Wing Ding - worth going to with a Spyder?

[Bfromla]

I've checked a couple of the previous threads but didn't find the kind of comments I'm looking for.

I've continued to be a member of the local chapter of GWRRA after switching to the Spyder from a GL1800. Wing Ding 2016 will be in Billings, MT which means it would be pretty easy for me to go to it. The problem I have is a "step child" feeling. I went to the Idaho District rally this past summer and had the only Spyder. It was a fairly small gathering so being the only one didn't surprise me. But what I have observed and experienced, both at the district rally and a couple of regional rally's, is not surprisingly the focus is almost 100% Goldwing and Valkyrie. Hence the step child feeling. I have lost 90%+ of my interest in GWs since becoming a Spyder lover. But Wing Ding will much, much bigger so I'm thinking the GW focus may be diluted a little bit.

So my question is for those who have attended Wing Dings these past couple of years; are there enough activities, seminars, vendors, etc., that are not Goldwing centric to make it a really enjoyable event for a committed Spyder owner? How much of the odd man out or step child feeling did you experience?

I really enjoy my association with Chapter T but not being a GW owner really does diminish the feeling of being a part of national and regional levels of GWRRA.

Your opinions, please. Thanks.

(Opinion) is relax & enjoy what you want.! Like everyone looking/drooling at you spyder. opcorn:
If you have a pic of your old wing you can put on the spyder (notation "upgrade from") may illustrate to others what got you started. :dontknow: Wing riders are usually better to approach than the die hard HD guys. But your not entering in a contest, just enjoying the wing ding & rides. & finding some less brand name venues to enjoy.https://www.bikesbluesandbbq.org
be glad you not the one showing up in a slingshot:roflblack::roflblack:nojoke & or be the first to pick on them when they do show up:doorag:.

 

[ruthie]

I and a friend will be on our Spyder at Wing Ding in Billings, Mt.

 

[Bob Denman]

Not if I attend SF :banghead:

I can tell you that SpyderFest is going to be a TON of fun... nojoke
I don't know about the others... :dontknow:

 

[kpeterson]

What to do at Wing Ding on a Spyder???

I guess I didn't come across quite right! It's not the people I have a concern about, it's the focus of attention. For me, aside from the people, a major portion of belonging to GWRRA in the past was the common thread of all things Goldwing. With Spyder Ryders much the same. Without the common thread of Goldwings to tie all things together how much is there at Wing Ding, other than the people, to enjoy as a Spyder owner? :dontknow:

EVERYTHING! To my knowledge as a GWRRA member and former TX District Director there is nothing you can't do on a Spyder that anyone else can do on a Goldwing. AS Bob said, there focus is on Goldwings and Valkyries, however one does not have to own a GW or Valk to be a full fledged member and participant. Most vendors that do stuff for GW also have stuff for the Spyders. I'll guarantee you'll see many Spyders and I'll also guarantee you'll spend most of your time answering questions about you're ride. There are a few of course that will look down their nose at you but most will be curious, because many are looking at the Spyder with much envy. I know, I was one of those. I still have my 1500/Motor Trike, but ride my 2015 F3S.
Go, you'll have a great time!

Ken

 

[pitzerwm]

We will be going just for the fun and experience, I've always been a leader with no followers, so being a minority isn't anything new to me.

 

[BamaJohn]

All of you are correct...but the answer is clear.....He needs a Gold Wing too! (I'm only partially kidding here)
I belong to both a Spyder club and a BMW club and the biggest problem I have is trying to figure out how to meet with all my club friends and also have time to ride other places. Double the fun and ride when/where you want, my Friend!
jb

 

[Vt. Rider]

My wife's first demo ride on a spyder was at Wing-Ding. Fred Rau had a stable of them at the BRP booth there. That's where she got her Spidey Senses tingling. Since many GW riders "graduate" to a trike as they get older, the Spyder is a viable and less expensive option for those who are considering three wheels. Spyders are at many GoldWing district rallies and quite often, result in sales. I've been a GW member since 2003, and believe from experience, that anyone on a spyder would not be considered an "outsider". On the contrary, people will be attracted to your machine, and you'll be asked tons of questions.

Wing Ding has all kinds of vendors with lots of farkles.....LED's, pinstriping, helmets, intercoms, riding apparel, driving/fog lights, and all kinds of installers for them.

There's a million things to do there. And best of all, GREAT RIDING !!!!!!

 

[kbwitt]

I decided it's time to update this discussion. I finally remembered to call and verify my camping reservation.

I AM GOING to Wing Ding 38 in Billings, MT, Aug 31 to Sep 3! :yes: I signed up for the Trike Rider Course. Should be interesting.:thumbup: To be close to the action and save money I decided to take my 'tent on a trailer' and camp at the MetraPark, wherever it is they set up for camping. RV parking area I guess.

Any other Spyder Lovers going to Wing Ding? Anyone else camping with RV, tent trailer, or otherwise? Maybe we can get them to let us group together in the RV park. We should have a little Spyder get together sometime during the event.

I'm thinking about making this a real August/September trip. Ride along Montana's great roads on the way to Wing Ding, visit son and family in eastern Iowa then Lions USA/Canada forum in Omaha Sep 15-17, then Spyders in the Ozarks Sep 22-24, then Red Rock Spyder Rally Sep 27-30, then home!

Hey, ain't retirement great! :clap:

I hope to make it. If I do will le you know so we can meet up.. I looked at their site it state gold wing and touring bikes.
The ultimate Honda Gold Wing & Touring Convention

Wing Ding is the ultimate Honda Gold Wing & Touring Bike convention! Hosted by GWRRA at different locations across the United States every year, the rides to Wing Ding as well as unique atmospheres are unforgettable. Come join us for a motorcycle convention unlike any other, where you can enjoy the company of friends with live entertainment in a beautiful location, learn more about motorcycle safety, discover all the latest products for your bike, and even test drive a new one.

Hope to make it there Kenn

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

All of you are correct...but the answer is clear.....He needs a Gold Wing too! (I'm only partially kidding here)

What I find kind of interesting, and really somewhat surprised me the first it was clear to me, is I have absolutely no desire to get back on two wheels! Not even a Honda 90cc trail bike! In a sense, I am a bit baffled by my total lack of desire, or even some aversion, to getting on 2 wheels! I think it has 100% to do with a feeling of security and safety while on the Spyder! :thumbup:

 

[Exditchdigger]

I attended the wingding in Huntsville Al. on my rt and met quite a few spyders there
and bought a few farkles.
I had a great time and answered a a lot of questions about the spyder, I would love
to go to another one so go and have a good time.:yes::yes::yes::yes::yes::yes::yes::yes: