| Our first Goldwing - '86 Gl-1200. Nicknamed "Goldie." Road Riders Phone number 931-205-6318 Shelbyville, Tennessee Email us, we can always find time for a ride. We have some of the greatest and scenic backroads there are to tour. This is an informal group of older adults who love to ride the roads, Everyone is welcome to join us as longs they abide by common sense and basic safety rules. Larry is an avid photographer and enjoys photographing flowers and Water Lillies. Be sure to turn your sound up.
| Wing Ding 32 e-News!
January 2010
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| | Wing Ding 32
June 30 - July 3, 2010
Iowa Events Center
833 5th Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309
GPS: 41.592266, -93.624263
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| What's Happening?
By know, most of you already know that one BIG family reunion is poised to happen on the banks of the Des Moines River in downtown Des Moines as Wing Ding 32 takes place next June 30 - July 3rd, 2010 at the Iowa Events Center!
Hotels are filling up quick so don't miss out on your chance to be in the middle of the action. Take advantage of the early-bird discounts, register online today and prepare to Meet in the Middle!
Many new and exciting events are in the works for this years Wing Ding, many of which are outlined in this newsletter as well as the continuation of our multi-part series of interesting rides on your way into Des Moines!
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| Des Moines is rolling out the red carpet for your arrival!
We have teamed up with the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau to make this Wing Ding extra special! Here are just some of the great events and happenings you can expect!
- Welcome Party at Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino! Featuring a private area for Wing Ding attendees, special parking, dedicated races, lessons on how to wager, a visit from a jockey or two and maybe even some ice cream and sweet corn! Located next to the Bass Pro Shop in Altoona, Iowa.
(Open to all registered attendees) - Grand Parade! The parade this year will go from the Iowa Events Center out to the community of Urbandale for their celebration/festival which will include the Drill Team performance, fireworks and more!
(Friday, July 2nd) - Stunt Shows! Registered attendees can see live motorcycle stunt shows by Professional Stunt Rider and World Record Holder Clint Ewing on his Honda CBR! (Thursday, July 1st). www.clintewing.com
- Comedy Entertainment! All registered attendees can enjoy the live comedy entertainment of the renowned Kermit Apio on Wednesday, June 30th immediately following the BBQ dinner. (tickets required for the dinner portion). www.ikerm.com
- Hotel Shuttles! Staying at one of the downtown hotels? Leave the bike covered and take a shuttle to the front door! Or walk in the climate-controlled comfort of the downtown skywalks!
Many other events and details are still in the works but this will give you an idea of the great things you can expect during Wing Ding 32! Save money and register today at www.wing-ding.org! |
Charity of Choice
Wing Ding's Charity of Choice this year is the Children & Families of Iowa. This agency is helping restore hope, building futures and changing lives for thousands of Iowans every year by providing shelter for victims of domestic abuse, programs for teens who need a second chance, counseling services that empower people to change their lives and low-cost childcare that prepares children to succeed.
This organization will be hosting an Open House for Wing Ding attendees on June 29, 2010 from 4:00pm - 5:30pm at their downtown Child Development Center. This center serves children from Des Moines' most distressed neighborhoods and homes surrounded by crime, drugs and poverty. CFI welcomes you to come tour their facility, visit with the kids and possibly bring donations or needed items.
For a complete list of needs, please visit their website by clicking here.
CFI will also have a donation drop box in the registration area throughout the event so save those unopened hotel toiletries or anything else you might be able to give!
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Unique Iowa Rides! Part Two
As part a multi-part series, we will be publishing several unique Iowa rides you may wish to experience on your journey to Wing Ding 32! This suggestion was submitted by the Des Moines Convention & Visitors Bureau with the help of some local GWRRA Members!
STARTING AT FORT MADISON, IA WITH A VARIANCE FROM ROUTE 1 THROUGH SOUTH CENTRAL/CENTRAL IOWA TO DES MOINES Head northeast of Fort Madison on the Great River Road (Hwy 61) to Burlington, home of Snake Alley. Then follow Hwy 34 west to Mount Pleasant, home of the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion. Follow Hwy 34 west to Fairfield, Iowa's emergent art scene. You might like to detour south of Fairfield on Hwy 1 to the Villages of Van Buren. Continue from Fairfield west to Ottumwa where the Des Moines River runs directly through the town. Another detour of interest between Fairfield and Ottumwa, via Hwy 16, is Eldon, home of the American Gothic House which was made famous by Iowan Grant Wood. On a visit to Blakesburg, off Hwy 34 on T61 between Ottumwa and Albia, you will find the Antique Air Museum, featuring various periods of aviation. It is approximately 20 minutes away from Ottumwa. Continue on Hwy 149/Hwy 23 northwest to Oskaloosa, home of the Nelson Pioneer Farm and Museum, a premier historic attraction. Take Hwy 163 to Pella where you will get the feel of Holland with everything from wooden shoes to Dutch letters. Pella is just 43 miles from Des Moines. Some points of interest along the way: FORT MADISON, IA: The historic downtown where Victorian architecture abounds, offers an array of specialty shops and five antique stores. The Old Santa Fe Depot Historic Center depicts the community's railroad history. The Santa Fe Bridge was originally built in 1888 and the current bridge was built in 1927. Measuring 525 feet, the bridge is the world's largest double-decker, swing span bridge. The top level accommodates automobile traffic while the lower level provides two tracks for railroad traffic. The bridge rotates to allow river traffic to pass safely. www.visitfortmadison.com BURLINGTON, IA: Visit Snake Alley, "the crookedest street in the world." Discover the Heritage Hill Historic District, museums, downtown shopping, and beautiful parks. Catch a minor-league baseball game, test your luck at Catfish Bend Casino, and experience the excitement of auto racing at 34 Raceway. www.growburlington.com MOUNT PLEASANT, IA: Share the charm and history of this rural community and admire the variety of architecture in the homes and businesses. Iowa Wesleyan College is the oldest chartered institution of higher learning west of the Mississippi. Visit the grounds to see the Harlan-Lincoln House, home to James Harlan, U.S. senator and friend to President Abraham Lincoln. Celebrate rural heritage during Midwest Old Threshers Reunion with steam trains and electric trolleys, and working steam engines. www.mountpleasantiowa.org; www.oldthreshers.org FAIRFIELD, IA: Iowa's foremost art colony, with diverse cultural events, international cuisine and home to Maharishi University of Management, founded by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Maharishi Vedic City, Iowa's newest city in 25 years, features unique Vedic architecture and an open-air observatory of masonry sundials, displaying the movements of the sun, planets, and stars. www.travelfairfieldiowa.com OTTUMWA, IA: A river town whose name means place of perseverance and land of rippling waters. Iowa's most famous Indian chiefs, Wapello, Keokuk and Appanoose, all settled here. Regional attractions include the American Gothic House, Wapello County Museum, and Antique Air Museum. www.visitottumwa.com OSKALOOSA, IA: There is something for everyone here, from the historic city square with the bandstand to a recreation trail that nearly loops the city. Visit the Nelson Pioneer Farm and Museum, one of the premier historic attractions in Mahaska County. The Nelson home and barn are the focal point of the museum and are designated National Historic Sites by the U.S. Department of Interior. www.oskaloosaiowa.org PELLA, IA: Pella's architecture gives you the feeling of Holland, along with wooden shoes, delicate Dutch pastries, the musically animated Klokkenspel, Molengracht canal with working drawbridge, and the tallest working windmill in the United States. Pella offers three designated Cultural Districts and beautifully landscaped parks with an array of color. Old World charm and annual tradition peaks in early May at Tulip Time Festival. Pella is also home to Pella Windows & Doors, one of the country's largest manufacturers. The Vermeer Museum & Global Pavilion chronicles the history of Vermeer Corporation and the development of its agricultural products such as the round baler, and industrial construction equipment including trenchers, boring equipment and environmental equipment. Enjoy a variety of outdoor recreation at nearby Lake Red Rock. www.pella.com; www.pellatuliptime.com; www.vermeer.com PRAIRIE CITY, IA: Begin with a visit to the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, and then enjoy four beautiful parks. The Prairie City Historical Society Museum offers a glimpse of the city's past. www.prairiecityiowa.us; www.fws.gov/Midwest/NealSmith Do More in Des Moines
For Travel information please contact: by phone: 511 or www.511ia.org. |
Gold Wing Road Riders Association
21423 N 11th Ave
Phoenix, Arizona 85027
Gold Wing Road Riders Association
623-581-2500 |
|  |  |  | Reserve Your Room!
Rooms are filling up quick so reserve yours today! Simply review the list and follow the links online using the code 2242. |
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| | As some of you know we have been talking about a ride in smokies in October, We done it! We rode and survived the Dragon's Tail without incident If you like a challenging ride with only 11 miles, but with over 300 curves, then this ride is for you. click on the following link for more info: http://www.tailofthedragon.com/ | 
Stop by our Tail of the Dragon Shop and see the new Tail of the Dragon art, a great photo op. This group from Wisconsin had the honor of the first photo with the Tail.
This superb metal work was created by Pete Macaluso who can do any kind of metalwork you might need.
SEE HIS WORK Custom Built Ornamental Iron
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If you like a little challenge with great scenry then this is the ride for you. click on this link for more info: http://www.cherohala.com/.  Here's the link to our trip:
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