Welcome to the Atlanta Chapter's Website. Harley-Davidson of Atlanta established the Atlanta Chapter on September 19, 1985. We are the oldest H.O.G. Chapter in Georgia. All of the officers hope you will take a look around and enjoy your stop here. Be sure to check out the Calendar. We try to keep a good variety of rides and events to fit into everyone's schedules. If you are a local or just passing through town and have any questions feel free to contact any of the Officers. If you are interested in joining the chapter, we have membership applications available here on the site. We are here to "Ride and Have Fun" and hope you will come out and join us soon. Atlanta Chapter Officers |
HOGWASH
Official Newsletter
Atlanta Chapter, Inc.
Chapter Number 0788
March 2009 Issue
February 22, 2009
Advertising
Advertising in the HOGWASH
Advertising Rates
Articles
Director's Article
Assistant Director's Article
Secretary/Treasurer's Article
Head Road Captain's Article
Safety Officer's Article
Activity Officer's Article
Membership Officer's Article
Head Photographer's Article
Historian's Article
Web Master's Article
Member Comment
Potpourri
Road Trip
Road Trip Recap
Charities We Support
MDA
Important Links
Harley-Davidson of Atlanta Web Page
GA State H.O.G. Rally Web Page
National H.O.G.Web Page
Important Stuff
Event Schedule
Tentative Event Schedule, 2009
Event Statement
Mission Statement
H.O.G. Chapter Online Privacy Statement
Member Benefit Change
Official Newsletter
Our Sponsor
Join the Group
Membership Application
Guestbook
Meet the Officers
Chapter Officers
Atlanta Chapter Picture Gallery
PhotoBucket
PhotoBucket Members ONLY
Picture Gallery
Members Only
HOGWASH Archives
HOGWASH Print as Mailed
Atlanta Chapter, 2009
Director
Chris Robey
770-367-1386
atlhogdirector@gmail.com
Assistant Director
Bobby Conway
678-384-0313
atlhogasstdirector@gmail.com
Secretary/Treasurer
Rene' Durham
770-944-1340
rene@hdatlanta.com
Head Road Captain
Diana Bodden
404-992-3548
harleybaby94@aol.com
Safety Officer
Jim Byrd
770-843-6700
atlhogsafety@gmail.com
Activity Officer
Erik Grandowski
404-580-6759
erik@grandowski.com
Membership Officer
Bret Graddy
678-567-5271
graddybr@comcast.net
Head Photographer
Chuck Fuller
404-402-4088
atlphoto@gmail.com
Newletter/Web/Historian
B.K. Ellis
770-471-0306
hog@bellsouth.net
Editor
Chris Houghton
770-944-1340
chris@hdatlanta.com
Road Captain
Andy Andresen
770-502-0847
viking@numail.org
Road Captain
Tom Arnold
770-313-3886
tomn2hd@bellsouth.net
Road Captain
Ed Chowning
770-505-9404
edchowning@bellsouth.net
Road Captain
Gary Easterwood
770-863-0906
easter_g@bellsouth.net
Road Captain
Mack Hall
770-445-2343
usachevy1@bellsouth.net
Road Captain
Jon Loewer
770-652-8645
jloewer@smurfit.com
Road Captain
Steve Magel
678-354-3560
steve.magel@shawinc.com
Road Captain
Karen Mathiasen
770-354-4779
karen.mathiasen@gexpro.com
Road Captain
John Morgan
770-947-1364
roadcaptn@yahoo.com
Road Captain
Andrea Oparnica
770-974-4332
andreaoparnica@gmail.com
Road Captain
John Provost
404-535-3447
jprov91301@yahoo.com
Road Captain
Gene Williams
404-805-8119
williamsmobilerepair@msn.com
Fat Cats
March 3, 2009
Atlanta Chapter Business Meeting
March 5, 2009
HOGWASH Articles Due
March 5, 2009
Julian's Social
March 7, 2009
New Member Lunch Ride
March 15, 2009
Pre St.Patty's Day Ride
March 17, 2009
St. Patrick's Day Ride
March 19, 2009
Atlanta Chapter Meeting
March 21, 2009
Cherry Blossom Festival Ride
March 21, 2009
GM Ride Ride
March 22, 2009
2009 Multi-Chapter Picnic Planning Meeting
March 28, 2009
Hawg Heaven BBQ 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.).
DIRECTOR’S ARTICLE
Can you see it? It's just over that next ridge, warm weather is fast approaching. Are you ready? Is your bike ready? 2009 is going to be another busy year for the chapter. If you joined the chapter in the last few years and have yet to make it out to a chapter event, now is the time to start your planning. I know that the interesting articles here in the HOGWASH are enough to persuade anyone to join our chapter but isn't the main reason you joined, sitting out in the garage just itching to get out and lay down some miles? I know there are a lot of new riders who have joined when they purchased their H-D from the dealership; you might not feel comfortable jumping right into a group ride with people you don't know. If this is the case give me or one of the other officers a call, corner us up at a meeting, just let us know. We had in the past either put together a Group Riding class or got a couple of members together so new riders can get comfortable riding in groups, all you need to do is ask. The officers are here to make sure your experience with the chapter is the best it can be. Maybe your schedule just hasn't allowed you to join in; I know there are a lot of members out there, like me, who work weekends. I try to do a ride at least every other month during the week, do we need more? You have the kids or grand kids on the weekends, and you just can't bring yourself to buy that double seater sidecar, bring them along in the cage. Our motto is to Ride and Have Fun, but it's also about the people. We are not only a riding group but a social group. The members not only come out to ride but also come to hang out with their friends. They also come out to eat; we definitely go to a lot of good restaurants. I'm asking that every member come out to at least two events this year. It can be meetings, socials or one of the many rides we will have. If after two events you feel something is lacking, you don't feel that this is the group for you, or that I'm full of it and don't have a clue what I'm talking about (which is probably true) just let me know. Don't make me call you personally and beg, you wouldn't like it; it's not a pretty site but I will do it.
I want to get feedback on a thought I had. I would like to see how many of you would be interested in a pre State Rally Ride. I'm thinking about doing a Southern High Road’s ride the week of the Rally. We would leave out Tuesday, August 25, head up to Franklin, NC, do some riding in NC and TN and spend Wednesday night in Bryson City, NC Wednesday night and head to Helen on Thursday. If you're interested in taking the week off and doing some serious riding, please let me know.
Chris RobeyASSISTANT DIRECTOR’S ARTICLE
I hope everyone is doing well and getting as excited about the riding season as I am. Of course I say that as I look down at my computer and "Weather Bug" tells me that its 16 degrees outside, however, looking at the forecast it's going to be 67 degrees this weekend. Even so, either way I'm charged up about riding and really charged up about the enthusiasm that I felt in last night's business meeting. I remember times when there were only five or six people in a business meeting, last night, there were 12 people and all were charged up about this year. Our member ship roles are rising, and we want them to rise even more. With that in mind if there is someone you know that might be interested in becoming a member, invite them to a meeting, ride, or any type event. Also, and maybe even more important if you know a member who has not come around in a while or not renewed their membership till them we miss them and would love to have them back. Either way, my philosophy is, "The more the merrier.” I also want to shift gears and keep you guys informed about the state rally. I know that until I became a member of the committee I did not realize how important "pre-registration" was and is. The committee starts with a very limited budget, the pre-registration is what gives us our operating money, so the more people you have preregistered the more money you have for bands, events, and any other things you might need. It would seem that you wouldn't need a lot of money, but you do and of course the more money you have the more you can offer attendees. We are about to have our second meeting, and it looks like there will be a big party on Friday night with a good cover band (TBD) and we are working on the possibility of on Friday afternoon having a pig roast at Copperhead Lodge, this is in the talking stages right now, though. We are also looking into the possibilities of a parade of bikes and flags on Saturday afternoon and of course the bike games will be Saturday afternoon prior to the parade. Oh and our chapter is probably going to sponsor the Saturday night entertainment which will be music with pictures from the rally rolling through while we present awards for the weekends’ winners. I hope all this has excited you as much as it has excited me.
Oh, and please mark your calendars for April 11. We are having a poker run, and I will need lots of volunteers, we will be raising money to sponsor our “Southeastern Guide Dogs" dog, which we can name. Anyway, I can't wait to ride.
Bobby Conway
Assistant Director, Atlanta Chapter
February 19, Chapter Meeting
2009 Georgia State HOG Rally
Mark your calendars for the 2009 Georgia State HOG Rally which will be in Helen, GA, August 27, 28 & 29. This year we have three Atlanta Chapter members on the rally committee, Bobby Conway (Security Coordinator), Erik Grandowski (Media/PR) and me, Rene' Durham (Treasurer). We are always looking for new ideas and events. If you have any suggestions, please contact us, we are here for you. Let's make this rally better than the last.
Please ride safe and responsible,
Rene' Durham
Secretary/Treasurer, Atlanta Chapter
Wanted Road Captains - and Ride Suggestions
We have dates available for fun rides. If you have a suggestion but don't want the hassle of organizing a ride, let us know and we will do the dirty work, while you enjoy the ride. Email me ride suggestions. No ride is too big, too small, too long, or too short. I can handle it all! Yeah come on, let’s do it!
Group Riding Basics - Part Two of Three:
Lane Changes and Passing:
• 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.
• The Rear Road Captain will change lanes at the first safe opportunity, protecting the lane for the group and allowing the Lead Road Captain to see that the lane is clear and protected.
• We then 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. There are times it will not be possible for the entire group to change lanes as above. When this situation arises, the Road Captain will signal for a turn, and signal the group with one finger extended into the air. This indicates that changing lanes as a group is not possible. The Road Captain will then change lanes when safe to do so. Everyone signals, head checks, and changes lanes front to back, as individuals, when safe to do so. Should the group become separated, regroup when it is safe to do so. Please use known good safety practices, INCLUDING HEAD CHECKS.
• On a two-lane road with two-way traffic (one lane each way), a single file formation should be used when passing other vehicles. On occasions, the Lead Road Captain may continue in the passing lane, while safe to do so, allowing other riders to see that the way is clear for them to continue the group passing maneuver.
• If for any reason the group becomes separated, merge safely back to the pack, returning to your original position, using known good safety practices. Don't feel it's necessary to break the world land speed record in trying to catch up. The Lead Road Captain will be aware and adjust accordingly.
• NOTE: Be certain the road is clear, and always make a HEAD CHECK immediately prior to initiating any maneuver which may cause you to cross other road users. The Road Captain, your mirror, or what you saw just a second ago is no substitutes for your own eyes and good judgment! Please remember that YOU, and ONLY YOU, are RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR SAFETY. Also, that when dealing with our four wheeled friends, you will never win a contest against them. It won't do any good to be "Dead Right.”
Happy Trails,
Diana Bodden
Head Road Captain, Atlanta Chapter
Are You Neutral or in Gear?
If you are at a traffic light waiting for the light to change, your bike should be in gear. You never know if the car approaching you from behind is aware of your presents or not, especially if a vehicle is in front of you—making the vehicle behind less capable of seeing you.
Keep it in gear, not neutral so you can move out of the way of oncoming traffic if you have a need to do so.
Remember the use of cell phones or other distractions at traffic lights make them a hazard.
Make sure you are in gear!
P.S. — A special thanks to all of you for the BIG basket of fruit during my stay in the hospital. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers! I hope to see all of you soon.
Jim Byrd
Safety Officer, Atlanta Chapter
Dreaming of Helen
When I daydream, my eyes glaze over, the computer screen becomes a static blur as my mind drifts off to another place…that's when I think of Helen.... those luscious curves, bodacious mountains and sultry valleys make me think of better times, and my upcoming ride in August. I suddenly hear a snap, and am awakened from my lustful trance. My beautiful wife is standing in front of my desk. She lovingly dabs the drool from the corner of my mouth with a tissue and sweetly asks: were you dreaming about Helen again? Well, were you? I sheepishly nod my head and she stares at me for a long second; smiles and responds "So was I!”
Now before anyone gets the wrong idea, we were talking about riding in the North Georgia Mountains to Helen, the Bavarian inspired town that happens to be the host of the 2009 Georgia State H.O.G. Rally. In the mountains, places like Amicalola, Dahlonega, Suches, and Blood Mountain are part of the everyday riding vocabulary. If you are unfamiliar with these places, you need to plan a trip to the Georgia State Rally on August 27 and get acquainted with some of the best riding in the Southeast.
For those who know the region, you probably daydream often about those easy, long sweeping turns that bring a smile to your face, the hairpin curves that make the hair on your neck stand up, or stretching your legs at one of the many beautiful scenic overlooks. No matter what your riding style or experience level, there is a beautiful route with your name on it! For those not familiar with the thrill of cruising these great roads, here's a little introduction.
First, let's start off with Helen, Georgia. If you have never visited, check out their link on the state rally website; it's truly a little slice of Bavaria plunked down in North Georgia. The town has plenty of restaurants and taverns serving German cuisine (of course) and many other delicious foods all at different price levels. If shopping is your vice, there are hundreds of shops to explore all within walking distance from the host hotels. In between rides, enjoy some of the local attractions such as helicopter tours, tubing, mini-golf, and hiking to name a few.
Outside of Helen, there are other great towns to visit, such as Dahlonega, which boasts a picturesque town square and the state gold museum located in the historic courthouse. Dahlonega was the pinnacle of the gold rush days in the 1800's, and there are still active mines where you can take your chance at panning for riches. Who knows, you might sift enough to purchase that '09 Ultra Classic!
Further out, the town of Suches offers US 129, also known as "Georgia's Dragon,” a very curvy and exciting road to test your skills. Also, there's a motorcycle only resort that also happens to be a really good lunch spot. These destinations are a small sample of the many towns you can ride to and enjoy from the Georgia State Rally.
In addition to the great roads and quaint towns, there is spectacular natural beauty to be seen. Nestled in the Chattahoochee National Forest is Amicalola Falls Lodge and State Park. While the lodge is a great place for breakfast or lunch, the 729-foot waterfall is truly a sight to be seen.
North Georgia has plenty of natural wonders to see, whether you stop to soak it in, or simply cruise by all the surrounding beauty as the throaty rumble of your Harley Davidson is gently muffled by the tree canopy overhead.
If you are planning your trips for 2009, be sure to put the Georgia State H.O.G. Rally on your list. The lodging is affordable and there's plenty of selection ranging from hotels and cabins to RV parks and campsites. Whether you're a hardcore rider looking for lots of challenging roads and long saddle time, or a casual rider who gets lost in the culture and nature around you, Helen and the 2009 Georgia State H.O.G. Rally has something for everyone.
Therefore, when no one is looking, close your eyes for a moment and dream of Helen…Don't worry, I won't be jealous.
Erik Grandowski
Activity Officer, Atlanta Chapter
Meet Chuck Fuller - Head Photographer
Hello all, thanks for having me as your Chapter Head Photographer. I'll do my best to document our events with your help so, please send me your pictures.
I've been a national H.O.G. Life member since August 1990, and an Atlanta Chapter member since 2006. I've been riding motorcycles all of my life and purchased my first Harley in 1971 (1951 FLH) at the age of 18. I enjoy nothing more than going out and riding my 1992 Heritage.
My "sweetie" Melissa also loves riding her 2007 Softail Deluxe. We are both looking forward to being more involved and going on more rides with our new friends!
Chuck Fuller
Head Photographer, Atlanta Chapter
The first few months of a new year provides a great opportunity to review the numerous benefits of your 2009 National H.O.G. membership. What does it take to join the largest factory-sponsored motorcycle club? Anyone who meets the following requirements for H.O.G. Membership may join. There are four types of membership:
Full Membership: A member must be the owner of a Harley-Davidson or Buell motorcycle and provide a Harley-Davidson or Buell VIN entitles a member to all the benefits and services of the Harley Owners Group.
Associate Membership: Designed for the passenger or family member of a full member, entitles the member to select member benefits. Every associate member must have an active sponsoring full member.
Full and Associate Life Memberships: All the benefits of full or associate membership, plus a special life member patch and pin. Every associate life member must have a sponsoring full life member.
You must remain an active National H.O.G. Member in order to stay in good standing with the local chapter. H.O.G. has created a member only site at www.members.hog.com. You can view the latest H.O.G. news, keep your membership up to date, plan you’re riding season, purchase H.O.G. Merchandise, download forms, and look up member benefit details. This is a great way to stay on top of everything. HOGWASH is your gateway to local chapter news, information, and events.
If you know someone who isn't currently an H.O.G. Member but fits the membership criteria above, please have them visit the H.O.G. Website to apply for a membership. Associate membership is a great way to sign up family members, so they can join our local chapter and enjoy the many activities we have to offer. I will share more membership benefits in the upcoming months.
See you on the road,
Bret Graddy
Membership Officer, Atlanta Chapter
B.K. Ellis
Historian, 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. Ellis
Web Master, Atlanta Chapter
Member’s Perspective
A motorcycle is not just a two-wheeled car. The difference between driving a car and climbing onto a motorcycle is the difference between watching TV and actually living your life. We spend all our time sealed in boxes, and cars are just the rolling boxes that shuffle us from home - box to work - box to store - box and back, the whole time, entombed in stale air, temperature regulated, sound insulated, and smelling of carpets. On a motorcycle, I know I am alive. When I ride, even the familiar seems strange and glorious. The air has weight and substance as I push through it, and its touch is as intimate as water to a swimmer. I feel the cool wells of air that pool under trees and the warm spokes of sun that fall through them.
I can see everything in a sweeping 360 degrees, up, down and around, wider than Pan-A-Vision and IMAX and unrestricted by ceiling or dashboard. Sometimes I even hear music. It's like hearing phantom telephones in the shower or false doorbells when vacuuming; the pattern-loving brain, seeking signals in the noise, raises acoustic ghosts out of the wind's roar. However, on a motorcycle, I hear whole songs: rock 'n roll, dark orchestras, women's voices, all hidden in the air and released by speed.
At 30 miles per hour and up, smells become uncannily vivid. All the individual tree-smells and flower-smells and grass-smells flit by like chemical notes in a great plant symphony. Sometimes the smells evoke memories so strongly that it's as though the past hangs invisibly in the air around me, wanting only the most casual of rumbling time machines to unlock it. A ride on a summer afternoon can border on the rapturous. The sheer volume and variety of stimuli are like a bath for my nervous system, an electrical massage for my brain, a system check for my soul. It tears smiles out of me: a minute ago I was dour, depressed, apathetic, numb, but now, on two wheels, big, ragged, windy smiles flap against the side of my face, billowing out of me like air from a decompressing plane.
Transportation is only a secondary function. A motorcycle is a joy machine. It's a machine of wonders, a metal bird, and a motorized prosthetic. It's light and dark and shiny and dirty and warm and cold lapping over each other; it's a conduit of grace. It's a catalyst for bonding the gritty and the holy. I still think of myself as a motorcycle amateur, but by now I've had a handful of bikes over half a dozen years and slept under my share of bridges. I wouldn't trade one second of either the good times or the misery. Learning to ride is one of the best things I've done.
Cars lie to us and tell us we're safe, powerful, and in control. The air-conditioning fans murmur empty assurances and whisper, "Sleep, sleep." Motorcycles tell us a more useful truth: We are small and exposed, and probably moving too fast for our own good, but that's no reason not to enjoy every minute of the ride.
Tripp Northern, Chapter Member
My First Ride
In 1960, at the age of five, I stood on my grandmother's front porch and watched my Uncle Andy who was all of 19 years old ride up on a 1957 FL Panhead. It was bright two-tone orange and black and made a rumble that I could feel in my teeth. It was a beautiful bike with a fat white wall under the front fender. I, of course, did not know what a Panhead was, but I did remember the name Harley-Davidson. I begged my uncle for a ride and he said, "You're too little." After repeatedly begging he agreed to take me for a ride if I promised not to tell my mother. He stood up and came down on the kick starter a couple of times and those 74 cubic inches came to life. He lifted me up and sat me down straddling the gas tank, and I held onto the gas caps. Some of you who grew up in the 60's will remember that safety was really never a big issue. We rode to the Tallapoosa River and back and I remember it more vividly than what I did yesterday. Of course, when my Mom came to pick me up, and I promptly told her that I had ridden a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
That big motorcycle with its white wall tire was etched in my mind. Over the years I've owned a number of motorcycles and always dreamed of owning a Harley-Davidson. In October of 2008, nearly fifty years after that first ride, I left Harley-Davidson of Atlanta riding a new Road King Classic with a fat white wall under the fender.
On a recent cold Saturday night, I sat by a warm fire and read the February HOGWASH. In the Director's Article Chris talked about relieving stress by riding and hanging out with your HOG family, maybe telling a lie or two. In the other article Bobby Conway talked about working hard from the days of a teenager saving money for that first Harley-Davidson which came years later. In the same HOGWASH, our new Membership Officer, Bret Graddy said that his riding career had been short, but his dream of owning a Harley-Davidson had been decades in the making. The common thread for many of us is that we experienced delayed gratification, i.e., we had to wait a while or years to own a Harley.
When I fulfilled my dream of owning a Harley, I did not know then that it came with the option of a HOG family. I have been a member of the Atlanta Chapter for a year now, and I have enjoyed all of the activities in which I have had the opportunity to participate. It is relaxing and enjoyable to hang around others that share your love for Harleys. Last year my wife Nancy and I enjoyed the events at the dealership and the Summer Film Festival at the Pavilion that was hosted by our Activities Director, Eric Grandowski and his wife Fiona. I am looking forward to the HOG rides and activities forthcoming this year, and I hope to have the opportunity to attend more of the functions, maybe even telling a lie or two.
Mark Redmon, Chapter Member
New Member Ride - March 7
Are you a new member? Have you ever been on a group ride? Are you comfortable riding with a group? Have these questions kept you from coming out on the chapter rides? Then please come out on Saturday, March 7 at 10:30 A.M. We will meet at the pavilion and have an extended safety meeting, then between 11:00 A.M. and 11:30 A.M., we will all leave out and go somewhere most likely in Douglasville to eat lunch and discuss how everyone did and any concerns that you have about group riding. I will try to have plenty of road captains there to answer any questions you might have. This will be a nice relaxing ride with no interstates, so come on out.
Bobby Conway, Assistant Director
St. Patrick’s Day Ride - March 17
What do Harley-Davidson and St. Patrick's Day have in common? I haven't a clue either, but I'm betting it is going to make for a great ride and tasty Irish treats. On March 17 I will be leading a ride to an Irish Pub, I haven't settled on one yet but rest assured that when we leave from the dealership that Tuesday I will have a plan. We will meet at 11:00 A.M. at the pavilion behind HDA and hit the road at11:30 A.M. I look forward to seeing everyone.
Chris Robey, Road Captain
Cherry Blossom Festival Ride - March 21
Come and join me on Saturday, March 21 for the Cherry Blossom Festival Ride. We will meet at the pavilion at 8:30 A.M. and leave at 9:00 A.M. for Macon. I plan on very little if any at all interstate travel, so please bring a full stomach, empty bladder and full tank of gas. I anticipate it taking two or two ½ hours to get down there. I am still searching for a place for us to eat lunch, or we might fan out at the festival and everyone can just find some good festival food. I'm sure they have funnel cakes, corn dogs, maybe even a fried Snickers Bar. Who knows the possibilities are endless? And of course they have all the fru fru arts and crafts so tell the ladies that there is something for everyone. Look forward to seeing you there.
Bobby Conway, Road Captain
Hawg Heaven BBQ - March 28
Join me for a lunch ride to Hawg Heaven BBQ in Hogansville, GA. We will take back roads to this restaurant.
Ride-on,
Karen Mathiasen (Fashion), Road Captain
Ride to the Rallies - April 24 & 25
Maggie Valley and Cherokee Rallies are both happening on the same weekend, and we're gonna be there! I have reserved 10 rooms at the Comfort Inn in Silva, NC, for Friday and Saturday night, April the 24 and 25. The Comfort Inn is 15 miles from the rally and only two miles from Noel & Nancy's Mountain Estate. The rate is $98.99 plus tax. I will plan a loop ride on Saturday that will take us too at least one or both rallies. We will have some fun. More details will follow in the April HOGWASH. The Comfort Inn number is 828-586-3315, tell them you want one of Atlanta HOG's rooms. They are in my name, Ed Chowning, and on my credit card. You will need to transfer the room to your credit card. I will cancel all unreserved rooms on April 1. Therefore, be there or be square.
Ride Hard & Long,
Ed Chowning, Road Captain
Art in Motion Ride - April 25
Join me on April 25 to Lil' Sturgis St. in Warm Springs, GA. Art in Motion and Extreme Rider Leather Shop have joined together to celebrate Extreme Riders 5th Anniversary. Art in Motion has more than 50 vintage motorcycles along with novelty items in four rooms. Stay tuned for more information.
Ride-on,
Karen Mathiasen (Fashion), Road Captain
The Ride That Didn’t Happen, Gumbeaux’s Recap
I was up early doing my usual pre ride routine, checking the weather getting my things together when I got a text message on my phone, "are you going to ride?" The 20 something degree weather outside and the high wind gust had me thinking probably not. Not long after that I got a call from another die-hard rider asking me the same question, after discussing the temp and wind the decision was made that a social was in order and leave the frost bite for another day. Lori and I hoped in the cage and headed to Douglasville where we met up with Ed & Joan Chowning and Kevin Magill for a great lunch. The food was excellent and the conversation was even better. The morals of this story, if the weather is questionable when you get ready to leave for a chapter ride, give the Road Captain a call and see if their plans have changed. In addition, on a side note Ed did end up riding his bike home from HDA on that frosty day after picking it up from the service department. I hope the spicy food helped keep him warm on his cold ride home.
Chris Robey, Road Captain
The Great American Motorcycle Show Recap
Sending out a big thanks to Rolando( Roly ) Addax, Diana ( Bullet ) Bodden, Rose Cardinal, Gary Asteroid, Kenneth Kadar, Wendell King, Tripp Northern, for riding with me to The Great American Motorcycle Show despite the rain in the A.M. We rode quickly down I-20 then to I-85 north exited right onto Indian Trail. We then took a right onto Oakbrook Pkwy. – then a right onto Jeurgens Court. There were a lot of cars driving into the show, but they had a small parking area for us who rode their bikes. We all enjoyed walking around and talking to each other. We ran into Randy and KC Pace. Then the sun came out, and we rode the highway to Peachtree City for lunch at Taco Mac — good food and lots of laughs. A few mention to -- Amsterdam, Teddy Bears, Little Bird Flying. Those of you that were there know exactly what I am talking about. Everyone else – you missed a great ride. I had so much fun, can't wait until next time.
Ride-on,
Karen Mathiasen (Fashion), 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 2009
February 2009
March 2009
April 2009
May 2009
June 2009
July 2009
August 2009
September 2009
October 2009
November 2009
December 2009
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.