Vestology

VESTOLOGY 101

By Rick and Elsie Baker

Virginia Leadership Trainers (2010 - ?)

District Chapter of the Year Coordinators (2009 - ?)

Former VA Assistant District Directors (2009)

Former VA Chapter Y Directors (2008)

Assembling Your Own GWRRA Vest

Some of you have expressed interest to us in assembling your own GWRRA vest. But, first, a few words about them.

Look-alike vests, polo shirts, tee shirts, etc. are not a requirement of GWRRA membership... or participation in any event. Indeed, the GWRRA Officers’ Handbook (OHB) discourages anything that might look like or resemble a “uniform.” Nevertheless, Officers are required to wear the 10” GWRRA Patch on the back of an item of clothing--they agree to it in writing! The handbook isn’t clear what item of clothing or when. Some of our leaders wear a 10” GWRRA patch or logo on something all the time, everywhere they go, because they are very proud of our organization. So, anywhere you fit in our GWRRA organization or at any event, between no GWRRA affiliation markings on your body and completely being patched and pinned, is O.K. with us!

Let us tell you our story

As the 2008 VA Chapter Y Directors, we wanted to fit in with the District, Region, and National folks when we attended the rallies, meetings, and seminars. We attend rallies to learn more about GWRRA and the various echelons so we can better serve you. During one Region N leadership seminar, we were convinced by the seminar leaders, then Region N Leadership Trainers--now, National Leadership Training Directors David and Kathy Orr, and the folks who attended, that we should look the part of “Chapter Directors” at our gatherings so at least the new folks participating with us would recognize our leadership position and our enthusiasm—all part of the socialization and leadership processes. And, we noticed at our social gatherings our very own Assistant Chapter Director, Chapter Educator and CoRider, Chapter Newsletter Editor and CoRider, Former Chapter Director, Chapter Treasurer, and some others wore GWRRA vests; so, our passé was obvious. We didn’t have to acquire vests, we didn’t feel any peer pressure, but we wanted to show our enthusiasm and enhance our leadership role. So, we bought some cheap leather vests at the Dulles Expo Motorcycle Show in January for $35.99 in the sizes we wanted. However, later in the show, we saw them on sale for as low as $25.99 apiece at a vendor in the very back corner of the convention hall.

When looking to buy a vest, we had looked on the internet and at various stores, festivals, and shows; and the bulk of offerings are more expensive and usually of a heavy material. We didn’t want anything fancy, and we didn’t want anything too bulky, heavy, or hot. Initially, we looked for cloth vests; colored vests; sexy vests for Elsie; and everything in between, including jean jackets. Sure, any would have done, but you know what? Folks use the basic black vest, usually with snaps, and sometimes with buttons. Why? Because, you can find these cheap at bike rallies. And, cheap is important because folks like our experienced District Directors have assembled at least 10 biker/GWRRA vests over the years reflecting the various positions they’ve held in GWRRA and their other motorcycle affiliations. Since our vest search, our Chapter Y Treasurers have found a great deal on inexpensive, lightweight, leather vests perfect for patches and pins for $25! See details in the full Vestology 101 article on how to purchase these perfect vests!

You can download the rest of the story below on how to get your own vests started.

Vestology 101 Links:

• You can download the remaining article titled "Vestology 101 Article."
• You can download the order forms for the:
  • GWRRA Patches and Rockers Order Form,
    
  • The Operations Patches Order Form, and
    
  • The Rider Ed Level Patches and Pins Order Form.

We invite your comments here.

On our website you can also get a great deal on motorcycle vests in the "Ads and Notes" menu item of our website. (Click here.)

Best of luck with your vest!

Rick and Elsie Baker

Tip: Most GWRRA, Region, and District Patches and Pins can be purchased at the Virginia District Wingless Weekend and Rally In The Valley (TM). The Virginia District Treasurers are a great source of information for these patches and pins.