HOU-TEX HOG CHAPTER # 5075 Hello Hogs Well the first month of

HOU-TEX H.O.G. CHAPTER # 5075
February 2013
Volume 26, Issue 2
Special Interest Articles:
Directors Cut
Memories of Hank
submitted by: Bill Askew
More memories of Hank
submitted by: Keith Hoak
Chuck Collum, Director
ABC’s of Touring
submitted by: Juan Gonzales
Other Highlights:
February Birthdays
Hello Hogs
Welcome New Members
Jokes
February Rides & Activities
Editor Comments
Note from Secretary
Hou-Tex Chapter Sponsors
San Jacinto
Harley-Davidson
3636 E. Sam Houston Pkwy. S
Pasadena, TX 77505
Phone : 281-991-4275
Fax: 281-598-6157
www.sanjacintohd.com
Stubbs
Harley-Davidson
4400 Telephone Rd.
Houston, TX 77087
Phone: 713-644-7535
Well the first month of 2013 has come and gone with a
couple of great rides. For those of you who do not
know of Houston’s weather Winter is here, it’s February.
That’s right ! We have Summer and February. Not much
of a Spring or Fall, the rain comes, the flowers bloom
and before you know it eight to ten months of sweat.
Over the years I’ve noticed that Hou-Tex members
adapt to any weather condition Mother Nature throws
their way and just keep riding and or planning rides.
They don’t quit, cry or complain, They wait ! That’s
right ! They wait ! For in Houston if you don’t like the
weather, wait a few minutes it will change. So break out
the heavy leathers and lets prepare to do some Cold
Riding.
Fax: 713-933-3485
www.stubbshd.com
Store Hours
(both locations-Except
Stubbs closed on Monday)
Monday
8:30-6:00
Tuesday
8:30-6:00
Wednesday
8:30-6:00
Thursday
8:30-6:00
Friday
8:30-6:00
Saturday
8:30-500
Sunday
CLOSED
Ride Safe….
Chuck C.
HOU-TEX CHAPTER # 5075 PAGE 2 0F 8
It is January 12, 2013 the day after we laid our friend Hank Hruza to rest. The service was well attended by HOU-TEX members.
There were at least 21 bikes and many more came in other vehicles. The service was a positive and a nice celebration of his life.
I am not sure exactly when I met Hank and Pam (I slept since then LOL) but I think it was 1997. Pam and I were on the HOU-TEX
board of directors. Lubie Martin was director, Glen McDade assistant director, Pam Hruza secretary and I was treasurer.
In 1999 I was still treasurer and Hank became safety officer so we decided to take advantage of the H.O.G. officer training in Branson MO. It was the end of April and the weather was nice when we left Houston. The ride was nice until we got about 50 miles
north of Texarkana then it started drizzling and the temperature dropped to about 50 ⁰. We spent the night in Arkansas. The next
day and the rest of the trip Hank started calling me captain freeze LOL. While we were in Branson it snowed. Sam Baldwin had
ridden up with us and went to Springfield to visit family. On the day the three of us left it was 39 ⁰ and we headed east on US 160
then south on AR 9 and AR 7. It was a great ride bike. The following was what Hank submitted in the May news letter. “Last week
I had the good fortune of making a great ride to Branson, Missouri with 2 fellow Hou-Tex members. One of those members has
been referred to as "Sparky", but I am of the opinion that his real handle should be, Captain Freeze”. Just ask him.” Hank and I
loved to tweak each other like that.
Hank and Sam rounding the corner on AR 9
Also in the spring of 1999 Pam had put together a committee and proposal to have the 2000 Texas state H.O.G. rally in Houston
and we won it. The committee was comprised of people from three chapters Area 1, Brazoport and HOU-TEX. Pam was the coordinator, Doug Capps (Area 1) was events coordinator, I was registration coordinator, Hank was site coordinator, Wayne and
Becky Finch (Brazoport) handled publicity, Ric Bailey (Area 1) was treasurer, Bubba Miller handled security G. J. Reya coordinated
field events and Denise Lesch was secretary . And the work of planning began. I will get back to this later.
In July of 1999 Hank and I set out to ride along the Ohio River on the KY side. When we left Hank told me that he packed long
underwear even though the predicted temperatures were predicted to be in the high 90s to 100. I laughed at the joke as we headed out. We experienced some gorgeous countryside along the Ohio River then we headed diagonally south east through West
Virginia. It was indeed hot. In Virginia we got on the Blue Ridge Highway and were having a wonderful ride until we got into North
Carolina. This is where it started getting cold and a hail storm hit us. Hank wrote this in the August news letter. “Bill “Captain
Freeze” and Hank Hruza made their trip up the Ohio River, down the Blue Ridge Parkway, thru Atlanta, Georgia, and home on the
Natchez Trace.” And “By the way, Hank says Bill definitely keeps his title of Captain Freeze because if it’s not the snow, it’s the golf
ball size hail and cold rain.”
Hank in front of the Ohio River in Kentucky
HOU-TEX CHAPTER # 5075 PAGE 3 0F 8
A hydro electric generator in West Virginia
On the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia
In 2000 we continued planning for and had the Texas State HOG rally. It was a lot of work and a lot of fun. There were
many volunteers and it was a big success with 5500 people in attendance. In February Pam, Hank and I went to a state
H.O.G. rally meeting in Alabama to learn tricks tips and guidance about putting on a rally. It was a fun but icy cold trip
(guess who Hank pointed the finger at?). Hank being the site coordinator for the rally had quite a job getting vendors, laying out where to locate them and working with the Sam Houston Race Park. I can’t remember all of the venders and displays but there were at least 4 Harley dealers several jewelry venders cleaning products and a really nice display of low rider cars (a nice local touch). His effort as site coordinator was a big part of the rally’s success.
Our next road trip was October 2001 to Biketober Fest. There was Hank, Joel Cohen, Jimmy Pratt and myself. Jimmy
took off a couple of days early to beat a couple of weather fronts we met him in Tampa. Day one we hit I-10 after a cold
front moved through the day before. There was a light rain and it was chilly but we made some good time. When we entered Alabama we got past the cold front and the temperature got warmer by about 15 degrees and things cleared up. I
saw Hank go by and wave that he needed to stop. When I pull up next to him I saw his glasses were completely fogged up
WOW he was literally driving blind. After Hank was able to see again he smiled and gave us that big thumbs up and we
headed out again. When we got into Pensacola we caught to another rainy front. This one had a lot of wind and when we
enter a toll bridge to go across Escambia Bay the toll agent said hope you do not get blown off the bridge. At the end of
the bridge we decided to find the first available room. Hanks comment was “Askew it is time to shut it down” He was very
tired. We stayed the night on US98 near Fort Walton Beach. Hank and I shared a room each night and always enjoyed
reviewing the days ride. The rest of the trip the weather was nice. On day two we traveled on US 98, US 27 and US 41
and stopped for the night near Tampa. On day three we traveled across the everglades to Holmstead and stayed the night.
One thing I remember about Hank was everyone was a friend. At every gas stop he was always chatting with someone like
they were old lost friends. Sometimes the rest of us would need to start our bikes so we could go. J Days four and five
found us going to Key West, around Lake Okeechobee and then to my folks house. My Mom and Dad put us up for a few
days while we attended Biketober fest in Daytona Beach. Hank and my Dad clicked when they met and had a great time
getting to know each other. We had a great time at Biketoberfest. We stood in line for 2 hours to ride the new V-Rod
and rode several other models as well. We hung out at Froggys with Valerie Ledterman and enjoyed watching the non-stop
flow of motorcycles down the main drag. As Hank would say it was another week in paradise.
They have some big kitties in the everglades.
Hank the purple glide and one of the many bridges
connecting the Florida Keys.
Chilling out at the Hogs Breath
Saloon in Key West
HOU-TEX CHAPTER # 5075 PAGE 4 OF 8
Waiting in line to ride the new HD V-Rod
Historic site along the Delaware River
Left to right Ralph Lloyd, Me, Peggy, Nikolas (my grandson),
Hank, Ginger and John Lambert Reilli (my granddaughter) and
Terri and Bubba Miller
In 2002 a group of us decided we were going to go to the Laconia Bike rally. The plan was to meet at Hank’s sisters and
then ride together from there. Hank went a week early and John, Ginger, another couple and I decided to tow the bikes
strait through. When we got to Hank’s sister’s house we discovered a wheel bearing had burnt out so we got in touch with
a trailer place to get the parts and planned to fix it when we got back. Hank had planned a route through eastern Pennsylvania that included some historical sites and covered bridges. After a couple of days at Laconia Hank said he needed to get
back to his sister’s. What we did not realize was Hank was concerned about out trailer getting fixed and really went back to
fix it. This is a good example of how much cared for others.
I had many other good rides and other fellowship over the years with Hank, but there is one more story I want to share. In
2004 there were three hurricanes that went across central Florida. My parents live in Titusville and got hit by all three. My
parents were fortunate to not have any damage to their home but the storms did made a mess of the property because
there are several large oak trees. Hank and I were hanging out and I was telling him that would be heading to Florida to help
them clean up. Hank offered to come help us with the cleanup. I thanked him for the offer. That evening Hank called me
and insisted he was going and asked what time are we leaving? I realized then that what I thought was an offer to help was
not an offer it was a statement that he was going. J We spent several days helping my folks clean up their property and Hank
was always smiling and energetic. My father has a lot of cool yard toys and Hank just had to use the all.
Hank taking a break during
the clean up effort!
My life was enriched and blessed my knowing Hank and for this I will always be grateful. I get a warm feeling when I think
about the friendly smile with the thumbs up and the phrase “HEY HOU-TEX!” when he opened each meeting as director.
Bill “Sparky” – “Captain Freeze” Askew
A Harley Ride A Day Helps Drive The Blues Away
HOU-TEX CHAPTER # 5075 PAGE 5 of 8
Henry R. “Hank” Hruza
November 23, 1939 – December 23, 2012
Hou-Tex has lost a fine man in the death of our fellow member Hank Hruza. He was laid to rest on January 11, 2013 after a
Memorial service at the Houston National Cemetery. Hank’s ashes were placed into a Harley-Davidson gas tank and his
remains were brought to the cemetery on the back of his motorcycle ridden by his son, Ward. There was a large gathering
of friends and family present, around forty Hou-Tex members showed up to pay their respect to him and his family. The
chapel was filled to capacity and many had to stand in the foyer for the service. The stories that were shared by his family
and friends made testament to “a life well lived”.
Hank was the Chapter Safety Officer from March 1999 until July 2000, and he was Chapter Director from July 2000 until
December 2001. Hank will also be remembered for his role in bringing the Texas State HOG Rally to Houston for the first
and only time in April of 2000. Hank’s wife Pam Hruza was the Rally Coordinator and worked tirelessly with Hank and others on the committee to bring the rally to Houston. The combined efforts of Hou-Tex, Brazosport, and Houston Area #1
HOG Chapters beat out four other cities for State Rally location that year. Hank was Site Coordinator as well as Pam’s
right hand man during the preparation and running of the rally. The rally was held at the Sam Houston Race Park, and while
there were no real horses, there were lots of steel ponies. All of you that have attended a State HOG rally know the incredible amount of time and energy that goes into making the Rally successful; and the Y2K Rally in Houston was a tremendous success that year. The future will have to reveal if Houston is ever to host another HOG rally.
Hank was also a Road Captain for many years and led and participated in many Chapter Rides. He is famously remembered
for his “Purple Glide” that he logged many a mile on. Hank’s first motorized riding experience was on a Schwinn Phantom
with a Whizzer engine kit that belonged to a friend, from there he eventually ended up riding Harleys and becoming a member of HOG. “The Gearhead” was Hank’s title in the Hou-Tex Newsletter and could not have been more fitting for a man
with such a fascination with things mechanical. But, even more than Hank’s mechanical aptitude, he was a man that could
connect with anyone, and soon became your friend.
Hank bravely battled cancer for many years with an optimistic and open mind. He was fond of saying “Every day above
ground is a good day”. Hank also gave of his time and energy promoting the “Bad to the Bone Marrow Ride’ for survivors
of bone marrow transplants that many Hou-Tex members have participated in. Hank was a son, a husband, and a father; his
family was the most important thing in his life, and as he was oft to say, every day with the ones you love is a “Hell of a
deal.” Hank always had a smile, was quick to laugh, and rarely took a picture without a thumbs up sign. He will be missed greatly by all who knew
him.
Here’s a big “Thumbs Up” to you Hank, thanks for all the miles.
By: Keith Hoak, Chapter Historian and proudly Hank’s friend
Hank’s Final Resting Place
HOU-TEX CHAPTER # 5075 PAGE 6 of 8
Welcome New Hou-Tex Members
Tony and Charlsey Porcarello
No Photo Available at this time.
Remember New Members are our future!!!
BIRTHDAY
CORNER
FEBRUARY
BIRTHDAY’S
A Note From The Secretary
I wanted remind you that if you have not paid your
2013 Hou-Tex dues of $24, the cut-off date is
March 1st. The means you may miss out on any
newsletters, upcoming events that our Hou-Tex Activities and Safety Director and Dealership have
planned for 2013- lots of rides and opportunities
to gather with your friends. Along with your
dues, we need your 2013
Membership Enrollment form completed.
You may go to the chapter website at:
http://www.houtexhog.org/join_us.html and click
the Membership Enrollment.
You also may mail both your dues and the enrollment form to:
Hou-Tex HOG
P.O. Box 1541
Deer Park, TX 77536
We look forward to your continued participation in
2013.
Thank you,
Dagmar Reilly
Hou-Tex Secretary
Judge Fletcher
2/3
Andres Colon
2/4
Perry Ballard
2/6
Temple Naff
2/6
Debra Grasso
2/7
Toni Chapman
2/10
Keith Gray
2/11
Eloisa Gallegos
2/12
James S. Chapman
2/14
Petie Lebanowski
2/14
Jeanette Byrd
2/15
Chris Price
2/16
Steve Pait
2/21
Jim Harris
2/21
Brian Barry
2/24
Gail Deason
2/27
Bruce Kippley
2/28
Know Your ABCs (ABCs of Touring)
Knowing your HOG® benefits should be like knowing your ABCs. Take, for
instance, the ABCs of Touring … it’s not as if any of us really need an extra incentive to ride. But there’s something thrilling about exploring the
back roads and happening upon a town that begins with the letter “Z.” It’s
the little discoveries that make riding so fulfilling. Not to mention, all the
great prizes you could win.
It doesn’t take much to take part in the ABCs of Touring. All you do is collect photos of yourself and your Harley® holding a current edition of HOG®
Magazine in front of “official” signs for various entities – cities, counties,
states, countries, etc. – and you could be eligible for great prizes. Check
your HOG Benefits Guide for more details on how to take part, or visit
members.hog.com.
Submitted By: Juan Gonzales Assistant Director
H
A
P
P
Y
B
I
R
T
H
D
A
Y
We apologize if we missed your birthday
Please contact: Dagmar Reilly our secretary.
See page 7 for contact information.
Thanks!
HOU-TEX CHAPTER # 5075 PAGE 7 of 8
FEBRUARY
JOKE / CARTOON
Hou-Tex Officers
CORNER
The Excuse
CHAPTER ACTIVITIES
2/2…Chapter Meeting Fox & Hound 10:00
a.m. After meeting ride led by John D. to
Battleship Texas for Chapter group pictures
2/3...Ride to Joe’s BBQ led by John P. KSU
@ 8:00 a.m. from SJHD
2/7..LOH meeting at Bravo’s 6:30-8:00 p.m.
come early to eat. 10906 Fuqua
2/14..Valentine’s Day! Remember your
sweethearts!!!
2/20… Road Captain’s meeting @ SJHD
6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. with Clayton H.
2/21...Meet N Greet Fox & Hound 6:30
p.m. till...come meet new members and visit
with ole members as well!
2/27...Officers meeting, Willies Grill Beltway 8 and Vista 6:30p.m. till 7:30p.m.
1/30...Officers Meeting @ Willies 6:30
p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Biker rolling through town on his custom, fastest bike in
town. He's going around a bend when he rolls up on a cop.
The blue lights come on and out rolls the cop. The biker
thinks, "He'll never catch me in that car" and takes off.
Several miles later the cop is still behind him as he pulls
over.
Director, Chuck Collum
[email protected]
Assistant Director, Juan Gonzalez
The cop walks up to the biker and asks for his license. Then
the cop says, "OK. I've had a crappy day, and I'm ready to
[email protected]
head home. Come up with a good excuse for speeding away
from me and I'll let you go."
The biker looks at the cop and replies, "The old lady left me
last week for a cop. I was afraid it was you and you were
trying to bring her back."
Cop hands him his license and tells him to have a nice ride
home.
Letter From the Editor
Hello Fellow Hou-Tex members.
Secretary, Dagmar Reilly
[email protected]
Treasurer, Wendy Wilkins
[email protected]
Ladies of Harley, Liz Leal
[email protected]
Once again Hou=Tex members made this issue a
great one with your submissions. We were able to
Honor one of our Past Director’s with memories
and photos from members that were friends with
Hank and knew him well. We still have several
stories and other submissions from members that
will be in the next issue as there wasn’t enough
space to put it all in the February issue. Isn’t that
awesome! We still have a story from Teri
McElhenie that I can’t wait for you to read, it is
awesome! I look forward to your ride photos,
stories, jokes and anything else you would like to
submit for the newsletter. If you have any ideas we
can make them happen!
Activities Officer, John Billings
[email protected]
Road Captain, Clayton Hackett
[email protected]
Editor, Lori Smith
[email protected]
Safety Officer, John Rossbach
[email protected]
If you have any question as to where you can find
Historian, Keith Hoak
information on rides or chapter activities always
[email protected]
look to the Hou-Tex Official Chapter Website Calendar and also the newsletter. The information will always be up to date and correct.
Webmaster, Colin Lee
Facebook is an alternate form of communication.
Webmaster/IT/Communications
[email protected]
John Billings
We are planning another great contest for this
year and more details will be announced at a chapter meeting soon. It should be lots of fun and exciting for everyone wanting to participate!
I am looking forward to getting to know new
members and spending time with old friends and
looking forward to a fun filled year with lots of
great rides and activities.
Activities Director
Sergeant-at-Arms, BrIan Barry
[email protected]
Photographer, John Davis
[email protected]
Stubbs Dealer Representative, Joel Morris
We have a great group of folks in this chapter and
I for one am proud to be a Hou-Tex
[email protected]
member! Hou-Tex is awesome!
San Jac Dealer Representative, Roy Abrego
Looking forward to a year of great rides!
[email protected]
See you on the road!
Lori Smith
HOU-TEX CHAPTER # 5075 PAGE 8 of 8
HOU-TEX
HOU-TEX
CHAPTER
CHAPTER ## 5075
5075
Meets
Meets at
at 10:00
10:00 A.M.
A.M.
Newsletter Deadline for March: February 20, 2013
E-mail photos, stories, jokes (clean please), information on past rides, Note: All membership dues, prepaid activities and event fees are non-refundable.
events, etc. to Lori@[email protected]
The
The First
First Saturday
Saturday
of
of Each
Each Month
Month at:
at:
Please see, call or e-mail the following people for complaints,
questions, changes or suggestions:
ABOUT OUR
ORGANIZATION
Questions or complaints: Chuck Collum, Director
FOX
FOX &
& HOUND
HOUND
Address, phone, or e-mail changes: Dagmar Reilly, Secretary
SMOKEHOUSE
SMOKEHOUSE
Ride ideas: breakfast/lunch/dinner or overnight stay-please contact:
John Billings, Activities Officer or Chuck Collum, Director
&
&
TAVERN
TAVERN
12802
12802 Gulf
Gulf Freeway
Freeway
77034
77034
HOU-TEX MOTTO
281-481-0068
281-481-0068
Started as Strangers
Houston,
Houston, TX
TX
Became Friends
Guests
Guests and
and
Ended Up As Family
Visitors
Visitors
RIDE SAFE AND HAVE FUN1
Welcome!
Welcome!
“The purpose of the Hou-Tex
chapter is to promote responsible
motorcycling activities for Harley
Owners Group members by conducting chapter activities and encouraging participation in other
H.O.G. events…”
We’re on the Web!
See us at:
www.houtexhog.org
P.O. Box 1541
Deer Park, TX
77536-1541