Ready for the new season?
Who are you? Future times Trikes
February 2017
Editor's thoughts Welcome to Tales From The Riverbank. Whilst the new season is approaching at a fair old gallop, the weather is still distinctly wintery. As I didn't fancy riding amongst the sleet and snow it gave me the ideal opportunity to get my Wide Glide into the dealership to finally get those Apes fitted. I have to say, the guys did a fantastic job. The bike looks fantastic and the only time my smile got larger was when I rode her home. Roll on Spring. I cannot wait. So this is the perfect time to get prepared for the upcoming season. Services booked, mods done, and custom parts fitted. Why not take a moment to brush up on how we ride and interact with bike and trikes on our ride outs. Towards the back of the magazine we have that covered for you. For me, the start of the season is marked by the mileage program kicking off. So this year the 4th of March is the day. Make sure that you get yourself down to the dealership with your ride and your HOG membership card from 10am until 4pm. I understand that as well as the usual warm welcome and warm coffee, the food van will be in operation if you get the munchies. It would be great to get as many of the Chapters bikes registered to the program. Not only do we have the individual challenges, all of your miles go towards the Chapter total. As they say, "Every little helps". An important date for your diaries. Thames Valley HOG celebrate our 18th birthday this year. Join us in celebration upon the Thames on the evening of 10th June. Further details on page 14. This magazine is only posible with your input. Your ideas, articles, pictures, jokes and stories are always needed to help fill these pages. You can email me items at the address given below or you can Se find me on Facebook and message me. nd ed yo ito ur Happy reading. r@ su tha bm me i ss Ride safe and have fun! sva ion st lley Andy o: ho g.o rg . uk
Inside this issue Front cover
February / March Getting ready for the new season in Reading HD's workshop
Page 2
Editor's Thoughts
Page 4 - 5
Westie Writes
Page 6 - 7
Ladies of Harley
Page 8 - 9
LOH Dinner
Page 10 - 13
Who are you?
Page 14-15
Upcoming event & rallies
Page 16 - 17
TV HOG's Assistant Director
Page 18-19
Are you tuned in?
Page 20- 21
Saturday Social
Page 22- 23
A taste of things to come?
Page 24 - 25
How we roll.
Page 26 - 27
Trikes, wonderful trikes.
Back cover
Meet the Committee
Birthdays February Vanessa Augustus - 18th Silvie Pritchett - 25th Helen Fouche - 26th Joanne Green - 29th
March Susan Sheppard - 1st Carl Jonson - 1st Lou White - 2nd Diane Earley - 4th Grant Oxtoby - 4th Ralph Ward - 5th Phil Brown - 6th
Happy Birthday to you all.
Huge thanks to all who have sent copy in for this month's magazine: Nick, Lou, Lee, Linda, Hayley, Sue & the Committee :-)
Hi folks, Firstly I would like to thank you all for your very warm welcome and all of your good wishes on my appointment to the Director position in January. I will work hard with the committee to bring you both value for your membership money and to deliver the types of rides and events that you want to participate in. I have said it before, and it remains foremost in my mind that Don Wibberley did a fantastic job and leaves huge boots to fill. I know that you all join me in offering our greatest thanks to Don and Hazel for their service to the club. Many of you have already asked me the question “What will change?” now that you are Director. In some sense of reassurance I feel that change for change’s sake is not my “bag”. I have strong sympathy for those who believe “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. But I am also interested in ideas to improve the group and the value it offers to members. Over the coming months I will be talking to members about their experiences and seeking their feedback on how they see things. Please feel free to share with me your frank and honest views on all aspects of club life, drop us suggestions and even volunteer to help. I would like to find a way to involve even more people in the way the club operates. Of course, it would not be feasible to manage a huge committee of people, but I would like to tap into members’ willingness to help. So, if you have a hobby or skill, knowledge or ability that might help our group, please come and see me. It may be graphic design, web design, maybe you are learning to design mobile apps or want to help with a specific event or ride out. Whatever it is, don’t
be shy. Let me or any other committee member know. Maybe you too can help our group move forward. Meanwhile the existing committee and road crew has worked hard to bring you a full and busy calendar for 2017. I know that I am looking forward to another great year at the club. Lots of riding, plenty of fun and all done in the company of great people and good friends.
Are you getting yours ? Ooo errr missus ….. Of course I mean “HOG Insider” !!
At the National Directors Meeting, there were a number of Chapters saying that members were not receiving this monthly e-mag in their email box. It was quickly discovered that those who were not receiving it had not “ticked” the email contact box in their HOG Online Profile at members.hog.com. See the information on page 18 for information showing how to set this up so that you get this really useful and informative e-mag.
Nick
Ladies of Harley Hi ya'll, Fresh from Panto land and after my close encounter with Timmy Mallett 'Blah' no pause or hesitations, & Anthea Turner, Aka Blue Peters Tracey Island guru. Yes, its Lou White here introducing myself as your new LOH Officer. I'll keep it short and sweet. Many of you already know me, as the better half of our Web Master and your newly appointed Assistant Director Lee White. We have both been a part of the Thames valley Chapter family for over seven years. We have thoroughly enjoyed everything we have done, and will continue to do as a Chapter. A little more about moi. I've always had a passion for anything with an engine. As I grew up it was mostly fast cars and the odd scrambler my older brother would bring home to tinker with. Fast forward to Christmas 1992, when working at Argos in Slough, a Christmas temp walked in for an interview. What can I say a few weeks later we had our Christmas do at the Marriott hotel, Langley. After playing hard to get of course, we finally arranged to go for a drink. The rest, as they say is history. So with a New Year ahead of us and plenty of fun to have, there are many plans and ideas under my helmet to make lots of new memories for 2017. I would like to start planning a Ladies weekend away and would love you all to come up with some ideas on where you would like to go. Please pass on any information to me. We have the mileage programme coming up in March and I am planning to do an event at the dealership to help get as many bikes registered as possible. I will need volunteers to help out with this one, so if you are available then please come can see me.
I also hold the Ladies of Harley flags, if any LOH members would like to use a flag then please also contact me. I have added a Facebook group just for us ladies “Thames Valley Chapter 9746 LOH�. Here we can share any ideas for events or days/nights out you may want to share. You should also receive an email from me updating you on any events or news with regards to LOH. Can you please make sure you have joined the mail the list. The list can be found on our website www.thamesvalleyhog.org.uk and go the LOH page and at the bottom you find the link. Recent antics. "Saturday night at the Toby" Well, what can I say? Only that as usual it was a total success we had thirty ladies join us. Big thanks to Sue Dodds for organising such a great night. Everyone had a fantastic evening of laughter, a lot of chat and a little naughtiness, and they even threw in a free sticker for our Amey..! Looking forward we have the Oxford LOH charity coffee morning hosted by the newly appointed Oxford LOH Clare Hunter. To take place on Saturday 11th March at the Oxford dealership. There will be a ride out planned for this event, please check calendar for updates. It would be great if as many of you could make this, as it will show our support either by bike or car. Family members are welcome to join us as well. Finally, I'd like to take this opportunity to share our gratitude and love to Sue Dodds for her hard work and dedication to the role of LOH over the past two years, thank you Sue. Happy riding and memory making to all you beautiful Ladies of Harley.
Lou x loh@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
Ladies of Harley Dinner What to say about the most fantastic LoH at the Toby carvery on the 4th February? Just that, FANTASTIC! Great fun, great girls and yet again lots of laughing, not forgetting Chris our waiter. Thanks must go to Sue Dodds for the last two years and welcome to Lou White. Here's to the future of Thames Valleys LOH.
I would just like to say a huge thank you for the suprise gift given to me at the recent LoH meal. Your thoughtfulness & generosity is truly appreciated. I will treasure the braclet always :-) Here's wishing Lou all the very best in her new role, I am looking forward to fun times ahead. Love Sue D
Who are you?
Name: Colin Wilkins
Name: Nick West
Committee position(s) held:
Also known as: Westie
Treasurer
Committee position(s) held:
Position duties:Finance
Director & Safety Officer
control
Position duties: Director to
TV HOG member since:
steer the fabulous ship
July .2001
TVHOG, Safety Officer to
Previous committee positions held (if
promote safe riding among the group.
applicable):N/A
TV HOG member since: TVHOG since 2010
Riding since:1958
Previous committee positions held (if
First motorcycle:DOT Scrambler
applicable): Activities, Road Captain, Historian,
First Harley:Softail Standard
Safety Officer
Current Harley (Bike’s name if applicable):
Riding since: 1981
Heritage Softail
First motorcycle: Yamaha RS100
Most likely to say: "How much ??"
First Harley: 1999 Heritage Classic
If you’re getting the drink in, then mine’s a:
Current Harley (Bike’s name if applicable): CVO
Whiskey and lemonade
Ultra Glide
TV HOG Email address:
Most likely to say: "Who's nicked my cap
treasurer@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
Also known as: Old Git
again?" If you’re getting the drink in, then mine’s a:
Name: Sue Moyler
Margerita / Tequila
Also known as: Susieq
TV HOG Email address:
Committee position(s) held:
director@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
Secretary Position duties: Primary
Name: Lee White
Officer – administration &
Committee position(s) held:
maintaining of meeting
Assistant Director/
minutes & Club documentation
Webmaster
TV HOG member since: Charter member –
Assist with the running of the
since it started
club and to look after the
Previous committee positions held (if
Chapter website.
applicable): LOH, Membership Officer,
TV HOG member since: 2010
Merchandise
Riding since: I was 15 off road & street bikes.
Riding since: 1995
First Harley: Sportster Custom.
First motorcycle: Virago
Current Harley (Bike’s name if applicable):
First Harley: Sportster 883
Rushmore Street Glide
Current Harley (Bike’s name if applicable):
Most likely to say: "Can I help you?"
Fatboy (Boyce)
If you’re getting the drink in, then mine’s a:
Most likely to say: "I‘m pleading the 5th"
Double JD and coke
If you’re getting the drink in, then mine’s a: JD &
TV HOG Email address:
diet coke
assistantdirector@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
TV HOG Email address:
Webmaster@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
secretary@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
Please!" Name: Lou White
If you’re getting the drink in, then mine’s a:
Committee position(s) held:
Large glass of red.
LOH Officer
TV HOG Email address:
Position duties: Responsible
editor@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
for encouraging women members to take an active part on chapter activities TV HOG member since: 2010 Previous committee positions held (if applicable): No previous positions held Riding since: Don't have my own bike, yet. Most likely to say: "My Lovely " If you’re getting the drink in, then mine’s a: JD & Coke TV HOG Email address: loh@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
Name: Chris Smith Also known as: Chewey, why Chewey you might ask? It's my computer gamer name Committee position(s) held: Membership Position duties: Administer the club membership records, collect subs etc etc. TV HOG member since: August 2012 Previous committee positions held (if applicable): Nil
Name: Andy Tunley Also known as: Mister T Committee position(s) held: Editor Position duties: Produce Chapter magazine. TV HOG member since: Feb 2015 Previous committee positions held (if applicable): N/A Riding since: 1979 First motorcycle: Honda SS50Z-B2 First Harley: Sportster Iron 883 (Roxy) Current Harley (Bike’s name if applicable): Wide Glide (Greta) Most likely to say: "Send me your articles…
Riding since: On and off since 1975. First motorcycle: My first little pride and joy was a Yamaha RD125 twin. First Harley: My first Harley was a nice black Heritage Softail. Current Harley (Bike’s name if applicable): My current bike is a Electra Glide Limited, it doesn't have a name. Most likely to say: "Come on you Irons, I'm a big West Ham fan." If you’re getting the drink in, then mine’s a: London Pride with a nice single malt to wash it down. TV HOG Email address: membership@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
Name: Sue Knight
Most likely to say: "Ooh....Shiny!"
Also known as: Sue Knight
If you’re getting the drink in, then mine’s a: Pint
Committee position(s) held:
of Guinness please
Historian
TV HOG Email address:
Position duties: Collect and
merchandise@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
collate club history articles/ photos/memorabilia TV HOG member since: 2010 Previous committee positions held (if applicable): Editor Riding since: Pillion since 1963, riding since 2011 (with a few weeks riding in 1974) First motorcycle: Triumph Tiger Cub (but only for a few weeks then Dave sold it - he didn't want me riding) First Harley: Ultra Glide Trike Current Harley (Bike’s name if applicable): As above Most likely to say: "If you can read this thank a teacher!" If you’re getting the drink in, then mine’s a: Large scotch TV HOG Email address: historian@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
Name: Malcolm Poulter Also known as: Fatboy Malc Committee position(s) held: Activities Position duties: Arranging rides, events, etc. TV HOG member since: 2002 Previous committee positions held (if applicable): N/A Riding since: 1966 First motorcycle: Greaves 250 First Harley: 1999 Duece Current Harley (Bike’s name if applicable): 2009 Electraglide Most likely to say: "I didn't do it." If you’re getting the drink in, then mine’s a: JD and Coke TV HOG Email address: activities@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
Name: Ann Tunley Jones Also known as: Annie, Stan
Name: Linda Friend
Committee position(s) held:
Also known as: Jammy
Merchandise wrangler
Committee position(s) held:
Position duties: Wrangling
Photographer
merchandise… getting
Position duties:
patches , pins etc from the club to you
Photographer
TV HOG member since: Feb 2015
Riding since: Pillion.. my
Previous committee positions held (if
husbands got a Heritage softail
applicable):
Most likely to say: "Which jam do you fancy this
Riding since: um… looks at licence...2011
month?"
First motorcycle: Honda CBF 125
If you’re getting the drink in, then mine’s a: Lime
First Harley: Sportster Iron
Juice & Soda ( no ice ).
Current Harley (Bike’s name if applicable): Ieuan
TV HOG Email address:
the Iron (Pronounced Yi-un)
photographer@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
Name: Chris Earley
Activities Officer.
Also known as: CJ
Position Duties: To assist the Primary Officers
Committee position(s) held:
and Malcolm organise road trips and events.
Photographer
Riding Since: 1972
Position duties: Take
First Motor Cycle: 1968 Honda CD175
Photos of all TV Events &
First Harley: 883 Sportster
Administration of SMUG
Current Harley: 2016 CVO Glide
MUG / Photo Galleries
If you’re getting the drink in, then mine’s a:
TV HOG member since: 2010
Lager or a Grouse
Previous committee positions held (if applicable): Photographer
Name: Mike Wilson
Riding since: Rode A Suzuki 250 for 3 Years
Also Known as: Big Mick
before getting Married @ 22 then passed my
TV HOG member since:
test in 2003
2015
First motorcycle: Honda Fire Blade RR2
Committee position(s) held:
First Harley: 2010 Fat Boy
Dealer Principle
Current Harley (Bike’s name if applicable): Ink
Position duties: Dealership
On Iron
Dogsbody.
Most likely to say: "Smile."
Previous committee positions held (if
If you’re getting the drink in, then mine’s a:
applicable): Dealer Rep with Surrey & Hogsback
Large Vodka & Coke
Chapters
TV HOG Email address:
Riding Since: 1981
photographer@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
First Motor Cycle: XS 650 Hardtail Chopper First Harley: 1974 FLH Shovelhead
Name: Don Wibberley
Current Harley (Bike’s name if applicable): 1996
Also Known as: Don
Evo HD Chopper (Digger)
TV HOG member since:
Most likely to say: "If you don't enjoy it, do
2000
something else!!!"
Previous committee
If you’re getting the drink in, then mine’s a: Pint
positions held (if
of Aspalls (I like apples) Email address: mike@readingharley.co.uk
applicable): Road Captain, Safety Officer, Assistant Director, Director,
Thursday, 16 February Club Night (closed event) Saturday, 18 February Saturday Social Thursday, 23 February Ace Cafe Harley Night (open event) Saturday, 4 March Mileage Program Starts Reading Harley Davidson from 10am
Sunday, 19 March Pioneer Ride (see website for further details) Thursday, 30 March Ace Cafe Harley Night (open event) For all rides, check the website or call the hotline to confirm. See in this magazine, TV HOG website or Facebook for details.
Tuesday, 7 March Committee Night Saturday, 11 March Oxford LOH Charity Coffee Morning Thursday, 16 March Club Night (closed event)
Saturday, 18 March Rusty Ride out to Guildford HD
Thames Valley Birthday Bash June 10th 07:30 to 11:30 pm Celebrate our 18th birthday on a party boat cruise with disco & BBQ supper Deposits now being taken.
Dates, events, ride-outs and activities. Details correct at time of going to print. Please check the website for updates and amendments.
RALLIES 2017 The Cider Rally 28th April - 1st May
Iron Horse Rally
CLUB NIGHTS March 16th April 20th May 18th
12th - 15th May
June 15th
The Gathering
July 20th
9th - 12th June
MAGAZINE CONTRIBUTION DEADLINES
Hogs in the Hayfields 16th - 18th June
Roar on the Moor
March 9th April 13th
30th June - 2nd July
May 11th
Wake the Lakes
June 8th
6th - 9th July
July 13th
Proud to be Rutland 14th - 16th July
Dragon Fever 20th - 23rd July
East of England Rally 27th - 30th July
Heart 'n' Soul Rally 28th - 30th July
Back to the Forest Rally 18th - 20th August
The Old Skool Rally 20th - 21st August
Thunder in the Glens 25th - 28th August
Circus Maximus 7th - 10th September
Blazin' Blitz 29th September - 2nd October
Assistant Director - Lee White While most of us have our bikes stored away for the winter, the officers and I will be busy planning a host of excellent rides and events for the coming year. I look forward to serving the Thames Valley Chapter in my new role as Assistant Director for 2017. As Assistant Director, my primary responsibilities include; Assisting the sponsoring dealer and Chapter Director in upholding the "Annual Charter for H.O.G. Chapters". Assisting the Director as requested. Promoting HOG, and the HOG Chapter to potential members, informing chapter members of HOG programs and benefits. Conducting new member orientation. I am always open to suggestions and constructive criticism, so as the year unfolds, please let me know what I can do to better serve the Chapter. I am also the face behind all your emails, Facebook and the last two websites. I have been the current Webmaster for the last six years, during this time I supported Don W. Chapter Director and the committee to make the club what it is today. During my time I have gained a lot of knowledge about HOG and have attended many H.O.T (Hog Officer Training). Part of my role on the committee is to train all new committee officers as they start their own journey as a Thames Valley HOG Officer. This has given me great experience across all committee positions from assisting the LOH, Membership, Activities, Merchandise, Photographers, and Editor. I even had the pleasure in publishing two copies of the Mag when we went through a time of not having an Editor. I also keep my eye on all club social media and to make sure the club is up to date and that we follow all of HOG guidelines when it comes to keeping your data safe and secure. So you may not have seen me on many ride outs, but I have been very active in the background helping keep the club together.
Another time I remember, is when we had no dealership to fall back upon and helping Don to maintain our club status with HOG. But now we have a new dealership which we all really appreciate and gives our club a home we can trust. Mike Wilson approached me about the issue of having younger riders joining us but not sure about the whole HOG set up and where not fully committed to Chapter life. So together we came up with the idea of Reading H-D Busted Knuckles. We thought we could offer these riders a platform to feel welcome and part of a group where there were no rules and open to ideas from them. So we started a Facebook group, which now have just under 500 followers. I am hoping that we can gain some new members from this group to help our club grow. I have been informed that I now hold the record as the youngest Assistant Director for Thames Valley, which I hope is a good thing? The Future As I grow into my new role with one eye firmly locked onto Directorship I plan to keep the ethos off the club alive and that’s having FUN in all we do. I look forward to now supporting our new Director Nick West and Mike Wilson to help the club and dealership grow. I will carry on supporting all officers in their club duties and help out all club members to make the most out of there HOG membership at Thames Valley UK Chapter.
Lee
Are you Tuned in? Many of you will know that there are loads of ways to keep up with what is happening in the HOG world. For those of you who are not quite tuned in or want to find more information, here is a handy reminder. Chapter Information Go to www.thamesvalleyhog.org.uk where you will find loads of information about rides and events which you can join in with.
The white bar below the “Windsor Silhouette” has loads of options to choose from. The most useful of these is the Calendar which will give you the most up to date information of Chapter events. Much of the information is available without further login, but there is a members only section which has many other useful sections such as the “Gallery” which has loads of photos from Chapter events, information about how we ride and where we meet for various gatherings. If you have not logged in for a while, pop along and have a look. If you have forgotten your password or the system does not accept the password you entered, there is a “Recover Password” option which will email a password reset link to the email address you have registered with the Chapter. Go on …. Get connected today !
National HOG As well as your quarterly magazine through the post, you can tap into this online resource. You can find it at members.hog.com. There is an online shop as well as access to a great monthly web roundup called “Insider”. As well as national news, it offers many features and write ups about chapter events, members and news as submitted by readers. Thames Valley Chapter is often mentioned and frequently, members’ articles are published here. Every HOG member can access this resource. If you have never registered for access before you can create a new online account using your GB HOG Number. If you have logged in before please check that your contact settings are correct as below. Choose "Membership" from the menu bar along the top. Choose "Update Membership Profile" from the list in orange Near the very bottom of the list of entries are some options for updates. The most important one is "email" if this is not checked you will not get the insider updates. I usually also select "Mail" but very rarely tick the "phone" option. Remember to press the “Save” button to save your preferences. Then just dive in and poke around, you’ll be surprised at the quality of the information there. More rich content is being developed and will be added this summer.
The Saturday Social The Golden Retriever pub located just outside of Bracknell was a huge success. The first saturday social of the year was atteneded by thirty six people, taking the eight tables, full to the gunnels. Along with the great company, good food and drink,the atmosphere was loud and lively.
You are invited... Linda Friend would like to invite you to join her on her 65th birthday for a BBQ. The date for the diaries is Sunday 16th July from 1pm. Broomsticks, Burchetts Green, SL6 6QS
50 new Harley-Davidson models planned The internet has been awash with the news since early February. Harley-Davidson are being reported as saying they will introduce 50 new models in the next five years to counteract stalling sales, including an electric bike. This news is reported to come from boss Matt Levatich.
“I’ve never been more excited about our product pipeline in my 22 years here at Harley-Davidson,” he says. The Milwaukee motorcycle manufacturer released its 2016 fourth quarter results this week showing a slow domestic market offset by a 2.3% increase in international sales. Australia is one of those international markets performing well with sales up 5% to 10,282 to make the company the top seller in road bikes. Matt says they will add 200 more overseas dealers by 2020. While Matt wouldn’t reveal anything about the 50 new models they are planning, he points to the success of their big projects over the past few years – LiveWire (electric motorcycle), Rushmore (Touring range), Milwaukee Eight engine and their new suspension system. “If people were excited about the projects I just named, they haven’t seen anything yet,” he says. So 50 new bikes sounds like a lot, but they have introduced about 25 new or upgraded models since Matt told us in 2013 that they planned learner and electric bikes. He’s a straight-talking, long-time Harley worker and he doesn’t seem to lie
or embellish. Matt adds that they will reinvent product segments and push into new ones. In June 2016, Harley said they would start producing an electric motorcycle within five years, so that’s obviously one of the new sectors. Matt’s plan for the future also involves increasing its learner rider program, which may also indicate more learner bikes like the Street 500. “We do not just build motorcycles, we build drivers, too. We are focusing on the next generation of riders,” he says. There is also a hint that the new 107 and 114-cube Milwaukee Eight engines in the 2017 Touring range will be soon be introduced to other models. Matt says last year’s launch of the engine was “a sign of the innovation we have in place”. “We are confident our 2018 line will also help sales. I have never been more excited about the products in our pipeline,” he says.
So that sums up the internet comments on the news. Personally I think that project LiveWire will be be launched. I also think that Harley may explore an area they don't currently cover, dual purpose or Adventure bikes. A recent motorshow in Asia may have given us a glimpse of an early prototype to gauge reaction. What are your thoughts? What would you like to see. Only one thing is for sure. Only time will tell. The information for this article came from Motorbikewriter.com
With the new riding season almost upon us and the start of the mileage program only days away, it's a great opportunity for us all to remind ourselves of a few simple guidelines that will make the upcoming year hassle free.
THAMES VALLEY HOG - How We Roll ! Please note that HOG insists that ALL participating riders get a briefing before they ride with an organised group. If you miss the briefing you may not participate in the ride! You will hear much of the same information each time but please support your volunteer road crew by being patient and listening. !
Listen carefully to the overview of the route.
!
Take note of any hazards which may be mentioned.
!
Make sure you know how we operate the staggered file as many chapters operate this slightly differently. Thames Valley HOG DO NOT change position in the staggered file when a man is dropped off.
!
Make sure you understand the DROP OFF SYSTEM. If not, ask a member of the Road Crew.
!
Identify the LAST MAN / TAIL RIDER at or during the briefing.
!
Riders MUST stay at their drop off point until the last man (tail man) arrives.
!
Use an arm signal when dropped off to indicate the direction of the route. (Switch off your indicators !)
!
Drop off will be indicated precisely, but only stop precisely at that location if you are happy to do so. Alternatively stop as close as you can and consider walking back to mark the route.
!
Leave at least 4 seconds gap behind the LEAD rider and 2 seconds between you and the next rider in the formation.
!
The LEAD RIDER is NOT a part of the staggered formation. He/she will move to different positions in the road depending on what he needs to
do next. Do NOT change your position in the stagger behind the leader. !
Close up at stops and junctions.
!
No overtaking within the group.
!
Please leave 7 - 10 second gaps on motorways and dual carriageways between groups of 5 riders.
!
Overtaking other traffic on dual carriageways - only pass / overtake when you reach the obstruction. Do not pull out to allow the rider in front to pass (He/she may not be ready to pass and you will hold up other road users unnecessarily).
!
Every rider MUST fully observe the whole group, NOT just the rider ahead in order to be alert to changes in speed
!
Use your mirrors frequently.
!
Be courteous to other road users (even if undeserved !)
!
Leaving the group - Pull over and wait for the last man then signal your intention to leave
!
Missing a drop-off - In the unlikely event that you miss a dropped marker, or take a wrong road DON’T PANIC ! Continue to a safe point to turn around and go back to pick up the ride at that point. The rest of the ride should follow you and the ride will get back on track.
!
Breakdown procedures - Last man or his/her marshal will stop and assess your needs.
!
Be aware of other riders joining but not part of the group.
!
Do not use unauthorised signals. This can confuse following riders.
!
All riders must be aware that...
YOU ARE DEEMED TO BE IN CONTROL OF, AND RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR VEHICLE AND YOUR RIDING AT ALL TIMES IRRESPECTIVE OF ANY GUIDANCE OR INSTRUCTION FROM ANY MEMBER OF THE ROAD CREW. YOU MUST AT ALL TIMES RIDE WITHIN THE LAW AND OBEY ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATIONS
Trikes on Ride Outs
With the introduction (some years ago) of the Factory built trike from Harley, Chapters were asked to consider how they could integrate trikes within rideouts. For the first year or so, we tried a number of different methods to see which could be operated without putting rides and riders at risk and Thames Valley eventually settled on the inclusion of trikes in the pack with a number of measures and considerations to help keep the ride running smoothly and safely. The main issue with trikes is their width on the road, it makes staggered formation difficult, drop offs risky and filtering often impossible. Using second man drop off system requires a rider to stop at a predetermined spot at the roadside in order to direct the ride along the correct path. The width of a trike can make such a drop dangerous for the trike rider and for other motorists (including riders in the pack) and so at Thames Valley HOG we have made the following changes to help reduce risk and keep rides on track. 1) Our Road Captains will publish the route beforehand so that ANY rider, including trike riders, can find their way to the destination if they become separated from the main ride. 2) Our Road Captains will always try to design a route to the destination which will be workable with trikes in the pack. Where a route is completely unsuitable for trikes, or where it is considered by the Leading Road Captain that riding with Trikes in the pack would be dangerous for ANY party, he/she will declare this in the ride description so that Trike riders can decide whether to ride ahead of the main group, behind the main group or not join that particular ride at all. 3) Road Marshals (and or experienced rider volunteers) will be situated behind trikes in order to “pick up� any drop off required which would create a risk for the trike rider or other road users. This means that we
advise Trikes to spread out evenly in the line up. When a trike “misses” an assigned drop, the following marshal does the marking instead, then the trike pulls over asap where safe, and rejoins the ride at the back (of course their marshal is now in front of them, but that marshal will signal the trike to pass as soon as it is safe to do so.). 4) If the ride gets caught in traffic and it is safe to filter the Lead Road Captain may decide to start the group filtering. When he/she decides to do this he is conscious that trikes may now be separated from the pack. The group will filter past the trikes and the tailman will follow the pack. Trikes will then revert to the information prepared to help them find their way to the destination. TRIKE RIDERS OBLIGATIONS Trike riders need to be aware that they may be asked to stop in a location that may put them and other road users at risk. The trike rider must make a decision about the safety of that request for their vehicle. If they determine that the requested drop is risky they should not stop and continue to allow the following marshal to direct the ride in their place. The Trike rider must then find a safe place to stop as soon as possible and await the tailman before rejoining the ride. Because their marshal stopped in their stead, he/she will now be in front of them. In order to straighten out this change, the marshall will invite the trike to pass him/ her when safe. Trike riders should be prepared to be dropped on a safer stretch of road BEFORE they get to a designated drop in a case where the Lead Rider already knows the next drop is not suitable for a trike and sees the trike in his/her mirror. RIDERS (NON TRIKE) OBLIGATIONS Riders should remember that trikes are being treated (so far as is practicable) like any other rider. TVHOG rideout briefing clearly states that there should be no intentional overtaking within the ride pack. This means that riders should only ever overtake a trike in the pack when invited to do so by that trike rider. Filtering is the only exception to this obligation. If we follow these simple guidelines, we should all be able to ride safely together … and let’s face it all we really want to do is RIDE AND HAVE FUN .. right ?
Nick, Safety Officer
2017 Officers & Committee
PRIMARY OFFICERS
Nick West Director
Lee White Asst. Director & Webmaster CLUB VENUE Grenadier Guards Club Maidenhead Rd, Windsor, Berks, SL4 5EY
Colin Wilkins Treasurer
https://www.facebook.com/ thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
Sue Moyler Secretary
Third Thursday of every month 7:30pm
COMMITTEE
Louise White Ladies of Harley
Andy Tunley Editor
Chris Smith Membership
Sue Knight Historian
Ann Tunley Jones Merchandise
Malcolm Poulter Activities
Linda Friend Photographer
Chris Earley Photographer
Email any committee member at (position held)@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk