History of GWRRA

1. History of GWRRA

2. Paul - Shirley

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. Paul’s First Gold Wing76 GL1000

7. Shirley’s Bike

8. 1977 Letter to All Gold Wing Owners

9. 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, 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.

10. 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 orcomments? Call me, Paul Hildebrand--9732357. See you there-- Ride safe!! The Boogie Bird (Guess who just got a CB?)

11. 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”

12. First GWRRA Meeting Location

13. 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

14. Secondary Goals • Improve public perception of motorcyclists • Support the Motorcycle Safety Foundation • An organization directed by the membership using the association concept • Family oriented

15. Ideals of GWRRA • The Member is most important • Serve them properly and “our” purpose and goals will be met • Meetings/Gatherings are for fun

16. First Home Office • Paul & Shirley’s Home

17. First Patches

18. GWRRA After One Year • Average age of riders was 38 • Growing rapidly • Don Farley had replaced John Mimm as Executive Director

19. History of GWRRA • 1979 • Monthly Newsletter “WING NEWS” • MOTTO : “FRIENDS FOR FUN, SAFETY AND KNOWLEDGE”

20. First Wing News Cover • 1979

21. First Wing Ding • 1979 - Points Resort – Phoenix, AZ • First Wing Ding Queen – Sherri Mason

22. 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

23. First Wing World • 1982

24. Second Home Office • 1983

25. 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

26. Home Office Today

27. 1993 Meeting • The Following Question was asked of Paul: • “WHERE ARE WE GOING AS AN ORGANIZATION?”

28. 1993 Meeting • Paul’s answer was quite simple: • “WHEREVER THE MEMBERS WANT IT TO GO”

29. Where are we now? • Members – 60,000 plus • Successful? • Member Driven • Numerous Benefits • Rider Education • Discounts • Friends

30. Summary • Dream of two people • Why is GWRRA Successful? • Concept: The Member is what and why we are • Paul and Shirley’s thoughts

31. Questions??