Wing Word

April 2020

GWRRA Chapter AB-C

Innisfail

GWRRA Directors: Jere & Sherry Goodman Prairies District Director: Scott Kucharyshen

District Rider Educator: Dave England District Asst Rider Educator: Roger Matas

GWRRA Chapter AB-C

Chapter Director: Terry Heidt

Asst. Chapter Directors: Trish & Rod Proctor

Treasurer: Rob Christensen

Ride Coordinator: Terry Heidt

MEC: George & Margaret Rehman

Webmaster & Media Publisher: Milt Sorensen

Newsletter Editor: Glenda Heidt

Couple of the Year: Dave & Debbie Carritt

Calendar Publisher: Fred Grono

Chapter Historian: Brian Brown

Monthly Chapter Gatherings

GWRRA AB-C meets the last Monday of the month at 7:30 pm in the Legion Board Room, 5108-49 Ave Innisfail.

Chapter Information

Leadership contacts are listed on our GWRRA Chapter AB-C website. We have a very well maintained website,

please check it often for the ride schedule & event updates. (www.gwrra-chapter-abc.org)

Join us for Breakfast Sunday mornings all year 9:00 AM at A&W Gasoline Alley west side of QE2, Red Deer - everyone welcome! *Postponed until further notice due to Corona Virus Pandemic Chapter Ride every Sunday during Riding Season Sunday mornings following breakfast, riders assemble in A&W parking lot at 9:45, ride leaves by 10:00. Ride in a group or at your own pace as far as you like, the schedule is on our chapter website.

Chapter Ride every Wednesday during Riding Season

Ride leaves Costco parking lot Wednesday evenings at 6:30 pm for an "Ice Cream Run"!

The Goldwing Way

AB-C Directors Report

District Directors Report

Distracted Driving Month

Get Your Bike Ready for Riding Season

Member Spotlight

Ride Coordinator Report

Epic Ride - Grand Canyon North Rim

Where in Alberta

In Case You Were Wondering

Birthdays

Great North West District Rally

Prairies District Ride to Alaska

Wingding info

Trial Membership Info

For Sale &Classifieds

Inside the April Issue

The Goldwing Way - Newsletter Editor Notes

gheidt1@shaw.ca H:403-343-0885

Hello everybody!

Isn't this going to be a year to remember! I hope you are well and adhering to the strict

guide lines set out by our health authorities - if there ever was a time to heed their advice it

is NOW. Please follow the criteria as none of us are immune to Covid 19 and all of us have

the potential to be a carrier. The virus doesn't move on its own, people move it, so stay

home as much as you possibly can, it's that simple. The longer people don't comply with

social and physical distancing, the longer we're going to have to isolate.

Let's welcome April with hope in our heart, peace in our days, joy in our soul and trust that things will get

better soon - Happy Easter dear friends.

Miles of smiles ….

Glenda

Looking for something to do during these days of isolation? Seat yourself down in front of the computer with a nice hot beverage and prepare to type - or write long hand on a napkin. Either way we want to hear from our AB-C members. Your articles are what make the newsletter interesting, everyone has a story.

Write a Member Spotlight - this month the spotlight shines on Milt Sorensen - thank you Milt what a great story! So far we've printed nine motorcycle history articles from members, please submit yours, we all love reading about them. You can write whatever you want, long, short, pictures, no pictures - there are no rules.

'Epic Rides'- this month is the first for 2020 of hopefully many 'Epic Ride' articles which can be about rides you experienced, either solo or as a group ride. Write about the places you've been and things you've seen even if the trip was a few years ago. Relive the memories and highlights from your trip. Perhaps your article may entice others to take a similar adventure, that's the Goldwing way.

'View from the Back'- let's hear from some of you Co-Riders about the places you've been, what you enjoyed about the ride while seated in the passenger seat. Let's hear about how you got your driver unlost, how your driver reacted when you said to turn now when you were already through the middle of the busy intersection. We know you have a sense of humor or you would never ride so many miles staring at the DOT on the back of a helmet.

'Your Safety Related Experiences' - relate the problems you've had out on the road, incidents or close calls you've experienced or witnessed, or maybe a maintenance related article.

And coming up in early May - Ladies mark your calendar - May 2nd is International Female Ride Day. - the motto is "Just Ride" and that is just what you need to do.

Chapter AB-C Directors Report

My first ride of 2020 took place on March 27th. Last year my first ride was on March 26th. There was plenty of snow left in ditches and fields both years. The 27th was a

clear sunny day with the bike displaying a high of +7 Celsius. I had my most valuable

motorcycle accessory along which is a heated vest and it worked great. I stayed away from the city streets and found the rural highways to be in pretty good shape except for a fair bit of sand at the intersections. If excess brake pressure was applied to the front wheel at intersections it would skid momentarily on sand. At low speed the ABS system cannot act quickly enough to prevent a front wheel lockup and potentially a crash. Speaking from experience make sure to avoid any excess braking, speed or lean angles when turning at intersections and watch for secure footing when putting your feet down at a stop.

Once again congratulations to Rod and Trish on joining the AB-C Leadership Team as Asst. Chapter Directors. As younger members they will bring forward a fresh perspective and new ideas. Make sure to let them know you appreciate having them on the AB-C executive.

GWRRA Alberta snowbound members - it's been months since you've been on two or three wheels so be very careful out there especially in urban traffic. GWRRA Snowbirds welcome back - road conditions in Alberta won't be the same as what you were used to in Arizona, please adjust your riding for the challenging spring conditions you will find here.

Even with the current COVID health concerns and all the potential road hazards, a great place to be is out in the fresh air riding on your motorcycle or trike. Remember to maintain social distancing and pack some hand sanitizer along for when you need to operate self-serve gas pumps. Leave your riding gear in the garage when the ride is over.

Stay healthy - It's spring, stay alert and ride defensively. AB-C Chapter Director Terry Heidt

An Update of Chapter AB-C Activities affected by COVID-19.

Any changes to Chapter Activities will also be conveyed via email to AB-C members.

April Gathering & Awards Night - trophies are engraved but the April Gathering will likely be cancelled.

Sunday Breakfasts - will continue to be cancelled until further notice.

ARC rider training - postponed - no future date has been set.

TRC rider training - still tentatively scheduled for late August.

Co-Rider Seminar - This seminar is now available online through GWRRA University on April 16th - sign up.

Other Modules are available online in April through GWRRA University - check them out and sign up soon.

Bowling - on May 9th has been cancelled - it may be rescheduled.

First Aid/CPR - was scheduled for April 25th and is postponed - this will be rescheduled at a later date. If

anyone has a valid Red Cross FA/CPR ticket that will expire between March 1st and June 30th, currently the

Red Cross will extend the validity of your ticket for an additional 90 days. Please note: your advance payment is

on record and will be held for the next allowable date, possibly fall. *Please contact Rob 403-877-2231 if you

would like a refund at this time.

Confucius say, 'Men are like fish, neither get in trouble if they keep mouth shut".

Hi Everyone,

What a change in the world from my last newsletter! Everything is

now up in the air, pun intended. I’m sure all of you are asking

questions and trying to do what is best for you and your family. I

have been working from home for almost two weeks, ordering

groceries online, my car gets two weeks to the gallon and rising

every day! I have been watching the COVID19 projections and

Canada is still ramping up while China is levelling off two months

later from the first real spike in cases in Wuhan Province. I have heard everything from this flu being a minor

inconvenience like any cold or flu to sudden and certain death! No one knows if and how it would affect them

until it is too late. I have heard on the radio that if you can hit someone with a hockey-stick they are too close.

My stick is 12’ long! Do your part and stay away from everyone. For me this is just like growing up on the farm,

never saw anyone and entertained myself with imagination and ingenuity, I also ran to the window to see who

is driving by which I’m starting to do again!

What can you do besides social distancing? Wash your hands! If you must go out, take some iso-gel with you,

limit what you touch. If wearing gloves, as soon as you touch anything, they are contaminated, remove them,

wipe your hands before getting into your car. Receiving packages? Take them to your garage, with gloves,

disinfect, or wait the minimum recommended safe-time before opening. Are you quarantined from travelling

and can’t wait to get out? Don’t worry, no one else can get far either! At least “door-step piracy” is way down!

What is the District and GWRRA doing? Firstly, all chapter meeting and physical training events are cancelled.

There is an opportunity though, our district has a zoom account that has been used for district meetings, I

have invited the chapters to use it to reach out to connect with all of you. It is an opportunity for all members

to taste chapter life and get to see new and familiar faces! I hope I’m invited too! GWRRA is also hosting

online training opportunities, check it out, sign up, keep up your levels program and have a change from

channels like YouTube, and Netflix. If we all do our part, hopefully our ride schedules won’t be too interrupted,

but, be prepared to be only looking at your bike for the next little while!

Currently, Wing Ding and our Alaska trip is still on. I hope to hear more news soon about the state of Wing

Ding and will let you know as soon as I hear anything. We will make the call on our Alaska trip between June 1-

5, this will give people time to cancel reservations if needed. Another scenario, we may need to alter the route

if travel is allowed but international borders don’t open. Or, it gets postponed to next year. It seems like a long

way off when you are looking at the snow falling outside but riding typically starts 3-4 weeks from now and

Wing Ding is only 12 weeks away!

On the bright, my garage has never been cleaner!

Till next time

Scott Kucharyshen

Canadian Prairies District

Prairies District Director's Report

April is Distracted Driving Month

DISTRACTED DRIVING. Be on the lookout for anyone driving with undue care & attention. If you see a distracted driver maybe give them a little honk to let them know they are not fooling anybody. If you can't make eye contact with the driver, be on the defensive and ready to get out of their way. In last month's newsletter the statistics showed how far a vehicle can travel in just

three quarters of a second while not viewing the road. Better that all drivers keep their eyes on the road than on a phone they think is cleverly hidden in their lap. There is a perception that younger drivers are the worst distracted driving offenders. Statistics for the number of convictions by age group from the Alberta Government for 2015 - 2019 would indicate otherwise. It would appear a lot of middle age and older drivers need to get their act together. Although convictions have dropped slightly in most age groups since 2015, the number of convictions in the 65+ age group is increasing. (the Rate column shows number of convictions per 10,000 licensed drivers in each category)

Penalties

The penalty for distracted driving in Alberta is $270 fine and 3 demerit points.

People keep asking, "is Covid-19 really

that serious"? Listen y'all, the casinos

and churches are closed. When heaven

and hell agree on the same thing, it's

probably pretty serious!

How to get your Bike Ready for the Riding Season George & Margaret Rehman ABC-MEC

1. If you did a proper winter prep and your bike is in good shape, you are

almost ready to ride.

2. Check the bike’s owner manual. It will remind you of things that you

forgot over the winter (memory fails as you get older!)

3. Check the bike’s registration and insurance.

4. As our bikes sit idle over winter most of us use a fuel stabilizer. In the spring, the fuel is still in good

shape. Try to use up that fuel as quickly as possible and fill up with fresh fuel.

5. Check your battery and make sure it is fully charged. If you used a battery tender over winter it will

extend the life of your battery. If it will not take a full charge , replace it to prevent problems during the

summer.

6. Fill tires to proper pressure. Check for cuts, worn areas or other damage.

7. Oil and filter - if you changed these last fall you are ready to go. If not do it now before riding.

8. Check all the other fluids – brake, clutch and coolant. Also check for leaks – oil, fluids and coolant.

9. Lights – check that all are functioning properly. Headlights – hi & lo beam, running lights, turn signals,

brake lights and dashboard lights.

10. Cleaning – If your bike collected dust over winter, clean it now and start the year fresh.

11. Rider – If you have not ridden for a number of months, take it easy the first few rides, so you can

regain your riding skill and confidence. Remember that riding skills and instincts do deteriorate with

non-use.

12. Roads – In the spring roads are usually in poor shape. Watch out for pot holes, pavement cracks and

loose gravel. Remember that sand, salt and gravel put on the roads over winter are still there, making

roads slippery and hazardous.

13. CAR and TRUCK drivers are not used to seeing MCs’ on the road. Keep a sharp eye out, make yourself

visible, stay out of their way, leave yourself an out, and assume that the driver is going to do the worst,

most stupid thing possible.

14. If you pull a trailer, check the hitch, safety chains and the light plug. Check your trailer lights and tire

pressure. When travelling, load the trailer properly.

15. Also check that you have some spare fuses. A small set of jumper cables are handy to have.

RIDE SAFE George & Margaret Rehman Chapter AB-C MEC

Welcome back to our Snowbirds! We are so glad you

are home and hope that your shortened stay

wherever you were roosting was still fabulous. Let's

"ALL" remember to stay connected, not everyone has

social media so it's very important to make that

phone call or even a quick text. A few kind words can

change someone's entire day!

My love affair with motorcycles started just a few years ago when I was a kid in

Drumheller. Well, maybe not that early and not that few years, but early. I think

I was about 12 years old when I started pestering my folks for a motorbike and I

was 14 years old when they finally relented.

My first motorcycle was a shiny blue 1962 Honda 50 Sport. That little bike and I

were inseparable and it carried me all over the valley. It was a pretty good little

hill climber, providing the hill wasn’t too steep or too long…….. If it was, then I

had to bail off and run alongside the bike to the top of the hill.

One summer, my folks were vacationing at Pine Lake and I was working at a

service station pumping gas. I rode that little bike all the way from Drumheller to

Pine Lake, via Three Hills. I think the top speed was around 30 miles an hour. It

took a long time to get there and as I recall my folks were glad to see me. I don’t

recall riding the bike back home, and I’m thinking maybe we

loaded the bike into the boat for the trip home. I was involved

in my first accident on that little bike. A car pulled out of the

hospital parking lot right in front of me…. and I hit the car

broadside. Ended up with 3 stitches in my left wrist from that

episode.

Following the accident, my mother thought that perhaps I

should give up two wheels for a safer mode of transportation on

four wheels. Thus I became the owner of a 1961 Volkswagen

beetle. Who can argue with mom………

My next bike was a 1974 Yamaha 175 Enduro. I was married by then, and purchased the bike without spousal

approval…… Needless to say, it didn’t stay around too long, but I did enjoy riding in the hills of Drumheller

while I had it.

I was without a bike for a good number of years, and in the

interim, had three children, moved to Edmonton, started my

career with the Alberta Government, and ended the

relationship with my wife.

By now, it is 1984 and I’m once again a bachelor. I lived alone

in my house for a few years, until all three of my children

decided they were moving in with Dad. By now, it is 1992 and

my neighbor across the street is a licensed auto broker. He

was always coming home with different vehicles to detail and

re-sell.

He arrived home one day with a beat up Yamaha Maxim 550

motorcycle. I think it was a 1982 model. He spent a lot of time

in the garage restoring the bike to as new and getting it ready

to sell. One thing led to another, and after a few test rides, I

ended up owning the bike.

I rode this bike around Edmonton for a couple of years, until my

oldest son decided he would like to have the bike. I insisted he

take the Alberta Safety Council motorcycle course, and before

too long, Jason was the proud owner of the Maxim.

This left me without a motorcycle, but lo and behold, my neighbor brought home another bike. This time, it

was a 1983 750 Yamaha Midnight Virago. It wasn’t much to look at when he unloaded it in the garage, but by

the time he finished restoring it, it looked as good as brand new. It was sure a pretty bike. Again, one thing

led to another, and I was once again the owner of a motorcycle.

It wasn’t long after I bought the Virago that Jason was

involved in a very serious accident on his bike. He T boned a

car late one evening and spent 10 days unconscious in the

Grey Nuns hospital. His accident left me somewhat shaken,

and later that same year, I decided to sell my bike and not

ride again.

I was bikeless when I moved down to Red Deer in 1995. The

next spring, Jason phoned to tell me he was once again the

proud owner of a motorcycle, this time a Honda Hurricane. It

got me to thinking, and it wasn’t too long before I was out

looking for another bike. If Jason could ride, so could I.

In the spring of 1996 I bought a brand new 1996 1100 Yamaha Virago. Later that summer I discovered that my

cousin Tim living in Olds, was also a biker. He had a 1984

Goldwing, and invited me to go touring with him. A trip was

soon arranged, and off we went.

This was really my introduction to touring as I’d never ridden

more than 100 KM at a time prior to this (Except for that trip to

Pine Lake). We rode out through Radium and down to Creston.

Tim was raring to go when we got to Creston, but I was all done

in.

Seems there is quite a bit of difference between a cruiser and a

touring bike when you are on it for the whole day. It was about then that I thought about a Goldwing. I

started shopping, and in the spring of 1997 after striking out at Turple's and all the other dealers in the Red

Deer area, I located a well-used 1990 Goldwing 1500 at Bow Cycle in Calgary. They were happy to take my 96

Virago on trade, and I rode home to Red Deer on a not so new dark green GL1500 Wing.

I decided on a used Wing to start, as I’d never before ridden

such a large motorcycle and wasn’t sure I would be able to

handle such a large bike. I shouldn’t have worried, I was

hooked.

I rode the 1990 for the summer, and started dealing on a

brand new GL1500 at Turple Brothers during the winter of

1997/1998.

Now those of you familiar with Turple's old downtown location, will remember that the windows were tinted

with a protective sun screen which gave everything a rosy tint. There were several Wings in the show room,

and when Glenn asked me which one I wanted, I told him the Pink one. The name stuck, and Pinky and I rode

together for over 130,000 Kilometers.

During our time together my first Grandson

arrived in the year 2000. He has had several

rides over the years, but I don’t think he has

the same enthusiasm as Grandpa.

When the GL1800 Wings arrived at the dealers, I was there drooling over them. I took one for a test ride and

was greatly impressed with the new bike.

Glenn was sure I was going to buy the yellow 2001 model that Turple's had in stock, but I was holding out until

the 2002 models were available. Turple's had relocated to

their new store in Gasoline alley, and were able to obtain a

new 2002 Goldwing from Honda Canada to celebrate their

grand opening. It was "Stream Silver Metallic" with taupe

undertones, and it happened to have serial number 0001

for Canada. The deal was done, but the bike had to stay in

the showroom for a short while and then was trailered to

my home in Deer Park.

I spent the winter adding accessories, and the bike was

ready to go as soon as the snow was gone from the roads.

The residential streets were still ice covered, but the

sidewalks were clear and I met the neighbor while I was riding on the sidewalk as I was headed out for my first

ride.

I held on to the 2002 for four years, and when they introduced the GPS in 2006, I decided that I had to have

one. The 2002 had 134,000 KM on the odometer when I

made the deal with Turple Brothers. Glenn made me an

out the door in the box deal on my new 2006. It was quite

an experience opening the box and assembling the new

bike and adding all the accessories over the winter season.

I kept the 2006 bike until the 2013 models became

available. Dave Carritt was looking for a newer bike to

replace his aging 1989 GL1500 and between Glenn Turple,

Dave and myself a very complicated deal was arranged

whereby I became the owner (albeit very briefly) of the

1989 bike and Dave purchased my 2006. Turple's took the 89 on trade, and Troy Dezall rode it for a few more

years.

I took delivery of the 2013 bike the same way as the 06

was delivered, in the box, and again spent the winter

months making sure I had all the accessories on it before it

hit the road. I trailered the bike to Arizona that same

winter, and the first miles on it were in Arizona.

After spending the winter riding in Arizona, I decided that

was the place to be spending my winters. I purchased a

house in the San Tan Valley, and rather than having to

trailer my bike down every year, decided to look for

another Wing that could reside there year round.

I dropped by Turple brothers one afternoon in 2015 after a ride with Dave Carritt. There was a white 2010

Wing sitting on the showroom floor. It didn’t have much for accessories on it, and was looking for a new

home. Again Glenn and I struck a deal and I was the proud

owner of two Goldwings. I soon had the bike looking like it

should, and then stored it in my niece’s garage in

preparation to taking it south.

The bike had 51000 KM on it when I got it, and it had

157,000 KM on it when it came to its untimely demise in an

accident this past December when I was broadsided by a

Subaru in Mesa. I fared better than the bike, which turned

out to be a write off. Fortunately, the accident wasn’t my

fault, and the insurance company and I were able to reach a

satisfactory settlement.

But, I’ve digressed, and got ahead of myself. In the spring of 2018, when the NEW model Goldwings hit the

market, I got to take a good look at them while still in Arizona. I was completely in love with the new model.

Returning to Red Deer in April of 2018 I started dealing with Troy over at Turple Brothers on a Pearl White

2018. I took the demo bike which was a DCT model for a test ride, and came back to Turple's to make a deal

on a 6 speed standard transmission model. I had to wait several weeks for all the accessories to arrive and be

installed, and the 2013 had 98,000 KM on it when it hit the showroom floor at Turple Brothers. The 2018

Wing did not disappoint me. It has an incredible ride and the handling is far and above the previous model

Wings. So far, I’ve managed to put only 27,000 KM on the bike, but I’m pretty sure I’ll be putting on more.

I joined GWRRA back in 1997 when I bought that used 1990 Wing. I’ve met hundreds of new friends and

ridden thousands of kilometers since joining the association.

I’m looking forward to many more

years of riding, and I’ve already bought

a replacement bike to take back to

Arizona when the travel restrictions are

lifted. It looks just like the one in the

last picture………..

Ride like your life depends on it!

Milt

My ability to remember song lyrics from the 60's far exceeds my ability to remember why I

walked into the kitchen!

Ran out of toilet paper and now using lettuce leaves. Today was just the tip of the iceberg,

tomorrow romaines to be seen!

A weasel walks into a bar, the bartender asks, "What can I get you"?

"Pop" goes the weasel!

I hate it when you offer someone a sincere compliment on their mustache and suddenly

she's not your friend anymore!

My hubby purchased a world map, gave me a dart and said "throw this and wherever it lands

I'm taking you for a holiday. Turns out we're spending two weeks behind the fridge!

Our cleaning lady just called and told us she will be working from home and will send us

instructions on what to do!

Ride Coordinator Report by Terry Heidt

(An excerpt from the Alberta Government Riders Guide to Operation, Safety and Licensing of Motorcycles, Mopeds and Power Assisted Bicycles (July 2019)

Weather, Road Hazards, Intersections - how they affect your spring riding?

Poor weather and temperature extremes - Poor weather conditions can affect you and your ability to control the motorcycle. Try to avoid riding in poor weather. Be cautious when riding in spring and fall, as you could be surprised by winter weather. Check weather and road condition reports and make decisions for safety. Lower temperatures due to cold or wind chill conditions can cause the body to lose internal heat. If you become chilled, your ability to concentrate and respond can be affected. Warm or hot temperatures can cause the body to become dehydrated and can result in heat exhaustion.

Wear the proper clothing to protect yourself. Strong or gusty winds can affect your ability to control the

motorcycle and may make it difficult to maintain a proper lane position. In windy conditions, grip the

motorcycle tightly with your thighs. Keep your upper body relaxed and your arms bent and loose. If you

encounter a strong crosswind, lean into it. Create a good space cushion in case the crosswind suddenly

decreases. You can do this by choosing a lane or lane position that will keep you out of oncoming traffic, and a

lane position that will allow you to stay in your lane. Be aware that when you are riding in a strong wind, you

may be more easily fatigued. If the wind is extreme, your safest choice is not to ride.

Road surface hazards that affect traction - Fluid leaks from other vehicles can settle in the centre of the lane

and result in reduced traction. Traction is also reduced when there is moisture on the road surface. Pavement

is particularly slippery just after it starts to rain, before the surface oil and dirt are washed to the side of the

road. To avoid this danger, do not ride in the centre portion of the lane just after the rain starts. When there is

water on the road, a layer of water may form between the road surface and the tires. Your tires may lose

contact with the road surface. This is called hydroplaning. To reduce the risk of hydroplaning on wet roads,

reduce your speed without braking. If you start to hydroplane, do not brake. Keep your eyes up and along your

intended path, and maintain or very gradually reduce your speed.

Try to avoid riding where the tires of vehicles have created areas where the road is lower and water has

settled. Gravel, sand, tar strips, mud, painted road markings, and steel surfaces like utility hole covers reduce

traction and should be avoided or ridden over cautiously. Dirt, gravel and sand collect along the sides of the

road, in residential areas and especially on curves and ramps leading to and from highways. Spring can be the

worst time for this due to road sanding during the winter. Be aware of what is on the edge of the road when

turning sharply and entering and exiting highways Reduce your speed and adjust your riding for these

conditions.

As much as you can, stay clear of roads that have ice or snow on them. Patches of ice tend to form in low or

shaded areas, as well as on bridges and overpasses. Ride on the portion of the lane with the best traction and

reduce your speed. To ride safely when traction is reduced, do the following:

• Reduce your speed before getting to a slippery surface to lessen the possibility of losing control or skidding.

• Reduce your speed before entering a curve, especially a curve with a hazardous road surface.

• A sudden change in speed or direction can cause a loss of control. When adjusting your speed, shifting gears,

turning corners and braking, do so smoothly.

• Threshold brake (braking to the point just before the wheels lock) with the rear brake to avoid locking the

rear wheel.

• If a slippery surface cannot be avoided, keep your motorcycle from leaning. You could lose control of your

motorcycle leaning on a slippery surface.

• Avoid hard braking, quick accelerating, and sudden steering movements.

• Proceed slowly and carefully. Your ability to handle the motorcycle may also be affected by road surface

hazards.

• On bridge decks made of metal gratings, or a road surface that is being resurfaced and has grooves cut into

it, your motorcycle may vibrate or wander slightly. The risk of losing control is lessened if you reduce your

speed before the area and try to maintain a constant speed when crossing. Braking and accelerating should be

done gradually.

Use caution when crossing railroad tracks. Always proceed straight ahead, regardless of the angle of the tracks to the highway. This will prevent crossing into another lane or into oncoming traffic. Keep your speed even and do not accelerate, brake or do anything that requires traction.

Intersections - The rules for riding through intersections are the same for motorcycle riders as they are for

other drivers. Since intersections have left and right turning as well as straight through traffic, they are high

risk areas for collisions. Caution, anticipation, and controlled speed are required at intersections. Many

collisions happen at intersections. Some are the result of poor judgment of time and space when:

• the motorcycle rider is turning left in front of oncoming vehicles.

• drivers of oncoming vehicles are turning left in front of a motorcycle rider who is going straight.

• drivers of vehicles are entering the intersection from roads to the right or left of the motorcycle rider. To

reduce the risk of collisions at intersections, do the following.

• When approaching an intersection be prepared to reduce your speed and to brake.

• Maintain a proper space cushion all around your motorcycle in your lane so you can see and be seen.

• Scan left, centre and right several times as you approach the intersection to check for pedestrians, traffic,

and potential hazards.

• Glance in your mirrors often to be aware of the traffic behind you.

• Be prepared to change lanes or your position in the lane to separate yourself from potential hazards. The

safest position in your lane depends on where other vehicles are located when you approach an intersection.

If an oncoming driver is indicating turning left, or a driver is indicating entering the intersection from the left, reduce your speed and move to the centre or right portion of your lane. This will increase the space between you and the other vehicle. Choose an escape route in case the vehicle crosses your path. Never assume that the other driver has seen you.

If a vehicle is indicating entering from the right side of the intersection, use the left portion of your lane. This will increase the space between you and the vehicle entering from the right. Choose an escape route in case the vehicle crosses your path.

If vehicles are indicating entering the intersection from both sides of the intersection, use the left portion of your lane. This allows you more space and time to react if one of the vehicles moves in front of you. If your motorcycle stalls in an intersection and cannot be started, it must be moved out of the intersection. When it is safe, with you on the left side of the motorcycle, walk it clear of all traffic and out of the intersection. If the motorcycle is equipped with emergency hazard lights, turn them on.

We had been looking for accommodation at the Grand Canyon North Rim but everything seemed booked. Then one night about midnight I checked again and one cabin had become available for June 28th.

By booking this one room, the planning now began for a trip which would take us 8300 km through 10 states and two provinces over 22 days. June 15th - we left Red Deer under clear skies and headed south to stay overnight in Lethbridge. June 16th - we continued south in Montana on I-15 through Shelby, Great Falls, Butte to Dillon MT. Of interest this day was a tour of the discontinued Berkeley open pit copper mine at Butte MT and observing the environmental mess that remains. Once water pumping operations stopped at the mine, the open pit which is approximately 1600m long x 800m wide by 540m deep started filling with acidic groundwater. June 17th - We continued south through Idaho Falls, Soda Springs to Logan UT then east to stay at beautiful Bear Lake UT. June 18th - From Bear Lake we continued on secondary highways through Diamondville & Mountainview WY then south to the Green River and Flaming Gorge Dam. We eventually stopped for overnight in Vernal UT. Flaming Gorge takes its name from the spectacular red canyon walls. The reservoir created by the Dam is 145 km long. We went for supper at the Golden Corral and were amazed at how much food some of the patrons packed away at the buffet and dessert tables. At that time it cost about $12 to pig out at Golden Corral.

June 19th - From Vernal we headed east through Dinosaur CO then south through Rangely and Loma to Cisco UT. From Cisco we took scenic Hwy 128 west to Moab UT. We took an afternoon ride into Arches National Park then back to Moab for overnight. Riding through Moab is definitely a highlight, the various rock structures are absolutely amazing. June 20th - In the morning we headed north then west into Canyonlands (north) National Park. One of the spectacular viewpoints was named Dead Horse Point. After leaving Canyonlands we headed back into Arches National Park eventually hiking up to Delicate Arch. We again stayed at Moab overnight. June 21st - We headed south today from Moab to Newspaper Rock State Monument which has numerous petroglyphs dating back 2000 years etched into the rock face. Then into the Needles District of Canyonlands (south) National Park. We stopped for a hike under rock overhangs and up rustic wooden ladders. We then carried on to Blanding UT.

EPIC RIDE - Utah National Parks & the Grand Canyon North Rim

by Terry & Glenda Heidt

June 22nd - Today we stopped at the Natural Bridges national monument, The smallest of the natural bridges named Owachomo is 106' tall and has a span of 180'. Next we rode through Glen Canyon national recreation area, across the Colorado River, through Hanksville, Capital Reef National Park to Torrey UT. There is a nice driving loop through Capital Reef which allows views of the many colored layers of rock. June 23rd - From Torrey we headed south on scenic Hwy 12 across the Hogsback, a road which crosses the narrow spine of a mesa with steep canyons on either side, no guard rails and amazing views.

We then stopped at Escalante Heritage Center which depicts the Hole in the Wall monument named for settlers who spent 6 weeks digging and blasting to create an extremely steep path down the rock face to cross the Colorado river with their horses and covered wagons. We continued on to Bryce Canyon for the afternoon then returned to Tropic for overnight. Bryce is truly a "must see" park. June 24th - We left Tropic and again stopped for a thorough visit of Bryce Canyon, hiking on some of the trails before returning to overnight at Tropic. Pictures do not truly depict the spectacular views at Bryce Canyon with almost iridescent white and pink colors mixed in with the orange and red rock pinnacles. June 25th - We left Tropic and continued south to Mt Carmel Junction then west into Zion National Park. The road is covered in scenic reddish brown pavement leading to a 1 mile long tunnel into Zion. Once you exit the tunnel the view of Zion is spectacular. Just past Zion we had a room booked at Springdale UT. June 26th - The only way into Zion National Park is by shuttle bus. We spent the day walking trails and hiked into a small waterfall. Zion has massive solid rock faces unlike the tall pinnacles seen at Bryce. We spent our second night at Springdale UT and made good use of the outdoor pool. June 27th - We headed west of Zion through Virgin UT to Kolob Canyons. While at the top of Kolob Canyon we saw smoke to the north where we had recently ridden up, so we jumped on the bike and headed down as quickly as possible as there was only one route in or out.

On reaching the interstate again we found that a fire had started west of I-15, had jumped the highway and was burning into Kolob Canyon.

We eventually found out that approximately 2000 acres burned before firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze. We spent a third night in Springdale. June 28th - We are excited today to see the Grand Canyon. We left Springdale and continued back east through the Zion tunnel then south through Kanab and Jacobs Lake to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

We found a very nice cabin waiting for us. We toured vistas at Point Imperial and Angels Window then returned for an enjoyable evening of entertainment and cowboy supper. The Grand Canyon is truly "Grand".

June 29th - The day started with a spectacular sunrise over the Grand Canyon. We spent more time walking along the Grand Canyon ridge, then with some regret left the North Rim heading east past the Vermilion Cliffs into desert like conditions with non-air conditioned dwellings in the middle of nowhere and only scrub brush for horses to feed on. Drinking and driving may be common in this area judging by all the bottles and cans in the ditches.

When we crossed the Colorado River at Marble Canyon the bike showed 40C. Once we arrived at our destination of Page AZ we rode over to view the Glen Canyon dam. June 30th - From Page AZ we continued northeast stopping at the Four Corners Monument where the corners of UT, AZ, NM and CO meet. We had planned to continue east to Durango CO and ride the Million Dollar Highway but found that a forest fire was blocking that route. Instead we headed north to Telluride CO. Telluride is a popular winter ski destination in Colorado.

July 1st - Leaving Telluride we headed north through Ridgway, Montrose and stopped at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison which is a scenic deep narrow canyon, the bottom sees little sunlight. From there we continued on through Salida, Poncha Springs, Leadville to Frisco CO. The Copper Mountain ski area is located at Frisco. July 2nd - Continuing north through Kremmling we stopped at Walden CO. A small hand written sign on the door of the Moose Creek Café indicated that our projected route north into Wyoming was blocked by fire. The locals advised to head east toward Ft Collins where another fire had just been extinquished the day before. We saw areas where the fire had burned right up to the highway.

From the Ft Collins area we headed north and encountered the first adverse weather of the trip with wind and rain starting up as we entered Cheyenne WY. We stopped for about ½ hour at McDonalds in Cheyenne and the storm passed. We continued north through some forest fire haze into Nebraska stopping overnight at Scottsbluff NE. July 3rd - From Scottsbluff we headed north into the Black Hills where we saw lots of wildlife and enjoyed riding the winding roads with pigtail bridges and short tunnels.

After a stop at Mt Rushmore we continued on to Deadwood where we watched the daily staged street gunfight. Large flakes of ash from a nearby fire at Spearfish Canyon was falling in the streets of Deadwood and for a while we contemplated jumping on the bike and continuing north. We spent the night in Deadwood with bags packed ready to leave at a moment's notice. July 4th - We continued north to Williston ND and at one spot saw 4 drilling rigs lined up. There were no oil pipelines in place at the time so all oil from the area was being trucked by a lot of semi tankers, all travelling at over 110 km/h on the highways. With the oil boom Williston was very busy, we managed to find a room but surprisingly we couldn't find 4th of July fireworks celebrations.

July 5th - We crossed the border into Saskatchewan stopping at Corner Gas in Dog River or (Rouleau SK). We then made a pit stop at Moose Jaw Honda to get oil changed in the bike.

We finished the day at Swift Current. It is sad that the iconic Ruby Cafe/Corner Gas station has now been torn down. July 6th - We headed north of Swift Current across the South Saskatchewan River to Rosetown then west through Hanna, Big Valley and home.

What do we remember most from the trip? - Only ½ hour of wind & rain in 22 days of riding. - The five national parks in Utah were all amazing in their own way - Arches NP, Canyonlands NP, Capital Reef NP, Bryce Canyon NP & Zion NP. The National Monuments in UT and the Black Canyon of the Gunnison in Colorado were interesting and unique.

- Sunrise at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon was a highlight to remember, the North Rim is much quieter than the South Rim.

- The one low point of the trip would be the forest fires. If we were to retrace our steps we would definitely spend more time in Colorado. This is definitely a trip you want to put "on repeat", nothing short of amazing!

Where in the world have you been on a motorcycle? Locally, provincially, nationally or globally - what stands out as a great ride that you have done in the past? Please send "your Epic Rides" to our newsletter editor!

Lesson learned - no matter where I go, the worlds worst drivers have followed me there!

Where in Alberta

See if you can find these Alberta murals on two of our 2020 Chapter AB-C Sunday

rides. Do you know which towns they are in?

In Case you were Wondering?

The German made Leonhardt Gunbus 410 is the world's largest motorcycle.

It weighs 1433 lbs and overall length is 11'.

It is powered by a 410 cu in (6728cc) V twin engine.

The front tire is 38"dia x 11"wide & rear tire is 42"dia x 15"wide.

Price $350,000 US. "Wunderbar"!

Confucius say, "Never approach bull from front, horse from rear, or fool from any direction"

Confucius say, "Man who has nothing to say, should say nothing" .

April Birthdays!

April 7th - Deanna Roussain

April 8th - Peter Nederhoed

April 2010 newsletter edition "Bowling Highlights"!

(a pretty good look'n group of prize winners, do you remember everyone?)

I just got hired at a company that makes motorcycle wheels.

I'm the "spokesperson".

MY WIFE JUST STOPPED

AND SAID,

"YOU WEREN'T EVEN

LISTENING WERE YOU"?

I THOUGHT …

"THAT'S A PRETTY WEIRD WAY

TO START A CONVERSATION".

Great North West District 2020 Rally

July 23 - 26, 2020 in 100 Mile House, B.C.

Visit the Great North West Web site for registration instructions & info. Last year’s rally was such a success, we decided to do it again! Mark your calendar – July 23rd to 26th, 2020. We have new events, more venues, and more rides planned. Spread the word! Some of the things being planned include: Friday BBQ Light parade with ice cream social Motorcycle Show N Shine Sunday pancake breakfast More bike games More guided rides BC Motorcycle Drill Team demonstration Saturday banquet Door prizes, raffles All bikes and riders welcome! Registration is now open. Pre-registration discount ends May 30, 2020, so get your room booked and registration in now to beat the rush!

GWRRA Prairies District Ride to Alaska

Come ride with us to Alaska this Summer! We are putting together a total "Ride how you want Rally!" Join in or leave when you want, or, do the whole trip and more! Check the route, book your stays, have fun, meet new friends and see some wonderful scenery! The fun starts in Saskatoon July 17,2020.

All information is now on the District Web page - check it out!

For Sale 2006 GL1800 Goldwing

Highway pegs Passenger transformer boards

CB radio SD card music player

Blue tooth for cell phone $5500.00

Call Dave Carritt 403-373-7000

For Sale 2004, 750 Honda

(Aero) Shadow

79,018 KM

Some added chrome, heated grips, CB,

Cruise Control

Well maintained - asking $3,500 OBO

Phone: Henny at 403-227-2397 or Cell 403-

340-6754

Two young boys were spending the night at their grandparents. At bedtime, the two boys knelt

beside their beds to say their prayers when the youngest one began praying at the top of his

lungs.

"I PRAY FOR A NEW BICYCLE"…

"I PRAY FOR A NEW BICYCLE"…

"I PRAY FOR A NEW BICYCLE"…

His older brother leaned over and nudged the younger brother and said, “Why are you shouting

your prayers? God isn’t deaf.” To which the little brother replied, “No, but Gramma is!”

Stay home, stay safe, stay well …

Have a Blessed Easter