Chapter A2 is a diverse group of people that take motorcycling seriously with lots of camaraderie and special attention paid to fulfill the G.W.R.R.A. motto of: “Friends for Fun, Safety, and Knowledge.”

Chapter Color: California Blue

Chapter Mascot: Duck

Chapter Patch: (Duck on a bike. see right)

Every year in July, we host a fun run, “Spread Your Wings Around Ann Arbor," leaving Nicholson’s on Jackson Ave. in Ann Arbor. Other fun activities that we participated in are: Wingless Weekend, Michigan District Rally, Region D Rally, Wing Ding Rally, Region D Fun Shop, Midnight Ride, Blessing of the Bikes, Mystery Dinner, Toy Run, and other Chapter anniversary parties, fun runs, mall shows and membership meetings. Not to mention the fun we have at our very own chapter picnics, Halloween party, annual color run, and annual Christmas party.

We encourage and promote safety through our Rider Education Program with many members actively involved in the Levels Program through commitment and participation in CPR, First Aid and ERC courses. Several “A2” members compete regularly in the Top Gun competition.

The Ann Arbor Chapter is part of the GWRRA (Gold Wing Road Riders Association of America). G.W.R.R.A. was founded as a National organization in 1977. Since then, it has grown to more than 80,000 US, Canadian and International members representing 58 countries. Today, there are more than 900 Chapters located in 60 districts organized into 12 regions, and managed by over 4,000 volunteers. The “A2” Ann Arbor chapter is one of 48 chapters in the Michigan District, which in turn is within Region D, the Great Lakes Region which includes Michigan, Ohio and Indiana.

The original Ann Arbor chapter was founded in the 1980's and was known as the Wolverine Chapter. It is estimated that they became inactive sometime between 1990 and 1992. Chapter “A2”, as we know it today, came to life in the winter of 1995, under a completely new leadership.

The kick-off for the “A2 Wings” was held on January 22, 1995. On that snowy Sunday morning, 229 people gathered for breakfast served by the Ypsilanti Masonic Temple members. 18 G.W.R.R.A chapters were represented. Virgil and Virginia Ritondale, formerly of Michigan Chapter C, were the first Chapter Directors of “A2”. Hugh and Kathy Preston were the ACDs. Ron & Dianna Miller, Assistant District Directors, presented a letter to Virgil and Virginia welcoming “A2” into the G.W.R.R.A. membership. Lorne and Carol Haase, District Directors, presented the Charter Certificate, a plaque and a goodie packet. Ian and Audrey Holmes, District Public Relations Directors, presented the public relations manual to the Chapter. Jim & Dianne Hughes, Michigan’s Couple of the Year, also made a presentation. It was lots of fun and was a nice way to spend a snowy Sunday – good food and great friends!

Since then, the officers of the Chapter have been:

We have also been fortunate over the years to have many dedicated couples that have worked together to benefit the group's experience. These couples have been recognized each year with the Prestigious Couple of the Year (COY) Award.

Chapter A2 has supported many worthy causes since its inception which include: Michigan’s Rainbow Connection, Ride for Kids, Make a Wish Foundation, Penrickton Center for Blind Children, Toys for Tots, Juvenile Diabetes Association, and Girlstown Foundation. In addition, each year, we adopt a local family at Christmas and share our good fortune with them through gift-giving. We participate annually in Belleville’s Strawberry Festival and Parade to demonstrate to the community a positive image of motorcyclists.

If this sounds like the kind of people you would enjoy, then come to a meeting and learn first hand what a fun and diverse group this can be.

Back to top