WHO WE ARE:
Our non-profit organization was formed to benefit the community by providing education, rider safety, motorist awareness, and to provide donations to charities in need. We are one of several chapters of PA Road Riders. We are located in north central Pennsylvania with most of our meetings and rides starting in the Williamsport, PA area. We have a very active organization and engage in many community activities, charitable donations, and organized motorcycle rides.
Our members love to ride, and we welcome all makes and models of motorcycles (including 2, 3, and 4-wheels) to join our chapter. We are celebrating over 34 years as a chapter and our members are happy to answer any questions about the organization and how you can join. Our website can be found at https://sites.google.com/view/gwrra-pa-m/home.
CHAPTER HISTORY:
Our chapter was originally part of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA) which was established in 1977 by Paul Hildebrand and Shirley Stevens-Garcia. GWRRA operated from 1977 until 2022 and had over 80,000 members at its peak. When GWRRA announced it would discontinue operations in December 2022, our local chapter expressed interest in continuing the positive aspects of GWRRA and subsequently changed our name to "River Valley Riders" (a.ka. RVR) and evaluated other larger organizations to affiliate with that had similar objectives. RVR officially became a chapter PA Road Riders in 2025.
Our chapter was originally formed under GWRRA on April 24th, 1987, when eleven people met at the American Legion Post 104 in Montoursville to lay down the groundwork for the meetings and gatherings for the new Chapter. The Chapter Kick-off was held on May 24th, 1987, at the Wagon Wheel Restaurant in Montoursville. There were 19 members from Chapter “M” attending. The State Director, Leroy Hake and his wife, Justine, and the Assistant State Director, Bill Henze, were there to officially recognize the new Chapter. Visiting Chapters were “B”, “H”, and “K” for a total of 53 wingers. The meeting started at 9:00 with breakfast and ended with a ride to “Buggy Days” in Mifflinburg, led by Barb and Andy Neidig. Nancy Jordan won the 50/50 Raffle for $39.50.
The original meeting place was the Wagon Wheel Restaurant, and then in April of 1988 it moved to the Holiday Inn on the Strip. Bob Nash held most of the Staff Meetings at his home and most parties and special events were held in the homes of Chapter members.
CHARTER MEMBERS:
Bob & Beverly Nash Don & Thelma Blair Walter & Sadie Sones Andy & Barb Neidig Donald Park
Erle & Barb Birt Dean & Nancy Jordan Layton & Wilma Fish Harry & Annabelle Finck
Note: The above names are in not particular order and are listed just as they were found in old newsletters and lists.
FORMER CHAPTER DIRECTORS (formerly called “area reps”):
Bob & Bev Nash May 1987 – Oct.1988
Erle & Barb Birt Nov. 1988 – Oct. 1989
Dean & Nancy Jordan Nov. 1989 – June 1991
Rick & Barb Bastian July 1991 – Aug. 1994
Jim & Donna Foust Sept. 1994 – Dec. 1996
Claude & Carol Raback Jan. 1997 – Dec. 1998
Glenn & Karen Thomas Jan. 1999 – Dec. 2000
Dean & Nancy Jordan Jan. 2001 – Oct. 2002
Al Bilby & Mary Winters Nov. 2002 – Oct. 2004
Dennis & Cindy Powers Nov. 2004 – Dec. 2006
Glenn & Karen Thomas Jan. 2007 – Dec. 2008
Al Bilby & Mary Winters Jan. 2009 - Dec. 2009
Roger Dauberman Sept. 2010 - Dec. 2012
John & Deb Markley March 2013 - Dec. 2022
John Markley Jan. 2023 - present
River Valley Riders
Officers:
Chapter Director John Markley
Assistant Chapter Directors Bill & Annette Babcock
Treasurer Mary Greene
Ride Coordinator Larry & Ginni Michael
Committee & Staff Members:
News Editor Mary Greene
News Staff Ginni Michael, Cindy Bennett, Joyce Stugart,
Helen Womer, Annette Babcock
Ride Captains Jim Tanner, Larry Michael, Bill Babcock, Reuben Stugart,
Larry Greene, Norb Kuznicki, Fred Womer
Phone Committee John Markley, Larry & Ginni Michael, Reuben & Joyce Stugart
Jim Tanner, Mary Greene, Bill & Annette Babcock
Clothing Coordinator Annette & Bill Babcock
Webmaster Larry Michael
Chapter Directors John Markley email: jandmarkley@gmail.com phone: (570) 326-0947
Assistant Chapter Directors Bill & Annette Babcock email: ababcock3152@hotmail.com phone: (570) 584-5256
Webmaster Larry Michael email: larrylmichael@gmail.com phone: (570) 220-9098
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) What is River Valley Riders?
Our non-profit organization was formed to benefit community, education, rider safety, motorist awareness, and to provide donations to charities in our community. We are one of several chapters of PA Road Riders.
2) Where are you located?
We are located in northcentral Pennsylvania with most of our meetings and rides starting in the Williamsport, PA area.
3) How long has the chapter been in existence?
Since April 1987 (formerly GWRRA chapter PA-M.)
4) Who can join?
We welcome all makes and models of motorcycles (including 2, 3, and 4-wheels) to join our chapter. Our member love to ride!
5) How much are the dues?
There are no local dues.
6) Where can I get more information?
Please visit our website: River Valley Riders or contact any of our members. They will be happy to answer any questions about the organization and how you can join.