Magazine of the Thames Valley HOG Chapter
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NOVEMBER 2015
Hotline: 01753 578616 www.thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
Two 90-year-old ladies feature in this month’s magazine. On the front cover is Joyce Lawrence of Woodley, who loves Harleys and was taken to Reading H-D on her 90th birthday, 31st October. With her daughter, Elaine, and grandchildren, Kerrie and Daniel, she was greeted by staff and members of Thames Valley, and shown around by Ian. As it was Halloween, he was dressed as the devil... The second 90-year-old lady is featured on page 20. Gloria Struck from New Jersey, USA, has been riding Harleys for 74 years. She plans to be the first person to ride across America at the age of 100. Wow! We have great photographers in our club, but they can’t always be at every event. I’ve seen many members take really good photos but they never send them for publication in the mag. Photos don’t have to be club related, they can be anything you think members would like to see. If you have taken a photo, perhaps one that would look good on the front cover, then consider sending it in. If you do, though, please don’t post on social media sites until after publication, it’s nice to see fresh pictures here. With the riding season drawing to a close, it’s hard to find material to fill the mag. How could you help out? Well, do you have a photo of your younger self for our Mystery Person page? Would you like to feature in a Meet the Members article? Do you have any tips to share, jokes to tell, items to sell - or need for your bike…? I look forward to receiving your contributions over the next few months. Send to: editor@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk. Thanks.
Sue
Inside this issue… Front cover
Joyce Lawrence on her 90th birthday, trying out the Harleys.
Page 2
Editor’s Thoughts
Page 4, 6
Director’s Update
Page 7
New Members
Page 8, 9
LoH - Sue’s Page
Page 10, 11
Brightona - Chris Smith
Page 12, 13
Poker Run
Page 14, 15
Calendar
Page 16, 17
Boys’ Stuff - Mike and Ralph
Page 18, 19
Halloween Mileage sign-off
Page 20
Gloria, aged 90, living the Dream
Page 21
Happy Birthday, Geoff!
Page 22
November/December Birthdays
Mike Joiner
29th Nov
Shorty - Bruce Boothby
1st Dec
Lisa Lovelock
4th Dec
Don Lawrence
10th Dec
Shamley Green
Linda Robson
12th Dec
Page 23
Ring of Red - Mike Joiner
John Mills
12th Dec
Page 24
Merchandise
Page 25,
Photo Gallery
Page 26,
News and Event
Page 27
Just for Fun
Back cover:
Happy birthday to you all!
Meet the committee
A bigThank You to ALL who have sent copy for this month’s magazine: Linda, Don, Sue D, Chris Smith, Ralph, Mike C, and Mike J
Hi Everybody, Welcome to October’s edition of Tales from the Riverbank. Autumn has arrived and the trees in my garden are starting to shed millions of leaves which means another job to add to the list of things to do. As a biker, it also adds another danger for us to deal with on our roads, and even more so when they are wet. As autumn has arrived so has our winter program for Saturday Socials, winter rides /drive outs and events. If you have any ideas for days out and social events send Toni or Barry an email with the information. As you may recall we did not have any Tales from the Riverbank at last month’s club night. This was due to me thinking the printer’s closed at 5:30pm when in fact they close at 5:00pm. You would think I would have remembered this after collecting the magazines from the printer’s for the last 5 years or so. This oversight was purely my mistake and had nothing to do with the chapter Editor or any other member of the committee. Since our last club night, as many of you know, I have been in hospital for a small procedure on my heart with a few complications afterwards. I would like to thank all our friends at Thames Valley for their well wishes, cards and gifts, they were very much appreciated and thank you once again. Our end of season party and Casino night just a few weeks ago was a great success attended by over 80 members and staff from the dealership. Many thanks to Mike and Reading Harley Davidson for sponsoring the Casino and donating the prizes. Our two winners for the evening were Lisa Lovelock with around $700 and Chris (CJ) Earley with just over $800 . Congratulations to both of them. Marjorie Rae, Hog Consumer Experience Manger for the UK & Ireland, had been invited to the party but was unable to attend at the last minute due to illness. She did send over a brief piece for me to read out on her behalf which I would like to share with the rest of the members who were unable to make the party.
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To Thames Valley Chapter Officers and members: Your 2015 end of season party seems the perfect opportunity for me to congratulate you on your achievements to date and thank you for your efforts and commitment to your Chapter and to H.O.G. Because of those, the Chapter is where and what it is today. A thriving group of active and enthusiastic H.O.G. members that continues to flourish. The transfer from a dealer-less Chapter to Thames Valley UK Chapter, sponsored by Reading Harley-Davidson, has been seamless and without issue. I credit this to those that worked to keep the Chapter together and aligned with H.O.G., in the confidence that it would, one day, again have a home. And when Reading Harley Davidson opened its doors, the Chapter walked through them fully prepared to be embraced by open arms. October 31st Halloween Party at the dealership was a great success with all the staff and Thames Valley members getting into the spirit of the occasion, dressing up in some fantastic costumes. This also marked the end of the Chapter Challenge Mileage Program, so many of you arrived at the dealership in fancy dress on your bikes to have your mileages signed off. From the mileages taken so far it looks like Thames Valley members have, again, covered a fantastic amount miles over this season. 2016 Committee & Road Crew Looking at the applications for committee positions for 2016 we still have a lot of places to fill. If you are a committee member and would like to stand again in 2016 we would love to have you on board again, Thames Valley has always prided itself on having a top class committee who work hard to make the club a success. At the time of going to print with this month’s magazine only 3 Road Crew have reapplied for 2016, which is going to make it hard to run ride outs next year. We need your support to keep the club alive. If you have some time to spare and would like to join an active committee, organising 2016, please collect an application form and hand it to Sue Moyler.
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Events & Parties Coming up at late November/ early December we have our Toy Runs, November 29th, The Broom Farm Toy Run will be leaving from Ascot Racecourse this year, and travelling to Windsor, to take toys and gifts to the children of the Armed Forces. December 6th, The Reading Toy Run starts from the Foster Wheeler Building in Reading at 2pm and will travel to the Dr Barnardo’s School in Wokingham. What do you need to do as members? The Chapter has arranged ride outs to both events, check on the website for times and starting points. Your bike needs to be decorated with Christmas decorations and if you would like to wear fancy dress you are welcome to do so. Bring gifts for children between 0 – 16 years of age particularly teenagers. These gifts need to unwrapped. Both these events have been supported in great numbers over the years and have become a firm favourites with bikers from around the area. After the Reading Toy run we are meeting at the Three Frogs Pub, London Road Wokingham, for a bite to eat and a drink if you would like to join us. Thames Valley Chapter Christmas party, at the Calcot Hotel, Reading, has over 50 guests booked this year. Pat & Barry have a few tickets left if you would like to join the Christmas party celebration. Accommodation is available at a special rate for partygoers. December’s Club night will be held at Reading Harley Davidson this year, from 7:30pm, with all the fun of Christmas thrown in. As well as a chance to pick up some last minute gifts for your loved one. The results and winners of the Chapter Mileage Challenge, Miles of Fun, Poker Runs and the Christmas Hamper draw will be taking place during the evening.
Don Director
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Thames Valley would like to extend a very warm welcome to our new members:
We hope you all have a great time in our friendly club!
Hi Ladies, Firstly girls, if you’re reading this as a non-Chapter member and would like to see what our club is about, please don't hesitate to get in touch for a chat or meet-up, if you'd find that useful. Well, it was great to see that so many of you could make it to the Halloween Mileage Program party at the dealership on Sat 31st. Your outfits looked absolutely fabulous! Many thanks to everyone that contributed towards such a fun day. The results of our Chapter closing mileages are announced in January at the Directors’ meeting. The week before, the National Ladies of Harley Officer meeting was held at Oxford, hosted by Elaine Shepherd. There were some great ideas for events involving chapter members. The ‘Pink Ladies’ shared their memories from their Iron Hog ride and have clearly been an inspiration to anyone considering this challenge. It was also good to have input from new riders, including our Hayley West who, may I add, rode her bike there & back. Well done girl Looking forward, we have the LoH weekend away end of Nov, - whoop whoop, two toy runs, the Club's Christmas party & last but not least, Dec club night is being held at our dealership 8
Thames Valley and Oxford welcoming the LoH reps
Some of you have been asking about a Christmas meal ...well, after chatting to just a few of you over the last few weeks about possible dates in Dec for an LoH evening meal, it's quite apparent that we all have a lot going on leading up to Christmas, which is no surprise really!! I'd therefore like to suggest a New Year's evening meal in January instead, at the Fox & Pheasant, Gerrards Cross Road, Stoke Poges. We had a poker run there in Sept, and the staff /choice of food / layout of the pub was great... Date/more info to follow. LoH Oxford have very kindly invited us to join them for a glorious pamper weekend at Champneys Spring Health Farm, Leicester. It works out at ÂŁ302.50 (Friday - Sunday) If you are interested in going & pairing with someone come & see me for booking forms. Deposits are payable by 1st Dec. Just a reminder girls, should you wish to submit a story/tips/ advice/pics, as rider or pillion, to our magazine please send to editor@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk Let me know if you wish to be included in the LoH email list for updates, upcoming events, ideas etc. Ride safe x Sue Dodds Thames Valley LOH Representative
07775 913562
WELL BEHAVED WOMEN RARELY MAKE HISTORY
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Bikers descend on Brighton On Sunday 11/10/15, thousands of on Brighton for the annual Brightona numbers were swelled slightly when Poulter, Steve Taylor and Jan and I see what all the fuss was about. We talking about the weather but for early lovely day and I'm sure that improved
bikers descended Bike Show and the Sue & Malcolm went along to always end up October it was the attendance.
We had a nice leisurely ride down there which went very well until one, not too friendly looking, group of bikes had to swerve to avoid Steve while he swerved to avoid a little old lady in her Astra ploddling down a dual carriageway. Still, there was no harm done. We bumped into Mike and Tania (Wilson) on the road into Brighton. They were looking cool with shades on, chopper engine revving. There were bikes everywhere and you had to have eyes in the back of your helmet to stay out of trouble.
We had a good old wander along the Maderia Drive, a spot lunch on the way, and saw some terrific bikes. We bumped into the Dave Knight on the front, he'd managed to escape for the afternoon. Also Shorty and a few of the Black Horse boys and girls were there. Then I saw this bike and I thought blimey he must have long arms, lovely as it was it can't be very comfortable to ride, can it? Well that's all from me, your roving reporter:11
Chris Smith
THE THREE FROGS
The final cards have been picked as the last Poker run of the season took place at The Three Frogs, just outside Wokingham. We will now be waiting until the last club night of the year, at the Reading Dealership, for the winners to be announced and the cash prizes given out. A huge thanks to Nick West for the last few years arranging the venues and keeping a tally of the poker hands. Linda
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Now the proud owner of his own horn, Don can be heard to shout, ‘Fill ’er up!’ (Only the
finest Malt, of course )
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November
December
Christmas Party Saturday 5th Calcot Hotel See Pat/Barry for availability
Club Night Thurs 19th, 7:30 SL4 5EY Ace Café Harley Night Thurs 26th, 6:00 N10 7UD
Reading Toy Run Sun 6th, 2:00 pm Foster Wheeler, RG2 9FW
LoH Weekend Fri 27th—Mon 30th
Club Night Christmas Special Thurs 17th, at
‘Turkey & Tinsel’
Reading H-D
at Sand Bay
7:30—10:00 pm
Broom Farm Toy Run Sun 29th, 10:30 Petrol Station by S’Able
Shortest Day Ride Sun 20th, 10:00 Meeting place TBA
December
Ace Café N10 7UD Thurs 31st, 6:00
Committee Night Tues 1st, 6:00 Reading H-D
January Committee Night Tues 5th, 6:00 Reading H-D Saturday Social Sat 9th, 12:30 Fox and Pheasant Stoke Poges, SL2 4EZ
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Dates, events, ride-outs and activities Details correct at time of going to print. Check the website for updates and amendments www.thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
Rallies 2016
Club Nights
Cider Rally
25th anniversary, theme: Silver
29th April - 2nd May Eurofestival St Tropez 28th April - 1st May SofER 12th -14th August Thunder in the Glens 26th—30th August European Bike Week Faaker See 6th - 11th September
December
17th
January
21st
February
18th
March
17th
April
21st
Mag contribution Deadlines
Blazin’ Galaxies 23rd - 26th September
Events Broom Farm Toy Run Sunday, 29th Nov Reading Toy Run Sunday, 6th Dec
Check website for details on all events 15
December
10th
January
14th
February
11th
March
10th
April
14th
In this month when the nation remembers the bravery of those that served 100 years ago, I thought it would be appropriate to have a look at the importance of the use of motorcycles by the allied forces during WWI. While the Great War is commonly associated with stagnant, immobile trench warfare, it is often forgotten that motorcycles were actually one of the most prolific tools in the Allied arsenal (the US alone ordered over 50,000 Indians, 20,000 Harley-Davidsons, and various others). Entire infantry units were mobilised on motorcycles, and they also provided an ideal way to rapidly deploy machine gun crews into position. Medical units used them to evacuate wounded on stretcher-equipped sidecars, and to return medical supplies and ammunition to the front lines. They were also used for reconnaissance and for perimeter security patrols.
Motorcycles were used in direct combat operations in WWI - over 80,000 of them.
But where motorcycles proved the most valuable was for delivering messages. Because electronic communication at the time was unsecure and prone to being damaged, using “despatch riders� was the most effective way to deliver orders, reports, and maps between units. It was not uncommon for mounted messengers to ride through machine gun and artillery fire, far behind enemy lines, and over or around craters, debris, and dead bodies. Despatch riding during WW1 was pretty unpleasant and required a huge amount of courage. 16
It wasn’t only the men of the war who got to ride around on motorcycles, though. The Women's Royal Air Force (WRAF) also made use of motorbikes. The initial aim of the WRAF was to provide female mechanics so that men could be free to serve in the armed forces. Thanks to the high number of women volunteers, many also filled driver positions as well. Women's love for the bicycle in this period makes it easy to see how they seamlessly graduated to the motorbike. Harley-Davidson provided over 20,000 bikes for the war effort. The initial bikes used in the war were adapted civilian models such as the J series, which used a 61 Cubic inch F-head motor producing 15 horsepower. It featured a gas headlight instead of the usual electric one. Harley Davidson later developed the FUS and LUS models with trademark high, flat fenders for the muddy conditions of the war, A WRAF rider on her Phelon & Moore 500cc single along with other, 'militarycylinder motorcycle friendly' features. With such a high percentage of production being dedicated to military use, it is clear that the company was invested on making their bikes as ergonomic as possible.
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US Army Harley-Davidson in WWI
The Boys Stuff boys, Ralph and Mike.
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Something very strange was going on at Reading H-D on Saturday, 31st October. Innocent people went along to get their mileage signed off, only to be greeted by the ghouliest lot of staff and Chapter members you could imagine! Still, the ‘Rummy’ bears, cakes and abundance of other treats made up for the scary reception
Gloria’s Goal: A Cross-Country Motorcycle Trip at 100
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was born in a little apartment behind a motorcycle shop in Clifton. My father had started the business in 1915, 100 years ago. Even as a baby, I was with motorcycles every day of my life. When I was 16, my brother decided I should learn to ride. I told him, “I’m not going to do it! And you can’t make me.” But he convinced me. Gloria Tramontin Struck, 90, of Clifton, N.J., on her Now, 74 years later, 2004 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic. I’m still riding. My first motorcycle was a 1941 Indian Bonneville Scout. Over the years, I’ve owned three Indians and eleven Harley-Davidsons. Since 1950 I’ve been riding long distances, to races and events all over the country and in Europe. The first time I rode to Daytona Bike Week in Florida was in 1951. And I still ride to Daytona. The first time I rode from New Jersey to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota was in 2003. I’ve gone every year since, and I’m in the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum’s Hall of Fame. This summer, my granddaughter and I rode our Harley-Davidsons to the 75th Sturgis rally. Before we left, a friend started talking about us on Facebook saying, “Keep an eye out for Gloria Struck, on her way to Sturgis. She’s 90-years old, riding a blue Heritage Softail Classic. Her granddaughter’s on a red Sportster.” I’m not exaggerating: Every time we stopped for gas, every time we stopped for something to eat, people were watching for us. One woman came up and said, “Excuse me, is your name Gloria?” I said, yes. She turned to her friends and yelled, “Hey, it’s her! It’s her! It’s Gloria!” We had three days to get to Sturgis - close to 1,800 miles one way. We spent so much time talking to people and taking pictures with them, we had to ride 80 mph to catch up on time. And it happened all over again on the way back. When I’m 100 years old, I plan on riding across country on two wheels. I believe it’ll be the first time anyone’s done it - male or female. I’m very active, and I love new challenges. I always tell people: Live your dreams.
A little cake; a big birthday‌ The Boys Stuff boys out with Geoff and clubbing at Smokey Joe's until the wee hours to celebrate his 60th.
HAPPY 60th GEOFF
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Thames Valley meet Hogsback at Ryka's Café.
The two minute silence observed, the ride-out brief is given.
Leaving Ryka’s and heading for Shamley Green.
Arriving at Christ Church, Shamley Green.
Meeting the Mayor and his Lady.
Chapters unite in paying respects.
Thames Valley’s wreath is laid.
Remembrance Sunday tributes.
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Sunday 8th November. Mandy, Joe, John, Bulldog & I joined in with the 'Ring of Red' Memorial Ride. The aim is to have a continuous ring of Red around the M25 representing a Poppy. Bikers meet at various service areas around M25. We met together and joined the Ride at Cobham Services. Certainly a large gathering of all makes of bikes and all wearing something Red. We set off at 12.50 heading towards South Mimms Services with the target of the 'Ring' being complete by 13.30. I’m sure motorists must have wondered what was going on as they tried to turn off or on the M25 with just a row of bikes to be seen. Different reports say 3-4,000 motorcyclists. Great day out and glad we did it, showing our respect for our troops & those fallen.
Mike Joiner
New style Top Rocker to suit new Hog Patch £15.00 Large Rocker £16.00 Large Hog Patch
Small Motor Head Patch also available in Bronze £8.50
New style Ladies of Harley Patch £15.00
Small Ladies of Harley Patch in Silver
£7.50
Merchandise available at club nights or through the website.
Last month’s Mystery Lady was… Janet Smith! Do you have a picture of your younger self? Send it to: editor@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
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Christmas Party
Saturday 28th November 2015
The New Forest Chapter have invited us, Thames Valley, to join them for a Christmas Party cruise on The Princess Caroline, cruising along the River Solent. “This year we will enjoy exclusive use of the boat and can look forward to a 2 course dinner, followed by dancing and revelry that only New Forest know how to do. The boat will leave Southampton at around 7pm on Saturday 28th November returning around 11.30pm. Cost of the tickets are £35 each and are available now, but hurry, we are limited to 120 places.”
For tickets or more information, please contact Paul Langdon on 07341 856330 or email paul@newforesthog.co.uk
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A car full of Irish nuns is sitting at a traffic light in downtown Dublin, when a bunch of rowdy drunks pull up alongside of them. "Hey, show us yer teets, ya bloody penguins!" shouts one of the drunks. Quite shocked, Mother Superior turns to Sister Mary Immaculata and says, "I don't think they know who we are; show them your cross." Sister Mary Immaculata rolls down her window and shouts, "Piss off, ya fookin' little wankers, before I come over there and rip yer balls off!" Sister Mary Immaculata then rolls up her window, looks back at Mother Superior, quite innocently, and asks, "Did that sound cross enough?
PRIMARY OFFICERS
Don Wibberley DIRECTOR
Pat Adams Asst. Director
Nick West Asst. Director
Email: director(assistantdirector)@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
Club Venue: Grenadier Guards’ Club Maidenhead Road Windsor, Berks. SL4 5EY
facebook.com/groups thamesvalleyhog
youtube.com/user/ tvwebmaster1
Colin Wilkins Treasurer
Sue Moyler Secretary
Third Thursday of every month
Email: treasurer/secretary@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
COMMITTEE
Sue Dodds Ladies of Harley
Sue Knight Editor
Lee White Webmaster
Chris Smith Membership
Barry Adams Activities
Toni Charles Activities
Linda Friend Photographer
Chris Earley- ‘CJ’ Photographer
Email any committee member at (position held)@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk