Spring is here and summer is not far behind. Along with warmer weather comes the thunder of motorcycles sharing the road with automobiles.

May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. The Gold Wing Road Riders Association, Chapter NY-U wants to remind riders and drivers to do their part in keeping everyone safe on the road. Motorists need to watch out for motorcycles who share the road, not to cut in front of them or pull out in front of them. Give the motorcyclist space when behind them. Riders need to do the same and not weave in and out of traffic.

To start the riding season an event called a “Ride-In” held by a different GWRRA chapter each year in May. Riders from across New York state and parts of Pennsylvania congregate to participate in scenic rides the host chapter plans. Chapter U was to host the event this year riding around beautiful Chautauqua Lake but because of the coronavirus and social distancing it had to be canceled.

GWRRA Chapter NY -U stands as one of 10 chapters throughout New York state, and has 26 active members ranging in ages 30-70, from Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany counties. The group promotes camaraderie through a variety of safety education courses and organized rides throughout the season. The chapter operates under its core values of: excellence, character, focus, attitude, fairness, communication, teamwork, training, quality, and safety. Another stipulation is that members cannot consume alcohol before or during a ride.

The group believes in “All the Gear All the Time.” That means as part of your riding gear wear:

¯ Gloves – protects fingers from stones that fly up and hit them or in event of a fall protects from abrasion as bare hands can’t stand up to road and gravel.

¯ Boots – over the ankle to protect the ankle. Rubber soles are better for griping.

¯ Pants – made of thick material to resist abrasion and protect against elements.

¯ Helmet – full face preferably to protect head and face.

¯ Jacket – with body armor to protect chest and back.

The nonprofit group says it likes to ride and have fun in a responsible, safe way. Its mission statement – Going Where Roads Reveal Adventure. All who participate enjoy many long and short rides. Some of the long rides included a trip to Nashville, West Virginia and the Finger Lakes just to name a few. The chapter is not specific to Gold Wing or Valkyrie riders and anyone who rides or co-rides is welcome to become a member.

Th chapter is relatively small in comparison to the other chapters in the state and we are always looking to welcome new members. Members are willing to assist any other member of the group who has asked for it. One example is evident in our group’s annual Tech Day, held each spring and offers the opportunity for members to have things like maintenance work, tire checks, and oil changes performed on the bikes. In addition to Tech Day, the chapter offers its members free classes on motorcycle safety/awareness, defensive riding techniques, co-rider education, first-aid and CPR to name a few. The chapter offers riding fun with dinner rides every other week ending with dinner at a different restaurant each time. Weekend rides can last for a couple of hours to all day stopping for ice cream breaks on those sizzling hot summer days. Activities go on all year long even in winter having fun bowling or taking dance lessons.

GWRRA Chapter NY-U meets regularly on the second Sunday of each month at the Belle-View East restaurant, located at 7 E. Main St. in Falconer. Members gather a 2 p.m. for a dinner with meetings commencing at 3 p.m.

For more information on GWRRA Chapter NY – U, contact Sally or Gene Jaquith at 499-8369 or sjchap-u@outlook.com