hogpen - Williamsport HOG Chapter

WILLIAMSPORT HOGPEN
Volume 11 Issue 9
Williamsport
HOGPEN
September 2014
Williamsport MD Chapter 1544
THE SUN IS SETTING ON SUMMER
IN THIS ISSUE
I Hate Labor Day
by Bob Corley
Labor Day has come to be celebrated by
most Americans as the symbolic end of the
summer. In high society, Labor Day is (or
was) considered the last day of the year
when it is fashionable to wear white or
seersucker.
REALLY? Seersucker?
Okay, I have nothing against Labor Day
personally. It never did anything to me per
se. Like most people I do get the day off. It’s
just that I hate that summer is over. I am a
warm weather person. Bike or no bike I like
being outside. I love the long days where the
sun doesn’t set till after 8 or 9. Traffic gets
worse when the kids are back in school. And
don’t get me started about cold weather and
snow. I have no place for them especially the
older I get. Okay enough whining.
August was a good month.
We had some special rides and events in
August. The Cherohala Skyway– Tail of the
Dragon trip was a huge success and we
nearly doubled our numbers from last year.
The chapter picnic was also a hit and the
weather cooperated, unlike some years in
the past. I was fortunate enough to bring my
14-year-old granddaughter Tyler along for
her first real HOG ride. She really enjoyed it
and the games at the picnic. Other members
brought their kids and or spouses. The picnic
is a good way to include other family
members that may not normally get to
participate in the things we do.
September’s rides are fewer in number than
in the summer months but there are still
some to participate in. We start with an Ice
Cream Ride and then HOGS at the Beach will
kick off the month in fashion with an
overnight trip. We’ve added a ride to the
York Open House at the end of the month. I
think we are going to need some pick up
rides. There are not enough rides scheduled
to suit me.
Cherohala - Dragon Ride Recap
Don Goglio and Bertie Brady share the highlights of the
ride to the Cherohala Skyway and Tail of the Dragon.
Page 5
Now let me go round up my seersucker suit
and put it away for the season. I hate this.
- Live to Ride Forced to Work
Chapter Picnic
Relive some of the moments of the Chapter Picnic
through photos.
Page 7
WILLIAMSPORT HOGPEN | Issue 9
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From the Director
by Michelle Stouffer
As we begin to think about the leadership of
the chapter for 2015, I thought I would share
some brief descriptions of the officer
positions. This way, you can see what they
entail and how you may want to get involved.
The following are the four primary officer
positions, which are by election, based on
votes by the chapter members. Next month,
I will continue with the descriptions of the
discretionary positions, which are appointed
by the primary officers.
Elections will be held at the October Chapter
meeting. Throw your name in the hat now by
contacting one of the nominating
committee:


Liz Porteus at
[email protected] or
Charlie Brown at
[email protected] or
call 717-830-6161
DIRECTOR



Upholds the H.O.G.® Charter.
Conducts Chapter Meetings.
Coordinates chapter officer
responsibilities.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR


Promotes membership,
membership orientation,
membership retention.
Keeps chapter members informed
of H.O.G.® organization programs.
TREASURER



Collects and distributes chapter
funds.
Reports financial transactions to
sponsoring dealer and chapter
members on a monthly basis.
Complies with all revenue
recording and reporting
requirements.
SECRETARY



Administers/maintains:
o Meeting minutes
o Annual reports
o Insurance and legal
documentation
o Event releases
o Enrollment releases
Stores these permanent records at
the sponsoring Dealership.
Oversees Membership Officer.
Treasurer Tidbits
by Kevin Stouffer
The second trip to Tennessee is in the books
and history now. We had a great time and
everyone returned home safe. See Don
Goglio’s article in this edition for more details
of that ride.
Next year on or about July 25th 2015 we will
be setting out on my longest ride to date. I
have dubbed the name of the ride to be “The
Wild West Ride”. For anyone interested in
this ride we will meet at 6:00 on September
30th 2014 at The Red Robin in the Valley
Mall. This will be the first of regular planning
meetings, until we have the ride finalized.
This trip may be up to 16 days long, two
weeks including 3 weekends.
I have been doing some research and have
some ideas to present. I encourage everyone
interested to bring your ideas and thoughts
with you to the meetings so we can plan the
best ride ever.
WILLIAMSPORT HOGPEN | Issue 9
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Safety Tips
by Ken Conway
This month we discussed the following safety
topics. They are some of the more important
things to remember during our riding.
1.Intersections:
The greatest potential for a conflict between
you and other traffic is at intersections. It is
helpful to follow these four steps when
around an intersection:




Check for traffic behind
Check for oncoming traffic
Check traffic to the left
Check traffic to the left
2.Traffic- actuated Signal
Lights:
Traffic –actuated signal lights can be
troublesome for motorcyclists. Many
sensors are now cameras that send a signal
to the traffic light controller. Many are still
sensors in the road surfaces and they are
magnetic. They consist of a coil or wire
buried in the pavement. The coil creates a
magnetic field when energized by an electric
current. When a vehicle runs over them, the
steel or iron in the vehicle disturbs the
magnetic field which is detected by the
traffic light controller. Motorcycles do not
have as much steel or iron in them a car or
truck. Sometimes the sensor may not detect
your presence. To ensure the best chance of
being detected, stop where the sensors are
located. They are usually visible in the road
surface.
3.Blind Spots:
Tractor-Trailers have the biggest blind spots.
They are at the front, back, right hand side
and near the front at the cab on the right
hand side. Do not pull in front of the truck
immediately after passing. Due to the large
engine hoods the driver may not see you.
Get out in front and get some room before
pulling in.
4.Tailgating drivers:
Drivers that tailgate pose a hazard. In
general, it is best to increase your following
distance from vehicles ahead to give yourself
time and space to execute a smooth, gradual
stop. This avoids putting tailgating drivers in

q position that requires them to make a quick
stop. Some other options to respond to a
tailgating driver are:




Flash your brake light
(communicate your intentions)
Gradually reduce speed to create
more space in front (adjust speed)
Maintain a lane position that
discourages sharing the lane
(adjust position to protect your
lane) or change lanes
Turn at next opportunity, into a
street or parking lot, to allow the
person tailgating you to pass by
5.Curves:
Almost 40 percent of single vehicle
motorcycle accidents occur in curves. Watch
for areas of reduced visibility and adjust
speed accordingly to have an additional
safety margin.
6.Parking:









If parking in a parallel parking
space next to a curb, position the
motorcycle at an angle with the
rear wheel to the curb
Turn the handlebars to the left to
the left for added stability; lock the
forks for security
Always keep the ignition locked
Park in a secure and well lighted
area
Use non-branded motorcycle
covers
Limit the amount of time your
motorcycle is unattended
Use a high quality lock and chain;
secure it through the frame instead
of the wheels
Consider adding a motorcycle antitheft or security system
The “feet” on side stands can sink
into soft surfaces (including hot
asphalt) causing the motorcycle to
fall. To prevent this, carry a
flattened aluminum can or similar
rigid object under the stand
Park the motorcycle in first gear for
extra stability, particularly if on an
incline
7.Obstacles
If an obstacle cannot be avoided, rise off the
seat and use the legs as shock absorbers.
Shift weight to the rear and roll on the
throttle just before the front wheel makes
contact (this lightens the weight on the front
wheel, making it easier to climb to climb over
the obstacle). Upon contact with the object,
roll off the throttle immediately so that the
rear wheel is not under power when it rolls
over the object.
8.Lane Changes
Be sure to check for traffic in the mirrors and
to the side in the direction you are moving
(with a head check to see what may be in the
blind spot area). Don’t forget the effect of
convex mirrors, as objects are closer than
they appear in the mirror.
9.Passing
To complete a pass:







Keep an appropriate following
distance and move to the left third
of the your lane
When a safe gap appears, signal a
lane change
Check the mirrors and the blind
spot (an impatient driver may be
attempting to pass you and the
vehicle ahead)
Accelerate and change lanes,
selecting a lane position that allows
maneuvering time and space
Once well past the vehicle, signal a
lane change
Check the spacing with a mirror
and head check
Return to a good lane position
10.Hills
Special skill is required to start out on a hill
due to gravity. A good technique is to apply
a brake to prevent the motorcycle from
rolling backward while you move the clutch
WILLIAMSPORT HOGPEN | Issue 9
into the friction zone. Often the rear brake is
used, but if you need to keep both feet down
for balance, you could use the front brake
while easing out the clutch into the friction
zone until you can release the brake and
apply some throttle. Keeping the clutch in
the friction zone can hold the motorcycle in
position until you are underway.
4
Welcome New Members
John Thomas
Tom Deroches
11.Night Riding
Don Goglio
Riding at night reduces visibility for you and
other drivers. One of the other difficulties
associated with night riding is overriding the
headlight. This is when total stopping
distance exceeds sight distance. Keep speed
reasonable for conditions. Use the lights of
other vehicles in front of you to help with
searching ahead.
Jeff Debord
John Thomas
(returning member)
WILLIAMSPORT HOG MEMBERS
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WILLIAMSPORT HOGPEN | Issue 9
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Cherohala Skyway and Tail of the Dragon
Ride Recap
by Don Goglio and Bertie Brady
To suit or not to suit; that was the question.
Debatable weather conditions though were
not enough to keep 11 zealous riders from
venturing south to Tennessee for 4 days to
explore the Smoky Mountains and a few of
the most famous and exciting, yet dangerous
roads in the region.
As the members and guests gathered
Thursday morning, excitement began to
build as well as debate about the forecast. At
each stop along I-81 to Gatlinburg, the radar
was being checked on smart phones in an
attempt to predict what Mother Nature had
in store for us until the next stop; each time
choosing to leave the rain suits packed.
Then, 40 miles from the Tennessee border,
we realized that at the last gas stop…we
chose poorly. The sky opened up, soaking
each of us almost instantly. Our leader
quickly led us off the highway at the next exit
in Marion, but there seemed no cover to be
found. We pulled into Interstate
Campground where, as if they were waiting
for us, we were ushered under a shelter
behind the camp office, just large enough to
fit every bike and rider, offering a safe place
to suit up. Lesson learned. Soon after
continuing on our way, rain gear on, the sky
cleared and we made it to Gatlinburg without
further incident, meeting up with an
additional member and 3 more guests. After
drying off and gathering our composure, the
group, now expanded to 15, headed out on
foot through the crowds of people on the
streets for food, drink, and banter.
Friday morning brought more weather
debates but, despite some damp spots on
the road, we stayed dry throughout the day
allowing us to appreciate the roads we had
traveled so far to conquer. Our first stop at
Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson in
Maryville was followed by another stop at
the Cherohala Skyway HD Outpost at the
west entrance to the road. Not far into the
Skyway, it became clear how the Smoky
Mountains were named. The clouds filling
the lower areas between the peaks gave the
illusion that the mountains were on fire. The
endless views of the mountains and valleys
are so breath-taking it helps you forget about
the chilly temperatures at these high
elevations. Suddenly, the group turned off of
the Skyway and down a small road through
the woods. Had we made a wrong turn? Soon
the intent of the detour became obvious as
Bald River Falls came into view. The 90-foot
waterfall offered a photo opportunity that
could not be missed. Continuing through the
end of the Skyway, it was north to the
infamous Deals Gap Resort for barbeque
before part II of the day’s ride. The “Tail of
the Dragon” boasts 318 curves; so many
turns, one right after another, the bikes were
constantly leaning sharply to the left or to
WILLIAMSPORT HOGPEN | Issue 9
the right but hardly ever straight up for the
entire 11 miles. At the other end, another
Harley-Davidson outpost provided a place to
stop and revel in our accomplishment; we
had conquered the Dragon.
We packed up our things on Saturday
morning to head toward Cherokee and the
Blue Ridge Parkway. The Parkway offered
more breath-taking views, more hills and
valleys, more curves, and heights up to 6053
feet, the highest point on the Parkway.
Another short detour along the Parkway
took us to a stop at the Wheels Through
Time Museum in Maggie Valley, North
Carolina. This All-American motorcycle
museum houses over 300 of America’s rarest
and most historic classic motorcycles. The
roads from the Blue Ridge to Johnson City
led to even more curves and hills but we
arrived at our hotel unscathed, with the
exception of a few bee stings.
Our final day for the trip home brought more
weather debates but better cooperation
from the clouds. Along the way the rest stops
were perfectly spaced and the Pink Cadillac
Restaurant offered up great burgers for
6
lunch. Finally we reached home, the bikes
about 1500 miles (and 1500 curves) aged.
Through careful planning and leadership,
Kevin had provided a successful trip and
many stories to share for the rest of the
season and beyond. The roads, the curves,
the hills, the views, the weather, and, most
importantly, the fellowship of the members,
friends, and family that attended left all with
a great memory to last a lifetime.
WILLIAMSPORT HOGPEN | Issue 9
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Chapter Picnic Photos
by Bob Corley
See more photos on the Chapter’s Facebook page.
WILLIAMSPORT HOGPEN | Issue 9
CHAPTER OFFICERS
Director - Michelle Stouffer
[email protected]
301-223-4065
Asst. Director - Bertie Brady
[email protected]
304-283-2572
Secretary - Brittany Harpel
[email protected]
301-739-3590
Treasurer - Kevin Stouffer
[email protected]
301-223-4065
8
Upcoming Rides
and Events
Tuesday, September 2nd
6:30PM
Baskin Robbins Ice Cream
Friday, September 5th – Sunday
September 7th 8AM
HOGS at the Beach overnighter
Saturday, September 20th 9AM
York Open House
Membership - Bill & Barb Dutton
[email protected]
301-991-5368
August Meeting Gift Card
Winners
Barb Dutton
Gale Stoffer
Liz Porteus
Dena Cadogan
John Thomas
Senior Road Captain - Mike Pearson
[email protected]
301-730-1046
Charlie Brown
50/50 Winner
Webmaster – Brian Baker
[email protected]
301-331-4813
Ricky Sheffield
Safety - Ken Conway
[email protected]
301-739-3590
Merchandise - Michelle Stouffer
[email protected]
301-223-4065
Historian – Don Goglio
[email protected]
304-261-8115
Chaplain - Steve McCarty
[email protected]
301-991-4293
Editor - Bob Corley
[email protected]
301-908-4208
General Information:
[email protected]
September Birthdays
GET THE LATEST RIDE INFORMATION
Bob Glass
9/17
Like us on Facebook:
Michelle Stouffer
9/22
https://www.facebook.com/williamsportHOG1544
William Hunter
9/24
Check the Williamsport HOG website:
Steve Small
9/24
http://www.williamsporthog.org
Sidney Palmer, Jr.
9/27
Nancy Vidnjvich
9/28
WILLIAMSPORT HOGPEN | Issue 9
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HOG’s at the
Beach 2014
September 5th – 7th
If you are planning to attend Hogs at the
Beach this year you can call for reservations
at the Francis Scott Key Family Resort at
410-213-0088. The Francis Scott Key has
extended the discounted room rates for us
until May 1 (was March 1). The password
when making reservations is “Towers Family
Reunion”.
Here is the link to the FSK resort:
http://fskfamily.com
HOGS at the Beach vs.
DELMARVA Bike Week
There has been discussion and some
confusion about these two events. That’s
right, TWO distinct events, not two names
for one event.
HOGs at the Beach
HATB is a joint gathering of members of the
Maryland and Delaware H.O.G. Chapters. It is
a closed, private party at Ocean City,
Maryland, that celebrates the common
interests of our Chapter members and the
end of the summer riding season. The event
has taken place since 1991. It is traditionally
held the weekend after Labor Day. It is a
non-commercial event open only to
members of the Maryland and Delaware
H.O.G. Chapters. It is free, sponsored by our
local Harley-Davidson Dealers. About 300 of
our members participate each year in
festivities currently centered at the Francis
Scott Key Family Resort.
DELMARVA Bike Week
DELMARVA Bike Week is a commercial
event that has taken place since 2001 in early
September in the vicinity of Ocean City,
Maryland. This event is open to all members
of the public. Organizers attract a wide
audience, including all types of bikes and
many vendors selling their wares. They offer
professional entertainment and other
attractions.
The bottom line is that there are two
separate events a week apart in the Ocean
City area. Attend one or both. Regardless of
your decision, Ocean City is not that far
away, it can be a weekend or a day-trip. You
should do your own research to determine
which function is right for you. We hope we
see you at HOGs on the Beach, but either
way, Ride Safe and Have Fun!
When and where is it?
Dates for this year’s event are September 57, 2014. You can come on Friday or Saturday
for those day’s events, or for the entire
weekend. Our headquarters is the Francis
Scott Key Family Resort in West Ocean City.
Why come?
HATB FAQs
What is it?
It is NOT a commercial event, such as a
National/State H.O.G. Rally, Bike Week, or
Dealer Open House. It is a free private party
held in Ocean City, Maryland. It is a closed
event open exclusively to Maryland and
Delaware H.O.G. Chapter members. This
joint gathering of local H.O.G. Chapter
members allows us to get together at the
end of the summer riding season to celebrate
our common interests.
What does it cost?
Nothing, it’s free. There is no admission
charge to attend, and most expenses are
covered by donations from our sponsoring
Harley-Davidson Dealerships. Your only costs
are gas to ride there, any food not already
provided (see below), and a hotel if you come
down for a night or the entire weekend.
We always have a lot of events and fun
during this annual weekend. Friday night we
mingle with friends during a free barbeque
chicken dinner, a cornhole tournament, and
an evening social with a DJ. Saturday we
have several new local rides through the back
roads to choose from, a free lunch cookout,
and a field events competition. Saturday
night you have your choice between a social
at the hotel or you can take the free shuttle
into Ocean City.
How does it take place?
It is coordinated by a group representing the
eleven local H.O.G. Chapters. The work is
divided among those Chapters and their
members. If you would like to volunteer and
meet members from other Chapters, please
contact your Chapter Director. Or you can
just come and enjoy the event!
We hope we see you at this year’s HOGs at
the Beach!
**NEW – See schedule on the
next page**
WILLIAMSPORT HOGPEN | Issue 9
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WILLIAMSPORT HOGPEN | Issue 9
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WILLIAMSPORT HOGPEN | Issue 9
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Support Our Members Businesses
DID YOU KNOW?
Members advertise for free in the HOGPEN
Classifieds
DID YOU KNOW?
Members advertise for free in the HOGPEN
Classifieds
DID YOU KNOW?
Members advertise for free in the HOGPEN
Classifieds
WILLIAMSPORT HOGPEN | Issue 9
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For Sale
20" Upper Recurve windshield from clearviewshields.com (orig $170). Used a few years, in good shape. Fits '86-later FLSTC, '90 and later FLSTF,
'06 FLST and '93-'96 FLSTN models with auxiliary lights. (Does not fit FLSTS or FLSTSC models) No brackets. Upper Recurve creates a larger,
quieter pocket and pushes the airflow 1.5" - 2" higher. I loved it and could really tell a difference from the stock windshield. $80
Contact Michelle or Kevin at 301-223-4065
Auxiliary Brake Light / Running Light / Turn Signal Conversion Kit - Flat Lens Style (HD part # 69461-06B).
Fits '96-later Softail® models (except FXS) and '97-'08 Touring models (except FLHX) equipped with
Original Equipment flat lens style turn signals. Also fits '09-later FLHRC, FLHTC, FLHTCU and FLHTK
models. (Does not fit with Narrow Chrome Directional Bar P/N 68611-98.) $30
Contact Michelle or Kevin at 301-223-4065
New universal fit bag with side pockets and Velcro enclosure to go around backrest or sissy bar. Used once.
$30
Contact Michelle or Kevin at 301-223-4065.

Sissy Bar with pad and mounting plate ($170.00 obo); fits 2009 and later Road Kings, FLHT, FLHX FLTRX & FLTR

Chrome Luggage Rack/stealth style ($150.00 obo); fits 2009 and later Road Kings, FLHT, FLHX FLTRX & FLTR (need to use 4-point
docking hardware; these are detachable items)

Stock Pipes that were taken off of a 2009 road glide ($150.00)

Stock Mufflers that were taken off of a 2009 road glide ($150.00)
Contact Gale Stouffer @ 301-667-4671/cell or 301-791-0179/home.

2006 Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic Stock Seat: Like new, $100
Contact Randy Louden @ 301-991-4134
DID YOU KNOW?
Members advertise for free in the HOGPEN
Classifieds
WILLIAMSPORT HOGPEN | Issue 9
For Sale
2006 Harley Davidson Heritage Softail Classic FLSTCI Custom Paint Scheme by Harley Custom
Operations. Known as "The Mistress" has a black flake base coat with purple ghost flames on the
tank and fenders. This bike has only 12,000 miles and is a one owner adult driven HOG. In like new
condition the bike runs and drives like new. Tires are in great condition, custom paint is
immaculate and ready for a new owner. 100% serviced using synthetic oil by Harley Davidson in
Williamsport MD where it was purchased new in 2006. This Harley is the full package starting with
the radical paint scheme by Harley Davidson Custom Paint shop, limited edition #22 of 150
painted to the Sceamin Eagle upgrades. (Place 3 times in local bike contest) Specs: Twin 88B, 1450
CC, 3.75 in x 4.00 in 85 ft lbs @ 3000 rpm. 8.9:1 ratio.
Upgrades include:

Sceramin Eagle Exhaust

Screamin Eagle EFI Race Tuner

Upgraded combination speedometer and tachometer

Security System

Front Chrome Fork Covers

Leather Mustang Seat with rider Backrest

Passenger Backrest

Chrome Luggage Rack

Kuryakyn ISO Hand Grips

Kuryakyn ISO passenger foot pegs

Kuryakyn Highway pegs with ISO pegs
Purchased price was $23,728 and I added over another $2,000 in add-ons. Asking $18,500 with
trailer or $16,500 for bike only. Reasonable offers entertained.
Contact Randy Louden
301-991-4134
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WILLIAMSPORT HOGPEN | Issue 9
For Sale
Harley Davidson Motorcycle picnic set & cooler bag, carry or strap on. New/never used. Set includes 2 plates, 2 glasses, 2 forks, 2 knives, 2
spoons, napkins and salt & peppershakers. $ 40
Contact Mike Gellar [email protected] or 240.315.3612
Dowco 50125-00 Iron Rider Main Bag. Full rigid inserts that provide solid support on all sides. Rugged diamond plate back creates a
durable non-slip surface. Form-fitting, water-resistant liners protect gear from the elements and will double as removable bags.
Protective heat-shielded bottoms prevent damage from hot exhaust pipes. Measures 10in.W x 11in.H x 22in.L
Like new - maybe used once. $ 75
Contact Mike Gellar [email protected] or 240.315.3612
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