New York Chapter "W"

Gold Wing Road Riders Association

Rochester, NY

It's Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas...

Ok, so you really think you have been good boys and girls and think Santa owes you something, right?! Well I was asked by one of Santa's helpers to put together a Christmas goodie list for all of you good boys and girls on motorcycles. You may even want to pass this on to your significant other so you won't end up with another batch of coal in your stocking!

GPS - Global Positioning System have come down in price and can be great if you are on the road and do the manly thing and not ask for directions. This devise can get you where you want to go and maintain your 'I know where we are' status.

Battery Minder - A great idea for keeping your bike charged up and ready to go when you are charged up and ready to go in the spring. Most have hookups that can be attached to the battery and plugged in all winter long. They will automatically maintain your battery without the danger of overcharging it.

Digital Camera - We all love our trips and want to remember them, but we tend to forget the film, right? Get a digital camera and fire away. Most have enough memory to take many memorable photos and can be downloaded to your computer for viewing after you are home. The best part is you can take you photos and determine right then if they are keepers or delete them instantly.

Horn - Yes we all have horns but they are not loud enough for most motorists to really hear us. Some have used air type horns or aftermarket horns with more of an attitude. Loud pipes don't save lives, but loud horns may help save yours.

Crush Resistant Hat - Most of us take baseball hats with us to cover helmet hair or the lack of hair. Another option is a crush resistant brimmed hats that work much better to keep the sun off our necks and protect us better from the rain (liquid sun).

Bandanna - Finally the most overlooked and handiest item may just be the lowly bandanna. This can be tied around your neck to prevent sunburn, cover your neck from the wind and cold, used as a handkerchief, clean your windshield or wash your bike. Use it with your helmet or your spiffy crush resistant hat. It can also be used to have the cowboy look that is all the rage, somewhere.

Ear Plugs - A pair of disposable ear plugs will help you from hearing loss over a period of time. It will also help you from wind noise that will also tire you out. It may also help drown out that extra talkative passenger as a bonus!

Stuff Sacks - Inexpensive stuff sacks that are also waterproof can be very handy. It helps to keep your clean clothes and dirty ones separate. Store your camera or other items that may get wet in the sack for safe keeping as well. There are also inexpensive plastic tubs for other items as well.

Throttle Rocker - A curved devise that slips onto the throttle to rest your hand on. This can be used when you don't want to use your cruise control. This is will also reduce cramping in your hand as you don't grip the throttle as hard.

Tank bag - All right, so Goldwingers tend to over pack, so what. Get a tank bag and store the items you may need most often. It is easy access and this just may be your bag. Camera, money for tolls, sunglasses or things you want quick access to. Keep in mind when you park, it is also easy access for the less than desirable types to access as well.

Rain gear - The most over looked item for keeping warm and dry. Not only handy when it rains, it can be worn over your outer gear for an extra layer of warmth. Get a high quality one that won't self destruct at highway speeds. Carry it and use it so you don't look like a drip.

I know this is a short list but Santa is trying to save money this year! Hopefully this list will give you some ideas for stocking stuffers for all good boys and girls in the chapter. For the others, don't bring your coal to the next meeting as a raffle gift, ok?!

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and may all your wishes come true.

Practice Safe Riding

Gary Mandak

Chapter "W" Educator