Wednesday Night Ride Report – May 28th by Eric Larson Chapter A members finally got the first Wednesday night ride of the year in on May 28 under mostly sunny skies with temperatures in the mid 60's. Al Jack, Norm Helfer, Sean & Wendy Southwell, Eric & Stacie Larson, Terry & Vickie Hammond, Sam Gay and Ron Landis met at the Holt McDonalds. Ron came in on his new bike, actually Donna's new bike, a yellow 1976 GL1000 Gold Wing with little more than a plexiglass windscreen on the front. It is really a pretty neat machine! After everyone checked it over, Eric was appointed the leader and the group departed shortly thereafter.   We headed east out of Holt on Willoughby Road and then headed south towards Mason. Going east from the northeast side of Mason, we worked our way towards Dansville and onto Dexter Trail headed to Stockbridge. We picked up M-106 and headed towards Jackson. As we neared the Pleasant Lake area, we headed west and went around the east side of the lake coming out on Meridian Road. We continued heading northwest and came into Leslie and then headed west to Onondaga. We followed Onondaga Road north and then cut over on Barnes Road, making our way over to M-99 on the northeast side of Eaton Rapids and headed back into Dimondale for ice cream.   By now the temperature was dipping down and it was getting rather chilly out. Al Jack headed for the warmer climate of his own home and the remainder of us went inside and ordered ice cream treats, of course, with the exception of Sam Gay, who was smart enough to just have a hot cup of coffee. After eating the cold ice cream, Vickie and Stacie wondered if we had done the right thing as they shivered at the thought of going back outside. Of course Hammonds had the shortest ride home and Larsons the second shortest ride home. Overall, it was a good ride and nice to be outside, even if it was a little cooler.   We covered about 75 miles in about an hour and 40 minutes. Hopefully this is the first of many more enjoyable Wednesday night rides amongst GWTA friends for the summer of 2008.

Wednesday Night Ride Report – June 11th by Audrey Perkins The only people to show up were Ron and me (Perkins), Terry Hammond and Tom Hall. Ron led the ride. We left Grand Ledge McDonald’s and headed to Springport. We then rode around Duck Lake. There were a lot of nice curvy roads. We came out onto Cochran and went in to Charlotte to the Dairy Queen for some much needed ice cream. We have to have ice cream when we are out riding. After we ate our cones and Terry finished his Turtle Sundie, we went home our separate ways. We had a great ride on a beautiful evening. Sorry everyone else missed it.

Chapter H Fun Run - June 14th by Vickie Hammond What a day for a Fun Run! Mid to high 70s, no clouds, and calm winds. Three bikes pulled out of McDonalds a little late waiting for more members to arrive. Norm Helfer led Rene Cline and the Hammonds along the back roads. The honeysuckle and manure gave our nostrils quite a workout. We registered at the Tanger Outlet Mall and got our directions, a $5 coupon book, and lots of hugs and conversation. Terry got the lead since Vickie was the only passenger and the only option to read the directions (the map did not go in the trunk!). We missed a turn but got back on track.   The ride took us around the GM proving grounds, to a lovely park and lake (we ran into the Hildtich girls there), then on to the Great Lakes National Cemetery (quite awe inspiring) and back to the mall.   There was an unknown detour that gave us a few more scenic curves and caused the leaders some frustrating moments but we got back on course without a GPS or road map!   At Joe and Lewie’s in Fenton we had a great lunch. Upon returning to the Mall (a little late) we drew poker hands and tried to match the card we drew at the park. Terry matched his number and got 1st place with a full house. That netted him a fun run profit. Chapter H cleaned up on the 50/50 drawing. It was nearing 4pm so we hightailed it back home on the x-way. All in all, Chapter H put the fun in fun run.

Michigan State Rally by Vickie & Terry Hammond A posse of motorcycle riders overtook the “Wild” northwest town of Evart. They came with camp decorations, door decorations, golf clubs and pistols. Somebody must have lassoed the storm clouds that were predicted because the weather was superb!   A number of folks arrived Thursday. They rounded up their wagons and had a campfire. Friday brought in more posse members. Some tried their hand at cow paddy plop, some swung the club, some took self-guided tours and some actually shot their pistols. At 2pm our own Gloria Choma and Phyllis Slagell had lots of “cowgirls” making custom gift bags. The State had 6 first timers including Chapter A’s Ron & Wanda Palmer.   Opening ceremonies began with the “Michigan Wings go West” state spirit wagon pulled by two longhorns. Teresa Larson took part and Barbara Ongstad wrote some GWTA lyrics to Home On the Range for everyone to sing. The Larson regional family of the year presented Norm & Sandy Helfer a long overdue plaque recognizing their 2005 term of Family of the Year. Wanda Palmer won the daily cow paddy plop 50/50.   After opening ceremonies Bob Davis presented a group-riding seminar.  Then late at night, with the Relay for Life luminaries lighting the track, seven of our finest put on a light parade. Norm Helfer glided by sporting some fancy front wheel lights and other accoutrements.   Saturday came and went quickly. It was chocked full of events. At 9am Ronm Klann led an 81 mile guided ride. The drill team did a Come Ride Like Us. We are proud to say Ron Palmer participated.  He rode his trusty bike like a real broncobuster.    Crafts were available just before lunch. After a hearty meal it was “Hit the Trails” either to a double scoop ice cream ride led by Ron Palmer or a single scoop run led by Norm Helfer. It was back to the “ranch” for the bike show and decoration judging.  Ron Palmer and Terry Hammond took bike prizes home. The Chomas had displayed some adorable horses, the Slagells had western hats and a mighty pretty hoedown dress on display. La Meres put up “The Legend Lives” with a photo of Paco duded up in a western hat while the Hammond’s put GWTA into phrases. I’m sorry to report none of the chapter got the trophies but we sure looked good.   There were three on-bike games; none of which sported winners from chapter A. But Eric Larson only missed by one tenth of a second. There were five off-bike games, all of which were clever, fun and had long lines of anticipatory contestants. Al Jack generously donated the chapter’s Ready Set Toss beanbag game where Gerry La Mere took a 2nd place. It was manned by the La Meres, Chomas, Slagells and Al Jack. Also, Barb La Mere won 1st place and Gerry La Mere won 2nd place in the ring toss game.   Kris & Jim Rogers put on a member retention seminar which was well attended. Then all spurs and pistols were hung up to ready folks for the dirty bingo rodeo.   At closing Duane Campbell handed out golf awards.  Eric Larson won the longest drive and Norm Helfer won closest to the pin in the male division. Mary Bolton got to share in the pot; our only chapter member to do so. Terry Hammond won a free night’s stay at the Evart Super 8 twice but only accepted one.   There was so much rootin-tootin fun and so many cowpokes to jaw with, it was hard to believe the rally was nearly over. Even though this was Norm & Sandy’s first rally they had everything saddled, roped and rounded up. What a great job and great rally. Sure hope y’all mosey up next year.   P.S. Gerry La Mere made and brought a cowboy and cowgirl cutout. They were top quality. Our members could get their photos taken for a donation to Helping Hands. The activity took in $43. Eventually you may see these fine “Western” folks throughout the Internet or at your local chapter.

Wed Nite Dinner Ride – June 25th by Vickie Hammond Wednesday threatened rain. We had one brave sole, Sam Gay, ride his motorcycle while the rest arrived in 4 wheelers. There was Gerry & Barb La Mere, Terry & Vickie Hammond, Norm & Sandy Helfer, Al Jack, Reba, and Wendy & Shelby Southwell. It was decided to go directly to Cugino’s in Grand Ledge. So we took a right out of McDonalds, a right on 43 and a right thru the residential street to the restaurant. Norm was served first which might have been a chapter first!  Reba and Al’s food order had problems but their bill was cheap. Cugino’s served such large portions a lot of people had to take boxes home. Anytime there is good company and good food we have a good time!