HOUSESITTER`S LETTER

That seemed really strange to type,
and even stranger to think about. It’s been
six years officially, and another six months
before that – in other words, it’s been a
while for me as Chapter Director and it will
feel a bit funny to not be!
I’d like to take a little time (and
column inches!) to talk about what my years
have meant to me. My years with the HOG
group have been among the best in my life
for many reasons, but two main things stand
out – the friends I’ve met, and the places
and adventures we’ve had together.
Through HOG, I’ve met hundreds of people
over the years, and count many of you as
close friends. HOG, and our chapter brings
together many folks of diverse backgrounds,
but with an interest in common – the love of
our Harley-Davidson motorcycles and the
adventures we have together.
So what are my favorite adventures
and memories? Glad you asked! I’ll list a
few – see how your list compares with
mine…
Sturgis for me has to be number one.
Not so much the city of Sturgis – that’s just a
typical large bike rally, and if you have done
Main Street in Daytona a bunch of times,
Main Street Sturgis isn’t all that different.
No, it was riding through an amazing
part of the country, and the sites and
destinations we saw. Mt. Rushmore, Crazy
Horse Memorial, Needles Highway, the
Badlands, Custer State Park, Leeds, Devils
Tower, a dinosaur archeological dig, a cave –
these were all places we rode and visited.
I will never forget coming through the
last tunnel on Needles Highway and seeing
the four presidents carved into the
mountain.
Seeing the Devil’s Tower, Wyoming in
the distance and having it grow in size as
you get closer, only to realize how big it
really is. Riding the Badlands, and feeling
like your motorcycle got transported to an
alien planet. All of these and more!
You don’t need to visit Sturgis
during the rally – actually, if you went “off
rally” you’d save a bunch of money and the
destination spots are a lot less crowded.
Either way, if you ride you owe it to yourself
to get out there at least once in your life.
Next for me was the Harley 105th
Anniversary in Milwaukee. The “Ride Home”
was an amazing adventure, and one I plan to
repeat for the 110th in August of 2013.
When we went in 2008, we didn’t have the
world’s best luck – a large tropical storm
system followed us for nearly three days.
You ever ride in the rain – for three days
straight? That part sucked, but it was still
one of the best times of my life. The Harley
museum (amazing, and a must-see), the
parade through Milwaukee with thousands
lining the road and cheering, the Miller tour,
the Springsteen concert, factory tour –
there was a lot to do, and doing it with a
half million of your new best friends made it
even better.
I was constantly amazed by the love and
welcome we were shown by the people of
Milwaukee. They would wave, cheer, stop
their cars to let us pass (even when they had
the right of way – you know, just like in
Miami!  ) – it was a wonderful time.
Third for me are the State Rallies.
They have the small intimate feel of a
chapter event, but for a few thousand
people. Over the years, I‘ve spent time in
Ft. Myers, Howey-in-the-Hills, Cocoa, St.
Augustine, and Destin.
Each one has been enjoyable and different.
Depending on the location, you experience
different rides and our other priority –
places to eat! The best part is the multichapter feel, where you run into old friends,
and may make some new ones. The closing
ceremonies and concert are always a good
ending – I’ve seen some great bands, and
even remember some of them! 
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Fourth, I’ll mention something we’ve
done that has really nothing to do with our
motorcycles – cruises. We’ve done three
now, with a fourth scheduled for February.
They have really been fun – a cruise is
always fun, but doing it with 30 friends
takes it to a whole new level. It’s sorta like
going on a lunch run lasting an entire week!
The Bahamas cruises have been great, and
are obviously easy enough for us to do, living
a few miles away from the Port of Miami.
spend a little time with “family”.
Some
folks may come nearly every week, and
some just once in a while, but it doesn’t
matter – we’re all family.
For my final thought, I’d just like to
thank all the officers who make the fun
possible – past, present, and future.
Remember that a HOG officer is someone
who donates a little (or a lot) of their time
to make sure that everyone has fun.
There’s no pay, and few “thanks” – it’s just
the pleasure of seeing that everyone had a
good time at an event that makes it all
worthwhile ….
Ride safe, and see you around! Mike Z
Speaking of the State Rally at Howie-in-the-Hills
We have another plaque to hang on the wall
The Alaska adventure was truly amazing,
and will be a “trip of a lifetime” for all who
made it.
Last, I’ll include the usual stuff.
What do I mean by “usual stuff”? Simply the
Wednesday night socials, a breakfast run, a
lunch run, a dinner meet-up.
It’s the
camaraderie, and the idea that there’s
always something to do. We’ve made an
effort to have some event every weekend,
or at least 4 out of 5 on the “5 weekend
months”. These little events are the heart
of our HOG group, and act like the dinner
table of a family – a chance for everyone to
check up on their friends, find out the latest
rumors and hear what’s going on, and just
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36 DAYS, 8,000 MILES AND 19 STATES
Steve and Marie Flood’s Summer Adventure
Steve and I took off on July 29, for a summer
adventure. As it was hot and boring the first day
as we took to the highways and drove 600 miles
to Tallahassee. Our next stop was Tuscaloosa,
AL. We had planned on touring the Mercedes
factory in Vance, but it was closed for retooling.
We left the next morning wearing our rain suits
and headed for Tupelo, MS, Elvis’s birthplace.
Having made the stop and visited his birthplace
we then started our history lesson in Southern
battlegrounds of the Civil War.
Did you know that Andrew Jackson paid $75,000
in 1813 to have his troops rafted across the
Mississippi?
How about Merriwether Lewis of the Lewis and
Clark Expedition who died in a grinder house and
is buried there right along the parkway? Very
interesting and well worth the slow ride from
Tupelo (actually starts further south in Natchez,
MS) to Nashville.
General Sturgis
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a beautiful ride
with no commercial vehicles allowed and lots of
historical sites to pull off and see and read
about. There is also an abundance of wildlife,
so be careful. At the visitors center we talked
to a very informative and talkative park ranger.
He had noticed we were traveling by motorcycle
and asked if we were headed to Sturgis. We said
yes and he told us this little bit of history about
the name of Sturgis. Samuel B Sturgis was a
union general who lost his second battle at
Brice’s Crossroads in 1864. Since this was the
second battle he lost they sent him to South
Dakota (in the middle of nowhere) to train the
Calvary. The town became known as Sturgis.
There is a statue of General Sturgis at the
entrance to the town.
We all know Nashville is the home of the Grand
Ole Opry, the longest running live radio show in
the country. We went to a show and saw Crystal
Gayle and others. While I am not a country
music fan it was fun and definitely a place you
just have to see.
Onward to the fun part of the ride! We headed
towards the Lake of the Ozarks. The roads in
this part of Missouri are very winding; Steve,
likened them to a roller coaster in a sideways
turn. Beautiful, but not south Florida. On the
lake they had just as many (or more) go-fast
boats. We followed the Mississippi River on and
off as we headed for South Dakota.
South Dakota is miles and miles of nothing until
you get to the western corner of the state where
we visited Badlands National Park, Custer State
Park, Needles Highway, Mount Rushmore and the
Black Hills. And of course, the big rally, Sturgis.
Our son met us in Sturgis and we had a grand
time.
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Riding within touching distance to jackasses and
bison in the road is an experience all on its own.
We stopped in Fargo, ND to have our motorcycle
serviced. We needed a 10,000 mile service as
we had already ridden 4,000 miles on this trip.
We did the museum and steel boot tours at
Harley and of course the Miller Brewing
Company. There is a display case with patches
from different HOG groups from around the
country, we need to get our added.
It was an interesting morning. The owner, Del
Hoser, has owned this same Harley dealer for
over 50 years. He his friends with Phil Peterson
and has a man cave to die for. He has over 50
Harleys, including a 1947 that he rode to Sturgis
when he was 17 years-old. If you’re ever in
Fargo, SD stop in and say hello. You just might
get the private warehouse tour like we did.
We told Mike about the case and hopefully next
Labor Day for the 110th celebration we’ll add
ours.
Wrigley Field was our next stop. Unfortunately,
there happened to be an afternoon ball game
that day. We didn’t look at the Cubs schedule
and Steve was a bit miffed because of the heavy
downtown traffic. We hopped on Lakeshore
Drive and left Chicago. South Bend, IN was our
next destination, but along the way we ended up
in Portage, IN just in time for their State HOG
Rally with a bike and car night at a local dealer.
The day turned into a lot of fun seeing more
antique cars and hot rods then I’ve seen
anywhere at any one time except maybe for the
Thanksgiving show in Daytona.
Our next destinations were the University of
Notre Dame, The College Football Hall of Fame
and the Rouge Ford truck plant in Dearborn, MI.
We then went on to West Virginia to see my
brother who I haven’t seen in 15 years together
with my niece and nephew.
Paul Bunyan and Big Blue were on my list to go
visit next, and then it was on to International
Falls, MN. We toured the Boise Paper Plant
there and it was extremely interesting, one of
the better tours we took. We had a meal of
fresh walleye and left in 41 degrees and a misty
rain. We wore every piece of warm clothing we
had and then rain suits on top. How can they
ride in that stuff; too cold for me?
Wisconsin here we come! Steve is a plumbing
contractor and we stopped for the factory tour
in Kohler. How interesting and innovative they
are. We were given a tour and it was absolutely
wonderful. Then it was on to Milwaukee where
we stayed at The Iron Horse Hotel and did the
Harley tours.
We next made our way home to Florida via
Tallahassee for FSU’s home opener, and a stop
in West Palm Beach to check on mom. Finally
home in our own bed on September 3rd. It was a
great trip with lots of fun, and we are already
planning next year’s. Anyone game?
We will be riding to the 110th with others from
the Southernmost HOG group, and then we plan
on doing Route 66 from Chicago, to Los Angeles.
Any takers let me know. [email protected].
Thanks to Steve and Marie – Let’s all keep
those great ride stories coming in; after all,
that’s what we’re all about.
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We Ended the Year with 308 Members
application mail or bring it into Peterson’s
office with the coupon. The application is on
our website or at the front of the Peterson South
store.
Very important, you must be a member of the
National H.O.G to be a member of the local
Chapter – that’s a Harley-Davidson requirement.
Our local chapter is sponsored by Peterson South
store.
The website is, www.southernmosthog.com
One question we often get is “But we are
already members – we have a HOG membership
card!” – Let me explain There are two different types of “HOG” and the
memberships that go with them.
The first is the National H.O.G, which is run by
Harley-Davidson Corporation. With National
H.O.G, you get roadside assistance, “HOG Tales”
magazine, a road atlas each year, mileage
program, Best Western ride rewards, pins and
patches each year, pins at major rallies if you go
(like Daytona), fly and ride, and other benefits.
If more information is needed go to National
H.O.G website, harley-davison.com. The
membership costs $45 per year, and the first
year is usually paid for by your dealer when you
buy a Harley from them.
The second is the local H.O.G sponsored by
authorized Harley-Davison dealership. This is
basically a social club, run by local biker
volunteers, we create the web site, publish a
newsletter, come up with ride ideas, social
activities, and run the group rides to create fun,
safe, things to do … There is dues for us too –
it’s $24 a year. This pays for safety equipment,
parties, raffle prize giveaways, parties and other
costs of running the chapter. If you bought a
bike from Peterson’s, there should be a
“coupon” in your packet of paperwork that
came with the bike that’s good for one year of
the local group. You still have to fill out an
You will see lots of photos of our rides on the
“photos” page, read some funny stories on the
“ride stories” page, check out the “Bulletin
Board” feature, check the calendar on the
“events” page, etc … We’re also on Facebook –
the link is on the chapter website, or just look
for “Southernmost HOG” on Facebook.
Hope this will clear some of the questions and
remember if you want to make new friends, find
people to ride with, participate in chapter
activities, “Ride to Eat, Eat to Ride” another of
our slogan, and have a lot of fun come on and
join our local Chapter, SOUTHERNMOST H.O.G
CHAPTER #717
HOG® members can take comfort in knowing if
something unexpected happens on the road,
you'll never be left stranded. The HOG®
Roadside Assistance Program Standard Package
is included with all full and full life
memberships. The Standard Package may be
used by current full and full life members once
per year, maximum $100 coverage. Road
America is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a
year. If you break down call Road America toll
free to arrange for a tow to the nearest HarleyDavidson dealership. Members also receive
reduced rates on the Deluxe and Ultra Roadside
Assistance Packages – which provide additional
coverage. Refer to your HOG Benefits Guide for
more information or visit members.hog.com.
Thanks to our Leadership, Event Planning and
the Great Folks that Make Up SMHOG
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No jumping in the chocolate fountain! 
Kick-Start your year the right way !
One of the highlights of the year is our “KickStart” formal party, and each year we try to top
the previous year’s party. I really think we have
succeeded this year, and will have the best
party we (and any HOG chapter!) has ever had!
So what makes this year’s so special? On
Saturday, January 19th we will have our party at
the Miccosukee Resort’s Grand Ballroom.
Don’t forget the DJ for music and dancing, and
of course some fabulous raffle prizes. It’s an
evening not to be missed. Did I say evening ?
How about weekend? Why not stay at
Miccosukee Saturday night for $119, including
two buffet breakfasts on Sunday, with a late
checkout at noon? Just use group code SHO113
and you are ready for your stay.
Wear your best “non-biker” duds for a change,
come on out and join us for the best party ever!
Mike Z
When you arrive at 7:00 PM, the bar in the foyer
will be open and appetizers will be served, so
come hungry and come thirsty!
Appetizers will include bacon-wrapped scallops,
chicken spring rolls, coconut-crusted shrimp,
mini brie cheeses, and more. Once we move in
to the ballroom, you will be served an amazing
dinner – lobster bisque appetizer, garden salad,
and a choice of London Broil, Chicken Marsala,
or Pasta Primavera for those discriminating
diners who “prefer to eat lower on the food
chain”.
Saved some room for dessert? You’ll be glad you
did! There will be mini desserts (such as moose,
tiramisu, cheesecakes, etc.) and a chocolate
fountain with all your favorite “dippables”!
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Dancing Around the Chestnut Tree…
For centuries, many German villages in
Unterfranken (Lower Franconia, a district in
the State of Bavaria) have commemorated
the consecration of a church or the blessing
of the harvest with a community dance
around a chestnut tree on the town square
in the center of the parish. The
preparations for these late summer or early
fall festivals usually start in late spring or
early summer.
Young men volunteer to decorate the town
square with firs adorned with colorful
ribbons and to open the dance with
traditional dances. These young men select
dance partners from “eligible” (in the past
read virginal) young ladies. Fathers are
asked if their daughters could participate,
since the expenses could be quite high
(several dirndl, several pairs of shoes, etc.).
The necessary commitment of time to
rehearsal and performances are quite
demanding, and the consumption of alcohol
at the dances would have to be acceptable
to the family. Rehearsals take place and
the couples are introduced to the
community at a dance in July. Marlene and I
actually attended their debut last July.
After the first rotation, the couples split up
and invite community members to join them
on the dance “floor”. They may ask the
mayor and his wife, their parents, or other
dignitaries in the audience to participate. If
you are not asked to dance at this time, you
may not simply join the crowd; you have to
wait until an announcement has been made
that the dance floor is open for everyone. It
is also considered rude and unacceptable to
reject an invitation to dance.
One of Marlene’s cousin and a family friend
(Marlene used to babysit for him ages ago)
are members of folk dancing clubs. They
provided the music and the dance
instructions which guided us during our
dance rehearsals in preparation for our
Oktoberfest party. They applauded our
intentions and assured us that we could
duplicate their routines. We, the six
couples, had a great time rehearsing,
laughing at our mistakes and actually talked
about continuing the “dance lessons” in the
future. But that is another story… anyone
interested in learning how to dance a
foxtrot?
Verbon Martin
In Marlene’s hometown, the church festival
takes place on the first weekend of
September. The town celebrates that
Sunday, Monday, and the following Sunday.
On Friday, the young men decorate the
trees, on Saturday, they visit the homes of
all the girls, eating and drinking their way
through town. On Sunday after church and
lunch, the couples march into the square
and perform three dances in a rotation
(Polka, Rheinlaender & Waltz), promenading
between the dances so the musicians can
catch their breath or turn their music sheets
to another song.
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Congratulations and a very Happy Birthday to
the following members on their birthdays this
month!
Alonso, Pedro
Altman, Bill
Altman, Chris
Archer, Timothy
Auxier, Sharon
Carr, Raymond
Colon, Hector
Cosmen, Frank
Decardenas, Bob
Gramatikos, George
Hefner, Wade
Jarnagin, John
Jasinsky, Karen
Jonio, Dennis
La Fleur, Paul
Lopez, Albert
Mola, Celia
Pereira, Joseph
Prentice, Edward
Reyes, Frances
Rodriguez-Hazan,
Martha
Rosand, Rich
Server, Harvey
Shaffner, Barbara
Thompson, Ray Jr.
Timmons, Bob
Toledo, Lewdy
Traylor, Patrick
Vari, Lisa
Weiner, Jeff
Yamanoa, Eli
Barosela, Art
Barrow, Jeanie
Bimont, Chris
Bruce, Tammie
Cavallo, Aldo
Cespedes, Derek
Crider, William
Crosby, Marcy
Dearmas, Juis
Dearmas, Roger
Duck, Ted
Ferguson, Peter
Friedfeld, Eric
Futernick, Cathie
Gammon, James
Gonzalez, Omar
Hasty, Todd
Hoppe, Mark
Kahn, Mark
Krause, Marina
LLera, Jose
Maltese, Jose
McKenzi, Cynthia
Mullininx, Cheryl
Nadal, Alfred
Nawdhia, Aijaz
Negrin, Emir
Ocasio, Frank
Pastorello, Tom
Rodriguez, George
Rodriguez-Hazan, Omar
Sara, Bob
Schlafly, Fred
Schoder, Debra
Silio, Michael
Tillett, Bill
Turk, Vincent
Wasson, Roy
A Big Happy H-D Birthday To You All
Make it Special – Do Something Fun!
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THE FINAL
INSPECTION
The Soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass..
'Step forward now, Soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?'
The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
'No, Lord, I guess I have not.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear..
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears
If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.
There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the Soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
'Step forward now, you Soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell.'
Author Unknown~
With Jeanie Mattox (R) and Martha Rodriguez-Hazan (L)
We will give you updates on weekends and upcoming
parties and events to augment our normal published
schedule. Feel free to make suggestions when you
find a great restaurant or remarkable voyage.
Future Overnight & Event Planning Guide
December 8th Annual Family Picnic
January 4-6 Thunder-By-The-Bay Sarasota
January 19th Rev-Up Party Miccosukee
February 14th Valentine’s 4-Day Cruise
So please keep up via Facebook or read the email
updates. Above all else, just show up!
If Harvey won the Leather Jacket raffle, why is
Joan so happy?
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Road Captains
Chapter Officers
Director:
Mike Zucker – [email protected]
Assistant Director:
Verbon Martin – [email protected]
Secretary:
Bob Barrow – [email protected]
Treasurer:
Sharon Auxier – [email protected]
Activity Director:
Jeannie Mattox – [email protected]
Asst Activity Director:
Martha Rodriguz-Hazen – [email protected]
Head Road Captain:
Mark Auxier – [email protected]
Asst. Head Road Captain:
Larry Mattox – [email protected]
Ladies of Harley:
Denise Koivisto – [email protected]
Skills/Safety Officer:
Rudy Lopez- [email protected]
Asst. Skills/Safety Officer:
John Paradise- [email protected]
Photographer:
Alina Allen – [email protected]
Membership Officer:
Celia Mola – [email protected]
Editor:
Bob Pastorello – [email protected]
Asst. Editor:
Andrea Pastorello – [email protected]
Mark Auxier (Head Road Captain)
Larry Mattox (Asst Head Road Captain)
Rudy Lopez (Safety Officer)
Bill Altman
Roger Arsham
Bob Barrow
Fred Chinni
Bob Carlos
Carlos Collado
George Gramatikos
Todd Hasty
Steve Janoff
Verbon Martin
Larry Mattox
Jay Mullinix
George Pardee
Bob Pastorello
Harvey Schwartz
Paul Segura
John Sorgie
Bob Timmons
Mike Zucker
Keep an eye open for future Facebook
Announcements and Event reminders.
This brings our family of HOG Members
Closer together with on-time features
And news briefs.
Not to mention ~ All those great pictures 
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Butt - if you read the Chapter names…
The Cake or the Trike? Either way, Best Wishes Martha!
All Roads lead to the 717
The Editor’s Corner
Keep those stories and special pictures coming
and I’ll publish them in a respectfully edited
form. Let’s keep it fun and safe. Please
remember to shoot pictures with a high
resolution. Bob P
It
Smiles are definitely infectious - Thanks
New Picture Due Soon for the New Year!
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