convergence like a virgin k c u r t s r e g thunde n a h c l al
September 2017
Ed Quarters Welcome to Tales From The Riverbank. As I write these lines, I feel as if I should be wearing a black arm band to mark the passing of some of my favourite Harley models. 2018 will say goodbye to both the V-Rod and Dyna lines. Many of the Dyna models and all the Softail lines are moving to a new Softail platform. My beloved Wide Glide, however, didn’t make the cut. News of these changes and the revealing of the new models has caused great debate with some excitement and distress in almost equal amounts. The Milwaukee-Eight engines and the new improved frames provide a great platform for the future. I wonder what will fill the gap left from the V-Rod family? It was a line that offered something of appeal away from the traditional Harley. Smart, water-cooled, powerful engines in a package that gained cult status. Tighter emissions laws may have signalled the end for the Big Twins and the Revolution engines. What comes next? Well Harley Davidson’s boss, Matt Levatich was quoted at the start of the year, that Harley would be introducing fifty new ns to: models over the next five years. With the new missio .uk u r su b o y d o n h g.org Se Softail following this statement I think we have svalley k e m g a a th gm .u editor@ at www.tvho only just seen the beginning. d a plo Or u
Ride safe and have fun! Andy
New Members. We would like to offer a warm welcome to our new members. Please make yourselves at home.
Tony Ross James Escritt
Inside this issue
September / October Birthdays
Front cover
Convergence Rally
Page 2
Ed Quarters
Page 4 - 7
Westie Writes
Page 8
Ladies of Harley
Page 9
Windsor Toy Run
Page 10 - 11
White's Words
Page 12 - 15
Convergence Rally
Page 16
TV Times
Page 17
Text Alerts
Mark Peck 11th
Page 18 - 19
Like a Virgin
Howard Tee 11th
Page 20 - 21
The Cotswold Wildlife Park
September Tony Robson 23rd Sue Lambe 25th Chris Earley 28th Sue Poulter 29th
October Brian Wilson 3rd Pearl Taylor 7th Alan Gutteridge 9th France Somerville 10th Thelma Bryant 11th
Carol Smiles 12th
Page 22 - 23
Iron HOG 2
Page 24 - 27
Thunder in the Glens
Page 28 - 29
All Change
Page 30
Reading Toy Run
Page 31
Iron Horse Rally
Back cover
Meet the Committee
Happy Birthday to you all. If I've missed you or got something wrong, drop the Editor a quick note.
Huge thanks to all who have sent copy in for this month's magazine: Ian T, Trish, Adrian, Laura, James, Sue D, Mike C, Chris S, Nick, Mark, Lou, Lee & Axel :-)
Hi all, Another month passes with some great rides and rallies. Mike Connolly’s ride down to Selsey in support of RNLI was a huge success. The group rode to Chichester and met with Hogsback to deliver a ride of well over thirty bikes. I heard that a few riders returned via the Hindhead tunnel which is always great fun and if you haven’t yet done that on your Harley, you should factor it in sometime. It’s a real hoot and the roar from decent pipes is awesome, even if they are your mates’ pipes!. For this ride, we also trialled a new start point at the Showcase cinema. Let us know your thoughts on this as a ride start point. Did it work for you? Let me know. The August Mag was drafted before our Convergence Rally and so there was no real report in writing. We celebrated its success at the August Club Night but I cannot let this month’s “writings” pass it without a mention. The weekend was a great success! A lot of people contributed to making it a good event, not least all of the club members who attended and made it fun! One of the real heroes of the weekend was Rolling Hills Head Road Captain, Nelson Shield who gave up his Saturday (and a few days before that when he was doing the reccies) to show us why he loves living and riding in that part of the country. He treated us all to a fab ride with some breath-taking views. In turn, when he joined us on the Saturday night with his partner, we gave him a rapturous welcome like he had never experienced before. Afterwards he spoke to me with great thanks for such a roaring reception. Let’s face it, he really deserved it! We had great weather for our ride to the Cotswold Wildlife Park on the 20th. A really good-sized ride to the venue. A few went in to enjoy the animals and some had other plans for the day and used the ride into the Cotswolds as a way to get closer to their chosen venue. It’s all good! We are here to have fun!
I watched the Facebook feeds from this year’s Thunder in the Glens with great interest and even more envy. Sadly, my work commitments made it impossible for me to get up there this year but it was great to see that some of you were able to have a great time even without me … (LOL). I learned that a few were able to extend their long weekend even further and spend more time in one of the most beautiful areas of the British Isles. Well done you guys and thanks for sharing your photos and stories with your fellow members. I know that the photographers are interested in seeing anything you managed to snap during the rally so please bundle up any relevant piccies and get them out to photographer@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk. Most of you will now be finding the usefulness of the new club smartphone app. Many are singing its praises and finding it really helpful. Robin has been doing a really great job of assisting members to get loaded and logged in. He is at the dealership most Saturday’s to help. If you have a smartphone and don’t yet have the app please take a look at it. It brings many of our existing offerings into one single place. If you don’t have a smartphone you are not missing anything, all of the content in the app is available through the existing separate sources. Fortunately, we have not yet had to use our new text alert system as we have not needed to cancel anything but as the season draws closer to autumn, I feel sure it will come into play. We are currently looking at other ways to use this method of communication and we will let you know if anything changes. We are happy to take your suggestions too and whilst there is a cost to running this our hope is that it will very soon prove its usefulness. If you haven’t already given your mobile number to Robin (Webmaster) or Chris (Membership) then don’t miss out, let them have your details as soon as possible. Last month I mentioned that we have recently managed to secure a “Be A Better Biker” session for our road crew. Thames Vale Advanced Motorcyclists are able to lay on some extra observers on our date in September (23rd) and so we have opened the book to take in some non Roadcrew riders. By the time this mag hits the streets, it is likely that the places will all be taken but if you are interested, please let me know so that I can put you on a waiting list and so that you get a personal invite to the next one we do.
OK, we are barely out of the summer, but i must mention that The 2017 Christmas Party is just around the corner (9th December)! We have a limited number of places at the Maidenhead Holiday Inn this year. Last year was a great success and so we are expecting the tickets to go quite quickly. This year we are going to trial “E-Tickets” (look at us trying to down with the trends!). Initially, it will important to at least get your name on the list secured with a deposit which you can pay at Club Night. A little nearer in time, between writing this piece and Club Night we will have already had another Poker Run and our Ladies Of Harley will have completed their Sparkle Tour. More on these next month! I am really excited about the Blazin’ Blitz rally coming up on the weekend of 29th September. Fred and Lee will be handling the ride down to Hayling Island. Let’s hope for a dry run!. Our Ladies have been practicing their dance routine and look like a proper dance troupe! Hey, with Brighton just over an hour from the campsite, maybe some will take a ride over to Brighton for their annual Brightonia Gathering on the esplanade. We have Ride to the Wall on the 7th October and the last Poker Run on the 11th and shortly after the October Chapter Night we will be running the “End of Season” mileage registration at the Reading Dealership. …. and finally, … We have had a wonderful message from Anne at Oxford, who was the lead behind the special pin sales for this year’s Jake Spicer Memorial Toy Run to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. Her letter to me reads as follows: ------------Hello Westie, Please could you pass on my grateful thanks to your members who purchased
the Jake Spicer Toy Run pins. After paying out costs for setting up the pins there was enough money to buy the latest PlayStation 4 slim with FIFA 17 and five other games. A group of us were able to present this to the Children's ward at the John Radcliffe on Friday. They were over the moon with our generosity. I am looking to sell pins again next year and they will let us know what we could raise money for nearer the time.
Kind regards Anne Gray Ladies of Harley Officer, Oxford Chapter ----------Great effort all … Good to see our generosity in action. My dear friends, Let’s Ride …. and Have Fun!
Nick
Ladies of Harley Hello one & all, Take your marks, get ready, GO ...!! The 15th September marks the start of the LOH Sparkle tour 2017...all involved have tirelessly planned, plotted and recky'd the entire length of the planned route and I'm sure you'll all join me in wishing them a safe and fun journey to make lots of memories and meet up with ladies of Harley from all corners of the UK. Tally ho ladies... If you can make the send off for the girls please be at the Reading dealership for 8:30-9am depart on Friday 15th September ...all support is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. The next planned event in the calendar Blazing blitz... So looking forward to strutting our stuff on the dance floor. I hope you've all been practising. I'll leave you all with a little pic, sent to me by a dear friend.
Over & out
Lou x
White's Words Myself, Lou and other chapter members have all signed up for the: Distinguished Gentleman's Ride. Where riders and pillions will be riding dapper for a cause, On Sunday September 24th 2017, tens of thousands of distinguished gentlefolk in hundreds of cities worldwide will don their cravats, tweak their moustaches, press their tweed and sit astride their classic and vintage styled motorcycles to raise funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and men's mental health.
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride was founded in Sydney, Australia by Mark Hawwa. It was inspired by a photo of Mad Men’s Don Draper astride a classic bike and wearing his finest suit. Mark decided a themed ride would be a great way to combat the often-negative stereotype of men on motorcycles, whilst connecting niche motorcycle communities together. That first ride in 2012 brought together over 2,500 riders across 64 cities. The success of the event encouraged the founder to consider how it could be used to support a worthy cause. • In 2013, over 11,000 participants in 145 cities around the world raised over $277k (USD) for prostate cancer research. • In 2014, over 20,000 participants in 257 cities in 58 countries raised over $1.5M (USD) for prostate cancer research. • In 2015, over 37,000 participants in 410 cities in 79 countries raised over $2.3M (USD) for prostate cancer research. • In 2016, over 56,000 participants in 505 cities in 90 countries raised over $3.6M (USD) for prostate cancer research & men's mental health programs in partnership with the Movember Foundation. Influenced by the tragedy of losing one of our ride
hosts to depression, from 2016 we have seen a change in our health fundraising goals. Now, the funding of men's mental health programs is a Distinguished Gentleman's Ride focus, in addition to prostate cancer research Our focus is on gentlemen who have been dealt a tough hand in life. In particular, we raise funds for research into prostate cancer and mental health programs as part of our mission to support men’s health globally. These funds are invested by our partners the Movember Foundation, the world’s largest men’s health organisation. PROSTATE CANCER Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men. The Movember Foundation is the largest funder of prostate cancer programs in the world. SUICIDE PREVENTION | MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH 3 out of 4 suicides are men 510,000 men die from suicide globally each year. That’s one every minute. This has to change. The causes of suicide are complex. There’s no single reason why men take their own lives, but we do know that by improving overall mental health we can reduce the risk of suicide. We need to address untreated mental health conditions among men. Too many men are toughing it out and struggling alone. There’s no shame in checking in your own mental wellbeing, and those close to around you So please sponsor us please go to: www.gentlemensride.com/ fundraiser/LeeWhite145529 Thanks
Lee
The Convergence Rally
Thursday, 21 September Club Night (closed event) Saturday, 23 September Piston & Props Sunday, 24 September The Distinguished Gentleman's Charity Ride Thursday, 28 September Ace Cafe Harley Night (open event) Thursday, 28 September Reading H D Bike Night (open event) Friday, 29 September - Monday, 2 October Blazin’ Blitz
CLUB NIGHTS October 19th November 16th December 21st January 18th February 15th
MAGAZINE CONTRIBUTION DEADLINES October 5th November 2nd December 7th January 5th February 1st
Contributions to the magazine. Sunday, 1 October Brightonia Tuesday, 3 October Committee Night (closed event) Saturday, 7 October RTTW Wednesday, 11 October Poker Night Thursday, 19 October Club Night (closed event)
RALLIES 2017 Blazin’ Blitz 29th September – 2nd October Please check the website for the latest on all rides.
There are many ways you can help the magazine. You can email your articles and photos to: editor@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk You can upload your articles and photos direct to the magazine by visiting: www.tvhogmag.uk from your computer or mobile device. You can upload your photos directly to the magazine from the Chapter's Team App. Members Only - Articles to the Magazone Editor.
Thames Valley HOG SMS Text Alerts The Chapter’s SMS Text Message system is to enable us to alert members of important updates or cancellations to organised Chapter activities. This will include ride-outs, social gatherings, rallies etc. Frequently Asked Questions: Will receiving SMS text alerts cost? There will be no cost to you. Receiving SMS Text Alerts from the Chapter is free in the UK. Your phone operator may charge you if you’re abroad. Why will you text me? We will use this to alert the whole membership of any important changes or cancellations to rides-outs, events or other social gatherings that the Chapter engages in. Each text message will be clearly labelled from us. We will not send you messages containing any marketing or messages on behalf of any organisation or person outside of the Chapter. Who will be sending out the SMS messages? Only authorised members of the Thames Valley HOG Committee will be able to issue messages. Will you share or sell my mobile number? No. We won’t. Can I opt out of receiving SMS alerts? Yes, you have two options: 1. Each message will have a link for an opt-out which will redirect you to a website. You’ll need an active internet connection to complete this process. 2. Email any member of Committee with you request to opt-out – please include your mobile number. Can I opt back in again after opting out? Yes, email any member of Committee with you request to opt-in – please include your mobile number. Any other questions? Speak to or email any member of the Committee.
Like a Virgin Cirencester 2017: My First Rally Adventure Motorcycle newbie here. The first time I plucked up the courage to get onto the back of a motorbike was during my lunch break a mere week before the Cirencester rally ("I feel like I should be wearing a seat belt!"). Oh, and you should probably know that I don't like rollercoasters‌ sounds like a great combination, right? But hey, I survived that first attempt so let's skip forward to the rally weekend. We took the back roads to get to Cirencester, had a quick stop halfway for a much-needed drink of water and a biscuit. And we (the bike) got chatted up in the car park by someone's very sweet grandmother. Apparently, this sort of thing can happen quite a lot with a Harley‌ Feedback from the driver after my first proper trip on the bike: I don't like leaning to the right. Perhaps that is a political thing, I don't know. Conspicuously lacking any clothing made from leather or with a Harley logo on (me), we rocked up at the rally site. Of all the beautiful locations in the Cotswolds, I did find it pretty amusing that we were camping in a car park. But there were still adventures to be had! First job on arrival: pitching our tent. James decided that he'd be a trend setter and took the alpine camping route and pitched at the top of the bank. And we put up Yann's tent because we're nice like that. Conveniently he rocked up the moment we put the last tent peg in! A buffet style dinner and several helpings of dessert rounded out the first evening for me. Instead of the Saturday ride out, we did go on our own adventure through the Cotswolds to go play with steam trains (an engine is an engine, right?!) A few wrong turns on the way meant we ended up with a satnav specialist route up and
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down hills, twisting through the lanes (lots more leaning practice for me), running over a mini fjord and even a farm track (blame James for keeping going here). Our riding companions (Yann, Nij and Trish) weren't too impressed when the grass started growing down the middle of that particular route. But I have to say, the views we had during all this were pretty sweet for the passenger - not so much for my trusty driver who I hoped was concentrating on some rather technical roads. The second evening's entertainment included a co-chapter picture in the stands of the football grounds, a barbeque (what did ever happen to that advertised hogroast might I ask) and live music and dancing from a group called the Hickory Sticks. The peak of the Perseid meteor shower was also going on overhead for those looking up at the stars. On our route home on Sunday we took a stop at the nearby Chedworth Roman Villa for our fix of history and some beautiful mosaics, and got to show the bike off in‌ you guessed it - another car park! Ultimately the weekend was a laid-back introduction to the world of Harley Davidson rallies. Will, I be going out on the bike again? I think so! I should probably acquire something with a HD logo on for the next one.
Laura
The Cotswold Wildlife Park
Iron HOG 2 Why do one Iron Hog a year when you can do two? And if that wasn't enough then why not add a further twist too? Since returning from the Iron Hog in April this year Mark Peck (Thames Valley) and Dave Hollis (Hogsback) have been hatching a plan ever since. The bug has bitten hard and the joy of endurance riding has well and truly taken over and they will be doing a second Iron Hog on the weekend of 27th - 29th October. The final plan was conceived at the Cirencester Convergence Rally with much neck oil to assist the conversation. Not only is doing two Iron Hogs in the same year a bit crazy but, probably due to the neck oil at the Convergence Rally, they then added a sting in the tail and will try and achieve the Iron Butt Association Saddle Sore 1000 (1,000 miles in 24 hours) on the first "day". With the challenge set they have also have decided to take an opportunity to promote a couple of charities following Malcom Bradleys' lead in the April challenge. In a snapshot - they leave Guildford HD at 7pm on Friday after a day working and head off to Maidstone HD for 8pm. Then the challenge really starts with the next major stop at Edinburgh HD for approx. 5am. Digging ever deeper, and no doubt wondering about the wisdom of their decision, they then ride to Swansea HD for approx. 2pm and then on to Plymouth HD for approx. 5:30pm. They hope to arrive before Plymouth HD shuts for a coffee and to get the 1000-mile challenge witnessed and signed-off before retiring to a local hotel for much need sustenance, beer and sleep. The following day, Sunday, they plan to take a more leisurely ride to Southampton HD and then onto Loomies where they invite as many friends and Chapter members as we can muster to meet-up for the final ride back to Guildford HD and
complete the challenge. All being well they will arrive Guildford HD around 3:00pm well before the 6:00pm deadline. Not only is this challenge erring toward the barking mad, they're going to do this on the last weekend of British summer time so the chances of being wet, dark and cold are pretty much guaranteed. That said, a brave and hardy soul in the form of Alan Moss (Fenlanders) said that they thought it sounded like fun(?) and has agreed to join them on the adventure. three riders, three chapters and one seriously large adventure. The riders have set-up a Just Giving Team page covering the charities they are riding for: * Mind.org * Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service * Macmillan Cancer Support You can follow the links from this page and all riders welcome all donations no matter how small. The page is: https://www.justgiving.com/companyteams/IronHog1000miles Chapter members and friends interested in meeting-up with Dave, Mark and Alan at Loomies on Sunday 29th October for the final ride-in to Guildford HD are encouraged to follow their progress online, details of which will be posted nearer the time. So too are those who would like to be at the finish line, but cannot make the ride from Loomies. The Iron Hog Challenge Minimum Requirements Ride to the most Northerly / Easterly / Southerly and Westerly Harley Dealerships within 48 Hours: https://ironhog.wordpress.com/the-rules/ The Iron Butt Association Saddle Sore 1000 Requirements Witnesses required at the start and finish. 1000 miles to be completed within 24 hours: http://docs.google.com/document/ d/1xcgmdwrl9_ZQOFGk_kuu5qbNJ_Hb8b-6pqTsPvjAluk/edit
Mark
Thunder In The Glens
All Change Harley-Davidson have created a new single platform combining the agility and performance of the previous DYNA range of motorcycles, with the heritage styling and comfort of previous generation Softail motorcycles. The new common platform features a high-tech frame, premium suspension, the Milwaukee-Eight engine and advanced technologies deliver better handling, stronger acceleration and more thrills! The frame is 61% stiffer than the previous Softail chassis and 91% stiffer than the Dyna chassis and best of all, its 15-20% lighter than the 2017 Softail models! You really need to feel the difference to truly understand the next generation of Harley-Davidson motorcycles! HARLEY-DAVIDSON® SOFTAIL® HERITAGE CLASSIC The Heritage Classic motorcycle used to be a homage to '50s chrome nostalgia. Take a look at the new one, and you'll see it's anything but that. A lighter, stiffer frame (compared to previous Softail® and Dyna® models) that takes the idea of form and function to a place it’s never been before. It’s the look of a hard tail from a bygone era that delivers a thoroughly modern ride. A powerful, smooth-running engine with crisp throttle response and a pure, soul-satisfying rumble. Available in 107 and 114 engine displacements. Darkness-defying lighting that gives you greater visibility at night. HARLEY-DAVIDSON® SOFTAIL® SLIM A raw, vintage H-D style, with a modern edge. The all-new Softail Slim® motorcycle is 35 pounds lighter than last year’s model, with more power, more lean angle, and a redesigned suspension. Features blacked-out metal from the Hollywood handlebars to the black steel laced wheels, A powerful, smooth-running engine with crisp throttle response and a pure, soul-satisfying rumble. A lighter, stiffer frame (compared to previous Softail® and Dyna® models) that takes the idea of form and function to a place it’s never been before. It’s the look of a hard tail from a bygone era that delivers a thoroughly modern ride. HARLEY-DAVIDSON® SOFTAIL® DELUXE Show-stopping, old-school glam, Deluxe is a nostalgic boulevard custom that turns heads. These bars offer confidence-inspiring easy-reach ergonomics, with a chrome pullback riser that gets the grip even closer and gives the front end a dynamic aerodynamic contour, LED headlight, running lights, turn signals, and Tombstone tail/stop light ensure you can see and be seen. New Showa® SDBV® suspension technology provides the performance of a racing-style cartridge fork for reduced weight with linear damping characteristics. A powerful, smooth-running engine with crisp throttle response and a pure, soul-satisfying rumble. HARLEY-DAVIDSON® SOFTAIL® LOW RIDER® With styling reminiscent of the original in the ‘70’s, the tradition of individualism carries on in the new, more powerful Low Rider® motorcycle. Dual tank mounted gauges, headlight visor and ‘70’s-inspired tank graphics carry forward the traditional Low Rider® motorcycle cues. A lighter, stiffer frame (compared to the previous Softail® and Dyna® models) that takes the idea of form and function to a place it’s never been before. It’s the look of a hard tail from a bygone era that delivers a thoroughly modern ride. HARLEY-DAVIDSON® SOFTAIL® BREAKOUT® The all-new Breakout® model takes the idea of long, lean, asphalt-devouring muscle to the modern edge. All-new easily adjustable mono-shock rear suspension allows for dynamic
cornering capability while preserving the hardtail look. A newly designed smooth top fuel tank that accentuates the big, powerful Milwaukee-Eight® engine. HARLEY-DAVIDSON® SOFTAIL® STREET BOB® New School technology. Skip School attitude. Reach for the black mini-apes, send some fuel to the Milwaukee-Eight® 107 V-Twin engine and tear up some highway. Straight-up, two-fists-in-the-wind attitude and no extra fat are the ingredients that went into the all-new, blacked-out Street Bob® motorcycle. A powerful, smooth-running Big Twin engine with crisp throttle response and a pure, soul-satisfying rumble. HARLEY-DAVIDSON® SOFTAIL® FAT BOY® The original fat custom icon that changed it all has done it again. Satin chrome finishes. Beefy 240mm rear tyre. And now available in a Milwaukee-Eight® 107 or 114 Big Twin Engine for the most muscular, unstoppable Fat Boy® motorcycle ever. A muscular look thanks to all-new solid-disc Lakester wheels wrapped in the widest front tyre we’ve ever offered from the factory at 160mm combined with a 240mm rear tyre and Darkness-defying lighting that gives you greater visibility at night. HARLEY-DAVIDSON® SOFTAIL® FAT BOB® The all-new Fat Bob features aggressive, unapologetic styling, mind-blowing performance and handling, premium finishes, and your choice of the powerful Milwaukee-Eight® 107 or 114 Big Twin Engine performance: white knuckle. Style: brass knuckle. You get a 2-1-2 upswept exhaust, an asymmetrical tank graphic, fat tyres, and the all-new reinvented Softail® frame. 33 pounds lighter with massive engine power, asphalt-eating traction, and pothole-devouring suspension.
2017 Officers & Committee
PRIMARY OFFICERS
Nick West Director
Lee White Colin Wilkins Assistant Director Treasurer
COMMITTEE & SUPPORTING OFFICERS CLUB VENUE Grenadier Guards Club Maidenhead Rd, Windsor, Berks, SL4 5EY
Louise White Ladies of Harley
Robin Sasson Webmaster
Malcolm Poulter Activities
Sue Moyler Secretary
Andy Tunley Editor
Ann Tunley Jones Merchandise
Don Wibberley Activities
Sue Knight Historian
Chris Smith Membership
Linda Friend Photographer
Mike Wilson Dealer Principal
Third Thursday of every month 7:30pm
Chris Earley Photographer
Adrian Lightfoot Dealer Rep
Email any committee member at (position held)@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk https://www.facebook.com/ thamesvalleyhog.org.uk