EVENT STATEMENT
Chapter activities are conducted primarily for the benefit of H.O.G. chapter
members. There are three categories of activities, all activities are identified as follows:
Closed Events are those Chapter Events which are open to chapter
members and one guest per member.
Member Events are Events that are open only to H.O.G. members.
Open Events are those Chapter Events which are open to Chapter Members,
National H.O.G. Members and other guests as desired.
If you are interested in becoming a Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G. Member, email
Rene' Durham, or call 770-944-1340
MISSION STATEMENT
Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G. provides it's members with exciting, safe, organized riding activities and
social events to expand horizons, fulfill dreams, and create lifelong memories through personal relationships forged in iron and steel.
BREAKING NEWS
Member Benefit Change
Membership benefits will be changing with the New Year. Beginning January 1, 2003, all members will have to participate in a minimum number of two (2) Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G. sanctioned events every sixty (60) days. Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G. sanctioned events include chapter meetings, business meeting, rides, LOH meetings, volunteer efforts, and other special events as noted on the Chapter Calender.
Member participation is required to maintain your in-store discount at Harley-Davidson
of Atlanta.
All other Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G. privileges will remain the same.
Ronnie Godwin
General Manager, Harley-Davidson of Atlanta, Inc.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Road Captains: True Road Warriors
This month I would like to recognize and say "Thank You" to all of our Road Captains, past, present and future. We had nine new prospects at our Road Captains training session on Feb 21st, along with many of our existing folks returning to re-fresh themselves on what this job is all about. This tribute also includes all of our officers, who also lead rides in addition to their other duties.
The Road Captains are the backbone of our ability as a chapter to "ride and have fun" which is what having our bikes is all about. Riding and having fun together is the focus of our chapter and our mission statement says this very clearly. The quality and dedication of our Road Captains are the nuts and bolts of why our rides are done with the degree of variety and professionalism that is evident on each ride we do.
It is because of the energy and effort spent by these folks when they plan a ride that our chapter enjoys the best ride calendar of any chapter anywhere, and I've seen a lot of ride calendars, believe me. The Atlanta Chapter Road Captains strive to excel and set the standard for other chapters to emulate as far as the kinds of rides we have, the number we do each year, and the skill and manner in which they are led.
Next time you go on a chapter ride, think how effortless the whole process is for you---you sign in, go and things just magically flow along. This happens because the Road Captain has given due diligence to his (or her) upcoming ride. He has seen the route because in almost all cases he has done a pre-ride to familiarize himself with road conditions, placement of gas facilities, a good place to eat, and perhaps some interesting things to see along the way; or maybe the destination itself is the focus of the ride and he has arranged some activities there. In any case, lots of planning and thought is expended by the Road Captain in the interest of you having a great, relaxed time riding. By the time you ride, he has very likely ridden twice. During the ride the Road Captain is also like a "mother hen", keeping up with everyone's whereabouts and how they are doing as they make their way along. This is no small responsibility and can be stressful in those few instances when unexpected things happen. Even when things seem effortless, the Road Captain has a lot going on in his mind and you can bet his ride is much different from yours. But it is hardly a thankless job--it is a very rewarding feeling to put a successful ride together and to see everyone having fun and enjoying themselves.
Your enjoyment is why they do this and their time and energy is their gift to our chapter. They are generous with their non-work hours and deserve our sincere thanks and gratitude. I offer mine to them, one and all ---"Thank you all", for all you do for the Atlanta Chapter!
The Story of the Five Little Pigs
We have talked in our last couple of member meetings about trying to come up with a ride rating scale which we can include with our HOGWASH articles describing upcoming rides in order to help you judge whether or not a particular ride might fit your skills and experience level. We referred to this scale as "The Five Little Pigs".
In an effort to help you, the pig scale is described below:
One Pig: this is the easiest of rides, featuring non-curving terrain and a ride of short duration (less than 75 miles round trip) that should find even the most inexperienced rider comfortable going out. Additionally, no major urban traffic is encountered, like that on the freeway.
Two Pigs: this ride is a bit harder than a One Pig in that it might feature a few gentle curves and be a bit longer, say 100-150 miles round trip. It could also feature some lighter urban traffic situations.
Three Pigs: now we are starting to get to longer rides, over 200 miles round trip, and those that involve curving terrain and perhaps traverse through metropolitan area traffic.
Four Pigs: these rides feature lots of curves, some of which are "decreasing radius" turns (get tighter) and/or cover a major distance therefore requiring a good deal of technical skill and stamina. Even a shorter ride with difficult curves could be considered a "four pig" ride. Rides to Helen, GA could fall into this category. Major traffic such as that on I-285 can be part of this rating.
Five Pigs: this is the most difficult category due to the severity and number of curves, possibly combined with a long ride. The Southern Highroads Trail ride, Suches, Helen, and Gatlinburg as well as GA Hwys. 180, 297, 348, 60 and 129 would fall into this category due to the technical skills required and/or the duration of the ride. Note that some of these rides are mostly curves and of long duration whereas others are just very curvy even though shorter.
Other points to keep in mind:
1. Extremes of weather and rain could easily "add a pig" to the difficulty of the ride, making what would be a 3 a 4, etc. Be ready for this possibility.
2. Experience counts! What might be a normal "2" to experienced riders could seem like a "3" to someone with only a few "1" rides under their belts. Therefore you probably should have several rides of the two preceding ratings under your belt before attempting to move up to the next degree of difficulty, e.g. don't do one "1" and then try to go to a "3". Do several "1's", then a few "2's", etc.
3. Rides can consist of varying segments ranging from 1 to 5. It is up to the Ride Leader to evaluate the entire ride and give it an overall rating. On the actual ride, where the Ride Leader deems it appropriate and safe to do so, as a ride approaches an increased level of difficulty, he can break the ride into smaller groups allowing each group to ride to their experience level. This maximizes everyone's enjoyment and makes it a positive experience for all riders.
4. Urban traffic situations were mentioned in some categories but we normally do not ride in heavy, downtown type traffic. This does however require a high level of experience to deal with. In some cases like our Charleston ride, you must go all the way across Atlanta on I-20 in 8:00 traffic.
5. We urge you to take the Group Riding course the chapter is offering to help you get comfortable with riding in groups, regardless of the pig rating for any particular ride. Group riding is much different from riding with just one or two other riders. Even technically skilled riders not used to group riding find riding in a group very different from their normal ride experience.
Ride to Charleston, SC
Our annual spring ride to Charleston, SC., is set for April 23-25 and is a ride you won't want to miss! Charleston is a very quaint, historical town with delicious food and wonderful scenery to go along with it---the Old Market, the plantations, the Battery area, Rainbow Row, Fort Sumter and Patriot's Point.
Our ride will leave from Harley Davidson of Atlanta at 8:30AM; please plan to meet by 8:00 AM to get signed in and attend the ride briefing. We will pick up a group of riders on the east side of Atlanta on I-20E, and should arrive by 9:30 to 9:45 AM. We will meet at the Save-Rite on Salem Road, which is Exit 84.
Our ride route will be I-20 almost all the way to Columbia, SC where we will pick up I-26 S. This ride is about 345 miles with a lunch break in Augusta, GA, which is the halfway point. Experience shows that the back roads offer little in the way of scenery and make re-fueling a major ordeal.
Although there is no "official" chapter ride back, folks usually do form small groups to ride back in, consistent with where in Atlanta they live.
Reservations should be made per Terri Varnum's article in the March HOGWASH---we're staying at the Quality Inn again this year which has been very good for us in the past.
Ride Rating: 3.5 pigs
WHAT: Charleston, SC Ride
WHEN: April 23, 2004
WHERE: HD of Atlanta
MEET: 8:00 AM
DEPARTURE: 8:30AM
Thanks for a Job Well Done!!
The chapter would like to extend a big "Thank You" to Andy Otwell, our Safety Officer for the last year and a half and to Terri Felton, our L.O.H. Officer for the past two plus years for the wonderful job they have both done. Your efforts and dedication to the position you held have made a valuable contribution to our chapter and your service will be greatly missed.
The chapter wishes you both much success and happiness in the future and we hope you'll join us for rides as you re-enter
"civilian" life!
Ride Safe, Ride Often
Tom Sigerfoos
Director, Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR'S REPORT
See you on the road.
Tom Arnold
Assistant Director, Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G.
TREASURER'S REPORT
2004 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FAT BOY
Tickets are on sale for our next raffle, a 2004 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy with custom paint. If you are willing to sell tickets, come by shop and check some out. We will be selling 400 tickets for $100 each. The drawing date to be announced.
Rene' Durham
Treasurer, Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G.
HEAD ROAD CAPTAIN'S REPORT
I would like to thank all who attended my second annual Ride Captain Training Class held on February 21, 2004. We had a total of 19 in attendance. We have about 12 prospective new ride leaders who will be working towards completing their Ride Captain requirements. These requirements are as follows:
Attend the Road Captain Training Class.
Assist in Sweeping a ride.
Assist in Leading a ride.
Lead their own ride.
The following have already completed 2 of the 4 requirements as of February 29, 2004:
Andy Andresen
Terry Gibbs
John Riggs
Chris Robey
They are now two steps closer in obtaining their Road Captain patch. Good job!
Thanks again for being part of the TEAM and for volunteering your time by becoming one of the most exciting part of the Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G. - leading rides and having fun doing it.
Gary Langmaid
Head Road Captain, Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G.
LADIES OF HARLEY'S REPORT
(vacant)
Ladies of Harley Officer, Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G.
SAFETY OFFICER'S REPORT
(vacant)
Safety Officer, Atlanta Cha[ter, H.O.G.
Please Don't Drink and Ride!
Friends Don't Let Friends ride Drunk!
ACTIVITIES OFFICER'S REPORT
2004 FATBOY MOTORCYCLE RAFFLE
VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED!!! We still have a lot of tickets to be sold. Check with your friends, neighbors and co-workers, or perhaps volunteer a couple of hours on a Saturday to sell them at the dealership.
Terri Varnum
Activities Officer, Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G.
PHOTOGRAPHER'S REPORT
John Metcalf
Photographer, Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G.
MEMBERSHIP OFFICER'S REPORT
Scott Vandiver
Membership Officer, Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G.
ADVERTISING OFFICER'S REPORT
(vacant)
ADVERTISING IN THE HOGWASH
Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G. is accepting business and personal advertisements for the HOGWASH! What a great way to promote your business, organization, service or personal information to all Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G. members each
month!
Please contact Rene' Durham at 770-944-1340 for more information or to place your ad today!
(vacant)
Advertising Officer, Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G.
SECRETARY/DEALER LIAISON'S REPORT
H.O.G. AROUND THE SHOP
Last year I attended a workshop given by the Harley Owners Group for Primary Officers. A gathering of H.O.G. Chapter officers designed to give the officers an opportunity to learn how to make their individual chapters better.
Some of the buzz words were volunteerism, organization, cooperation, safety, riding and having fun. I never heard the word compete, or competition, or being number one. The point being is that H.O.G. is about "Riding and Having Fun". They even gave out pins with a highway centerline and the initials RF embossed on it.
If you read the chapter Mission Statement:
Atlanta Chapter H.O.G. provides its members with exciting, safe, organized riding activities and social events to expand horizons, fulfill dreams, and create lifelong memories through personal relationships forged in iron and steel.
Competing and being number one are not part of our mission.
People have to compete in business everyday in order to survive. The dealership is in a constant state of competition with other dealers, and other manufacturers to keep their business viable. Our H.O.G. chapter does not have to join in that competition. When we do things as a chapter, we should do them to make the most of our Harley experience. Riding our bikes safely, enjoying the company of other members, and other Harley riders.
Let's keep priorities straight. Entering bike shows, and field events should always be for the fun. Giving to charitable causes should be for the charity not to show which chapter can collect the most money.
One of the goals the chapter officers set this year is to encourage safe riding in groups. Group riding seminars are being planned. The first one attracted about 20 members, and already there are calls for another session. We have some members working to become new Road Captains, so we are bound to see some new and exciting rides.
Come to a meeting, volunteer, sell raffle tickets, go on a group ride, and get involved. I guarantee you will have a good time. Drop in to the dealership on most Saturdays and look me up.
Ride Safe and Have Fun
David Devlin
Secretary/Dealer Liaison, Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G.
WEB MASTER'S REPORT
If you have updated your e-mail address, PLEASE send me your new address. I get several undeliverable e-mail messages each time I send a message updating our members on up coming or changed events. Please, keep you e-mail address up to date and stay informed! E-mail me at hog@mindspring.com. Thanks!!
Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G. on Yahoo!
Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G. has a "Club Address" on Yahoo at the
following URL:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/atlantachapterhog
Please, check it out! You will be able to chat with other Atlanta Chapter Members. You will have to register to sign on to chat, load pictures and post messages. When you register, please give us you "Real Name". That way other members will recognize your name and be able to e-mail you as a member of the Atlanta Chapter and not someone in Kalamazoo. You will also be able to check out other Harley related clubs around the world. If you have problems, e-mail me and I will try and help.
Gary Langmaid will keep the calendar up to date, so there is no need to miss an important event date. Terri Varnum is now in charge of the Hot Line. If you have concerns about the status of a ride, PLEASE, call 770-908-3435.
This does not replace our HOGWASH Web Page,
www.atlantahog.com or the HOGWASH Newsletter, just
another e-service of the Atlanta Chapter.
B.K. Ellis
Web Master, Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G.
TECH TIP
Well, warm weather is here and with the changing season comes easier starting of your motorcycle. If you have a fuel injected motor, you can basically crank it and go, right? Not exactly, if you wish not to foul out your spark plugs. If you crank it and let it idle in the garage for a few seconds before taking off, or if you usually ride 2 or 3 miles at a time with your buds, your not doing your motor justice, and will most likely have fouling issues.
The fuel injection system has 100 different stages to go through and analyze before it is at full operating temperature. Number 100 being the richest and number 0 being the leanest. It takes approximately 15 miles or 15 minutes for your bike to reach this temperature. Failure to reach full operating temperature can result in fuel deposits and residue left on the spark plugs.
The warm up time for carbureted models is basically the same as the injected models. Both can be tricky and a pain in the you know what, if you don't understand the systems and what they need to be proficient at their jobs. The choke knob is actually an en-richener, that increases the fuel to the engine instead of decreasing the air-flow to the engine.
The factory recommends that you pull the choke knob out fully and start the bike if it is below 60*F. Start riding after 15-30 seconds of warm up. Ride for about 3 minutes or 2 miles, and then push the choke knob in to the half way position and ride for another 2 minutes or 2 miles, then push the knob all the way in. Temperatures above 60*F call for the recommended minutes and miles be cut in half.
CAUTION: Never accelerate the engine above 2500RPM immediately after a cold engine start. The engine should be allowed to run slowly for a minimum of 30 seconds after a cold engine start. This will allow the oil in the engine to reach the surfaces needing lubrication. Extended idling with the en-richener in the full-out position for a period longer than 30 seconds is not recommended. Sitting at an idle is not the same as riding the bike the way it is described in the preceding factory recommendation paragraph.
Look next month for another friendly Tech Tip from the Crew at the Harley-Davidson of Atlanta Service Department.
Atlanta's original Harley-Davidson Dealer.
POTPOURRI
Harley-Davidson of Atlanta Referral Program
FRIENDS = $50 gift card = CHROME
I had a wonderful 2003 riding my FXDL, logging almost 26,000 miles. While many of my rides were done solo, most rides were with my FRIENDS.
The most memorable rides were on the beautiful, breathtaking Cherahola Skyway with FRIENDS of mine from North Georgia. The Dragon's Tail ride with my FRIENDS Tweet, Marcus Wimby, Forrest Miller, and Barry Keown was an adventure we won't forget. I also made the Southern Highroads trip with my Atlanta HOG FRIENDS, a trip everybody should go on. My longest ride was to the 100th anniversary of HD in Milwaukee. I rode there with my FRIENDS Andy, Roger, and Lee Anne. That was a once in a lifetime experience! While there, we ran into our Atlanta FRIENDS Rene, BK, Dirt, Catfish, Marcy, Danny, Carrol, Ronnie, Jim, Linda, John, William, Erik, and thousands of my new biker family FRIENDS, who's names I am still trying to remember. The year of riding was awesome and I attribute that to riding my Harley and riding with my FRIENDS.
Motorcycling is my hobby (and now my career!) and I think all my FRIENDS and yours need to be a part of this wonderful family of Harley-Davidson. HD of Atlanta has created a referral program that will encourage you, like me, to get most if not all our FRIENDS riding Harleys.
We are glad to say many of our H.O.G. members and customers send referrals to us. As a way of saying THANKS FOR THE REFERRAL we want to offer a $50 gift card (redeemable at HDA) for every referral of a "new" customer that becomes a "sold motorcycle". Imagine that...your friends buy a Harley to go riding with you and you get an HDA gift card for any Parts, Accessories (CHROME), or Apparel. How great is that? You have another friend riding with you and we THANK YOU with a $50 gift card to redeem at HDA. Please come by the dealership and visit the sales team for your referral card and details.
We want you to know that we appreciate all our H.O.G. members and all our customers.
Your HDA FRIEND,
Wendy Cassarella
Sales Manager, HDA
HOTEL INFORMATION
MEMBER COMMENT(s)
BEEN THERE DONE THAT
ROAD TRIP(s)
Heavy's B-B-Q
This ride take us through Eatonton and Sparta, GA. The parking lot is fin gravel. For additional information call Doug Gibbs at 404-761-3963.
Mileage:115
Ride Rating: 3.4 pigs
Doug Gibbs
Road Captain, Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G.
CLUB H.O.G. RICHMOND, VA 21st ANNUAL RALLY
WHO: H.O.G. Members Only - NO GUEST - Children 17 and under are welcome when accompanied by a registered parent or guardian.
WHAT: Harley Owners Group's 21st Annual Rally Preregistration fee is $20.00 and includes a commemorative event pin, exclusive T-shirt, rally guide and event credentials.
WHERE: Richmond Raceway Complex 600 East Ave., Richmond, VA 23222
WHEN: Friday, August 27, 2004 from I I am to 9pm with H.O.G. Welcome at 7pm Saturday, August 28, 2004 from 11am - 7pm followed by downtown street party in Richmond.
REGISTER: Pre registration opens February 11, 2004 and closes June 25, 2004. Call 1-800-CLUBHOG Monday -Friday 8am-4:30pm CST or Members Only site on www.members.hog.com.
HOUSING: Call Mega Housing at 1-800-773-5069 or log onto www.hogtravel.com.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE FOLLOWING
ATLANTA CHAPTER, H.O.G. MEMBERS:
April 2004 Birthdays
04/01 Lewis Duncan
04/01 Terry Lalama
04/01 Roswell Yorke
04/04 Judy Cobb
04/04 Shirley Gang
04/05 Patricia Sager
04/06 Kenneth Buckman
04/07 Billie Barmore
04/07 Alex Byrom
04/07 Charles Myers
04/07 Cal Ruffin
04/09 Mildred Utley
04/10 Sharon Feldman
04/11 Dwayne Loveless
04/12 Randy Ainsworth
04/12 Tracy Sargent
04/14 Greg Reddick
04/14 Robert Sirignano
04/14 James Statnick
04/15 Scott Jackson
04/14 William Trivelpiece
04/16 Todd Graham
04/19 Jeffery Daws
04/19 Craig Klingler
04/20 Allan Farmer
04/21 Jane Brown
04/21 Walter Poterfield
04/22 John Hoelker
04/22 Nathan Sargent
04/23 April Dailey
04/26 William Miller
04/26 Caroldene Phillips
04/26 Jesse Sheriff
04/28 John Caudle
04/28 Dolly Johnson
04/28 Floyd Taylor
04/29 Joe Whisenant
04/30 Jeffrey Franklin
04/30 Albert Holloman
04/30 Billy Jordon
04/30 Kenneth Lyle