Important Dates

5/12 Mothers Day

5/19 Monthly Chapter Mtg — via Zoom Call

5/25 Memorial Day

8/28-30 4 Corners Rally Ignacio CO

9/24-26 OK District Rally Muskogee OK

10/1-3 AL District Rally

10/15-17 MS District Rally

A Word From Your

Chapter Directors

Lyle & Sheri Altes

Hey “O”

Well another strange month is behind us and

we do mean strange. While being under ‘stay at

home orders’ and no meeting or rides, our lives have changed and then this

morning we get word that this year’s Wing Ding has been cancelled. It has been a

tough month but we will get through it and will be out riding, eating, and visiting

with all of our friends soon.

This month, Kathy wanted to get some articles from all of you on what you have

been doing during this stay at home period, and how you have coped with these

changes in your lives. For us, I have not been affected much as I am still going in

to work every day. I work for a company considered critical but even at work

things have changed. We have moved people to other buildings and some do get

to work from home. The building I am in on the 2nd floor normally has around 90

people. Now, there are about 25 and we are all spread out. Sheri has it tougher

because she has been stuck at home with the dogs and when I say home I mean

our 5th wheel camper. Needless to say she was going stir crazy. We have set up a

table and area where she can do her crafts, and now I have her computer set up

to do Zoom Meetings so she is doing some of the GWRRA University Zoom Train-

ing. She is also taking some craft classes through Zoom - so she is busy and do-

ing better now.

Can’t wait to read how some of you are doing. It was great to see those of you

that could make our April Chapter Zoom Meeting. It was good to see and hear

from those that could attend. If we are still restricted for our May Chapter meet-

ing, we will do another Zoom meeting but I will send out the invite sooner so

watch your emails. So until we talk to you again, stay healthy and safe.

GWRRA Texas Chapter O

Capitol Wings 2017 TX “Gold” Chapter of the Year / 2008 TX Chapter of the Year / 2007 GWRRA International Chapter of the Year

Chapter Gathering: Our May chapter gathering will be held

via Zoom Conference Call on May 19th at 7:00. We can’t wait

to see everyone online. Details for meeting are on calendar

page. Stay safe and stay healthy.

May 2020

Kickstands Up! Additional rides will be announced via the website and Google Groups.

For an up-to-date monthly list, visit the Chapter O web site at

www.goldwingaustin.org/page4.html

Date Chapter Event Location Contact/Email/Web Phone

5/19 Chapter “O” Mtg

via ZOOM call Mtg ID: 259 687 4644

PW: G0ldw1ng20 Lyle Altes

8/28-30 4 Corners Rally

AZ-CO-NM-UT

Sky Ute

Casino Resort

Ignacio CO

http://www.gwrra-

4cornersrally.org/

9/24-26 Oklahoma Rally

“Three Wing Circus”

OK Civic Center

Muskogee OK

https://

www.gwrraokla.org/

10/1-3 Alabama Rally

“Monster Mash”

Lakepoint Resort

State Park

Eufaula AL

https://

gwrraalabama.org/al-

rally

10/8-10 Georgia Rally

“Come Ride With Us”

River Vista Resort &

Campground

Dillard GA

http://gwrra-ga.com/

Rally/

rally2020/2020_Come_

Ride_With_Us.pdf

10/15-17 Mississippi Rally

“Medieval Madness” Gulfport MS

https://miss-

gwrra.com/rally/2020/

ms_rally_2020.pdf

10/22-24

Louisiana Rally

“Mardi Gras

Madness”

Houma LA http://www.gwrra-

la.net/rally-page.html

GWRRA University—Online Classes Now Available Over 500 people attended online GWRRA University classes in April.

We will be offering classes again in May by ZOOM video conferencing .

The classes offered are listed below.

Times and the registration are on the University website: gwrradot.com.

CLASS TITLES

· Managing Change · A View From the Rear · Planning a Chapter Event · Mature Rider · Team Riding · Communication · Retention

SPECIFICS

· Preregister online at gwrradot.com · Once registered, you’ll receive confirmation email · Classes offered at 3:00 and 6:00 Central Time Zone · Class sizes will be limited · A U.3 class roster will be completed & submitted for entry into the database.

The feeling is mutual. I definitely miss riding my bike, especially with other friends. I am sure that this

all hard for everyone in one way or another and I hope that everyone is healthy and safe. I have had no

hard time staying busy, but it has been hard staying away from Home Depot. I am still working full time

during the week and have mostly completed several home improvement projects, with the exception of

some hardware needed from Home Depot.

It is sad and strange that we did not get to have our Bluebonnet Rally, especially since we planned for

so many months and so many activities. I have actually ridden only once during this time so far due to

my many projects, the rainy weekends and the fact that as I write this my bike has the valve covers off

waiting for my new gaskets to come in. I have been catching up on my bike maintenance that I didn't

get done during the winter. I hope to have it back together later this week and to start riding some to

enjoy the great spring weather. The fact that this is happening during our prime riding season has been

another hard part for myself. I hope that we can get together soon for a group ride even if we have to

wear masks and practice social distancing. It is also strange not having our monthly Chapter meetings,

Zoom meetings are just not the same. I hope to see all of you soon and that we can start riding togeth-

er real soon! Stay safe and healthy my friends.

I Think My Bike

Misses Me Ken & Teri Burnett / Asst. Chapter Directors

Motorcycle Safety & Awareness Month Jim and I logged into the April Pflugerville City Council meeting and lis-

tened to Mayor Victor Gonzalez read the proclamation declaring May

2020 as Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month for the City of Pflu-

gerville whereas the proclamation encourages its citizens to pay special

attention and be aware of all the motorcycle enthusiasts on the road in

May 2020.

Jim & Dee Dee Evans

Chapter ‘O’

Couple of the Year

So What Have You Been Doing

for the Past Month? Tom & Dawn Sprague

Texas District Couple of the Year

Well with the lockdown across the nation what can you do?

First of all Dawn and Tom competed in the selection process for the Southwest International Couple of

the Year. The judging for the Southwest ICOY was held on 7 April. Dawn and Tom nailed the interview.

As many of you know the interview is only a small portion of the overall score. On April 19th we got the

news that the Stevensons are taking the title of Southwest ICOY. We fully congratulate Mike and Becky

Stevenson from Louisiana as being the winners. They are very active in GWRRA and I am sure they had a

much more comprehensive GWRRA resume. Of course all of this is done via Zoom meetings, the new for-

mat for selecting ICOY.

Other than competing in ICOY Tom has been busy around the house. The biggest project Tom has taken

on is cutting down cedars on the property, and when the rain comes we have one or more large bonfires.

In the front of the property you should be able to notice the difference. Not that all the cedars are gone,

but the cedars that were choking out the oaks have pretty much been removed. Hopefully the oaks will

get a new life and become more healthy.

Like many of you in March we canceled our reservations for the Louisiana Rally. Of course we were dis-

couraged the chapter O rally was also canceled. When the week the chapter O rally rolled around we

were happy we did not have the rally because of the bad weather we had (cold and lots of rain). If the ral-

ly was held this would have been the 3rd or 4th year in a row we have had poor weather the day of the ral-

ly. Coming the end of April the Texas District Rally was scheduled (and also canceled), and it looks like

the weather will be great on this weekend. Oh well, I think God for the fact at this point the family is doing

well and we are all healthy. We are looking forward to getting our bike polished up and doing some riding

soon. The weather this time of the year beckons you to put on your riding gear and to feel the wind in

your face. Remember to keep them hands washed and now you can walk into a bank (if they are open)

and ask for money with a mask on. Who would have thought that would ever be OK???

Still Riding and Social Distancing

I have been riding by myself or with a passenger. I have been on 4 rides with Tina since the

first of the year. The last 3 rides with her have been this month. The first part of April we went

on a ride out Luckenbach. Then onto Willow City Loop, then up to Llano, TX and ate at Cooper

‘s BBQ. Then on the 16th of April we took a ride through Wimberley, then through Devil’s

Backbone on FM 32. Then, we cut across to Canyon Lake and went down River Rd. to New

Braunfels and ate Mexican Food from Adobe Cafe. On the 23rd we went out west of Marble Falls and picked

strawberries at a Strawberry Farm, then came back into Burnet and ate hamburgers from Dairy Queen.

I also posted a ride for April 13. Tom Sprague joined me and we took a ride through Lockhart, Red Rock, and

down to Luling and back up to San Marcos. The ride was about 130 miles. I have put over 1000 miles on my bike

this month. After getting our meals from the restaurants we found open parks to eat them. So, you still can still go

riding and social distance at the same time.

All of the letters in “Quarantine” above are logos for different com-panies. See if you can name them all. Answers will be posted at the

bottom of the page (no cheating).

Hopefully all goldwingers are healthy but I’m wondering what you

have been up to during this time of shelter in place and recently

sent that question out to all of you.

See previous page to get responses from Tom & Dawn and Steven.

Other responses I received are below:

Tom & Dawn — cutting down cedars and participating in the International Couple of the Year selection process.

Tom and Dawn—Chapter O is very proud of your participation in this process and will always be happy to call you

one of Chapter O’s Couples of the Year and a Texas District Couple of the Year. (see page 4 for more info)

Steven — still riding and social distancing (see page 4 for more info)

Jim & Dee Dee — observed Mayoral proclamation reading with Pflugerville City Council (see page 3 for more info.

Kathy — quilting projects, making masks, happy hour zoom call with friends, online exercise classes, just got our

bicycles out of storage, spending time outside doing yard work or just sitting on deck and enjoying spring.

Randy — teaching GWRRA University training classes, yardwork

Sheri Altes — I have scheduled about 10 classes with GWRRA University through May. Also taking some beading

classes by Zoom. Trying to keep busy since I am at home.

Ken and Teri — home improvement projects

Scott and Judy — Not much has changed for me. I still run everyday and read 2 papers and all the magazines I

take. I did finally clean the garage and read a book that I bought last year. Judy has been making mask sfor the

church and the independent living center where her mom lives. But when I can't find her, she's out digging in the

yard. I have to say, the yard has never looked better. We ride every week or so just to warm up the bikes and get

out of the house for a while.

Sondra Baska — Making masks — 30 so far.

Robby and Tricia

Robby has been working his normal hours building medical equipment. I have been doing a little bit of Real Es-

tate ...virtually. I have been taking our Dottie to the vet weekly for her chemo treatments as she is fighting a cancer-

ous tumor. Other than that, we have been staying at home. We are staying safe!!

Juan and Jan Vargas — Jan and I have been working around the house and also going out for a ride now and then.

Quibi, UPS, Amazon, Red Sox, Alaska Airlines, Nike, Telemundo, IBM, Netflix, E-Trade

We are definitely living in interesting times. This is the first time the USA government has basically halted com-

merce in history. It is a historic decision to minimize the spread of the corona virus. Just in this century I/we have

seen the H1N1 (Swine Flu) 2009/10 that claimed the lives of approx 570K people. The SARS epidemic that start-

ed in Guangdong China in 2003 claimed approx 744 people (and a vaccine is still being developed). In 2013/16

the Ebola outbreak claimed 11,300 lives. And now in 2020 we have the corona virus that has so far claimed 204K

lives worldwide. To put that in perspective the 2017/18 USA flu season claimed 60 to 80K lives and we have a

number of ways to combat the standard flu.

I just viewed a short video regarding the corona virus situation and it put a lot into perspective. The video helped

me to realize the dire predictions we started with at the beginning of the outbreak in the USA were based on ques-

tionable data we received from China. Much of the information coming from China is regulated by the government.

Once we started to receive more accurate data from other countries around the world, as well as our own experi-

ences, we started to reduce the estimations of deaths caused by the virus. The video I watched talked about the

death rate in Italy. It explained the population of northern Italy is much older than the norm. It also pointed out the

population of Italy are very heavy smokers, and finally that in northern Italy there is a large influence of Chinese

workers that travel between China and Italy. This was basically the worst of all scenarios for the virus to take its toll

on the population.

How the predictions are changing is my next topic. First of all let me note there is so little know about the corona

virus. At this point, even though history suggests, once you recover from the virus you would think you have an im-

munity from the virus. Well to date medical science is not sure of that. Normally it takes a minimum of 1.5 to 2

years to find a vaccine. At this point, due to collaboration between many organizations they are in the process of

starting test on possible vaccines. This is unheard of. If you remember at the beginning of April there was a predic-

tion of 2.2m deaths in the USA. Well since the initial projection, we are now (21 Apr) at an estimated death rate of

64K. Now many of you may say this is the result of the isolation and stay at home order/suggestion. I have a hard

time believing the rate of deaths is affected that much by staying at home and wearing masks. Some additional

research I have done shows the rate of deaths of people 75 and over is currently 14,040. People between the ag-

es of 45 and 74 is currently 9,816. People below the age of 44 currently stands at 700 deaths. This is approxi-

mately what I expected. At the time I started this research the USA was setting at approximately 24,555 corona

virus deaths. Next I wanted to figure if I got the virus what my survival rate would be. Well I found the following

calculations. In the US people 85 and older have a survival rate 73 to 90% (I am not that old). People between the

ages of 65 to 84 have a survival rate of 89 to 97% (my age group not bad odds). People between the ages of 55 to

64 have a survival rate of 97 to 99%. Folks under the age of 55 have a 99% chance. You always hear about the

deaths but not so much about the survival rate. Many of the deaths are of course in the older age group and as

you may know much of that age group has underlying health conditions (diabetes and other health issues). Thank

God I am healthy and have no medical issues.

The whole issue of shutting down commerce has been controversial but I think it was a good decision at the time.

Remember we are still trying to find our way around the virus. I believe history will prove we attempted to take the

correct measures based on the knowledge we had at the time. How fast will the economy recover? Well if the

stock market is any indication we have recovered almost half of the loss experienced in Feb / Mar. The gains are

tentative at best, I am guessing there will be an additional bear market before the end of the year. Of course I pre-

dicted Joe Biden would never make it to the GOP convention. So don’t bet on what I try to predict.

As a wise man once said, especially for all you old folk “keep them hands washed, keep that face mask on, and

when you walk into the bank just tell them I am here for the money”. Hopefully if you walk into the bank and follow

the above advice you do not die from lead poisoning. YOU figure it out.

A Quick Overview of the Virus Tom Sprague / Ways and Means

Is it safe to go for a motorcycle ride? Coronavirus (COVID-19) is affecting every aspect of daily life across the world. Self-isolation and social distancing pose practical problems, which most people have never experienced before. The Motorcycle Rider’s Coronavirus Guide Based on the resource and recommendations by the World Health Organization on COVID-19 (Coronavirus), I’ve compiled this guide. It contains the best recommendations and advice to help you avoid the threat of coronavirus and its spread. Remember, the below are best practices, not guarantees. You’ll have to make your decision based the betterment for all, and what your country or local Health Authorities have advised.

How does the Coronavirus outbreak effect motorcycle riding, and how can you minimize your risk as a rider?

Wear All Protective Gear And A Face Mask. Wearing a face mask, a bandanna or a balaclava will be a great safeguard and is a natural piece of apparel for most bikers. You’ve got protective gloves, boots etc. Your riding gear will keep you isolated and add separation to risk. And don’t use cash for fuel and food purchases but your credit or debit card instead.

Ride Alone. It may not be as fun as what you’re accustomed to, but unless you’re riding with someone you share a living space with, it’s not worth exposing your loved ones, or riding buddies, to potential risk. Do you really want to worry about wind speed and wind direction to avoid exposing each other? Keep the usual two second following distance rule from other vehicles you might encounter and allow the usual proper spacing.

Don’t Take Risks. It’s also not the time to ride long distance or try a new route. Medial resources are limited and constrained, and may not be available to you if you need medical attention due to an incident. You also don’t want to be in a potentially COVID-19 contaminated place even if there are emergency room doctors or nurses to attend to you.

Clean all “High-touch” Ride Surfaces and Levers. After your ride, especially if you did make a stop to a fuel station, clean and disinfect your handlebars, levers, etc. Also clean your helmet and wipe down gear. Research has confirmed the coronavirus can survive on hard surfaces, like plastic and metal, for 2-3 and four days when airborne.

Keep these moto-cleaning tips in mind:

• Prioritize the surfaces you touch. Don’t forget buttons and switches, your mirrors – even your fuel tank, hand grips, levers, mirrors, fuel cap, etc.

• Soap is always your best bet. It is harmful to coronavirus. Good old-fashioned soap and water does the trick.

• Avoid bleach except on simple plastics.

• Don’t use solvents.

• Hand sanitizers contain alcohol, which can dry out leather. Use leather conditioner to keep it healthy.

• When in doubt, test cleaners on a surface that can’t be easily seen first.

• Wipe off what you wipe on; don’t leave chemicals to linger.

Fuel station gas pumps are filled with icky germs! 71 percent of gas pump handles are “highly contaminated” with microbes associated with illness and disease. (Study by the Kimberly-Clark Corporation).

For most of us, motorcycling, is our essential “therapy”. And with all we’re dealing with, a fun motorcycle ride can certainly pump up the positivity. Despite ride events being cancelled, incomes halting or tightening up, or work-from-home schedules altering our routines – hopping on your motorcycle and going for ride might be our best personal chance of – emotional survival!

Stay safe out there, and I’ll see you around the flattened and decreasing radius curve!

Is It Safe To Go For A Ride? submitted by Kathy Reese

below are portions of an article written by Vicky Gray for Motoress Magazine

Kwik Camp Pop-Up Camper

$700

Kawasaki 1500 Vulcan Classic Nice bike · needs work · low miles

$1200

Contact Leland Baker—512-294-1643

1996 Goldwing GL1500 with Champion Trike Kit

Asking $14,000 OBO

79,336 miles

New Long Shield windshield with vent

New front tire, CB/AM/FM Radio

Cigarette lighter plug for car charger

for phones

Armrests for the passenger

Cassette tape player

Driver pegs

Easy Steer

Alternator was replaced a few years

ago

I’m not selling because it has

problems—just entering a different

stage of life.

Contact: Leilani Smith

512-438-9446

Chapter Director Lyle & Sheri Altes • 512-897-0860

Assistant Director Ken & Teri Burnett • 512-497-1259

Secretary/Treasurer Tricia Winfield • 512-576-9985

Membership Enhancement Robby Winfield • 512-736-4158

Ride Coordinator Ken Burnett • 512-497-1259

Couple of the Year 2018-2019 Jim & Dee Dee Evans • 512-576-8890

Newsletter Editor Kathy Reese • 512-848-3144

Ways and Means Tom & Dawn Sprague • 858-755-6071

Webmaster Lyle Altes • 512-897-0860

Camping Coordinator

Tom Sprague • 512-301-3092

Seamstress Gayle Thomas • 512-832-9559

Merchandise Coordinator

John & Wanda Osborn • 512-528-8105

Motorist Awareness Coordinator Jim & Dee Dee Evans • 512-576-8890

District Director Jim & Alvalin Woodul • 254-634-4658

Assistant Director Dan & Donna Rymarz • 847-702-6667

Assistant Director Tom & Dawn Sprague • 858-755-6071

Administrative Assistants John & Wanda Osborn • 512-528-8105

District Rider Educator

OPEN

Assistant Educator / MFA-CPR Chris Schoenthal • 972-660-6286

Ride Coordinator Butch & Marie Schmit • 817-573-7763

Treasurer Tim Brooks • 254-290-5462

District University Coordinator OPEN

MEC Coordinators Lyle and Sheri Altes • 512-897-0860

COY Coordinators Dale & Carleen Garrett • 254-289-0682

2019 COY Tom & Dawn Sprague • 858-755-6071

Vendor Coordinator Dawn Sprague • 512-844-6033

Assistant Vendor Coordinator Ricky Frazier • 281-615-4386

Newsletter Editor/Webmaster Tom Sprague • 858-755-6071

Motorist Awareness Coordinator

Lynn Harris • 386-527-4416

Texas District Team

Directors of GWRRA Jere & Sherry Goodman

director@gwrra.org

Director of Rider Education Susan Huttman • 828-368-2249

snhuttman@gmail.com

Director of Membership Enhancement

Larry & Penny Anthony • 205-492-9728 mepgwrra@gmail.com

Director of GWRRA University Clara & Fred Boldt • 641-484-5140

toledotriker@gmail.com

Director of Finance Randall & Janet Drake • 303-933-6073financedirector@gwrra.org

Director of Motorist Awareness Mike & Barri Critzman • 760-486-3405

itsawingthing@hotmail.com

Executive Director Overseas Dan & Rachel Sanderovich

942-542-300-311 dan.sanderovich@gmail.com

GWRRA National Team

Chapter “O” Monthly Gathering

Want to experience “Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge” first hand?

While our chapter gatherings are temporarily being held on Zoom Calls (see page 2 for info), we have details about our chapter on our website at www.goldwingaustin.org

For more information, we encourage you to contact any of our team members or visit our website.

Wondering why you should join GWRRA? Check out the benefits you will enjoy!

Chapter ‘O’ Team