Magazine of the Thames Valley HOG Chapter
We have a new editor! Sue has agreed to take on the role of editor starting with next month’s edition. In the meantime here’s a little bit about her...
Hi, I’m Sue, your new editor. That’s the good news; the bad news is I’ve never done anything like this before! I retired last week from my Deputy Head position, 20 years of teaching 11-year-olds, and I thought I needed a project to keep me occupied. This is it! Not all of you know me so I’ll introduce myself: Dave Knight is my husband and we’ve been married for 38 years. We have twin sons Harley and Wesley and Wes is a Harley rider but Harley isn’t! We got our first Harley, a gold Sportster, in 1974 and we haven’t been without one since. Dave currently rides a Road King and, after more than 40 years riding pillion, I got an Ultra glide Trike a couple of years ago. Dave joined Thames Valley in its first year and then moved to Chiltern Hills as it was nearer. When that club lost its dealership and folded, he returned to Thames Valley. I hope you’ll all support me and send articles and pictures for publication as well as any ideas you may have for improving your club mag.
Getting my own bike (well, Trike) has renewed my interest in clubs and so I’m happy to do my bit to keep the Thames Valley magazine up and running. Don and Lee have done a fantastic job keeping things going, including this issue, but as from next month I will relieve them and take over, learning as I go.
Sue
In This Month’s Magazine
Birthdays And Celebrations
Page 2 & 3 Start your Engines
August & September
Page 4 & 45 Dons Words of Wisdom
Elaine Woodvine
Page 6 LOH Sue’s Scribbles
Nij Jones Yvonne Cotsford
Page 67 Club Nights
Trish Moss
Pages 8 to 11 News and Updates
Pat Jackson
Pages 12 & 13 Brecon Weekend
Russell lovelock
Pages 14 & 15 Calendar
Debbie Dorling
Page 16 Brecon w/e continued
Mike Connolly
Page 17 Stratford upon Avon
Sue Moyler
Page 18 Sofer results
Celebrations & Anniversaries
Page 19 Liberty Bells
Lee & Lou White 10yrs
Pages 20 & 21 Sofer Fines
Mick & Linda Friend 43yrs
Page 22 Sofer write up
Russell & Lisa Lovelock
Pages 23 Sofer Fireworks Pages 24 & 25 Sofer Friday & Saturday
Congratulations on your recent wedding
Pages 26 & 27 Safety First Page 28 Meet the Committee Page 2 & 3
Welcome to the August edition of Tales from the Riverbank. What a fantastic month it’s been!! Another three ride outs and our very own SOFER rally in the middle. First of all I would like to welcome Sue Knight on to our committee as the new Editor. This will be a whole new experience for Sue and just like many of us, Sue has never put a magazine together as yet. Sue has put a piece together in the front of this magazine to tell you a bit about herself and what her and Dave are up to with their bikes. Over the last few weeks Sue has had use of the templates for the magazine and has been trying out some new ideas for the September edition which will all become clear later. Good luck Sue with your first of many magazines.
SOFER 10 What a great weekend!! Other than a small amount of rain the sun shone all weekend which made the rally another great weekend to remember. The rally this year bought in over 1850 HOG members from around Europe, the best for the last few years. As this was the 10th anniversary the committee of SOFER invested more money into the bands for the weekend along with flat screen TV’s showing footage from all the last 9 SOFER Rally’s. Did you catch a glimpse of yourself from yester year? Of the bands on over the weekend, SkadeKat was by far the best in my opinion, they performed on the outside stage on Friday evening and certainly had Thames Valley rocking with the rest of the crowd. On Saturday evening, our happy hour of drinks and nibbles before the party started up at the pavilion again was a great success. It was great to see so many of you around the Gazebo enjoying a social drink and chat just chilling out before the fireworks at 10pm. The get together at Sofer seems to bring some of our older/lost members out of hibernation and back to the club which is great.
Pages 4 & 5
If you have any comments about Sofer this year, good or bad, we would love to hear them through the Sofer Facebook page. There are so many of you who do your bit for the rally over the weekend, too many to list individually, however I would like to thank you all for your time and efforts that you put into the weekend which makes Sofer the best Rally in England. A special thank you to Lee, Fred and the crew from the Black Horse for all your help putting the rally together and taking it apart on Sunday morning, thanks Guys. News Our Website is now 2 years old and all seems to running ok, Lee and John (our website designer) are working on a few upgrades to bring the site up to date, we should be able to tell you more about that later in the year. Some of you have taken delivery of the first batch of new merchandise from Shirley, I hope you are pleased with your purchases and the new Dream Catcher logo, great to see it back. We have not had any response for ideas for an end of Season party or a Christmas dinner as yet! We would love to hear your ideas, what would you like to do? Answers on a post card in the suggestion box or email activities with your ideas please. While the weather is on our side do you have any ideas for rides for the remainder of the season? We have a few slots still available for ride outs before the end of the year, get in touch with activities to book a ride in. I know it’s only August, but January is only just round the corner and we need to think about our Committee for 2014, as you know every position on the committee is up for re election each year. Do you have some time to offer your chapter? Do you have any ideas for rides and events and could become Activities Officer? Do you think you could look after our membership records and become membership officer? Any of the committee positions are available for you to apply for, nomination forms will be available at September’s club night for your applications. With Sue taking over the magazine as of September, its time for Lee and myself to retire from the position of temporary editors , I would like to thank Lee for his invaluable help over the last few months making sure we get a magazine together for club nights. Thanks mate! That’s it from me, Ride Safe, have fun and see you in Aviemore.
Don Director
What a fantastic summer July was! Long may it continue, although August so far doesn’t seem quite so hot. Which is probably just as well for us bikers, having to dress up in protective gear every time we get on the bike just in case the unthinkable happens, but hey, you know it makes sense! My mileage is suffering a bit this year and I think Don might actually do more miles than me, eh Don ? However, we did have a fantastic weekend away in the Brecon Beacons covering a few hundred miles. Thank you to Paul Major for organising such a great trip enjoyed by all who were lucky enough to be able to go. Dave’s ride to Stratford was also a huge success, but then I would say that wouldn’t I! Won’t say too much more as I believe that Linda and Mick have kindly written a few words in this month’s mag. Although I must give a plug to Annie’s Tea Shop at Thrupp, once you find it (some did go flying past the turning ) it’s a little gem and well worth a return visit should you be in the area. Sofer s 10th anniversary looks to have been the best ever and I am sorry to have been unable to go. I understand The LoH Liberty ride was a highlight and was well supported by our ladies, so well done to Pat, Elaine, Debby and Toni for entering into the spirit. The best dressed lady medal was won by Pat, well done! Enjoy the rest of your summer
Sue x Pages 6 & 7
Dates for 2013 (and Magazine deadlines) August 15th
(8th)
September 11th (10th) October 17th
(10th)
November 21st
(14th)
December 19th (12th) 2014 January 16th
(8th)
February 20th
(13th)
March 20th
(13th)
Harley Night 3rd Thursday of the month Brackley Festival of Motorcycling.
Poker Run 5
18th August
21st August from 7pm The Foresters. Cox Green Lane, Maidenhead, Berks.
Pages 8 & 9
Forth coming events
Kop Hill Climb 21st & 22nd September
Ace Cafe Reunion Brighton Burn
RTTW 6
Christmas Toy Runs
5th October
November & December
www.rttw.org for tickets
Sale on now! Now’s the time to grab yourself a bargain! We’re currently having a sale of all our current merchandise. Chapter t-shirts £18 Chapter China Mugs Chapter Flags
£20
Flag poles
£12
Buffs
£12
£5
RTTW 6 Saturday 5th October 2013 To book your place on this years ride to the National Arboretum in Staffordshire. www.rttw.org All RTTW Merchandise can be ordered through there Web site. A Chapter Ride to this event has been arranged
Pages 10 & 11
2013 Patch & Pin Design £5 the pair New Thames Valley Merchandise.
Strappy Tops £11 Fleece ( No Hood) £26 Sweat Shirt £18.50 Long Sleeved T Shirt £14.50 V neck T Shirt £13.50 Short Sleeved T Shirt £13.50 Hoodie Pull On £23 Zipped Hoodie £27 Varsity Jacket £25 I Phone Cover £10 Beanie £12 Key Rings £5 Coasters Set of 4 £7.50 Mouse Mat £7.50 Teddy £8.50 Clock £17
The Thames Valley Chapter sets the Brecon Beacons alight! Twenty three members spent a great weekend in the Brecon Beacons (12th – 14th July 2013). The ride out, organised by Paul Major, supported by John Ingram and Alan Gutheridge left Chieveley Services on the M4 at 10.30 am on Friday 12th, travelling across the beautifully sunny Berkshire Downs to Burford where four more group members joined. The 17 bikes continued across country to Hereford and arrived in Abergavenny at 4pm – just as town centre roads were closed off for the weekend’s Festival of Cycling! Secure parking had been arranged between a number of parties near to the Farmers Arms, a pub / restaurant where approximately half of the group were staying. Sadly, none of the parties had consulted the main landlord of the car park, but following an hour’s delicate negotiations and a crisp fiver changing hands, all was agreed and the key ceremoniously handed over. Just what you need after a long and hot ride!
Pages 12 & 13
light!
The remainder of the group were staying at the Swan Hotel, just along the High Street and on the first evening people were able to chill out and explore. Now, let it not be said that the Abergavenians are a quiet, shy, retiring bunch; on a hot night in July they like to party, loudly and to race R–registered Peugeot 106s up and down outside your open windows … until the wee hours, when the road sweeper and milk truck took over! So, as Saturday dawned members of the group were not shining quite as brightly as the sun, let it be said, but they were game for a new day's adventure: a 194 mile ride taking in the Brecon Beacons National Park, the Black Mountain Pass, skirting the Elan Valley, along the coast road and back inland to Abergavenny. One of our TV HOG members had decided to ‘pop’ along for the day and surprise everyone: Paul Houghton (Doughnut) rose at 6.00 am to ride the 150 miles to meet up, arriving just as the group were breaking out of the secure parking. He did enjoy his day out, but hadn’t counted on quite such a long ride out, before the 150 miles home!
August
August Cont
Chapter Club Night.
Late Summer Bank Holiday.
Thursday 15th
Monday 26th
Meet from 7:30pm
Harley Night Ace Cafe.
Old School Rally. Nene Valley.
Thursday 29th
Towcester Rugby Club
September
Friday 16th Brackley Motor Cycle Festival. Sunday 18th Meet Sportsable 9 for 9:30 Poker Run no 5 Wednesday 21st From 7pm The Foresters, Cox Green. Thunder in the Glens. Chapter Ride to Aviemore Thursday 22nd Meet Beaconsfield Services 7 for 7:30
Committee Night. Tuesday 3rd Poker Run no6 Wednesday 11th Location ********* 20th Ace Cafe Reunion Brighton Sunday 15th Meet Sportsable 9 for 9:30 Depart Club Night Thursday 19th from 7:30pm Sportsable
Thunder in the Glens Aviemore. Chapter attending rally Friday 23rd - Monday 26th
Cop Hill Climb Sunday 22nd Meet Sportsable ********* Blazing Cannons New Forest Rally Friday 27th Chapter Ride to Rally Meet Sportsable**********
Pages 14 & 15
Events, ride outs and activities Details correct at time of going to print. Check the website for updates and amendGoodwood Revival Sunday 29th September Meet Sportsable***********
October
November Committee Night Tuesday 5th Remembrance Day.
Committee Night
Monday 11th
Tuesday 1st
Remembrance Day Ride.
RTTW 6
Sunday 17th
Saturday 5th
Meet Sportsable *********
Meet Sportsable**********
Broom Farm Toy Run.
Poker Run no 7
Sunday 24th
Wednesday 9th
Meet Sportsable
Location ************
Harley Night Ace Cafe.
Club Night
Thursday 28th
Thursday 7th
December
Harley Night Ace Cafe Thursday 24th
Committee Night Tuesday 3rd
British Summer Time Ends Sunday 27th
Christmas Club Night 19th December 7:30- 11:00pm
Brecon Beacons Cont Now, as part of the original planning and reccy run Paul, John and Alan had taken in the whole Elan Valley, which is beautiful, but does throw up some challenges for bikers; namely sheep. Sheep freely roam the valley which is single track and in places steep-sided, so trapping sheep and bikers – one rode pillion on Paul’s Ultra for a mile or so before he could shake it off. Despite a mini-mutiny on the day, when John and Alan had persuaded one or two of the others they DID want to go this way – an executive decision had to be taken and the Elan Valley was chopped. Of course this did give bikers the opportunity for another ride out on the Sunday before riding home. Pat and Barry Adams joined John Ingram and John Cunningham in exploring the Elan Valley. The weekend was rounded off on the Saturday evening with a meal, organised for everyone at the Farmers Arms. As always it was good to share stories over a drink and good food. Paul Major gave a ‘thank you’ speech, managing to include everyone, from John and Alan, John Cunningham and Nick West, who had done ‘last man’ and tail rider, Linda Friend as official photographer, Pat Adams as our strict ‘fine’ mistress, the pillions, the guests Paul Houghton and Kevin, a Triumph Bonneville riding friend of one member – all were thanked, except Dave Brown. So to make up: this piece is dedicated to ALL those who made the TV HOG Brecon Beacons weekend so great, especially Dave Brown. Massive!!
Pages 16 & 17
Stratford upon Avon
SOFER 2013 Chapter Challenge Results Treasure Hunt 1st Jack Gilling Invicta Chapter 2nd Graham Chamber Invicta Chapter 3rd Geoff Burgess 1066 Chapter Slow Ride Dominic Invicta Chapter Hog Sticking Richard & Faye Bike Wash Mel & Bob 1066 Chapter Zorb balls Graham Invicta Chapter Assault Course 1066 Chapter Cargo Net Capers Hogs Back Chapter Clay Shooting Great Western Chapter
Page 18 & 19
LOH Liberty Bells Ride
Sofer Fines
Gopher for arriving late for two ride outs. 2 Fines. Gopher for not filling with fuel before a ride out. 2 Fines. Gopher for singing (or trying to sing) the Frog Song Don P for taking his Camper to SOFER and staying in a Lodge Don P for constantly using his mobile phone Yak Yak Yak Lee White & Nick Lees for Saturday nights antics. Nick Lees for breaking the Flag Pole Nick Lees for leaving Lee White to deal with a very unhappy Italian Chapter Paula for starting Saturday evenings fun and games nicking Chapter Flags ( Now returned) Nick West & Ron Jackson for looking for Birds in the dark (Feathered)
Lou White for bringing a Four Poster Bed & Carpet for the tent. Lee for waking up to early to make the tea and leaving the lighter in his tent.
Nick West for giving Hayley the mattress with a hole in it. Ron Jackson for dumping Pat and the Camping Equipment at Sofer and leaving her to erect the tent. Mike Connolly for bringing a nine man tent just for himself (Crossbones Hotel) Bernie for using Shirley’s Toilet
Hayley for sleeping in her car and not booking a room in the Cross Bones Hotel over the road Trish for being Drunk in charge of a Demo Bike with a young man.
Page 20 & 21
Pages 20 & 21
Bernie D & lee W for riding the biggest Skate Board ever across the Dance Floor. Bernie D for leaving his Sofer Hat at Home. Bernie D for riding his bike to the Loo’s Bernie D for only brining one pr of pants for the weekend Big Malc for carrying a ladies Hand Bag Big Malc for going off to do a “Blow Job” something about a mattress I think C J for getting his Toe Nails Painted (Tart) CJ for trying to get out of being Fined again Snowdrop for rear ending Trish. Frank for not sharing his Steak with Bulldog. Foxy for renaming the Director “ Donalski Wibbelinski” M for asking Bernie D if he wanted a “lick”? Don W for his silly Hot Dog Song Don W & Gopher for “Oh Toodles “ Don W those shorts & legs (Many a blind man would love to see those legs) Paul Major for his erratic dancing Doughnut Just for the Sandals Fred for not sharing the funny coke with every body Tom for letting Fred erect his love Shack Pat & Barry for turning late to erect the club Gazebo Pat & Barry for turning up late to take it down Pat for loosing the fines from the Brecon w/e (Washed) Clive S for behaving when his young lady arrived Clive S for not bringing his own Toilet tent this year Those of you who have been fined over the weekend have made a Pink Pig very happy
SOFER RALLY 10th Anniversary Year. All the plans for 10th Sofer rally have been put in to place. Thames Valley Uk Chapter volunteers have pitched their tents, parked up their campervans and sorted out their accommodation ready for the weekend. The Thursday evening meeting has gone well, we have met up with some old friends from past rallies. Thames Valley’s team have started banding all the volunteers after the meeting. Friday morning has dawned and Pat Adams and Thames Valley Chapter are ready to punch tickets and put bands on riders, pillions and bikes. Everyone is at the front gates to welcome the early arrivals. People are coming form Chapters from all over Europe to join the fun of the weekend. This years theme for the LOH ride is "Memphis Belle" so there is plenty of camouflage along with red white and blue on display. All the bars and eateries are open for business and the music is loud going on till the early hours of the morning. Saturday has arrived and people are getting ready (after breakfast of course in one of the many gun clubs) to decide which ride out to go on. Oxford chapter are leading the 1st ride to the Queens favourite places with a truly memorable ride through Windsor town centre, making large groups of tourists very happy. Hogsback chapter are leading the 2nd ride to a local pub coming back via the Hindhead Tunnel, rev up those engines. The ride-in bike show is taking place by the pavilion again this year, there are many fantastic bikes on display all very worthy of winning one of many prizes. Everyone is gathering for drinks and nibbles at the chapter gazebo this evening just before the party gets in to full swing outside the pavilion. Our club BBQ has been set up outside the Gazebo for everybody to use, and many chapter members have used it! The overall chapter challenge champions were INVICTA, lets hope if and when we manage to get our team together for next years rally we can beat them.
Pages 22 & 23
The firework display was again most impressive starting off at 10pm, following the Fireworks Display the rally goers were treated to the Illegal Eagles tribute band in the main ballroom, and although not to every ones taste, there was plenty going on elsewhere to keep all entertained. A big thank you to Don Wibberley, Lee White and all the volunteers. Thanks also for the free Tea and Coffee available all weekend in the club gazebo. Here's to next year rally, cannot wait
Linda Friend
Saturday Nights Firework display
Pictures from Friday at SOFER 10
Banding down at arrivals
Pages 24 & 25
Thames Valley Drinks & Nibbles Evening
It has been a long cold winter and most of you will know by now that the condition of many of our roads can be shocking! Pot holes are causing damage to motor vehicles across the country and we all need to be prepared to take evasive action when out riding. Here are a few tips to help avoid becoming a statistic...
Leave a slightly larger gap between you and the vehicle in front. This will buy you a second or two to manoeuvre clear of any last minute hole or obstacle. Watch the vehicle in front, often a bump will be visible via its effect on the vehicle in front. If riding in a group, make sure you leave enough room between yourself and the bike in front (especially when the ride slows down) to allow him/ her and you to ride around any pot hole. When riding in a group you can signal to the rider behind that there is a dangerous pot hole or object by pointing at the hazard (to the left with your hand or to the right with your foot). If someone in front of you does this, you know Pages 26 & 27
Another hazard which has a particularly high impact on motorcyclists is diesel on the road. Often riders can SMELL the fuel on the road before they see it so learn to trust your nose. Spilled diesel can be as slippery on dry roads as it is on wet roads so use all your senses to try to detect it early. Spills are often due to larger vehicles, like Lorries, who overfill their tank. This means that fuel will spill out when they take a corner, at
Finally, a brief reminder to check fluid levels before a ride. You need to check oil and brake fluid levels as well as fuel. Make sure your tyre pressures are correct and at least every month check the tread on your tyres around the entire length of the tyre. A great time to check this is when you are cleaning the rims. Have a look at the brake linings while you are cleaning to ensure you have sufficient pad to the journeys you have planned.
Don Wibberley Chapter Director Email:director@ thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
Pat Adams Assistant Director Email: assistantdirector@
Colin Wilkins Treasurer Email: treasurer@
Sue Moyler Secretary Email: secretary@
Fred Cotsford Membership Officer Email: membership@
Nij Jones Head Road Captain Email: headroadcaptain@
Nick West Safety Officer & Historian
Barry Adams Activities Officer Email: activities@
Sue Knight
Bernie Meason Photographer Email: photographer@
Sue Brown Ladies of Harley Email: ladiesofharley@
Lee White Webmaster Email: webmaster@
Editor Email: editor@
facebook.com/ groups/ youtube.com/user/tvwebmaster1
Linda Friend Photographer Email: photographer@
Shirley Churchill Merchandise Email: merchandise@
Club Venue: SportsAble, Braywick Sports Ground, Maidenhead, SL6 1BN