Anyone ever go to a Wing Event?

[Rams]

This weekend, the Goldwing Road Riders Association of Kentucky is having their annual event at the Convention Center in Frankfort, KY.  I decided to go just to see what our cousins are up to.  Supposed to be some good vendors and lots of Hondas.

Not sure what to expect when I ride up on my Fat Lady but, I'm a big boy and can handle just about anything.  Not that I expect trouble.  Most of the Wing Riders I know are older and slower than me.  

Regardless, if anyone else is interested, give me a shout and we'll do it together.  Here's a link to their schedule of events.

http://www.gwrraky.com/Doc/2012%20Kentucky%20Blast%20Schedule2.pdf

[ptgb]

Well if you go with someone else, make sure you dress alike...



 

But seriously, we went over to Ft. Wayne the beginning of July and checked out Wing Ding, their national event. It had a TON of vendors and was very well organized.

Yes, the average age is a bit up there, but, all in all, we enjoyed checking it out.

Also you will notice, those Wingers will drop some $$$$$$ on their bikes, that's for sure!

In addition, if your looking for any kind of pain relief magnets, creams, amulets, or spells... they can hook you up in that way as well, probably about 1/3 of the booths at Wing Ding were about pain relief (guess they are working the demographic). 

[KSDragonRider]

I have been invited to several by the Wild Rhinos of  the Steve Saunders Goldwing board.   They seem to be great guys, and i know some guys with Valks ride with them alot. Those same guys are also on this board, like Dubs

[Charlie McCready]

I have a 2000 Valk Interstate and a 2004   1800 Gold Wing. I belong to the GWRRA and the VRCC. I have been to five InZanes and three Wing Dings. .............I'll have to agree, the Wingers are older (I'll be 65 tomorrow !!!) but I've never felt like an outcast when I only had a Valkyrie.  I've had two Valks, a '97 Std and the IS I've had for four years now.  I still believe the old ad "You meet the nicest people on a Honda"  !!!   If you're friendly most people will be friendly to you.    I did say "Most" people !!!

[LandElephant]

I'll take offense to the older and slower comment.  I maybe older, but I'm not slower as far as riding.  It will be what you make of it.  Some will be great and some will be jerks.

Enjoy the ride Ron.

Charlie Morse
Land Elephant

[Rams]

I'll take offense to the older and slower comment.  I maybe older, but I'm not slower as far as riding.  It will be what you make of it.  Some will be great and some will be jerks.

Enjoy the ride Ron.

Charlie Morse
Land Elephant

Sorry, my poor attempt at being cute.  Having ridden a short distance with you, I'll admit, I was always playing catchup.   

Having said that, was hoping some of my fellow Valk riders in the area would be around to join up.  If not, I'll ride with Wingers. 

Ron

[Skinhead]

I went to a blessing of the bikes once that the GWRRA put on.  Never again, it was a beautiful spring day, and we spent it sitting in a church parking lot with a bunch of identically dresses cult members holding hands and singing Kum bye ya.  Nothing against the wing riders, if that's their thing, that's cool.  It's just not my thing, I like to ride on a nice day, not stand around looking at bikes.  (They DO have some nice bikes!)

Hell, to me even riding all day in the rain, beats the hell out of working all day.  YMMV.

[Rams]

Well, I simply saw this as an opportunity to meet and greet fellow riders, hopefully some would be riding Fat Ladies.

[sugerbear]

when you get there, ride around the parking lot. valks tent to park together.
at least it was that way in ft wayne several years ago.
 

[LandElephant]

Still ride with you Ron, even if you have a Valk.  And I'll be gentle. What does you Labor Day weekend look like?  Might be able to talk the Cincy connection into riding also.

Charlie Morse
Land Elephant

[WamegoRob]

I went to a blessing of the bikes once that the GWRRA put on
...
I like to ride on a nice day, not stand around looking at bikes

To be fair, it appears to have not been advertised as a 'riding of the bikes'.
Sounds to me like it was geared to run more like a car show; park, look and discuss.

[solo1]

I was a member of the GWRRA when I had a Gold Wing and also when I had the Valk.

My biggest impression is that the activities are very structured.  There are different levels of achievement for just about everything, first aid, CPR, etc.and a fee is involved to go to the next level.

Stuffed animals on the trunks and heavy vests covered with all kinds of pins and awards are IN.
Dressed alike couple are almost necessary.  What I didn't see was very many motorheads.  In fact, most didn't check their tire pressures, too hard to do, i guess.

Although all were friendly, my priority was riding, not structured activity.

Jes my impression.

[Chrisj CMA]

Lots of fun if you enjoy the Boy Scout Jamboree type event.   The regional event I went to with 4 Wing riders was like a kids costume party.....the guys I went with told me we would be riding and not seeing much of that.  I was glad, we rode a few hundred miles every day and would get back to see the awards given out for the best dressed oldest farthest away rider and all that just before dinner

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Went to the Wing Ding last year in Knoxville,TN it cost about $30.00 to walk through the door. Lots of vendors and not a single one had a old dusty box with any Valkyrie goodies...I ask them all    I also went to The Wings Over The Smokies in Fletcher,NC in 2010 same story it was just alittle cheaper to walk through the gate.

[#2944]

Yup did that once.......... 16 years ago.....

[gwise]

I have a Valk and a Wing. I belonged to GWRRA for years and finally had enough. I met several people that have become good friends. Some still belong, but I hate paying dues and paying to look at vendors at events. By the way, my wife and I never did the dress up thing.(maybe we didn't fit in after all). They aren't all old (I'm 52 now),but the majority are older than us. It was a good opportunity to meet and make some new riding friends.
   Gregg

[Slyk Willy]

Went to Fort Wayne with good GW friends, had a good time checking out the vendors, even though nothing Valk related. Agreed, LOTS for pain "relievers" (didn't need any), veg-a-mixer (wife bought one), GW apearal (couldn't use it), and BIG ticket stuff for the GW. Good group of folk, but yeah that dress-alike thing (neck rags, colorful hats, pants, shirts, AND belt buckles) (hee hee)...I guess you gotta be in the cult to enjoy that sort of thing. The biggest "issue" I had was it was so darn HOT, 103-106 for the week.

[solo1]

I live only 10 miles from this years WingDing.  Not only was it unseasonably hot for NE Indiana, most of us were without power, no AC.  Didn't feel like going to see it.  Nothing for a Vstrom either.

[Fudd]

I tried to hang with this group once.

I figured that our bikes being so closely kin, I'd fit right in. (Honda doesn't even designate alpha-numerically between us and the Goldwing, we're both called  "GL1500").

All was well until their safety officer gave his presentation on the evils of the darkside tires.  Admittedly, he had not ever ridden on one but he felt that he was well armed for a verbal battle on the subject, having a copy of a video from a fellow safety officer.  The video showed the mismatch of a car tire with a motorcycle rim.  His conclusion was that we ride ticking timebombs, with the tire poised to pop off the rim at any time, and most like when we are in a tight curve.

I told their group, that "in my estimation, at least 40% of the Valkyries are now darkside."  I went on to say that more motorcyclist would be using them, if it were not for the biased misinformation being given out by so called "experts."  I asked if he had any evidence of where ANY accident was caused by the use of a car tire.  He assured me, he would check on it and get back with me later.

"Later" has never happened.  We see each other weekly at a bike nite, and I never bring up the subject.  The guy must however notice the ever present growing number of car tires in the parking lot, especially the 2 Goldwings that joined the darkside this month.


 

[RudyF6]

One time, never again. I went for the Top Gun (riding skills) competition and that was pretty fun, but I guess we didn't "fit in" just like some others here. Way too structured for me. We were actually escorted off the "Show Grounds" which was a field with a couple dozen bikes lining up for show because "it wasn't open yet". Bye-bye. 

[alph]

there was a "wing-ding" here in chippewa falls a couple years ago.  i went, rode through the parking lot, past a bunch of motor homes pulling trailers, with GW's in 'em!!!  the next day i drove threw again, got some looks like "what's he doing here?" not a single smile or wave from any of 'em.  i'd do it again, but this time i'd bring a couple other valkyrie riders from the area!!

[Rams]

Well, I've never been to a GW event so, I'll give this one a shot since it's right here in my home town. 

Charlie,
Can't predict the Labor Day yet but, I'll bet I'll be scheduled to work.  Will let you know though.

Ron

[LandElephant]

Well, like any organization you are going to have brand bias.  Look how some on this board critize the GW as an "Old Man's" bike, or "too much tupperware", etc.  Even some VRCC members as unfriendly and snobbish towards wing riders.  Yet, if it wasn't for the goldwing there wouldn't be a Valkyrie.

I rode a 2001 I/S for 5 years.  122,000 miles of enjoyment.  I have met some great people in the VRCC, and I have met some great people who ride Harleys, Kaws, Yahames, etc.  I own a 2006 GW and have no problem riiding with anyone.

The organization GWRRA was at one time a very good small group just like the VRCC.  But everyone has ASSHats.  A snob is a snob no matter what brand you ride.

Enjoy the trip Ron.  PM me if you have time over Labor Day.  I'm not sure of my work schedule either.


Charlie Morse
Land Elephant

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Well, like any organization you are going to have brand bias.  Look how some on this board critize the GW as an "Old Man's" bike, or "too much tupperware", etc.  Even some VRCC members as unfriendly and snobbish towards wing riders.  Yet, if it wasn't for the goldwing there wouldn't be a Valkyrie.

I rode a 2001 I/S for 5 years.  122,000 miles of enjoyment.  I have met some great people in the VRCC, and I have met some great people who ride Harleys, Kaws, Yahames, etc.  I own a 2006 GW and have no problem riiding with anyone.

The organization GWRRA was at one time a very good small group just like the VRCC.  But everyone has ASSHats.  A snob is a snob no matter what brand you ride.

Enjoy the trip Ron.  PM me if you have time over Labor Day.  I'm not sure of my work schedule either.


Charlie Morse
Land Elephant

Charlie we will be leaving Clinton,Tennessee on saturday morning 9-1 for a 300 mile ride across The Great Smoky Mountains and The Blue Ridge Parkway to hook-up with the northern group in West Jefferson,NC for " The Meet In The Middle Ride " it goes without saying you are welcome to join us....I can't get motel information until tomorrow when the manger comes in however they did make a deal with me last time I used this motel....Watch the board if interested 

[sugarbee]

well said, Charlie 

Well, like any organization you are going to have brand bias.  Look how some on this board critize the GW as an "Old Man's" bike, or "too much tupperware", etc.  Even some VRCC members as unfriendly and snobbish towards wing riders.  Yet, if it wasn't for the goldwing there wouldn't be a Valkyrie.

But everyone has ASSHats.  A snob is a snob no matter what brand you ride.

[Skinhead]

Ron,

I wasn't trying to talk you out of going to the event, merely stating my experience.  I'm sure you'll find plenty of friendly folks there and hope you have a good time.  I'd be interested in a ride report after the event.

Ride safe

[Tim H]

I'd be interested.  If all goes well at work I'll be off on the 10th, and of course the 11th.  I'm on call, so I suppose I'd have to run if I get a service call, but it's only 45 minutes from Louisville.  If everything works out okay I'd like to join you.... stay tuned.

[Rams]

I'd be interested.  If all goes well at work I'll be off on the 10th, and of course the 11th.  I'm on call, so I suppose I'd have to run if I get a service call, but it's only 45 minutes from Louisville.  If everything works out okay I'd like to join you.... stay tuned.

Tim,
You've got my number, let me know.  Can't go Friday but, I've got Saturday planned just for this.  Hope you can make it.

Ron

[Chillerman]

I tried to hang with this group once.

I figured that our bikes being so closely kin, I'd fit right in. (Honda doesn't even designate alpha-numerically between us and the Goldwing, we're both called  "GL1500").

All was well until their safety officer gave his presentation on the evils of the darkside tires.  Admittedly, he had not ever ridden on one but he felt that he was well armed for a verbal battle on the subject, having a copy of a video from a fellow safety officer.  The video showed the mismatch of a car tire with a motorcycle rim.  His conclusion was that we ride ticking timebombs, with the tire poised to pop off the rim at any time, and most like when we are in a tight curve.

I told their group, that "in my estimation, at least 40% of the Valkyries are now darkside."  I went on to say that more motorcyclist would be using them, if it were not for the biased misinformation being given out by so called "experts."  I asked if he had any evidence of where ANY accident was caused by the use of a car tire.  He assured me, he would check on it and get back with me later.

"Later" has never happened.  We see each other weekly at a bike nite, and I never bring up the subject.  The guy must however notice the ever present growing number of car tires in the parking lot, especially the 2 Goldwings that joined the darkside this month.


 

In my estimation this is patently false. I have nothing against the darkside and have considered it myself, but I think you are looking at 5% not 40%. 

[Titan]

I tried to hang with this group once.

I figured that our bikes being so closely kin, I'd fit right in. (Honda doesn't even designate alpha-numerically between us and the Goldwing, we're both called  "GL1500").

All was well until their safety officer gave his presentation on the evils of the darkside tires.  Admittedly, he had not ever ridden on one but he felt that he was well armed for a verbal battle on the subject, having a copy of a video from a fellow safety officer.  The video showed the mismatch of a car tire with a motorcycle rim.  His conclusion was that we ride ticking timebombs, with the tire poised to pop off the rim at any time, and most like when we are in a tight curve.

I told their group, that "in my estimation, at least 40% of the Valkyries are now darkside."  I went on to say that more motorcyclist would be using them, if it were not for the biased misinformation being given out by so called "experts."  I asked if he had any evidence of where ANY accident was caused by the use of a car tire.  He assured me, he would check on it and get back with me later.

"Later" has never happened.  We see each other weekly at a bike nite, and I never bring up the subject.  The guy must however notice the ever present growing number of car tires in the parking lot, especially the 2 Goldwings that joined the darkside this month.


 

In my estimation this is patently false. I have nothing against the darkside and have considered it myself, but I think you are looking at 5% not 40%. 

Mine is one that is not Darkside. Maybe somebody should post a survey.

[BonS]

When I did a walking count two years ago at Inzane X it was just under 20% of around 120 Valkyries.  Based on what I saw at Inzane XII I'd have to say it's closer to 25%+ now, myself included.

[Willow]

Granted it's the VRCC and not Valkyries in general.  It's those who rode on a particular event and not necessarily an even sampling of all the Valkyries at InZane (although likely so), but a count of the Valkyries parked at the dam for the picnic rendered a 48% to 52% distribution.

It does seem to be growing.      

[PhredValk]

This covers both topics here. My GWRRA group has, I think, 6 or 7 Valkyries in it, two with CTs mounted (and two Bergman scooters with CTs). Of the three other Valk owners I've spoken with in parking lots one has a CT (and one has a blower!).
We Valk riders are treated no differently than anyone else in the group, whether they ride a wing or not.
Fred.