By LUELLA DOW
Contributor
Lyle Polack belongs to Chapter G of Goldwing Touring Association, which participates in non-profit motorcycling activities.
One of their yearly events is Awareness Day, which this year was held May 12. For the past 26 years, it has been well recognized. Polack is the coordinator.
Motorcycle awareness, safety and friendship are emphasized.
The net proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation. Mailey is the little girl chosen this year. The association raised over $3,100 with over 350 participants plus their passengers. For the past five years, they have held the event at Spokane Falls Community College parking lots.
The association meets at 8 a.m. the second Sunday of every month at Old Country Buffet.
Chapter G prints an extensive newsletter. They sponsor a safety course for the public and members, a skilled riders course and a skilled “turtle” race. Polack has won the “turtle” race several times. The prize is a ceramic turtle. It takes considerable skill to go as slow as possible. There is a “panic stop” contest and also a contest for skill at weaving through placed orange cones.
Goldwing joins with other motorcycle organizations to provide security at Joe Albi Stadium for the annual America Kids Run. “We support many charitable events,” Polack said.
“Goldwing events are open to all makes and models of motorcycles,” Polack said. “We have campouts and rides. We'll be in the Founders Day parade at Medical Lake June 16.
We took part in Valley Fest Parade and have volunteered to help the VFW at their Spokane Interstate Fair food booth.”
Goldwing has a goal they call ABATE: American Bikers Aim Toward Education.
“We are concerned about motorcyclist rights.” Polack said, “We are the quiet organization.”
Lyle Polack is a retired air force officer with 22 ½ years of service.
He said, “I spent one year in Vietnam and over four in Germany, which was the most outstanding time of my career.
I really did enjoy it.” He drove school buses for Cheney School District 21 years. Many of the kids, now grown up, meet him on the street with, “Hi, Lyle.”
Polack counts himself as a life-long adventurous person.
“When I was about 7-9 years old, I picked cherries. One migrant worker drove into the orchard with his Harley Davidson. And it became a dream of mine to have a motorcycle. I saved my money to buy one.
Now it is a source of entertainment and travel. Last year I logged 14,000 miles on my Goldwing. This year I'm going to Nova Scotia. I've been in Chapter G of Goldwing for 13 years. Our motto is ‘Destination Friendship.'”
With good weather finally on the horizon more motorcycles will be on the roads. Polack cautions both the public and motorcyclists, “Courtesy is contagious and respect earns respect.”
To you, Lyle, and your fellow riders, have fun and a safe and adventurous summer.
Luella Dow is a local author and can be reached at [email protected]
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