Are all GWRA events like this?

[mrtappan]

I went to the local Goldwing Rider Association event here on the coast a week ago........

It was a bunch of people standing around drinking coffee, talking about how many miles they put on a bike, and wearing more safety gear than necessary to drive a top fuel race car.

I joined because I heard it was a decent association..... but man that was absolutely boring.  It was like visiting a VFW full of guys who see each other everyday and tell the same stories over and over.  "Yeah, remember back in 99 when I rode 5600 miles pulling a trailer full of junk on my bike with 614613 extra lights?" 

I couldn't get into it.

I was a member for less than a month...... one event was all it took.

[Reb]

Oh man.... Yeah the GWRRA is a joke.

The crowd is not my cup of tea (or coffee), I'm 27 and own a goldwing GL1800RR, always get laughed at for  being that "dumb" kid riding it like a rocket,

Take a look at the GL1800 riders club or GLForum, good people who actually like to ride, drink, shoot the crap etc.

Last GWRRA event I went to, a couple was fussing up a storm at a honda dealership because they didn't have helmets that perfectly matched there bikes color.... All a bunch of asshats..

Next to all the lights, and gobs of tinkered sprinkets of chrome, I always said a hardcore GWRRA riders motorcycle look like a Mardi Gras parade float raped a christmas tree, and had a bastard UF0.

[Skinhead]

Oh man.... Yeah the GWRRA is a joke.

The crowd is not my cup of tea (or coffee), I'm 27 and own a goldwing, always get laughed at for  being that "dumb" kid riding it like a rocket,

Take a look at the GL1800 riders club or GLForum, good people who actually like to ride, drink, shoot the crap etc.

Last GWRRA event I went to, a couple was fussing up a storm at a honda dealership because they didn't have helemts that perfectly matched there bikes color.... All a bunch of asshats

And a Darksider no less.....  It's a wonder you weren't Tar'ed and Feathered!  F'ing lunitic!

[salty1]

Don't know anything about the GWRA, but I got to say you that Wing looking great Reb!

[Chrisj CMA]

Only been to one GWRRA event.  It was a regional rally in Helen Ga.  I must say I only saw a little of the actual rally because I went with a group of wing riders that went there to RIDE so we did, 3-4 hundred miles a day.  However, the parts of the rally I did see were highly organized, would make our Inzane rallies look like no one planned anything (which is a good thing BTW) I got the sense of more like a Boy Scouts Jamboree, I guess because all the wingers with their matching uniforms and gobs of pins and patches all looked the same and how cute the couples were all matching down to the last detail.

They seemed to enjoy it, so who am I to say anything.  Just wasn't my cup of tea but the riding all around Helen GA is fantastic

[Reb]

I remember at another semi-GWRRA event held at Neihouse Cycles in Litchfield Illinois. They had a seperate GL1500 bike show from the GL1800's. A family member of mine decided to enter his GL1500 Valkyrie into the bike show, and holy cow did that piss some Goldwing people off.


They fought like hell to get it disqualified, thankfully the dealership had some brains and informed the crowd that it too, is a GL1500.

They literally moved a table and chairs in front of the valkyrie so no-one could see it


Some of those folks are worse than your typical hardcore HD rider

[Reb]

Don't know anything about the GWRA, but I got to say you that Wing looking great Reb!

Thanks Salty, but...

I refuse the name goldwing, please refer to it as a GL1800RR  

[mrtappan]

They just generally gave me the impression of a bunch of people who are unusually boring and not fun.

I've never been to a "rally" where you couldn't drink a beer and hang out.  I think I was there a total of five minutes and four of those were walking to and from my bike...........

[Gryphon Rider]

They just generally gave me the impression of a bunch of people who are unusually boring and not fun.

I've never been to a "rally" where you couldn't drink a beer and hang out.  I think I was there a total of five minutes and four of those were walking to and from my bike...........

You must be exceptionally perceptive to take the measure of a large group of people in one minute flat.  I hope if you eventually meet me it's not at the worst minute of my day.  In my lifetime I think I've had at least a handful of entire hours when I've been completely boring!   Oh, and I must warn you, I have several pins and patches on my motorcycle vest, and I like to drink coffee!  At least my wife doesn't have her riding gear match mine; she would just look silly in my stuff. 

[Momz]

Oh they can get real wild.
Just watch out when they start "square dancing" or "coed Bingo", or the "Bolo tie judging".

[Reb]

Oh they can get real wild.
Just watch out when they start "square dancing" or "coed Bingo", or the "Bolo tie judging".

[Bighead]

Reb maybe you and Whiskey need to go to one together and see how much crap Yall can stir up

[jimmytee]

There is a thread over on the F6B forum asking if the F6B owners consider their bikes Gold Wings. The resounding sentiment is NO. But it says it right there on the dash. I would not fit in the crowd of the GWRA. Definitely not the crowd for me.

[solo1]

I've owned two GW's in the past and did belong to the GWRRA at one time. I also belonged when I had the Valkyrie but I was considered a junior member.  Their meets are structured down to the last event and pin. There are many awards and each one puts money into the kitty.  Each rider is pushed into going up the ladder but the chapter heads are determined by the top brass. Reminds me of the Boy Scouts.

Dressing alike, stuffed animals on the trunk, all kinds of pins and the jacket to keep them together. I find that many are appliance operators who don't even check their rear tires (too hard to get at, I guess).

It also is not my bag but I still wave at them. They do ride too.

[Xtracho]

Funny....been a member of an online GW group since 2008. Great group that has each other's back and genuinely care about each other. Sure the requisite jokes about other bikes are always there. Just as they are in this forum and in this thread. Some are even members of the rider association being flamed in this thread. They have an annual meet n greet at a different venue each year (sound familiar?) And I would be willing to venture the fun and fellowship would stand up to the scrutiny of even the most grizzled Inzane veteran. In fact, that meet n greet draws an international gathering every year.

Like em or not....they ride....and that's all I care about.

Now excuse me while I make sure the 1984 Aspencade in my garage is safely hidden from plain view.

[beartooth]

We'll I don't know if all GWRRA chapters are like the one you joined but I join a local chapter a little over a year ago. I enjoy the bikes and riders in my chapter. There is a lot of structure and politics in GWRRA and I shy away from and don't bother with it.
The guys and gals in my chapter like and do ride as often as they can. We have a retread ride (retired folks and anyone who can get off work) every other Wed. of each month and then on weekends there is always a ride put together going somewhere. I attended my first regional rally in Cherokee, NC. In Sept. I and most of our group spent most of four days riding the mountains. I enjoyed the vendors and we did partake of our libations in the evening when we weren't riding. They do frown on riding and drinking, which I agree with.

These folks can ride also. I'm no knee dragger but I do like to lean in the twisties  and keep my speed up. I sometimes have trouble keeping up with these wingers. Even the ladies that ride their own bikes ride pretty hard. We do have several older folks that ride trikes or ride slower but that's never been a problem. They ride their ride and the others ride theirs.

I attended my first Inzane this year and had a good time even thought my friend (who is also a winger) and I didn't get to stay very long at GZ. My friend and I are planning to make it to Spearfish next year ( we will be staying at GZ next year). He will leave his Wing at home and ride his Valk out there. Like the VRCC there is a huge amount of knowledge of bikes available in our chapter and we all are accepted and our bikes are always admired by other members everywhere we go with the group. We have four Valkyrie Interstates in our chapter. I talked to a new member last nght on our dinner ride that wants an Interstate also (I sent him here to the classifieds).

I say let everyone ride what they want and with whom they want as long as they enjoy it. Different strokes for different folks.

Ride long and ride safe.....
Beartooth

[sandy]

More than a decade ago, GWRRA voted to let in Valks. It passed so Valks can be members. As for the outfits, they are mostly for meetings and not for daily riding. I'm not a member but went to one event in Tucson. The clothing was at a minimum and the vendors were plentiful and discounted. It's different but also the same as HOG chapters clothing. People are people and love camaraderie with like minded people.

[Willow]

There is some irony in this thread on a Valkyrie riders' board.  We experience a fair amount of unwarranted disrespect from certain groups because of what and how we ride.  One would think we would be more careful not to hand it out.

I'm not a member of GWRRA.  What they do and like doesn't appeal to me.  They're not alone in that.  I have ridden with several Goldwing riders, some better than I, some not so much.

I hope they genuinely enjoy getting together with folks of like minds.  I know I do.    

[jimmytee]

I don't really know how much "disrespect" there was in this thread. Most simply stating that their group is of a different breed or generation of riders. And some pointing to their nonacceptance of those who don't fit their mold.

[Jabba]

Reb, your bike looks awesome bro. I am sort of lobbying for a new(er) wing myself to replace the interstate. I am gonna keep the Standard FOREVER..

Jabba

[mrider]

I've been a memeber since 94, they all aren't that way but if you go to an event and you've hit the nail on the head. I joined for the road service and the memeber assistance program which is very good if your hung out some where in BFE which i have been more than a couple of times and it works very well.......go to an event .....not for me. They don't much care for me i drink to much, ride to fast and i refuse to wear a skid lid unless its winter time ( to keep my ears warm) or any other safety gear that some thinks others should wear for what ever reason....sorry start to go left turn there.     

[bigguy]

I always said a hardcore GWRRA riders motorcycle look like a Mardi Gras parade float raped a christmas tree, and had a bastard UF0.

I don't know if that's true or not, but I WILL be stealing it to use somewhere. 

[Xtracho]

There is some irony in this thread on a Valkyrie riders' board.  We experience a fair amount of unwarranted disrespect from certain groups because of what and how we ride.  One would think we would be more careful not to hand it out.

I'm not a member of GWRRA.  What they do and like doesn't appeal to me.  They're not alone in that.  I have ridden with several Goldwing riders, some better than I, some not so much.

I hope they genuinely enjoy getting together with folks of like minds.  I know I do.    

Effing wordsmith....

[bagelboy]

Riders even on Steve Saunders Goldwing forum are split about GWRR. From what I've read, it seems to pretty much have a lot to do with the chapter. Some are supposed to be real nice, want to ride a lot, and except other bikes other than Goldwings. On the other hand, some are uptight, coffee clutch instead of ride, and look down on other bikes(including older Goldwings). The local chapter near some of you may be great people, and fun to join. I don't actually belong to any riding groups. I work weekends, and don't like to get tied down to schedules. I ride alone, go where I like, stop when I like, and eat when I like, but that's me. I think putting them all in one catagory is a little unfair!

[Xtracho]

 And the SSGWF is the best online forum for 'Wingers there is. I also prefer to ride alone and take the road less traveled.

[fudgie]

I showed up once in my vest, no helmet, and tats. I stuck out. Never went back.

[Warlock]

I was fueling when the president of the GW local chapter pulled up in a cage.  This was in Florida.  He told me my bike was almost a Gold Wing and gave me literature about his group.

I believe there is a whole new category of 1%er's out there.  Check the link.

http://fla.gwrra-regiona.org/images/image2ba.jpg

That's funny. I own a Goldwing, but don't belong to the Goldwing clubs. Talked with some one day and man did they have the vest and pins on them. I guess I'M just a loner. Of course like to ride with different people. Not committed to just one type bike and group.
David 

[Chrisj CMA]

I don't really know how much "disrespect" there was in this thread. Most simply stating that their group is of a different breed or generation of riders. And some pointing to their nonacceptance of those who don't fit their mold.

exactly Jimmy.

If you take the jist of the whole thread you get a sense of differing opinions of fun.  I didn't detect bashing or hating.  If some wing dinger reads this and gets offended, well what can I say they need to thicken that skin a little.

I don't get upset when they call us a bunch of fat old guys riding obsolete "poor mens goldwings" and yes, I have heard that.  

I have ridded with parked next to and looked at $60,000 customs, $50,000 Boss Hosses, $30,00 Harleys and never not even once wish I had a different bike.  And the owners of those high end bikes never had a bad word to say about the Valkyrie.  Only negative comment was from goldwinger and he was probably overly sensitive because of his race, but there you have it.

I refuse to be so politically correct that I cant state an opinion because someone may have a feeling hurt.  

Can you say get over it

[jimmytee]

I belong to the CVMA(Combat Veteran Motorcycle Association). It is a great bunch of folks with the love of motorcycles and the mission of Vets helping Vets. The only bike requirement is that it be at least 500 ccs or larger. There is quite a mix, but HD seems to be the most popular choice. If I were to guess probably 60- 70 % HD. Of course I love riding with folks from the VRCC. I am also on the F6B forum and they seem to be a great bunch. Many of them are former or current Valkyrie owners. Some on here as well.

[mrtappan]

Definitely not my idea of fun or my crowd either apparently. 

I'll stick to "traditional" rallies and events with a more mixed crowd.  Thunder Beach was great.  Of course it was Harley heavy but not bad.  Still had fun in between screaming over way too loud exhausts going by.

[Mr Whiskey]

Reb maybe you and Whiskey need to go to one together and see how much crap Yall can stir up

Thanks for the vote of confidence in my boundless ability to stir, but....................
I'm after bigger game!



Peace, Whiskey.

[jimmytee]

Reb maybe you and Whiskey need to go to one together and see how much crap Yall can stir up

Thanks for the vote of confidence in my boundless ability to stir, but....................
I'm after bigger game!



Peace, Whiskey.

Me too!!! Let's do it again....

[eric in md]

 

[Valkjerk]

Now, back to the original post. I have been a member of the GWRRA since '99 and that was when I was riding a '99 Nomad. They took me in as an associate member and I'm still with them. Yes, the meetings are structured and orderly (boring). Most folks go just to eat and maintain camaraderie and aren't into all the "Winger Stuff" such as couple of the year with matching outfits, vests loaded down with pins and bikes with more lights than a carnival. We let the folks who are into that sort of thing do their thing and try to support them any way we can. Every year they have their Christmas party in my party room and we have a blast. Yes, they drink like fish.
I also belong to the SCRC "Southern Cruisers" and they have their Christmas party at my place also. They also are a bunch of nice folks and we dine and drink until the wee hours. Most of my parties are motorcycle related and commonality is something we enjoy and just about every conversation I walk up to is interesting, funny or informative. I'd love to have a VRCC Christmas party but we are so few and far between, I don't know if it would go over very well. I'll probably leave it up to Trout Dude.  My 2 cents,   Gary

[bill-jr]

Gary ,
I been thinking about that Xmas party since you mentioned it at inzane ....
I'd make the trip ...

[gordonv]

Actually the name of the organization is GW(Valkyrie)RRA, but it is hard to find the Valkyrie in the name most of the times.

I joined while I owned my Valkyrie, and have had 2 GW and now down to one. Like others, I joined more for the Roadside Assistance program than for anything else, to the point of cancelling my BCAA (CAA/AAA), which cost 3 times the amount and gave me less than GWRRA Roadside Assistance.

I believe what has been said is that it is a Local Chapter GWRRA meeting that people don't like, I've never been to one. The Ralleys are big and organized. I've not joined a chapter, but meet with the closest one for their weekly coffee/ride night. Conversations in my group are varied and fun, on all subjects.

Riders are just as varied. Couples with each their own Harley and a GW for the 2 up riding. Ones like me with most of the riding gear, others with all the bling on their bike, some with all the High Tech gear they can find (Ram mounted IPad), others on their daily rider and minimal riding gear. Some on GL1100, GL1200, GL1500 and GL1800. Most stock bikes.

I just think you ran into the wrong group for you. You need to look around your city and see if there are anymore chapters, and drop by their weekly meet. Forget about the monthly chapter meeting. We also get together on the weekend/holiday (same place) and go out for rides from there. ALL welcome. I keep on recommending to new riders to drop by for some of these, so they have some experienced riders to follow and learn from.

I just feel that you have painted the organization of GWRRA with one brush, based upon one experience, when these people are from Coast-to-Coast and are as varied as we are (VRCC). In my group, I'm the one of the youngest, at 51, with guys as old as 80 who are still riding, and I showed up first with my Valkyrie, and then my V-twin Shadow ACE Tourer for 3 years after the accident, and never had a problem.

[Valkjerk]

Well written, Gordon!

[Valkjerk]

Bill, Stay tuned for further info (ifn' I git any)

[mrtappan]

Well from the general consensus from many people here who live in various states, I imagine "most" of the events are probably like that.  The event has nothing to do with the bike.  It's about the average member.   

I would have about much easier time finding fun people to ride with pulling up next to them at a traffic light rather than sorting through that crowd for the one or two members who I'd probably have fun with.  The crowd makes the event....... I just get the feeling that crowd is not to my liking. 

Would I go to another?  Maybe.... but realistically probably not.  I paid for a year so I'll see how many of their benefits I actually use then decide if I want to renew just for those. 

[Hef]

I went to three or four of their rallies back when I rode the Goldwings, Dressed in T-shirt, no vest, no badges. Just a guy who likes motorcycles mixing with others who share that like. Never felt out of place or like odd man out. Maybe different if I rode in on the Valkyrie but I really don't think so.