We are a non-profit association, incorporated in the State of Michigan. Members are enthusiasts of motorcycling, particularly on Honda Gold Wings and Valkyries. We were founded in 1978 by dedicated riders and passengers with interests in responsible people to ride with, places to visit, social gatherings, and various other activities such as organized rides, rallies, as well as enjoyment of new friends with similar interests.We invite you to join our Sunday morning breakfasts (year round), monthly meetings, or come ride with us as a guest. Three types of membership exist for Michigan residents: Master member--Owner of a Gold Wing or Valkyrie and valid cycle endorsement; Affiliate member--Owner of another make of motorcyle and valid motorcycle endorsement; Associate member--Spouse or immediate family member residing in same household with master/affiliate  member (or Sweetheart--something like "Associate" without a residence or familial requirement). Cost? Most expensive is "master" at $30 per year with a one time initial fee of $10 (to cover new member kit of pin, patch and flag). All others are a little less. (We also have categories of membership for non-Michiganians.) For further information send an e-mail or write to the address on the home page.

A Brief History

Founded by Joan Hughes and Jaki Rockwell in 1978 as the Michigan Chapter of the National Gold Wing Owners Association (MGWOA). Their idea for an exclusive, Michigan-only chapter of the national organization was born with their belief that such an organization, being smaller, could better serve its Michigan members. Organizing rallies, charitable runs, and social gatherings would be made that much easier when done by a smaller group of all friends. In its charter year, it consisted of only 15 members. By the end of 1979, membership grew to well over a hundred members. Joan's employer at this time, where she sold Gold Wings, was the Honda Center of Warren.

In 1982, the MGWOA was forced into an unpleasant but necessary position of having to break all ties with the floundering and leaderless national organization.

In 1983, a new constitution and by-laws came into being, and the Michigan Gold Wing Association was born. Since its inception in 1983, the Michigan Gold Wing Association has maintained its status as a non-profit organization.

Membership in the Michigan Gold Wing Association is open to one and all regardless of sex, age, religion, or circumstance. The Association itself came into being to serve its membership, and is dedicated to friendship, freedom, fun, and safety. "Safety and Friendship" best describes the Michigan Gold Wing Association and this slogan was adopted by the Association in 1983.

Today's Michigan Gold Wing Association is not affiliated with any national organizations, but continues to sponsor local charities with its annual charity run. Parades, picnics, long and short rides, weekly breakfast gatherings, and monthly Association meetings are a few of our annual events and adventures.

Some of the charities the Michigan Gold Wing Association has supported in the past are:

Muscular Dystrophy Association
March of Dimes
Ride for Sight: National Retinis Pigmentosa Foundation of Canada
Ride for Liberty
Make-A-Wish Foundation
Ronald McDonald House of Ann Arbor
Michigan Brain Tumor Research Foundation
American Cancer Society
Penrickton Center for Blind Children
Judson Center

Annually, members attend: Honda Homecoming, Americade, Daytona Bike Week, GWRRA State Rally, Wing Ding, Ride over the Rockies, Honda Hoot, and more.

Today's Michigan Gold Wing Association encourages, but does not require, that its members join the AMA to increase the voice of the touring rider as well as assisting the AMA in protecting our rights to ride.

Past Presidents: