JANUARY 2006 NEWSLETTER

From Your Chapter Director

Well, we have a new year upon us and new challenges to explore. We are going to strive to have fun and get as much input to your chapter as possible so as to promote the fun of chapter life. We are going to use the resources at hand to promote the safety part and knowledge of all to make us smarter riders and co-riders. Below is Kenny’s letter as outgoing director and Gary’s as our new Assistant Director. I would like to thank Kenny & Carol for their many hours of effort to help the chapter and to just plain have fun together. I am not a prolific writer and not an expounder of $100 words, more like buck $2.95. Ride safe and often. Don’t get lost, but on the other hand, that’s part of the fun.

--Steve & Jeannie

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the chapter members for the help and encouragement for the last three years. Going into the directors’ position for the first time can be intimidating and I was a little nervous about taking on the job. Now that I've had the pleasure of working with other directors and educators and many other officers, I can say it has been a delight. There are so many people to help guide and steer us to do the job at hand. Thanks to all those former officers and members for showing us how to be a part of the greatest group of motorcyclists, bar none. Now we need to give that same help to Steve and Gary as they guide our chapter to even better times ahead. My thanks go to Darrell Thompson for a job well done as our chapter educator. I'll be looking to him for more advice as I start my tenure as chapter educator myself. I hope I can help our members to become even better and smarter riders by taking erc courses and first aid and medic courses too. If any member would like information on any courses or training from GWRRA please let me know if I can help, that's why we are here. So as we start a new year of GW may you all have great rides and safe returns.

--Kenny and Carol Smart.

From Your Assistant Chapter Director

I first want all of you to know that I am excited about being YOUR Assistant Chapter Director. I am looking forward to an exciting year and a 2006 year full of activities. If any of you have any ideas for activities or rides, please let me know. I want to include everyone associated with Chapter “U” in our activities and especially YOU in our plans. If you have any comments or activities that you would like to see us do, please email me at gary_rahe@yahoo.com.

Now, a little bit about Gary and Francie Rahe. Gary purchased his first GoldWing in 1983. He purchased a 1978 Wing from Paris Honda at Paris, Illinois. We have owned seven Gold Wings. They were a black 78, a black 81, a maroon 84, a silver 86, a red 96, a white 2000 and titanium 06. Gary and Francie met in 1985 and were married in 1987. Gary lived in Tuscola, Illinois when they met and Francie lived in Effingham. Gary and several others from Tuscola started a motorcycle club called Tuscola Dixie Riders in 1982. This started the famous Wednesday night ride-ins to Tuscola Dixie Truck Stop in Tuscola. Several hundred cycle riders started coming to Dixie to visit, meet new friends, and talk to old friends and just plain kick tires. Gary and Francie’s relationship grew and Gary moved to Effingham, Illinois. Francie and Gary kept riding to Tuscola for several activities and had some cycle riders from the Effingham area join them. Before long, a cycle club in Effingham was started. We called ourselves the “Heartland Cruisers”. In 1985, Heartland Cruisers was chartered as GWRRA’s Chapter D-2. I think the only charter members still active in the chapter are Gary and Francie Rahe along with Dwaine and Anita Worthey. Gary and Francie were the first Chapter Directors of Chapter “D2”. Gary and Francie have been involved in motorcycle riding and clubs for 20 years. 1985 was their first year of affiliation with the GWRRA.

Gary and Francie came to Vandalia in 2000. Gary was Assistant Principal at Vandalia High School and Francie began working at Greenville College as the secretary for records and donations. In 2002 Gary took the position of Principal at Vandalia Elementary School which houses approximately 350 second, third, and fourth grade students.

Gary and Francie have three children. They are Tangela Brooks (husband James) of Thomasboro, Illinois, Ryan Rahe (wife Rebecca) of Broadlands, Illinois and Shawn Etchason of Anna, Illinois. Gary and Francie have one grandson, Alex (Alexander) Brooks, who is 3 years old and are expecting their first grand daughter, Jordan Nicole Rahe. Jordan Nicole is due to enter this world on approximately January 11, 2006.

Gary and Francie enjoy camping and cycle riding. They have a Raptor Toy Hauler and love to take it so the cycle can go too. They have ridden a GoldWing in all 49 states and enjoyed the Alaska trip with Dwaine and Anita Worthey in 1995 probably the most. They feel the only way to travel is on a GoldWing. We are looking forward to an eventful and exciting year and do hope that this year will bring more participation and more activities for all to participate in. We hope that EVERYONE enjoys Chapter “U” and its activities. Remember . . . it is YOUR chapter and I am here to just serve and make an attempt to carry out YOUR ideas.

Past Events

• Saturday December 3rd was our Christmas party at the Bleisch’s home in Greenville. A good time was had by the 21 that attended the party. Games were played, card flew and dominos were stacked as most everyone played or offered advice on how to play a certain way.
• Sunday January 1st we had our Polar Bear Run. We had 15 riders and co-riders on 9 bikes. The weather cooperated with us to have a good cool but not cold ride to Hillsboro to eat at Dohack’s Restaurant, (formally a Hardees). We timed it just right and got tables with no waiting. The meals were delicious and reasonable priced. Those that rode were Gary & Francie, Jim & Brenda, Ron & Brenda, Dean & Vicki, Kenny & Betty, Bill & Bonnie, Kenny S., Moe, and Steve.

Coming Events

• Saturday, January 14th will be a card party at Gary & Francie Rahe home in Brownstown at 6:30pm. Bring finger foods to eat and fun for cards, dominoes and other games. Directions are from Vandalia go onto I70 East bound to the Brownstown exit, turn left, North, go across the bridge and turn left at the second turn past the bridge, Okaw Valley Campground. As you are turning you will see a driveway to your right through a gateway and mailbox with 55AA on it. Follow the road all the way back, about a ¼ mile. Any questions call Gary at 267-4616 or Steve at 283-0496.
• Monday, January 16th is the monthly meeting.
• Saturday, January 28th will be another card party at the Rahes. Same as above, come to have some fun.
• Friday thru Saturday, February 3-4th is the Winter Warm-up in Bloomington. A flier is included.
• Saturday, February 18th will be our weekend out to Nashville North in Taylorville. We will be staying at the Super 8 Saturday night. Contact Kenny Smart about the tickets for Nashville as the tickets need to be paid for so we can get a block together. 15 people have already confirmed they are going. Also you will need to confirm your own reservation for the motel if you plan on staying the night. Their phone number is 217-287-7211.
• Saturday, February 25th will be a card party at the Tompkins home at 6:30pm.
• Saturday, March 11th will be the Stew Supper at the Neer’s home in Greenville. More info later.
• Saturday, April 1st is the Meet the Chapters ride to Gilman. We will leave the Vandalia McDonalds at 9am.

ANY E-MAIL ADDRESS CHANGES PLEASE SEND THEM TO KENNY OR STEVE SO WE CAN UPDATE THE CHANGES.

Lotto winner for November was Dee Carroll. 50/50 winner was John May, twice, and Moe. Lotto winner for December was Coy and the 50/50 winners were Ron, and Charlie, twice.

Don’t forget that on Sunday mornings at 8 am, we are having breakfast at the Vandalia Chuckwagon. Maybe this year we can ride after eating.

We have a job(s) opening in the Chapter. No experience necessary, will train, have fun, meet a lot of people, eat, ride, and learn a few new things. You only get out what you put into it. We need assistant director(s) for the future of our Chapter.

From your Chapter Educator: Kenny Smart

(This is from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation)

QUICK TIPS: Ten Things All Car & Truck Drivers Should Know About Motorcycles

1. There are a lot more cars and trucks than motorcycles on the road, and some drivers don’t “recognize” a motorcycle; they ignore it (usually unintentionally). Look for motorcycles, especially when checking traffic at an intersection.
2. Because of its small size, a motorcycle may lookfarther away than it is. It may also be difficult to judge a motorcycle’s speed. When checking traffic to turn at an intersection or into (or out of) a driveway, predict a mototcycle is closer than it looks.
3. Because of its small size, a motorcycle can be easily hidden in a car’s blind spots (door/roof pillars) or masked by objects or backgrounds outside a car (bushes, fences, bridges, etc). Take an extra moment to thoroughly check traffic, whether you're changing lanes or turning at intersections.
4. Because of its small size a motorcycle may seem to be moving faster than it really is. Don't assume all motorcyclists are speed demons.
5. Motorcyclists often slow by downshifting or merely rolling off the throttle, thus not activating the brake light. Allow more following distance, say 3 or 4 seconds. At intersections, predict a motorcyclist may slow down without visual warning.
6. Turn signals on a motorcycle usually are not self-canceling, thus some riders, (especially beginners) sometimes forget to turn them off after a turn or lane change. Make sure a motorcycle's signal is for real.
7. Motorcyclists often adjust position within a lane to be seen more easily and to minimize the effects of road debris, passing vehicles, and wind. Understand that motorcyclists adjust lane position for a purpose, not to be reckless or show off or to allow you to share the lane with them.
8. Maneuverability is one of a motorcycle's better characteristics, especially at slower speeds and with good road conditions, but don't expect a motorcyclist to always be able to dodge out of the way.
9. Stopping distance for motorcycles is nearly the same as for cars, but slippery pavement makes stopping quickly difficult. Allow more following distance behind a motorcycle because it can't always stop "on a dime."
10. When a motorcycle is in motion, don't think of it as motorcycle; think of it as a person.

www.msf-usa.org

For Sale Items

• For Sale: Bunkhouse camper with large add a room. Good condition, tan color, chrome tongue. 88 model. Phone 618-428-5977, $1100 dollars or best offer. Kenny Smart.
• For Sale: Cavalcade custom seat for 1500 Honda Goldwing $100. Moe 618-466-8932 .
• For Sale: Diamond Cut Aluminum Tool Box with a single lid for a small size pickup - $135 Phone 618/267-4616
• For Sale: Black Metal Office Desk with laminate wood top and drawers on both sides - $150 Phone 618/267-4616
• For Sale: Whirlpool Washer and Electric Dryer (tan) - $275 Call 618/267-4616
• Wanted: Seasoned Firewood (Delivered if possible) – Call 618/267-4616
• Jim had a trike for sale but he sold it before the newsletter was put together.
• John had bike for sale but he sold it before the newsletter was put together.
• Jim bought a bike, John’s, and rumor has it that John is getting an 06.

Why, Why, Why?

• Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are getting weak?
• Why do banks charge a fee on "insufficient funds" when they know there is not enough?
• Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?
• Why doesn't glue stick to the bottle?
• Why do they use sterilized needles for death by lethal injection?
• Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but ducks when you throw a revolver at him?
• Why do Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?
• Whose idea was it to put an "S" in the word "lisp"?
• If people evolved from apes, why are there still apes?
• Why is it that no matter what color bubble bath you use the bubbles are always white?
• Is there ever a day that mattresses are not on sale?
• Why do people constantly return to the refrigerator with hopes that something new to eat will have materialized?
• Why do people keep running over a string a dozen times with their vacuum cleaner, then reach down, pick it up, examine it, then put it down to give the vacuum one more chance?
• Why is it that no plastic bag will open from the end on your first try?
• How do those dead bugs get into those enclosed light fixtures?
• When we are in the supermarket and someone rams our ankle with a shopping cart then apologizes for doing so, why do we say, "It's all right?" Well, it isn't all right, so why don't we say, "That hurt, you stupid idiot?"
• Why is it that whenever you attempt to catch something that's falling off the table you always manage to knock something else over?
• In winter why do we try to keep the house as warm as it was in summer when we complained about the heat?
• How come you never hear father-in-law jokes?
• And my FAVORITE......
• The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four persons is suffering from some sort of mental illness. Think of your three best friends -- if they're okay, then it's you!

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