Magazine of the Thames Valley HOG Chapter
With every new editor comes new ideas - some good, some not so good. Have a look at page 24, For Sale, wanted, tips and advice. Have you got anything for this page? Page 7 is a letters page. You could write just a sentence or a few paragraphs; have a rant or offer advice… Have your say! Page 12 is for getting to know new members or those who keep a low profile. Page 22 has a quiz - how observant are you? Let me know what you think of these new pages any ideas for others?
Here it is, my first copy of Tales from the Riverbank! Actually, I meant our first copy, with me as editor. This is our magazine and I’m happy to include anything you want to see here. I’ll put together pages of anything you want to read about, pictures you want to look at - just let me know what it is you’d like. You don’t all know me and I don’t know all of you. I know most of the club-night regulars but, not going on many rides, (having a trike!) I don’t get to meet everyone. So, I’ve started a Meet the Members page with a spotlight on individuals or couples. If you’d like to be featured here just send me your email address. A magazine can only be as good as its content, therefore, I’m relying on all of you who enjoy reading your club magazine to make a contribution - a picture, a word or two about a ride or anything bike related, a tip or advice about maintenance … I look forward to hearing from you. Sue
Inside this issue... ·
Front cover: Our very own ‘Little & Large’ otherwise known as Malcolm Poulter and Bernie Churchill
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Page 2
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Page 4, 5 Don’s Words of Wibsdom
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Page 6, 7 LOH - Sue’s Scribbles
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Page 7
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Page 8 , 9 News - New Dealership
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Page 10 News and Updates
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Page 11 Merchandise
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Page 12, 13 Meet the Members
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Page 14, 15 Calendar
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Page 16, 17 Faaker See
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Page 18 Bridgewater Christmas Party
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Page 19 , 20, 21 Thunder in the Glens
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Page 22
Whose bike?
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Page 23
Fine Pig
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Page 24
For sale / wanted
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Page 25
Picture Gallery
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Page 26, 27
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Back cover:
September / October Birthdays
Start your Engines
Mailbag
Safety First Meet the committee
Russell Lovelock, Dave Knight, Debbie Dorling, Pat Jackson, Mike Connolly, Tony Robson, Sue Moyler, Chris Early - ‘C J ‘
Happy birthday to you all!
A big thank you to all who have sent copy for this month’s Riverbank Tales. There would be no magazine without your contributions!
Hello to you all and welcome to this month’s edition of Tales from the Riverbank. First of all I would like to welcome Sue Knight to the committee as your new editor and congratulate her on her first edition of the magazine. Both Lee and I know all about putting the magazine together as we have baby sat the editor’s job for the last few months. What fantastic news about the new dealership in Reading! It was great that Russ and Mike came personally to club night to make the announcement and talk to everybody about the plans for the dealership. This does mean that Thames Valley UK Chapter has a great future with a new dealership, and a new team headed by Mike to manage the growth of the dealership over the next few years; this will bring us new members from bike sales and secure the future of Thames Valley. Fantastic News!!! Thunder in the Glens A Thames Valley Group rode to Aviemore in ideal weather conditions over two days to break the 538 miles up. Friday saw the start of a great rally hosted by Dunedin Chapter. On arrival at our Lodge (located in the Mac Donald resort), Thames Valley’s temporary club house was set up; Chapter Flags hung from the mezzanine
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floor balcony, and the fridge filled with booze ready for the welcome party arranged for Friday evening! The party was just the start of a great weekend with good friends and loads of fun and games from the usual suspects. Pat’s fines book has been full to overflowing yet again, so get your money ready at club night! Linda has written a piece for the magazine so I’m not going to reveal any more on our weekend in Scotland other than to say we are going back in 2014 with even more chapter members. Just this week the location and dates for the 2014 European Rally were announced. Location is Biograd, Croatia from the 12th to 15th June. As I receive more information and booking details I will let you know. Our own activities team have been busy planning a Christmas Party and have booked The Best Western Hotel in Reading from 7:30pm on the 22nd November. It includes a three course Christmas dinner with coffee and mints followed by a disco until late and with the chapter subsidising the evening the cost per person is just £23. A deposit of £10/pp, payable when booking at club night with Pat or Barry, is all that’s needed to secure your place. The Chapter challenge mileage program comes to an end 31st October so we still have time to clock up more miles than ever with the weather still being on our side. I shall be collecting your finishing mileages in early November. If you have been abroad on holiday and have hired Harleys I will need a copy of the rental agreements with the start and finish mileages on, to be able to include these. At club night tonight, application forms for the 2014 committee positions are available. These will also be available at October’s club night and need to be returned to Sue Moyler by October 31st for consideration. All committee members and road crew need to reapply for their positions in 2014. Before reapplying for a place on the Road Crew please remember you are required to be an Active member of the team, and not just wear the badge on your jacket. You are expected to organise a ride out and tail rides when you are available. Let’s enjoy what remains of the riding season and carry on having fun.
Don Director 5
Sue Dodds Helloooo ladies, This is Sue D standing in for our lovely Sue B who is otherwise engaged riding across the USA with fellow TV Club members hubby Dave, Nick n Deb West & Ron n Pat Jackson. In fact the day they left for the airport, Doughnut (Paul Houghton extraordinaire) was leading a ride-out to the Brackley Motorcycle Festival and thanks to his impeccable timing it meant that we passed Sue & Dave's house just as they were heading off, so they got a proper Harley send off as we rode past! Toot, toot... Can I just say what a wonderful day we all had at Brackley thank you Doughnut - crewed by Freddie & Bulldog. It was my first time there; we all had a fantastic day, so much to see. I'd thoroughly recommend it to anyone that's not been before, and what's more we had a great ride there - and back! Hmm... (lol) in the absence of YET ANOTHER of our committee members, I stood in for Nick West (yes, also sunning himself in USA!) for the August Poker run - well attended - at one of my local pubs in Cox Green, Maidenhead. Nick generously set up the venue etc. in advance so all I had to do was dish out the cards and collect a quid from everyone that attended. Another great night with lovely peeps. OK, then we're on to Aveimore the next day, well, what can I say? I’m sure by the time this is published you'll have seen plenty of pics and comments on the Thames Valley site and Facebook. Thames Valley did us proud, ha ha! Well done to all of our gorgeous lady pillions, SUCH a long way ‘scrunched up’ on the back of the bike (goodness, do the boys take some luggage or wot? ) lol!
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I do hope our ladies were given massages in suitable places on arrival ! Thank you Don Wibbs for organising the ride there/back and all attendees for their fab contributions throughout the extra long weekend. Well done Linda (Jammy) for not only being TV photographer, but also for driving the support vehicle for the club, what would we do without you x We have four TV members (sorry if I've missed anyone) in the HOG issue 3 2013 magazine - p 11 . Sadie (beautiful pic) and back page Doughnut, Clive & CJ - obviously modelling for Eurocamp in Rome! I hope they've declared their earnings! Here's looking forward to next month’s edition of the Club Mag, Sue Dodds x
bag l i a M
Dear Editor, I’ve heard about the new Harley-Davidson that will be water cooled. I don’t know if this is a good thing or a bad thing. Signed, Hot Legs.
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This is the place to share opinions, news, information, or your thoughts. It doesn’t have to be much, just a sentence or two, or a photo or news item, a bit of Harley trivia... Anything, really can go here. Send your contribution for next month’s edition to:
In 1965, George Roeder set a land speed record of 177.225mph for a 250cc motorcycle on a modified Harley-Davidson
In 1913, Harley -Davidson produced 12,904 motorcycles. ( 100 years ago!)
Great News! Those present at August’s monthly Club Meeting were treated to a visit by Russ Dacre, the owner of Norwich and Guildford Dealerships (Lind Group) who announced that, yesterday, (Wednesday 14th August) he had completed the purchase of a site in Reading for a new Harley Dealership. Mike Wilson (currently After Sales Manager at Guildford) was with Russ and he will be the Dealer Principal of Reading H-D.
The site for the new dealership is on the Wokingham Road opposite the George pub near Loddon Bridge.
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It was clear from Russ' presentation that he would like to work with TVHOG to set up a relationship which will be mutually beneficial. Russ spoke well of the other HOG Chapters associated with his two dealership and made it quite clear that he would like to explore the possibilities of adopting Thames Valley UK Chapter into the new dealership. The site was previously an auto sales site and so the new owner is hopeful of a straightforward route through the planning process. The upfront showroom (which is 1950's construction needs some seriously major work to bring it up to the usual Harley Standards but the workshop (seen behind) is 1990's construction and needs less work. It’s likely that the new ‘Reading’ dealership will open initially for workshop activity sometime in the New Year, followed in the Spring by a brand new (50's diner styled) showroom where the old derelict building stands now. It is still early days but the signs are very positive. It is the news we have been waiting for since we lost the support of the Slough Dealership back in 2010. If you have any questions, please raise them with a committee member. If they don't have an answer, they will work hard to get you one.
Coming soon...
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Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd September 2013 5th year of the Kop Hill Climb Revival
On the third weekend in September the Chiltern Hills will reverberate again to the sound of Bikes and Cars thundering up the Kop Hill Climb. This "must attend" event is now a fixture on the historic motor sport calendar. 400 Bikes and Cars will storm the hill and there will be a further 200 on display in the paddock. There is nowhere else where you can see such a range of early sporting and special vehicles in motion. Its popularity with owners of special Bikes and Cars is only rivalled by the tens of thousand of spectators drawn to this annual charity driven event.
Harley Night at The Ace Cafe 26th September
Blazin’ Cannons New Forest Rally 27th-30th September Weymouth
A good day out, Chris Evans and Jay Kay attend. Meet at Sportsable at 8:30 for 9:00 departure. We’ll be riding there directly, not having a scenic ride.
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SALE NOW ON Now is the time to grab yourself a bargain! We’re having a sale of all our current merchandise. Chapter t-shirts Chapter China Mugs Chapter Flags Flag poles Buffs
£18 £ 5 £20 £12 £12
For current sale items see Shirley, or email merchandise@thamesvallyhog.org.uk
New Merchandise
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A range of new clothing, all with the new Thames Valley badge, is now available. See Shirley on Club Night to view new items, or email her at: merchandise@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk for more info. There are still a few 15th Birthday Patch and Pin sets available at £5.
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Meet the Members
Spotlight on... Dave and Sue Knight How long have you been together?
We’ve been married for 38 years.
Do you have any children?
Yes, we have 33-year-old twin sons, Harley and Wesley. Wes rides a Harley, and he has two sons. Harley doesn’t have a bike at the moment and he lives in York.
Any pets?
We have a dog, Rocky, a German Shepherd.
How long have you been riding motorbikes?
Dave, since 1964, Sue for a couple of years.
What was your first bike?
Dave, BSA Bantam. Sue, Triumph Tiger Cub.
When did you get your first Harley?
We got a Sportster in 1974. When I told Dave I was expecting twins (in 1979) he rushed out and bought a brand new Electra Glide from Fred Warr thinking he’d never have money to spare again! We’ve never been without a Harley since.
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What do you ride now?
Dave rides a Road King, Sue rides an Ultraglide Trike.
How long have you been a Thames Valley member?
Dave joined in its first year then changed to Chiltern Hills as it was nearer. When their dealership folded he returned to TV and has been a member on and off over its 15 years.
Any hobbies apart from motorbikes?
Just motorbikes, really, especially old British Bikes, Harleys and Indians. We are members of several clubs. Dave likes going to the gym, Sue likes most crafts, especially making things from wood.
Any special Harley experiences?
With nearly 40 years of Harley riding, we’ve been to some great rallies. Perry Eliot’s in Cornwall used to be one of my favourites when the children were young, with its wonderful grounds. Daytona in 1983 was great; Sturgis in 1999 was amazing! Looking forward to travelling Route 66 one day, sadly not with the club.
Nice meeting you, thanks for the chat!
2nd cky
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birth
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September
October Committee Night Tuesday 1st, 8:00pm
Committee Night Tuesday 3rd, 8:00pm Poker Run 6 The Shepherds House. Warefield, Berks Wednesday 11th 6:30
Ride to the Wall 6 Saturday 5th, Meet SportsAble 7:30 for 8:00am depart
Ace Café - Brighton Burn Sunday 15th, SportsAble 9:00 for 9:30 dep
Goodwood Breakfast Club SportsAble 7:15 for 7:30 Italian machinery - Ferraris, Lamborghinis…
Club Night Sportsable Thursday 19th 7:30 - 10:00
Poker Run Theb Cunning Man Burghfield, Reading Wednesday 9th, 6:30 Lord Mayor’s ‘Beat the Bounds’ Sunday 13th, charity run from Guildhall, London
Cop Hill Climb Hill Climb Event Sunday 22nd Meet Sportsable 8:30 for 9:00
Club Night Thursday 17th, 7:30
Harley Night - Ace Café Thursday 26th
Hoggin’ the Bridge Sunday 20th, Meet Chieveley 7:30 for 8:00
Blazing Cannons Rally Friday 27th-Monday 30th New Forest Rally, Weymouth Ride to the rally. Meet Chieveley services 10:00 for 10:30 depart
Covent Gardens/TGI Fridays Saturday 26th Ace Café Harley Night Thursday 31st 114
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
November
Club Nights
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Committee Night Tuesday 5th, 8:00pm
September 19th
Lee White’s 40th Birthday Bash BirdsHills Golf Centre, 7:30
October
17th
November 21st
Club Night Thursday 21st, 7:30
December 19th
Chapter Christmas Party Best Western Hotel Reading 7:00 - 11:30.
January
Ace CafĂŠ Harley Night Thursday 28th, 6:00
16th
Mag contribution Deadlines
Broom Farm Toy Run Sunday 24th From Legoland Windsor Meet 10:30 for 11:00
September 12th October
10th
November 14th Check website for Changes / further details on all events
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December
12th
January
9th
Faaker Se
e 2013
Austria—2-8 September I had no idea what to expect from this rally as Dave and I set off for Austria. This was his fourth time going, but my first. We set off on Monday morning and as we were in no hurry we planned to do just 250 miles a day. We booked hotels in France and Germany for three overnight stops. The weather was amazing – clear blue skies and temperature in the high 20s all the way. We got to our hotel in Villach, about 5km from Faaker See, on Thursday afternoon and, after almost 1,000 miles of riding, took a taxi to the rally site. The taxi couldn’t get very near the Harley Village as I’m sure that almost every Harley on the planet was riding around the lake looking for somewhere to park! No room for a solo so my trike didn’t stand a chance. For those of you who haven’t been to this rally, it’s set around a large lake. The scenery is exquisite. A frequent supply of shuttle busses go round so you can hop on and off at the different ‘villages’. There were thousands and thousands of Harleys in continuous lines riding around the lake, and every other make of bike, too, even the new Indian was on show. In the Harley Village there were hundreds of trade stands, food places, tattooists, live bands, clothes stalls etc. and thousands of people. Last year there were approximately 110,000 visitors and this year there were even more – I haven’t seen any figures yet, although I have no idea how they could count them!! I think that, as this rally is spreading out to all surrounding areas, it won’t be long before it’s the same size as Sturgis! The sound of Harleys late into the night and early hours of morning filled the air for the week The custom bike show brought bikes from all over Europe and beyond, and there were some truly amazing sights. The ride-out caused traffic chaos as many of the main streets were closed for quite a few hours to allow the massive procession to pass through, for more than an hour. On Sunday we set off for our three-day ride home – 300+ miles each day. A little rain at the end of Sunday and Monday but it didn’t put a damper on what was a really fantastic rally, much, much more than I ever expected.
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Sue Knight
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Bridgwater Chapter Christmas Bash Sat. Fancy Dress: Rich Man, Poor Man (Optional) 13th-14th December - 2 Nights Fri 13th-Chill-out night with possible, ‘Bridgwater’s Got Talent’. Accommodation included; food will be available to buy at the bar. Sat 14th -Includes Saturday breakfast, accommodation, Christmas meal, Sunday breakfast and all entertainment. St Audries Bay Holiday Club, West Quantoxhead, Nr. Minehead, Somerset TA4 4DY 2 Nights - Fri 13th-Sat 14th Single Chalet £67 2- Berth Chalet £134 4- Berth Caravan £288 6- Berth Caravan £432 8- Berth Caravan £576 Motorhomes with hook up £45pp
1 Night - Sat 14th Single Chalet £52 2- Berth Chalet £104 4- Berth Caravan £228 6- Berth Caravan £342 8-Berth Caravan £456 Motorhomes with hook up £37.50pp
Full occupancy of all units required to ensure price. Bookings are first come first served, so please ring to see what accommodation is left. Please note any dietary needs:…………………………………………………………. Name, address and contact number : Amount Paid: £…………….. ……………………………………………………… Cheque …………………………………………………………………….. Cash ……………………………………………………………………... ……………………………………………………………………... Send form, SAE and payment to: Gina Chapman, 93 Old street, Clevedon, North Somerset, BS21 6BT. 07717615080 Tickets non-refundable
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Thunder in the Glens 2013
Thursday morning, 22nd August, at Beaconsfield services, to begin what should be one of the most fantastic rallies we have been on. The reputation of the Dunedin Chapter’s organisation has gone before them. The sky is grey and overcast, and the rain follows us nearly to Warwick services. Pat & Barry Adams are picked up there and we’re all making our way to the M6 (toll) services. It has been well worth the £3 for bikes and £5.50 for the car - the traffic has been very light. Another stop at Charnock Richard services near Blackpool, and we are on our way to our overnight stop in Lockerbie. There are 6 staying at the Dinwoodie Lodge Hotel and 7 of us are at the Days Inn. Dinner tonight is at the Dinwoodie Lodge.
Friday 23rd August. Up, breakfasts eaten and away on to the A74 (M), making our way to Pitlochry for our lunch stop at The Original Moulin Inn (circa 1695). Everyone is pleased at being only 50 -60 miles away from Aviemore. Many Dunedin marshals are guiding the bikes to registration to be banded and to collect the goodie bag ( T-shirt, pin, Scottish shortbread, body lotion sachet, bottled water and chocolate). I found out later that just under 3000 have registered today. All alcohol, crisps and nibbles have been taken to Lodge No.15 for the gathering tonight. We have all gone to our chosen accommodation to get ready. Dinners have been chosen in the many eateries available in Aviemore and with Sue & Bernie, Gill & Paul, Shorty & his family joining us at the Lodge, the drinking, singing and dancing has begun. We have made our way down to the village, to the Osprey Arena and surrounding venues for tonight's entertainment.
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Saturday 24th August The ride out that we have seen & heard so much about is ready to leave Aviemore. Hundreds of bikes are lined up around the campground and up the ring road at the back of the hotels. I think the whole of Aviemore has come out to see us ride through the town; many, many people are lining the route from small children to old ladies leaning out of their car windows, people in wheelchairs under umbrellas. The weather is not being kind to them or us, heavy drizzle is falling, we are in total awe of these people who are waiting to wave to us, and to watch us go by. Over 1,050 Harleys (plus a couple of hundred assorted others) and 47 miles later, we have made our way past lochs, through forests to arrive in Grantown-on-Spey. With so many of us trying to park it seems that there are more like 2050 bikes! The High Street is full of charity stands and they have a ‘Taste of Scotland’ event going on. Back to Aviemore in time to see the fantastic entrants in the custom bike show. Some of us have eaten at Ben MacDuirs Inn tonight, it was recommended to us and they have come up trumps. CJ has commented on the mussels, liking them to ‘sex on a plate’. We have made our way over the road to the Cairngorm Hotel the open stage has got fire eaters there tonight, they are amazing. The main entertainment in the Osprey Arena tonight is a Celtic drumming group called Clann An Drumma. Words cannot do them justice, they were brilliant! We have merged with the crowds and gone outside to see the fireworks.
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Sunday 25th August A day of leisure for some, but not for others. Doughnut is leading a ride-out to Fort William via Loch Ness, Bridge of Oich, the Commando Memorial, Ben Nevis, Spean Bridge and the A86. The weather is very warm. A trip up the Cairngorm mountain to go to the top on the funicular railway is another choice. Some have chosen to walk around the rally village and spend some money. Nearly all of us are eating in the Ben Mac Duirs Inn again tonight, the atmosphere and the food yet again are very good. Into the Osprey Arena for tonight’s entertainment, a tribute band called Showaddywaddy.
Bank Holiday Monday We have said our goodbyes and are making our way back down country to Selby for tonight’s stopover at the Quality Hotel. Hazel & I are in the car, the bike riders have taken a different route, and boy what a different route it is! Towards Edinburgh and bagging the Firth of Forth road bridge, a truly fantastic ride. The traffic for us all has been very heavy. We have all arrived safely at the hotel and got our rooms to be showered and rested. We are in the bar looking at the menus for tonight’s dinner.
Tuesday 27th A very nice breakfast has been eaten by all and the homeward journey has begun. An amazing few days away and hopefully to be repeated this time next year. Thanks must go to Don Wibberly for getting us there and back. Paul Houghton for his ride-out, and Dunedin chapter for the weekend and the Saturday gathering. Linda Friend.
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Whose Bike? Our ‘Jammy’ photographer, Linda, has been taking candid shots of our bikes when we weren’t looking! Do you recognise your bike, or that of another club member? If you correctly identify the bike and owner, you will win a bottle of wine, to be presented at club night. If there’s more than one correct answer, names will be put in a hat and one drawn out - at club night. Good luck!
If you can identify this bike, send your answer to Linda, c/o: editor@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
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Fine Pig Aviemore Fines 2013 CJ for telling secrets from the Rome trip – what went to Rome stays in Rome! CJ for going to the petrol pump when we all agreed to go to one at the next services. Jammy & Hazel for waiting for us in the wrong place – twice. CJ for Liars of Harley – twice – yes I will get you every time. Clive for being ‘windy’ in front of the girls and saying that they didn’t ‘count’ CJ for saying he had a sore helmet! Doughnut for telling tales on CJ Clive for not appreciating my green cagoule or the nappy pin holding my yellow vest together. Had to be dry and be seen! Don for telling certain people where we were staying. Baz for throwing his peas around at the dinner table – well they were like canon balls. Mick for coming to a Harley Rally with the intention of NOT drinking! Baz for creeping around the director’s wife. Doughnut for not knowing what a supermarket was! Mick for, when asked where his kilt was, saying, ‘Do I look as if I do tartan?’ Everyone does tartan in Aviemore! CJ for his hopeless diagnostic skills. It was petrol coming from the tank overflow pipe – not oil from the brakes. Sue D for Ha Ha Ha – Hee Hee Hee I got off the fines Scott free! Paul M for flashing and he wasn’t even wearing a kilt! Clive S for Liars of Harley – the boys just do not learn! Bernie D for almost taking the whole parade back to Aviemore. If you want to leave a ride out you pull over and let everyone go past, not just take the next right turn. Bernie D for the above because he was only wearing jeans on the ride out and was getting wet – or was it because he suddenly realised he was in a queue? Bernie D for overtaking Sue so he could get in front of the queue. Baz for thinking that an Iron was for playing golf with. Baz for showing us his ‘not for showing trousers’. I’m a fine pig, very fine!! Michelle for drinking her beer from a vase. Baz for giving her the vase in the first place. CJ for trying to lick Minnie’s toes. Bernie D for trying to carry off Michelle – chair and all! Bernie D for Liars of Harley - swell that piggy, swell! And, saved the best one to last -
The Whole rideout - for being overtaken on the M6 by a 2-up Vespa Scooter! How embarrassing was that?!
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Members’ Market · · · · · ·
Bike bits Accessories Clothing Jewellery Questions Anything Harley
Your Wanted / For Sale advert here. Free of charge to Thames Valley members. FOR SALE Item description, contact number or email. Description, price and contact details. WANTED
Description of anything you’re looking for, Contact details.
QUESTIONS
There’s a lot of knowledge amongst our members, perhaps someone knows the answer to your problem. Ask your questions here and maybe someone will get back to you or answers could be printed here, too.
If you have anything for this page send, with photo if applicable, to: editor@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
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PICTURE GALLERY
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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... 路
路 路
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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 there is a hazard and you should move to avoid it and pass the signal back if it is safe for you to do so.
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 roundabouts and particularly near to filling stations.
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. Ride safe ‌. Nick West (Safety Officer)
Don Wibberley Chapter Director Email: director @thamesvallyhog.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 Email: historian@
Barry Adams Activities Officer Email: activities@
Lee White Webmaster Email: webmaster@
Sue Knight Editor Email: editor@
Bernie Meason Photographer Email: photographer@
Sue Brown Ladies of Harley Email: ladiesofharley@
facebook.com/groups/ thamesvalleyhog
youtube.com/user/ tvwebmaster1 Linda Friend Photographer Email: photographer@
Shirley Churchill Merchandise Email: merchandise@
Club Venue: SportsAble, Braywick Sports Ground, Maidenhead, SL6 1BN