history of gwrra

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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

Gold Wing Road Riders Association

A GW University Training Seminar

History of GWRRA

Version 02.14 September 1994

Paul - Shirley


• To become better acquainted with the founders of GWRRA

• To learn the reason why GWRRA was established • To understand it’s Purpose and Goals

Objectives


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


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


Paul’s First Gold Wing76 GL1000


Shirley’s Bike


1977 Letter toAll 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, non-restrictive, fun typeassociation 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.



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 orcomments? Call me, Paul Hildebrand--9732357.

See you there--Ride safe!!The Boogie Bird(Guess who just got a CB?)



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”


First GWRRA Meeting Location


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


Secondary Goals

• Improve public perception of motorcyclists

• Support the Motorcycle Safety Foundation

• An organization directed by the membership using the association concept

• Family oriented


Ideals of GWRRA

• The Member is most important

• Serve them properly and “our” purpose and goals will be met

• Meetings/Gatherings are for fun


First Home Office

• Paul & Shirley’s Home


First Patches


GWRRA After One Year

• Average age of riders was 38• Growing rapidly• Don Farley had replaced John Mimm

as Executive Director


History of GWRRA

• 1979– Monthly Newsletter

“WING NEWS”• MOTTO :

“FRIENDS FOR FUN, SAFETY AND KNOWLEDGE”


First Wing News Cover

• 1979


First Wing Ding

• 1979 - Points Resort – Phoenix, AZ

• First Wing Ding Queen – Sherri Mason


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


First Wing World

• 1982


Second Home Office

• 1983


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


Home Office Today


1993 Meeting

• The Following Question was asked of Paul:– “WHERE ARE WE GOING AS AN

ORGANIZATION?”


1993 Meeting

• Paul’s answer was quite simple:

– “WHEREVER THE MEMBERS WANT IT TO GO”


Where are we now?

• Members – 60,000 plus

• Successful?

• Member Driven

• Numerous Benefits– Rider Education

– Discounts

– Friends


Summary

• Dream of two people

• Why is GWRRA Successful?

• Concept: The Member is what and why we are

• Paul and Shirley’s thoughts


Questions??

history of gwrra

Documents