2009 Family of the Year

This month, Three Wheels West began their term as Family of the Year for Chapter NE-W (Frenchman Valley Riders) and for GWTA Nebraska.  We’ll never forget the day we found out that our Chapter W family had selected us for this honor.  It was in the middle of an extremely tiring and prolonged corn harvest.  RR was talking much ado about something via the telephone with our Chapter Director Jim Bryant, when U2 came into the kitchen with tears streaming down her face, clearly upset.  This completely threw RR for a loop as he tried without success to get U2 to explain what was wrong.  When she left the room, RR told Jim there was a problem and asked him to hold for a moment.

The big problem wasn’t a problem at all... U2 had just read the e-mail containing a copy of NE-W’s nomination of Three Wheels West for state Family of the Year and was overwhelmed.  The nomination was one of the most beautiful things she’d ever read.  What made it so special was that it was written by a small group of people that we’d shared so much with... and to whom we’d become very close in the last two years.  By the time RR finished reading the nomination, U2 wasn’t the only one choked up.  To be selected Family of the Year by our GWTA chapter will remain one of the most cherished moments of our lives.

So how do you top that!  We don’t, but we found ourselves taken to the next level in November.  GWTA of Nebraska's Fall Follies was a much needed break from the “we’re almost done“ stress and harvest fatigue.  It was great to see all our friends and to share with them our memories of all the good times together during the past riding season.  Hammy had a blast preparing her costume for the toga party -- especially after reading about two toga-clad kids at Pompeii in her beloved Magic Tree House books.  We were proud to represent Chapter W amidst the other great Family-of-the-Year nominees.  We never expected to hear the State Director announce our selection that night.  This time, it was RR’s turn to be overwhelmed.  GWTA has opened up a whole new world for us in these last two years.  We’ve found a family that we can turn to in good times and bad.  We’ve found joy in meeting friends on the road among strangers bonded together by one simple thing -- their love of riding and motorcycles.  A bond that strengthens and holds friends together even after the bikes are gone and the riding skills have faded.

Three Wheels West is proud to serve as Chapter NE-W’s and GWTA Nebraska’s 2009 Family of the Year.  We look forward to spring and a new riding season.  Our goal this year is to participate in at least one event with each and every chapter in our great state.  In the last two riding seasons, we’ve been able to visit every single county in Nebraska.  We’ve eaten hamburgers grilled by Mayor Elsie in Monowi (a town of one) and been warmly welcomed by our eastern GWTA Nebraska family at a ”Get Acquainted“ dinner in the big city of Omaha.  We’ve traveled from one end of this state to the other along the historic Lincoln Highway and other great by-ways, encountering nothing but the best that Nebraska has to offer.  We hope to offer nothing less than our best to you in the year to come.  To GWTA of Nebraska and all of our Frenchman Valley Rider family, thank you; it is truly an honor.  Here’s to 2009 and Destination Family!
posted on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 7:27 AM by U2Farmer

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