Carlos and Dee Lozano
Georgia's 2009 District Couple of the Year

Dee and I met through work. She claims that after one particularly difficult day, I walked up to her and said: "You look like you could use a hug." Frankly, I do not remember this level of detail relative to our initial encounter. However, many years before Dee and I had any knowledge of Gold Wing Road Riders, we definitely had the hugging part down pat, a habit we happily share with many, including those outside of our GWRRA family.

We have two grown and married children; a girl and a boy. Though, at times we consider ourselves too young, they have provided us with five grandchildren; one girl and five boys. They all reside in Montana. Thankfully, telephones, email, digital cameras, and airplanes make the world a bit smaller and allow us to feel a bit closer than the actual 2000 miles of separation.

It seems that I grew up on a motorcycle. I began riding my father's 90cc Honda well before I had a license. Then, as soon as I did obtain my driver's license, I immediately bought my first motorcycle; a twin cylinder 125cc Honda. Later, I raced motocross for a couple of years before beginning to migrate back towards power and comfort for distance. I've owned various models of Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki Suzuki, Maico, and Harley Davidson. I still remember when the first Gold Wing was released by Honda, thinking: I've got to get me one of those. Luckily, years later, I did!

Dee grew up in Minnesota and had little exposure to motorcycling, until she met me. Still, now living in Montana, our opportunities to ride together were fairly limited and usually short distance. Work, children, boating and other activities dominated our lives.

Educated as an electrical engineer, I have spent most of my professional career in the lottery and gaming field. Over the years, I have held many senior positions related to several aspects of business; Field Operations, Technical Sales; Product Management and Project Management.

Dee has also worked for many companies in several different capacities. After working for several years in Human Resources and Office Management, she began working in Sales. She surprised everybody as her personality opened many doors that seemed impossible to others. Since relocating to Georgia, Dee now works for Rehrig Pacific Company, a plastics molding company.

In January of 2003, we decided to make a big change in our lives. We agreed that I should accept a position in Greenville, South Carolina. Relocating from Montana, we found our lives somewhat upside down. We began to fill more and more of our time riding our Gold Wing. Before long, we met some members of GWRRA and the ride has been fantastic ever since.

In 2005, we relocated to Georgia and began particpating with Chapter "S". Then, in January of 2008, Dee and I were extremely honored when Chapter "S" named us as their 2008 Chapter Couple of the Year. Participating in the 'District Couple of the Year' selection process was an easy decision. Our Chapter had honored us by selecting us a their Chapter Couple... so in return, we wanted to honor our Chapter by participating at the District level. Now, we have been selected to represent the entire District. As your 'District Couple of the Year', we will do our very best to represent the District. And, yes, we will definitely participate at the Region level.

As we travel and participate around the State, we look forward to meeting many of you and sharing our experience.

Carlos and Dee Lozano
2009 District Couple of the Year