August 1, 2006
Atlanta Chapter Business Meeting
Meet: 7:00 PM
BBQ House
Next door to Harley-Davidson of Atlanta
All Members Welcome
Rider's Reward Event
August 5, 2006
Dinner Ride
Meet: 4:00 PM
HDA
Leave: 4:30 PM
Road Captain: Terri Varnum
Ride Rating: 2 Pigs
Rider's Reward Event
August 6, 2006
Chapter Picnic Red Top Mountain State Park
Setup: 12 Noon
Lunch: 1:00 PM
Rider's Reward Event
August 6, 2006
Ride to Picnic
Meet: 11:00 AM
HDA
Leave: 11:30 AM
Road Captain: Terri Varnum
Ride Rating: 3 Pigs
Rider's Reward Event
August 10, 2006
HOGWASH Articles Due
August 12, 2006
Cherohala Skyway
Meet: 8:00 AM
HDA
Leave: 8:30 AM
Road Captain: Tom Arnold
Ride Rating: 5 Pigs
Rider's Rewards Event
August 17, 2006
Atlanta Chapter Monthly Meeting
Meet: 7:00 PM
HDA Pavilion
Rider's Reward Event
August 19, 2006
Ice Cream Social
Meet: 2:00 PM
HDA
Bring Ice Cream!
Rider's Reward Event
August 20, 2006
Good Ole Boy's
Meet: 9:30 AM
HDA
Leave: 10:0 AM
Road Captain: Chris Robey
Ride Rating: 4 Pig
Rider's Reward Event
August 26, 2006
Little River Canyon, AL
Meet: 10:00 AM
HDA
Leave: 10:30 AM
Diana Bodden
3 Pigs
Rider's 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'S 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's 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's 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's Rewards Program will begin in January 2006. We are looking forward to implementing this new program. We are confident you will find this Rider's Reward program to be rewarding to you.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
I just returned home from this month’s business meeting where we planned some upcoming
activities. Let me first say thanks to those members and officers who attend and for their input.
These people give of their time and efforts to make this Chapter better. Thank You!
During the past few weeks with the great riding weather I have been putting some miles on the
bike. It's been great! Yeah I know we need the rain, but then the grass would just grow and you'd
have to stay home and cut it instead of riding. Hopefully you've been getting out and riding and
having fun. That's what it's all about anyway.
I want to ask you to read the insert in this newsletter written by Harley-Davidson of Atlanta's
General Manager Ronnie Godwin. This letter addresses several issues that seem to keep popping
up around the Dealership and the Chapter. Hopefully this will shed some light on some
misconceptions.
Yes the dealership used to include a first year membership when a new bike was purchased. This
was to help introduce people into the chapter. The dealership paid the membership fee to the
Chapter. The dealership used to provide the meal at the meeting and also gave a direct discount
on purchases to members. We enjoyed those benefits. The owners of this dealership made some
decisions a couple of years ago. Business was not as profitable and some cuts had to be made.
A membership is no longer included with a bike purchase. Many of those members never
incorporated themselves into the Chapter. The Chapter now provides a meal at the meetings. Yes
we ask you to pay $5.00 but that doesn't cover all the cost. Where else can you get a meal,
entertainment (sometimes), socialize with friends and generally enjoy some time with people
who share the same passion. And the discount, no dealership around here is giving the discount
anymore. All the metro dealerships are participating in some type of "Riders Reward Program".
So yeah, we enjoyed the perks and I would like to express my thanks for those perks. Those days
are gone. Know that the Chapter does have money from the raffles. We as your officers try to
spend it wisely.
The bottom line is this. I did not join the Chapter just to get a free meal once a month, or to get a
10% discount, and I have always paid for my membership. I, like many of you, joined to "Ride
and Have Fun" and that's what I will continue to do.
One more thing, in his letter Ronnie does not mention the time and effort put forth by employees
of the dealership when we were selling raffle tickets. Several employees sold many of the tickets
for the Chapter. At other times employees have been asked to do things for the Chapter, or they
volunteered. It may have been as simple as getting the pavilion ready for a meeting or Chapter
event, emptying trash cans, whatever. It may not seem like much but we officers see the help we
are given. Please know it takes part of the load off us. Thanks to the dealership/employees for
that help!
With that aside, let me tell you about some upcoming events. I'll only highlight a few of them so
be sure to check you calendar. There are several great events coming up. We have the Chapter
picnic August 6, and the August Chapter meeting will have and Island theme. Wear your
Hawaiian shirt, and you may get lai'd. August 19 we have an Ice Cream Social. September’s
meeting will have a "Where've you been theme". So get your pictures together of anywhere
you've been on your bike that was really memorable.
We are an active Chapter and I hope you are active with us. If not, come back and give us a
chance. See what you've been missing. YOU can make us better!
Hope to see you soon,
Tom Arnold, Director Atlanta Chapter
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Scott Vandiver
Assistant Director, Atlanta Chapter
SECRETARY/TREASURER'S REPORT
Ice Cream Social
Please join us for an “Ice Cream Social”, August 19 at the pavilion. Please bring your ice cream freezer, favorite homemade ice cream mix and ice or ready-made ice cream on ice. The chapter will have bowls, spoons and toppings.
Chapter Picnic
Atlanta Chapter Picnic will be August 6 at Red Top Mountain. This is open to all chapter
members and their families. We have reserved group shelter # 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Chapter members are requested to bring a covered dish. The chapter will provide the meat course
and drinks. The officers hope that you will join us for a day of great fun and food. If you would
like to volunteer for any work that needs to be done for that day contact any officer.
Remember, this is a state park and there is a $3.00 park pass required payable at the lodge front desk or from collection boxes located throughout the park. Red Top Mountain State Park is two miles east of I-75 via exit #285 only 25 miles north of Atlanta Perimeter, I-285.
RSVP IF YOU ARE COMING TO THE PICNIC BY JULY 28 WITH NUMBER ATTENDING. WE NEED
TO KNOW HOW MUCH CHICKEN AND HAM TO BUY.
hog@mindspring.com
rene@hdatlanta.com
Rene' 770-944-1340
Please ride safe and responsible.
Rene' Durham
Secretary/Treasurer, Atlanta Chapter
HEAD ROAD CAPTAIN'S REPORT
June’s Road Captain of the Month is Diana Bodden. Thanks Diana for all your hard work.
The year is more than half over and I just wanted to thank all the Road Captains for doing a great job thus far. I haven’t been on all of the rides but a good many of them. If you haven’t made it out to a ride this year, you don’t know what you’re missing (great scenery, great people, and usually great food). I hope to see everyone on at least one ride this year. Isn’t riding why you bought a Harley after all?
Chris Robey
Head Road Captain, Atlanta Chapter
SAFETY OFFICER'S REPORT
SAFETY OFFICER’S REPORT
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
LETTER FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER
Half of the calendar year is already in the history books. Before we know it children will be
returning to school. And, even the Holidays will be here soon. Many of us will wonder where
the time went. This year has been busy at the dealership and the 2007 model year is about to
begin.
There’s been a number of questions surface recently regarding the Chapter. What happened with
the monies from the three bike raffles? Where are the remaining proceeds? What happened to
the discussions to build a Chapter clubhouse? What is the future of the Chapter?
First, the Houghton’s graciously gave up three motorcycles to the Chapter at dealer cost that
could have been sold to consumers at full price. The Chapter raffled these motorcycled on three
different occasions to raise funds for the Chapter’s treasury. Getting Chapter members to sell the
tickets was not easy. The same several members were mostly responsible for selling the tickets
for each of the three raffles. There was not a lot of participation from the full membership to sell
the raffle tickets. However, each raffle netted a nice profit for the Chapter after all expenses
were paid. A timely financial report of the raffles was made to the membership.
Second, there was discussion during that time frame (2001-2003) to build a Chapter facility on
the adjoining vacant lot. The project went as far as to get preliminary plans drawn of the
building with half of the square footage being a meeting room for the Chapter and the remainder
a collision center and storage for the dealership. There was further discussion that the Chapter
could use its raffle proceeds to pay rent to help cover the overhead if the building was in fact
constructed. Once the cost of the facility was determined we had to ask if that was the highest
and best use of the land. One important question remained, with only 10 percent of the
membership attending meetings, do we need to have a financial outlay of one million plus
dollars? Would it make business sense to move forward with the project? It was determined that
it was not fiscally wise or prudent to further the idea of a building with the many then known
factors.
Third, during this same time period, the Houghton’s were awarded a dealership in Newnan.
Given this announcement, the question arose immediately: would there be two Chapters or just
one. Might it be practical to look for a meeting structure between the two dealerships that the
Chapters could utilize? Also, Chris’ immediate focus shifted toward the Newnan project as time
is of the essence with the Motor Company. Many of the other factors involved included locating
land on which to build, working with a designer/architect to get the plans drawn, submitting the
plans for approval to the many governmental entities and too much more to state.
Fourth, your monies are safe and sound. The Chapter was authorized to expend funds to
purchase an audio visual system and a New York style hot dog cooker. The audio visual
equipment is used at Chapter meetings. The sound system makes it possible for everybody to
hear the speaker. The visual aids are always pertinent to the meeting’s agenda. It has been my
experience that there’s usually at least one picture or story shared that will make smile, one that
will make you feel “serious” and one that will make you reflect about your own life. If you wish
to know the Chapter’s exact financial status, please feel free to ask Rene’ Durham. She has the
financial statements for each month which show the expenses and revenues.
In closing, the Chapter is its membership. The direction that you all choose to take it will
ultimately determine its destiny. It would be wonderful to see more participation from members.
Usually the same “handful” of members is responsible for the rides, the events, and so forth. If
you feel the Chapter needs a boost, perhaps it is your involvement that is needed to make the
Chapter all it can be. I personally would like the Atlanta Chapter to be the very best at
everything it does. With participation, collaboration and communication from every single
member, it can only get better.
Look forward to seeing you at the next meeting.
With every best wish,
Ronnie Godwin
General Manager
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
Dale Moorefield Memorial Ride Recap
We had a great turnout for the Tenth Annual Dale Moorefield Memorial Ride on July 4. The
count of motorcycles varied. A count of around 200 seemed to be the norm. It was a great ride
and the BBQ and stew was first-rate and plentiful. There was no excuse for anyone leaving
hungry (unless they did not eat). I am sure Dale appreciated the thought and love from everyone.
Dale was a special person, loved his motorcycle, riding with his friends and eating. This was one
of Dale’s favorite rides.
A “BIG THANKS” goes to Allan Farmer for setting up and leading the ride. It was a job “Well done!” A special thanks goes to McDonough Police, Henry, Newton and Morgan County Deputies and the Georgia State Patrol for helping us make our way safely to Bostwick. Don’t forget the wonderful people of Bostwick for making us feel welcome.
BK Ellis, Member
ROAD TRIP
Good Ole Boy's Ride
On August 20 I will lead a ride to Good Ole Boy’s Restaurant in Auburn, AL. This will be a
3-pig ride. We will meet at 9:30 a.m. at HDA and leave at 10:00 a.m. It will be about 131 miles
with at least one stop. It will take around four hours, so eat a good breakfast. It should be a great
ride and really good food. I hope to see all of you there.
Chris Robey, Road Captain
Little River Canyon Ride
Make sure to leave August 26 open. I’ll be leading a ride to Little River Canyon in Alabama. We will meet at HDA at 10:00 a.m. leave at 10:30 a.m. It will be a great ride with some great back roads. The ride will be right at 113 miles. We will stop for lunch somewhere along the way. It should take a little more than three hours to get there (not including lunch). I am looking forward to seeing everyone on the ride.
Diana Bodden, Road Captain
ROAD TRIP RECAP
Fathers Day Ride Recap
It was a Great Father’s Day. The sky was clear and the mood was great. We had 13 bikes and 16
people. I was a beautiful ride through the back roads of Douglas, Paulding and Bartow Counties.
We arrived at The Frontier House on schedule. They were (as usual) all set up and ready for us.
The food and fellowship were great.
I want to thank Diana for running sweep and Harry, Andy and Gary for keeping an eye out for all
the bikes in between. Speaking of Gary, it was great to see him out and riding again. I hope to see you all on the next ride.
Chris Robey, 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 Mountain Ride
07 Atlanta Chapter Business Meeting
09 Julian's Social Ormond Beach, FL
10 Deck Social Port Orange, FL
10 HOGWASH Articles Due
16 Atlanta Chapter Monthly Meeting
18 Blue Willow Inn
17-19 FYI...Cycle World International Motorcycle Show
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
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
03 Sticky Fingers Chattanooga, TN
04 Butler's Mill Ride
06 Atlanta Chapter Business Meeting
08-10 FYI...NC State H.O.G. Rally
09-11 NC State HOG Rally Ride
10 HOGWASH Articles Due
10 North GA Blue Ridge Scenic RR
11 2006 Rolling For MDA
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
04 Dale Moorefield Memorial Ride
08 Marietta Museum of Art
09 Fibber's Ride
10 HOGWASH Articles Due
11 Atlanta Chapter Business Meeting
15 De Soto Caverns
20 Atlanta Chapter Monthly Meeting
22 Fort Mountain State Park
August 2006
01 Atlanta Chapter Business Meeting
05 Dinner Ride
06 Chapter Picnic Red Top Mountain State Park
06 Chapter Ride to Picnic
09-12 FYI...TN State H.O.G. Rally
10 HOGWASH Articles Due
12 Cherohala Skyway
17 Atlanta Chapter Monthly Meeting
19 Ice Cream Social
20 Good Ole Boys
26 Little River Canyon, AL
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
October 2006
01 MOD Ride
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 7/23/2006