PLEASE use your Back Button to return! Activity Officer's Report Advertising in the HOGWASH Advertising Rates Assistant Director's Report Chapter Officers Director's Report Event Schedule Event Statement GA State H.O.G. Rally Web Page Guestbook Head Road Captain's Report H.O.G. Chapter Online Privacy Statement HOGWASH Archives HOGWASH Print as Mailed Member Benefit Change Member Comment Membership Application Membership Officer's Report Mission Statement Official Newsletter Our Sponsor Photographer's Report Photographer, Corolla Vandiver's Atlanta Chapter Pictures Picture Gallery Potpourri Road Trip Road Trip Recap Safety Officer's Report Secretary/Treasurer's Report SHARE House Tentative Event Schedule, 2008 Web Master's Report PLEASE use your Back Button to return! Sponsored By: Harley-Davidson of Atlanta, Inc. 501 Thornton Road Lithia Springs, Georgia 30122 770-944-1340 Sunday 12 Noon to 5:00 PM (Service Department Closed) Monday Closed Tuesday - Wednesday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Thursday 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM Friday - Saturday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Harley-Davidson of Atlanta's Web Page Enter Here HOGWASH Official Newsletter Atlanta Chapter, Inc. Chapter Number 0788 March 2008 Issue Atlanta Chapter Blog Enter Here Atlanta Chapter, 2008 DirectorChris Robey770-367-1386 atlhogdirector@gmail.com Assistant DirectorBobby Conway678-384-0313 audwgs@yahoo.com Secretary/TreasurerRene' Durham770-944-1340 rene@hdatlanta.com Head Road CaptainDiana Bodden404-992-3548 harleybaby94@aol.com Safety OfficerJim Byrd770-843-6700 atlhogsafety@gmail.com Activity OfficerErik Grandowski404-580-6759 erik@grandowski.com Membership OfficerLori Robey678-463-0005 atlhogmembership@gmail.com PhotographerCorolla Vandiver770-425-8458 guninstructor2@bellsouth.net EditorChris Houghton770-944-1340 chris@hdatlanta.com Web MasterB.K. Ellis770-471-0306 hog@bellsouth.net Road CaptainAndy Andresen770-502-0847 viking@numail.org Road CaptainTom Arnold770-313-3886 tomn2hd@bellsouth.net Road CaptainEd Chowning770-505-9404 edchowning@bellsouth.net Road CaptainJon Loewer770-652-8645 mailto:jloewer@smurfit.com Road CaptainSteve Magel678-354-3560 steve.magel@shawinc.com Road CaptainSkeeter McDowell770-422-8557 blk2jac@bellsouth.net Road CaptainJohn Provost404-535-3447 jprov91301@yahoo.com Road CaptainCharles Slomka770-301-3681 cslomka@bellsouth.net Road CaptainScott Vandiver770-425-8752 gunistructor2@bellsouth.net Road CaptainGene Williams404-805-8119 williamsmobilerepair@msn.com March 2008 Event Schedule Atlanta Chapter events are considered "CLOSED" unless otherwise noted!See Event Statement. March 1, 2008 Impromptu Ride
HOGWASH Official Newsletter Atlanta Chapter, Inc. Chapter Number 0788 March 2008 Issue
March 1, 2008
March 4, 2008 Atlanta Chapter Business Meeting
March 5, 2008 HOGWASH Articles Due
March 6, 2008 Daytona Social
March 8, 2008 Impromptu Ride
March 16, 2008 St. Patrick's Day Ride
March 20, 2008 Atlanta Chapter Meeting
March 29, 2008 Lunch Ride
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:
If you are interested in becoming a H.O.G. member, contact Rene' Durham, or call 770-944-1340
NEW RIDER'S REWARDS PROGRAM General Manager Harley-Davidson of Atlanta
I want to take a moment to let you all know that Harley-Davidson of Atlanta has launched 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.
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 $29.95 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.).
Michelle Conway has chosen to step down from the Membership Officer Position. I wanted to thank her for all she has done for the Chapter. We all hope she will stay as involved as her busy schedule will allow Michelle.
Therefore, what have your officers been up too until now this year? Honestly, it doesn't look like much on the surface, but I assure you that all of the officers have been hard at work. We all have a lot of projects in the works, from the usual rides and rallies to more socials and events. Erik, Rene', Bobby and Diana are all working hard to make sure that everyone has plenty of choices when it comes to participating with the chapter. New and Exciting, which is what we are trying to do, to lure you all in for some fun and fellowship. Don't see anything that looks fun and exciting to you? Let us know. Turn to page two of your HOGWASH and contact one of the officers with your suggestion.
We have a new Safety Officer; Jim Byrd has volunteered to fill this position. He has lots of great ideas; you will be reading his first article this month. I hope everyone will let him know how much he is appreciated for all of the time and effort he will be putting into keeping you informed on the safety end of things. We also have a new Membership Officer, Lori Robey. Lori has hit the ground running, and I know you will be seeing a lot of Lori at the meetings and events.
We still have several committees to fill. We not only want your input, we need some of your time to turn all of these events from ideas into reality. Lori certainly will need help talking to new members; organizing volunteers and just welcoming all that come to our meetings. Erik is looking for members to help, between planning and putting together the chapter picnic, the return of "Movie Nights" at the pavilion, the chapter anniversary party and many more events. Not to mention spending some time this summer welcoming customers at the dealership and informing them about the chapter. We need all the help, we can get.
Don't forget to RSVP for this month’s meeting at the Olive Tree. Starting in April it will be imperative that you RSVP for the meeting. We will continue to have dinner and as a result of the large cost of the food we will be charging for meals this year. It will be between $5 and $10 depending on what we will be serving that particular month. If you have any suggestions on what kind of food you would like to see, let one of the officers know. I will keep everyone informed through the weekly updates. The RSVP will assure we have enough food for all of those planning to attend, without having a lot of wasted food after the meeting. This will help keep the price to you, the members, as low as possible. If you're not getting the weekly updates, please let me know. If you do not have e-mail give me a call and I'll set you up for a weekly reminder call. Thanks again to all the members and I look forward to seeing you at the next event.
Chris RobeyDirector, Atlanta Chapter
Bobby ConwayAssistant Director, Atlanta Chapter
Please ride safe and responsible, Rene' DurhamSecretary/Treasurer, Atlanta Chapter
The 5 Little Pigs Tips
Group riding requires an extreme level of awareness and concentration. Know your limits and ride within them; never ride above your abilities:
• Mental • Physical • Motorcycle • Environment • Experience Level
Come prepared to the ride:
The chapter rides are rated by the 5 Pig Scale.
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.
Note: Four and Five pig rides are not generally for new riders. However, call the Lead Road Captain to get more information.
To make the ride enjoyable for everyone evaluate the upcoming ride, call the ride captain to confirm the route if you are unsure. They will be happy to give you more details.
Help Wanted! Road Captains Needed!
Why Do People Volunteer?
Contact any of the officers if you have an interest. We will be more than happy to assist you.
Thank you, Diana BoddenHead Road Captain, Atlanta Chapter
Sun on the Road
If you have driven a car or motorcycle in the late evening sun, you know what a hazard it can be. The glare in tired eyes can become a real call for safety, much less dealing with a headache.
• Try to start earlier in the morning to avoid the sun. • Try to plan your ride where you can go north or south in the late afternoon. • Wear a helmet with a visor and use sunglasses. • If the glare becomes so bad you can't see objects coming from tree-laden shadows, the best thing to do is stop, pull off the road, and take a breath. • Also traffic lights and signs become invisible when they are between you and the sun. • Be aware of the water on the road that increases glare during these conditions. Remember also that the drivers looking into the sun have a hard time seeing you coming from the opposite direction. Give them more space and move over if you can, slow down, and be prepared for the unexpected. My wife lost an aunt and uncle at an intersection due to the late evening sun. They were in a car and pulled out into the path of a tractor trailer. The bottom line--be careful while driving into the sun. Just remember it can happen to the safest rider. Jim Byrd Safety Officer, Atlanta Chapter Please Don't Drink and Ride! Friends Don't Let Friends Ride Drunk!
Remember also that the drivers looking into the sun have a hard time seeing you coming from the opposite direction. Give them more space and move over if you can, slow down, and be prepared for the unexpected.
My wife lost an aunt and uncle at an intersection due to the late evening sun. They were in a car and pulled out into the path of a tractor trailer.
The bottom line--be careful while driving into the sun. Just remember it can happen to the safest rider.
Jim Byrd Safety Officer, Atlanta Chapter
ACTIVITY OFFICER'S REPORT
Summer Will Be Here Before We Know It.
This year Atlanta Chapter, HOG and Great South HOG will be working together to create a summer chapter picnic to remember. Our goal is to get as many members together in one place for fun, food, games and riding. In order to make this event come true, we need your help. We are looking to assemble a group of volunteers from both chapters to assist with the planning of this great event. If we start planning now, we can have everything in place without any hiccups come summer time.
If you have ever expressed an interest in helping out with the chapter, but have not found the right venue, volunteering to plan the summer picnic can be very rewarding. There are many different opportunities where you can share your experience. Another priceless benefit is the opportunity to meet fellow chapter members.
If you are interested in helping out, or if you have any questions, please e-mail me at erik@grandowski.com. We are looking to have a committee kick off meeting on Saturday, March 22, at 2:00 p.m. in the Great South H-D conference room in Newnan. Lunch will be provided, and who knows, if the weather is looking good, we may even have a ride after the meeting! Don't forget that volunteering is also a great way to earn Rider Reward’s points for all those Harley goodies!
Erik GrandowskiActivity Officer, Atlanta Chapter
A Word from the Other Side of the Camera
Hello guys and gals. Just wanted to remind all about the online photo album for Atlanta Chapter, HOG. All members can access our PhotoBucket albums (http://photobucket.com/).Use the UserID and Password listed at the bottom of the calendar page of your HOGWASH.
Please, know that you are all welcome to take pictures during our gatherings. Also, it is always great to see photos taken of the bikes and bikers on the road. All you passengers get your camera fingers and shutterbug eyes busy. You may just discover a new FUN pastime.
If you have photos of Atlanta Chapter rides or gatherings that you would like to have uploaded into the PhotoBucket please e-mail them to me. Please be sure to flag the subject line so I will know the email is from/for Atlanta members. (You know we are all trying to avoid/block mail that may be virus infested.)
Corolla Vandiver Photographer, Atlanta Chapter
Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G. Members Only
Lori Robey Membership Officer, Atlanta Chapter
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@bellsouth.net. Thanks!!
B.K. EllisWeb Master, Atlanta Chapter
A Word from Harley-Davidson of Atlanta
Spring is on the way and here at Harley-Davidson of Atlanta, and we are excited about the 2008 model year. With the introduction of the 96c.i. Twin Cam engines accompanied to the six speed transmission power is plentiful and highway riding has never been better. In addition, the Rocker and Crossbone models have been born into the Softail family and the new Fatbob joins the Dyna lineup truly making a statement all its own. The color and options' choices this year accompanied with several new additions to the available genuine Harley-Davidson parts and accessory catalog make it easy to personalize your bike the way you want it.
I would also like to take this opportunity to mention some management changes. First, Jeff Eubanks was promoted from Sales Manager to General Manager. Under his leadership, Kevin Barnes and I have stepped into our new roles as Sales Managers and look forward to leading a successful team of sales professionals as the season unfolds. I would also like to welcome Prince Marish, Sean Fisher, and Melanie Jodice to the sales team. We are also excited about Sherri Macmillan in her new position as MotorClothes Manager. The energy is in the air here and we are all looking forward to a truly outstanding year.
Ride safe, Sonny Farme
Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G. 1987 Recap
What's a Willie G. Ride? In April of 1987 the Atlanta Chapter started what was called "Willie G. Ride" for members only. We would have five overnight rides to five states bordering Georgia: Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee. A ticket was given to each participating member in a ride: one ride = one ticket, two rides = two tickets, three rides = three tickets, four rides = four tickets and five rides = five tickets a maximum of 15 tickets. The winner would receive two Willie G. leather jackets. The drawing would be held at our annual anniversary party in September. A $5 cost was charged to defray the cost of the jackets.
The first ride was to Panama City Beach, Florida, April 24 -26, 1987. We booked rooms at a local motel at the cost of $34 per night with four to a room. Can you believe the cost?
The second ride was to the Birmingham Turf Club, Birmingham, Alabama, May 30-31, 1987. We booked rooms at the Days Inn for $26 for a single and $30 for a double.
The third ride was to Gatlinburg, Tennessee on June 27-28 1987. We could not block a group of rooms because they would only take two-day reservation over the weekend.
The fourth ride was to Asheville, North Carolina on July 18-19, 1987. We booked rooms at the Days Inn for $40 per night with up to four people to a room. We had 35 members and 28 motorcycles participating in the ride. Rene' Durham sister, who lives in Asheville, was able to get us reservations at Bill Stanley's B-B-Q and Bluegrass Restaurant for the dinner show.
The fifth ride for the year was to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on August 7-9, 1987. We booked rooms at the Days Inn Surfside, in Surfside, South Carolina. The rooms got a little more expensive at $59 for a double.
With all this said, the drawing was held at our Second Anniversary Party at John Carroll's hanger in Fayetteville from more than 300 tickets. The winner was Barry Lambert. Barry completed four out of the five rides.
In 1987:
Come to the meeting, stay for the ride...
Attending the monthly chapter meeting is something I try not to miss now but had I based my judgment on the first meeting I attended, I wouldn't be writing this and wouldn't have 50,000 miles on my Low Rider. That first meeting was informative – it was great to hear about the upcoming rides and other events the chapter was planning. It was great to see so many people who loved riding. I was sincerely welcomed, greeted by several members whose names I forgot by the time I left and was encouraged to attend the next ride. I did feel just a little out of place-maybe; I expected instant friendship at that meeting that didn't happen. I did heed the encouragement though and arrived the following Saturday for a group ride. There were warm greetings and many positive remarks; but again was the forgetting of names given and a feeling of being just slightly alone in the crowd. Then the ride began, and I recall very clearly and strongly the feeling of being a part of the group as soon as the bikes started moving. I don't remember where we went or who was on that ride but I remember the first chapter member who became a friend.
As is common, rides generally end at a restaurant. After lunch, members return in various group sizes depending on where they live and which route they want to take home. I live in Peachtree City and found there was another member on the ride who also lived there. We discussed which roads to take and decided I should lead as I knew the area better. It was cold and had just started to drizzle – I wanted to get home. After a stop at a red light and acceleration on it turning green, I noticed how incredibly loud my bike suddenly sounded. My newly installed exhaust pipes had blown off! A look in my mirrors showed the other rider avoiding the pipes in the road and then pulling off. By the time I stopped, he had run out in the road, picked up my pipes and was bringing them to where I had parked there on the side of the road in that cold rain he put those pipes back on my motorcycle. We have ridden many miles back to town since that day, talked long hours over a cold drink at a gas stop and enjoyed a variety of back roads home. To this day, Joe is still my hero and a friend I can count on.
I have since made many friends on the various rides I have participated in. I would have never met my very best of those friends had it not been for group rides. Some attend meetings, and some do not. But the camaraderie, the closeness, the dependability, the steadfast friendships have all come through the strongest when we are out there on the road together.
Rose Cardinal, Member
Irish Pub Ride
Join us on Sunday, March 16, to celebrate St. Patrick's Day on a nice 2 pig ride to an Irish Pub in Cartersville. We will take the back roads there and enjoy the day. Time to saddle up and get back into the riding season!
Jon Loewer, Road Captain
Impromptu Lunch Ride
Whether it's warm or cold, wet or dry, on bikes or in cars, I will be hosting an impromptu lunch ride on Saturday, March 1. We will meet at the HDA Pavilion at 11:30 a.m. and leave at Noon. The temperature and weather conditions will dictate how far we go. Come on out and say hello to you fellow Harley buddies.
Erik Grandowski, Road Captain
Save the Following Dates:
Please mark your calendars and plan to join us for some, if not all, of the following rides to benefit our community. We will meet for all of these events at the pavilion behind the H-D of Atlanta shop and then proceed as a group to the events. The events have been chosen for a variety of reasons but they all have some similar characteristics which make them both beneficial to the people they intend to help and fun to attend for those of us willing to help folks in need. Some of the events have no real charity, but they are extremely fun and should make for a good time.
• Saturday, April 12, All Harley Drags and Rally Reynolds, GA. • Saturday, April 19, Top Gun Ride for Children. • Saturday, May 10, Ride to Live, American Diabetes Association. • Sunday, July 27, Bikers for Boobs Ride, Breast Cancer Awareness.
John Provost, Road Captain
The Atlanta Motorcycle Show Recap
It was cold, a way too cold to ride, but it was not too cold to go and see some great chrome machines! Although attendance was light from the chapter (only four of us), which did not stop us from checking out the bikes in the warm indoors!
There were scoots from all different factories and custom manufactures; tons of chrome, rubber and people! Harley-Davidson was showing off the new Rocker, and the 105th Anniversary model lineup. Where else can you go from sitting on the new stretched out Harley Crossbones to a white gas sipping Vespa? Ok. I did sit on the Vespa, but at least there are no pictures to prove it.
The vendors also had lots to offer in bikes and riding accessories. We purchased a bunch of Mad Maps to plot future trips, and scooped up some new helmets and jackets.
If you did not have a chance to make the trip to the downtown Atlanta this year to see the show, make plans to see it next year.
January, 26 Lunch Ride Recap
It was a cold, blustery, cloudy day and I wimped out and rode in the car. Fourteen of us went to Shane's Rib Shack in Marietta, three of which came on their bikes. I want to give credit to Gary Easterwood for riding his bike. Pete & Andrea Oparnica met us at Shane's on their bikes. We all had a wonderful lunch and fellowship. I am considering having some socials at Shane's for the folks who live near and anyone wants to join us there. Keep an eye on your HOGWASH and email updates. Thanks to everyone for joining us.
Bobby Conway, Road Captain
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!
January 2008
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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.
