesday Poor House
Restaurant, 12th & Meighan.Chapter "N" Officers & Staff
Chapter Directors: Terry & Barbie Cleveland 256-538-1443 mailto:tcleveland@microxl.com 
Asst. Chapter Directors: Sammy & Donna Conn 205-274-8345 mail to:swconn@otelco.net 
Safety Educator & COY Rick & Laura Brothers 256-442-6351 mailto:tworiverrats@excite.com 
Newsletter Editors: Jim & Virgie Banks 205-681-0297 mailto:jbanks5509@aol.com 
Chapter Historian: John & Shelly Smith 205-467-2673 mailto:jstrav@aol.com (photo not available - requested)
Membership Coordinator R&R: Dewey & Alice Cole 256-442-2458 mailto:travelordcac@netscape.net 
Ride Coordinator: Wayne & Liz Gargus 205-274-8670 mailto:wayneg@otelco.net 
Webmasters: Kerry & Joyce Wilson 256-546-2811 mailto:kwilson@kerrywilson.com 
Secretary & Treasurer: John & Sandra Irwin 256-543-8509 mailto:jeirwin1@bellsouth.net 
Technical Coordinators: Butch & Diane 256-593-7053 
Ways & Means Coordinator: Bob & Pam Ray 256-442-4383 
District Officers
District Directors: Ray & Cindy Erickson 334-298-8485 mailto:racyguns@att.net (photo not available)
Asst. District Directors & District Trainers: Bill & Dian Gulley
256-229-8833 mailto:bamawing@dav.net 
District Educators: Paul & Paula Howes 205-938-3961 mailto:phowes1@cs.com (photo not available)
Region "A" Director: Larry & Patty Lingo (photo not available)
GWRRA Chapter AL-N Feb. 04 & March 04 Ride Guide
FEBRUARY, 2004 NOTE; Four wheeling encouraged during inclement weather.
2/4 – Breakfast at the Poor House.
2/7 – Chapter N regular monthly meeting at Western Sizzlin. Eat at 5 and meet at 6 PM.
2/11 – Breakfast at the Poor House.
2/14 – "N" annual "Chili Cook-Off" at Palisades Park on Hwy 231 about 2 miles North of Oneonta. Watch for the sign on your right; it’s about 3 miles to the park. First, 2nd, and 3rd prizes for the best chili. It’s Valentine Day, so bring your "Honey" a valentine gift and enjoy some great chili and other goodies. Set up 4:30 - 5:00 P.M., Judging 5:00 – 5:30, and the feast begins at 5:30. Everyone encouraged to enter the contest. Barbie will advise of other dishes needed including hot dogs/buns for "chili dogs."
2/18 – Breakfast at the Poor House.
2/25 – Breakfast at the Poor House
2/28 – Dinner ride to Top-Of-The-River in GUNTERSVILLE. Depart Cowboys at 4:15 PM. Others meet at the restaurant for dinner at 5 PM.
MARCH, 2004 (Tentative)
3/3 – Breakfast at the Poor House.
3/6 – Chapter N regular monthly meeting at Western Sizzlin. Eat at 5 & meet at 6 PM.
3/10 – Breakfast at the Poor House.
3/12 – (FRIDAY) Birthday & Anniversary Dinner ride to Al & Mick’s BBQ in Snead, East of the 4-way stop sign on Hwy 278. Depart Cowboys at 5:30 PM. Others meet at the restaurant for dinner at 6 PM.
3/13 – (Saturday) "N" Annual Maintenance Day at Butch & Dianne’s. Depart Cowboys at 8 AM or go directly to their home in Boaz. This is a do-it-yourself type event with technical and/or other assistance provided as necessary. Provide your own fluids, parts, etc. Facilities available for washing. Check your bike thoroughly in preparation for the 04 riding season.
3/17 – Breakfast at the Poor House.
3/18 – 3/21 – Florida District Rally in Kissimmee, FL. It’s the 25th Anniversary of the "Fl District Wing Gathering at the Ramada Inn, Maingate, in Kissimmee. Rates $56/night. Call 1-800-365-6935. A 2004 Gold Wing is the Grand Prize. There are several departure times which will be discussed at the 3/6 gathering so you can ride down with others.
3/24 – Breakfast at the Poor House.
3/25 – 3/28 – Louisiana District Rally "Mardi Gras Madness" at the Hotel Acadiana in LaFayette, LA. Phone 1-800-826-8386 for reservations. Grand Prize $1,000. Many local attractions in addition to rally events. Departure times discussed at the 3/6 gathering.
3/31 – Breakfast at the Poor House.
DON’T FORGET THE ALABAMA DISTRICT RALLY APRIL 1-4 IN MADISON, AL.
2-4 Ron & Dalphine Keller Anniversary
2-13 Dorothy Glenn Birthday
2-16 Roy Allen Birthday
2-21 Jim Hyatt Birthday
2-28 Shari Emory Birthday
Articles
-Terry & Barbie 
. Sammy and Donna Conn
Even when the
temperature is in the 60's, the wind chill factor at speeds over 40 miles per hour is in
the low 30's. Riders often misjudge how cold the ride will be because they are freshly out
of a warm house and standing still in the warm sunshine. At temperatures below 70°, they
should dress in multiple layers, adding and subtracting as necessary. Not only do multiple
layers provide versatility, they also create insulated pockets of warm air. While it is
common for riders to put on sweatshirts and jackets, the lower body is often ignored.
Thermal
underwear and chaps keep feet and knees flexible and ready to function. Thermal socks and
ski-sock liners help keep toes cozy. The old gray variety with the red toes will do the
job also. A well-designed winter riding suit made especially for motorcycling is a bulky
but very welcome addition to any rider's wardrobe.
Lightweight
riding gloves do little to protect from the cold, and supple hands are critical to quick
responses to unexpected hazards. Ski gloves or winter riding gloves with gauntlet flares
help keep hands toasty. Some riders add ski glove liners, or use three-finger mittens for
added warmth. They should be aware, however, that any added bulk may make operating the
controls more awkward.
A face shield
is essential, and it should be firmly snapped in place. Those wearing three-quarter
helmets may want to consider a ski mask or muffler to keep the chin and throat warm. There
are excellent masks which cover the throat, mouth, and nose with a material similar to a
lightweight wetsuit, yet allow the rider to breathe and speak comfortably. Some
dealerships may have them, but they are more commonly found at sporting goods stores,
which offer a line of ski wear.
A luxurious,
although expensive, way to keep warm is with an electric suit, gloves, socks, and even
heated grips. They draw little current, but offer a lot of overall warmth.
Co-riders
should be afforded the same clothing or more, since they often don't get the same
protection from the fairing that the rider does.
There's a
whole different world of riding in the winter, and we can enjoy it to its fullest if we
dress properly.
Safety is a group thing!
Rick & Laura Brothers Chapter Educators
HAPPY FEBRUARY EVERYONE,
Looks like we have a lot of fun planned for this month!!! I sure hope everyone enjoys all of these activities.
We have several birthdays this month, let us congratulate all of them. They are as follows:
February 9 Jim Banks
February 13 Dorothy Glenn
February 16 Roy Allen
February 28 Shari Emery
Please congratulate all of us!!!
See you at the next meeting, weather permitting!!
Jim & Virgie Banks
International Motorcycle Show in Atlanta January 17, 2004
By Wayne Gargus
It was not a perfect day for motorcycling, with cold temperature and misty rain, but several brave souls were there on bikes. Chapter N attendee’s included Kerry Wilson, Josh Dodd and his father, Danny Estes, and our friend and former participant, Bill Whitson, and yours truly. I saw several GWRRA folks there including many from AL. In spite of the weather, there was a very large crowd in attendance. The site is large enough that getting around through the crowd was not a problem. Major M/C manufacturers had their newest rides on display as well as vendors for clothing and all kinds of M/C accessories. There was enough to keep us busy for 2-3 hours anyway. Honda’s display included the new colors for the GWRRA and for those who have been waiting for a white one, this is your year. I heard of others from N who were supposed to be there, but I never saw them. This is a good show but not one that I would personally attend each year. By 2006, if we want to plan a Chapter ride there again, the Cobb Mall is directly across the street. We could drop the ladies off there to do their "shopping thang" while we do our M/C "thang." We could make this a good fun day in spite of whatever the weather decides to be.
By Wayne Gargus
We started the afternoon following a good lunch at San Pedro Mexican Grill on top of the mountain going into Guntersville. Although a little cool, the sun was shinning bright and 14 Chapter N participants spent an enjoyable afternoon looking for Eagles. Butch led us to the Lodge via back roads for information and maps. There were 6 points marked and we began our self guided tour ranging from the top of the mountain down to the camping and beach areas. Although no Eagles were spotted before some of us departed about 3 PM, we had a good time anyway. Six folks decided to wait for the 4 PM guided tour by one of the Park Rangers. We’ll get them to tell their story at the next gathering and hopefully make those of us who departed early sorry that we left too soon. Ducks and geese were plentiful, but the Eagles eluded.
Health Tips - Submitted by Wayne Gargus
For
those of you who watch what you eat... Here's the final word on nutrition and health. It's
a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting medical studies:
1. The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than the Americans.
2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than the Americans.
3. The Japanese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than the
Americans
4. The Italians drink excessive amounts of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than
the Americans.
5. The Germans drink a lot of beers and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer
heart attacks than the Americans.
CONCLUSION: Eat and drink what you like. Speaking English is apparently what kills you.
SOME DANGERS OF GASOLINE AND STATIC ELECTRICITY (By Wayne Gargus)
(
The following comments are the opinion of the author based on 31 years experience with a major oil company. Terms used are not expressed in scientific terms, but the danger outlined is real. Everyone is urged to be aware of these dangers when fueling a vehicle or when using other flammable materials, and consider these precautions to avoid a fire and possible injury or death).Fall and winter is when we all hear the sudden "zap" and feel the shock from static electricity most often. Static electricity is "real" and is always present, but the cooler climates seem to promote it more than in the summer months. Many people are seriously injured and burned by flash fires which are ignited while fueling a vehicle with gasoline. Some are ignited by static electricity while others are ignited by cell phones used while in the process of fueling. The following are some tips to help you avoid becoming the next statistic.
1. When fueling a vehicle with gasoline, always maintain metal to metal contact with the pump
fuel nozzle and the fill pipe of the vehicle being fueled.
2. If you set the nozzle on automatic shut off and release it with your hand:
a. Touch something metal with your hand away from the fueling area before reaching for
the nozzle. This will help to dissipate any static charge built up on your body.
b. You should never leave the fueling area while fueling a vehicle. Automatic nozzles
sometimes fail to shut off and you can be held responsible for any product spilled and
for any resulting fires, injuries, environmental damage, or other damages caused by
the spilled product. Getting back into your vehicle while it is being fueled unattended
is very dangerous.
c. When fueling a motorcycle, both you and your passenger should dis-mount from the
bike. Think of this scenario: You are fueling your bike with both of you still on board
and the kick stand is up. Suddenly a flash fire occurs. You are both instantly engulfed
in flames. Will you think to put the kick stand down before getting off the bike? Will
your passenger fall over with the bike should you jump off first? Both of you are a
ball of fire by then as your clothing is burning. Will your lungs be scorched as you
breathe in the flames? Will you think to stop, drop, and roll? How serious will your
burns be? These are but a few of the possibilities to be aware of.
d. When possible while riding a motorcycle, it is safer to pull up to gas pumps on the
side that will allow the bike to lean away from the pump when the kick stand is down.
3. Never fuel a vehicle with the engine running. The hot exhaust pipe can quickly ignite the
vapors falling from the vehicle while being fueled.
4. Gasoline does not burn. It is the vapors that burns when properly mixed with oxygen and a
source of ignition occurs. Gasoline vapors are heavier than air and they tend to flow
downward and in the direction the movement of air takes them.
5. Never smoke or allow anyone else to smoke in the vicinity of a vehicle being fueled.
6. Never talk on a cell phone while fueling. It too is a possible source of ignition.
7. Don’t dispense gasoline into approved plastic containers with the container sitting in the bed
a truck with a plastic or vinyl bed liner. Set the container on the concrete before filling it.
8. Should a gasoline spill occur in the vicinity of where you are, get away from it as fast as
possible. If you’re fueling a vehicle, shut off the pump and "run like H---." People
sometimes without thinking, will get back in their vehicle and attempt to pull away from
spilled gasoline on the ground. WOOSH! The exhaust was the source of ignition.
9. If you are fueling a vehicle while a tanker truck is unloading at the same location, be aware
that additional vapors created by the unloading process can be present, especially if the driver
should forget to connect a vapor recovery hose at the unloading area.
10. Should you accidentally spill gasoline on your skin, wash immediately with soap and water.
11. Never use gasoline for cleaning.
12. WD-40 and other flammable lubricants are highly flammable and should never be used near
any source of ignition such as spraying onto a squeaking belt with a motor running. - Submitted by Wayne Gargus
JA Award Winners for the Month Terry Cleveland 
for forgetting to
bring the door prizes to Snowball Run. Sammy Conn for reintroducing Rick and Laura as COY
at Snowball Run, after Ray Erickson had already introduced them. 
Chapter N won Largest Chapter at Snow Ball Run.
Kerry Wilson won "Top Recruiter" at Snow Ball Run for recruiting
56 members in 2003, received $100 spending money, and 2 registrations for the Alabama
Rally.. 
John Irwin won "Second Place Recruiter" at Snow Ball Run for
recruiting 9 members in 2003, received $50 spending money, and 2 registrations for the
Alabama Rally.
John Smith tied for "Fourth Place Recruiter" at Snow Ball Run for recruiting 5 members in 2003.
Josh Dodd received the award for the "Youngest Male Rider" at
the Snow Ball Run. 
Sammy Conn and Wayne Gargus for "Top Educators" at Snow Ball
Run.
Door Prize Winners at Snow Ball Run: Danny Estes, and Liz Gargus.
All of the men and women who are fighting for our freedom
Our country's leaders 
Tom Wilson (Kerry's Dad) 
Bob Brooks (Chapter D)
Dorothy Glenn, who fell 1-25-04, and injured her leg. She is recovering nicely at home.
Gary Fuller, who is in I.C.U. at Riverview Hospital, with Kidney Trouble. Released from hospital as of 2-3-04.
Kerry Stephenson, who had a back surgery on 1-22-04
Laura Brothers, eye surgery.
Motorcycle and
Auto Insurance: Motorcycle Liability Only Rates, as low as $115 for the 1st year and $45 for the 2nd year for non-GWRRA members.
Motorcycle Liability Only Rates as low as $70 for the 1st year, and $45 for the 2nd year for GWRRA members.
Full Coverage rates (Example) for a 2003 Honda Gold Wing GL1800 as low as $292 per year for GWRRA members.
Automobile Liability only rates as low as $100 down and $30 per month.
Call Kerry Wilson or Josh Dodd at 1-800-575-3779 (1-800-57-KERRY) or 256-546-2811.
David Santos, Santos Printing 256-54-PRINT
Jim Rogers Tri King Trikes
www.trikingkingtrikes.com
Charity Pig Roast June 19 & 20, 2004
1127 Tom L. Smith Dr. Odenville, AL 35120 205-629-6009