Dear Fellow
Motorcyclist:
We would like to introduce you to
one of the fastest growing motorcycle organizations in North
America: the Gold Wing Touring
Association, or GWTA for short. It is an
American based organization having it's head office based in
Speedway, Indiana, and is a new concept in motorcycle riding with
about 11,000 members in the United States and Canada. The majority
of our members are owners of Honda
Gold Wings, but membership is open to anyone who
rides a touring motorcycle, regardless of brand.
GWTA
officially started in September 1987 when over 3,000 Gold Wing riders were
looking for an organization that was democratic and responsive to
the wants and needs of its members. As motorcyclists, they were
individuals who liked to associate with other motorcyclists, but
they also wanted to be able to ride off on there own as a solo
unit. The organization they were looking for would have to reflect
this individualism in its set-up as well as be responsive and
democratic in its nature and operation. When their search produced
nothing, the Gold Wing Touring
Association was formed. At last, an elite, family
oriented, fun filled organization run by the members for the
members.
The motto of GWTA is "Destination
Friendship" which alone, speaks for itself.
The cost of
joining the GWTA is
$35.00U.S. a year for a single membership and $45.00U.S. a year
for a family membership. The family membership includes two adult
and two children up to age eighteen. Generally, there are no
"dues" payable to associate with a Chapter, although each Chapter
may charge a nominal fee for their Newsletter. When you join our
organization, you may attend the meetings of any Chapter in the
U.S. and Canada.
Your membership fee includes:
- A pin
- A 4" crest
- A decal
- A monthly copy of Touring News, our organizational
magazine, containing information on upcoming events and
reports on Region happenings
- A membership card
- A toll free number to call when in need of help of members
in the area. This is invaluable in the event of a breakdown
when touring or just need some information to help a fellow
rider.
- You are also welcome to attend a yearly GWTA national gathering
called "Gold Rush" which is centred on a "host" hotel concept
in different parts of the U.S. and Canada.
Which brings us
to the main reason we get together; to ride our bikes. We schedule
a variety of rides, which start in April, ranging from an
afternoon ride, to a day ride, to a weekend ride. We always try to
keep the costs down when we plan our rides in order that all
members can participate. For example, we pack a lunch for a day
ride rather than incur the cost of eating in a restaurant. Once
the cold weather is upon us and riding our bikes is no longer safe
or feasible, we arrange a few get-togethers to help us get through
the long winter months.
We hope you can join us for coffee
nights on Thursdays (directions on front page) or attend a meeting
very soon to see what we are all about.
Whether or not you
decide to join GWTA,
enjoy motorcycling and ride safe!