DIRECTOR'S CORNER
WELCOME TO CHAPTER FL1-K2, ST. PETERSBURG, FL
Jerry and Kathey Johnson
WE would like to thank you for your interest in our local Chapter
of the Gold Wing Road Riders
Association (GWRRA). In this web site you will find information
about us and the parent organization which was founded and is still
located in Phoenix, Arizona. The GWRRA was begun in 1977 by Paul
Hildebrand and Shirley Stephens-Garcia. It is a non-profit,
nonreligious, non-political organization whose motto is, “Friends
for Fun, Safety, and Knowledge”. The organization prides itself on
the many volunteers promoting safe motorcycling through continuing
rider education and practicing safe motor vehicle operation. There
are currently over 80,000 members worldwide.
There are many chapters in the state of Florida. Each chapter is led
by an appointed Chapter Director who reports to the District Staff.
My wife, Kathey, and I are the Directors for Chapter FL1-K2, St
Petersburg, Florida. We have a strong staff committed to making your
experience with us an enjoyable one. We are also committed to the
promotion of safe riding practices at the same time.
Chapter FL1-K2 was chartered in September of 1996. Its members
consist of people from all walks of life, some are professional
people, some are business owners, some are blue-collar workers, and
some are retired. They are all brought together with one common interest,
that of motorcycling; particularly, but not exclusively, Honda Gold
Wings and Valkyries.
Each month, the chapter produces a newsletter to keep our members
informed of upcoming rides and events. We include a calendar so members can make their plans to
participate with us on any of the planned events. We try to plan a
variety of rides and events which are fun and interesting to our
members. We do realize, however, that not everyone will be able to
join us for all the planned activities. We try to plan activities to
fit into people’s schedules by varying the times and days of each
event.
We have weekly “kick-tire” gatherings, which are held at different
locations. The purpose of these kick-tires is to get together for
updating everyone on upcoming events for the week, meet new people,
socialize, educate, and even a little chapter business.
Our General Membership Meeting is held on the 4th Tuesday of the
month at Parkside Cafe in Pinellas Park. There, we have a nice
dinner (not mandatory) and then conduct chapter business following
the dinner. This also includes a chapter lotto, 50/50 tickets, and
door prizes. There is fun and fellowship for everyone!
The Florida District, of GWRRA, is committed to safety, with a Rider
Education Program second-to-none. We offer free training statewide
to any GWRRA member who is interested in becoming a better rider.
There are courses in CPR and First Aid, Co-riding, Trailering,
Experienced Rider, Road Captain, and a host of other learning
opportunities, all at no cost to you.
As a member of GWRRA, you will receive a subscription to “Wing
World”, the exclusive magazine,
dedicated to Gold Wing or Valkyrie riders, a “Gold Book,” a
directory of members willing to help out other members with services
of lodging, communication, mechanical assistance, etc. A
complimentary membership to “Rescue Road Side Assistance”. Members
also receive special discounts and privileges from participating
businesses. And members receive a GWRRA card and a GWRRA pin.
We hope you will find all the information you need on this website.
If you have any questions, you may
contact Kathey or myself, or any of the staff, and we will be glad to be of any
assistance to you.
Jerry & Kathey Johnson
Chapter Directors
FL1-K2 St. Petersburg, FL