The Beginning We are relatively seasoned, as GWRRA Chapters go. In 1986, a number of Yukoners decided that joining the international Gold Wing Road Riders Association would be a great thing. They would receive training if they asked, learn about new safety techniques, meet other members on a grand scale who held the same beliefs and riding practices as they did, and get to have a whole lot of fun in the process! So, our little chapter was born. We meet every third Tuesday of each month for a supper meeting, and every Sunday for breakfast during the whole year. Now, we don't have the benefit of riding all year round, but from about April through October, we take a ride after each breakfast. This ride usually turns out to be full of great scenery and can last up until midnight. You see, the sun doesn't go down much during our summer riding season up here and that can be very interesting. It seems that our motorcycles just want to keep running as long as there's light!
Events & Volunteering The best of the riding season is highlighted with our Labour Day BBQ when visitors from Juneau, Alaska come over. They love visiting Whitehorse, not only for the shopping, but for the miles upon miles of roads we have in comparison to Juneau! They also come over and stay to help with the Klondike Road Relay. We may be few in number, but that doesn't hold us back from achieving great things. For the last nine years, we have been offering our services as support for the annual Klondike Road Relay. This is a foot race which starts in Skagway, Alaska and ends in Whitehorse, Yukon. The race starts on the Friday after Labour Day. There are usually 120 teams or more and participants run through the night. That's where we come in. We travel segments of the 110 mile/170 kilometre course as a team. If any runner has difficulty, our members are able to relay that information to the nearest checkpoint. It's a great race and is lots of fun for everyone involved. Then, closer to Christmas, we bring out our very own version of Santa on a Gold Wing and canvass areas in Whitehorse collecting food for the Salvation Army Food Bank. This is done over three evenings, and Santa's little Gold Wing elves are always eager to come out and help.
Upcoming Rally And next year, the northern Chapter will be abuzz with excitement! We are hosting the Region J Rally in Whitehorse from 20-22 June. It's a trip that is worth its weight in gold- well, maybe a pokeful, anyway. You see, that's one of the prizes if you're lucky enough to win it! A poke full of gold, and a very special, handmade quilt, or helicopter time to view our great north from the air! And, the list goes on. Get more info on the rally by checking out our "Upcoming 2008 Rally" page! So, take the time and research our area. It's not hard to find on the map. Just look the farthest west and then go north, young man (or woman), go north.