Newsletter sept 09
Transcription
Newsletter sept 09
Yet another Red Rose run-out success! Check the diary for the next run-out... Aug/Sep 2009 Vol. 2 No. 5 In this Issue: !" !" !" !" !" WAKE THE LAKES AVIEMORE STURGIS FLAGS ON TOUR HOT DOG! And loads more! DON’T FORGET! AGM on 28th OCTOBER! BE THERE! RED ROSE CHAPTER OFFICERS Director Gordon Dick Webmaster Kieron Lunn [email protected] [email protected] Assistant Director Keith Wolstenholme Safety Officer Dave Evans [email protected] [email protected] Secretary and Historian Jeremy Addy [email protected] Communication Officers Rachel Lilley (Left: Membership Officer Amy Uphill presently on Maternity Leave. ) Treasurer Mike Peters [email protected] Photographer and Membership Eric Tomlinson [email protected] [email protected] Dealer representative Greg Lockhart [email protected] Photographer Chris Sinkinson [email protected] Editor Martin Wyatt [email protected] OFFICIAL STUFF Head Road Captain Ian Fitzpatrick [email protected] Red Rose Chapter Harley Owners Group is sponsored by Preston Harley Davidson, . West Strand Park, Strand Road, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 8UY Tel 01772 551800. www.harleydavidson-preston.com Activities Officer Kirsty Wolstenholme [email protected] Ladies of Harley Representative Maria Lunn [email protected] The views expressed in this newsletter are those of its contributors and not necessarily those of the Editors, Red Rose Chapter, HOG, Preston Harley-Davidson or HarleyDavidson Ltd. None of the contents may be reproduced without the written permission of the author. Check out the Red Rose chapter website at redrosechapter.com Please send news items for the magazine to [email protected] Hello! At last Barbara and I achieved another personal ambition, and one that I know is on many bikers’ list, and that is to get to the Sturgis Rally in the Black Hills area of the US. It is not difficult to get to that area for the event, and if you don’t mind camping, it can be done pretty economically. However, to do it right, I always felt, you had to ride there. This year we got the opportunity to ride with Rainy City HDC from Las Vegas to the event and back, so we dug deep into our pockets and went for it. The big question, of course, was - did it live up to expectations? - yes, it did, and we will certainly be back some time in the future, maybe on our own bikes instead of rental ones. Sturgis is a huge event, with so much to see, and so many roads to ride that there simply wasn’t enough time in one visit to do all we would have liked to do: we didn’t get to any of the music concerts or visit the Buffalo Chip campground, we missed the racing, we didn’t get to ride the Needles Highway amongst other things. Not that we were lazing around, we got to do a lot of stuff, and put a lot of miles under the wheels of our rented Heritage Softail, and we loved what we did, with no regrets, but one week wasn't enough to do it all! Best of all, as Barbara and I would rather ride than party, the riding was unbelievably fantastic. The range of scenery we crossed, the things we saw, the places we stayed en route, it couldn’t have been better (apart maybe from the extreme heat we saw in Nevada!). If you have never ridden a Harley in the USA, it is something you simply must do, even if just for a day, even a dealer test-ride. Riding the dream is an old cliché, but it occurred to me that as we rode up the Strip in Las Vegas at night after leaving the Harley-Davidson Café alongside the guys from Rainy City, that was exactly what we were doing. Same with riding across the Nevada deserts, the high plains of Montana, the canyons of Utah and the Rocky Mountain passes of Colorado. Sooooo, when can we go back? I hope to bring you some tales from our trip in future magazines, but will start this issue with some photos from Sturgis itself. Hope you enjoy, and that you get to do the same some day... Nitro New Members Loads of new members this issue! Welcome to you all: Adrian Newman Danny Garvey Dave Speak Lisa Delves Susan Clamp Steven Clamp John Alderson Tony Boulger Mark Edwards We hope to see you at our social events. Please make yourselves known at one of our meetings then we can say hello! Don’t forget! For a complete and up to date list of all that we do and who we are check out the website: redrosechapter.com It’s that time of year again to start getting ready for next season! Come and join in with the Chapter Review 2008, plan for 2009 and suggest events or rides to include in the calendar. Remember we are acting on your behalf but you have to help us help you! If you have any large issues to raise please inform us prior to the meeting by email (Red Rose Chapter). This year our AGM will be held at the White Bull, Longridge on Wednesday 28th October at 7.30pm. Agenda (so far…) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Welcome & History Officers & Appointments Dealership Report Financial Ride-outs, Safety & Events Wake the Lakes Media (Website & Newsletter) Dates to Remember Any Other Business If there is anything anyone would like to be discussed please let me know. Following each section we’ll hold a short questions and answers session. The AGM will be held in the most relaxed manner we can manage. Please come armed with questions & comments and don’t forget your membership cards! See you all there! Gordon Red Rose Chapter Director Hey! We want you! Currently we are recruiting for the following three positions: Secretary, Treasurer and Activities Officer. Anyone interested in taking on one of these important roles please let me know! I’d like to have all filled before the AGM. Thanks Gordon Red Rose Chapter Director Treasurer Responsibilities: !" Assists the Sponsoring Dealer and Chapter Director in upholding the "Annual Charter for H.O.G. Chapters" !" Collects chapter dues (no more than 50 Euros per year) !" Manages all chapter funds !" Oversees the preparation of chapter tax returns, where applicable !" Reports financial transactions to members monthly !" Submits the annual financial statement to H.O.G. (by January 31) !" Submits Chapter Reimbursement Application (by January 31) !" Ensures that any charitable contributions are managed according to H.O.G. guidelines !" Maintains a running comparison of current year chapter finances with prior year chapter finances for presentation at Annual Meeting Secretary Responsibilities: !" Assists the Sponsoring Dealer and Chapter Director in upholding the "Annual Charter for H.O.G. Chapters" !" Oversees the administrative needs of the chapter !" Keeps minutes of all chapter meetings, including "Annual Chapter Business Meeting" !" Ensures that all insurance requirements are met !" Oversees Membership Officer position to: !" Ensures that chapter members have current H.O.G. memberships !" Enroll new chapter members !" Administers annual chapter member renewal process !" Ensures that the most recent officer and chapter address information is on file with H.O.G. !" !" !" !" Maintains annual Chapter Membership Enrollment Form and Release on file for each member Submits the following forms/reports to H.O.G.: !" H.O.G. Chapter Charter Application (once a year, by January 31) !" Other reports and forms as requested Obtains, files and maintains records of all insurance forms, including release and injury report forms Administers the annual chapter business meeting Activities Officer Responsibilities: !" Assists the Sponsoring Dealer and Chapter Director in upholding the "Annual Charter for H.O.G. Chapters" !" Oversees the administration of chapter events !" Recruits and instructs volunteers for chapter activities (Suggestion: Survey chapter members on the types of activities that interest them, and ask if they are willing to volunteer. If and when those activities are held, notify the members who showed a special interest) !" Ensures that all insurance concerns and requirements are met for chapter events !" Oversees the collection of appropriate release forms for chapter events !" Assists the Director and Secretary with the implementation of the risk management program, including procurement of insurance and release forms where applicable Fancy doing one of these jobs? Let Gordon know ASAP. Don’t worry, the committee is there to help you! Gordon’s Bit! It looks to be an exciting time for Red Rose Chapter! The start of new beginnings. I’d like to start by thanking a few people, Jeremy, Mike & Kirsty have all been instrumental in setting up the chapter and taking us to where we are. They all now feel it is time to stand to one side and let some fresh faces and ideas follow on. I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say “thanks for all the help and the chapter wouldn’t be here without you!” That allows for the new beginnings, we are now looking for the following volunteers, Secretary, Treasurer & Activities Officer. Anyone who feels they could help please let me know. Wow! The first ever Wake the Lakes went well, what a success! Thanks to everyone who helped, and made it what it was! Next year looks set to be bigger and better and it has paved the way for a cracking postChristmas party (more to follow)! We managed to go further than I ever expected in year one, just a few facts: !" !" !" !" !" 2 days of fun 2 bands on the Saturday (thanks lads!) Over 150 people! Over £2.5k raised (and spent!) A catalogue of things to use and enjoy! Wake the Lakes will be back in 2010 and with everyone’s help and support will grow to be bigger and better! The riding season seems to be coming to an end, I’ve dusted off the winter gloves and the corrosion protector, and I’m ready to keep going! Last year some of the best (& coldest!) rides were during the winter. I hope to see you all on the road to enjoy the rest of 2009!!!!!!! Ride Safe & Have Fun! Gordon LAST BLAST CRUSHED You may be a fan of the Buell Blast. You may actively despise the Buell Blast. Or you may not even be aware such a model exists. (it has a single-cylinder version of the Sportster-based Buell engine and was sold only in the US, though Riders Edge in Wales have some - Nitro). No matter: The bike is no more, crushed into a 28-inch by 28-inch cube by Erik Buell himself. There are now just eight Buell models in the lineup for 2010, with the XB9SX the lowestpriced, and aside from minor cosmetic and mechanical upgrades (including LED taillights and new rear turn signals), there are no major changes or new bikes. But why remove the Blast, a reliable, affordable and easy-to-ride bike that has a small following and has trained hundreds of thousands of riders? "It's just a solid, fundamental beginner's bike," says Erik Buell about the crushing of the Blast. "Not innovative, not breakthrough, not a sportbike, just a nice, simple motorcycle. It actually pulled people away from what Buell does… it's not what Buell does. It doesn't fit with the brand." Referring to Buell's unique approach-what Erik calls 'ruthless engineering', he went on to note that the Blast "wasn't an example of ruthless engineering….and we can be ruthless about (removing it from the lineup) too. We have the technology," he says, patting the squished cube of plastic and steel he's sitting on. The Blast will still be manufactured, but only for use in the Rider's Edge training program, where it does yeoman's service. Would that motor appear in a future H-D model, to provide an affordable entry-level bike for the youth market, which H-D is eager to sink its corporate teeth into? "Harley-Davidsons are VTwins," was the flat and simple response; in other words, no. Buell Motorcycles has not yet announced whether there will be a replacement. Blast fans can purchase a crushed Blast in three colours (Battle Blue, Sunfire Yellow or Midnight Black), numbered and signed by Erik. (from Motorcycledaily.com) THE TERMINATOR Has a bad day... NEWS BRIEFS Send contributions to our news page at [email protected]… 2010 European HOG Rally The news is that the next big European HOG Rally, which was in Latvia this year, will be in Switzerland - land of fine watches, army knives, secretive banks and all the best mountains in Europe. And they didn’t invent the cuckoo clock, that was the Bavarians… The rally, HOG’s 19th European rally, will be held at Lugano and will be part of the existing Swiss Harley Days event On 16th - 18th July. More news when available, but it sounds like a good trip. Future of York Factory in Doubt With the recession hitting Harley’s profits hard, the future of the York manufacturing plant in Pennsylvania is in doubt. "We determined earlier this year that the York facility at present is not competitive or sustainable going forward," Harley rep Pat Sweeney said in September. "[One option is to] look at things from an operational, cultural, and work rule perspective... what do we need to do to change things here." Sweeney explained that the other option, if the factory isn't found viable for the long haul, involves moving production to Kentucky, Tennessee, or Indiana-- creating huge stakes for more than 2,000 employees whose jobs are hanging in balance. While one report indicates that union discussions have been moved up to October, Harley has not officially indicated whether or not those talks will have any bearing on the plant's fate. Michelin Man Tire manufacturers based in France have been feeling the economic crunch, with manufacturing plants closing and the resulting job losses as result of the world economy. This month it is better news for Michelin at least thanks to a tie-up with Harley Davidson. The two companies have joined forces to develop a new tire specifically for Harley motorcycles. Called the Michelin Scorcher “31” tire, it carries both companies’ trademarks on its sidewalls and the signature Harley-Davidson logo is moulded into the shoulder of the tire. Michelin claim the new Scorcher “31” delivers superior performance in three key areas - grip, durability and handling. The first is achieved by a deep-cut tread design that improves grip and helps disperse water on wet roads and is helped by the tire’s new synthetic polymer rubber compound. Aramid belts under the rear tread help to stabilize the contact patch, while the carcass plies are made from polyester to allow flex and help give a more comfortable ride. The new tire will apparently be original equipment on four of the 2010 Dyna models. Harley to Expand into India Harley-Davidson, Inc. announced it is to formally enter the motorcycle market in India, where it expects to start selling motorcycles in 2010. The company has established a subsidiary to be located in Gurgaon, near Delhi, and has begun the process of seeking dealers. “India is important to our long-term vision of being a truly global company,” said Harley-Davidson Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer Keith Wandell. “We are committed to India for the long term, and we are focused right now on establishing a strong foundation.” India is the second-largest motorcycle market in the world, with sales dominated by small, inexpensive bikes used as basic transportation. However, India’s rapidly growing economy, rising middle class and significant investment in construction of new highways have opened the door to leisure motorcycle riding. “Given the rapid development of India’s economy and physical infrastructure, this is exactly the right time to bring the world’s greatest motorcycles to one of the world’s largest motorcycling nations,” said H-D CEO Matthew Levatich. The company will focus its initial steps in India on growing the Harley-Davidson brand through a variety of consumer experiences and on establishing a local dealer network. The Harley-Davidson subsidiary in India will be led by Managing Director Anoop Prakash, who said the company has begun the process of identifying initial dealers in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Punjab State. Harley’s Diner American Day 5th September 2009 A day of delight and fun was promised to all - American food, music, DJ, Harley Davidson taxi, karaoke, American truck and the hot-dog eating contest that this article is all about. As you can see from the picture my stepson James was the winner . James was however, a reluctant entrant, being persuaded with a ride on the back of my Harley and a thick ear (only joking ha ha), he decided not to eat anything from 10pm the previous night, that also included missing breakfast on Saturday morning as we sat stuffing our faces. The contest was to take place at 11am to which there were five entrants in total, the contest was simple - just eat as many hot-dogs as you can in three minutes - these however are the large 12 inch American dogs - no ketchup - just a bun and a sausage. The contest started a little after 11 as the Evening Post and Pulse Radio covered the event interviewing Gus and the competitors. With hot-dogs at the ready, a timer in the hands of referee Swampy; 3. - 2. - 1 went the count and suddenly it looked like five hamsters having a feast, cheeks bulging. With water bottles at the ready, down went the first dogs in about two minutes and then came the second and some were struggling just to swallow. James was trying not to laugh and spit it all out and with the spectators cheering them on and photos being taken the three minutes soon passed and it was all over. Swampy then had the hard task of deciding the winner and it all came down to one bite, it must be the first time women have cheered for the guy with the smallest sausage in the diner and that was JAMES! 10 minutes later he celebrated with another hotdog laced in ketchup Stephen Clamp In clothing as the season changes so does the riding gear, we have FXRG as well as the amazing new range of Autumn rider wear. Don't forget Christmas is just around the corner -we are starting to stock up on Cards and Gifts etc... Greg Lockhart Preston Harley-Davidson 2010 Models Available Now! We have all of the 2010 models in stock now with the exception of the VRSCF Muscle and FLHX Streetglide which will be with us later in the year. We have a special offer of £500 of clothing or accessories with any 2009 MY Harley-Davidson, - see website for details. We have our winter campaign starting shortly with special offer servicing, stage 2 and 3 engine upgrades, a special offer on 883 IRON to 1200cc conversions and aftersales will be focussing its attention towards winter riding, cleaning and care products etc Our NEW Preston Harley-Davidson Dealer T-Shirt back print should be delivered any day now! Our own design! 01772 551814 PHD Poem With fabulous bikes and clothing in store c'mon and find what you've been looking for. With the red rose chapter and a restaurant too, c'mon and browse have a chat, have a brew. At Preston Harley-Davidson we're more than just a store, bikes, clothing and coffee and food they all await you, thru' our door Lisa Delves The first thing Ken Jones the rally coordinator was asked as the Westmorland Gazette rang re the rally on the 22nd August was “did you?” “what?” replied Ken “Wake the lakes?”- Damn Right We Did!!! If you were in the Bar in the early evening when ‘Massive Wagons’ (a reference to the size of a ladies, er, chesticles!) played their set, then you would know what I mean! (another band with volume controls that go up to 11!). Wake the Lakes was RRC’s 1st Rally and what a great rally it was. Friday saw the “crew” setting up the marquees, registration tent and Jacuzzi in fairly showery conditions before retiring to the bar for a drink and Chinese. Saturday morning was glorious, so it was on with the orange Tee shirts and manning the gate and organising everything else. The day was great with minimoto racing, Swampy’s spectacular crash (didn’t break your wrist then did you!), a Custom Bike Show, and a rugby match to keep every one entertained. Phil at the PHD tent and Joan did a roaring trade in merchandise and bits and a great time was had by all drinking beer and eating hotdogs and burgers whilst relaxing in the sun. The evening kicked off with Massive Wagons and then the Pleasers at 9.30pm. the place was rocking. The bar was packed with a number of RRC members and the Mild Hogs spilling over into the other bar. It must have been the beer but a challenge in who could drink 2 Budweiser’s at once then a game of keepy uppy with a couple of silver balloons had everybody was rolling about laughing. Gordon then presented the prizes for the day with Peter and Kay Forwood from Australia, winning the furthest travelled (but with 350,000 miles on their Electraglide they were a bit difficult to beat), and raffle prizes (what happened to MY Tee shirt with the wolf on Gordon?). A £20 bet of 1st in the Jacuzzi had people jumping in for the fun of it, then Andy and Gordon were persuaded to join them fully clothed. The day finished (for me) at 1am with a stagger back to the B&B (my tent ended up in the bin at Tan Hill, but that’s another story). Sunday arrived way too soon with torrential rain and most of the campsite packed up and people heading for home. The excellent ride that Ian had planned was cancelled as the mist was covering the hills, so you wouldn’t be able to see anything anyway. If you didn’t come then you missed a cracking party. Everyone I met at Aviemore was saying how good it was and that they couldn’t wait until next year. I can only suggest that you get your tickets early as space is limited and I will guarantee we will sell out quickly. See you there! Keith Aviemore 2009. We’d booked the tickets months ago and had heard the tales – about what a great weekend it was. All of a sudden it was here and we were packed up ready to go. To ride or not to ride was the question for me and in the end the car won (but don’t tell anyone the Sportster is in the garage). A group of us assembled to travel up together but, not being in bike mode, I forgot my boots so had to make a detour back home. We eventually met with the others at Carlisle Services, where the weather was already an indication of the weekend. Drizzly, cold and windy. Arrived in Perth late afternoon where we were to break the journey (having survived near heart failure going over the Forth Road Bridge) and booked in our rooms. Straight over to the pub which was well within staggering distance – again an indication of things to come! We started off in fine fettle in the main body of the pub with a drink and a menu. One of the staff members was really helpful and asked if we’d like our own section so we could all sit together? He’d clearly remembered the 2008 RRC experience and quickly ushered us up near the front of the pub away from other diners! Good job really. We were served our food (which was rather delicious) and the drinks got flowing for some of us. Wooden spoons usually reserved to indicate which table you were on, were put to new use as rackets to gain match points with pot pourri. The night wore on and soon it was time to stagger to bed. This assumes that your key card is faced upright in the correct position to open the door! (you know who you are). Friday morning was grey and cold, and following exchanges over breakfast, of whose bruise resembled the size of a small country, we eventually we packed up and set off. Stopped along the way for a warming hot chocolate (car heater wasn’t that warm you know) in a wonderful spot near Dalwhinnie (watching the rain). Aviemore got closer and soon we were in the centre, turning into the road leading up to the McDonalds hotels. We got kitted up with wrist/bike tags, goodie bags and a major sense of excitement as hundreds of Harleys slowly arrived. Having dumped the bags in the room, admired the view from the 6th floor, we wandered down to The Cairngorm Hotel where entertainment was in full swing. It was a great place to relax and watch the world go by, listening to all those open pipes. Aah, Aviemore – the herd of farting hippos had arrived! Saturday was Ride-out day to Grantown-on-Spey and following the RRC Group Photo at 11am (OUTSIDE the Osprey Centre I think you’ll find, GD), there was little time to do anything else but get kitted up, get the bike and wait in line. The weather by this time was amazing and everyone looked happy as they chatted to the riders in front or behind them before 12pm kickoff. The little owl on the back of someone’s bike caught my attention as it was slightly charred - was this the result of a first night camping incident gone horribly wrong I wondered? I should say at this point that it wasn’t a real owl, just a stuffed toy. Apparently, the owner told me, he had been attached to their bike last year (the owl not the owner) with a wee note to say, “Bring me back next year and pass me on”. So, that’s exactly what they’d planned to do. If he ends on your bike in future years, now you know. Top Tip: If you’re going to ask yourself, “have I got time to go to the loo”, ensure that a) you know where they are and b) don’t go just as the bikes are starting up – it induces panic and means your belt won’t unfasten. The excitement increased as we all sat, ready to go. Eventually it was our turn to leave the site and off we set in the sunshine. The Highland Drummers bid us farewell and it was no exaggeration to say that everyone who lived in Aviemore or who was on holiday there, stood on the streets to wave us off. It was an amazing experience and I had to wipe away a tear or two. We headed off and still came across people in cars; people stood at the side of the road; at their homes; on the golf course and in the fields waving to all of us as we thundered past. Arriving in Grantown-on-Spey, the reception was equally welcoming and the whole town was out on the streets. We carried on, out to the most amazing scenery which was truly breath taking. Through Glens and past the Loch. An hour and half later, we ended up back at Grantown-on-Spey and parked where we were directed. We ended up in the fire station, who had their own open day in full flow (despite the rain). Cups of tea and home-made cake was offered for just £1.50 and accepted with sincere thanks. A look around the town at everyone’s bikes was the order for the afternoon. Late afternoon and a dark cloud approaching, everyone seemed to be making a move so it was back to the bikes. Ours were the last two standing and everyone had disappeared from the open day, brollies in hand. It was raining again but it didn’t matter. The day had been a real heart warming experience. Saturday night saw us listening to some Blues in one of the smaller venues, and then wandering outside for the fireworks display, with drinking into the early hours. Sunday was a lazy day (for some) and spent recovering from hangovers and partying from the night before. I was told that the Mild Hogs declined sausage for breakfast. Maybe because it wasn’t covered in Bud? The afternoon was an opportunity to wander round the stalls and pick up some bargains or more to the point, hope that the pair of boots or bike part you’d seen on Friday was still there. Being the last night, those who managed to get a seat in the Osprey centre were treated to a Night of Route 66 related music. For the rest of us who turned up a bit too late, we wandered back to The Cairngorm for a final few drinks before ending a fabulous weekend. I can’t wait to go back next year - did I mention I was going? Kirsty Photos by Nitro. WriteWrite-up coming soon! Clockwise from above: 1: Nobody loves you when you’re a rat fink. 2: Cool Jim Nasi bike. 3: Ladies wot ride. 4: Supercharged, nitrous injected 6.2 litre bike aptly named “Organ Donor” 7: Accessorised De Luxe on the Harley-Davidson stand. 8: Main Street Scene. Clockwise, from right: 1: Me and my mate Jesse Rooke. 2: Helmets for sale are probably not legal in the UK. 3: Main Street, Sturgis. 4: Oooh a camera, quick, suck it in...5: Wide is good (unless you have to ride pillion). 6: Awesome paint job. Centre: Copper bike must be a bugger to clean Christine and Dave Tasker took the Chapter Flag to the 18th European HOG Rally in Jurmala, Lavia. Here are two taken on the way, first in Berlin outside the dealership- “Classic Bike”, the second in Warsaw outside Liberator Harley-Davidson. If you are travelling somewhere exotic and want to take the Red Rose Flag for some photos, Contact Gordon or Greg. Don’t forget to write the trip up and send it to the magazine! Send YOUR road story to the Newsletter c/o [email protected] RED ROSE FLAG ON TOUR (II) In august Martin and Barbara Wyatt took the Red Rose banner with them when they rode from Las Vegas to Sturgis. Here are their photographs. Clockwise from right: 1: Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah, 2: Devils Tower in Wyoming, 3: Monument Valley in Utah, 4: Deadwood, South Dakota, and 4: on Route 66 outside of Kingman, Arizona after the ride. If you want to attend the Cider Rally in 2010 YOU MUST GET THE APPLICATION FORM OFF NOW! This Bridgewater HOG event is always oversubscribed - and with due reason: it is one of the best events of it’s kind, held in a beautiful part of the country. Don’t miss out! Our fantastic Christmas Party will be in January 2010! Watch this space for details… Can’t get to the bar fast enough? Buy a V8 Bar Stool or: CHECK THE RED ROSE WEBSITE FOR THE LATEST NEWS ON WHAT’S HAPPENING!