President’s Chat – 5 November 2021

It has been a bit more than a year now since the last message from this side of the fence. I know, I know, poor communication and all that, but I think I speak for all of us when I say that we have been so busy over the past twelve months recovering from the effects of the total disaster that was 2020, that we have had little time for anything else. Most of us, I am sure, would rather pretend that 2020 never really happened, but that is not an option for many of us. We all lost loved ones and friends, many lost their livelihoods, and as Wing Riders SA, we also lost 13 members over the past two years, many due to the direct influences of the pandemic. These members, while gone, are certainly not forgotten.

The 2021 Wing Fling at Knysna eventually happened, albeit one year late due to Covid. And what an event it turned out to be. One of the largest attendance figures (95) in recent history, and this despite having to remain within limitations imposed by health requirements.

There were many people with moist eyes when good friends had physical contact again for the first time since Covid began in March 2020, and relationships were reignited. Those six nights and seven days in the company of other Gold Wing enthusiasts were simply indescribable. Good fun, and plain and simple socialising, had been sorely lacking over the recent past, and it was clear that there was a lot of catching up being done.

The exceedingly beautiful scenery of the Garden Route provided the riders with ample opportunity to do some riding and explore what the region has to offer. Our sincere thanks and appreciation is extended to the Western Cape Chapter for their efforts in putting the 2021 Wing Fling together.

Plans are already being made for the 2022 Wing Fling and, it is official, we will have our 2022 Wing Fling on the beautiful South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal in Margate. Central Chapter will be our hosts this time. More details can be obtained under the Wing Fling tab here on our website.

The Wing Riders of SA remains one of the largest exclusive motorcycle clubs in the country and we continue to grow, currently standing at just over 130 members nationwide. As the National Council, we remain committed to the wellbeing and development of the association and look forward to serving you.

To those members that have recently joined us, a warm welcome, and we trust that in Wing Riders SA, you will find what you have been looking for.

That is all for now. Please take care and be safe, and we’ll see you on the road soon.

Luke Hartog