Staff Meeting July 16, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. at King’s, Rt. 19 N, Cranberry TWP. Come early to eat before the meeting.		Gathering July 23, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. Domenico’s Ristorante 20550 Rt. 19 N. Piazza Plaza Cranberry TWP., PA. (724) 776-6455 Meet in the back room. We can arrive as early as 5:30 p.m. to eat before the gathering.

Upcoming Chapter Events

Jul 5 (Sun) - Ride to Lake Chautauqua, NY. Leave King's at 9:00 a.m.
Jul 11 (Sat) - Dinner ride to Jerry's Curb Service and then ice cream at Hank's. Leave King's at 2:00 p.m. Chris & Linda Coene, 724-776-2113
Jul 12 (Sun) - Chp G visit in Erie, PA. Leave King's at 7:00 a.m.
Jul 14 (Tue) - Dinner ride to North Country Brewing Company, 141 S. Main St., Slippery Rock, PA. Leave King's at 6:00 p.m. or meet at the restaurant at 7:00 p.m.
Jul 18 (Sat) - Ride to The J.M. Smucker Store & Café, 333 Wadsworth Rd., Orrville, OH. Leave King's at 9:00 a.m. Tom Banks, 724-301-2121.
Jul 19 (Sun) - Dinner ride to Ridgeway. Leave King's at 9:00 a.m. Dan Mitchell, 724-898-3667
Jul 24-26 (Fri-Sun) - Smoke Hole weekend ride. Reservations required. Roy Kinkead, 724-284-1421
Jul 25 (Sat) - PA All Chapters - West ride to Erie. Leave King's at 9:00 a.m. Mike Ammerman, 412-795-6685
Jul 29 (Wed) - Rocking Chair Ride. Meet at King's at 11:00 a.m.
Jul 30 (Thu) - Ice Cream ride to Jordon's in Kittanning. Leave King's at 6:00 p.m. or meet at Jordon's at 7:00 p.m.
Aug 1 (Sat) - Sternwheelers ride to Ohio. Leave King's at 9:00 a.m. Ray Schmitt & Larry Plowman, 724-352-7668 or 724-352-9016 respectively.
Aug 6 (Thu) - Ride for Kids mandatory meeting at the Cranberry TWP municipal building at 6:00 p.m. Dinner ride to North Park Lounge follows the meeting.
Aug 8 (Sat) - Ride for Kids setup at Slippery Rock College. Details to follow.
Aug 9 (Sun) - Ride for Kids Registration opens at 8:00 a.m. at Home Depot in Cranberry TWP.
Aug 15 (Sat) - Annual Pig Roast - Flyer

Coene’sConsiderings
By: Chris & Linda Coene

July…Can it really be? It seems only days ago we were looking out at the snow and dreaming on the Internet of new Chrome. Now riding season is almost half over already!

I have several things we need to talk about this month so please bear with me.

First off, we need all the money turned in to Roy as soon as possible for the District Rally Raffle Tickets. If you did not sell them all, please try to do so. We are the only Chapter in our Region that has not sold all of their tickets so we want to do so. Don't let our Chapter let down the Region.

Second, if you are going to the District Rally you need to get your registration in soon to be registered at the current rate. If you miss the deadline you will have to register for the individual dates and will not be able to attend the Banquets or participate in games or Bike Judging. No full registrations will be sold at the Rally!

Third, if you are going to the District Rally and would like to participate in the Games on Friday, please let me know. We have to let the organizers know which games we will be playing. There is a Bowling Game and one on moving gravel with a mini-crane (like Fred did). We also need volunteers for judging the Bike Show on Saturday.

Fourth, this is the Pig Roast! We will be having the food catered this year but need help serving since they were unable to do this (we just happened to pick a weekend where they are tied up with a Fair and another large outing and have no one left to serve our picnic). We are also asking anyone who wishes to bring some cookies along to put out, they will be nice to munch on for dessert.

Fifth, the Christmas Party has been moved! Same location but Friday night (Dec 4) instead of Saturday night! The Knights of Columbus needed the hall that night so we got bumped. Sorry!

Sixth, our Anniversary Dance in February! We will be determining a theme for this at the next staff meeting on July 16th at King's in Cranberry Mall at 7:00 p.m. If you have ideas or preferences please call me or show up for the staff meeting!

Also, if you have a preference on having a DJ for the Anniversary Party please email me at coenewing@zoominternet.net to let me know what you think. I know some people do not like to speak out at the gatherings and so I would like to know this way. Four couples indicated they would like a DJ. At the cost required, I need more input before we make this decision.

I said I had a lot this month! Hope to see all of you in the next few weeks. Don't forget the Dinner and Ice Cream rides also! We have had very poor turnout for those lately and would like to see them become more popular again.

'til next month!

Quote of the Month... The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who are not. - Thomas Jefferson

June Gathering
By: Mike Ammerman

The gathering was started as usual with the Pledge of Allegiance only this time, we had our own flag holder made by Phil Pirozzi. This man does wonders with wood and if you have been around for the past couple of years, you may have seen his other creations. Thank you Phil.

We didn’t have any guests to welcome this month, but about 30 minutes into the gathering, a guest did arrive unnoticed. I may not have noticed either, but he sat down next to Dar and I. Carl Erb, from Chapter P, braved the thunderstorms in the area that evening to attend the gathering. Thank you for coming Carl. As a side note here, Carl came to the rescue of Wayne & Barb Young during the MS ride a couple weeks ago. Wayne has a GL1500 and had the infamous alternator problem during the first day. At Edinboro, Carl came through with a spare alternator. That evening, a team of “experts”, led by Dana Hartle, swapped out Wayne’s bad alternator with the one provided by Carl. How many Gold Wing riders do you know that carry a spare alternator? Thank you Carl for saving Wayne & Barb a shaky ride home without lights and the other amenities the Gold Wing offers.
Linda read June’s list of birthdays and anniversaries and the total number of combined years of marriage was 372 years. Linda, what are you trying to tell us here? That we’re getting old or that we have a lot of dedicated members, not only to Gold Wing riding, but to our spouses? Okay, we’ll go with the latter.

Chris didn’t have anybody to report for the sick list and this is the way we like to keep it. Chris did mention that Tony & Irene Guerrera showed up for one of our ice cream rides and that Tony was looking gooooood. That’s the kind of reports we like to hear.

I took a couple minutes to thank everyone for their help with this past MS Escape to the Lake bicycle ride. I can’t express enough how much our help means to the men, women, and children that ride this ride every year. I’m sure you have heard it before that most of them would not ride if it wasn’t for the help we provide them. Great job. I will keep you informed of when the awards dinner will be, which is usually in August.

Gordon spoke about the Ride for Kids and encouraged everyone to check on or hand out ride kits when you are out and about. Whether it is visiting a Honda or other motorcycle dealer or another club meeting. The more people we get the message to, the more we will have at the Ride for Kids on August 9th. Don’t forget the mandatory meeting on August 6 at the Cranberry Township municipal building for all RFK’s volunteers who will be helping the day of the ride. August 8th is the setup for the RFK’s at Slippery Rock college. We will leave King’s at 9:00 a.m. or meet at the college at 10:00 a.m. Don’t forget to set up your First Giving website to collect RFK’s funds. This can be done by visiting www.rideforkids.org.

Brownie’s two minute tech talk this month was about his & June’s trip to a bike event in Ohio recently. Brownie related about how he followed another Gold Winger that had problems with his rear lights. At no time did any of the other bikes in his group stop him to let him know he had problems. Instead of continuing onto their own destination that evening, Brownie & June followed this rider to his motel and mentioned that he didn’t have any rear lights. Brownie’s tech note this month is to help your fellow rider, whether he rides a Gold Wing or not. Let him know if you spot any problem with his bike that he may not be aware of. If we don’t look out for our own, who will? Brownie also mentioned that if you are in need of a battery tender, he has three.

Chris covered the District Rally. If you are going, you need to make your motel/hotel reservations soon and don’t forget to send in your rally registration as well. You will need a full rally registration to participate in any of games or events at the rally in addition to being able to attend the Saturday night dinner. Chapter D will once again be in charge of the bike show judging. We need your help. If you are willing to help, please contact Chris, Ross, or Mike and let them know you will be helping with the bike show. The bike show is Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with the judging taking place between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. The chapter’s dress code for the weekend will be our yellow T-shirts for Friday and our yellow golf shirts for the Saturday meal. Beth Hildebrand is our apparel person, so if you need a shirt, please contact Beth at 724-352-3190.

Pat Delo won this month’s RFK’s raffle, which was a wind chime. Thank you Tom & Marilyn Banks for this month’s RFK’s raffle donation. Bill Cressman won the 50/50 drawing and lottery tickets were won by Cathy Headland, Cathy Bertuca, and Brownie Statler. Gordon Snyder won tickets for next month’s 50/50 drawing.

Anniversary Party - Feb. 12, 2010

In preparation for our anniversary party next year, Chris & Linda would like to know if you refer to have a DJ or not to have a DJ.
Please let Chris & Linda know your preference. And please do it at your earliest convenience.

Smoke Hole Weekend - July 24 - 26

If you are in the group of lucky people signed up for the Smoke Hole weekend, Roy wants you to know that the group will be leaving King’s at 8:30 a.m. Roy said there are 11 couples signed up. If you are new to this outing, you’re going to enjoy it. Even if you aren’t a newby, you’re going to enjoy it. Have fun and enjoy!

Vintage Grand Prix

Chapters D & P will be providing security for the Vintage Grand Prix Saturday night, Sunday morning, July 19. Our shift runs from midnight Saturday to 6:00 a.m. Sunday. Check-in is at 11:30 p.m. at the registration tent in Schenley Park on Greenfield Road. This is the road that crosses the Greenfield bridge, which is the second bridge you pass under once you have exited the Squirrel Hill tunnel inbound to Pittsburgh.

Chapter Fund Raiser

The chapter’s annual fund raiser has begun. Dan & Beth Hildebrand are handing out raffle tickets to be sold prior to our annual Pig Roast on August 15th. The winning number will be based on the evening daily number of August 15.

This is your chapter and it is in everybodies interest that we all do our part in selling these tickets. Please see Dan or Beth if you have not received your tickets.

District Rally - Aug. 20 - 22

The time is getting close for the District Rally. If you haven’t registered or made hotel/motel reservations, now would be a good time to do it. I usually put things off till the last minute and I just made my reservations and sent in my registration. I hate to think that there is someone that does things later than me.

Remember the chapter’s dress code for Friday and Saturday; Friday is our yellow chapter T-shirts, and Saturday for dinner is our yellow chapter golf shirts. Please contact Beth Hildebrand if you would like one or both of these shirts. Beth’s phone number is 724-352-3190.

Chapter D is in charge of the bike show judging and we will need your help. Please contact Chris, Ross, or Mike if you would like to be a judge or help with the bike show. The bike show judging will be 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 22.

Remember, you will need a full rally registration to participate in any of the activities or partake of the Saturday dinner.

Ride for Kids Important Dates

Now - Set up your First Giving Website. Instructions are on the Ride for Kids website at www.rideforkids.org.
Aug 6 - Mandatory meeting for all volunteers at the Cranberry Township Municipal building at 6:00 p.m.
Aug 8 - Set-up of the chairs and tables at Slippery Rock College. Meet at King’s at 9:00 a.m. or at the college at 10:00 a.m.
Aug 9 - Ride for Kids. Registration opens at 8:00 a.m., but all volunteers must be at the Home Depot by 6:30 a.m. Some volunteers may need to be there by 6:00 a.m., but these times will be verified at the mandatory meeting on Aug. 6th.

From Our 2009 Chapter Couple of the Year
By: Jim & Cathy Schantz

I can't believe June has already come to an end and a new month is beginning. The month of June had couple of rides that Jim and I enjoyed with the group. Thanks to Mike for a great ride and a tour of his home area Tyrone, PA. And on Sunday we were off for another long ride led by Dan Mitchell to Zippo in Bradford, PA. Then Jim and I tried to lead the group to Portville, NY and Sprague's Maple Farm for an early dinner. If you are ever near Portville make sure you stop in and get something good to eat. Jim and I learned that it is nice to lead a ride if you are absolutely sure of the route. The next time maybe we can prepare ourselves, but thanks for the opportunity. The last weekend Jim and I decided it was time to get the camper out and relax. So we packed everything up and headed north to Tidioute, PA. Along our way north a bright red pick-up stopped near us and there was Deb and Rich Rice (nice truck but the bike ride was more enjoyable). We hope you enjoyed Diary Queen. Our trip up north was very relaxing and thanks to our new friends from Chapter Q, Jeff and Sue Arnold. They took us on a ride on Saturday. We headed to Lake Chataqua and then off to Kinzua Dam and of course we stopped for dinner and ice cream. Jim and I suggest if you are ever wondering what to do for the weekend maybe check the schedules of some other chapters and join them for a ride. No matter what you do and who you meet, you will always have something in common. You both love to ride. So enjoy the rest of your summer, be safe and we are looking forward to making new friends at All Chapters in Erie.

Marilyn’s Observation Corner
By: Marilyn Banks

Hi all. You may notice a different title to my article. It is getting more difficult to get the men to talk around me about technical issues so I am left with making observations as we travel. They are not nearly as funny but it has been fun watching those around me.
For instance: Tom and I have been riding tail gunner for several rides and what a wonderful place to be. It is a joy to watch the beautiful Gold Wings in front of us making all the twists and turns. In that respect I have made a couple of "observations". I love to watch Kyle and Sue ride. It is like watching classical music being played. They do not have a CB so when the word comes thru that there is something on the road to go around, they do not hear it. Kyle quietly watches the road and with the most grace he easily avoids the obstacle. He maneuvers his bike so gracefully that it is like watching a beautiful swan glide across a still lake. Pure beauty. Kudos to Kyle and Sue.
I've also watched many bikes take twists and corners. Talk about leaning!! It is fun to observe each persons technique. Of course there is no leaning on a trike but on two wheels I have to say Phil and Dar take leaning on curves and turns to a new level. They are one with the bike and it is one with the road. Fun to watch and it makes me appreciate my lounge chair on three wheels.
I've also observed that men generally don't mind getting dirty -- except for their Wings. No matter how tired at the end of the day or how early the next morning those Wings are getting a bath. Remember as a young mother how we'd pack up the children to go somewhere and inevitably we'd arrive and one of them would have a dirty face. So what was our last resort but a tissue and nature's 409 - spit. Well if a man can't get to a hose and bucket he will resort to a clean cloth and a can of Plexus. And talk about peer pressure. If one guy goes out to clean his bike the others cannot help but join in. We were on a recent trip to the Smoky Mountains with Phil and Dar and the first thing when we get to the hotel I see Phil out bathing his Wing. Tom looks out the window and sees Phil and grabs the garbage can from the room and fills it with water to also bath our trike. I just sat back and laughed. But let all of you men admit that if you are traveling with Ray Heichel and you see him out cleaning his bike you also have to fight the sudden urge to grab a cloth and clean.
But my final observation for this month is this:

A nice ride is a day of sunshine and good roads.
	A good ride is the same but throw in some twisty hills to enjoy.
But the GREATEST ride is all of that and sharing it with friends.

Must Have Tools for the Motorcycle Enthusiast: 

Air Compressor - a machine that takes energy produced in a coal-burning power plant 200 miles away and transforms it into compressed air that travels by hose to a Chicago Pneumatic impact wrench that grips rusty suspension bolts last tightened 10 years ago by someone in Ohio and rounds them off.
Phillips Screwdriver - normally used to stab the lids of old-style paper-and-tin oil cans and splash oil on your shirt; can also be used, as the name implies, to round off Phillips screw heads.

Humor of the Month...An old couple were sitting in their living room on a Sunday morning watching a religious program.
The preacher on this show would go to all the people in the audience and asking them what they wanted fixed, then he would have them cover the part of their body they wanted fixed.

Many of the people were elderly so they were covering their eyes and hearts. Then the preacher said "Ok now for you at home put your hand on the part of your body you want fixed and say this prayer with me."

So the little old lady put her hand on her heart, because she had a very bad heart. And the little old man put his hands on his crotch.

The little old lady turned to her husband and said "He said he could heal the sick, not raise the dead!"

From Our Chapter Educator
By: Ross Brown

Pennsylvania is, by statute, a keep right except to pass state. Not that you'd ever know that by cruising our interstate highways. It's posted occasionally although very sparsely. Which leads to how we, on our group rides, take to the four lane. When we have a string of bikes overtaking a vehicle the leader will often call on the CB, "need the left lane" and the tail gunner will move to the left and block while everyone moves to the left. At one second intervals the tail gunner is at least 5 or 6 hundred feet behind the leader. Since we ride the speed limit give or take a couple mile per hour, it generally takes a while for the group to pass, and all the while the right lane is open for aggressive drivers to pass on our right and try to squeeze in when he/she gets to the vehicle we are over taking.

I'd rather adopt a pass 'em when you get to 'em philosophy. As each bike gets to the vehicle we want to pass, it moves to the left, passes, and moves back to the right. The leader needs to be sure to continue to make ground ahead of the vehicle passed to allow each bike behind to make the pass. If the just passed vehicle happens to speed up and keep pace with the bike that just passed it the next bike back simply follows the vehicle until sufficient gap ahead of it opens to make the pass. It doesn't matter that there is a car or truck in our line. 

One of the leading causes of road rage and aggressive driving are vehicles that cruise the left lane not allowing faster vehicles to pass. By not riding as one rigid monolithic unit we are better able to flow smoothly with traffic and stay out of the way of faster traffic.

Trike conversion parts from 2003 Candy Red GL1800. Contact Ray Vaupel at 412-364-9245.

1984 Midnight Blue 1200 Gold Wing Aspencade, 45 accessories (chrome, Hartco Seat etc.) costing over $3,000, 93,000 miles, asking $3,250, Have purchased a GL1500. Contact Gary White at 412-767-4712

2005 Silver Wing, silver in color, less than 3000 miles. Have cover and manual to that goes with it. Like new.
$4995.00 firm. Contact Bill Corbett at 724-679-2000

From the District Director

Hi everyone:
Summer is officially here and the warm weather is slowly arriving. On June 6th we attended PA All Chapters East. This event was well attended and we would like to thank Chapter “H” for hosting the event.

We want to wish all those who will be attending Wing Ding this year a safe journey and may your stay at Wing Ding be filled with fun, new friends and many exciting stories to share upon your return. Evelyn and I will be unable to attend this year but will be with you in spirit.

Keystone State Rally:
The Keystone State Rally plans are complete and we are proceeding with final preparation. In addition your Chapter Director now knows your Chapter Assignment for the Rally, so check with him to see how you can help. “Remember, if everyone helps a little, no one has to do a lot.”
As in years past we will be looking for help and participation from ALL CHAPTERS. This is the only way our Rally will be a success and everyone can enjoy it. So remember, when someone asks you to help, just say, “Yes.”

Just a reminder that again this year as last year “TO COMPETE IN ANY RALLY EVENT, YOU MUST BE FULLY REGISTERED FOR THE RALLY “, EX: Bike Show, Light Show, Chapter Competitions, Hospitality Room and COY Competition.
No full registrations will be sold at the rally!

Some important Rally dates to remember:
· Only Pre-Registrations received by AUGUST 1ST will be considered for Statistical Awards.
· We must receive all Full Registrations on or before August 14th to be included in the Meal Count.
· The Cost of Pre-Registrations increase by $5.00 after July 18.
· All Rally Shirt Orders must be received by August 1st.

Rally Raffle Tickets:
Let’s keep selling the Keystone Rally Raffle Tickets. We really appreciate the job being done by the Chapters in selling the Rally Raffle Tickets and turning in your money to the ADD’s monthly. Keep up the good work and we will make this fund raiser a real success for all. Remember, 50% of the net profits will be divided among the 24 chapters based on the number of tickets each sold to do with as they see fit. So the more tickets the chapter sells the bigger their percent of return in the final distribution. We need everyones help in this very important fund raiser.

Someone Special Award:
Do not forget to submit your nomination for the Someone Special Award. We have already received six nominations and are looking for 18 more. Nominations are to be submitted to us no later than July 17. There are many deserving individuals out there, so please take a few minutes and submit that individual’s story to be considered for the Someone Special Award. We should receive entries from every Chapter.

Food Drive:
Don’t forget to start gathering up your food items to support the WEST END FOOD PANTRY, Johnstown, PA. Your Chapter Director has a list of the items which are needed. We will be looking for support from ALL OUR CHAPTERS to make sure this very worthy event is a real success. You folks did a Great Job last year and we are hoping for the same this year. 

Upcoming Events:
PA ALL CHAPTERS WEST – 7/24 & 25 at Sparrow Pond Family Campground & Recreation Facility, Waterford, PA 16441. Hosted by Chapter “G”. Fliers for both of these events are available on the District’s web page. Plan now to get out and support this event.
Evelyn and I hope that everyone has a HAPPY and SAFE FOURTH OF JULY HOLIDAY!!!!

“Ride Safe & Ride Proud”
Chuck & Evelyn Stone, PA-District Directors

From the NW Assistant District Director:

Summer is in full swing and if you are as busy as I am you are having a great time. Miles are clicking off even though June’s weather has been anything but summer like. Summer is for riding and not for reading and writing so finish up with this newsletter and get on the bike. See you all in Johnstown at the District Rally!

Dana and Danise Hartle, NW AD/D’s

PA District MED Coordinators:

“ MEMBERSHIP ENHANCEMENT “ Where is June? Here it is July already and almost time for the Pa. Rally. Well ok, a little over a month, not much time. There are so many things going on right now that we do not want to over look anything, so if you did not get your registration in, food articles for the Food Drive and rally tickets sold, time to get a move on. As you all know the theme this year is the STONE AGE. This should prove very interesting. There are so many things planned and so many good time to be had, I think you all should come on down to Johnstown and see for yourself. You will have a good time.

We will again be doing the West End Food Pantry donations. We did a great job last year, helping those in need, and we are hoping to do as well or even better this year. From the largest, to the smallest donation, everything is needed and very much appreciated. Help those in need, it’s a great feeling.

Try to appoint a MEC (Membership Enhancement Coordinator) in your Chapter. It is important and very helpful to the CD and the Chapter.
One more thing, do not forget about the Banner and Brag Book contest. There are so many nice Banners out, show them off. 
Ride safe and God bless. “We are Listening, What is Your Solution”

Ruth & Mort Smith, PA District MED Coordinators

Lake Chautauqua Ride - July 5
By: Mike Ammerman

Six bikes enjoyed a beautiful sunshine filled day trip to Lake Chautauqua, NY. The measured round trip travel was 263 miles, but add some miles for a couple U-turns and looking for gas plus getting to different home locations would have increased the total miles to over 300.

The roads were great and we ran into very little traffic. Surprising for the day after the July 4th festivities. As usual, the entertainment at the lake was great. We only got to enjoy a half hour of it before heading for home. 

Great company, great roads, and the obligatory ice cream stop made it an outstanding day.

Pig Roast - August 15

Don't forget to send in your reservations for our annual Pig Roast.  It will once again be held at Beth Hildebrand's parents house off Dinnerbell Road, which is accessed from Route 8.  See flyer for details.

Misplaced that flyer or form you picked up at the last gathering?
Want to print out the newsletter or ride schedule?
If so please go to our "Flyers and Forms" page.

Thank you to the folks who support GWRRA Pennsylvania Chapter "D".

Francis J. Craig Agency, Inc. (724) 935-5753

Lutzs Leather (724) 843-6220 - Lutzs Leather

McMahon's Cycle Sales - (724) 846-6251

Youngs Auto Sales & Service - (724) 728-3374

Your The Star - Karaoke and DJ Services
Bob and Ruth Messenger - (724) 495-1653

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