Minnesota Gold Wing Road Riders Association

Hello to Everyone! It’s time for an update with some recent happenings and information.

First, it is with much sadness that we share the news of the passing of Frank Pierce, Senior Chapter Director for Chapter I, Hibbing, MN. Frank will be deeply missed by the members of his MN GWRRA family. He contributed much to GWRRA during his time with us. We ask that you please keep Marie in your thoughts.

Don’t forget to stop by Thorsen Park for Chapter Q’s Round Up on 5/19. If you can’t make that, we hope to see you at Chapter S’s Spring Fling on the 20th in Owatonna. If you can’t attend either of these two events, check out Chapter O’s Bug Run on 6/23 and/or Chapter C’s Fundraiser in New Ulm on 6/24!

We want to share a couple of changes that recently occurred within Chapter O. As many of you may already know, John Wiggins stepped down as Chapter Director of Chapter O. We would like to congratulate and thank Duane and Deb Gohmann for stepping up as the new Chapter Directors. We believe they will do a great job after being mentored by John! We also extend our best wishes to Larry and Ellyn Venberg for stepping up as the new Assistant Chapter Directors. One last note – we also need to mention that when John stepped down as Chapter Director, he also took a step back up the ladder to accept the position of Chapter MEC! Thanks John!

This is a reminder to get your registration in for the District Rally/Convention July 27th and 28th in Alexandria. A full schedule of events is expected. Check back often for updates to the schedule, which will be available for your viewing in the next few days as we have to finalize a few things prior to posting.

By request, one of the events taking place both Friday and Saturday at the Rally will be the Scavenger Hunt, sponsored by the Downtown Merchants Association. A list of those participating merchants will be provided in your registration packet. We have received a great response from the merchants so, if you participate in the Scavenger Hunt, please make sure you thank them when you visit. Take some time and enjoy the shops of Downtown Alexandria!

I think that’s it for this time. Ride Safe and see you all soon!!

Scott & Joy

Hello Everyone!  First, we would like to thank everyone that attended the Spring Operations Meeting.  We’re pleased to say that every single Chapter in Minnesota was represented at the meeting!  Thank you for your support!

Following is a brief recap of the Meeting:

Rally Responsibilities

All Chapters – Registration

Chapter C – Bike Show / Mascot Judging

Chapter O – Off Bike Games

Chapter Q – Hot Dog Feed

Chapter R – Light Parade

Chapter S – On Bike Games

Chapters G, I, N and W – Assist with staffing/maintaining the Hospitality Area

Ride Leaders for the four (4) Friday night dinner rides:

Don & Lynn Johnson; Kevin & Cindy Heap; Mitch & Cheryl Brumitt; Members of Chapter C will also assist with 1 ride.

District Notes

Mark Privette did a great job on the MEC information.  If anyone would like a copy of his presentation or

handouts, please let us know and we’ll get it sent out.

Connie Richtmyre did a wonderful job reminding everyone of GWRRA’s 501 status and where to find

the resources to help keep our members educated.  If you need a copy of her information, let us

know.  We can send that, too.

Kevin Heap introduced our two new MFA Instructors – Kevin Tucker and Leonard Woelfel.  We would

like to thank both of them for stepping up and taking on this responsibility.

Tammy & Brian did an excellent job with LTP.  As indicated, there is a need for an LTP presenter in

Minnesota.  If anyone is interested in this position, please contact either Scott & me or Tammy

& Brian.  Also, suggestions for LTP subjects should be forwarded to Tammy & Brian.

Scott reiterated the importance of the MEC position and communication.  Remember, if you have a

complaint or issue, let us know and we’ll work together to handle it.  We thank all of you for the

great job you’re doing!!

Bruce Beeman, Region E Director, shared his thoughts about the importance of membership

recruitment and retention of new GWRRA members.  Without the members, GWRRA wouldn’t exist.

Chapter Events – See the District Calendar for further information on times and locations.

4/14 and 4/15 – Chapter R’s Mall Show

5/5 – Chapter I’s Mall Show in Grand Rapids

5/12 – Open House for New Honda dealership in Mankato

5/19 – Chapter Q’s Round Up

5/20 – Chapter S’s Spring Fling

6/23 – Chapter O’s Bug Run

6/24 – Chapter C’s Fundraiser

8/18 – Chapter R’s BS Session (Burgers & Sweet Corn)

8/19 – Chapter N’s Pic-Nic

9/15 – Chapter G’s Chilly Chili Run

Again, thank you to everyone who took time from their busy schedules to come to this meeting.

Scott & Joy Mattson

MN District Directors

The 2012 MN Rally Registration Form is now available on the District Rally Page.

There is also a link to a pdf version of the Rally Flyer that you can print and share. It may seem like July is a long way off, but it will be here before you know it.

Seasons greetings to everyone from you’re almost new District Directors! Joy and I wish to pass on to you our best wishes for this time of year! The bikes at our home are all put away and tucked in for the season but that has not deterred us about the upcoming year and how exciting it will be. Please look at the Rally page for a teaser for this years rally in Alexandria on July 27th and 28th. We have more details about the rally to finalize but we want to make sure everyone gets their hotel reservations in early. The Holiday Inn is very excited to host our rally again this year and has been very agreeable to our request’s for accommodations! They have extended their patio area so that it can accommodate an outside Hot-Dog roast. They even have an area already dedicated for a bike wash, not to mention a much larger area for vendors inside.

Joy and I are very excited about this years rally and wish to pass that enthusiasm on to everyone. Our main objective is that EVERYONE has a good time and to have fun.

Scott and Joy Mattson