Welcome new members to our great club

A very warm welcome to new members of the NZ Gold Wing Riders Club. For your information, the following is a summary of our Club’s background, Rallies and History.

This club was formed in Masterton on 6th of December 1986 when Glen Bull with his wife Maureen got together with a group of Gold Wing Riders who elected to form a Gold Wing club under his leadership. They (Glen Bull, Ken De Cleene, and Mike Houghton) managed to obtain addresses of 50 Gold Wing owners. On the 22nd of April 1986 Glen posted letters to all suggesting that the first rally be held in Masterton during the weekend of the 6th and 7th of December 1986. Glen received positive answers from about half and things were firmed up from there and the first inaugural New Zealand Gold Wing rally was held.

At the inaugural rally there were 24 entrants and 3 others turned up on the day. 27 in total on 5 K1 Gold Wings, one with sidecar, 9 K2 Gold Wings, one with sidecar, 6 K3 Gold Wings, 4 GL1100 Gold Wings, one with trailer and 3 Interstate Gold Wings. Some of the original inaugural members are still actively participating in the club with some great stories of their adventures, advice and technical assistance to club members. They are Chris Jones, Marguerite and Paul Storey. 

There are six annual events throughout the year.

The first two, the North Island Rally and the South Island Rally are generally held in the first 3 months of the year. The order of these rallies depends upon the organiser, available accommodation and what other events are happening in the area.

Memorial Breakfasts/Lunch venues, one in the North Island and one in the South Island, are held to remember our past members. Times and dates vary from year to year but more recently these have been held in April.

The Mid-Winter Rally is the next and as the name suggests it's organized in the Winter months. (NORTH ISLAND ONLY)

The next rally scheduled is the Wing ‘n’ Spring, normally held towards the end of August into late September. Once again depending on who is organising it. The Wing ‘n’ Spring rally alternates between the North and South Island.

The next Major event is F TROOP ride, which was put together to form a group ride to the AGM stopping at places of interest and scenery and sightseeing on the way. This takes place generally over the week prior to the AGM and is a lot of fun. Accommodation and evening meals etc. are normally organised along with various activities and things to see on the way.

The AGM is held the third weekend in November, generally on the Saturday (morning or afternoon) directly after the F Troop ride. The AGM weekend normally includes an organised short ride. The election of committee etc. takes place along with the financial reports and any matters arising raised by the club members. These events are all published along with entry forms and up and coming rally information in the Club Newsletter which is sent by email to all financial members every month except November. Registration forms are now also available online.

Some other unofficial events are organised by individuals or local area groups including Y2K (5 yearly ride ) and local rides. As a financial member you will be receiving the Club Newsletter. However, if this should cease then contact the secretary at [email protected] Or alternatively our club editor at [email protected]. Further questions initially should be directed to your area contacts. Contact numbers etc. are in the Club Newsletter or online at the club's website. These contacts can also advise you of local rides and meetups happening in your area. I know with work and family situations and other financial commitments it can be difficult to attend all rallies. Some don't like riding in groups but generally you're expected to ride at your own pace. Some like to go quick, others just like to cruise and admire the scenery, the biggest criteria is to enjoy the ride and your Gold Wing and arrive at the destination stress free.

Dave Harding (member since 1998).  We hope you enjoy the New Zealand Gold Wing Riders Club.