Your Incredible Neighbors: Gold Wing Road Riders form local chapter

A local group may call themselves “retired,” but that doesn’t mean being retired from their recreational passion of motorcycling.

Last year, a new chapter of the international Gold Wing Road Riders Association formed in Green Valley; it’s officially known as Chapter G or AZ-G to designate the state.

Founded in 1977, GWRRA has more than 80,000 members worldwide. Director of the new chapter Carl Welch said the Green Valley chapter is dedicated to the GWRRA motto: Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge and is welcoming new members.

Qualifications for full membership include owning a Honda Gold Wing motorcycle; owners of any other motorcycles qualify for associate membership.

“Gold Wing motorcycles are known as ‘touring’ cycles— and they’re made in Ohio… yes, a Japanese motorcycle manufactured in the United States,” Welch said proudly.

Over the years, he’s owned several motorcycles but bought his first Gold Wing in 2004. Chapter member Hal Jewell owns a 2006 Gold Wing and the two are looking forward to the chapter’s first event ?— planned for April 20 — a poker run.

“Starting and finishing at the Longhorn Restaurant in Amado, riders will ride through four stops. At each stop, riders and co-riders will draw a card. There’ll be three cash prizes for the best five-hand, second best and low best,” Welch explained. He said the event is open to the public and includes auto drivers as well as motorcyclists.

Starting at 8 a.m. with staggered starts, the poker run will feature vendors at the Longhorn who will be offering jewelry, leather goods, T-shirts and other items.

More than focusing on events only for motorcyclists, Jewell said, the chapter is looking into hosting a fundraising event to benefit the local community.

Focusing on camaraderie and fellowship for both men and women motorcyclists who love the air-in-your-face thrill of motorcycling, benefits of membership include rider education to promote safety.

Asked why motorcyclists in Arizona aren’t required to wear a helmet, Welch said there was a law at one time but it was repealed in the 1970s.

“Most Gold Wing riders wear helmets. Those who don’t, we call ‘em Organ Donors,” he said.

Asked what they would like the public to know about the GWRRA, Jewell said, “Bikes aren’t bad; not all bikes are loud. Gold Wing Hondas are quiet. We’re a group of individuals who like to ride; we like to ride together and we like to ride safely.”

Welch said motorcycling is about being out in the open and being aware of the environment vs. being enclosed in an auto. “After flying or hang gliding it’s riding a motorcycle. It’s the freedom… and the awareness of everything around you.”

The Green Valley chapter meets on the second Saturday of the month at 8 a.m. at the San Ignacio Golf Club Grill at 4201. S. Camino del Sol. There are no costs for the meetings.

For further information, contact Carl Welch at 520-548-0223 or cd1_azg@att.net.

Ellen Sussman is a freelance writer in Green Valley. Contact her at ellen2414@cox.net.