Chris Lapsley, “Slow Hand”

Director
Martin Dickinson
‘So Bad’
[email protected]
07740 871983
Assistant Director
Dave Burridge ‘Brumbo’
[email protected]
07768 166490
Secretary
Maria Lapsley
membership@
nenevalleyhog.co.uk
07984 122581
Treasurer
John Nicholas
[email protected]
07808 648575
Editor
Chris Lapsley ‘Slow Hand’
nenevalleyeditor@
btinternet.com
07709 205571
Webmaster
‘Road King' Scot Haynes
[email protected]
07970 421716
Safety Officer
‘The Reverand’ Steve Harris
steve@harris
1509.freeserve.co.uk
07779 877131
Activities Officer
Dave Burridge ‘Brumbo’
[email protected]
07768 166490
Head Road Captain
Mike ‘Mikey’ Ivers
[email protected]
07950 947681
Merchandising Officers
Mike & Jacqui Wakelin
[email protected]
07989 975444
Ladies of Harley Officer Shani
Elms ‘Angel’
[email protected]
07989 143783
Historian
Vacant Position
Photographer
Position to be Announced
DIRECTORS DRIBBLE
August 2012 At last we have seen some decent weather. Saying that, although we have managed to get a lot more riding done, it was a great shame that Brumbo and his team had to cancel the Credit Crunch Ride. I’m sure they will be looking to put it on again soon though. Hopefully I won’t be working. Since the last magazine there have been a lot of events on and hopefully through the coming months there will be stories to be told, and hopefully some of these stories will make it to print. From a personal point of view it was great to be back in Europe again and attending the European Rally in Portugal. The ride down was rather strange with 2 days solid days of torrential rain. The bonus to that was that Oz behaved himself. We had some great hotels both on the way down and back and the rain even managed to replicate the journey down on our return. All in all a great trip and a brilliant venue. I think the weekend I set off a few members went down to Orval for their annual rally and as per usual it rained, LOTS. Next year sees Orval’s 20th anniversary and it would be great to see a large contingent going down. I remember the first year we went there were 72 people. Don’t think we will manage that but let’s see. Just waiting for confirmation of date, so watch this space. From some of the stories I have heard from the two groups of members that did the Route 66 trip it sounds like they had a brilliant time. The Mile high club is really gaining momentum with some pretty amazing miles being clocked up. Chris Ringer in June decided it would be a good idea to do four rally in four weeks. The first one was in Ireland, then he came home and set off for Jersey. Trouble occurred there as the boats were not running. Not to be beaten he caught the Eurotunnel to Calais then caught the boat from St Malo to Jersey just for one night. Then it was back home to drop Julie off then head down to Portugal. On the way back he decided to go to Hamburg. Rumour has it he thought about popping in to the Moscow HOG club night as it was just down the road from Hamburg, but haven’t heard if he made it or not. Plans are well under way for next year’s Rally with the Bands already booked and people busying themselves getting things sorted. As previously mentioned it will be 16th – 18th August at Towcester Rugby club and tickets will be on sale soon. The Award ceremony will be on Friday 11th January ­ again at Towcester Rugby Club ­ and tickets will be on sale in September. Hopefully there will be a large attendance from the Chapter as it may be the last Rally before a new dealership opens, who knows!! I now have 10 rooms taken for the trip to Fakker See next year. If you are reading this you only have a week to decide as I need to let the hotel at the venue know next week. This is a brilliant event but even better is the ride there and back with some amazing scenery and superb hospitality by both the Germans and Austrians. Plus you get the bonus of the Stilvio Pass (49 hairpins up, and 49 down) and Grossglockner . SOFER will have been and gone for another year once you have read this. I wonder if we just sat back and chilled this year? As you may well have seen The Secretary, Maria and the Ladies of Harleys Rep, Shani are both stepping down in the next few months after some sterling work over the years. If you are interested in either of these posts please have a chat with them and they will fill you in on what the role entails. To both of you thank you very much for all your support over the years Until next month safe riding and see you all soon Martin Nene Valley H.O.G. Chapter
Page 3
EDITOR’S Point of View...
Hi all, It’s back to normal after the latter issue of June’s N @ N. I am still eagerly awaiting the influx of material from all the rallies, overseas adventures, and rideouts you have all been on in the last few months. At last summer has arrived and I can now risk riding without having to think about the water proofs. It was a big shame after all the effort Brumbo and the Activities Team put into getting ready for the Credit Crunch IV that flooding had to spoil it and stop the event going ahead – even worse was that the actual weekend weather was just great for camping. I had an impromptu rideout that Saturday. We had 11 bikes out, plus one who asked if he could tag along and see what we were all about. Well done Gary – glad to see you have now joined NV. The sun was out, the roads were quiet and our ‘prospect’ member got plenty of practice at 2nd man drop off (do you remember how many turn there are on my Quorn route ?). We had a nice lunch break – all getting seated together on the outside patio. After some very nice food it was off back into ‘the woods’ and scare a few more horses and riders – they were all over the place! It about now that Marilyn Knight is taking her full riding test – good luck and all our best wishes go with you. We had the second UK rideout this year with overnight accommodation. Pasty’s Cider Ride was well attended and as usual we managed to be the last to be thrown out of the pub – well ­ except Sue Whiting (aka White Wine Spritzer Queen) who err – I will let her explain next time you see her. There was a small attendance at the inaugural StoneFest 2012 event taking the routes and back roads of the Peak District. Still not clear if the organisers are going to repeat the event next year. Soon after this issue of Valley Vigil the advance team are off too reconnoitre the long weekend Normandy ride next year. There will be a report back in September to a) confirm the details of the itinerary, b) the expected costs and c) gain final confirmation of interested parties. We will probably require deposits on the French hotel soon after this. It is expected the team will make sure that the local beer is satisfactory and in sufficient quantity, the food meets NV quality levels and that the hotel pool can August 2012 cater for our normal water sports. Oh yes, the better halves will be checking out the shopping opportunities ! Finally, I had an off bike weekend last week and attended the Olympics :­ Cheers & Ride Safe…
Chris Lapsley, “Slow Hand” Editor
For the next issue…
Last date for contributions to the September’s
Edition :
Thursday 30th August 2012
email :- [email protected]
or phone me on 07709 205571 or 01455 450463
Nene Valley HOG
Chapter (Editor)
PO Box 9277 LEICESTER
LE9 OBT Nene Valley H.O.G. Chapter
Page 4
Mikey’s Natter & Rides
August 2012 Now the summer weather is finally here. It has been really bad and it certainly has impacted on ride out numbers but we have still been out and about with a ride to Cosford for Armed Forces Day, our annual sea ride to Cromer, a trip to the Hard Rock Cafe and the Ace, the Newport Pagnell carnival and the Druids and Breakfast ride to name but a few. A couple of special thanks, one to family Pugsley (Pasty) for organising such a great ride to cider country, and to Chris Slow Hand/ sun god Lapsley for putting on a ride at the eleventh hour when regrettably the Credit Crunch had to be cancelled. Hopefully the CC and the treasure hunt can be rescheduled to later in the year There have also been a few rallies this month, with chapter attendance at both the Rutland and Plymouth rally. We have a few of the chapter who have been very busy riding and I know there are a few chasing the saddle tramp and mile high awards. A reminder re rallies, there have been a few points missed where I did not know people had attended or they didn't sign the sheet/list that was at the rally. Can you please ensure if you have not signed the sheet list for any reason that you let me know you were there.( mobile no 07950 947681 or [email protected]) Well as summer is here then there is plenty to look forward to riding wise ­ as well as the Olympics ( we have tickets to the beach volley ball, I wonder why, no seriously we are volley ball fans). By the time you get this we will have had SOFER and the LOH Dunstable downs ride , and don't forget the following which are coming up. Here's what’s on the Horizon....... Sunday 12th August Mikey's birthday/cream tea ride. 10.30am from the Super Sausage Sunday 19th August Punting with Mike Wakelin 24th August(weekend) Thunder in the Glens Sunday 2nd September Chilli festival. 11.00am from the Super Sausage Sunday 9th September Cream tea ride to Henley (Shani needs numbers) 11.00am from the Super Sausage Hopefully the change in weather lasts and we get to see lots of you out and about on ride outs and at rally's. Another reminder is to ensure you always have enough fuel and take the opportunity to fill up at designated petrol stops. We will always build petrol stops in the rides to accommodate those with the smaller tanks and to allow for a break, don't risk thinking you can get to the next stop if you are not sure. It's also not long now until RTTW 2012 and I am delighted that we are supporting the departure from Junction 15A (Northbound) again this year. Many of the road captains and other willing volunteers are helping out and we look forward to seeing many of you there. Don't forget as last year Chris Lapsley will be leading a ride back from the arboretum. Well I think that's it for this month Ride safe, have fun. Mikey ­ HRC The Chapters at its best when it rides.......
Leaving Jacks Café at 9.30am 125 Miles round trip. Returning by 4.00pm
Join us on this trip to Cambridge to enjoy a few hours in this historic city and try your hand at punting. The ride is a simple and quite fast one using some of the flattest and newest roads in the country. Those who have complained that we ride too many twisty roads on bikes designed for the open highway should enjoy this. We leave Jacks Café at 9.30am on the Sunday morning so we can park and hire the punts before the crowds start. Running down the A5, through Milton Keynes on the A421 and joining the A428 to Cambridge, we pass some nice countryside and many lakes. We will have a quick leg stretch for 10 mins after an hour. Just before Cambridge there is the American Cemetery and Memorial housing the remains of 3812 American servicemen. Anyone wishing to visit is more than welcome to join us on the ride there or stop on the way back. They close at 5.00pm Once in the city we will park up in a free bike park and walk the 100 meters to the river where we can hire the punts. There are several choices. You can join a 45min’ guided tour of the college backs in a big punt with the public for £16 each. If we can get a group of 10+ together we can have a private guided tour for only £10 per person or (and this is my favorite) you can hire a smaller five / six man punt for £20 per hour. That’s only £5 per person for an hour of fun. You can bring a picnic or drink for the journey and with the self hire punts you can swap about so everyone can have a go. I would suggest bringing a towel and either trainers or go barefoot whilst punting or you might pay the ultimate price!! There are canoes to hire as well as punts in case you don’t fancy it. Cambridge is a beautiful city and for those that don’t want to join in on the river the city centre is just up the road a five minute walk, where there are beautiful buildings and loads of coffee shops and pubs. There is a pub next to the river where you can sit and watch everyone and you can also brush up on your language skills because every race, colour and creed will be there to take in the sights and watch us make fools of ourselves. We will spend about 2hrs in Cambridge, depending on the weather so we can all have a go in the boats and get some lunch or enjoy a picnic by the river. The way back will be via the same route with a fuel stop after a total of 75 miles. On the way back you can drop off as we pass through Milton Keynes or follow us back to Jack’s where the ride will finish about 4.00pm. I look forward to seeing you all. Mike & Jackie. (Groundhog & Jack­on­the­back) Nene Valley H.O.G. Chapter
Page 5
Mikey’s Natter & Rides
August 2012
Chris Fawcett ‘Jedi’
Email :
[email protected]
07964 775677
Becky Ivers ‘Becks’
[email protected]
07901 716385
Mike Sharp
[email protected]
07748 913326
Rickie Anne Gee
Email :
[email protected]
07969 809662
Andrew ‘Pasty’ Pugsley
[email protected]
07971 903581
Neil ‘The Ambassador’ Harrison
[email protected]
07810 870167
Bob ‘The Bus’ Rhoades
[email protected]
07817 700958
Andy Witt ‘Owl’
[email protected]
07899 934070
Chris Lapsley
‘Slow Hand’
[email protected]
07709 205571
Mick Gray ‘Badger’
[email protected]
07946 299447
Chris Ringer
[email protected]
07897 729749
Mike Waklein – ‘Groundhog’
[email protected]
07989 975444
Polly’s Tea Rooms and Mikey’s birthday ride…
Mikey is 50 on the 12th August and I will be leading a ride to Polly’s tea rooms in Marlborough on Sunday 12th August.
We will be leaving Super Sausage at 10.30 am, with a route taking about 75 miles out and leaving about 2.30pm to return, a different
route which is about 75 miles too (honest it’s not the same way).
We will pick up a mixture of A/B roads and will ensure a petrol stop at Wantage on
the outward leg and Swindon on the home leg.
Polly’s tea room, as well as specialising in cream teas, also has an extensive menu
and you can find out more at www.thepolly.com
If you haven’t already done so, and so I can gauge numbers, could drop me a text or
leave a message on website, or email me to let me know your interest. There might
even be a slice of cake on me.
[email protected]
07901716385
Becks
Nene Valley H.O.G. Chapter
Page 5
Humour Corner
August 2012 IMPOSSIBILITIES IN THE WORLD
1. U can't count your hairs 2. U can't wash your eyes with soap 3. U can't breathe when your tongue is out Put your tongue back in fool. 10 Things I know about you... 1) U are reading this 2) U are human. 3) U can't say the letter ''P'' without separating your lips 4) U just attempted to do it 6) U are laughing at yourself 7) U have a smile on your face and you skipped No.5 8) U just checked to see if there is a No.5 9) U laugh at this because you are an idiot & everyone does it too. 10) U are probably going to send this to see who else falls for it Barbara Walters did a story on gender roles in Kabul , Afghanistan , several years before our involvement in the Afghan conflict. She noted that women customarily walked five paces behind their husbands. She recently returned to Kabul , and observed that women still walk behind their husbands. Despite the overthrow of the oppressive Taliban regime, the women now seem to, and are happy to, maintain the old custom. Ms. Walters approached one of the Afghani women and asked, "Why do you now seem happy with an old custom that you once tried so desperately to change?" The woman looked Ms. Walters straight in the eyes, and without hesitation said, "Land Mines." No matter what language you speak or where you go, Moral of this story is BEHIND EVERY MAN, THERE'S A REALLY SMART WOMAN. For some time many of us have wondered just who is Jack Schitt? We find ourselves at a loss when someone says, 'You don't know Jack Schitt'! Well, thanks to my genealogy efforts, you can now respond in an intellectual way. Jack Schitt is the only son of Awe Schitt. Awe Schitt, the fertilizer magnate, who married O. Schitt, the owner of Needeep N. Schitt, Inc. They had one son, Jack. In turn, Jack Schitt married Noe Schitt. The deeply religious couple produced six children: Holie Schitt, Giva Schitt, Fulla Schitt, Bull Schitt, and the twins Deep Schitt and Dip Schitt. Against her parents' objections, Deep Schitt married Dumb Schitt, a high school dropout. After being married 15 years, Jack and Noe Schitt divorced. Noe Schitt later married Ted Sherlock, and because her kids were living with them, she wanted to keep her previous name. She was then known as Noe Schitt Sherlock. Meanwhile, Dip Schitt married Loda Schitt, and they produced a son with a rather nervous disposition named Chicken Schitt. Two of the other six children, Fulla Schitt and Giva Schitt, were inseparable throughout childhood and subsequently married the Happens brothers in a dual ceremony. The wedding announcement in the newspaper announced “the Schitt­Happens nuptials”. The Schitt­Happens children were Dawg, Byrd, and Horse. Bull Schitt, the prodigal son, left home to tour the world. He recently returned from Italy with his new Italian bride, Pisa Schitt. Now when someone says, 'You don't know Jack Schitt', you can correct them. Sincerely, Crock O. Schitt Nene Valley H.O.G. Chapter
Page 7
Nene Valley Annual General Meeting
August 2012
Towcester Conservative Club
8.30 pm on 28th June 2012
Please note that some of the items have been omitted since they are
events past. The complete and unedited minutes are available in the
member’s area of the website.
Committee Members Present:
Martin Dickinson
(Director)
Dave Burridge
(Assistant Director & Activities
Officer)
Shani Elms
(Ladies of Harley)
Scot Haynes
(Webmaster)
Maria Lapsley
(Secretary)
Chris Lapsley
(Editor)
The Director welcomed new members & thanked everyone
for all their support and hard work over the last year.
The Director went on to say that the Chapter has carried on
as usual and is stronger than ever. Membership has stayed
fairly stable and we have gained new members. Current
membership is at 240. Nene Valley still has a fundamental
core of active members. The chapter has a full calendar of
ride outs and activities which are well supported. Some
members have recently completed a trip of a lifetime to the
US, many attended the Portugal Rally & some members will
be travelling to South Africa. Nene Valley recently won
trophies at the Iron Horse Rally.
It is unfortunate that the Magazine is now only published
every quarter as a hardcopy however financially this was a
sensible saving to make.
Whilst at the Portugal Rally a prominent member of HOG UK
put it to the Director that other Orphan chapters have
elected to be adopted by an existing Dealership Sponsored
Chapter. It was suggested that it may be some time before a
new dealership is opened in the Nene Valley / Milton Keynes
area. The Director answered on behalf of the Chapter to say
that we were happy to continue as we were. The Members
present at the AGM were all in agreement.
Forthcoming activities
Members were reminded that Tickets were on Sale for the
Credit Crunch to be held on the 20th July.
Apologies:
John Nicholas
(Treasurer)
Mike Ivers
(Head Road Captain)
Steve Harris
(Safety Officer)
Mike Wakelin
(Merchandising Officer)
Battlefield Tour 2013
A preliminary outline of the Battlefield Tour was given by the
Editor. The proposed dates are 24th to 28th May 2013. The
sub committee will be doing a pre­ride this August before
details are finalised. Members were invited to take a handout
of the proposed trip if they were interested.
Committee Members
The Director invited Members to express their interest in
joining the Committee as several members within the
present Committee are coming to the end of their terms of
office.
The Activities Officer & Membership Secretary were
presented with a plaque.
The Director asked if there were any questions from the
floor.
The Director once again thanked the members for their
continuing Support.
There being no other business the meeting was closed at 9.30
p.m.
The Awards night is to be held on the 11th January 2013 at
Towester Rugby Club.
The 2013 Rally is planned for the 16th / 18th August 2013.
Members were asked to express their interest in attending
European Bike Week in 2013.
Nene Valley H.O.G. Chapter
Page 8
Nene Valley Committee Meetings
August 2012
Towcester Rugby Club
7.15 pm on 11th July 2012
Please note that some of the items have been omitted since they are
events past. The complete and unedited minutes are available in the
member’s area of the website.
Committee Members Present:
Martin Dickinson
(Director)
Dave Burridge
(Assistant Director & Activities
Officer)
John Nicholas
(Treasurer)
Shani Elms
(Ladies of Harley)
Scot Haynes
(Webmaster)
Maria Lapsley
(Secretary)
Chris Lapsley
(Editor)
Mike Ivers
(Head Road Captain)
Steve Harris
(Safety Officer)
Mike Wakelin
(Merchandising Officer)
LOH Update
5th Aug ­ Ride out planned to Dunstable Downs.
9th Sept – Late Summer Cream tea ride to Henley on Thames –
members must let Shani know by the 31/08/2012if they wish to
attend so that the host can provide the Cream Teas.
Merchandise Update
The merchandise Sale is postponed for the future as it was not
possible to be held at the AGM.
Photographer Update
Nothing to report
AOB
Minutes of the last meeting were read and agreed.
Financial Report
Finances are still very healthy, and nothing much has changed.
There are no real issues and no outstanding issues.
Membership Report
Membership currently stands at 230. 144 paying members.
Rally 2013 – 16th to 18th August
Towcester Rugby Club is booked for the Rally in 2013. Due to the
extensive refurbishment taking place the facilities etc. make this is
a more than suitable venue.
The HRC is looking into suitable destinations for the Rally Ride Out.
Awards Night – 11th Jan 2013
This is also booked at Towcester Rugby Club.
The type of Entertainment & catering is to be confirmed.
Activity Officer Update
The Credit Crunch is planned for the weekend July 21st / 22nd.
Tickets are on sale.
Treasure Hunt will take place Date TBC
Head Road Captain Update
Points are up to date on the website & there are some to be
handed out tonight.
HRC is to check the possibility of presenting a 300 point pin.
Safety Officer Update
SO is to investigate a venue where members can meet should they
wish to improve their riding skills.
Charity Donations
Due to Chapter Funds remaining stable with no major influx of
funds it was agreed that Charity Donations be suspended for the
time being.
LOH Officer / Membership Secretary
Both Officers wish to step down – an advert will be sent out via
Global e­mail with short Job Description inviting members to put
themselves forward for these positions.
SOFER
It was agreed that the hiring of a van to enable members to
transport extra luggage was not justifiable due to the numbers
attending.
Marquee
The Activities team is largely self funded however the damage
suffered by the marquee has been fairly expensive to repair. LOH of
funds have been approved to cover this cost.
Webmaster Update
The Renewal Bill for hosting the web site is now due.
Editor Update
There is no Mag for July as a hard copy was issued so late in June.
The next hard copy will be issued in September. Members are to be
asked to provide material for the Mag.
Battlefield Tour 2013
There has been a fair amount of interest expressed in the tour. The
organisers will pre­ride the trip this year to check its viability.
There being no other business the meeting was closed at 8.00 p.m.
Nene Valley H.O.G. Chapter
Page 9
Date
Event
Location
Information
August 2012
rd
th
3 –5
th
Sun 5
th
Wed 8
th
Sun 12
th
th
18 – 19
th
Sun 19
th
th
24 – 27
th
Thurs 30
SoFER
LoH Rideout
Club Night
Polly’s Tea Rooms
Carry On Regardless
Punting Ride
Thunder in the Glens
Harley Davidson Night
Bisley Shooting Ground
Dunstable Downs
Towcester Rugby Club
Marlborough
TBA
Cambridge
Aviemore, Scotland
The Ace Café, London
Chilli Festival
Euro Bike Week
Afternoon Cream Tea Ride
Club Night
Owl’s Adventure
Harley Davidson Night
TBA
Faaker See, Austria
Henley on Thames
Towcester Rugby Club
TBA
The Ace Café, London
RTTW 5 & Return Ride
Club Night
Brightona
Hoggin the Bridge
National Memorial Arboretum
Towcester Rugby Club
Brighton
Severn Bridge
Remembrance (& Baps) Ride
Club Night
Bletchley
Towcester Rugby Club
Club Night
Towcester Rugby Club
‘Becks’ Leading
From 7.30pm
‘Becks’ Leading – 10.30am Super Sausage
Event Currently on Hold
‘Groundhog’ Leading 9.30 Jacks Hill Café
Check out Dunedin Chapter website
Refer website for confirmation and details
September 2012
nd
Sun 2
th
th
4 –9
th
Sun 9
th
Wed 12
th
Sun 16
th
Thurs 27
‘The Ambassador’ Leading – 11.00am Super Sausage
‘Becks’ Leading – 11.00am Super Sausage
From 7.30pm
‘Owl’ Leading – 9.30am Jacks Hill Café
Refer website for confirmation and details
October 2012
th
Sat 6
th
Wed 10
th
Sun 14
st
Sun 21
‘Mikey’ & ‘Slow Hand’ Leading
From 7.30pm
‘Bob the Bus’ Leading
‘Groundhog’ Leading
November 2012
th
Sun 11
th
Wed 14
‘The Ambassador’ Leading
From 7.30pm
December 2012
Wed 12
th
From 7.30pm
January 2013
th
Wed 9
th
Sat 12
Club Night
NV Awards Night
Towcester Rugby Club
Towcester Rugby Club
From 7.30pm
Details to be Advised
L.o.H Ride – Everyone Welcome
Disclaimer: The Editor accepts no responsibility for the views and comments expressed in this publication. All views and comments contained are those of the individual
®
®
®
contributors and not necessarily those of Nene Valley H.O.G , Harley Davidson , their agents, or authorised dealers. All H.O.G. Logos and marks are used under licence
®
®
in accordance with article X of the current H.O.G. Annual Charter for H.O.G. Chapters.