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
September 2009 Issue
August 27, 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
LOH'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
LOH Officer
Melissa Fuller
404-226-1460
melissafuller@rbc.com
LOH Officer
Valerie Daniel
404-538-0250
valdan528@att.net
LOH Officer
Karen Mathiasen
770-354-4779
karen.mathiasen@gexpro.com
Head Photographer
Chuck Fuller
404-402-4088
atlhogphoto@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
Steve Magel
678-354-3560
steve.magel@shawinc.com
Road Captain
Karen Mathiasen
770-354-4779
karen.mathiasen@gexpro.com
Road Captain
John Morgan
678-982-1589
roadcptn@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
GA State Rally Ride
August 27-29, 2009
GA State HOG Rally
Helen, GA
September 1, 2009
Atlanta Chapter Business Meeting
September 5, 2009
HOGWASH Articles Due
September 12, 2009
Hogs on the Farm
September 15, 2009
Birthday Ride
September 17, 2009
Atlanta Chapter Meeting
September 19, 2009
Copper Head Lodge
September 21, 2009
Shane's Rib Shack Social
September 22, 2009
Week Day Ride
September 26, 2009
Cave Springs
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
RIDER'S REWARDS PROGRAM ENDING
After much consideration and discussion with both our customers and employees, we have decided to eliminate the Rider’s Rewards Program on December 31, 2009. You can still use your card and earn points from now until December 31, 2009, after that time no points will be issued. All points must be converted to a gift card by December 31, 2009. We are notifying you this far in advance so that you will have time to cash in or take your card to the next level before expiration.
Everyone here at Harley-Davidson of Atlanta is looking forward to new and exciting things for our customers.
Sincerely,
Jeff Eubanks
General Manager
I put a lot of thought into this article as I rode across the Cherohala Skyway leading almost 30 bikes back on the Saddle & Paddle ride. Since my radio was not picking up a radio station, because of the mountains, that gave me the time to be in deep thought with only the rumble of the bike in my head. As I thought about all the appreciation expressed to me for putting the ride together and all the smiles and fun that everyone seemed to have, I felt that I should pay proper homage to the folks that brought me to his point in my HOG life.
A couple that took Michelle and I under their wing and encouraged me to become a road captain when I felt that my riding experience did not warrant it. They mentored both of us and maybe more so me. And on top of that the Saddle & Paddle ride was actually his brainstorm. I'm speaking of Tom & Terri Arnold, both of which have put countless time and energy into the chapter. I thought back on one of the first rides, I went on with the chapter with Terri leading it down to High Falls State Park, and how I dropped my bike, well really set it down when a wreck happed right in front of us and a Ford Explorer got hit and turned over with two kids in it. Fortunately others had arrived along with me and helped get them out of the vehicle. I also thought about a day ride when Tom, I and several others tried to get up to the Cherohala but we got drenched from Jasper to Murphy and decided to eat lunch and come back. Then while on a Labor Day trip to Copperhead Lodge, Tom led a small group of us over it and we just had a wonderful time. That was when I fell in love with the Cherohala Skyway and planed on riding it as much as I can. I say all that to say this, Tom came up with the idea in 2007, but Brad had medical issues and Tom was unable to do it. In 2008 I took the idea and ran with it was my first overnight ride, and I have loved doing it ever since. Tom and Terri mentoring me and Michelle, which has gotten us to this point in the chapter. For all of you that have been in the chapter for a while, and you see a new person or new couple, please take time to approach them and make them feel welcome, it really goes a long way.
Bobby Conway
Assistant Director, Atlanta Chapter
Please ride safe and responsible,
Rene' Durham
Secretary/Treasurer, Atlanta Chapter
Ride Safe and have fun,
Diana Bodden
Head Road Captain, Atlanta Chapter
Listen to Yourself and Take Appropriate Action
If for any reason you feel you:
● should not ride, don’t.
● need to end your ride early, end your ride early.
●should drop back farther behind a vehicle, do so.
● should not pull into the highway, don’t wait till it feels right, you may have to pull to the curb.
● can’t make that right or left turn, pass it by – go to another turn.
When you have these feelings, listen to yourself.
Jim Byrd
Safety Officer, Atlanta Chapter
Erik Grandowski
Activity Officer, Atlanta Chapter
Who's Riding Next to Ya?
This article will run monthly and will feature two chapter members as a way to help us get to know each other. We've got lots of interesting members in our group, and it'll be fun getting to learn a little about who's riding next to ya. Thanks to Holly and Glenn for volunteering to kick this off!
Name: Holly Martin
Road Name: Hollywood
Meaning Behind the Road Name: Hollywood has been an extra in two movies – " Madea Goes to Jail" and a movie that will be released in 2010 with Ashton Kutcher, "Five Killers.” Besides, with her first name being Holly, the name Hollywood just makes sense.
Number of Years Riding: One year as of August 2nd
What Do You Ride & Why: 2005 Sportster 883 - Hollywood started riding last year but has wanted a bike since her 20's. Several of her friends rode and when a close friend bought a bike, Hollywood did too. It took her three weeks after her purchase to tell her Mom, who was not in favor of the idea.
Most Memorable Ride: A recent impromptu ride with some ladies in the chapter down to Hogansville. This was her first ride with some distance involved. Hollywood also enjoyed the Bikers for Boobs ride as it was her first ride on the interstate.
Name: Glenn Folds
Road Name: Buttah
Meaning Behind the Road Name: This is a recent road name given to Glenn by Diana Bodden and Glenn's wife, Melissa. It seems he was just enjoying a good meal and got a little butter on his face and the name stuck. (Be careful eating with these ladies)
Number of Years Riding: Since 1983 when he was 12. In 1995 he got his first Harley-Davidson.
What Do You Ride & Why: Electra Glide Standard – Black Denim. Glenn was drooling over this bike and his sweet wife surprised him with it for his Birthday. Glenn started riding because his Dad had always had a motorcycle, and they began riding together.
Most Memorable Ride: Saddle and Paddle 2009 – a fun big group ride.
Monthly Birthday Rides
July was the first of our monthly birthday rides and by the time you read this we will have had an August birthday ride, too. For the inaugural ride, we had 10 bikes joining us and one cage that met us at the Bone Garden Cantina. The Bone Garden Cantina is definitely an interesting place and the food was delicious!
Please mark your calendar and join us on September 15th to celebrate everyone who has a September birthday. There are lots of us with September birthdays because January is traditionally a very cold month and nine months later - well, you figure it out…
Come and meet us on Tuesday, September 15th at the dealership’s Pavilion at 6:30, kick stands up at 7:00 p.m. for an easy 17 mile ride to the Bone Garden led by Karen Mathiasen. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend whether it’s your birthday or not!
Melissa Fuller
LOH Officer, Atlanta Chapter
The 2009 Riding season is well under way and I'd like to thank the members for submitting pictures of lots of great events! I would also like to remind everyone that there is a "Photographer" patch available to members submitting photos from at least three events. We have had several members qualify for the patch this year and would like to give out several more; so get out those cameras and send me the photos! Please send them to atlhogphoto@gmail.com
Chuck Fuller
Head Photographer, Atlanta Chapter
See you on the road,
Bret Graddy
Membership Officer, Atlanta Chapter
Director - Dick Gehring
Assistant Director - Jim Durham
Secretary - Benita Trask
Treasurer - Tom Tingle
Ride Director - Jack McNutt
Special Activities Director - John Christiansen
Ladies of Harley Officer - Glenda Ridley
Safety Officer - Carol Elliott
Chapter Editor - Debra Brooks
Ride for Kids Director - Lloyd Southwick
Brain Tumor Foundation Ride for Children
Well, what can I say? For the third year in a row we are the number one fund-raising club for the Brain Tumor Foundation for Children. Our total for this year was a little more than $18,000, not bad, not bad. The grand total was more than $233,000.
There is not enough room to thank all the folks that need to be thanked for this year’s success. But, I must thank Eddie Houghton for giving two "Willie G. Leather Jackets" for the charity and for all the money he and Wayne Allen spent on cakes, pies and cookies.
A special thanks you to Dell and Monty Person, once again, they were our top fund-raisers with a total of $1,216. Great job you two!
To all the ladies who supplied us with all those terrific cakes, pies and cookies, a special word of thanks from our growing love handles.
To each and every one of you who made something, collected money at your favorite watering hole, begged your bosses or friends for money, my heart felt thanks. It only goes to show that we guys in black shirts and leathers have very big hearts when it comes to kids.
Lloyd Sothwick, Ride for Kids Director
Letters to the Editor
The roar of motorcycles is not usually associated with the sounds of Christmas. You would not be able to convince our children that it does not rank up thee with bells, chorales and carols.
Last Sunday was a special day for out children. To see over 90 motorcycles parade onto the Christian City Campus bearing gifts for our children was a sight to behold.
You people were so generous and kind to our children. Placing them on the motorcycles, allowing them to "rev" the engines, and talking with the children was a joy for them. Thank you so much.
You made Christmas for our children. The hundreds of gifts will be distributed to all the children here. Many of these children do not receive any presents from the parents. The only gifts that they receive are the ones that come from friends like you.
May your Christmas be a merry one, and as blessed as you have made ours?
Norma Adams, Administrator of Children's Home
H.O.G. Southern Regional Rally, Longview, TX - April 46-28, 1991
Jim Durham led the Iron Butt Ride and Dick Gehring led the Gateway Ride.
We left out in the cold but not rainy weather and made a tank to tank stops. As we got further west, we began to shed more clothes. The "Big Guy" upstairs must ride a Harley because he was sure riding with our bunch that day. We had a few minor "fall offs" due to the road conditions in Mississippi and Louisiana, but all had a good ride. We arrived in Longview about 6:30 P.M. their time, and it was about a 12-hour trip. Herman Ridley had a minor incident with a flat tire as soon as, he exited the expressway into Longview, but other than that, we had a good time.
The rain held out during the important parts of the rally so we really didn't mind with it did. On Saturday, Benita Trask got 1st Place in LOH Big Twin Class and Kevin Trask got 1st Place in Rigid Class. Herman Ridley got 5th Place in the Poker Run. This put us at 45 points for the Chapter Challenge. On Sunday, the Field Events began. Steven and Wayne Cabeza (Benita's brother, their first rally with the Atlanta Chapter and we really enjoyed having them) got 1st Place in the Balloon Toss and 1st Place in the Bike Wash with Dick and Herman in 2nd Place. Benita got 1st Place and Glenda Ridley got 2nd Place in LOH Slow race. Kevin tried to steal the wieners while riding with Benita on the HOG Dog Bite (got the wiener but didn't place). Herman and Glenda got 3rd place in the Potato Pass. Hope we didn't leave anyone out.
Thanks and congratulations to all our champs and special thanks to all the first timers in the Field Events, your efforts do not go unnoticed.
At the end of the events, with 114 points (quite sure this is correct count) the Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G. and Chapter Challenge Champs again! Second time in a row! EXCITED is not the word we felt when Linda Peavy announced we won (even though Dick had to remind her this was the 2nd time in a row). Great Rally! Now time to pack up and go home with Dick leading the way.
The rip home was NOT fun nor enjoyable. We fought fierce winds, tornadoes, hail, torrential rain and all the bad stuff you shouldn't ride in.
Atlanta Chapter "Did it Again!” Watch out Louisville, Atlanta Chapter is on a roll!
Jim Durham, Road Captain
Tin Butt Ride to Tampa, FL - May 11-12, 1991
We had seven motorcycles show up for the Tin Butt Ride for the 450-mile trip to Tampa, where about 20 members of the Sunshine Chapter met us for dinner. We made the trip in nine hours, including lunch. After a short sight seeing trip through Tampa, we headed for a famous Cuban restaurant "The Columbia" where we all had a great Cuban dinner. The price was right too. It was a good ride and just enough rain to make you mad about putting on your rain suit. I think we're going to have to call it a Tin Butt ride if is at least 400 but less than 600 miles in one day. We are planning a Brass Butt Ride which will be at least 600 miles but less than 800 miles. Of course, you all know that we are planning an Iron Butt Ride to Milwaukee later this year. An Iron Butt Ride has to be anything more than 800 mines in one day. It seems like you should get an award for something like that, doesn't it. A big thanks for setting up all the festivities with the Sunshine Chapter.
Jim Durham, Road Captain
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
Old Harleys Never Die |
Have you seen Chuck Fuller's new ride? Well, it's not exactly a "new" ride. It's a 1967 Shovelhead that Chuck recently put back on the road. The bike has been in Chuck's family for 20 years. The Shovelhead, introduced in 1966 produced 60 hp ( 74 cubic inch / 1200cc). Chuck's bike has electric start, which had been introduced two years earlier on the 1965 Electra Glide. His bike also has a slight oil leak which was also standard on the Shovelheads. Mark Redmon, Chapter Member |
Cave Springs Pig Out Festival -- September 12
We will ride to Cave Springs, GA to participate in a Bug Run, BBQ tasting and 50/50 drawing. (Entrance fee $15.00). Enjoy a day at the park filled with BBQ tasting of five different places, live music, soap making, blacksmiths, knitting, antique tractor show, etc. Hope to see all of you.
Karen Mathiasen, Road Captain
Week Day Ride -- September 22
Let's have a Screw Tuesday and go for a ride. As long as the weather is clear, the roads are ours. Weekdays are great for less traffic. Our options are wide open! Back roads to our destination and the glow that we are having fun while others are working for the money. Heck call in sick. I’ll get a Doctors' excuse! September 22, 2009
Diana Bodden, Road Captain
Saddle & Paddle Recap
I just wanted to take a minute to add to what Fashion wrote about the Saddle & Paddle. We took off Saturday morning with almost 40 bikes headed to Nantahala to do some rafting. I want to thank the following road captains: Ed Chowning, Diana Bodden, Andrea Oparnica, Fashion, Steve Magel & Erik Grandowski. Without them this ride would have been hard to do. We divided up into three different groups for safety; however, we managed to stay relatively close together. I was fortunate enough to ride with one of my closest friends whom I've known since the 7th grade and his wife. He rented a Harley, especially for this ride, and he captained a raft for me again this year and like me last year he got launched out of the raft. After we rafted, we rode over to Fontana Village. I later found out that the road we were on for this is called the "Hellbender.”
Let me take a second to thank Lacey Piper, group sales for Fontana for doing such a great job assisting me in arranging this. I think everyone really enjoyed the accommodations, and it had a great pool to gather at and it was probably good to swim in as well if it wasn't the coldest weekend seen in a long time in July, but I'm not complaining.
On Sunday morning, we had a wonderful breakfast at the lodge and took off to the Cherohala with a short stop at the Deals Gap store. When we reached the highest point on the Cherohala there was a young fellow there with his Dad that was nice enough to take the groups picture, and I plan on sending him the picture, he took with a photographer's patch in a frame. From there we had a good meal at the Tellicafe in Tellico Plains, TN and then a smaller group of us rode through the Ocoee Valley and saw how the professional rafters do it. I think everyone in that group arrived home around 6:00 P.M. Sunday night. It was a great weekend. If you've never been on an overnight ride, make every effort to do it, you really get to know your HOG brothers & sisters and develop some close relationships on these rides. We have one coming up in October and one in November.
Bobby Conway, Road Captain
Saddle and Paddle Recap
I, Karen Mathiasen, (A.K.A. Fashion) have become a certified Paddler aboard the Drowned Hog's Raft.
This is my story. There were six of us in the raft and then there was one. I was still in the raft and clueless as to how everyone fell out. Then I was holding onto my cousin Rebecca's leg. I was unable to get her back in the raft, so I had to let her go. I heard Pete gasping for air. I was so scared. Rebecca goes under the water, and I could not find her. I was screaming her name. She suddenly appears with a paddle. Then I was trying again to get her back in the raft again. I was not strong enough to lift her in. Glen appears out of nowhere and yells to Rebecca "let go, I got you" and then he pulls her out of the water and into their raft.
I could finally breathe. I was shaking horribly but at least I had Rebecca's paddle with me now. I frantically was trying to get to the shore when Luke "Sky Walker" walks into the ice-cold river and grabs my paddle and pulls me to safety. So I can honestly say I have literally been up or down the river without a paddle.
This is my story and I Would Do It Again.
I, Rebecca Brinson, (A.K.A. Karen's cousin) have become a certified Paddler aboard the Drowned Hog's Raft.
This is my story. OK, we have been paddling for hours, and we are almost home, just a few glitches, nothing major. I am thinking this was very easy when suddenly we look up and WHAM this huge rock hits us. I tumble out of the boat. Karen is holding on to my legs, which is making my head go under. I think that I’m doomed. Then she lets go and away I go. The current is strong, so I can't stop myself. I'm thinking dang, we have been avoiding rocks all day, and now I need one. Where did they all go? After going under a number of times, I spot Karen all alone in the raft, I wasn't the only one to bail. I grabbed onto the raft, but I was too tired to get in. I hear someone saying "LET GO LET GO " so I let go. All of a sudden, I am scooped up and in a raft. I'm saved. Thank God I have survived.
Would I do it again? You bet I would! Thanks everyone for a most enjoyable time. You are all great people!
I, Diana Bodden (A.K.A. Bullet) have become a certified Paddler aboard the Drowned Hogs Raft. Suddenly, the boat shifted and boom, we were in the water. Moments ago we were laughing and terrorizing other rafters. Now we were scrambling to float. What a crazy feeling and how much can go through your head at one time. The main thing I remember was what a great bunch of friends I had in this group. They were all there worried and helpful for my situation. Even people I had not spent time with, where there helping and making sure I would survive. I cannot express how much everyone helped me on that wild ride. I loved the journey and would gladly do the fun rafting part again and again. The riding and the rafting were so much fun, even the wild stories afterward. The entire weekend was truly a fun event with good friends. Thank you all that helped me that day!
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
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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.