February 7, 2006
Atlanta Chapter Business Meeting
Meet: 7:00 PM
BBQ House
Next door to Harley-Davidson of Atlanta
All Members Welcome
Riders Reward Event
February 10, 2006
HOGWASH Articles Due
February 12, 2006
Sweet Heart Ride
Meet: 2:00 PM
HDA
Leave: 2:30 PM
Road Captain: Terri Varnum
Ride Rating: 2-Pigs
Riders Reward Event
February 16, 2006
Atlanta Chapter Monthly Meeting
Meeting: 7:00 PM
Olive Tree Restaurant
849 Thornton Road
Between McDonald's and Shoney's
Riders Reward Event
February 18, 2006
Group Ride for Beginners
Meet: 11:00 AM
HDA
Leave: 12 Noon
Road Captain: Chris Robey
Ride Rating: 1-Pigs
Riders Reward Event
February 25, 2006
Dinner Ride
Meet: 12:30 PM
QT Hwy. 61 & 278 Dallas, GA
Leave: 1:00 PM
Road Captain: Steve Magel
Ride Rating: 2-Pigs
Riders Reward Event
Experience the Atlanta Chapter
in 2006
Ride and Have Fun!
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 H.O.G. member, contact
Rene' Durham, or call 770-944-1340
MISSION STATEMENT
Atlanta Chapter provides 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.
MEMBER BENEFIT CHANGE
NEW RIDER REWARDS PROGRAM
Ronnie Godwin, General Manager Harley-Davidson of Atlanta
I want to take a moment to let you all know that in 2006 Harley-Davidson of Atlanta is launching a Rider Rewards Program. This program is designed to reward those customers who are most deserving. Consequently, customers who do more business with Harley-Davidson of Atlanta will reap more benefits as a result of the program.
In the past, many have only joined the Atlanta Chapter merely to receive a discount anytime and every time they made a purchase at the dealership. To many, the Chapter is known only as a discount club. This has removed the true purpose and meaning behind what H.O.G. chapters are really about. Harley-Davidson Motor Company and the National Chapter both discourage
dealers from having an across the board discount for H.O.G. members for this very reason. In keeping with the factory and National Chapters recommendations, we are amending our store’s discount and rewards programs.
The Rider Rewards Program will be available to our entire customer base, including our Chapter members. The Rider Rewards Program will be included FREE OF CHARGE as a part of active chapter membership. For non-chapter members there will be a cost to be a member of the Rider Rewards Program. Non-chapter members will have to acquire their Loyalty card for $9.95 annually or $39.95 for a lifetime membership.
The program is a way for Harley-Davidson of Atlanta customers to earn credit toward future purchases. Each time you make a purchase in MotorClothes, Parts and Accessories and the Service department you will earn a percentage back of every dollar spent. Moreover, points will be earned on qualifying merchandise only. Chapter members will also receive points for their participation in Chapter or dealership sanctioned events and functions (e.g., chapter meetings,
chapter rides, socials, volunteer time, etc.).
The Rider Rewards Program will begin in January 2006. We are looking forward to implementing this new program. We are confident you will find this Riders Reward program to be rewarding to you.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Ride for Fun.
Tom Arnold
Director, Atlanta Chapter
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Scott Vandiver
Assistant Director, Atlanta Chapter
SECRETARY/TREASURER'S REPORT
Riders Reward Card
Yes, members have already started accruing points on their Riders Reward Card. If you have the application and have not turned it into me please do so ASAP. Points will not be added until I have processed the application. If you don’t have an application, come by Harley-Davidson of Atlanta and pick one up. As an Atlanta Chapter member, your fee is waived. This is already a savings of $9.99 for a year membership. For every dollar spent at Harley-Davidson of Atlanta you receive one point. Also you can get extra points for attending Chapter meetings, rides, volunteering, etc.
Here are just a few benefits:
- Earning Gift Cards as good as CASH for purchases.
- Specials and discounts in every department including MotorClothes, Parts & Accessories and
Service
- “M.O.R.R.E” Members Only Rider’s Rewards Events including dinners, special rides, trips and exclusive events limited to Members Only.
- VIP priority treatment at Harley-Davidson of Atlanta
- A subscription to our “Members Only” newsletter detailing upcoming events, in-store happenings and specials, employee bios and more!
- Exclusive seating and parking at special events.
- Chance too win a new bike! With every 1000 points earned, you get a chance too win a brand-new Harley-Davidson motorcycle to be given away in December.
And Much Much more!
Don’t delay, turn in your Riders Reward Application ASAP.
Please ride safe and responsible.
Rene' Durham
Secretary/Treasurer, Atlanta Chapter
HEAD ROAD CAPTAIN'S REPORT
Group Riding for Beginners
On February 18, I will be leading a Group Ride for Beginners. If you’re new to riding or group riding, please join me. I will be giving a very brief class covering the basics of group rides and then we will go on a short ride to have lunch. We will meet at 11:00 a.m. and probably leave the dealership around 12 noon. The ride will be short, 30 minutes to an hour. Everyone is welcome.
It’s always nice to have some experienced riders to give suggestions and comments. I hope to see you there.
H.O.G. on the Web
If you are reading this then you are a member of the Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G. That also means you are a member of National H.O.G. You have lots of benefits to help you in your riding adventures. Are you registered on the national H.O.G. internet site? If not, go to your computer right now and do so at www.hog.com. Key this in and it will automatically take you to where you need to be.
I’m just going to give an overview due to the fact that I have limited space here to ramble. There is everything you need to plan a ride, volunteer, or just read some exciting stories. There are contests and ways to help you mark mileage milestones. Keep up with all H.O.G. events big and small. If you are going to an unfamiliar area, you could locate a H.O.G. Chapter in that area for
suggestions of where to ride and sites to see. There is a map program to help you plan your ride as well as suggestions on how to pack, where to stay and even what the laws are in different states. H.O.G. will help you ship your bike, rent a bike, and even help you find a place to stay. There is a lot more but I just wanted to hit the high points. Check it out, I hope it will enhance your riding experience.
Chris Robey
Head Road Captain, Atlanta Chapter
SAFETY OFFICER'S REPORT
SAFETY OFFICER’S REPORT
GROUP RIDING Guidelines:
The intent of this article is to give everyone information required to ride together safely. Please keep in mind that these guidelines are not intended to restrict your freedom, but instead, to help ensure that we all return home safely. These guidelines cannot encompass every possible set of circumstances, and they are intended to serve as a basic guide for most situations. Each person is therefore expected to read, understand, and apply these guidelines, using their best judgment. Please remember that YOU have the ultimate responsibility for YOUR safety, and always ride within your capabilities and that of your machines.
ALL GROUP RIDER'S RESPONSIBILITIES
All riders will observe the objectives and guidelines in order to assure the safety and the welfare of every individual within the group, and any surrounding motorists or pedestrians. All riders will follow the instructions of the Road Captains in all situations, unless those instructions place the rider or any other individual in an unsafe situation. All riders will maintain their motorcycle and other equipment in a safe riding condition. All riders will ride with headlights on. All riders will ride with a "safety first" attitude. The safety of all individuals, whether or not they are a part of the group, is of paramount importance.
MEETING PLACE AND DEPARTURE TIME
Meeting place and departure times will be reviewed at our monthly Chapter meeting preceding the scheduled event. Rider briefing will be held just prior to departure, to establish a schedule for gas and rest stops, inform the group of the intended route, provide other pertinent information and review the group riding guidelines including formations and procedures Individuals should make every effort to arrive and be completely prepared for the scheduled departure time. This includes a full tank of gas.
RIDING FORMATION AND INDIVIDUAL POSITIONS
The standard formation, under good conditions of road, traffic, and weather, will be a double row, staggered, in one traffic lane. The interval will be no less than one second between staggered riders. The Road Captain will be at the head of the group, and typically will ride just to the left of lane center. Other Road Captains may be assigned positions within the group, which will be followed by the Rear Road Captain or "Sweep.” New members, guests, and any riders with little experience in group riding should be positioned at the front of the group, just behind the Lead Road Captain. Each rider should maintain his or her starting line up position in the group until arrival at the destination. This allows each rider to become more familiar with the riding style and habits of those nearest him or her in the group, and is particularly important for the new or inexperienced riders. Under certain conditions, the Lead Road Captain will signal the group to form a single file formation. The signal is the left arm held overhead with one finger extended. Drop back to a safe following distance from the rider in front of you, and move into a single file.
TRAFFIC LANES
The Lead Road Captain will attempt to lead the group in a single lane when: the traffic flow appears to be most consistent with the speed of the group (using lane changes only when necessary to pass slower traffic or to avoid a hazardous condition); and to avoid blocking faster surrounding traffic. On highways with two lanes each direction, the group will normally travel in the number two lane, also known as the "SLOW" lane. On highways with three or more lanes in each direction, the group will normally travel in the number two lane keeping the right lane open for other vehicles entering and exiting the highway, and the left lane(s) for traffic to pass.
LANE CHANGES
On a multi-lane highway, the double row staggered formation will normally be maintained. The Lead Road Captain will hold his or her position and signal for a lane change. All riders will hold their positions and pass the signal to the rear. We change lanes using the "follow the leader" approach. The Lead Road Captain will change lanes first followed by all other riders moving from the front to the rear of the group. NOTE: ALWAYS make a HEAD CHECK before you begin the lane change, and maintain safe distances.
GAS, FOOD, AND REST STOPS
If necessary, due to the length of the trip, gas, food, and rest stops should be discussed and scheduled prior to departure. These scheduled stops should be adhered to as much as possible, depending on varying conditions as the trip progresses. Deviation from the scheduled stops may be required due to varying weather, traffic, and bladder conditions, availability of gas, rider fatigue, and other unforeseen circumstances.
UNSCHEDULED OR EMERGENCY STOPS
Unscheduled stops for gas, restroom, or rider fatigue can lead to confusion in the group, and confusion can lead to accidents. The Lead Road Captain should be informed that a stop is necessary in order to lead the group in an organized fashion to the next convenient and safe place to stop. Any rider with an equipment problem should inform one of the Road Captains as quickly, and as safely as possible. If the rider must pull over, ONLY the Rear Road Captain will
accompany that rider to a stop.
ACCIDENTS
In the event the group comes upon the scene of an accident, the Lead Road Captain will stop the group at the earliest possible moment (Keeping with known good safety practices). It may be necessary for the group to disperse and park separately to avoid creating additional hazardous conditions. Members of the group will provide assistance in any practical way possible, including, but not limited to: Slow, divert, or stop traffic in a safe manner. Aid and comfort those involved. Call 911 to notify the police, ambulance, and/or fire service as the situation demands. Maintain order and preserve the accident scene for police investigation.
HAND SIGNALS
At all times, standard hand signals will be used for: changing the formation to a single row and back to double staggered, all turns, lane changes, slowing, and stopping. Turn signal lights will also be used at all times. All signals will be relayed to the rear of the group to allow all riders to take appropriate precautionary measures, and be aware of changes in speed and direction. Hand
signals will be used at all times, to point out road hazards to following riders by pointing. The group will follow as individuals, in a "follow the leader" approach, signaling and following the Road Captain as appropriate and safe. Other signals may be developed and added as required.
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
As mentioned previously, it is assumed that all riders will come to the ride with a well-maintained motorcycle.
We hope you will enjoy riding with us.
Until we ride again.
Gary Langmaid
Safety Officer, Atlanta Chapter
Please Don't Drink and Ride!
Friends Don't Let Friends Ride Drunk!
PHOTOGRAPHER'S REPORT
Corolla Vandiver
Photographer, Atlanta Chapter
MEMBERSHIP OFFICER'S REPORT
Todd Graham
Membership Officer, Atlanta Chapter
WEB MASTER'S REPORT
Atlanta Chapter Web Page
Due to a review of our web page by national H.O.G., I have had to do some changing. I will no longer list chapter members’ birthdays on the web page. They will still be in the HOGWASH and on the web page in the HOGWASH Print as Mailed. I had to move the HOGWASH Archives and the HOGWASH Print as Mailed to a password-protected page. You will need a userid and password to access these pages. I will print the userid and password in the HOGWASH each month so you will have access to these pages. This is security protection for our members who names and email addresses appear in past and/or current publications. This does not apply to chapter officer/road captains per national H.O.G. This information is for Atlanta Chapter members ONLY and is not to be disseminated to NON-Chapter Members. These changes only apply to the web site. The HOGWASH publication will remain the same.
Keep Email Address Updated!
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 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 on Yahoo!
Atlanta Chapter 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 post messages and upload pictures. You will have to register to sign on. When you register, please give 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. If you have problems, e-mail me and I will try and help.
Chris Robey will keep the calendar up to date, so there is no need to miss an important event date. If you have concerns about the status of a ride, PLEASE, call the Road Captain listed for the ride.
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
POTPOURRI
Pig Ride Legend
One pig - steady cruising rides of relatively short distance, easy on the throttle, few curves, etc.
Two pigs - a bit longer or have some curves but nothing too challenging.
Three pigs - the ride should be of moderate difficulty.
Four and five pigs - rides with a high number of curves, long distance, saddle time, road conditions, speed, and weather.
MEMBER COMMENT
ROAD TRIP
Sweetheart Surprise!
Join me on Sunday, February 12, 2006 for a Sweetheart Surprise ride. We will meet at the dealership at 2:00 p.m. and leave at 2:30 p.m. Sweethearts are not a requirement. If you don’t have one join us. And who knows, maybe you will meet one on the ride. (Rain or shine, two wheels or 4)
Terri Varnum, Road Captain
ROAD TRIP RECAP
Thank You...
I want to thank everyone who contributed once again to the SHARE House Christmas. Thanks to your generosity all of the mothers and children were provided with gifts on Christmas. To those of you who joined me on the ride – thank you. I hope it that you left feeling the Christmas spirit
and knowing that you made a difference in their lives. Seeing the excitement in the eyes of the children and their mothers is so rewarding. They love the motorcycles, especially when Santa is leading the pack! Be proud that you are part of a Chapter that puts forth an effort to make a difference in the community and in the lives of those less fortunate. To Rich and Terry, Rene’, B.K., Tom and so many others – thanks for making it happen.
Terri Varnum, Road Captain
Friends:
I led an impromptu dinner ride on Sunday, December 11, 2006 from HDA. The Ride directions were Titled: "Winter Wonderland.”
As I filled up with gas for the afternoon ride, I heard a familiar sound. It was my frequent ride supporter and friend Bill Berry. I recognized him by the blue scarf around his face. We gassed up and headed for HDA. Bill and I grabbed a welcomed cup of coffee from the shop. It was nice having the Shop opened on a Sunday . . . nice and warm that is. As we exited the shop, another Softail arrives. It was new member and spouse Delmer & Sherri Groves.
We wait until 1:15 p.m., but no other riders. At 42 degrees and Christmas just a few weeks away, people had better options. So off we go. We pass the usual Magel Meeting Place, the QT at Hwy. 278 & 61. We see another rider, give him a nod, but he has other plans. We continue through Dallas and ride out Braswell and Knox Mountain Road past the Pizza Farm. Then we get into the
back roads north of Taylorsville. It takes us two hours to cover this sixty miles and arrive at the 411/20 bypass near Rome. We make an unplanned stop to attend to a cold rider. A good rule of thumb that I have learned over the years: " Add a layer of clothes for every ten degrees below 60". We all agreed, with the sun getting lower, it made better sense to call it a day. So we head east on the 411/20 and take Hwy. 41 South back into town. I thanked my avid supporters and true friends as I sat on the hearth of my fireplace with a blazing fire behind me. It brought warmth to my body and spirit to know such great folks . . . "only on a Harley”. MERRY CHRISTMAS and God’s Blessings to my H.O.G. family!
Love to Ride, Ride to Love
Steve Magel, Road Captain
ADVERTISING IN THE HOGWASH
Atlanta Chapter 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 members each month!
For advertising rates please click
HERE.
Please contact Rene' Durham at 770-944-1340 for more information or to place your ad today!
TENTATIVE EVENTS SCHEDULE, 2006
ATLANTA CHAPTER
January 2006
01 New Years Day Good Luck Ride
03 Atlanta Chapter Business Meeting
10 HOGWASH Articles Due
19 Atlanta Chapter Monthly Meeting
28 Impromptu Ride
February 2006
07 Atlanta Chapter Business Meeting
10 HOGWASH Articles Due
12 Sweet Heart Ride
16 Atlanta Chapter Monthly Meeting
18 Group Ride for Beginners
25 Dinner Ride
March 2006
03-12 FYI...Daytona Bike Week
04 Cheaha Mtn. Ride
07 Atlanta Chapter Business Meeting
09 Julian's Social Ormond Beach, FL
10 HOGWASH Articles Due
16 Atlanta Chapter Monthly Meeting
18 Blue Willow Inn
19 International Motorcycle Show Ride
25 New Road Captains Meeting
25 Group Riding 101
April 2006
01 Horse Shoe Bend Ride
04 Atlanta Chapter Business Meeting
10 HOGWASH Articles Due
15 High Falls State Park Ride
20 Atlanta Chapter Monthly Meeting
22 Ride for Beginners
22-23 Signal Mountain III
29 Reynold's Drag Races
May 2006
02 Atlanta Chapter Business Meeting
04-07 Thunderbeach Ride Panama City Beach, FL
06 Top Gun Ride for Children
10 HOGWASH Articles Due
13 Ride to Live
18 Atlanta Chapter Monthly Meeting
20 29 Dreams Ride
June 2006
01-03 FYI...AL State H.O.G. Rally
06 Atlanta Chapter Business Meeting
08-10 FYI...NC State H.O.G. Rally
09-11 NC State HOG Rally Ride
10 Cave Springs Art Festival
10 HOGWASH Articles Due
11 Butler's Mill Ride
15 Atlanta Chapter Monthly Meeting
18 Father's Day Ride
24 Dillard House Ride
30 FYI...Club HOG Billings, MT
July 2006
01 FYI...Club HOG Billings, MT
03 Atlanta Chapter Business Meeting
04 Dale Moorefield Memorial Ride
09 Fibber's Ride
10 HOGWASH Articles Due
20 Atlanta Chapter Monthly Meeting
22 Group Ride for Beginners
August 2006
01 Atlanta Chapter Business Meeting
09-12 FYI...TN State H.O.G. Rally
10 HOGWASH Articles Due
17 Atlanta Chapter Monthly Meeting
September 2006
02 Cloudland Canyon Ride
05 Atlanta Chapter Business Meeting
07-09 GA State H.O.G. Rally Ride
09 Barber's Motorcycle Museum Ride
10 HOGWASH Articles Due
16 Helen Ride
21 Atlanta Chapter Monthly Meeting
21-23 FYI...SC State H.O.G. Rally
30 Desoto Caverns Ride
October 2006
03 Atlanta Chapter Business Meeting
10 HOGWASH Articles Due
19 Atlanta Chapter Monthly Meeting
21 Beginners Ride Apple Fest
22 Chiha Harvest Fair
28 Helen Ride
November 2006
04 Impromptu Ride
07 Atlanta Chapter Business Meeting
10 HOGWASH Articles Due
16 Atlanta Chapter Monthly Meeting
December 2006
05 Atlanta Chapter Business Meeting
08 Christmas Social
10 HOGWASH Articles Due
16 SHARE House Toy Ride
21 NO! Atlanta Chapter Monthly Meeting
This is a member only page. Must have UserID and Password.
See calendar page of your HOGWASH for UserID and Password.
This is a member only page. Must have UserID and Password.
See calendar page of your HOGWASH for UserID and Password.
Information...
Rene'
Content...B.K. Ellis
H.O.G. CHAPTER ONLINE PRIVACY STATEMENT
Personal privacy and security of information are mutual concerns of H.O.G., its members, and visitors to Atlanta Chapter web site. This Statement explains H.O.G.'s Internet policies and security measures relating to personal privacy and information security.
The Atlanta Chapter collects and stores the following information about you when you visit the Atlanta Chapter web site: the name of the domain from which you access the Internet (for example, aol.com, if you are connecting from an America Online account); the date and time you access the site; and the Internet address of the web site from which you linked directly to our site. The chapter uses this information to measure the number of visitors
to the different sections of its site. This helps H.O.G. to make its site more responsive to its members and prospective members.
H.O.G. will not obtain personally identifying information about you when you visit our site unless you choose to provide such information. If you choose to send e-mail, registration, or other personal information over the Internet, you do so voluntarily.
The Atlanta Chapter will not disclose personal information provided to it except as follows:
At your request, which may be oral, in writing, by telephone, electronic or other means we recognize;
To assist H.O.G. in evaluating its programs and to continue to improve the quality of your on-line and membership experience;
When disclosure is required by law, such as pursuant to court order, subpoena, legal process or government agency examination or investigation, or to protect or enforce our rights;
To companies that perform services for H.O.G. in connection with your membership, such as data processing and financial transaction processing companies and agencies;
To Harley-Davidson affiliated companies and carefully selected third parties for their own use to provide products and services, or other opportunities to you, unless you have instructed us in writing not to do so; and
In connection with Harley-Davidson corporate due diligence and audits.
By your use of and connection to our web site, you understand and consent to this privacy statement. If for any reason you are concerned that the personal or member information maintained by H.O.G. is not correct or if for some reason you believe H.O.G. has not adhered to these privacy principles, please notify us by calling 1-800-CLUB-HOG.
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Guestbook Disclaimer
The guestbook on this site is not a secure comment page. Information that you submit, unless you choose to make them private, can be read by others. The only require information for you to submit a comment is your name and the comment. Your name need not be your full name. A nickname is acceptable also. Thank you.
Updated 1/22/2006