Charles and I went to high school together, and although we were not high school sweethearts, we did know each other. We married in 1977 and raised our blended family of 2 daughters and 1 son, for the next 14 years. After a major surgery (for Cheryl) and before returning to work in July of 1990, we took our 3 little darlin's and one boyfriend (future son-in-law---although we didn't know it at the time) on a "family vacation." After 2 weeks of cooking, washing clothes, picking up after, forking out money to and listening to whining about "nothing to do"……..we finally headed home. While the four teens slept in the back of the suburban, we passed 6 motorcyclists pulling trailers on their way to Florida. "Now that looks like a vacation," I said to Charles. "If you liked motorcycles, we would get one and take a real vacation," he said to me. "I think I'm going to learn to like 'em," I said to myself!

That leads us to another part of my story……when I was married to the first husband, I went on a short ride with him on a Yamaha Motorcycle of some sort. When we arrived at the lake, I advised him that I would be catching a ride back home with some friends…. in a car….never again to get on the Yamaha. Charles on the other hand, had ridden motorcycles for several years. In February,1991, when Charles and I decided to purchase a motorcycle, the first husband told us that he was going to sell his Gold Wing and buy a new truck. His new wife didn't like the bike! SO……the first husband, who was the reason that I did not ride motorcycles in the late 70's……became one of the reasons that I rode motorcycles in the early 90's. When we bought the 1985 GL1200 from him, he also gave me a copy of the Gold Book. Being the shy, somewhat reserved person that I am……as soon as I arrived home, I started calling everyone in the Golden Triangle Area to find someone at home, that was willing to talk with me about the Gold Wing Group. According to Arnold Ray and Nell Reeves, I talked for 45 minutes and have not shut up since!!

Charles and I are very proud Lifetime Members of GWRRA. We have traveled to Canada, throughout Colorado and parts of the western US….as well as the southern region of this grand country. We have owned the 1985 GL1200, 1993 GL1500, 1998 GL1500 and 2001 GL1800. We also have a 1997 Valkyrie and a 2004 Harley Deuce. Along with our 3 children, we have 5 grandchildren (3 of whom were born in July, 1996……each of our kids had a kid….July 3, July 12, and July 26, 1996). We have held the positions of 50/50 Coordinator, Ride Coordinator, Newsletter Editor, Secretary, Treasurer, Special Events Coordinator, Member Enhancement, Assistant Chapter Director, Chapter Director, 1997 Chapter Couple of the Year and 1997 District Couple of the Year. We have a full walk-in closet of matching shirts, pants, jackets and vests. We belong to one of the largest groups of hand shaking, neck hugging, back slapping and kissing people that there is in the country. We wouldn't change one thing about this group....…they are our friends……they are our family…..they are GWRRA.