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Gold Wing Road Riders Association
REGION WEBSITE:
http://bigskyregioni.org
Region Directors
Terry Huffman
Terryhuffman@comcast.net
Cheri Huffman
Cheri.huffman@comcast.net
Assistant Directors
TBD
Region Educators
Mike and Lynn Briggs
Mlbriggs60@comcast.net
Region Trainers
Dave & Sheila Chavez
Dashwae@comcast.net
Motorist Awareness & COY/IOY
Coordinators
Mike & Janet Turner
Mike99336@hotmail.com
Jlt-60@hotmail.com
Membership Enhancement
Garry & Maxine Alexander
Gwvt68b@comcast.net
Treasurers
Dianna and Fred Borke
winggranny@aol.com
Region Ambassadors
Region I Communications
Coordinator
Doug and Donna Deskin
donnadeskin@comcast.net
Webmaster
Mark Bridge
On2wls@msn.com
Newsletter Editor
Marla Muirbrook
Wing.words@hotmail.com
News and Views for May 2015
Director’s Corner – May 2015
It is with mixed emotions that I write this month
article. I have a smile on my face, pride in my
heart and a tear in my eye…as I tell you that as
of April 1, 2015 I am your new Region I Director.
This is what brings the smile to my face and the
pride in my heart, to be able to continue to be
Region Director of the most “I”ncredible Region
in GWRRA. So why the tear in my eye you may ask…well, while I am taking
the step up by taking the primary role as Region Director, Terry is moving on
to another chapter in his life…and GWRRA. As of the end of this month,
Terry will have been transferred out of Region I for the next year. This is not
something that he did without a lot of thought, but his company thought
enough of him to ask him to take on a 1-year contract in New York. So,
although he is going to be out of the Region, he is not leaving the extended
family of GWRRA. Terry has already been in contact with the New York
District Director, Steve Nutting, who seems like a really nice guy and has
already been in contact with Terry several time. It appears that Region I’s
loss will be Region B’s gain.
We all wish Terry the best of luck in as he finds new roads to ride, new
friends to meet and old friends to spend time with. With any luck the year
will fly by like a Wing on a winding road and he will be back in Region I with
us.
Good Luck and Hurry Home!!!
Until next month…enjoy being part of the “I”ncredible Region and get out
and ride!
Cheri Huffman
Region I Director
Region Helper
Alexia Velasco
Vendor Coordinator
Mary Hunter
huntermary101@yahoo.com
Couple of the Year
ID District Directors
Don and Sharon Weber
ponderosads@roadrunner.co
m
MT District Directors
Chuck and Betty Bonnett
bcbonnett@gmail.com
OR District Directors
Mike & Joy Bean
Mjbean@wbcable.net
www.gwrraoregondistrict.com
WA District Directors
Reggie Porter
reggieporter@comcast.net
WY District Director
Rich & Dalene Goetz
rdgoetz@centurylink.net
www.gwrra-wy.org
NATIONAL WEBSITE:
http://www.gwrra.org
GWRRA Directors
Ray & Sandi Garris
Director@gwrra.org
GWRRA Deputy Directors
Anita and J.R. Alkire
jralkire@cox.net
Leadership Training in the Region
Continuing from what I started last month in
describing the essence of Leadership, here is
the next part of the article reproduced from an
article
presented
recently
at
www.mindtools.com. Below is the third part of
the article.
Source: www.mindtools.com
Once again, Leadership: A Definition
According to the idea of transformational leadership, an effective leader is a
person who does the following:
1. Creates an inspiring vision of the future.
2. Motivates and inspires people to engage with that vision.
3. Manages delivery of the vision.
4. Coaches and builds a team, so that it is more effective at achieving the
vision.
Continuing our examination of each element in more detail, below is the next
part of the article:
2. Managing delivery of the Vision.
This is the area of leadership that relates to management. According to the
Hersey-Blanchard Situational Leadership Model, there is a time to tell, a time to
sell, a time to participate, and a time to delegate. Knowing which approach you
need to use, and when you need it, is key to effective leadership.
Leaders within the GWRRA must ensure that the work needed to deliver the
vision is properly managed – either by themselves or by a Chapter, District or
Region member to whom the leader delegates this responsibility – and they
need to ensure that their vision is delivered successfully.
To do this, in an ideal group dynamic environment, members need performance
goals that are linked to the group’s overall vision. The mindtools article on
Performance Management and KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) explains one
way of doing this, and the Project Management section explains another. And,
for day-to-day management of delivering the vision, the Management By
Wandering Around
(MBWA) approach helps to ensure that what should
happen, really happens.
Leaders also need to make sure they manage change effectively. This helps to
ensure that the changes needed to deliver the vision are implemented smoothly
and thoroughly, with the support and backing of the people/members affected.
For next month, the article will go into the final element of this article that may
be helpful “coaching and building a team to achieve a vision”.
As always, if there is a particular leadership topic you would like to see
presented in the future, please do not hesitate to let me know. For now, keep
those “learning caps” on and ride safe whenever on the road.
“The more you know the better it gets”
Dave & Sheila Chávez
Region I Trainer, SUT
From Our Rider Educator
Hi to Everyone in Region I. May is known as “Motorcycle Awareness Month”. Now why do we need to
know information about motorcycle awareness? Well, we do drive cars and trucks and are motorists
quite often. Even while riding it is good practice to be aware of everyone around you. After going
through and teaching Motorist Awareness seminars, I have realized that we all need to look out for
motorcycles no matter what we are driving or riding. Also, it’s the time of year that many are back on
the road in force so it’s a great time to remind all of us to look for motorcycles!
Below are some excerpts from the NHTSA
Motorcyclists will be out in force as the weather gets warmer, which is why May is the perfect month for
Motorcycle Safety Awareness. “Fatal crashes with motorcycles are on the rise, and helmet usage is on
the decline. We all need to be more aware of motorcyclists in order to save lives.”
In 2013, 4,668 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes, a decrease from 2012 (4,986). Those deaths
account for 14 percent of the total highway fatalities that year, despite motorcycle registrations
representing only 3 percent of all vehicles in the United States in 2013.
Helmet usage remained the same from 2012 to 2013 at 60 percent. The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 1,630 lives were saved in 2013 because of proper helmet usage,
but another 715 lives could have been saved if helmets had been worn.
Wearing a helmet is an important way for a motorcyclist to stay safe, but we all play a part “It’s up to all
motorists and motorcyclists to make our roads safer, all road users need to share the responsibility of
keeping the roadways safe. By following road signs, obeying speed limits, and always staying focused
on the road, deaths could be prevented.”
Here are some tips to drivers on how to prevent a fatal crash with a motorcycle:

Though a motorcycle is a small vehicle, its operator still has all the rights of the road as any other
motorist. Allow the motorcycle the full width of a lane at all times.
 Always signal when changing lanes or merging with traffic.
 If you see a motorcycle with a signal on, be careful: motorcycle signals are often non-canceling
and could have been forgotten. Always ensure that the motorcycle is turning before proceeding.
 Check all mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles before changing lanes or merging with traffic,
especially at intersections.
 Always allow more follow distance – three to four seconds – when behind a motorcycle. This
gives them more time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.
 Never drive distracted or impaired.
“Motorcyclists must also take precautions to remain safe on the road”.
Motorcyclists can increase their safety by following these steps:





Wear a DOT-compliant helmet and other protective gear.
Obey all traffic laws and be properly licensed.
Use hand and turn signals at every lane change or turn.
Wear brightly colored clothes and reflective tape to increase visibility.
Ride in the middle of the lane where you will be more visible to drivers.
 Never ride distracted or impaired.
“By following basic safety rules, we can all help prevent crashes,”. “Our message is for all drivers and
riders: Share the responsibility of keeping our roads safe—always share the road.”
For more information on motorcycle safety, visitwww.nhtsa.gov/Safety/Motorcycles.
So we have our part to play when we are on the road. Work to decrease your risk when riding and be
aware of all vehicles on the road
Remember to Take the Long Road
/:\
Mike and Lynn Briggs
Region I Educators
COMMUNICATION!!!!
The GWRRA handbook encourages the word “Yes” and discourages the word “No.” It offers an
alternative to the expression “Chain of Command” and replaces this outdated concept to a more modern
approach to leadership and management, the “Chain of Communication.” Communication is the most
important leadership skill you will need in your quest for excellence.
COMMUNICATIONS
The more we share information and communicate about goals, values, measures and rewards, the more
effective we can be as individuals and as Members of the Association.
OCP: Officer Certification Program. In OCP we communicate what GWRRA is, what it stands for, and
why it is structured and operates the way it does. Information is taken directly from the GWRRA
Officer’s Handbook. OCP is open to any member who wishes to attend, however it is required training
for directors and their assistant’s at all levels – Chapter, District and Regional.
Even if you don’t hold an office in GWRRA effective communication is one of the most important life
skills we can learn—yet one we don't usually put a lot of effort into. Here are some essential tips for
learning to communicate more effectively.
Email Communication
There's actually a BRIEF acronym—Background, Reason, Information, End, Follow-up. To help you
keep your emails short without leaving anything out. It's a good policy for both written and verbal
communication, clearly get the point across and then send.
Based on BRIEF enough said I am sending this article to the newsletter now.
Just a reminder the most important part of communication is Listening.
Ride safe, Communicate and we will be seeing you as we travel in and around Region I.
Donna and Doug Deskin
Region I Communication Coordinators
NEWS FROM THE DISTRICT DIRECTORS
Idaho District News
A note from the “IDAHO ROCKS”
Good Morning Gold Wingers
As you can see the time is coming upon us quickly for the Summer of Conventions. First one this
summer in our Region I is the Idaho District Convention in Kamiah, ID on July 2, 3, 4, 2015. There are
many mountain roads to ride on and even a ghost town. If you would get your registration in before
June 1, 2015, look at the savings you would get. There would be a savings of $5.00 per person on
registration, Free Dinner Friday night, $3.00 per person on the BBQ Country Style Spare Ribs Dinner for
Saturday night and to get the pre-registration 50/50 tickets. WOW that is a big saving. For a couple that
pre-registration by June 1, 2015 would save at least $36.00
Come and see what we can do. The Idaho District Staff and Chapter Directors have worked very hard
on this Convention. It has been fun for all of us in Idaho.
Happy Trails to You
Don and Sharon Weber
Idaho District Directors
Montana District News
Montana District May 2015
On April 10th and 11th the Montana District hosted a Leadership Training Workshop in Billings.
Friday April 10th consisted of 8 people from the 3 Montana Chapters taking the first step in becoming GWRRA
University Trainers with the help of Clara Boldt from Iowa.
Left to Right: Willie Jefferies MT-M, Sandy Holloron MT-M, Ken Shanholtz MT-G, Sylvia Shanholtz MT-G,
Clara Boldt (Iowa District Trainer) Donald Deuel MT-M, Dale Jennison MT-B, Chuck Bonnett MT-B, Betty
Bonnett MT-B, Greg Hintz (MT-M District Leadership Trainer).
The Montana District went from 4 Trainers/Presenters to 12. The Current Trainers/Presenters are Greg Hintz
(MT-M District Leadership Trainer), Dean and Sandra Pond MT-M and Jay Burdette MT-B (District Rider
Educator).
With Greg networking with Clara we will now have the ability to get all three Chapters the quality training that the
GWRRA has to offer.
Saturday’s Horizon Program started with a surprise for Clara Boldt. She is now an honorary Montanan for her
help over the past three years with MT District GWRRA University Training. MT District Directors Chuck &
Betty presented Clara with a plaque.
Clara & Greg Hintz presented the Horizon Program to 21Montana District GWRRA members. Clara provided
ample training with humor and a good time for all. Clara brought along Beve (Beve McClurg Bolen-Johnson) who
took pictures and also helped with the training by being Clara & Greg’s “Plant” to add a bit of realism to our
training, Just Ask Betty!
~~~~~
The District is planning an all Chapters ride to Wheat Montana in Three Forks for June 6th. Leave your town in
time to be able to arrive in Three Forks at Noon for lunch at Wheat Montana. We'll eat, chat, look at new chrome
and enjoy the afternoon together. The ride is open to all who want to join us.
~~~~~
NOTE we have gone past the 1 May 2015 lodging
reservation cut-off date.
The Host Hotel ‘Travelodge’ and Host Campground ‘Indian Creek RV Park &
Campground’ cannot be held to their earlier lower rate offerings now.
Call The Host Hotel ‘Travelodge’ and Host Campground ‘Indian Creek RV Park & Campground’ they
may have room/sites available, at their normal rates.
Here is a listing of other Accommodations in Deer Lodge MT
Motels / Inns / Retreats





Budget Inn, 809 Main St. – 406-846-2810
Montana Cabin Rental, 532 Freezeout Lane – 406-560-4076
Mountain View Retreat, 1525 Valley View Dr. – 406-846-1521
Travelodge, 1150 N. Main Street – 406-846-2370
Western Big Sky Inn, 210 N. Main St. – 406-846-2590
RV Parks & Campgrounds


Indian Creek Campground, 745 Maverick Lane – 406-846-3848
KOA Campground, 413 Park St. – 406-846-1629
We have the registration and information forms on the Montana District Web Site http://www.gwrramtdistrict.org/ 2015 Rally.
Chuck & Betty Bonnett
Montana District Directors
bcbonnett@gmail.com
Oregon District News
From the Oregon District Director
May 2015
We hope you are enjoying the spring weather. It has given us some rainy days, so we have beautiful
flowers to enjoy and beautiful sunshine days to enjoy riding our bikes. We hope you are doing your TClock check list before you get on your bike for that ride. Please don’t let your enthusiasm to ride, over
ride your safety.
An Advanced Rider Course was offered April 18 th in Battleground, WA. We hope you were able to
participate to re-sharpen your riding skills. We would like to thank the instructors and congratulations’ to
the members for their commitment to safety. If you missed it and would like to participate in the next
one; please contact the Oregon Ride Educator, Graham Munsell. Find his contact information on the
Oregon District website.
With the growing popularity of trikes, rider training is important. The dynamics of riding a trike is
different than riding on two wheels. So, if you are a new trike rider or it’s time to brush up your skills,
please take a rider course. In Oregon, the next Trike Rider Training class will be Sunday, May 31 st at
Power Yamaha in Sublimity, OR (just east of Salem on Hwy. 22). The class instructors are Bob and
Dawna Hitch, their email: bdhitch@frontier.com . Please contact them for further information.
We would like to thank all the officers and members who were able to attend the Oregon District Spring
meeting in the The Dalles, OR.
The Oregon District Rally in July is fast approaching. The Hood River fairgrounds in Odell is just a few
minutes south of Hood River and is located in the very scenic Hood River Valley with Mt Hood in the
background. The fairground is well cared for, with an air-conditioned building that has a kitchen and
restrooms, clean showers and restrooms located by the grassy camping area that has plenty of power
and water; a beautiful tree covered area with picnic tables, barbeque pit and outdoor stage. Find
registration form, information and pictures on the Oregon District website: www.gwrraoregondistrict.com
Oregon Chapters, please encourage your members to pre-register for our rally so that you’re Chapter
wins your annual Charter Fee paid by the Oregon District. The winner is based on percentage of preregistration by chapter. Good Luck to all our Chapters.
As many of you know, Joy and I are stepping down after the Oregon District Rally and our position as
directors will be open. We would like to have a couple or individual to volunteer to step up as Oregon
Director at the rally closing ceremonies. Until then you would work with us on the rally, so you will have
some knowledge of the process to put the rally together. The District Rally is the only income for the
District to operate on. The District has been paying the Chapter Charter fee, based on percentage of
pre-registration for the Oregon rally; one-half of the cost of the Oregon rider education training and the
rental of a conference room for the class portion, when needed. During the year you and your team
members visit the chapter events or meetings and other rallies when you can.
We all have busy lives today, but if you enjoy being with GWRRA members, riding and socializing, and
want it to continue…volunteer today for an office.
Ride Safe!
Mike and Joy Bean
Oregon District Directors
MAY MILESTONE GWRRA ANNIVERSARIES
34 YEARS
THOMAS L MORLEY
OR-G
33 YEARS
ATTILA KARDOS
JAY WALL
WA-I
MT-M
32 YEARS
RODNEY A MOORE
KEVIN S SMITH
KEI SMITH
WA-V
OR-H
OR-H
31 YEARS
MELVIN J DIETER
ROBERT E PALMER
WA-X
WA-R
30 YEARS
STEPHEN J GRACE
DONALD D HAWKINS
ROBERT E MACADAMS
BONNIE L MACADAMS
29 YEARS
JUNE E CLARK
HAROLD E PINSON
RONALD A CARVER
ID-T
WA-Q
UA
UA
OR-J
ID-T
OR-I
28 YEARS
ELEANOR J BAILEY
THOMAS C HAMMOND
MT-M
ID-E
27 YEARS
LARRY C DONNELLY
RONALD WOLF
MARCIA WOLF
WA-B
WA-I
WA-I
26 YEARS
ROD R DEY
NANCY E DEY
DALE YOUNG
BETTYE J YOUNG
OR-J
OR-J
WA-H
WA-H
25 YEARS
GEORGE W WILSON
JOHN VALLELY
URSULA C HAWKINS
JUDY THOMPSON
WA-E
WA-V
WA-Q
WA-P
20 YEARS
BILL HOLT
TERESA HOLT
PATRICK BARRETT
CHERYL BARRETT
WA-A
WA-A
WA-I
WA-I
Oregon District Convention 2015-– June 9-11 -– Odell, OR
http://www.gwrraoregondistrict.com/
Registration/Flyer is available on OR District website
Preregistration date June 8, 2015
Wyoming District Convention 2015-– July 9 - 11, -– Buffalo, WY
http://www.gwrra-wy.org/events/registration
Registration and Schedule is available on WY District website
Preregistration date June 8th, 2015
Region J Convention 2015 –Aug 1-3-- CRANBROOK, BC, Canada
http://gwrra-regionj.ca
Online Registration and information is available on Region J Website
Preregistration due June 1, 2015
Idaho District Convention July 2-4, 2015 –Kamiah, ID
http://gwrra-id.us
Registration and Flyer is available on Idaho District Website
Preregistration due by June 1, 2015
Montana District Convention 2015 -– July 23-25 – Deer Lodge, MT
http://www.gwrra-mtdistrict.org/
Registration and Flyer on MT District Website
Preregistration due by June 20, 2015
Washington District Convention 2015—July 16-18—Port Townsend, WA
http://gwrra-wa.org/Flyers/2015/2015_Washington_District_Rally.pdf
Registration/Flyer is available on WA District Website
Preregistration due by July 3, 2015
Big Sky Region I Convention 2015 -– August 5-8 -– LEWISTON, ID
http://www.bigskyregioni.org
Registration is available on Region I Website
Preregistration due by July 11, 2015
Wing Ding International Convention 2015 – Sept 3-6 – Huntsville, AL
http://www.wing-ding.org
Registration, Schedule, Vendor List, etc. on Wing Ding website
Preregistration due by July 16, 2015
Make some plans ~ Make some rides ~ Make some memories!!
Communication is the key- let’s talk.
Page 10 of 11
2006 Goldwing with 2011 Lehman Monarch II Trike Kit
with 3% Rake
Low Mileage, CB, Heated Seats and Grips, Set up for Gerbing heated clothing,
Utopia backrest, Trailer Hitch, Triple Ring of Fire, Driving lights & more. Low
Mileage 38,000. No problems with fit and finish. Maintenance kept current.
$25,000.00
Mike Bean
Oregon District Director
503-951-2668
Communication is the key- let’s talk.
Page 11 of 11