Gold Wings return to Sisters

Like the swallows to Capistrano, the Gold Wing motorcycle club returned to Sisters right on schedule for its annual rally June 17-20.

Members from chapters throughout Oregon, Idaho, and Washington -- totaling nearly 450 people -- rode into Sisters for the three days of festivities that more than one rider described as "a family reunion."

Dennis Fuller, outgoing district director, reported that about half of the participants came from Oregon, with the rest split fairly evenly between Washington and Idaho. One fellow came all the way from New Zealand.

The oldest rider was 85-year-old Gordon Deeds from Rainier, Oregon.

The Gold Wing Road Riders Association is comprised of people who share the common love for the Honda Gold Wing motorcycle.

The Gold Wing is considered the premium touring motorcycle in America, according to admirers of the Honda bike.

The quiet machines weigh in at nearly 1,000 pounds and sport a six-cylinder, water-cooled engine.

"It's about like a car on two wheels," said John Harrison, assistant district director.

New Gold Wings sell for $17,000 to $18,000, but used ones, usually still in fine shape due to their high durability, can be found for around $6,500, according to Harrison.

The typical Gold Wing includes all the frills necessary for comfortable, safe riding, including radio sets built into the helmet, air horns, stereo/CD players, lots of storage, and plenty of colorful paint and shiny chrome.

The Gold Wing Road Riders Association, founded in 1977, is worldwide and includes over 50,000 members. The group's motto is "Friends for Fun, Safety, and Knowledge."

The 'fun' aspect of the motto was evident all weekend as members tooled through town on a poker ride that included stops at numerous downtown shops. They congregated for meals at the high school, presented an evening light parade through town on Saturday and shared pies at the "tent city" on the high school grounds.

The group sponsors safety courses for riders to help make the highways safer for all travelers, according to Arleta "Miss Daisy" Harrison, John's wife.

Other events included performances by three motorcycle drill teams, including the Washington Trikettes, a group of women piloting tricycles in complex formations.

What brings the riders back to Sisters every year? June Clarke, who claims to be a member of every chapter in Oregon, says it's "the shopping and the people!

"The town folks go out of their way to make us feel welcome," she said.

"Miss Daisy" says the group bonds are tight.

"I've developed great friendships and know that I can call other Gold Wings anytime for help," she said. "It's like one big family."