Welcome to the Atlanta Chapter's Website. Harley-Davidson of Atlanta established the Atlanta Chapter on September 16, 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 2010 Issue
August 24, 2010
Atlanta Chapter, 2010
Director
Bobby Conway
678-348-0519
atlhogdirector@gmail.com
Assistant Director
Erik Grandowski
404-580-6759
Erik Grandowski.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
Melissa Fuller
404-226-1460
gr8tchoice@bellsouth.net
Membership Officer
Mark Redmon
770-617-2944
mredmon@charter.net
LOH Officer
Karen Mathiasen
770-354-4779
kmathiasen@yahoo.com
LOH Officer
Valerie Daniel
404-538-0250
valdan528@att.net
LOH Officer
Holly Martin
404-421-2082
kmartrx24@bellsouth.net
Head Photographer
Rick Parker
404-402-4088
rick@galleryparker.com
Volunteer Coordinator
Chuck Fuller
404-402-4088
cful@bellsouth.net
Newletter/Web/Historian
B.K. Ellis
770-471-0306
bkellis@atlantahog.com
Editor
Chris Houghton
770-944-1340
chris@hdatlanta.com
Welcome Wagon
Chris Robey
770-367-1386
athogwelcome@gmail.com
Road Captain
Andy Andresen
770-502-0847
andyandresen@att.net
Road Captain
Tom Arnold
770-313-3886
tomn2hd@bellsouth.net
Road Captain
Ed Chowning
770-505-9404
edchowning@bellsouth.net
Road Captain
Glenn Folds
770-633-9128
folds@bellsouth.net
Road Captain
Melissa Folds
770-832-3332
dragonsinger@bellsouth.net
Road Captain
Mack Hall
770-445-2343
usachevy1@bellsouth.net
Road Captain
Matt Langley
770-214-1875
acowart061@yahoo.com
Road Captain
Steve Magel
678-237-7762
stevemagel@gmail.com
Road Captain
Andrea Oparnica
770-974-4332
andreaoparnica@gmail.com
Road Captain
Jack Parton
770-472-7994
jackparton@comcast.net
Road Captain
John Provost
404-535-3447
jprov91301@yahoo.com
Road Captain
Robert Sexton
770-634-1369
pirate40@numail.org
Road Captain
Luc Vermeer
630-779-6278
ljvermeer@yahoo.com
Birthday Ride
August 28, 2010
Stovall Covered Bridge / Amicalola Falls
September 9, 2010
GA State Rally Ride
September 9, 2010
HDA GM GA State Rally Ride
NOT an Atlanta Chapter Ride
September 10, 2010
HOGWASH Articles Due
September 13, 2010
Mexi-Monday Social
September 14, 2010
Business Meeting
September 16, 2010
Atlanta Chapter Meeting
September 18, 2010
Atlanta Chapter Saving 2nd Base Poker Run
September 20, 2010
Shane's Rib Shack Social
September 26, 2010
Tullulah Gorge Ride
September 28, 2010
Birthday Ride Social
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
GA State H.O.G. Rally
Registration Deadline
July 22, 2010
Raffle Tickets
August is the last full month we have to sell our raffle tickets for the 42” HDTV. As you know, this is one of our fund raisers to support the chapter and our Christmas Social. So far we are only on track to break even. We need as many members to stop by the dealership and see Rene for a book of 10 so they can sell them to friends, family and coworkers. This, membership sales and the poker run are our major fund raisers so it’s all hands on deck. Thanks so much for your help.
25th Anniversary/Saving Second Base Poker Run
On September 18, we will be having our yearly poker run. This year a portion of the proceeds going to our walking team for the “Breast Cancer 2 Day Walk”. We will need volunteers at the stops and most of all riders in this poker run. It will be as last year $15 for the first hand and $5 for an additional hand for the same rider. We will also have a 50/50 drawing and other activities that day. Please make plans to be there.
Bobby ConwayErik Grandowski
Assistant Director, Atlanta Chapter
Attendance Jackpot
Congratulations to Dean Welch whose name was drawn for the August Attendance Jackpot, $50. Unfortunately Dean was not at the meeting to claim the Jackpot. We will add $10 to the Jackpot for the September Chapter meeting – $60. Remember you must be at the meeting and a member in "Good Standing," a current member of national H.O.G. and Atlanta Chapter. If the member whose name is drawn is not at the meeting, we will add $10 and try again next meeting. Please have your national H.O.G. card with you at the meeting. Hope to see everyone there.
Please ride safe and responsible,
Rene' Durham
Secretary/Treasurer, Atlanta Chapter
Ride Safe and have fun,
Diana Bodden
Head Road Captain, Atlanta Chapter
Know Your Limits
There are some rules that apply to all riders, no matter the skill level. Riding in an overly aggressive manner is never acceptable. There is no excuse for jeopardizing others by pushing your limits on the street. Another risk that no rider should take is riding while tired. When you’re tired, your reflexes are slowed and your judgment is not as strong—a combination that no motorcycle rider can afford. Talking on a cell phone while riding and looking at a map while you’re sitting on your motorcycle are other more obvious examples of behavior that should be avoided under any circumstances. If you get off courses, pull over to a safe area to consult your map. Remember, out on the open road, you must take responsibility for all your actions, and keeping yourself safe should always be your number one concern.
Good luck and stay safe!
Jim Byrd
Safety Officer, Atlanta Chapter
Melissa Fuller
Activity Officer, Atlanta Chapter
Chuck Fuller
Vounteer Coordinator, Atlanta Chapter
Who’s Riding Next to Ya?
Who’s Riding Next to Ya?
This month features two more chapter members as a way to help us get to know each other better. We’ve got lots of interesting members in our group and its fun to learn a little about who’s riding next to ya.
Name: Mandy Parton (wife of Jack Parton)
Road Name: Cougar – she was given this road name because she is a few minutes older than Jack.
What Do You Ride & Why? Cougar rides with Jack on his 2010 Road King. She has ridden over the years and is now enjoying her riding adventures with Jack and other chapter members.
Most Memorable Ride? Mandy rode many years ago and was involved in an accident that changed her mind about riding for a while. She has recently started riding again with Jack and her most memorable ride is the recent Saddle & Paddle 2010. Cougar loved the scenery along the way up through the mountains. She really enjoyed the paddling part of the ride too, after the hellish lightening storm, traveling down the river and enjoying the company of everyone.
Name: Jack Parton (husband of Mandy Parton)
Road Name: Juice - this road name came during a game of music trivia with a bunch of older chapter members. Jack was able to produce the name of the Insane Clown Posse as the correct answer of the question. When everyone looked at him in disbelief (because none of us had ever even heard of this band), he explained that this band throws “juice or soda” on to their crowds of fans. He immediately became known as “Juice.”
What Do You Ride & Why? Juice currently rides a 2010 black Road King. He rode motorcycles as a kid and while he never owned one he was able to borrow one from time to time from friends. In 2008 he bought his first motorcycle, a Sportster, and rode it like he stole it. In March 2010 he was fortunate to be able to get the Road King, slowed down a bit and begin convincing Mandy to ride with him.
Most Memorable Ride? His favorite ride was a few years ago when Juice and a few other chapter members rode up to the Dragon and to the Cherahola Skyway. Although we know he was innocent he did get a warning for excessive speeds on the Dragon. As the tattoo on his arm states, he Questions Authority!
Karen Mathiasen, Valerie Daniel and Holly Martin, LOH Officers
Well, the riding season is fully upon us now and there have already been a number of great rides. I'm starting to get more photos turned in and I will be giving out two more patches at the next meeting. Keep 'em coming!
Those of you who went on the Athens/Five Bridges ride can find all the photos on Photobucket at this address: http://photobucket.com/HOG_Five_Bridges
Also, be sure to check out the videos on the Atlanta HOG YouTube page. More will be added throughout the year. You can find them all
here: https://www.youtube.com/user/HOGATLANTA
See you on the next ride,
Rick Parker
Head Photographer, Atlanta Chapter
Check the HOGWASH Web Pages Archives of the Atlanta Chapter Web page to read the History of the Atlanta Chapter, Twenty-five years strong this year.
B.K. Ellis
Historian, Atlanta Chapter
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
Mountain Riders Retreat Base Camps for Rent on the Valley River in Andrews, NC
I have 7 acres in Andrews, NC, just off the 4-lane Hwy. 19/74 before it narrows down to a two lane and goes through the Nantahala Gorge. I have a few RV sites available on the Valley River that are secure and secluded. I also have a three-bedroom house completely furnished and available for rent that sits on Worm Creek. The RV sites are available on a monthly basis for September and October. The house is available with a 2-night minimum.
For more information call Ed Chowning 404-787-3039
Georgia State Rally News – August 2010
Thank you to all of the preregistered 2010 Georgia H.O.G. Rally Members and Guests!
Thanks to the following H.O.G. Chapters for hosting an event or ride:
Atlanta
Golden Isles
Great South
Painted Rock
Tifton
A Great Big Thank You to all of our 2010 Rally Sponsors/Dealerships who gave either a monetary contribution, a merchandise contribution or both:
Chattahoochee Harley-Davidson
Chuck Watwood (Lawbike.com)
Cycle World of Athens
Cyndi’s Fantasy Travel
Earl Small’s Harley-Davidson
Fraziers Harley-Davidson
Full Throttle
Golden Isles Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson Cartersville
Harley-Davidson of Atlanta
Harley-Davidson of Clayton County
Harley-Davidson of Macon
Oceanside Inn & Suites
One Vision Utility Services
Savannah Harley-Davidson
Sewell Printing Sign Shop
Southern Linc
Steelhorse Law
Steve Murrin (American Biker Lawyer)
Stone Mountain Harley-Davidson
The 2010 rally will have a lot to offer to each and every person who attends this year. There will be 10 guided rides and 9 self-guided rides throughout the rally weekend. The guided rides will be printed in the Rally Guidebook. The self-guided rides will be printed and available in the registration area. There are still volunteer spots available so please go to the rally website and email Linda Tincher. Linda will also be available in the registration area at the rally.
Reminders: All guests must be at least 18 years old and present a government issued photo id to cruise aboard the Emerald Princess. Also, rally e-mail confirmations will be going out soon. Remember to bring a copy of the email confirmation with you to the rally for registration. If you are a first time Rally Attendee, please make sure to visit the First Timer’s table in the registration area on tips on how to maximize your rally experience.
Check out your Rally Guidebook for all-important Rally information. The Rally Guidebook will be in your Rally Packet at Registration. All On-site Rally Registration will be $30.00 per H.O.G. member or guest.
Thanks to All Who Preregistered!
See You in Jekyll Island
Extreme Riding
Have you ever had the desire to ride through every state in North America just for a pin to stick on your vest? No? Well how about riding to a rally in North Georgia for the same reason? It’s a lot shorter and keeps you closer to home, right? The only differences between the two rides are the personal limitations which you have imposed upon yourself! One may be a mere walk in the park while the other requires venturing into the jungle! My thoughts are that a 10,000 mile ride is actually just ten 1000 mile days.
My first Iron Butt Ride was just so I could say “Done that – Got the Pin.” I figured that this personal achievement would be the end of it. However, the obstacles that one faces on an endurance ride and your ability to succeed in overcoming those challenges by ‘riding the plan’ do not fade away. Long Distance Riding is the pastime of riding motorcycles over very long distances in defined times. The basic goal of endurance/long distance riding is to explore time/distance/physical endurance while riding a motorcycle. As a pilot, I am fastidious (anal) about planning an event. I agree with the old adage: If you fail to plan - you plan to fail
The 48 Plus Ride (49er) is considered an Xtreme ride in the Iron Butt Associations portfolio. It requires documented riding through all 48 continental states plus Alaska in 10 days or less! It is not a race and IBA encourages riders to take the whole 10 days. IBA is all about safety, and if they calculate that you were riding in a less than safe manner (excessive speed), you will not be certified.
You can read the different ride requirements at www.ironbutt.comm. It takes a considerable amount of time to put down on paper exactly what your course of action will be for a trip of this enormity and still satisfy the guidelines.
1. Logistics – In short, some paperwork must be meticulously recorded. You must get witness forms signed by two people at the beginning of the ride and then again at the end. Then a fuel receipt is a good way to start the official clock rolling and with a full tank. It is required that a Log Sheet be kept with the Date, Time, Location, and Odometer reading of each and every stop.
2. The Route – you can choose any track you care to do, as long as it takes you through every single one of the 49 states and you collect a receipt therein which contains the date, time, and full address of the business you which you made the purchase: i.e., fuel, food, maintenance, tolls, or whatever. EZ-Pass can save hours of Queue time. I researched the routes that others have done before me and fine-tuned one to suit myself. Then it was uploaded to two GPS units. Why two you ask? Well, if you are in the 35th state along the route and your GPS turns into a digital cadaver, do you really want to revert to reading 4x6 cards and road maps? It’s really nice to have a backup. As it turned out, both of my GPS units were intermittently cantankerous and I was relegated to using the cards. GPS are super convenient but just one tool in your arsenal.
3. The Bike – The choice of which bike to ride is important for personal comfort and safety. Even a small irritation during your quest will be amplified and can be simply disheartening.
Good maintenance is imperative since you can’t spend a lot of time on the side of the road fiddling with a chronic problem or breakdown. Start with fresh oil in the engine, primary, and tranny; new tires from day one; and no last minute equipment modifications. Tried and true and nothing new. These precautions may save you several hours sitting in a shop somewhere.
4. To pack or not to pack – KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid). Extra weight means lower fuel economy and more fuel stops, so pack light. Wear undergarments that are specifically designed for long days in the saddle. LD Comfort makes seamless wick-away skivvies that can be washed in a sink and dry while you slumber. It goes without saying that the proper rain, and cold weather garments are mandatory. Traveling through 49 states and Canada may present the widest gamut of weather you’ve ever experienced on a trip. Hope for the best; expect the worse.
5. Proper diet and hydration are key elements – Constantly drinking NOTHING but water will help keep you awake for the many long hours. Going caffeine free will eliminate the ups and downs that many drinks and foods can cause. H2O Hydrate, high protein/low-carb food bars (Pemmican) and one meal a day will provide healthy and ample energy, and reduce throne time considerably. Various jerky products and sugar free sour lemon drops were a staple and kept me satisfied between the breakfast bar and the dinner stop.
6. Rest Stops – The routine goal was KSU at 4:00 a.m., breakfast bar at first light, dinner at 4:00 p.m., and checked into a motel by 9:00 p.m. If you keep a schedule similar to your normal home habits, it can eliminate an overly harsh transition. Despite the preconceived notions of some folks, if your nutrition and hydration are attended to properly, fatigue should not be an issue. However, that said, you do not want to push the envelope if it does rear its ugly head. There are several signs of drowsiness that you should recognize. Unable to maintain constant speed, head jerking to attention after a nod-off, leaving your turn signal on for the whole state of AZ, or waking up in a ditch with a real handlebar mustache! When you begin to feel on the edge of weary - STOP and rest. A 20–30 minute nap on a grassy slope is refreshing (but watch out for ants). If it doesn’t help, get a room and some solid sleep. Listen to your body.
7. Communications – Phoning home and talking with family is uplifting and encouraging. Just once a day and you will feel connected. Consider mounting the SPOT Messenger device on the bike. This provides your exact location every ten minutes and a huge degree of safety when in remote areas. It also gives peace of mind to a spouse that may be freaked out by your gypsy ways. Besides, if something does happen in the wilderness, SPOT marks the spot so that at least the insurance company knows where the body is and will pay off about five years sooner!
In conclusion, here’s a quote from the New Hampshire Gazette that is applicable to Iron Butt aficionados:
"These riders are not the posturing, over-the-hill wannabes who think violating noise ordinances will make up for their lack of personality. These are people with an entirely different, and far more engaging, set of character defects."
Andy Andresen, Atlanta Chapter Member and Road Captain
Ride to the GA State HOG Rally
September 9, meet at HDA, 8:30 a.m. and leave at 9:00 a.m.
Join Joan and me for a cross country ride to Jekyll Island. We will ride I-20 east too around the other side of Lake Oconee and then head south with lunch somewhere on the way. After lunch we will take in a covered bridge for all you stalkers in our group. The covered bridge is located just the other side of Swainsboro in George L. Smith Park. After the stop we continue on to Jekyll. If the heat is still hanging on in early September, I'd have to give the all day ride a 5-Pig ride rating.
Ride Hard and Long.
Ed Chowning, Road Captain.
Fall Leaf Run
October, 8– 10 (Fri., Sat., Sun.)
Meet: HDA 8:00 a.m. KSU: 8:30 a.m.
It’s northbound into the Appalachians, embarking on a scenic ride of your life. This experience includes actually smelling and feeling the mountain air, free of charge!
Enjoy the fall colors in north GA and North Carolina on a 3-day ride through some of the most beautiful mountains in the country. Mountains and valleys, forests and glades, wild streams and lakes and peaceful ponds. Perhaps you’ll spot an eagle or hawk or bear or deer. Have you ever traveled the lesser known Wayah Road -- Dramamine optional?
Just imagine the possibilities. Lunch we’ll do at the River’s Edge in the Nantahala Gorge on day one. We’ll explore the wonders of the Blue Ridge Parkway on day two. Linville Viaduct, Linville Falls, Grandfather Mountain, the old parkway and the new. Walk and eat in Blowing Rock and dip into the Linville Gorge (North Carolina’s Grand Canyon). The third day finds us snaking our path thru Chimney Rock and Lake Lure before traversing the Foothills Parkway and homeward bound.
This is a 4-pig ride due to the saddle time, distance, twisties, and weather. (There’s always weather in them-thar-mountains)
Due too many requests to leave the routing the same as last year, I am pleased to do so unless the pre ride presents a problem.
If you wish to sleep indoors for the two nights, 10 rooms at the Super 8 are blocked (they’re the only act in town that will put up with us noisy riffraff). All are nonmoving rooms with two double beds and probably on the rear second floor again like last year. The rate is $67.45 plus tax. You may be able to upgrade to a king size bed on the first floor rear for only $5 more if you reserve early.
When calling to make your reservation, tell them it is in the name of HOG CHAPTER, Register the room in your name and on your credit card.
Call before Friday, October 1 to reserve – after that all rooms blocked under HOG CHAPTER will be cancelled. When the ten rooms are gone, they may or may not have more rooms available. Rates in other nearby motels are between $103 and $139 per night.
Super 8
101 Flat Creek Rd.
Black Mountain, NC 28711
828-669-8076
Road Captain: Andy Andresen andyandresen@att.net
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 2010
February 2010
March 2010
April 2010
May 2010
June 2010
July 2010
August 2010
September 2010
October 2010
November 2010
December 2010
January 2011
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.