1 From the CDs Steve & Donna Van Gilder [email protected]January 2016 Volume 11 Number 1 This program was created to acknowledge the efforts, involvement, and performance of Chapter Members. I hope we can get behind this program and show the rest of Texas and GWRRA that Chapter U is one of the best in the entire GWRRA. We will be asking for everyone’s help with this program. The Couple of the Year program is near and dear to our hearts. This program is really what got Donna and I started with truly understanding and enjoying ALL of the benefits of GWRRA. Our year as Chapter Couple and the next year as the District Couple showed us how to have more fun, meet new friends and enjoy ourselves even more at local, District, and Region events. It’s all about participation and we will do our best to help pass that along to everyone. The last area is riding our motorcycles. This is the reason that we joined GWRRA. We wanted to ride in a safe environment with friends. From the time we started with Chapter U, when Brad & Jill Severe were the Chapter Directors, we knew we were with the right group of folks. Brad & Jill always emphasized riding safely and to the level of the most inexperience rider along for the ride that day. What they started has become a truly great tradition for the Chapter and all of the other Chapter Directors that have followed them. We plan to continue that tradition and pledge to do our best to always keep everyone safe. So once again, Thank You to everyone for allowing us to serve you as Chapter Directors. Let’s begin 2016 with the hope and desire to have a year full of great rides, expanding our group of friends, shrinking waistlines, and above all else, a year of safe travels! Steve & Donna Van Gilder Chapter Directors Hello Chapter “U”, Whew, where did 2015 go!! Seems like time is going a little quicker these days, at least for Donna and I anyway. We hope that everyone had a great holiday season with their family and friends! Donna and I are proud and grateful to be your new Chapter Directors!! We will do our best to continue the tradition of service to all of you and try to make this chapter a group that embodies what GWRRA is supposed to be all about, Friends, Fun, Safety, and Knowledge. We look forward to working with everyone and trying to plan Chapter rides and events that everyone will enjoy and have FUN. There are a couple of things that we would really like to emphasis with everyone. We are committed to the Rider Education Levels Program. Wouldn’t it be awesome if we could get everyone involved? Everyone that rides with Chapter U already practices safe motorcycle operation whenever they ride. Which means you’re already a Level I, so let’s get you signed up. We also believe in the Chapter of the Year program. 20 January, Wednesday - “Chapter Gathering" will be at the La Cabana Restaurant, upstairs room, at 170 Buffalo Place Cibolo, TX. Meet to eat at 6:00 PM with information sharing beginning at 7:00 PM
This program was created to acknowledge the efforts, involvement, and performance of Chapter Members. I hope we can get behind this program and show the rest of Texas and GWRRA that Chapter U is one of the best in the entire GWRRA. We will be asking for everyone’s help with this program. The Couple of the Year program is near and dear to our hearts. This program is really what got Donna and I started with truly understanding and enjoying ALL of the benefits of GWRRA. Our year as Chapter Couple and the next year as the District Couple showed us how to have more fun, meet new friends and enjoy ourselves even more at local, District, and Region events. It’s all about participation and we will do our best to help pass that along to everyone. The last area is riding our motorcycles. This is the reason that we joined GWRRA. We wanted to ride in a safe environment with friends. From the time we started with Chapter U, when Brad & Jill Severe were the Chapter Directors, we knew we were with the right group of folks. Brad & Jill always emphasized riding safely and to the level of the most inexperience rider along for the ride that day. What they started has become a truly great tradition for the Chapter and all of the other Chapter Directors that have followed them. We plan to continue that tradition and pledge to do our best to always keep everyone safe. So once again, Thank You to everyone for allowing us to serve you as Chapter Directors. Let’s begin 2016 with the hope and desire to have a year full of great rides, expanding our group of friends, shrinking waistlines, and above all else, a year of safe travels! Steve & Donna Van Gilder Chapter Directors
Hello Chapter “U”, Whew, where did 2015 go!! Seems like time is going a little quicker these days, at least for Donna and I anyway. We hope that everyone had a great holiday season with their family and friends! Donna and I are proud and grateful to be your new Chapter Directors!! We will do our best to continue the tradition of service to all of you and try to make this chapter a group that embodies what GWRRA is supposed to be all about, Friends, Fun, Safety, and Knowledge. We look forward to working with everyone and trying to plan Chapter rides and events that everyone will enjoy and have FUN. There are a couple of things that we would really like to emphasis with everyone. We are committed to the Rider Education Levels Program. Wouldn’t it be awesome if we could get everyone involved? Everyone that rides with Chapter U already practices safe motorcycle operation whenever they ride. Which means you’re already a Level I, so let’s get you signed up. We also believe in the Chapter of the Year program.
20 January, Wednesday - “Chapter Gathering" will be at the La Cabana Restaurant, upstairs room, at 170 Buffalo Place Cibolo, TX. Meet to eat at 6:00 PM with information sharing beginning at 7:00 PM
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Inside this issue: ”We also believe in the Chapter of the Year program.”
Topic Page Number From The CD’s 1 Events/Ride Schedule 3 Tux’s Bucket List 4 MEC 5 Birthdays & Anniversaries 6 Couple Of The Year 7 Chapter U/Texas District Officers and Teams, Directors 8 Member Article 9 Co-Rider’s Corner 10 From The ACD’s 11 Classifieds 12-13 Editorial 14 December Events and Pictures 15-19 Rider Education 23 Rider Ed “By The Book” 24-25 Sponsor’s Ads 26-27 2016 GWRRA Flyers/Events 29-33 Other GWRRA Articles 34-37
Chapter Ride Meeting Locations
Unless otherwise indicated all Chapter “U" rides start at the parking lot at Kent Powersports, 15664 IH-35 North, Selma, TX, between Olympia Pkwy and Evans Rd. Ride destinations are subject to change. Time permitting changes will be communicated via the website, Newsletter, and/or e-mail. If there is a discrepancy between the newsletter and what is published on the web site, the web site will take precedence. Occasionally, depending on which direction we are riding, our rides may depart from other locations. These locations will be announced via email, and/or posted on the website and our calendar, as time permits.
Check www.texaschapteru.org for ride information.
Chapter "U" Gatherings/Meetings
Normal monthly meetings/Gatherings are the 3rd Wednesday of each month at the La Cabana Restaurant, upstairs room, 170 Buffalo Place, Cibolo, TX 78108. We "Meet-to-Eat" at 6:00 p.m. with "Information Sharing" beginning at 7:00 p.m. Hope to see "U" there!
Next Chapter Gathering/Meeting is:
20 January.
NEW!!!
Where’s Tux Contest
You can find Tux anywhere in the current month’s Newsletter. Entries must include the page number and location of where Tux was found. The first person to email Tom Hendricks with the correct information will receive 5 raffle tickets for the next monthly Gathering drawing.
Here’s the actual size of what you will be trying to discover
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January Chapter
Events Friday, January 1 - 2016 Blessing of the Bikes at Javelina Harley in Boerne, TX. Depart KPS at 7:30 a.m. for Boerne. Following Blessing of the Bikes, will head to PoPo’s for lunch. 4 January, Monday - Depart KPS at 9:00 a.m. heading to Columbus. We'll have lunch at the famous Schobels Restaurant. If time permits, we'll go see the 2nd largest live oak tree in Texas or visit the Santa Museum. 9 January, Saturday – Texas District Mid Winter Round-up in Temple, TX. All new officers are expected to attend. Travel day is Friday. 20 January, Wednesday - “Chapter Gathering" for Chapter U will be at the La Cabana Restaurant, upstairs room, at 170 Buffalo Place Cibolo, TX.
2016
Dates to Remember 1 January, Saturday – New Year’s Day. 20 January, Wednesday – Penguin Awareness Day. 17-19 March – Region H Rally will be in Marshall, TX and the theme will be “Three Ringed Circus.” 31 March - 2 April – Louisiana District Rally, Lafayette, LA. 8-9 April – Texas Chapter O’s 28th annual Bluebonnet Rally and Campout. Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park, Fredericksburg, Texas. 22-24 April – Kansas District Rally, Hutchinson, KS. 19-21 May – Texas District Rally. Theme is “Happy Trails to Temple” – Temple, TX. 26-28 May – Arkansas District Rally, Harrison, AR. July 7-9 – Second Annual Reno Rendezvous, Reno, NV. 31 August – 3 September, 2016. – Wing Ding, Billings, MT over Labor Day weekend. October 6-8 – Oklahoma District Rally. Theme is “Country Winging” – Muskogee, OK.
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Tux’s 2016 Bucket List
I overheard Tux saying the other day that “If you don’t have a map it is almost impossible to know where you are going.” In our technological world this could be changed to having a GPS or cell phone that provides the necessary information to also plot where you are and where you are going. The point Tux was trying to make was that if you do not have written goals or some well thought out visions what you have are not goals, but wishes, i.e., “if it’s written down, it gets done.” Taking that one step further into implementation Tux said he would like to see either individually or collectively the following for 2016 in Chapter U.
1. Texas District Chapter of the Year honors returned to the San Antonio vicinity, i.e., Chapter U.
2. Chapter meeting in Billings, Montana. Let’s see how many of “U” can attend?
3. Every Rider and Co-Rider at least a Level 1 in the Levels program.
4. 10-15 Riders/Co-Riders on an organized Chapter ride at least twice a month.
5. Encourage each Chapter member to bring a friend into GWRRA and Chapter U.
6. Throw a dart at a Texas map and travel to wherever it lands.
7. Ride 15-20,000 strictly pleasure miles on 2
or 3 wheels. 8. Join the Friends United Network (FUN) for
friendly uninhibited nonsense (FUN), i.e., have FUN with your friends in GWRRA.
9. As the police drama Hill Street Blues always said, “Be careful out there.”
10. Non Rally overnight rides. 11. Attend as many Rallies in our Region and
others, as possible. 12. Ride! 13. ATGATT. 14. Wash less, ride more. 15. Attend Chapter training.
Article prepared by Tux Penguin in concert with Tom Hendricks.
I’m looking forward to the New Year for many reasons, one of the primary ones is being asked to be the 2016 Membership Enhancement Coordinator for Chapter “U”. Some of the areas I would like to emphasize for the Chapter, are to continue to have FUN across the spectrum as we travel, ride and enjoy the friendship associated with the GWRRA experience. As with any endeavor. we must maintain the standards and responsibilities of our sport by continuing to learn and grow, with emphasis on the GWRRA motto of “Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge.” So, be involved in the Levels program, go to a few GWRRA Rally’s, make new friends within and outside our chapter, ride with your fellow Riders and above all, enjoy the experience of being a GWRRA Chapter U motorcycle rider having FUN. Many of our chapter members ride together 2-3 times per month and often get together socially for non-motorcycle related events. Others participate less often; some we see perhaps every month or two, and many are members on the books but we seldom see them. It's not good and it's not what many of us prefer, it's just the way it is. The good part is many of us are getting together regularly and enjoying the experience. Recruitment will go hand in hand with the success of an active chapter in 2016. Wingers are an aging bunch, and as they age some quit riding and participating in Chapter activities. These old timers also have a wealth of riding, GWRRA experiences and life successes. Recruitment must be conducted and be on-going to replace these folks. Hopefully, ”the
next generation” with experience, money, etc., are buying Gold Wings and are looking for like souls to enjoy the Gold Wing FUN experience. Sal Pesta, my predecessor as the Chapter U MEC, had many good ideas for recruitment. I’d like to reemphasize that there are many ways to recruit; i.e., people having FUN will attract others who want to be part of that experience. Keep a copy of Wing World magazine with your name and some of the benefits of being a GWRRA member handy, and when you see a Gold Wing during your travels, leave a copy with your possible new recruit. There are many Riders out there who are not enjoying the benefits of being in Chapter U, and partaking of the total GWRRA and Gold Wing experience. Let’s recruit them and make them a part of our chapter.
Tom Hendricks – Membership Enhancement Coordinator
Ron DeLaughter Jan 5 J.D. Kvapil Jan 11 Mike Whiteside Jan 20 Hilmer Merz Jan 25 Sam Morris Jan 27 Rick Kendrick Jan 31
JANUARY Hilmer and Betty Merz Jan 3
Skip and Beth Surre Jan 13 Sam and Sheila Morris Jan 15 Jane and Bill Johnson Jan 24
Rick and Pat Kendrick Jan 31
BLACK-EYED PEAS In the Southern United States, eating black-eyed peas on New Year's Day is thought to bring prosperity in the New Year. The following recipe is by Diana Rattray, Southern Food Expert. This dish is the first thing Tux Penguin eats every year for good luck. Article provided by Anna Hendricks.
INGREDIENTS • 16 ounces black-eyed peas • 1/2 pound hog jowl, lean salt pork, or thick lean bacon,
diced • 1 cup chopped onion • 1 carrot, peeled and diced • 4 cloves garlic, smashed and minced • 1/2 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper • 1 teaspoon dried leaf thyme • 1/4 teaspoon dried leaf oregano • 2 teaspoons salt, or to taste dash Tabasco, optional PREPARATION Rinse peas and pick over for bad or discolored peas and small stones; transfer to a medium saucepan. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and continue cooking for 5 minutes; set aside. Put the meat in a large stock pot and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until fat is rendered. Add the onion, diced carrot, and garlic. Cook, stirring, until tender, about 6 to 8 minutes. Add peas and enough water to cover by 2 inches. Add pepper flakes, black pepper, thyme, and oregano. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium and simmer, covered, for about 1 hour. Uncover and cook for 30 to 45 minutes longer, or until peas are tender. Add more water as needed to keep them moist. When the peas are tender stir in the salt and Tabasco, if using.
Serve with hot baked cornbread and a tossed salad.
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FROM YOUR 2016 COUPLE OF THE YEAR (COY)
Happy New Year, Chapter U! First of all, thank you to Court and Diane and the entire Chapter for entrusting the position of 2016 Chapter Couple of the Year to Phylis & myself. We intend to do the very best job possible. We have some very large footsteps to fill in this category!! As the newly “crowned” COY, Phylis and I will make it a priority to visit with as many chapters within Texas, surrounding areas and the United States (including Hawaii) as time permits. Yes, we did say “Hawaii” as we have a trip planned for that location next fall. There are plenty of GWRRA chapters between San Antonio and the homes of our kids in New England. We look forward to the challenge of remembering faces and names that correspond to the faces!! (Thank goodness for cell phones and cameras). Just about everyone in Chapter U knows Phylis and I travel as much as possible, so now we’ll add “Visit every possible GWRRA Chapter” to our TO DO list when out and about. That will make for some great photos for the Newsletter. We encourage each and every member of Chapter U to join us on as many Rides, Rallys, Training Sessions and Gatherings as possible. We look forward to visiting with each of you and representing the Chapter everywhere we travel - near and far. Perhaps Tux will join us when Daddy Tom allows. Phylis will also continue to take care of the Chapter History and Chapter Scrapbook. We hope you had a chance to browse through the Scrapbook at the Christmas Party. If not, let
Phylis know and she will bring it to the next Gathering. (no sticky fingers, please - the scrapbook enters any & all competitions). Ride Safe & Ride Often. Sal & Phylis Pesta 2016 Chapter U Couple of the Year
Better late than never Debbie and I have wanted to take a ride to Rockport, Texas since we got our Goldwing over a year ago. Needless to say we were disappointed when “Chapter U” organized a Hooky Ride to Rockport back in June and we couldn’t go.
Since then we had been trying to make a trip down there on our own, and after a couple of failed attempts we finally made it happen on the weekend of November 14th and 15th. Along with our childhood friends Don & Donna Scaramozi, “and their Harley”, we left Seguin shortly before noon on Saturday for a rendezvous with our friends at the Valero in Sutherland Springs. We left there with a plan to grab lunch somewhere along the way which turned out to be “Red Dogs” in Karnes City on Hwy 181. This is a new place that wasn’t there the last time any of us went down Hwy 181 but it turned out to be a good place to stop. The food and service were great.
After another quick stop along the way in Sinton we arrived safe in Rockport, checked into the Hampton Inn and prepared for the short ride over to Charlotte Plumbers for a great supper that we had all been looking forward to. As we were leaving the Hotel the lady that was working the front desk stopped us and asked “Where did ya’ll park your bikes?” When we explained that they were out in the parking lot she made it clear that we should bring them up by the front door when we got back and park them where they could keep an eye on them for us overnight. We were pleasantly surprised by her kindness but followed her orders and parked our bikes right up front, under the porch for the night. We couldn’t have been happier with the hospitality at the Hampton
Inn and would recommend it highly to anyone looking for a place to stay a night or two in Rockport.
Before we left town on Sunday we made a quick run by Goose Island State Park to check out the “Big Tree”. This Live Oak tree is 1,100 years old. The trunk it is 11 feet across and 44 feet in diameter. The canopy is 45 feet tall and 85 feet across. Pretty amazing that it has survived that long down on the coast. We made our way back from there on 35N to FM 239 in Tivoli which took us back a different way to Kennedy and Hwy 181. We stopped in Falls City at Shorty’s Café for another good meal before parting ways and arriving back home shortly before dark. “Perfect Timing”. Deb and I have thoroughly enjoyed being associated with “Chapter U” for the past year and regret only not being able to attend more of the rides. Hopefully 2016 will be better for us in that department. We are “Thankful” for all of the friendship everyone has shown us and amazed at how many miles some of you have ridden safely. We can only hope that we have the same good fortune. May you all have a “Safe and Happy New Year.” Scott and Debbie Hay
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Co-Rider’s Corner January 2015 I hope you had a great time at the chapter Christmas party. I did! Many thanks to the many “helpers” Santa had to make this annual event so much fun. The door to the party had a special holiday wreath, the tables all had special decorations, the tree was trimmed with lots of presents under it, and a frosted Christmas cade was ready to share. It was so good to have so many faithful friends of Chapter U together to celebrate the end of the year! If you were there, you couldn’t help but notice the many Co-Riders who were running or helping to run the show” whether it is helping keep the emcee “straight”, keeping track of which number is the next to call out for the gift exchange, or making sure Tux was dressed “to the nines” for the Christmas party! In fact one of Chapter U’s strengths is the number of significant others, whether on or off the bikes and trikes, involved in the chapter! January is a time of new beginnings, and I’ve decided to resurrect an article series I wrote years ago when Brad and I were involved in restarting Chapter U. Being a Co-Rider has its own unique challenges…and fun! Challenges include how to pack in the limited space of a Goldwing saddle bag (buy a trailer!), how to deal with cold, heat, wind, and rain (often all in the same trip), and what to do about “helmet hair” (pack a hat!). The “fun” of being a Co-Rider includes “group shopping” at rallies and little out of the way shops for “just have to have it even if I have to hang on it going down the interstate” item (anyone for some creative packing?), and lots of wonderful quality time with your “special other” as you travel the less beaten path! Authors have creative license so when I talk about Co-Riders in this series of articles , Co-Riders will mean women involved in any aspect of
Chapter U whether on or off the bike or trike. I’m interested in hearing from our chapter Co-Riders what questions they have or advice they would like to pass along. I know our Chapter U staff has lots of great plans, so until we meet in 2016 Ride Safe and Have Fun! Jill Severe Chapter U Co-Rider
GWRRA Membership
Join Date of Participants
Name Join Date Court van Sickler January 2005 Sheila Morris January 2011 Scott Hay January 2015 Debbie Hay January 2015
What a fantastic 2015 Chapter “U” had, and one of the many reasons that we were successful was the TEAMWORK of our Chapter members. Now it’s time for us to work on 2016’s activities and YOU can be a significant part of the TEAM! We have all had accomplishments in our lives that have made us feel good about ourselves but many of us believe we’re still lacking SOMETHING to make our lives complete. For some it’s working harder at what we know (do) best, most likely work related, or it could be volunteering with others to see a great program become even greater. And now you’re wondering how you can contribute to making the Chapter greater? I recently read an article from the GWRRA University website, March 2015 edition, and thought I’d share part of it with you (the original article has been modified to fit this article’s format). The purpose here is to encourage participation by sharing individual knowledge, etc.
“Most of the time when someone takes up the challenge to ‘become genuinely interested’ in other people they have some great experiences and learn a lot along the way.
Intellectually, we know ‘change is the only constant in the universe’, right? If we fight or resist change, we will be fighting a never ending battle–and it won’t be for ‘truth, justice and the American way’! (Let’s see who remembers where that comes from) Remember this great quote, “What we resist, persists.” You may also remember the saying, ‘all change is not good, but there is good in all change’. You just
have to be looking for it.
Where does that change come from? Someone has to have some guts and be the ‘paradigm pioneer’ to be the first to take a step in what they think is a right direction and be inspirational enough to encourage others to come and see the benefits of seeing and doing things differently. We have to choose whether we are going to be ‘part of the solution or continue to be part of the problem‘. What will be your choice? We can complain about things the way they are, get discouraged, quit, or even worse stay and spread negativity to others so they see no alternative other than complain with you and maybe quit themselves–what an injustice to everyone! Or, we can become part of the solution and either suggest ways to be better, change the course of a conversation by pointing out to folks how they can help change things for the better, and then show people by our actions we are determined to do our part to improve things because we care enough to make it so.”
There are many plans on the horizon for the Chapter, some already in the works. The Chapter team needs your input and participation, suggestions and thoughts regardless of what they are because we are all part of the Chapter “U” team; and we all want to make it greater.
Support your Chapter Directors and the Chapter’s Leadership Team as we continue to be the best Chapter in the Texas District, Region H, and GWRRA. Court and Diane van Sickler Assistant Chapter Directors
You start a car, but you bring a motorcycle to life
Fun is like life insurance; the older you get, the more it costs. Kin Hubbard
Do you have something you want to buy, sell or swap? Send your ad to Tom Hendricks at [email protected].
GOING ONCE, GOING TWICE, if it's gone, let it be known!
Please! Ads expire in 60 days!
FOR SALE
1998 GL1500 Aspencade, Cranberry Red, 30k miles, always garage kept. Excellent conditioned, well maintained, road ready. 2 sets of matching helmets-wireless and wired-Tulsa windshield, Butler Caddy, Utopia Seatback and other accessories. Pictures available upon request. $6,500. 210-723-6329. Texas Hill Country.
FOR SALE 2005 1800 VTX Honda with Roadsmith trike conversion Color - Blood Red & Black, Windshield etched with Eagle, All Gave Some/Some Gave All. Driver back rest, rider back rest, highway bars w/foot pegs, trailer hitch. 19,500 miles. $11,000.00 OBO, Trailer also available. Always been garage kept. Located in Waterloo, Iowa. Owner is Roger Schoonover @ [email protected], Phone: 319-296-2997
FOR SALE 2001 GL1800; 93,000 miles; asking $8,500.00. Jim Brown, 512-656-9406.
Every morning is the dawn of a new error.
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ASSORTED PARTS FOR SALE
(most removed from Blue 2012 GL1800 with 24,000 known miles)
Asking Price Description $80.00 Rear Wheel w/Dunlop Elite III tire
(Great Spare!) $50.00 Rear Shock Assembly & Pump Unit * Rear Brake Assembly w/Rotor * Heel/Toe Shifter 2/Foot Pegs (Kuryakyn #4039) * Triple Exhaust Tips w/Harness (Kuryakyn #7604) $ 2.00 1 7/8” ball (Hitch Ball) Chrome w/Steel Shank $ 2.00 Luggage Rack Stars & Rubber Washers (Set of 4) * Stock “Shifter Rubber” (2) $10.00 Saddle Bag Guards (No Scrapes!) Chrome (stock) * Brake Pedal (Stock) $50.00 Rear Light Pack (Stock & “Eyebrows”) AND Fender/License, etc. * Saddle Bags (Stock-Blue) w/Gold Wing Emblems * Center Stand w/Spring (Stock) * Fender Extension (Front) 2008 Red Color * = Make $$ offer Sal and Phylis Pesta email: [email protected]. Phone is: (210) 396-3004.
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The following nicely states one person’s perspective of “Why I ride a motorcycle.”
Why I Ride A Motorcycle A motorcycle is not just a two-wheeled car; the difference between driving a car and climbing on a motorcycle is the difference between watching TV and actually living your life. We spend all our time sealed in boxes, and cars are just the rolling boxes that shuffle us from home-box to work-box to store-box and back, the whole time, entombed in stale air, temperature regulated, sound insulated, and smelling of carpets. On a motorcycle I know I am alive. When I ride, even the familiar seems strange and glorious. The air has weight and substance as I push through it and its touch is as intimate as water to a swimmer. I feel the cool wells of air the pool under trees and the warm spokes that fall through them. I can see everything in a sweeping 360 degrees, up, down and around, wider than Panavision and IMAX and unrestricted by ceiling or dashboard. Sometimes I even hear music. It’s like hearing phantom telephones in the shower or false doorbells when vacuuming; the pattern-loving brain, seeking signals in the noise, raises the acoustic ghosts out of the winds roar. But on a motorcycle I hear whole songs; rock ‘n roll, dark orchestras, women’s voices, all hidden in the air and released by speed. At 30 miles an hour and up, smells become uncannily vivid. All the individual tree smells and flower smells flit by like chemical notes in a great plant symphony. Sometimes the smells evoke memories so strong that it’s as though the past hangs invisible in the air around me, wanting only the
post casual of rumbling time machines to unlock it. A ride on a summer afternoon can border on rapturous. The sheer volume and variety of stimuli is like a bath for my nervous system, an electrical message for my brain, a systems check for my soul. It tears smiles out of me; a minute ago I was dour, depressed, apathetic, numb, but now, on two wheels, (or on a trike for that matter), big, ragged, windy smiles flap against the side of my face, billowing out of me like air from a decompressing plane. Transportation is only a secondary function. A motorcycle is a joy machine. It’s a machine of wonders, a metal bird, a motorized prosthetic. It’s light and dark and shiny and dirty and warm and cold lapping over each other; it’s a conduit of grace, a catalyst for bonding the gritty and holy. Cars lie to us and tell us we’re safe, powerful, and in control. The air-conditioning fans murmur empty assurances and whisper, “Sleep, sleep.” Motorcycles tell us of a more useful truth: We are small and exposed, and probably moving too fast for our own good, but that is no reason not to enjoy every minute of the ride! Author Unknown
Merry Christmas from Chapter “U” Tux says for everyone in Chapter “U” to “Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!” Excitement abounds in the Hendricks and Tux Penguin household at this time of year. We have the house decorated, lights on the roof, Christmas with family all scheduled for dinner and opening gifts on the 25th, and numerous social gatherings throughout the month. What’s for a penguin not to like, LOL. We searched high and low for some penguin treats appropriate to the season, but were told if Tux wanted the Christmas meal special, he needed to make a reservation at Sea World. They know how to feed a penguin! Tux refuses to
eat any of the avian species as he would feel like he was a cannibal. He’s pushing for fresh fish for Christmas dinner but will probably have to settle for filet of ham instead of filet of fish.
Not a Christmas Turkey!
Naughty or nice?
The reason for the season. It is obvious to many that this time of the year is a reason to celebrate and be thankful for being able to worship as you please, enjoy family and friends, and look back on a year that hopefully was
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bountiful, eventful, stimulating, eye opening, and made more pleasurable by riding with the members of Chapter “U”.
Hilmer has Homer’s
All Purpose Christmas bucket The members of Chapter “U” capped off 2015 with their annual Christmas Party at Montana Mike's in New Braunfels, Texas. Forty GWRRA Riders, Co-Riders and assorted spouses and family welcomed the Christmas season with their motorcycling GWRRA family. Accolades are to be given to Montana Mike's for their hospitality, superb service, and allowing Chapter “U” to partake of another well-prepared meal in their establishment. They really set the stage for the rest of our activities. Sal Pesta presented a gift from the chapter to Court and Diane van Sickler for their hard work, accomplishments, and leadership over the past year as Chapter Directors. We want to thank Court and Diane for the outstanding job that they have done for Chapter “U” over the years, culminating as our Chapter Directors.
Sing like no one's listening, love like you've never been hurt, dance like nobody's watching,
and live like its heaven on earth. - Mark Twain
Santa says you have been great
Chapter Directors Administrative remarks were made by outgoing Chapter Directors Court and Diane van Sickler. They thanked their staff for their dedicated work and support during 2015. Court and Diane also said "ride, act and be safe over the next few weeks as we want to travel together in 2016," and to check out the web site for activities in January. Court highlighted the following scheduled events in January. Friday, January 1 - 2016 Blessing of the Bikes at Javelina Harley in Boerne, TX. Depart KPS at 7:30 AM for Boerne. Following Blessing of the Bikes, will head to PoPo’s for lunch. 4 January, Monday - 0900 – Hooky Ride - Depart KPS at 9:00 a.m. heading to Columbus. We'll have lunch at the famous Schobels Restaurant. If time permits, we'll go see the 2nd largest live oak tree in Texas or visit the Santa Museum. 9 January, Saturday – Texas District Mid-Winter Round-up, Temple, TX. All new officers are expected to attend. Travel day is Friday, time to be determined. 20 January – Wednesday - “Chapter Gathering" for Chapter U will be at the La Cabana Restaurant, upstairs room, at 170 Buffalo Place Cibolo, TX.
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Larry Hammond suggested that the Chapter have a “Meet to Ride” every Sunday starting at 10:00 a.m. from KPS. Destination would be determined by those riding. This will be tabled until after the next staff meeting. Steve and Donna Van Gilder, the new 2016 Chapter Director’s, were unable to attend the Party due to family matters, but they sent the following message: Merry Christmas to all of our Chapter U family. Donna and I wish only the best for you and your families in the upcoming year. We have assembled a great team to help support the Chapter. These folks will be the leadership and supporting staff for 2016. Tux says please give them your support in the upcoming year as we ride, meet, greet, and have another year of unmitigated FUN. Your new team for 2016: Steve and Donna Van Gilder - Chapter Directors Court and Diane van Sickler - Assistant Chapter Directors Tom Hendricks - Membership Enhancement Coordinator/Newsletter Editor Ken and Connie Jordan - Rider Educators Sal and Phylis Pesta - Chapter Couple of the Year/Assistant Chapter Directors Donna Van Gilder - Chapter of the Year Coordinator Phylis Pesta - Chapter Historian Helen Smith – Treasurer, Chapter Activities Coordinator and Photographer Ed Smith - Webmaster Larry Hammond - Hooky Ride Coordinator Pat and Rick Kendrick - Hospitality Ambassadors
Scott Day - Assistant Chapter Photographer A special part of our day was honoring the 2014-15 Chapter "U" Couple of the Year (COY), and presenting the new 2015-16 COY. Ken and Connie Jordan were recognized for their tenure as the 2014-15 COY. Great job Ken and Connie! The 2015-16 COY are Sal and Phylis Pesta. Congratulations to the Pesta's. Chapter "U" is looking forward to the representation you bring to the Chapter. The Pesta’s also received a red, white and blue wreath, with Santa on a motorcycle, from the Chapter.
Introducing your 2016 Chapter “U”
Couple of the Year Skip and Beth Surre, the 2015 Chapter Educators for 2015 were unable to attend the Christmas Party and will be recognized at a later date. The Surre’s have done a lot for Chapter U and their leadership and training expertise will be sorely missed.
Diana was proud of her gift
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Court and Diane made a special presentation to Janine and Tom Hendricks for Janine’s preparation of Tux in all the GWRRA mascot competitions he has entered. Janine’s hard work and thoroughness in ensuring Tux’s props were appropriate to the various Rally themes had much to do with his successes at Rally’s in Region H.
Tux’s guardian’s
Penguin people
As in years past one of the highlight of the afternoon was the white elephant gift exchange where each participant put a gift under the Christmas tree. Each person could either take a gift from under the tree or take/steal another person's gift. A gift could only be stolen two times and then it belonged to the third taker/stealer. Some gifts were more popular than others, and the person who lost their original gift, in some cases was able to open or steal a multitude of gifts. Some folks were really disappointed when their gift was stolen for the third time without a way to get it back! A large Whiteman’s Sampler candy box and
scratch off lottery tickets were extremely popular, and quickly stolen for the third time.
Penguin in a White Elephant gift exchange
Three sweet things
A special thanks goes out to the people who made this Christmas Party so successful. In particular, Court and Diane van Sickler and Ken and Connie Jordan. Their planning and preparation ensured everyone had a marvelous time. Connie also provided the beautiful centerpieces for each of the tables, which were raffled off to lucky winners.
Merry Christmas to all, and a Happy New Year
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Connie’s Centerpieces
The Chapter presented numerous door prizes to the attendees. The winner of $146.50 in the Christmas raffle was Pete Ryson. A matching amount stays in the Chapter treasury. Thanks to Phylis Pesta and her helper elves for selling tickets all year long so we could have this great payout as part of our festivities. A $100.00 gift certificate was won by Diana Ellis. The winner of the Kent Motor Sports gift was Scott Hay. The Clear Bluetooth package was won by Jack Dowda and Archie Hailey won a Christmas wreath and holder. Ken Jordan also won an exquisite homemade quilt. Thanks to everyone who provided prizes for the raffle.
Lovely quilt won by Ken Jordan
These are the two of your friends in the
GWRRA motto
Tux wishes each and every one of you a Merry Christmas and happy, bountiful holidays. May the spirit of the season extend into your New Year. Write up provided by Tom Hendricks and photo's provided by Chapter Photographer, Helen Smith and Assistant Chapter Photographer Scott Hay.
I expect to pass through life but once. If, therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, as I shall not pass this way again. William Penn
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AN OLD WOMAN WALKED UP AND TIED HER OLD MULE TO THE HITCHING POST. AS SHE STOOD THERE, BRUSHING SOME OF THE DUST FROM HER FACE AND CLOTHES, A YOUNG GUNSLINGER STEPPED OUT OF THE SALOON WITH A GUN IN ONE HAND AND A BOTTLE OF WHISKEY IN THE OTHER. THE YOUNG GUNSLINGER LOOKED AT THE OLD WOMAN AND LAUGHED, "HEY OLD WOMAN, HAVE YOU EVER DANCED?" THE OLD WOMAN LOOKED UP AT THE GUNSLINGER AND SAID, "NO,... I NEVER DID DANCE... NEVER REALLY WANTED TO." A CROWD HAD GATHERED AS THE GUNSLINGER GRINNED AND SAID "WELL, YOU OLD BAG, YOU'RE GONNA DANCE NOW," AND STARTED SHOOTING AT THE OLD WOMAN'S FEET. THE OLD WOMAN PROSPECTOR -- NOT WANTING TO GET HER TOE BLOWN OFF --STARTED HOPPING AROUND. EVERYBODY WAS LAUGHING. WHEN HIS LAST BULLET HAD BEEN FIRED, THE YOUNG GUNSLINGER, STILL LAUGHING,
HOLSTERED HIS GUN AND TURNED AROUND TO GO BACK INTO THE SALOON. THE OLD WOMAN TURNED TO HER PACK MULE, PULLED OUT A DOUBLE-BARRELED SHOTGUN, AND COCKED BOTH HAMMERS. THE LOUD CLICKS CARRIED CLEARLY THROUGH THE DESERT AIR, AND THE CROWD STOPPED LAUGHING IMMEDIATELY. THE YOUNG GUNSLINGER HEARD THE SOUNDS, TOO, AND HE TURNED AROUND VERY SLOWLY. THE SILENCE WAS ALMOST DEAFENING. THE CROWD WATCHED AS THE YOUNG GUNMAN STARED AT THE OLD WOMAN AND THE LARGE GAPING HOLES OF THOSE TWIN BARRELS. THE BARRELS OF THE SHOTGUN NEVER WAVERED IN THE OLD WOMAN'S HANDS, AS SHE QUIETLY SAID, "SON, HAVE YOU EVER KISSED A MULE'S BEHIND?" THE GUNSLINGER SWALLOWED HARD AND SAID, "NO M'AM... BUT I'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO. THERE ARE FIVE LESSONS HERE FOR ALL OF US: 1 - Never be arrogant. 2 - Don't waste ammunition. 3 - Whiskey makes you think you're smarter than you are. 4 - Always make sure you know who has the power. 5 - Don't mess with old people; they didn't get old by being stupid.
ANON
Submitted by Tom Hendricks
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Established in 1977, the Gold Wing Road Riders Association provides an atmosphere for fun, safety, and knowledge to Gold Wing and Valkyrie motorcycle owners. GWRRA Vision: GWRRA (Gold Wing Road Riders Association) is a leader of associational organizations, respected by its Members as well as its competitors and the communities it operates within. GWRRA strives to offer the highest quality service to its Members. GWRRA is a family-oriented, non-religious, non-political association comprised of owners of Honda Gold Wing and Valkyrie Motorcycles as well as non-Gold Wing owners, our Associate Members. GWRRA provides a culture which fosters Members with shared values, team concepts and camaraderie. This culture also provides its Members with opportunities for personal development and achievement. GWRRA’s divisions work harmoniously as a team to increase the membership base by creating an atmosphere that provides fun, promotes safety, heightens knowledge, and by offering a full range of desirable services and benefits for its Members. United Wings, Chapter U, represents the Northeastern and surrounding areas outside San Antonio, Texas (Including Bracken, Bulverde, Canyon Lake, Cibolo, Converse, Floresville, Garden Ridge, Kirby, Live Oak, McQueeny, New Braunfels, Pleasanton, Poth, Sattler, Schertz, Spring Branch, Seguin, Windcrest, & Universal City). We were re-chartered as a GWRRA chapter in 2006 and consider ourselves to be a "riding" chapter and part of the world's largest family. We love to ride and anyone who enjoys being around fun-loving people is welcome to join us at our monthly Gathering or contact one of Chapter Team members for more information.
GOLD WING ROAD RIDER'S ASSOCIATION Region H, Texas District United Wings, Chapter U
GOLD WING ROAD RIDER'S ASSOCIATION Region H, Texas District United Wings, Chapter U
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Support our Sponsors!!!! When you visit, tell them you are a GWRRA and Chapter U
member!!!
Recommended Riding Apparel for all Chapter U Rides: 1. Safety approved helmet.
2. Proper eye protection.
3. Boots, jeans or leather pants, riding suit, rain gear, gloves. (Shorts and tennis shoes are not proper clothing when riding a motorcycle. Do so at your own risk and preferably not on a chapter ride.)
This protocol is only a suggestion and for your safety in an activity that is inherently risky.
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This is our first article as Chapter Educators. It comes from one of Region N’s newsletters. It pertains to all motorcycle riders whether you ride a 2 or 3 wheeler. We’re sure most of you know these precautions, but it never hurts to have a “refresher”. Hope everyone has a happy and SAFE New Year. Ken & Connie Chapter Educators
“Surface Hazards” Where do we go to ride and have the most enjoyable trips? The best rides are sometimes out in the country. But some-times, these nice, scenic roads can have unseen hazards that can ruin your day. These surface hazards can usually be divided into three groups. Slick, loose and edge traps. First, let us look at slick. Slick are the most obvious of the surface hazards. You have to learn to read your road surfaces. Rain and ice cause the most common of your slick hazards. The first 30 minutes after rain begins is the most dangerous. It is at this time that the oil and other “goop” accumulates on the road surface and reduces the traction on your motorcycle. If you are riding and it begins to rain, one should stop for approximately 30 to 45 minutes. This should allow time for the “goop” to wash off of your road surface. Other slick surfaces include: white, plastic safety markers and line indicators; water puddles; leaves; and fluid leaks from other vehicles. The leaks from the other vehicles with which we share the road are your most common hazard. This hazard is most commonly found at intersections. Loose surfaces include such things as gravel, sand, dirt, and other debris that cause your tires to lift free from the pavement. So, as you ride, you should always scan ahead for changes in texture or color in your road surface. Loose surface hazards are where you must learn to separate your braking techniques from your leaning. Be conservative with the brakes and throttle. Your lean angles should be adjusted according to your road conditions. Remember that the road surface can determine what changes must be made in your riding skills. Edge Traps – These are very special hazards. These include curbs, and the road surfaces where the road surface is higher than the shoulder. Uneven pavement, caused by construction or resurfacing of the highway, is a common type of edge trap hazards. If you must cross these hazard areas, you should cross the edge at as close to a 90 degree angle as possible to drive the front tire up and over the edge. Definition: Edge Traps are any uneven roadway surface that can 'capture' your tire when you attempt to cross over it and can easily cause you to lose control of your motorcycle and end up eating asphalt. Remember that you can scan far enough ahead (12 seconds) so as to spot potential hazards with enough time to react and take the correct, evasive action and to avoid overriding your sight distance. You cannot predict and react to what you cannot see. Where you look is where you go. Practicing these simple techniques can make our back road riding both safer and more enjoyable.
GWRRA’s Rider Education Program (REP) is truly World Class. We know of no other motorcycle organization with as many avenues to educate both our motorcycle community and the general driving public. GWRRA Rider Education leaders and volunteers are at all levels from Chapter to National levels. Additionally, there are other volunteers such as seminar presenters, riding course instructors and facilitators, at various levels to promote safe riding. The first line “go to” person for the member to participate in the GWRRA Rider Education Program is the Chapter Educator. The illustration below shows how the overall REP is structured.
The GWRRA Rider Education Program (REP) is intended to make the motorcycle riding environment safer by reducing injuries and fatalities by strengthening motorcyclist skills and increasing awareness. Working with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) and other motorcycle safety programs, the REP continues its commitment to excellence in motorcycle safety. This close working relationship has
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provided a wealth of information for use in establishing this comprehensive Rider Education Program. Through your Commitment, Education and Application, we can reduce our accident rate significantly. The REP is not the answer to every situation. But by promoting and participating, it will provide the knowledge, tools & skills to make your riding more enjoyable by being both SAFE AND FUN. Participation in the program is FUN and many of the programs are free or low cost!
Both the motorcycle and motorist communities are realizing the many positive benefits from the GWRRA Rider Education Program. Through the efforts of the Rider Education Officers and volunteers throughout the world, GWRRA will reach its goal of establishing the safest motorcycle environment possible. Every member of the Rider Education Program is a volunteer, committed to helping motorcyclists ride safely and making the community more aware of motorcycles on the roadways.
So you may ask how is all this done? Let’s go back to the Rider Education chart above. There are six primary areas in the REP. For most individuals, the Levels Program is the most familiar. It is managed by REP Operations and begins at the chapter level with the Chapter Educator. Next, the Seminar Program, with 19 seminars, offers the most extensive lineup of seminars in the motorcycling community. Because of our Association's Family/Couple oriented focus, we offer seminars for both the Rider and Co-Rider. GWRRA views them as a team, teaching them how to work together in lowering their risk during the ride. The facilitator program includes Parking Lot Practices (PLP), a. way to practice riding skills in a less formal environment. The Rider Course Training provides 6 hands on range courses. These fun courses will help you continue to hone your skills (Level II requirement). Medic First Aid (MFA) helps members to obtain and maintain certifications in First Aid and CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) which is a Level III & IV requirement. Finally, Motorist Awareness is our link to the general public, educating them about the interaction of motorcycles and other vehicles on the roads.
Leadership at all levels should always be current in their present level and strive to achieve the next level. Additionally, leaders should encourage all members to participate. Do you know of anyone in GWRRA who doesn’t want to ride safe? Remember, “All the gear, all the time”! Always Lead By Example!
There you have it: what the Rider Education Program is all about, who is involved, and what they do. Future articles will address more specific areas of the REP for the member and the leader such as the Levels Program, specific seminars, the Chapter Educators as well as many others.
“Ride Safe & Have Fun!”
Brad & Jill
Brad & Jill Severe are members of Texas Chapter U, Master Tour Riders and Senior Instructors.
Additional references:
GWRRA Officer Guide Book (OGB), http://gwrra.org/oconnect/officerhandbook.html. GWRRA Website: http://gwrra.org.
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Writers Wanted - If you have a story about your recent motorcycle adventures we would love to share it with the other GWRRA, Chapter U members by publishing your story in our Newsletter. Please submit articles that you think will be of interest or informative to the chapter. The articles may be about your favorite ride, bike accessory, or just a funny story. All articles submitted may be edited at the discretion of the newsletter editor depending on the space available. Controversial subject matter may not be submitted. Please submit your article by e-mail to Tom Hendricks at [email protected] by the 25th of each month for the next month’s issue. We need 5 articles per month from our members to make the best showing for our newsletter and our readers.
If you are riding a Honda Gold Wing or Valkyrie motorcycle, you should be a member of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA)! With membership in the GWRRA you receive the following: Wing World magazine, the Gold Book Member Directory, Towbusters Emergency road-side Assistance Program, Affinity Credit Card Program, USA hotel discounts, and much more. Call any staff member listed in this newsletter and ask how you can become a member of the GWRRA.
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Austin TX - Chapter O GGGooolllddd WWWiiinnnggg RRRoooaaaddd RRRiiidddeeerrrsss AAAssssssoooccciiiaaatttiiiooonnn
Invites all riders to the 29th Annual
Bluebonnet Rally & Camp Out April 08 - 09, 2016
Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park - Fredericksburg Texas www.fbgtx.org/index.aspx?nid=343
Located: on Hwy 16 South towards Kerrville, 3 miles from center of town. Camp for the weekend or come Sat. April 09th for the day. No park entrance fee.
Chapter O has rented the park’s indoor Pioneer Pavilion - so join us, rain or shine! Registration: Saturday: April 09 8AM-12PM
● Sat. Breakfast Tacos for Sale ● Catered BBQ Lunch ● Fun Run ● Off-Bike games ● Silent Auction ● ● 50/30/20 ● Participation Prizes ● Cookies & Coffee ● Peoples Choice Bike Show ●
Closing Ceremony Start at: 2 PM Camping: with hot showers and hookups. Sites 1 thru 30 reserved for participants. Email Tom Sprauge at [email protected] to request a site in advance. Pay for camping at Park Office.
Fredericksburg Area Food Bank Collection: We are collecting non-perishable food items to donate
to the Fredericksburg Area Food Bank. If you would like to donate, please bring items to the Ral-a-vention. Your name will be entered into a special drawing for a gift certificate.
Contacts: John or Wanda Osborn Home:(512) 528-8105, Mobile (512) 810-1767, email:[email protected]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------cut along line------------------------------------------------------------ Registration Bluebonnet Rally & Camp Out (Pre-register by April 2nd - save money + prize tickets)
Address ____________________________________ City ______________ State _____ Zip ____________
Telephone (________)________________________ Chapter/Club, if any ___________________________
Pre-registration by April 4th: - - -Rider: $15 ________ Co-rider: $15 ___________ Total: $______________
After April 4th & On-Site Registration: Rider $17________Co-rider $17________ Total: $_____________ Make Check payable to: GWRRA Texas Chapter O
Mail form and fee to: Hubert Jackson, 306 Mildred St, Burnet, TX 78611 The undersigned agree to comply with the rules covering this event and agree to hold harmless GWRRA, Texas Chapter O, Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park and any sponsors of this event for loss or injury to myself or my property as a result of participation. I have read and understand this statement. Signature _______________________/___________ Co-Rider _______________________/____________ GWRRA Member # GWRRA Member # (If a member) (if a member)
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This month’s article is about Leaders. We are all Leaders – maybe in GWRRA, or our home and family, or at work. Here are some characteristics that make good Leaders.
Leaders vary by occupation, personality, and style. There’s no specific formula specifying exactly how to lead well. Still, great leaders throughout history share a common set of characteristics. In this article, we would like to fill in the picture of a leader for you - one quality at a time. The four features listed certainly do not represent a comprehensive list. However, if a leader lacks any one of them, then he or she will be limited in an important respect.
1) Character
Character gives rise to discipline and responsibility. It’s the inward character that enables a person to stand firm. Character is not inherited, nor can it be purchased. It cannot be built instantly, but instead requires years of construction.
Character shows itself in a person’s consistency. Jerry West, former Los Angeles Laker and member of the NBA’s Hall of Fame, once remarked, “You can’t get much done in life if you only work on the days when you feel good”. Character gives you the resolve to do what’s important, even when it’s not convenient.
In addition, character brings respect. When you don’t have character within, you won’t have respect without. J.R. Miller once wrote: “The only thing that walks back from the tomb with the mourners and refuses to be buried, is the character of a man...What a man is survives him. It can never be buried.”
2) Perspective
Perspective flows from a leader’s mind and relates to their vision for the future. Perspective brings insight. It allows a leader to see sooner, and to see farther, than others.
What you think depends on where you sit, and where you sit determines what you see. Aware of this fact, leaders realize that they must constantly put themselves in the place of others. A leader can only cast vision insofar as they can understand and relate to another person’s perspective. Great leaders factor in a person’s background, personal values, and stage of life when they communicate. They seek to connect before attempting to convince.
The following was taken from the October 2015 Region H Newsletter. The 2015-2016 Region H Couple of the Year Carolyn and Steve Cotton wrote the article.
“A Leader’s Portrait”
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3) Courage
Leadership requires courage - the courage to risk, to reach, to put one’s self on the line. The word courage itself comes from the French word “Coeur”, which means heart. Thus, leaders must have the heart for the task of working with and engaging others. The leader’s heart somehow speaks to the hearts of those around her or him, inspiring and touching them.
Courage is contagious. As Billy Graham says, “When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened.” Courage is also the power to let go of the familiar. The courageous person follows the motto: “If at first you do succeed, try something harder!” Finally, courage is belief that has been put into action. As Dr. Ashley Montagu wrote, “The only measure of what you believe is what you do. If you want to know what people believe, don’t read what they write, don’t ask what they believe, just observe what they do.”
4) Favor
Favor may be the most mysterious of the four traits, but at its root, favor simply means influence. In particular, favor implies the sort of special relationship that motivates extra effort. For example, if someone “does a favor,” they go beyond what is normally expected. Leaders with favor are treated by others as favorites, that is, they are particularly well liked, and even loved, by those they lead. Favor comes from skill, especially the skill of connecting with people (charisma).
Favor also results from finding your calling in life. Awareness of one’s calling comes from the following sources.
• Knowledge: I’ve always known that this activity is something I enjoy.
• Focus: I can do nothing else; this is always on my mind.
• Passion: I want to do this; nothing else holds as much interest for me.
• Personhood: This is part of who I am.
• Giftedness: This is something at which I excel.
• Blessing: I have experienced providential help in this activity.
SUMMARY
Healthy, effective leadership brings together character, perspective, courage, and favor. Indeed, an absence of any of these qualities limits a person’s influence. Without character, a leader is unstable - prone to moral failure. Without perspective, a leader has no sense of direction. Without courage, a leader cowers at the sight of a big challenge. And without favor, a leader cannot persuade others to take action. Which of the four elements do you have in greatest supply? How has it benefited you?
Ride Safe, and Keep Smiling! Steve and Carolyn
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PEER SUPPORT - Who Helps You?
No GWRRA chapter can exist or survive without the help, support and participation of it's staff and those who partake in the chapter activities. This month I thought I would examine how peer support can help you.
Peer support occurs when people provide knowledge, experience, emotional, social or practical help to each other. It commonly refers to an initiative consisting of trained supporters (although it can be provided by peers without training), and can take a number of forms such as peer mentoring, listening, or counseling. Peer support is also used to refer to initiatives where colleagues, members of self-help organizations and others meet, in person or online, as equals to give each other support on a reciprocal basis.
Peer support is distinct from other forms of social support in that the source of support is a peer, a person who is similar in fundamental ways to the recipient of the support; their relationship is one of equality. A peer is in a position to offer support by virtue of relevant experience: he or she has "been there, done that" and can relate to others who are now in a similar situation. Trained peer support workers such as peer support specialists and peer counselors receive special training and are required to obtain Continuing Education Units, like clinical staff. Some other trained peer sup- port workers may also be law-enforcement personnel and firefighters as well as emergency medical responders.
Underlying Theory
The effectiveness of peer support is believed to derive from a variety of psychosocial processes described best by Mark Salzer in 2002: social support, experiential knowledge, social learning theory, social comparison theory and the helper-therapy principle.
Social support is the existence of positive psychosocial interactions with others
The following was taken from the October 2015 Texas District Newsletter. The Texas District Trainers, Cliff and Gillian Allen wrote the article.
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with whom there is mutual trust and concern. Positive relationships contribute to positive adjustment and buffer against stressors and adversities by offering (a) emotional support (esteem, attachment, and reassurance), (b) instrumental sup- port (material goods and services), (c) companionship and (d) information support (advice, guidance, and feedback).
Experiential knowledge is specialized information and perspectives that people obtain from living through a particular experience such as substance abuse, a physical disability, chronic physical or mental illness, or a traumatic event such as combat, a natural disaster, domestic violence or a violent crime, sexual abuse, or imprisonment. Experiential knowledge tends to be unique and pragmatic and when shared contributes to solving problems and improving quality of life.
Social learning theory postulates that peers, because they have undergone and survived relevant experiences, are more credible role models for others. Interactions with peers who are successfully coping with their experiences or illness are more likely to result in positive behavior change.
Social comparison means that individuals are more comfortable interacting with others who share common characteristics with themselves, such as a psychiatric illness, in order to establish a sense of normalcy. By interacting with others who are perceived to be better than them, peers are given a sense of optimism and something to strive toward.
The helper-therapy principle proposes that there are four significant benefits to those who provide peer support: (a) increased sense of interpersonal competence as a result of making an impact on another person's life; (b) development of a sense of equality in giving and taking between himself or herself and others; (c) helper gains new personally-relevant knowledge while helping; and (d) the helper receives social approval from the person they help, and others.
In essence, no one can make do, make things happen, complete a plan or dare I say survive without a form of peer support. Are you a supporter? Do you support your Chapter Director and his/her team? Those who do I'm sure will have a much more enjoyable and fun time in their chosen chapter and GWRRA.
