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GWRRA Calls It QUITS! No More Wing Ding | Cruiseman's Moto vlogs
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 มิ.ย. 2022
- I attend (briefly) the LAST Wing Ding ever as GWRRA ceases operations.
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I have been a member of GWRRA for 12 years. I too was never a joiner, but chose to take a chance with this one. I have to say, I have no regrets. I ride a 2003 GL1800 and my wife rides a 2013 F6B. We decided to get involved and held several positions from the Chapter level to the State and Region levels. What we found was a great group of people that we have been able to call friends and in many cases family. Yes, the higher up the ladder one got, the more politics one saw, but that is no different in any organization.
I will miss what we stood for, “Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge”. We taught riders how to be safe, taught good riding skills along with how to deal with issues through life as a volunteer. When the volunteer positions started to have quotas, mandates and penalties, we chose to step away from that aspect of it. Our local Chapter was the last one standing in the Denver area which we are proud of. We will probably still meet monthly until we decide how we will move forward. Many of us meet every Saturday mornings for breakfast at Rosie’s Diner in Aurora, CO not because it was part of GWRRA, but because these people are our friends and our gold wing family that we care for and enjoy being around. The bikes brought us together, but the friendships keeps us together.
GWRRA will be missed, but we still have the friendships, the one’s that last a life time. See you on to road!
Sleigh Ride
My one and only Wing Ding was in Nashville in 2019. The highlights of this trip was meeting Cruiseman and Memphis Mike. I’m sorry to see this event come to an end but at least I attended one. Thank you GWRRA and God Bless.
Harley rider here. Had a 3 year fling with two Goldwings starting with a new '93 Interstate. Fantastic bike! Went to Wingding that year (or 94) in SC. I was knocked out! I had NO idea there were that many Hondas up and running. I think there were maybe 8 to 10000 bikes there. I guess I thought only Harleys lasted and became classics. DUH! I saw bikes in the parking lots that were mind-blowing. It put Harley rallies to shame! You know, black t-shirts, wet t-shirts, beer, old and new parts more beer and a band. So now I'm retired and thought "I'll go to the next wingding." Sad to learn that it's petered out and died. Harley swap meets are dying too. A lot of things in America are dying.
Wow, the end of an era. I was a member about 20 years ago but let it lapse when I sold my Valkyrie Interstate. I just bought an '03 GL1800 and found this video when I went looking to find where Wing Ding was going to be this year. I think you're right, the last Wing Ding that I was at did seem to be geared toward the older riders, primary focus certainly felt like it was for retired people. This is sad, hopefully I can find a good community of support on one of the owner group forums.
I’ve been a GWRRA member since 1980. I was a founding Area Representative (precursor to Regional Director) for the Southeast in the early 1980s. I’ve remained a member only for Wing World magazine because the GWRRA lost its focus many years ago due to stupid management decisions. Back then the focus was on the bike. We had maintenance weekends, poker runs, bike shows at local malls, weekend chapter cookouts, etc.. Years ago the focus shifted from the bike to what I call the “individual” mentality. The focus turned commercial and to “rider levels.” When that happened chapter meetings began to just piss me off. At no meeting I attended after I felt they lost focus was the bike even mentioned. The best wing ding I remember was at Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri. Most fun I’ve had out of bed ever. We rode as a chapter from Charlotte, North Carolina. We stayed at a campground there and even though it was hot as hell we had tons of fun. Trade show took up the whole convention center and installations were held on two floors of the parking garage. Pinstripes, seat installers, all vendor were selling and installing their bling, test rides, etc..
I’ve been a member since 2019 and youngest couple at every state rally we go to and we’ve never felt like you sir
My wife and I are currently couple of the year and Asst Chapter Directors and hate the news like everyone but we still have each other’s friendship
and we all can still do everything you said you used to do
Thanks for laying the groundwork for people like myself and others because nothing is ever perfect but GWRRA is special and definitely doesn’t deserve to be kicked when it’s down
Wishing you are your chapter the best and positive my friend 😁
@@mikedunn2022 - No, shit… Of course you did not feel like him… You become a member to spike your marriage. And cud not care less about the bikes. Only about your friendship, and you, your life and your marriage. Then it is not about the bikes. And people stop coming. And you destroyed it…
That is why other bike clubs do not make their clubs into marriage clubs, and partner clubs. That is how you wreck them.
@@Gismo3333 wow
Yeah...those WERE the days!
(Ohio chapter K charter member-1984)
I've owned 2 wings (2012 and 2021 DCT) and have been riding Hondas since 1966. My wife and I were GWRRA members for a year...went to 2 local meetings in SC. Seemed like all they wanted to do was ride somewhere to eat. We're also avid bicyclists, so riding to eat on a bicycle is understandable, but on a motorcycle, not so much--every time! We really hated to lose the annual Honda Hoot in 2008. We went to several in Asheville, NC and Knoxville, TN and loved those events!! Tried 3 Wing Dings (Knoxville and Nashville) and purchased two Time Out trailers and some other cool stuff, but after the Nashville one, neither of us had any desire to go back. SO GLAD we didn't go to this years event. Long, hot ride. We live in the mountains of NC to enjoy cooler rides on the twisties--not long, hot rides on the interstate. We want to try the event in upstate NY next year, though. Like you, CM, we're more solo riders than group riders, so we'll just wave at the other bikers as we see them. Life and riding goes on...Wing Ding or no.
Rarely was a Wing Ding rally held here out west. Quit GWRRA because all we did was eat. I came up with a list of suggested day rides but no takers. Had enough
Don Wilson
I enjoyed the honest comments; I will miss the comradery and the good times at the shows. We are all getting older, and the next generation is not following us. They don't know what they are missing.
There were alot of Wing riders in the 1980s and 1990s. Alot of them died off. When i ride my Wing i see very few Wings on the road. There are so many different models now. Adventure bikes are real popular now and i ride one myself.
I have been a member of GWRRA for 30 years as of last March. I joined a local chapter in March of 1992 and rode lots of miles, met a lot of great people, and have a ton of memories. We have had many meetings over the years of riding safety. Learning to ride safe was a top priority. I never got to go to a Wing Ding. I hope to still meet with local chapter members for rides and social events. I am sorry to see the organization close.
I remember the GWRRA Wing Dings back in the early 1990s and the were hugh. Even Wings over the Smokey’s used to attract 8,000 attendees. Surprised to learn of the demise of the GWRRA rally’s.
Charging the vendors is opposite of how vendors should be encouraged to participate. I only participate in these type events if there are several vendors in attendance. Vendors need to be subsidized by Honda in this particular case if the event anticipates success.
You are spot on with your comments. I came from Wisconsin, looking at maybe having a few items installed on my bike. And then disappointed that spots were all filled up as staff was limited. Also, where was Goldstrike? The biggest show for Goldwings and they were not there. They were set up at Sturgis, had somethings installed by a person that did not know Goldwings. They were set up at other motorcycle shows this summer. but not Wingding.
I did meet a bunch of new riders and had some great meals!
I enjoy your what you do and also enjoy your test comparisons of other bikes...Keep on doing what you do!
Thanks for the ride-along, anxiously awaiting your comparison of the GTL1600 and the Goldwing, at 9:54 it sure is easy to see which one would feel more top-heavy.
I went to two Wingdings. One in Wisconsin and another in South Carolina some years ago. They were fun, but like you I’m not much of a club guy. I moved to NC a few years ago and was contemplating buying another GW. I tried contacting the local club chapter twice and never heard back from them. Eventually I tried Honda’s NC700/750 with the DCT and discovered a midsize bike is a better fit for my riding style. If Honda ever brings the NT1100 DCT to the US, I will have my forever bike.
I’ve been a member since 2005. Going to miss the wing world magazine and the goldbook services. The org was great you could go to or choose to not go to the local chapters. And doing so didn’t cost you anything else. I liked it as it was a venue that was not centered around beer, bikes and b__bs. And it didn’t feel like everyone was trying to up testosterone everyone else. It focused on safety. And it provided MSF courses and cpr courses at a good discount to members. I enjoyed going to the Wingdings when I could and enjoyed trips getting to the event. I also enjoyed the internal Air Condition halls for the vendors. Nice to shop and not get heat exhaustion in the process. I have to admit back in 2005 was the best one I’ve attended with the vendors. I understand that the vendors support reduced every year and to fill vacancies to support the enormous cost to rent the facilities that they opened the doors to other non motorcycles centered vendors. Complain if you must but last HD event I attended was just as bad. More clothing and apparels than bike parts. At the core it was great and some got their feelings hurt in one way or another. But can’t please everyone all the time. If you’ve never been a member and got to really know the organization, and only been to the vendors, then you have no basis to complain. I do think that they could have scaled down, as the membership reduced and other means to cut the cost. Passed the torch to another group GWT for the mag and gold book instead of just slamming the door totally. I used the gold book on several occasions and I got ideas and help reading the articles in wing world. That I’ll miss the most.
I agree with you.
Loved to go back when they held it at the plant in Marysville. Sweet rides over to the engine plant and Ohio was great weather. There.....now I'm showing my age.
Honda Homecoming. I was lucky to have gone there about 4 times.
Well said!! I totally agree, I had the opportunity to go to the Wing Ding in Nashville a few years back and It was ok, I was expecting something more better.
Cruiseman - Great to meet you in person at my first (and last) Wingding! I completely agree with your assessment of the event this year. I've only been a GW rider since 2020 so I have nothing to directly compare it to, but the event felt small and sad. From all I've read about Wingding over the years it was a real disappointment. Hopefully something better will rise from the GWRRA ashes.
Hello Cruiseman. My first and last Wingding show was that one in Shreveport. I did see you, looked like you where keeping busy working on helmet intercom. The cost was $15 to get in. I walked through the whole show in 30 minutes.
I live in Philadelphia, lots of miles for that nothing event. No Honda dealerships with new bikes. I would never go to another myself unless it where close to Philly. Some where saying the price of fuel this year keep many from traveling.
I went on to New Mexico and have now returned to Pennsylvania. I was shocked to see all the auto dealerships with 1/4 full lots or less. All their cars where pulled forward towards the road, but empty parking lots behind. Every town in ever State was the same. The years ahead are going to be hard and lean for America
i just did Americade in lake george NY and it was the same experience. it used to be huge but now it's a shell it's former self. one seat manufacturer and not a single tire company. i think the town was also to blame. in the past, main street would be lined with bikes parked, rear wheel to the curb, and you could just watch the parade of bikes down main st for hours. now you had to pay $10 just to park on the street. in the past, you had to make motel reservations a year in advance. this year i saw many motels with vacancy signs
It’s sad that costs have diminished vendor participation. I’ve seen this in other activities. When a venue is selected without thought of weather, area attractions and rider population, this happens. When you have limited participation, vendors don’t want to return. As you said it costs them money just to get there. It sounds like they had a good thing going at one time but, it ran its course.
My guess is that they knew months ago or even last year that this would be the last one. They were just sucking as much $$$ as they could at the end.
@Cruiseman's Garage if true, that’s a poor way of going out after 43 years. I do appreciate your honest reviews of products and events.
Cruiseman, I agree with the organization lost its appeal to the type of rider like myself that rides a 2018+ Goldwing. The type of riding I do is more comparable to the riding of BMWMOA. When you have a more diverse base, they needed to find that balance.
You hit the nail on the head and I could tell you were holding back a bit 😂. I almost decided to come down for a quickie just to meet up with folks I know, but I do not think i could bare to see the tragedy and waste a lot of $$$. It was time. Nashville was disappointment as well except i got EC lights installed, which was 95% of why I went. At some point, you just gotta let go of the 8 track tapes and VHS movies and move forward, metaphorically speaking! Been a helluva 2 1/2yrs for us, and I am ready to get back into my groove. Wing fork seals fixed, my foot healed up from being broken, and I retired from UPS. Life is Good!
Hope you are doing well, miss your video’s
@@randyhickman604 Thank you
Randy. it has been a rough 2.5yrs for us.things are looking up good and i just retired! hoping to dust off the camera gear and maybe get back into some videos very soon.
@@MemphisMike901 glad to hear things are on the upswing for you! Congrats on retirement, I’m going to 3 days a week at the 1 st of the year myself
@@randyhickman604 good for you!
We will come back in Texas wait and see working on it now. And won’t turn our back on members like Gwrra did!
Totally agree with you Cruiseman. Thanks for the video.
I remember when the wing dings came to Fort Wayne Indiana a couple of years in a row.
The owner of our Harley-Davidson dealer also owned the Honda dealership the buildings were side by side. So our Harley Owners Group which was Mad Anthony would go and welcome them to Fort Wayne and tell them some good places to ride and eat. We really enjoyed visiting with you wing ding people. I am sorry to hear they are no more.
I’m glad Niehaus got a plug. It’s where I bought my GW. Great people
As someone who just started motorcycling this year I say it’s bs that this is happening and that Honda is discontinuing the goldwing before I ever even got a chance to join the party.
There are plenty of Wings out there. And I think they last a very long time. I read in Wing World magazine that one GW owner just passed 700,000 miles recently.
It’s a great machine.
I have a 2008 GL 1800 and love it.
That’s something. I never got a chance to go. I heard of the complaints of having it in the middle of summer. A lot of old riders wanted it scheduled in September or October. Frankly, the younger Goldwing riders would go for that as well in a location not so hot 🥵. I’m from Ohio and we use to have something here called Honda Coming Home in Marysville Ohio at the Honda plant where the Goldwings and VTX models were manufactured. You could tour the plant and watch them construct the bikes I remember meeting a gentleman from Minnesota with a first year model Goldwing there. That was a sight to see. Maybe you could do something like that. You have a big following on your channel. I know I’ve learned how to fix my Goldwing by watching your videos! 😁
I hope that bad highway in Shreveport didn't destroy your suspension. Worst highway in America.
The association did not take feedback seriously so they kept losing membership and participation. I joined in 2007 and dropped in 2009. Fast forward to 2019 and I attended a meeting again. Nothing had changed so I did not sign back up.
I'm in Pa and on my first Wing (09) and was interested to go to wingding until they announced it was going to be in Shreveport. I said well I will wait til next year and hope it's not somewhere as hot. Hearing what you saw there makes me glad I didn't make the trip. Sad I will never get to go to one so I will make Americade in NY my goto for next year.
I bought my Goldwing Nov 20. Never had the chance, or made the time to go to a Wing Ding. Kind of bummed that I won't get the chance now. But after your thought and comments on the last one. I guess it's no big loss on my part.
I too was wanting to experience a Wing Ding and was hoping to go in 2023. I really didn’t want to go this year due to location.
I was once a member of chapter B from Garland Texas and I was also the youngest member by at least 20 years. I found out many of our rides would take us hours to get just a couple hundred miles because of the frequent stops. On my GTL I would routinely do 300 in a day just to go to breakfast or lunch somewhere. Now I do this on the back of my GS Adventure. I think it was just a club that's been somehow kept Alive by the old timers who reminisce about the old GL1500 and 1800 days.
My brother and I were Radio DJs back in the 80's, 90's and 2000s. I remember we had a station that played 50's and 60's back in the early 80s. My dad loved that station. That is now gone and so is my dad. There is no money in that DEMO. Now they play 80's and 90's. Here in a few years, that will go away as well. Sad but we all age and become worthless to advertisers and trends change. I would not be surprised if Honda kills the Goldwing as well. Even with the DCT....It may not be enough. ****Me and my brother were to ride from San Antonio to the Wing Ding. Sort of a birthday ride for us (we're twins). Something told us to take a cruise instead. I am glad we did not go. The GWRRA were scraping the barrel here at the end. I do give them some credit. Safe riding!
I'm afraid you're right about the changing demographic of Goldwing riders/owners. I believe even us 60+ riders are finding it increasingly difficult justifying the time and expense to attend a Wingding. I was a GWRRA member back in the late 90's-early 2K's and for me, when you start chipping away at all the reasons for wanting to attend a Wingding bit by bit, year by year, the end is inevitable. Less vendors, higher prices, fewer seminars and fewer attendees makes it really not worth the time and effort for both vendors and attendees. Sad, because you truly do want to support the event. I made some awesome new friends back in my GWRRA days and we had some awesome rides together. However, I believe if GWRRA continues, it could use some rebranding and refocusing on what riders of all ages truly want and need.
Totally correct. This was my first Wing Ding. I texted a friend and told him I was the youngest person there and I'm 57.
I was the youngest there… 53.
@@edwardkellar8835 I look 49 lol
I just turned 51 and was there. Gen-Xers certainly felt young here. My friend and myself decided that we wouldn’t be back to another unless it was very close before we found out this was it. The trade show was a joke this year.
Cruiseman, I just got here, think I’m not gonna go, I’ll go see James Burton museum, and go home. Thanks for the information. Ride safe.
I did not see you there, I agree with you about the expo.
I’m a member but tried a chapter in 2013 but did not stay. Like you not a big club guy or big group guy. Last time I went was 2014. I agree with you on your assessment.
Was a charter member of Ohio charter K, GWRRA. Way back in '84.
Quickly discovered it was for me either. Still the end is a bit sad.
You right, it is a different world.
Your comments are on point. I joined GWRRA and left the group three different times. No real room for the single rider. Local here in Cincinnati never really offered much encouragement for membership. I went to many rallies and vendors kept getting smaller and smaller. Our chapter's demographics got older and older. E-2 wasn't welcoming. I'm not surprised GWRRA is dead
Started years ago for a local Chapter in TX. Moved from a GWRRA AZ Chapter to a GWTA chapter that we created. Left the GWTA group several years ago as few were interested in actual riding due to age. Rejoined GWRAA just for the Road Assist program. I ride with a very active local group of riders (all bikes) here in AZ now so ..... I won't miss GWRRA. The GWTA group is still an option for Goldwing Riders hunting for an organized group. I went to one Wingding many years ago in MO, so got that itch scratched early on to never attend another one.
Great video blog!! I agree 100%. I don’t mind paying a few bucks to help cover costs etc. But to pay some stupid cost to enter a gate or building to purchase a product???
I went to my first Wing Ding last year in Springfield, MO. I am from there so it was basically just running across town. I was disappointed with the trade show to say the least. Everything about the experience reminded me of how conventions were ran 20 years ago. Paper tickets for random drawings, a paper print out of the floor map. In this day and age, there are many companies that will digitize all of that info and make it so much easier. Even the registration was confusing. Everyone I met was incredibly nice. I definitely enjoyed the people. Overall, it just felt unorganized or something. Sorry to see them close up shop, but I feel like they could have had a great convention even if they would just focus on bringing in the TH-cam content creators alone. So many missed opportunities of having some really great panel discussions with those personalities. Reach out to all of the brand suppliers and allow them to advertise even if they couldn’t place a booth at the conference. Just make them offer a discount for Wing Ding attendees or something. Just seems like more could have been done.
Hello! I hear ya loud and clear on that one! We used to have a bike show around here, $10 for parking and $18 to get in the actual show, most of the stands did not sell directly to the public....What?????!!.....yep, what a concept ..Haw!
Needless to say, no more bike show around here ! Now we have a swap meet, man oh man what a concept !! 100K of population around these parts and we get close to 10K going to the swap meet in one day ! The place is packed solid, tables and stand spots are $35 and $65 , parking is free and door fee is $8 .
People will actually trade you for what you have for what you need, if they need it of course, there's a guy that travels 300 miles just to sell tires(truck load) and the prices are great! They come from everywhere! I just love that spring swap meet!
Thanks for the vid ! be well.
I went to a couple BMW rallies a few years ago. I met some local riders at one of the events and we had a great time but it was more about meeting and hanging with them rather than the rally itself. If I’m traveling to a rally, I’m interested in riding the area, not going to vendors and all that stuff. Long story short, I can get everything I want out of motorcycling without going to a rally.
Love from DeKalb Mississippi USA 🇺🇸
They should have the Wing Ding in the Fair grounds ( County or State )of the State they choose so it can be mostly an outside event with camping available. I think that's how it started out. But it's sad to see it fizzle out. I think you are right Cruisman about age. Back in it's prime wing ding was pretty busy and now those people are to old to attend who will fill their shoes? Thanks for another great video. 👍
Agreed that the wingding was disappointing. I miss the Honda Hoot, it was light years better than wingding. Being able to test ride bikes at the Hood Hoot was awesome. The Honda Hoot in Knoxville TN in 2006ish was my first ride on a goldwing. I purchased a 2008 Goldwing in 2008 and have loved it ever since.
I personally miss the Honda Hoots that were in Asheville NC I attended several back in late 90’s and early 00’ never went again when it moved to Knoxville then it just went away :(
They should have held their rally’s in Montana. Great rides.
In Toronto…no way to that far for no great riding … thank you for the info… I am glad I didn’t go!
Sad but that’s what happens when you can’t keep up the membership. Cruiseman can you direct me to your vlog that show how you fix a flat tire - I really like how you use the drill to make it easier to put in the plug.
I also do not like to travel with alot people just one or two can not wait to retire in 2 more years so I can go every where and not worry about work. Do not worry about clubs or Big meets just go out and enjoy your ride at your own pace.
You sound like me. I'm not much for joining groups, and only barely riding in groups. I've heard for the last few years that the trade show sucked. I really wanted to go to one, but it needed to be decent.
Great Video
Over the years there has not been a single convention/rally/gathering of motorcycles that has grown; they have all shrunk. My first Wing Ding had over 10,000 attendees, now the GWRRA has less than that total members.
Remember the Laughlin River Run held every April in Nevada? I think that there were 12 manufactures and major parts companies at the first River Run I went to, the last had none and I've never gone back.
I agree that we don't need jewelry, candles, perfume, pillows or toffee (etc) booths at motorcycle shows. If they price the accessories business out of the hall then attendees will not come back.
I joined GWRRA foe one year when I bought a GW in 2003. The ‘couple of the year’ contest and the ice cream rides were a turn off. So was being among people who pulled trailers with half a garage full of gear.
Later I bought A BMW and joined that marque’s club. And even later bought several Harleys and joined HOG. I learned that I’m not a group ride guy, a merit patch wearing guy, or someone who does bar rides, poker rides, etc. I just don’t like group rides because everyone is at the mercy of the worst rider in the group, or plows into someone else’s misfortune. I’m back on a Wing now, and have stopped joining riders’ groups. To each his or her own, I think.
The same thing has happened to the BMW events very few vender’s low turnout’s.
I was a GWRRA member for about 6-7 years. Never joined a chapter but felt good to be part of something. At least until it didn’t feel good any more. Clubs are just not my thing.
Agree ! You have to have a reason to belong. Harley's HOG at one time did that the best. They to have lost focus. This "sport " has become very expensive and Joe Lunchbucket is not the mainstream rider anymore.
Trade shows for the most part have died. I used to love going to MacWorld but it went downhill and got cancelled after even Apple pulled out. Similar thing has happened with the bi-annual Sydney motorcycle show. Used to be huge and lots of vendors with all kinds of gear at special prices. Last one I went to in 2017 had few vendors and big names like Indian were not even there. I had hoped to get a new summer riding jacket but I ended up buying it from Revzilla and getting it shipped to Sydney. Then the show moved out of Sydney about 100KLM south to a semi rural area. I haven't been back and can't see myself ever going again.
I'm also not one for group rides. I prefer to ride alone or with two or three buddies at the most.
Sorry I didn't get to meet you here. I didn't know that GWRRA was charging that much for the vendor to rent a both. Since this was the last one they should have had a lot more vendors here, I was so disappointed in this Wing Ding here and I came from Atlanta Georgia. So what will be up next for the Goldwing Ridders.
Now would be a great time for a new Honda Riders Club to form. Don't concentrate only on Goldwings. A larger pool of owners would form with benefits for all. Harley and BMW do not have model specific clubs, and they are successful.
I take my hat off to you for hanging around for the whole event, the only good thing was I nice cruise on your bike. If they don’t progress with the times then they will go of the DODO bird. It lends itself for a better more upto date form of communications as get together via a internet based website( just a thought ), where events / group ride events / promotional items could be reviewed and sold at a discount ect ) looking forward to your review on the BMW.
Sorry for all the grammatical & spelling mistakes, my iPad had a problem so I had to purge my software of bugs. The Honda is a DCT not DCCT- please forgive me for not spell checking before posting.
I agree with you on this
Back in 1993 I attended my first Wing Ding and it was impressive. Just short of 10k in attendance and tons and tons of all kinds of Wings. I was a life member until about 2 years ago and even then the only thing holding me was Wing World. But when they became a multi mark magazine and those jewelry adds and easy chair adds started to appear, I figured it was time to bow out. There were many reasons (IMO) why GWRRA met their demise and most anyone that was really involved in it knew why. I was asst Chapter Director of ILA2 for a few years ILA2. When I took it over it had 7 members and we grew that to over 80 members at it's peak in just a few short years. It was one of the largest Chapters in the GWRRA organization with 80+ members in it's hay day. We threw GWRRA out and went with a different organization due to all the increased required training and lack of support to the local chapters. I'm sad to see it go as we had many good times with our group and I met a lot of very nice people who are still friends to this day. But really, even with the demographic changing, they can only blame themselves. Having non bikers run the office and magazine was a very poor choice and only contributed to the demise and when the yearly rally is selling pots and pans, jewelry, and the like, what do you expect will happen. I have spoken with many vendors who said that the juice just wasn't worth the squeeze anymore due to high cost of attending. Like the man said, when one door closes, another opens...
I was at the reading in Shreveport that wasn't my first one my first one was 2005 and the reason the tenant was down had to do with covid and I hope somebody would pick it up as far as it I thought it was okay I have certain things done to my Goldwing I like the light show they had that was pretty good but you got to realize a lot of people stayed at home because of covid so hopefully someday in the future like I said somebody might pick it up and we will go on with the the wing ding
I wonder how this effects are GWRRA vehicle towing insurance
Was a member for five years...everybody always knew everything. Never open to new ideas. Turns out they were right...dead right.
Problem 2. Never got to the west coast. It was a major pain to go to the midwest/ east coast for a joke of a show.. glad its gone by by.
Once. Santa Clara, CA. 1986. Three others in Colorado, three more in Montana, and the first two in Arizona. That's it for what I consider Western states. Closest they ever got to the "east coast" was twice in Charlotte, NC.
There was a reason they chose so many Midwestern cities - outside of FL and CA, that's where the bulk of their membership was. I question their decision-making on some of their locations - I *live* in Indiana, but Fort Wayne? - but it's hard to argue with when you're trying to draw the largest possible crowd. They had a couple of problems - one of which was that the bulk of the membership at the time wanted the event on July 4 week. Problem with that then, they had problems finding venues big enough to handle the crowd (at the time, 8-to-10 thousand people). Unfortunately, most places big enough to handle event that size also either had sucky riding in the area, ungodly hot weather in early July, or both.
Ironically, the attendance appears to have shrunk enough to make the Mountain West feasible again...
I’ve never had the desire to go to a wing ding and never belonged to their group so whether they fold or not doesn’t affect me either way.
Looking forward to the K1600GTL Goldwing comparison.
It's really too bad; but I could see it coming in our local chapter, I call it tired membership. I also heard that Honda may actually discontinue the Goldwing, something about emissions or something. Now that would be a disaster for such a machine.
Yea and Harley will follow in as they can’t meet emissions either.
@@Fireball1800 emissions standards aren’t as strict in the US so I don’t see Harley doing that any time soon. Lack of sales due to overly expensive bikes will be Harley’s down fall.
It is my belief something will come along for the touring class of motorcycling. I absolutely love my Goldwing. It would be nice to see vendors United that cater to the touring class. When I lived in Minnesota, no representation of GWRRA and in West Texas the same. I never thought GWRAA represented me. You never heard from them except to collect dues to say you belong to an organization that does nothing. I think there are other events that represent the touring market much better than WingDing. I follow a lot of you tubers that are in the sport of motorcycling. I would like to see something along the line of a TH-cam motorcycle meet up. Vendors could make that happen by uniting and doing meet ups across the country. I think Cruiseman, Caliente, her two wheels, ShadeTree surgeon, moose, makalie7, your all very interesting among many other TH-cam creators that truly enjoy and promote the sport. I enjoy all of them and they don’t all ride Goldwing’s. Maybe a TH-camrs United meetup with vendors present. I went to the IMS motorcycle show in Minneapolis back in 2015 in the dead of winter. Had a blast and made quite a few purchases from vendors there. But, I believe something better than WingDing will develop in the near future.
Enjoyed the magazine and the tech articles. I joined in the early 80's my membership was in the low 1000. Been to several wing dings. At the peak of the Wing Ding they were alot of fun. Then they started going down hill. In attendance and vendors. Became a typical Flea market with nothing for a rider or bike. Hate to see it gone but I won't miss it anymore. I'll miss the magazine but not the BS and political BS. Just want to ride have fun. Oh well everything must come to an end.
I agree.... the last time I went to Wingding, was in Knoxville. they had mattress, makeup and a bunch of junk that I don't care to see...... ~~~~~>
GWRRA gone, all Doom and Gloom. But, if there is enough desire for an annual Honda Gold Wing "get together" I suspect someone will step in and fill the gap. May take a bit of time. GWTA still exists and there are a lot of GWRRA folks out there who may well decide to create their own "group". You are correct, I don't think they kept up with what GW riders want.
When I had a Gold Wing I really liked the educational aspect of GWRRA plus I did like going on weekly rides.
When "Wingstuff", "Traction Dynamics" and others aren't there then it really reduces the value of attending.
So many people check out stuff at big rallies and then go buy it on line cheaper. so the people are checking equipment out but sales are in the toilet.
Time was, guys would look at stuff at their local dealer (presuming the dealers actually stocked stuff), and then bought at rallies where they could get it cheaper! Guys (including me) used to buy tires at rallies because not only did the vendors actually have them, they could install them on the spot, and they were cheaper to boot.
I guess it's true that what goes around, comes around...
In person groups are sadly going away, as the next generation is used to virtual events. Motorcycle shops used to be a place where all of your friends worked and a place to make new friends. Just another representation of how the world is changing.
I miss the Weather Band option on the previous generation.
Some people were saying the BMW recent rally in Springfield Missouri was not like their rallies in the past either. BMW corporate didn't even have a presence at their own owners rally. What does that say. Maybe less motorcycle riders in general these days. Older riders are hanging up their boots and new young riders not into the bike rally/trade show thing.
IMS (motorcycleshows) is also "suspended."
My first Wing Ding, and obviously my last. It was a huge disappointment. I travelled all the way from NY. What a waste of dollars/time. I've gone several times to Americade up at Lake George NY. It runs circles around what I saw today. I got into the show for $15.00 at least, one day pass. I was out of there within 1hr. Its a shame to see all these dedicated people what their organization deteriorate to this point.
Same here. Rode in from 5 hours south. Small flea market appeal
When ya’ll rode in wasn’t there a Wing Ding for you? What tomorrow brings is never guaranteed. Ride safe and ride often. Something else will take it’s place.
When I saw the list of vendors, I decided to skip it. Lone Star rally has more motorcycle related vendors and it’s free.
I have a 2018 bought in 2020. I'm 72,riding and racing for 51 years. Ididnt think Honda could improve my 2008 Goldwing. I'm not a big add on guy and love my stock bike. The reliability and comfort makes ownership effortless. I actually tried to join or communicate with GWRRA and got nowhere. No phone numbers, no return calls. About my only contact with like minded riders is through Cruisemans Garage.
Michael, I had a similar experience about 9 years ago. I tried to join GWRRA local chapter and could not get anyone to call me back.
@@cruisemansgarage : My experience was diametrically opposed to yours. Back in 1982, after buying my first GW, I sent a check to an address in Phoenix in response to an ad in "Cycle" magazine that promised a newsletter, pin, patch, and a book listing phone numbers of fellow members. That's all I really expected. Shortly after receiving a membership package, I got a cold phone call from a gentleman, apparently from the local chapter who invited me to their weekly Sunday breakfast and ride, or there twice-monthly meeting. Turns out I already knew a couple of people at breakfast, and things went from there. I was 30 at the time, one of the youngest in the group - however, the "elders" were in their 50's or so, and their were several families with young kids (not necessarily grandkids, either). Even then, I had always thought GW could be defined as "A Motorcycle Club For Guys Whose Wives Wouldn't Let Them Join A Motorcycle Club". Turns out that, in our case at least, several of the "movers and shakers" of our chapter were in fact guys who had in their fairly recent past belonged to other area clubs, but got out when those clubs started shooting at one another. Those guys didn't talk about that very much. Others raced flat-track (both MC's and cars). Our group was *very* independently-minded. They exposed me to things that I'd never have discovered on my own - especially the importance of rider education. For this, they have my gratitude.
My thoughts are that the founders and builders of GW built it around what *they* thought an organization should be. Others disagreed, and some broke away (one bunch even wanted to create a credit union!) to form organizations based on *their* visions. GW's vision served them well, but not enough newer riders shared that vision to maintain the organization as the faithful began dying off. 40 years in now, I've seen both my original chapter in Michigan and my adopted chapter in Indiana fold, then the regional (MI/IN/OH), and now the national. Other local chapters remain, and the one I've been in contact with seems to want to continue on, but they're currently trying to think through what that might look like. My old Indiana chapter, after surrendering its GW charter, simply continued to meet for weekly dinner rides and the occasional Sunday morning ride. Unfortunately, old age and COVID closures and concern brought those days to an end for us. What will follow will be built by other people, around what *they* think an organization should be, and the cycle (so to speak) will continue.
We shall see.
Try Alpinestar tour riding boots....love mine !!!
It’s always sad to see any long running organization go by the way side. It was a way for people with like interests to meet and see great people, see vendors at their conferences who have great products for the goldwing. I always loved looking at products and in some cases having accessories installed on my personal bike. Hopefully a new organization will raise from the ashes and have a motorcycle event annually that is worthy in the future for motorcycle enthusiast with like interests
Right on Cruiseman! Sad day nonetheless…😢🤔🙁GoldwingMikeNY.
Did someone just fail to stop at that 🛑 stop sign leaving the hotel ?!?
I will really miss their rescue service
Have you heard about the rumour that Honda are to discontinue the mighty GW, due to tighter emission laws?
Here in Europe, there’s a very good chance that it won’t be imported for much longer.
Woo Hoo Shreveport - Capitol of the world fer riding !!
My 1st Wing Ding was 2013 in Greenville, SC. There were a lot of motorcycle stuff and a few pots and pans. next was Huntsville, Al. Again a far amount of motorcycle stuff but more things not related to motorcycles. The last one was in Knoxville, Tn and it was becoming mor non-motorcycle related. My take on this is GWRRA was intent on Wing Dings being in big cities where the arena cost mega dollars and vendors will require to pay larger fees for their space. The results has been less motorcycle vendors and more pots and pans, recliners , pillows and all those other things we like to carry on motorcycles(yea). The GWRRA has shot themselves in the foot. The state GWRRA rallies are at fairgrounds, low overhead. Makes sense. Even the BMW owners Assn., which has been doing for50 yrsis having their 2022 get together at the fairgrounds in Waynesville, NC, whiny is where the NC GWRRA has had their rally. The GWRRA had their head in the wrong place.
Ted, Glade Spring, VA.
Sad, and much of it is explained by the aging of M/C Riders. Americade was the best multi brand rally I ever attended but haven't been since 2007. As along time H D rider Harley Owners Group [H O G } had some fantastic rallys in the 1990's . HOG is owned by the notor company and answers to the Dealers ! Here is a major difference between H D and Honda. Harley dealers usually have some sort of event EVERY weekend giving the rider a reason to come to the dealership. Honda dealers just aren't that friendly . My point is that any organization needs fresh blood at the tiller on occasion . To fail to do that leads to going out of business.
It was NOT for me.
Hell our weekend group rides had better turn outs than most of the "club events" . Ha
I'm bummed it's the end of an era, for sure. But I'm right there with ya in saying it was a terribly undesirable location and it didn't seem like there was much excitement for the event even beforehand. As a 2021 Goldwing 6-speed rider in my mid-30's, you're absolutely correct that the demographic is changing, also. As soon as I heard it was going to be in Louisiana in late June, there was no way in Hell I was going to ride from where I live at 6,000ft elevation in Utah to a place with brutal heat and humidity in the summer. To me, it just seems like poor management, all around, unfortunately. I hope an upbeat Goldwing-focused event can take its place and be held in more desirable locations and can garner some enthusiasm amongst the various age groups of owners... I suppose only time will tell. Thanks for your thoughts and I truthfully couldn't agree more with your points.
I would have to agree with you about the GWRRA it has been dying for years I was a member twice but I did not get in to the silly games or dressing up and the calendar did not change from year to year and there was nothing for the younger generation
But I would like to see the vendors put on a Trade show with the motorcycle Vlogers
I hated the market floor , so unhelpful. Terrible vendor turn out. I will miss the goldbook