Magazine of the Th ames Valley HOG Ch apter
Don Wibberley
Pat Adams
Chapter Director
Assistant Director
director@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
assistantdirector@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
Colin Wilkins
Sue Moyler
Chapter Treasurer
Chapter Secretary
treasurer@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
secretary@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
Barry Adams
Nick West
Activities Officer
Activities Officer
activities@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
activities@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
Lee White
Fred Cotsford
Webmaster
Membership Officer
webmaster@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
membership@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
Sue Brown
Shirley Churchill
Ladies of Harley
Merchandise
ladiesofharley@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
merchandise@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
“Bulldog� (Bernie)
Linda Friend
Photographer
Photographer
photographer@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
photographer@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
Nij Jones
Sadie Clarke
Head Road Captain & Safety Officer
Editor & Photographer
safetyofficer@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
editor@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
2. Biker Gang
FEATURES
Your 2012 Chapter Committee
4. Start your engines Editor, Sadie Clarke
6. Words of Wibsdom In the Director’s Chair with Don Wibberley
8. Chapter Diva’s Ladies of Harley news and updates from Sue Brown
10. In the second seat Assistant Director, Pat Adams
19. Poker Run 2012 Winners and prizes
20. Officers Club Open Committee positions and existing role descriptions
24. A Bridge too Far 14. Get your motor running
Hoggin’ the Bridge 2012
Activities and rideout calendar
28. Rallying Around 16. Chapter Chatter
Next year’s rally dates
General news and information
VIDEOS ONLINE
Stay in touch, visit our Facebook page facebook.com/groups/thamesvalleyhog
Chapter and other videos on our channel youtube.com/user/tvwebmaster1
Wrap up warm and enjoy your November club magazine It‟s winter! It‟s seems like only 5 minutes since the riding season started and the Harley made its first appearance of the year. No sooner have we started, it‟s all over again, pretty much. There‟s not much left on the calendar for riding opportunities now just the two toy runs. Let‟s hope we get some good weather for both. I also can‟t believe I only have a couple more magazine‟s left after this one to complete my full 12 months. Sometimes when I think back I wonder how on earth I managed it all, what with getting married, going on honeymoon, managing a full time job, Harley activities and other personal interests all happening throughout the year. I could do with a month off now to recover. But I don‟t get one, so just for you, I guess I‟d better be getting on with December‟s mag!
After the last club night we had our Chapter rideout to Hoggin the Bridge. Spence & I had planned to go, but having had so many busy weekends, and having been the last two years, we didn‟t make it in the end. The same day, Nick West also organised a run down to Southsea for those not wanting to go all the way to Wales. It seems the weather was kind enough for both rideouts to be a success and enjoyable for those that went. Once again, rideout details were changed after the last club mag was published - this time it was for the October 28th destination.
Instead of a trip to Lincoln dealership, the club had to move it to Maidstone, since Lincoln decided to have a stock take that day and were closed. Apologies to anyone that got confused with what was published sometimes things like this happen once in a while and there‟s not much I can do once the magazine is with the printers. The weather has been mostly poor this riding season and the forecast was marginal for the trip to Kent. Despite that, it was good to see that some made the trip. Big thanks go to the dealership and Invicta Chapter for the coffee and doughnuts as well as the special discount offers extended to Thames Valley members.
Features As I‟ve not made it to any rideouts recently there isn‟t much for me to write about in that respect (except for a small Hoggin‟ the Bridge piece). Instead there‟s a few other things to keep you interested (I hope!). Pat A has granted us an interview - a great insight for those that perhaps don‟t know her all that well or her role within the Chapter. Thanks Pat - a terrific read! Chapter Committee As well as that piece from our Assistant Director, we have included descriptions of our Committee roles this month, which gives a brief outline of what we do and what is expected of us. These are just a framework for us to work around and what we actually do often goes far beyond what is written. Having said that, none of us would give up our own time to do the things we do if we didn‟t enjoy it or find it rewarding.
We have a winner amongst us! Yes, congratulations to our own Safety Officer & Head Road Captain on his recent award. Nij won the Best in Show prize at Blazin Saddles Rally last month with his ElectraGlide Ultra Classic, sporting a custom paint job and multitude of lights, as well as many other modifications and enhancements. A very worthy winner - well done Nij!
Every year, the roles come up for application. Just because someone is/has been doing that role, it doesn‟t mean there isn‟t opportunity for others to get involved. There‟s always room for more willing people to help with various aspects of running the chapter. And, as it happens, there are a couple of openings for 2013 so If any of you are interested, take a look at page 20 for further info. Birthdays This month I have three Birthdays to mention Lee White on Friday 16th, followed by Graham Fielding (aka Muttley, or Custer if you went to RTTW!) on the 18th and young Tom Cotsford will be 20 on the 28th of this month. Many Happy Returns to you all from your family, friends and everyone in the Chapter. Get in touch with me by email, Facebook or at club nights if you have a special occasion or a Birthday you would like mentioned in the magazine. Keep it rubber side down!
Sadie
Fines Just a few to catch up on from recent months. Graham Fielding received a double fine last month for leaving his drop-off post during the RTTW rideout. Paul Major for being excessively loud at September Club Night (new pipes) John Ingram for saying he couldn‟t remember the last time he got a fine Fred for trying to disrupt the November Committee Meeting by texting all the committee members while he was away with Don. (It didn‟t work btw cos we all had our mobiles on silent!)
Welcome to the November edition of Tales from the Riverbank. Well, the clocks have gone back, we‟ve had Halloween & Bonfire night, winter is on its way and it will soon be time to put our loved ones away for winter storage, away from the salted roads and even more grotty weather... but not before the last few rides of the season! Back at the end of October, a small group of us ventured out at some ungodly hour of a Sunday morning to ride down to Hoggin‟ the Bridge, which turned out to be a great day, with good weather, meaning we could wander around Chepstow to enjoy the stalls and entertainment in the town centre.
The first of our Saturday socials has taken place at the George and Dragon pub in Marlow which I believe was a great success. Hazel & I were unable to make this one as our youngest daughter became unwell and had to deliver our fourth grandchild early; mum is doing well now and our grandson, Jude, who is a fighter is getting stronger day by day.
Mileage Program The chapter challenge mileage program ended on the 31st October so I have started collecting finishing mileages for our entry into the challenge. We still have a few outstanding and it is important to mail them over to me as soon as possible. We have some very high mileages this year which is going to make the Thames Valley Challenge even more interesting, the results of which will be revealed at December‟s club night... I don‟t think I can get them all in for November.
Sunday the 11th November was our Remembrance Day ride - fifteen of us rode from Sportsable to Rykas at Box Hill to meet up with Hogsback and three or four of our members who rode direct to the cafe. At eleven o‟clock the crowd of bikers from Thames Valley & Hogsback fell silent to observe two minutes silence to remember our fallen service men & women. From Rykas, a total of 58 bikes rode in convoy to Shamley Green to lay a wreath at a local church memorial.
Picture is of Tony Robson laying Thames Valley‟s wreath at Shamley Green, Guildford.
We have always had a good turnout of riders and pillions for these events and a great selection of gifts for the children. Please bring your gifts unwrapped so as the organisers can give them to children of the right age group. The decorating of your bikes in a Christmas theme and fancy dress always adds some fun to the day.
Sofer Rally Last Saturday Pat, Colin and myself attended the debrief meeting for the 2012 Sofer Rally and taking in to consideration the appalling weather on the lead up to the rally as well as the cut back on ticket sales and cancellation of events, the report on the weekend was extremely good - there are some lessons to be learnt which the Sofer committee will take on board for future rallies. The committee has asked us to forward on their thanks to all of our members who were involved in the site build and volunteering for banding & gate duty over the weekend, without you the rally would not be able to take place. Colin has now balanced the spread sheet of accounts for 2012, there is a surplus left over which allows us to put our stake of £1000 back in the pot to start off Sofer 2013 and each of the organising chapters will receive £1200 - great news! The date for next years rally is set for 2nd, 3rd & 4th August and as it is Sofer‟s 10th Anniversary we are planning to make the rally one big party weekend! I have a limited amount of 2012 Sofer patches & pins available still, so please ask if you‟d like them. The end of season and Christmas party riverboat shuffle is getting closer (just a week away) and we still have tickets available which can be collected from Pat & Barry or Elain from Oxford Chapter. Its going to be a great Christmas Party this year. Bridgewater still have accommodation available for the Cider Rally next year if you are looking to attend - we do have a large party going to Sand Bay for the Rally.
Christmas Toy Runs The two final rides of the season are both Toy Runs - the first is the Broom Farm Toy Run starting from Legoland Windsor on Sunday 25th November and the second is the Reading Toy Run starting from the Foster Wheeler building in Reading on the 9th December.
All that‟s left for me to do is to ask you to ride safe and continue having fun doing it.
Don Wibberley Director
December Club Night At the December club night on 20th, we are hoping to have one or two craft ‘stalls’. Mike Connolly’s wife makes some lovely jewellery www.rohanna.co.uk and she will be there with some of her pieces for you to peruse. If there’s anyone else that would also like to display or sell any crafts/goodies/gifts that you make, please email at ladiesofharley@thamesvalleyog.org.uk and let me know in advance so that we can make sure the space is available.
Saturday Socials Don’t forget the next Saturday Social, which is open to everyone, is on 1st Dec at The White Horse in Wokingham www.whitehorsewokingham.co.uk. I haven’t been there to check it out myself, but others have been and I am assured it’s a really great venue for us. Please come along if you can. I will be going on to the Holme Grange Craft Village afterwards www.holmegrangecraftvillage.co.uk/ shops, so if you fancy picking up a few Christmas pressies then please feel free to join me.
There was a fantastic turn out at last month’s Social in Marlow, with 25 people including 3 families and 9 bikes. It was good to see that a few brought their kids and grandchildren along – our future generation of Harley riders! The bikes seemed to gather plenty of interest from the passing public while they were parked outside the pub – it all adds to the publicity of the Chapter. Don’t forget that all of our Saturday Social meets are intended for everyone to be able to attend – this is not a LoH activity. My aim is to choose child-friendly pubs that can cater for all the family as well as host a large group. If anyone has any ideas of good places that I can include on the calendar then please let me know.
Christmas get-together So far, 18 ladies have put their name down for the Christmas meal at The World Turned Upside Down in Reading. So if anyone else, ladies that is, wish to come along please let me know ASAP. It’s £7.99 for a 3 course carvery and a cracker! I know a few of the boys are looking for somewhere to go after they have dropped us off, so if anyone knows a suitable place close by, perhaps they can get their man to organise the rest of the boys. Just to let you know that the ladies t-shirts haven’t been forgotten about. Pat and Sadie will be looking into the designs when they have more time in the New Year and hopefully will get something into production soon after. I will continue to update you as and when there’s more news. See you soon.
Sue LOH rep ladiesofharley@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
This month TFTRB talks to Assistant Director, Pat Adams. We find out about how she started riding, the bikes she’s owned and her life as part of Thames Valley Chapter
Nickname: Grommit Star Sign: Gemini Home town (place of birth): Wolverhampton Currently living in: Froxfield, Wiltshire Spouse: Barry Car you drive: Volvo Favourite music: Motown Favourite TV: Merlin What you do for a living: Administrator for a Garden Centre Trade Association Pet hates: Probably too many to list! Claims to fame: Have met Alan Titchmarsh and Arlen Ness custom bike builder Hobbies (other than Harley): Antique furniture restoration, Cornet playing and singing Ambition(s): To stay healthy, active and ride as long as I possibly can
Tell us about your motorcycling history I passed my bike test in October 2004, first time! I must have done the slowest U-turn in history and I thought for a minute he was going to make me do it again, phew he didn’t. My ‘Patrick Swayze’ learning technique worked! I learned on a Suzuki Marauder, just pottering around, going to HOG Rallies until my CBT (which Barry bought me for a birthday present) ran out and I had to do another one. When did you first buy a Harley? I actually saw my first Harley at the Oxford dealership in July 2004 at their birthday bash. It was 4th July – Independence Day - must have been a sign! A gleaming purple 883 Sportster, sat on her and she was sold! I hadn’t even passed my test so she sat in the garage until October. Have you owned any others since that one and your current Harley? I never thought I would change from my Sportster and even now I wish perhaps I had kept her, but in 2009 I went to the US to take part in The Amazon Heart Charity bike ride for Breast Cancer and rode a Dyna Low Rider from Los Angeles to San Francisco - over 1000 miles and the bike was awesome! That prompted my change to a Dyna – my current bike. Tell us about your current Harley and what made you choose that particular one I have a 1999 FXR2 Purple Dyna. I know she can be temperamental and has been on a flatbed lorry rather more times than I would have hoped, but I have still managed to do over 16500 miles since Jan 2010. I could ride her all day! I bought this bike from MTC Motorcycles in Oxford Road, Reading. I had seen it in their showroom and they let me have the bike for the weekend. I think I rode her less than half a mile and knew she had to be mine!
(image left: Current bike, holidaying in Scotland) (image right: My first Toy Run)
) (My first bike
What modifications have you done to your current bike? I have not done any modifications myself as I love her just the way she is. What I love more than anything is she is just so easy to ride, she rides like a dream. Do you have any plans to change your Harley at any time in the future? Not at the moment – but you never know! Where’s the best place you’ve ridden to/ best trip you’ve been on? Holiday to Spain last year, nearly 2000 miles of fantastic roads, weather (well most of the time) and great company.
What primarily does being Assistant Director involve and did you have to go through any special HOG training to take on that position? I think being on the committee for 5 years was a great training! I don’t think I probably do nearly enough since Don does take on more than his fair share of responsibilities and, of course, he has the added responsibilities associated with the SOFER Rally. We are in a unique position as a Chapter regarding SOFER - it is considered to be one of the best rallies in Europe and I am very proud to be a part of that. We genuinely would not be able to function as a Chapter without the support of all our committee members
When did you first become part of Thames Valley HOG Chapter? Barry had his Harley before me so we joined when he bought his bike from Thames Valley Dealership. We have been members since around 2000 I think, so quite a long time! Do you have any particular memories that stick out as a member of the club? The first long trip I made to the European Rally in St Tropez in 2005. I was so excited about going that the day we set off, 5th June, was my birthday and I totally forgot that it was until we reached the ferry port at Dover. What was your first role on the Committee and how did you first get involved? My first role was secretary which I held for 5 years. I was asked to take on the role by the Chapter Director at that time, Neil Hall. When did you become Assistant Director and what motivated you take on that role? I have been Assistant Director since Jan 2011. I suppose really it was perhaps a natural progression, five years as secretary was enough, I approached Don and he was happy for me to take on the role.
So is your ambition to be Chapter Director one day should Don decide to step down? One day perhaps. I feel now that women have a significant role to play within the HOG world and that Harley Davidson as a company are beginning to realise this. We are fortunate to have more lady riders than most Chapters perhaps, something we need to encourage.
Who would you have as your Assistant Director? Or what qualities would you like in a person that might become your assistant? This is a bit difficult as traditionally to take on the role of Assistant Director the person should have held a primary position for at least two years. I’m not sure how binding this ‘rule’ would be, so I don’t feel it would pertinent to mention anyone by name at this stage. The person for the role would need to be supportive, level headed and possibly, a peace maker at times. They would have to have the good of the Chapter and our members at heart at all times.
Any notable achievements/improvements or changes the club has gone through in your time in the Chapter? Losing the Dealership was of course quite a blow at the time, but we seem to be going from strength to strength in spite of this. Membership numbers may go up and down but we have a high proportion of active members. We are organising more and more rideouts and social events than ever before. We are successful because we have a strong and committed chapter committee and Director and, of course, our members. What ambitions do you have for the Chapter, any long-term goals and/or plans? I would like to make sure this Chapter goes on for many years after I have given up my riding, to encourage new ‘younger’ members to take up the Harley way of life, to see more women riders, more women road crew, more women on the committee.
Images: Top left: Amazon Heart Bike Riide, Los Angeles Middle: Me and my old Sportster Top right: My Dyna FXR2 Bottom right: RTTW5 and receiving the Chapter award from SportsAble
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
Classic Motorbike Show Birmingham NEC www.classicmotorbikeshow.com Friday 16th - Sunday 18th
Saturday Social (open to all) 12.30pm, White Horse, Wokingham & Holme Grange Craft Village Saturday 1st
Motorcycle Live Birmingham NEC Saturday 24th - Sunday 2nd (Dec)
Reading Toy Run Depart 12noon from SportsAble, ride to Foster Wheeler, Reading for 1pm depart. Check website for rideout Details. Bring unwrapped toy(s) Sunday 9th
Riverboat Xmas Bash Windsor. Details on website/see p16 Saturday 24th Broom Farm Toy Run Windsor 10.30am for 11am depart from SportsAble ride to Legoland Or meet 11.30 for 12noon depart from Legoland. Bring a toy for the kids Sunday 25th Harley Night Ace Cafe, 6pm Thursday 29th
Ladies of Harley Xmas Dinner World Turned Upside Down, Reading ÂŁ7.99 for 3 course carvery. See Sue B Friday 14th Chapter Club Night SportsAble 7.30pm - 10pm Thursday 20th Harley Night Ace Cafe, 6pm Thursday 27th
Details correct at time of going to print. Check the website for updates and amendments: www.thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
JANUARY 2013 Shaw Harley Davidson Showcase 10th Anniversary celebrations Eastbourne, East Sussex, 10am - 5pm Sunday 13th Chapter Club Night SportsAble 7.30pm - 10pm Thursday 17th Harley Night Ace Cafe, 6pm Thursday 24th
FEBRUARY London Motorcycle Show Excel Centre www.thecustomshow.com Friday 15th - Sunday 17th Chapter Club Night SportsAble 7.30pm - 10pm Thursday 21st Harley Night Ace Cafe, 6pm Thursday 28th
MARCH Chapter Club Night SportsAble 7.30pm - 10pm Thursday 21st Harley Night Ace Cafe, 6pm Thursday 28th Ladies of Harley Weekend Away Bognor Regis Friday 22nd - Sunday 24th Easter Friday 29th - Monday 1st April
APRIL Chapter Club Night SportsAble 7.30pm - 10pm Thursday 18th Harley Night Ace Cafe, 6pm Thursday 25th
MAY Cider Rally Friday 3rd - Monday 6th
Plenty of tickets already sold - places still available for up to 150 people. Departure is from Barry Avenue, Windsor Prom, 7.30pm on Saturday 24th November.
There will be a seasonal BBQ plus glass of mulled wine on arrival included in the price, as well as disco from 7.30-11.30pm, raffle and anything else we can fit in! Please note - the boats are all heated in the winter. This weekend the Classic Motorbike Show takes place at the NEC in Birmingham. It starts Friday (16th) and runs until Sunday. The show will be packed with all sorts of bikes, shows, clubs, products, services and famous people over the course of the three days. Tickets are available on the door and start at £16 for adults. Various packages are available for families and combined tickets for the Classic Motor Show as well as the bike show. More details can be found on www.classicmotorbikeshow.com
Fancy dress this year is JAMES BOND theme to mark 50 years of 007 on our cinema screens Menu for the BBQ: Turkey, Chipolata Sausage & Stuffing New potatoes, Coleslaw Waldorf Salad, Tomato & Grape Salad Christmas Pudding & Brandy Sauce OR Yule Log & Cream Coffee & Mince Pies Tickets are £30pp - book yours with a £10 non -refundable deposit. ASAP See Pat & Barry for tickets and any queries.
Sue Brown has booked some Saturday Socials in the calendar. Please note that these are OPEN TO EVERYONE and children/ grandkids are all very welcome too. Now that the Poker Run has ended, those Wednesday evenings will be pub meets during the winter. See Sue‟s page for Saturday Socials info and watch out for details of Wednesday evenings on the Chapter website.
Sunday 25th November will be the 3rd annual Broom Farm Toy Run. Participants traditionally meet at Legoland and ride through Windsor to The Broom Farm Estate in Dedworth to deliver presents to the children of serving soldiers. All money donated is be given to The Forces Children's Trust Charity. Meet at SportsAble at 10.30am for 11am depart to Legoland. Alternatively, meet at Legoland at 11.30am for 12noon depart. Bring a toy for the children. Hot drinks will be available on the day.
This year‟s Reading Toy Run takes place on Sunday 9th December. The main rideout will leave Foster Wheeler in Reading from 1 o‟clock and ride to Barnardo‟s in Wokingham, where there will be refreshments. The rideout from SportsAble will leave at 12noon - check website and hotline for details. Bring a toy or present for the kids - please don‟t forget the older children as well as the younger. Thames Valley Marshals will need to be at Foster Wheeler a bit earlier - check with Nij for details.
Don’t forget to check the website and forum for up-to-date information on rideouts and activities
Club Night Dates (and Magazine contribution deadline dates) Please send your mag contributions to editor @thamesvalleyhog.org.uk December 20th (13th) January 17th 2013 (10th) February 21st (14th)
Thames Valley UK Chapter will be celebrating a „big‟ Birthday in 2013. There are plans afoot for a special celebration on June 15th, which will coincide with the Harley-Davidson 110th Anniversary, so I‟m sure we‟ll mark that occasion with something special too. Keep the date free if you can and further news will be announced in due course. Barry has been working on a new venue for next year‟s Chill Out Weekend and the Committee has given a big thumbs up to his selection. So it looks like it will be at the Unicorn Inn near Bridgnorth in Shropshire. There is a wide range of accommodation from rooms, to caravans, self-contained cottages and on-site camping. Plus the route there makes for a fantastic rideout and there‟s plenty around the area for interest and entertainment. Prices are favourable and Barry is hoping to arrange a bulk discount for the club, which will include 2 nights with breakfast, plus evening food/BBQ provided by the club (exact details TBC). Date for the weekend away is 5th-7th July 2013
On Thursday 22nd November we will run a planning meeting for next years calendar. Road Crew are invited to join the Activities Team (Barry and Nick) and Head Road Captain (Nij) at SportsAble from 7:30pm. In addition to Road Crew we would like to extend the invitation to anyone who would like to have input into our events calendar. If you would like to run a trip or event please contact Nick West on 07775 696024 or email activities@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk for an invitation. Please do not come along without an invitation as numbers are limited.
This year‟s Poker Run began way back in April at the Cricketers in Littlewick Green and has visited a variety of locations such as Froxfield, Dorney and Wooburn Green along the way. The final stop was at The Crown Wood in Bracknell in October, where it all ended with a total of 154 cards being drawn throughout the whole run. Three prizes were awarded for the best hands collected and presented at the October Club Night. Photos by Linda
First Prize = £80.00 Mick Benson (3 Kings)
Second Prize = £50.00 Don Wibberley (2 Pairs, Aces and 9‟s)
Third Prize = £24.00 Ron Jackson (2 Pairs, Queens and 8‟s)
2013 is just around the corner and planning for the New Year is now at the top of our priority list, starting with the Committee and Road Crew. As in previous years there has been very little change on the committee as I believe we have a great hard working team who have the enthusiasm to for fill their roles on the committee and who work very well together as a team. Saying that we are looking for two new committee members for 2013, a Membership Officer, as Fred has asked to stand down at the end of the year and an Activities Officer to work alongside Nick over the next few months and then take over the role later in 2013. Included below is the job descriptions to try and give you an idea just what is required as an officer, please talk to Fred & Nick who can give you a far better insight into what they do and just how much time they spend fulfilling their roles. If you would like to join the committee in either of these roles please take the time to complete an application form and hand it to Sue Moyler. Also featured here are the other Committee positions, just to give you a very brief idea of some of the things our roles involve. Happy reading! Don W. WANTED! New Membership Officer: The Membership Officer shall be responsible for ensuring that all chapter members are current H.O.G. members, having on file a signed copy of the Annual Chapter Membership Enrolment Form & Release of each member as signed on an annual basis; maintains chapter membership report, providing quarterly updates to the H.O.G. office or maintaining on the chapter business site of www.members.hog.com. To include: Sending out membership renewals when required Processing membership applications Maintaining membership database Recording attendance at club night Submitting membership report to the monthly chapter meetings
WANTED! Activities Officer: The Activities Officer shall be responsible for the administration of chapter events. To include: The preparation of the annual ride out programme. The schedule of annual events e.g. Riverboat Shuffle, Chill Out Weekend Maintaining the website calendar Posting information on forthcoming events onto the website. Liaising with other chapters If the Chapter has an assistant activities officer duties should be allocated
Primary Officers: Director Assistant Director Treasurer Secretary Supporting Officers: Activities Officer Ladies of Harley Officer Memberships Officer Road Captain
Editor Photographer Safety Officer Historian
Director: The Director shall uphold the HOG Chapter Charter and the chapter by-laws, conduct chapter meetings and coordinate chapter officer responsibilities. To include: The submission of a monthly report to be published in the chapter magazine Overseeing the selection of committee members Progressing road captain training opportunities Chairing monthly committee meetings Reporting on chapter events at chapter club meeting Ensuring the membership is kept informed of both HOG and chapter events Liaising between other chapters Attending and participating in SOFER meetings and promote the rally to chapter members Attendance at national or regional HOG events as appropriate
Assistant Director: The Assistant Director shall assist the Director in carrying out the Director's duties. The Assistant Director shall also be responsible for promoting membership, membership orientation, membership retention, and keeping the chapter members informed of H.O.G. programs. To include: Assisting the Director in all aspects of chapter business and activities. Providing a line of communication between members and the chapter committee Providing support to committee members Promoting the chapter and chapter activities to members and to other chapters. Helping to progress and expand the roles and responsibilities of committee members
Secretary: responsible for the administrative needs of the chapter, keeping the minutes of chapter annual and general meetings, oversees the position of membership officer if it exists, ensuring that all chapter members are current H.O.G. members, having on file a signed copy of the Annual Chapter Membership Enrolment Form and Release of each member as signed on an annual basis, and submitting to H.O.G. the H.O.G. Chapter Charter Application and any other reports as required by H.O.G. Further, the Secretary shall ensure that all insurance requirements are met (including participant signatures to required release forms), and that all annual filings with local authorities are done. The Secretary shall ensure preparation of injury report forms, timely submission of injury report forms to the appropriate insurance company and shall be responsible for the maintenance and storage of release forms and injury reports. To include: Attending monthly committee meetings and taking the minutes Maintaining chapter records Collating and keeping on file applications for committee positions Assist in the organisation of larger chapter events when necessary
Editor: The Editor shall be responsible for assembling and organising written, oral (broadcast) and electronic material for chapter publications, e.g., newsletters, press releases. All chapter publications, whether written, oral (broadcast) or electronic, shall be subject to approval by the Sponsoring Dealer/ Director prior to publication. To include:
Treasurer: Responsible for the collection and disbursement of chapter funds, reporting the financial transactions to the membership on a monthly basis, submitting an annual financial report to H.O.G., compliance with all revenue recording and reporting requirements. To include: The submission and maintenance of chapter financial records and monthly reports Responsible for all chapter banking procedures The payment of all chapter invoices The payment of all committee member expenses when required
The duties and responsibilities of the discretionary (optional) chapter officers shall be:
Road Captain: The Road Captain(s) shall be responsible for assisting in the planning of routes for chapter rides and keeping the chapter informed of all H.O.G. programs. To include: Planning and organising at least one ride out during the riding season Attending the annual pre-season road captains meeting Reporting any safety issues to the serving chapter Safely Officer. Assisting other Road Captains in planning chapter rides Informing and educating chapter members about group riding techniques
Design, create, write and edit all required preparation and assembly of the monthly chapter magazine Attend (where possible) and report on Chapter activities within the magazine Encourage members to submit items for publication The posting of news items on the website The publishing and circulation of press releases to local press Providing and/or uploading the chapter magazine to the chapter website in conjunction with the webmaster
Photographer: The Photographer shall be responsible for obtaining and organising chapter photographs for use in chapter publications and chapter history albums. To include: Attending chapter events, ride outs, rallies and record these events Coordinating photos supplied by assistants, maintaining picture galleries on the chapter website. Ensuring that all photographs posted on the website are of good quality Adding captions to photographs where appropriate Compiling photographers page for the club magazine If the chapter has assistant(s) all event coverage should be shared
Safety Officer: The Safety Officer shall be responsible for providing chapter members with information relating to the availability of rider training. To include: Assisting in the selection and training of suitable members for road captain training. Assessing and monitoring trainee road captains. Ensuring that all official chapter ride outs are suitably marshalled; led and tailed by fully trained capable road crew. Advising road crew on any potential safety matters that may arise Attending the pre-season road captains meeting Reporting any potential safety issues to the Chapter Director
Ladies of Harley Officer: The LOH Officer shall be responsible for encouraging women members to take an active part in chapter activities. To include: Encouraging women members to take an active part in the chapter Answering questions about the LOH Informing members of LOH activities Coordinating LOH chapter activities
Historian: The Historian shall be responsible for the preparation and maintenance of a written account of the history of the chapter, to include officer positions, chapter activities and membership levels. This post has previously been inactive for some time. A Chapter Historian is now in place.
Webmaster: The Webmaster shall be responsible for assembling and organising material for the Chapter Website and seeking approval from the Sponsoring Dealer/Director prior to publication. To Include: Overseeing and maintaining the chapter website Sending out weekly E-newsletters to members Assisting members regarding any access problems Liaising with the website providers regarding updates etc Responsible for all website postings and to remove any material of a possible unwelcome nature and follow Internet guidelines in Section H of the Chapter Handbook Include official chapter name and number on all material published by The chapter Work with the Chapter Editor to ensure the same information is being communicated to all chapter members Promote H.O.G.'s fun, family-oriented philosophy in all web site material Act as caretaker for chapter by protecting chapter members privacy by not revealing personal chapter member or private chapter information on The chapter web site. Assist the Sponsoring Dealer and Chapter Director in upholding the "Annual Charter for H.O.G. Chapters" If anyone is interested in getting involved then please speak to Don about any of the roles mentioned.
rid Hoggin the B The 2012 annual Hoggin the Bridge took place on Sunday 21st October and this year, Thames Valley Chapter decided to take an official rideout to the event - the first since Bridgwater Chapter relinquished control of the organisation. All the arrangements and organisation of the event is now in the hands of Hoggin‟ the Bridge Club - an official charity, supporting Meningitis UK and other local good causes.
ge 2012
Hoggin‟ the Bridge started in the year 2000, it came from a request by one of the Bridgewater chapter members, Rex Forster. He was involved with the Spencer Dayman Trust who were holding a sponsored walk, which would finish on the Severn Bridge. He asked for a few Harleys to escort the walkers across the finish line .This seemed like a good idea, but it soon started to grow into „How many Harleys can we get on this Bridge?‟
So on October 22nd there was a meet at Magor Services to ride back over the bridge. It started with a couple of hundred bikes waiting, by the time the ride left it was just short of 1000. The ride went across the bridge and escorted the walkers and went on to a Rugby Club in Bristol. The weather had been kind, it was dry and not very cold. So the whole event was deemed a success and the decision was made to do it all again the following year, over 2 bridges. By the time the event got to Hoggin‟ 3, Magor Services did not want thousands of bikers back again, under any circumstances, so the switch was made to Severn View Services on the English side of the old Severn Bridge, with the ride crossing both Severn Bridges to Ashton Gate. By the end of Hoggin‟ 5, Ashton Gate had run its course as a venue and the town of Chepstow was persuaded to play host to a few thousand bikers for a day. This turned out to be a huge success as for Hoggin‟ 6, the streets were lined with families waving and cheering. And they even put out a huge sign saying “Chepstow welcomes Harley Davidson”
The Thames Valley rideout, for those that trusted the weather enough to venture out, was led by Clive. It was an early start from SportsAble with a 7.30 meet for 8am departure. The direct route is fairly straightforward - straight down the M4. There was a second pickup along the way at Cheiveley Services at 9 o‟clock and then onwards to Severn View Services to join the ride across the bridge from 11am. Despite the slightly foggy weather and chilly start, it was good to see a few make the ride and add to their chapter mileage challenge. As always, there are large crowds lining the streets to wave the bikers across on their way into the town of Chepstow, where live bands provide entertainment throughout the day. There‟s the usual collection of merchandise and stalls, as well as pubs and cafe‟s ready to serve the masses.
Thanks to Sue Dodds for sending in the Chapter pictures and to the Road Crew for organising and leading the rideout
The 2012 event was the thirteenth in the history of Hogginâ€&#x; the Bridge and the 7th time in Chepstow. Just under 3000 bikes crossed the bridge and an estimated 2000 made their way straight to Chepstow to enjoy the entertainment the town had laid on for everyone. 2011 raised over ÂŁ17,500 for charity and it is hoped that 2012 was equally as successful.
MAY 2013
JULY 2013
The Cider Rally Somerset, May 3-6
Wake the Lakes Rally Red Rose Chapter Kendal RUFC, Lake District, July 4-7
Iron Horse Rally St. Leger Chapter 10-13 May Bainland, Woodhall Spa, Lincs The Big Brum Bash May 24-27 www.bigbrumbash.co.uk
JUNE 2013
Hog On The Humber Aire Valley Chapter July 5-7 Brantingham Park, Elloughton, East Yorks Horseshoe Rally Rutland Chapter July 12-14 www.rutlandchapter.co.uk/horseshoe-rally-v
Ireland Bike Fest Killarney, Ireland Friday May 31-June 3
Oggie Rally Plymouth Chapter July 19-20, Venue TBC
Circus Maximus XI Deva Legion June 7-9, 2013
East of England Rally Fenlanders Chapter July 25-28, Fakenham Racecourse
The Gathering Drymsynie, Scotland June 7-10 http://clydevalleyhog.net
AUGUST 2013
Hogs in the Hayfields Great Westernâ€&#x;s 10th Anniversary Cleve Rugby Club, Bristol June 21-23, Back To The Peaks Miraj Hotel, Ashbourne, Derbyshire June 28-30
South of England Rally 10th Anniversary August 2-4, Bisley, Surrey Hog 'n' Bog Rally Provincewide Chapter August 2-4 Old School Rally Nene Valley Chapter, August 16-18 Towcester Rugby Club Thunder in the Glens Dunedin Chapter August 23-26 Aviemore, Scotland