Transcript HISTORY OF GWRRA

Gold Wing Road Riders
Association
A GW University Training Seminar
History of GWRRA
COPYRIGHT 2010 Gold Wing Road Riders Association, Inc. All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. No part of this publication
may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise, without the prior
written permission of the publisher.
Published by GWRRA, Inc. 21423 North 11th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85027 Fax 602-581-3844 Phone 800-843-9460, 623-581-2500
Version 02.14 January 2012
Paul - Shirley
 Version 02.14 September 1994
Objectives
• To become better acquainted with the
founders of GWRRA
• To learn the reason why GWRRA was
established
• To understand it’s Purpose and Goals
 Version 02.14 September 1994
Overview
• Every organization began as a dream.
The persons involved had a specific
purpose for establishing the
organization.
• We will explore thoughts and
information on how GWRRA has
developed into a family organization
and what makes it work
 Version 02.14 September 1994
In the beginning
• Paul and Shirley began their journey
into the motorcycle world
• Cycle 1 – 1972 Yamaha 350
• Cycle 2 – Suzuki 750
• Cycle 3 – 1976 RED GL1000 Gold Wing
 Version 02.14 September 1994
Paul’s First Gold Wing
76 GL1000
 Version 02.14 September 1994
Shirley’s Bike
 Version 02.14 September 1994
1977 Letter to
All Gold Wing Owners
 Version 02.14 September 1994
1977 Letter to
All Gold Wing Owners
Dear Fellow "Wing Nut",
You are invited to attend the first monthly meeting
of the GL Road Riders Association. "What Fun",
you say! "You ain't heard it all yet", we say.
It is our intention to form an informal, nonrestrictive, fun type
association of proud, unique, and special people-GOLD WING OWNERS!!!! People with whom we
can share impromptu rides, experiences, discuss
problems, find solutions, exchange ideas, save
money, and (most importantly) form new
friendships.
 Version 02.14 September 1994
1977 Letter to
All Gold Wing Owners
If this sounds like something you would enjoy,
join us Saturday morning for breakfast--June 4,
1977 at Denny's Restaurant, Black Canyon
Freeway at Dunlap, at 8:30 a.m. If you know other
Wing Nuts, please invite them along. Just look for
the "prettiest parking lot in town"!!!! Questions or
comments? Call me, Paul Hildebrand--9732357.
See you there-Ride safe!!
The Boogie Bird
(Guess who just got a CB?)
 Version 02.14 September 1994
History of GWRRA
• June 4, 1977
– Seven people met at a local Restaurant
and formed a Gold Wing Owners
Association Chapter
• By November, GWOA had financial
problems, so they formed their own
group and called it:
“Gold Wing Road Riders Association”
 Version 02.14 September 1994
First GWRRA Meeting
Location
 Version 02.14 September 1994
Purpose and Goals of
GWRRA
• To be an association of Gold Wing
motorcycle owners & operators
• To provide a social organization for
pleasure, recreation, safety, and
information exchange
• To provide an environment for
camaraderie, and friendship of Members
 Version 02.14 September 1994
Secondary Goals
• Improve public perception of
motorcyclists
• Support the Motorcycle Safety
Foundation
• An organization directed by the
membership using the association
concept
• Family oriented
 Version 02.14 September 1994
Ideals of GWRRA
• The Member is most important
• Serve them properly and “our”
purpose and goals will be met
• Meetings/Gatherings are for fun
 Version 02.14 September 1994
First Home Office
• Paul & Shirley’s Home
 Version 02.14 September 1994
First Patches
 Version 02.14 September 1994
GWRRA After
One Year
• Average age of riders was 38
• Growing rapidly
• Don Farley had replaced John Mimm
as Executive Director
 Version 02.14 September 1994
History of GWRRA
• 1979
– Monthly Newsletter
“WING NEWS”
• MOTTO :
“FRIENDS FOR FUN, SAFETY
AND KNOWLEDGE”
 Version 02.14 September 1994
First Wing News Cover
• 1979
 Version 02.14 September 1994
First Wing Ding
• 1979 - Points Resort – Phoenix, AZ
• First Wing Ding Queen – Sherri Mason
 Version 02.14 September 1994
Notable Early Events
• 1979
– 1200 Members
– Expanded into Canada
• 1981
– Incorporated as Not-For-Profit (501C-4)
– Established Rider Education Program
• 1982
– 16,000 Members
• 1983
– Safe Miles Program
 Version 02.14 September 1994
First Wing World
• 1982
 Version 02.14 September 1994
Second Home Office
• 1983
 Version 02.14 September 1994
Other Notable Events
• 1988
– Rider Ed Levels Program added
– Couple of the Year replaced Wing Ding
Queen
• 1992
– Leadership Training Division
• 1996
– Membership Enhancement Division
 Version 02.14 September 1994
Home Office Today
 Version 02.14 September 1994
1993 Meeting
• The Following Question was asked of
Paul:
– “WHERE ARE WE GOING AS AN
ORGANIZATION?”
 Version 02.14 September 1994
1993 Meeting
• Paul’s answer was quite simple:
– “WHEREVER THE MEMBERS WANT IT
TO GO”
 Version 02.14 September 1994
Where are we now?
• Members – 60,000 plus
• Successful?
• Member Driven
• Numerous Benefits
– Rider Education
– Discounts
– Friends
 Version 02.14 September 1994
Summary
• Dream of two people
• Why is GWRRA Successful?
• Concept: The Member is what and
why we are
• Paul and Shirley’s thoughts
 Version 02.14 September 1994
Questions??
 Version 02.14 September 1994