Spring 2016 Newsletter - Black Mountains Chapter Wales

Issue 6
Black Mountains Newsletter - Spring 2016
The Director’s Cut
Well the weather is finally changing for the better and the riding and rally season is upon us. I for one
can’t wait to rid myself of the chesty cough and start racking up them miles again!
It was great to see everyone at the unveiling of our dealership's custom creation for this year’s Battle of
the Kings competition and the exclusive UK premiere of “Being Evel” on 10th March, we hope you all
enjoyed the viewings and of course the free popcorn and hotdogs. Swansea Harley Davidson needs your
support, voting is now open for this years Battle of the Kings, cast your vote at
https://customkings.harley-davidson.com/en_GB?theBikeID=111
John Watson has recently coordinated another Bikesafe Course and all the partakers attained A Grades.
A very well done to everyone.
The Cardiff Bike Show is in Llanishen High School and will be taking place on 2nd - 3rd April. All
members are welcome to join in this event. More details will be emailed shortly.
Our chapter Group Riding Course is on 2nd April, all new members and those who don’t ride regularly are
encouraged to come along to refresh your group riding skills. Free tea and coffee for all attendees!
Contents:
1 Adrian Vaughan, Director
2 Bob Davies - Editorial
3 HRC/Safety Officer’s Report
4 Activity Officer’s Report
5 Secretary’s Report
6. Charity Officer’s Report
7. Member Spotlight
8. My Playlist
9. Take A Break
10. Chapter News
11. Photo Gallery
12 Chapter Diary 2016
13-14. Dragon Fever Forms
15. Merchandise
16. Member Advertisements
17. Mileage Form
18. Dealership Page
A group of members are off to the fastest and longest Zip Wire in Europe on 7th April with an overnight
stay to celebrate their survival. All welcome, please let Nicola Brimble now if you plan on joining in.
On 16th–17th April, its Swansea Harley Davidson’s 3rd Birthday Party, so why not pop down to the
dealership for some fun and frolics. Live bands and trader stalls.
Why not join the chapter in attending the Bridgwater Chapter’s 25th Cider Rally on 29th April – 2nd May at
Pontins Sand Bay, Weston super Mare. This is also a Chapter Challenge rally, where we can collect an
additional 10,000 bonus miles for having 10 members in the photo displaying their chapter rockers.
On 5th–9th May, the Normans are once again invading our shores, but this time they are most welcome.
Our friends from Ducs de Normandie chapter will be visiting a number of South and West Wales
destinations, including Penderyn Distillery, Swansea HD, Saundersfoot, Pembroke Castle, Tenby and the
delights of Swansea Wind Street by night! Members are most welcome to join in the daily rides,
sightseeing and social events. Further details will be emailed nearer the tour.
On 3rd June Janet and I will be leading a trip to Ireland Bikefest in Killarney. Anyone interested in joining
us will need to book their own accommodation for the 3 nights (3rd, 4th, 5th June) and Steve Link is happy
to book your discounted ferry crossing through the chapter. The rally is free, so no need for a ticket.
If you want to join any of the trips mention for April, May and June, please email me to let me know and
we can help you onboard.
There are also still places available for the Ace Café and Brighton Trip on 3rd – 5th September 2016. This
trip was such a success last year, we have decided to make it a 2 night trip this year. Again please let
Steve Link know of your intention to join us.
Hope you all shake off your Winter blues soon and get out there enjoying the coming riding season. For
those members new to the chapter, please come and introduce yourselves to myself, any of the
committee, or road crew when you join us on a ride. We are looking forward to riding with you.
Stay Safe,
Adrian
Sponsored by Swansea Harley-Davidson
Editorial
Hello and welcome to the Black Mountains
Chapter Spring Newsletter.
I hope you find something to interest you in this
packed edition. We have several new features for
you to read as well as the usual updates and
reports from our Chapter Officers.
On page 4, we have spotlighted Cat Lloyd our
Lady of Harley who clocked up the most miles last
year in the mileage challenge (She was also top
the previous year!). Incidentally, if you haven’t
registered for this year’s mileage challenge then
it’s not too late and for your convenience we have
included a copy of the form on the penultimate
page of this newsletter. All you have to do is fill it
in and pop along to the dealership to get it
stamped then pass it to Craig Davies who is
coordinating.
How many of you listen to music while riding? If
so, why not share your favourite tracks with the
rest of us? That’s just what Steve Link has done
on page 8 and if you would like to hear them you
can follow the link to a Spotify playlist at the foot
of that page.
Don’t miss the latest dates and events
towards the back of the newsletter and, for
those of you not on FaceBook, there are
some photos taken from there in our Photo
Gallery.
That’s all from me so until the next edition,
Ride safe,
Bob Davies - Editor
Whenever I’m out riding I do like to plan a few
stops for food and drink along the way and so
another new feature in this newsletter is the ‘Take
A Break’ article on page 9. The first
recommendation is The Steel Horse Cafe, a
personal favourite of mine to start the ball rolling. I
discovered this place by passing it on a rideout a
few years back (and feeling disappointed that, on
that occasion, we didn’t stop there). I went back
there and have been going back ever since! I love
eating and discovering new places so would be
really happy if some of you could make similar
recommendations for me and other members to
visit in the future.
Papa’s gonna be away at a lot of rallies this
summer, son, but I’ll be back next Winter…
If you are lucky enough to have a BOOM BOX
INFOTAINMENT System on your bike then you
will also find some instructions on how to check
and update your software on page 6.
This is your newsletter - if you have any views
about content, or suggestions for features you
would like to see included in future editions
please let Bob know by email (see below)
Please send all ideas/articles to - [email protected]
ck
et to che
Don’t forg ebsite for
w
the BMC
p to date
all the u ews
Safety N
Firstly, I would like thank the Road Crews that have been involved with helping on our last few
Ride-Outs, also to all the members for their support since I became Head Road Captain.
Well it has been quite a busy time in the last few months. The
March rideout along the coast to Tenby in the sunshine was
well supported (27 bikes).
I would especially like to welcome our newest Road Marshal
‘Richard Thomas’ (pictured left). Good luck Richard.
There are lots of Rides coming over the next few months so get
yourselves up and ready to go, making sure your bike has
been serviced, tyres checked, etc.
Safety News
We held a Bikesafe Course on 27-28th Febuary 2016 with
12 attendees and, at last, on my second attempt I made a
Grade ‘A’. Well done to all the other attendees too. At the
time of writing, another Bikesafe course is scheduled for
2-3rd April so good luck to the candidates.
A free Group Riding Course for new members will take
place on Sat 2nd April 2016. If you can't make this one more
courses can be arranged if we have sufficient interest.
In the near future, the Emergency number for UK and Europe will be 112. You can register
your Mobile phone number for this by texting 112 to register. You will receive a text back for
confirmation, text Yes. This will then enable you to be located anywhere in Europe in an
emergency when 112 is used. Also, it will enable your phone to be used to call 112 by others
without needing to be unlocked.
Ride safe and, most of all, please have fun: because this is why we ride Harley-Davidsons.
John
Check out FaceBoo
k, the S-H-D
Wall and our BMC w
ebsite for all
your information on
all Ride Outs
and Trips etc
Activity Officer’s
Report
By the time you read this many of you will be preparing yourselves for the , which is the longest and fastest in Europe. We are staying at a members
guest house and in the local pub. Have a look at the site which
is www.Llwynonnguesthouse.co.uk. If the ride up is successful and safe we
might use this location for other events as it also has Glamping facilities.
A fab night out was had by all who attended the to watch
three comedians and a host. We had a bar meal first and drinks, although to
be honest the food was not brilliant so if we go again we will probably eat
locally in a nice restaurant then on to the Glee Club for drinks and
entertainment.
The next informal social gathering will be to see the band ‘Contraband’ in The
Edmondes in Cowbridge on Saturday 23rd April. This is the same weekend as
the Llandovery rally but for those members not going it's still a good way of
meeting up. The plan is to meet in the Vale public house at 19:00. Anyone
interested just turn up.
is now starting to fill which is good news, if you want any
accommodation or camping/motorhome please book with me as I need to
issue tickets etc. There is shared bunk housing still available and one Pod. Any
queries please give me a shout.
I am currently in discussions with Le Raj Indian Cuisine, regarding us having a
curry night there. Hopefully the venue which is in South Cornelly is a bit more
convenient for all. Dates to be confirmed.
Activities are for all of us as a group so if you think of an event, night out, or
ride out you fancy, let me know and I will happily arrange everything - I just
need some ideas please!
Nicola
Email Nicola at: [email protected]
169 Members!
Currently, membership stands at 169, which I believe shows a strong commitment to the club as we end the first quarter
of the membership year.
As a female of the species I am pleased to report that many of the new members are female and that to me
demonstrates an inclusive club where partners are encouraged to be part of and enjoy the activities on offer.
Welcome to our new members who at the time of writing are:
Jillian Wyatt, Helene Sawyer, Terry Dodd, Annette Eveleigh, Paul and Stephanie Evans, Chris and Sarah Rice, Philip
Stone, Susan Williams, Sharon Britton, Rose Kosack, Wayne and Tracy Dunn, Ian Jones, Eric Harris, Geoff Findlay,
Nicola Martin, John Smith and Dawn Demery.
Also, an extended welcome to our new members from further afield, Chris and Sarah Rice from North Wales who will be
joining us at Dragon Fever, we look forward to meeting them then. Also Wayne and Tracy Dunn also from North Wales
who some of us will get the opportunity to meet and socialize with, when we travel to North Wales for our Zip Wire event.
Wayne and Tracy own holiday accommodation www.llwynonnguesthouse.co.uk for those holidaying in North Wales
where you can meet up with and support fellow club members.
On a personal note, I’d like to thank all those members who have been supportive to me over the past months during my
treatment journey; it has been very much appreciated.
Janet
Can all current members please be advised that it is a condition of HOG that in order to be a member
of
chapter, you need to be a
. Some members’ HOG membership has
now expired, or is due to expire shortly. These will be written to in due course if the HOG database
shows no active renewal. Members cannot undertake organised riding activities with the club unless
they are HOG members, as our insurance with HOG does not cover such individuals
Motorhead
Skull
Patches
Now
Available
Small £7
Large £15
Since the last newsletter Lyn Evans has unfortunately had to resign from the Chapter due to ill health which has forced him to
put his trike up for sale. We would all, I'm sure, like to thank him for his hard work as Charity Officer in the West, and to wish
him all of the best for the future. I will continue to cover both areas until we can make other arrangements.
The Chapter has continued to raise money for charities by running successful raffles at both of our monthly meetings. We
have donated money to both prostate and breast cancer charities, and Janet Vaughan is undertaking a charity event for the
latter, which we will also be supporting.
We are also going to be donating some musical instruments and a karaoke machine to a children's charity in Ebbw Vale
called “One Voice”. This charity helps children who have learning difficulties, by teaching them to play musical instruments
and to sing. We hope to ride out to present them with the instruments soon, and to thank us they will give us a concert and
hold a bbq.
(Above photo of John S Watson presenting a donation for Blood Bikes)
Paul Sawyer
If members have any other ideas for deserving charities, particularly those that we can visit on a ride out,
then please let me know. My email address is: [email protected]
BOOM!™ BOX
BOOM! BOX INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM
a. Select the following display menu items:
“Home/Set-up/System Information/ Software
Version”.
b. Record the software version.
c. Compare your audio system’s software version with
the latest version available on the HD Website. At time
.
of publication it is:
d. If the software versions are the same, you have the
latest software available and there is no need to
update. If a higher level software level is available on
harley-davidson.com, continue to update your audio
system. NOTE: Do not interrupt the installation
process. Leave the vehicle and radio turned on, and
keep the USB flash drive installed until the installation
process is complete.
a. Select “Download Software Update” for the appropriate audio system.
b. When prompted, save the compressed file to your computer desktop.
c. When the download is complete, copy the file within the zipped folder
to the root directory (the first or top most directory in a file system) of a
USB flash drive that is 8 GB or larger.
d. Turn your vehicle’s ignition switch to ACCESSORY. (Keyless ignition
vehicles: press and hold the trip switch for more than two seconds).
e. Turn on the audio system and connect the USB flash drive to the
audio system’s USB port.
f. The audio system will detect the new software available and ask if you
want to update. Select “Yes”. The display will prompt you to remove the
USB drive when the update is complete. NOTE: If the incorrect software
file for your audio system is copied to the USB flash drive, and
connected to the audio system’s USB port, the following error message
will result: “The ISO image on the attached USB is corrupted or
incompatible”.
Did you know that you can update the map database as well? This costs £80 and the current version is Q2 2014. If you
have a CVO bike then the first 3 upgrades are free.
My first bike was a Suzuki GS125 purchased from
Garlands and Griffiths. After a few pointers from the
local Star Rider instructor, I passed my test but
continued to ride the 125 for a year or so after. Several
bikes came and went after passing including a Honda
250 Superdream, Suzuki GS250T, Honda CBR600,
Kawazaki ER500, Kawazaki GPZ600 Ninja, I even had
a go at Slugo’s 1975 Triumph Tiger 750 and BSA
Lightening.
My motorcycle journey has not been all plain sailing
over the years, in fact my confidence was severely
reduced after a very windy commute to work. I was
concerned that this experience would put me off biking
completely. I took a refresher lesson which helped
improve my confidence issues, but the biggest boost
has to have been my investment in my current bike, the
Harley Davidson Iron.
I decided upon buying a Harley after seeing the Iron
Sportster in a local Café. I decided “That’s for
me”…Literally too…bought the very one from the
Café and haven’t looked back since. I love riding it and
don’t want to change anything other than that rock hard
seat. I never thought that in the two years of owning the
Iron I would have been so far and met so many great
people.
Last July, I rode to Morzine Harley Days, my first drive
abroad, and had a great time completing around 1900
miles on the round trip. I always enjoy ride outs, when we
can attend, and also love taking part in local charity rides
as well as activities such as RTTW at the National
Memorial and “Hoggin the Bridge”. The most difficult run
to date has to be the RTTW due to its freezing, foggy,
4am start. I had to ride 100 miles with the visor up. My
eyes didn’t forgive me for days but I can be thankful for
installing those heated grips.
When I am not participating in organised events, I like to
get out onto the road with Slugo and our friends to explore
our beautiful Pembrokeshire countryside. After putting
nearly 15,000 miles on the Iron in the last two years, I am
looking forward to this year’s adventures, especially
returning to France but this time, to Normandy.
Congratulations Cat - we’ve a feeling you’ll be top of the mileage charts for some time to come! - Editor
My Playlist
I was talking to Bob about the Boom Box sound system on my Ultra Limited and before I knew what I
was saying he had me agreeing to decide my top 10 tracks that I play whilst riding! I have an old CD
that I made several years ago with about 130 songs on which are all fantastic to listen while riding
along without a care in the world.
However trying to pick just 10 has been a difficult task and I decided not to have more than one track
by the same artist, but here they are.
Picking 10 was hard enough so I am not ranking them: List is in release date order.
This is a new feature
in our newsletter.
If you enjoy music
while riding and
you’d like to share
your top 10 with
other members
please contact the
editor
1.
Born to be Wild – Steppenwolf: Released in June 1968 but made famous by “Easy Rider” in July 1969.
Iconic motorcycling song.
2.
Dazed and Confused – Led Zeppelin: Released Jan 1969. Had to have a Led Zep track and Jimmy page
playing his guitar with a violin bow is magic.
3.
Highway Star – Deep Purple: Did you know it was written on bus going to Portsmouth in 1971 and released in March 72. From the best DP album, Machine Head.
4.
Hotel California – Eagles: Could have picked any one of several Eagles tracks. Released in Feb 1977.
Outline storey from Glen Frey and lyrics by Don Henley.
5.
Highway to Hell – AC/DC: Title track from the last album to feature Bon Scott before his untimely
death from alcohol poisoning.
6.
The Spirit of Radio – Rush: Track from Canadian band album, Permanent Waves. Released in March
1980
7.
Comfortably Numb – Pink Floyd: From “The Wall” written by Roger Waters, however Dave Gilmour
wrote the music to this track. Released in June 1980
8.
Run to the Hills – Iron Maiden: From the classic album “Number of the Beast” with Bruce Dickinson at
his best. First released in Feb 1982 and again in 1985 and 2002 as live versions.
9.
Here I go Again – Whitesnake: Original version released in November 1982 with Jon Lord of Deep Purple fame on keyboards.
10. Paradise City – Guns N Roses: From “Appetite for Destruction”. Axl rose on vocals and Slash on lead
guitar. Released in November 1988.
I guess, looking at the dates now I have put them in order, sort of gives my age away. 48 years for the
oldest and 28 for the newest!!
Steve
NB. You can listen to any (or all 52 mins!) of the above tracks on Spotify by following this
link: https://open.spotify.com/user/robert_darke/playlist/4Fib8SVKaNOwfVc4MApu3R
This new feature will focus on some of the excellent biker-friendly places to grab a
cup of coffee and a bite to eat. If you know of any more for future newsletters
please tell the editor (or better still, take him there for lunch!)
Post Code for satnav = NP7 9AY
Recommended by your Editor, Bob Davies, the Steel Horse Cafe is located on the B4598 midway between Abergavenny,
Raglan and Usk (see map). The building used to be a restaurant called The Charthouse and before that a pub called The
Herbert Arms. From the sunny terraced area there are great views of the road and of the large level car park. Inside, the place
has plenty of character with a log fire and old motorcycle memorabilia.
Owner Finn McLoughlin has run the cafe since 4th April 2013 so this will be the fourth Summer season for this popular and
friendly biker destination. Opening times can be found on the website (see below) and vary between winter and summer and
during the summer months they also have a monthly bike night where they remain open late into the evening - the dates for this
year's bike nights are being finalised as we go to publication, so watch their website or FaceBook page for announcements.
The food is good biker fare with a variety of All Day Breakfasts, Pies, Burgers and Curry with vegetarian options included. All
food is fresh and cooked to order so be prepared for a wait at busy times - the wait is worth it and the blueberry muffins are to
die for!
The cafe can also be booked for club nights, parties or special events and can offer exclusive use of the venue in the evenings,
along with food, and a licenced bar. Contact Finn on 01873 840 002
Full details can be found at www.steelhorsecafe.co.uk
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On 16th–17th April, its
Swansea Harley Davidso
n’s
3rd Birthday Party, so wh
y
not pop down to the
dealership for some fun
.
See back page of this
newsletter for more detai
ls!
de to Tenby
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Paul Dillo
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Photograp
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celebrate
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birthday
in style!
Congratu
lations Pa
ul!
Here are just a few of the photographs members
have recently posted to our Facebook page
Top Row: On The Road to Tenby/Sian & Rob collecting their CVO
Middle Row: Beside the Sea/Paul Dillon’s Birthday Cake/Surprise!
Bottom Row: The Bikesafe ‘A’ Team/John & Jo on the road again
BLACK MOUNTAINS CHAPTER, WALES (8090) - 2016 CALENDAR
DATE
APRIL
Thur-Fri 07-08
Sun 10
Sat-Sun, 16 - 17
Sat 23
Fri-Sun 22-24
EVENT
ORGANISER
Zip Wire Trip
BMC Ride Out
Swansea HD Birthday Weekend
Live Music
HDRCGB Rally
Nicola Brimble
NL, JSW
Lynette Ballard
Nicola Brimble
Go your own way event
Cider Rally
Twin Chapter Ride-Outs
BMC Ride Out
Steve Link
AV, JSW
Steve Link & Martin Cook
Ireland Bikefest
BMC Ride Out
Hogs in the Hayfields Rally
BMC Normandy Tour
Adrian Vaughan
KF, SL, AV
Go your own way event
Adrian Vaughan
JULY
Sat-Sun 02-03
Thur-Sun7-10
Thur 14
Fri-Sun 22-24
BMC Ride Out & Tintern Show
Wake the Lakes Rally
BMC Ride Out
DRAGON FEVER
KF, SL, AV
Steve Link
AV, MC
Rally Committee
AUGUST
Sat-Sun 06-07
Ride to Plymouth Dealership
John Watson
SEPTEMBER
Sat-Mon 03-05
Fri-Sun 09-11
Thur 15
Fri-Sun 23-25
BMC Ride Out Weekend
Circus Maximus Rally
BMC Ride Out
North Wales Weekend Trip
NL, JSW, AH
Go your own way event
JSW, CD
Sarah & Darran James
Ride to the Wall
BMC Ride Out
Hoggin’ the Bridge
TBC
TBC
John Watson
NOVEMBER
Sun 06
Sat 12
Tue 15
Thur 17
BMC Ride Out
Chapter 3rd Birthday Party
Chapter AGM
BMC Ride Out
AV, NL
Nicola Brimble
Janet Locke
JSW, AV, SL
DECEMBER
Sun 11
Xmas Ride
TBC
MAY
29 Apr - 02 May
Thur-Mon 05 - 09
Thur 19
JUNE
Fri-Mon 03-06
Sun 12
Fri-Sun 17-19
Mon-Sun 20-26
OCTOBER
Sat 01
Sun 02
Sun 16
VENUE
Bethesda, North Wales
TBC
Swansea Harley Davidson
Vale & Edmondes Pubs, Cowbridge
Llandovery RFC
Sand Bay, Weston super Mare, Somerset
Penderyn, Black Mountains, Pembrokeshire
TBC
Killarney, Ireland
TBC
Cleve RFC, Bristol
Normandy, France
Tintern Abbey Fete
Kendal Arts Centre, Cumbria
TBC
Bryn Bettws Lodges, Pontrhydyfen
Meet with Plymouth Chapter and Joint Ride
Ace Café London & Brighton
Llangollen, North Wales
TBC
TBC
TBC
TBC
Chepstow Racecourse
TBC
Village Hotel, Swansea, SA1
TBC
TBC
TBC
of each month at Ffynnon Wen Pub, Thornhill, Cardiff
of each month at Riverside Inn Gorseinon, Swansea
Come along anytime after 18:30pm, announcements will be
made at 20:00pm
Black Mountains Merchandise
Chapter Rockers
and cloth badges
can only be sold
to current Black
Mountains
Chapter, Wales
members.
Please provide
your Chapter
number when
ordering.
DID YOU KNOW THE HOG EAGLE COMES IN SEVERAL DIFFERENT DESIGNS?
H.O.G.®Patches
and Rockers can
only be sold to
current H.O.G.®
members please
provide your
H.O.G.® number
when ordering.
Prices from £15-£22 for Large and £7.00 for small
The New Silver Rocker and
Patch is also now available
priced at £15 each
Any item can be
collected at Club
Nights to save
postage
Caps £15
FULL RANGE OF CHAPTER
SPECIFIC ITEMS:
Tee Shirts
from £15.00
Hoodies
£29.50
Soft Shell Jackets £40.00
Neck Buffs
£ 6.00
Umbrella
£13.00
Small flags
£23.50
Flag mounts
£14.00
Round Club patch £5.00
Assorted Pins in Enamel, Brass,
Pewter available in prices that
range from £6 - £7.50
For a full list of merchandise check our website or liaise with Janet Locke - a range
of items is usually available to be purchased on club nights or can be ordered
Swansea Harley-Davidson
https://customkings.harley-davidson.com/en_GB?theBikeID=111
LEFT TO RIGHT:
Nathan Hartnoll / Workshop Manager
Phil Britton / Technician
Richard Harry / Technician