Atlanta HOGWASH December 2015
THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE ATLANTA CHAPTER, INC., CHAPTER NUMBER 0788
AMERICAN HEROES RIDE FREE
All current and former U.S. military and first responders can learn to ride for free with Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy.
To thank the millions of people who have courageously defended our country, guarded our safety, and helped protect everyone’s personal freedom to ride, Harley-Davidson is offering a free Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy New Rider Course for all current and former U.S. military personnel and first responders (law enforcement, fire, and EMS). You can register now and sign up to take an eligible course January 1, 2016 – December 31, 2016.*
In addition to the Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy offer, there is an alternate offer available. With this alternate offer, qualified participants will be eligible to receive a Harley-Davidson™ Gift Card in an amount equal to the value of a course offered at an authorized Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) or other state accredited riding school, upon proof of completion of a basic motorcycle riding course and a receipt.
To take advantage of either offer, fill out the form below. After it’s submitted, you’ll be given next steps on how to sign up for a course. All classes must be completed between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016. Dealer participation may vary, class availability subject to limitation and available on first-come, first- served basis.
To take advantage of this offer, follow the instructions at https://ridefree.harley- davidson.com/americanheroes/?source_cd=social&version=desktop. All classes must be completed between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016. Dealer participation may vary, class availability subject to limitation & available on first come first serve basis.
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OFFICERS ROAD CAPTAINS PIG RIDE LEGEND
DIRECTOR Andy Andresen 770-502-0847 ONE PIG: Non-curving terrain and a Chuck Fuller 404-402-4088 [email protected] ride of short duration (50 miles round [email protected] trip) ASSISTANT DIRECTOR David Northcutt 770-337-0379 Tom Rapp 484-577-5432 [email protected] TWO PIGS: A few gentle curve and be [email protected] a bit longer (100 miles round trip) David Trefzger 770-354-9229 TREASURER [email protected] THREE PIGS: Long ride (200 miles René Durham 770-944-1340 round trip) with curving terrain and [email protected] Dee Pearson 770-815-3628 urban area traffic.
[email protected] SECRETARY Melissa Fuller 404-719-6408 FOUR PIGS: Lots of curves, some [email protected] Denny Heare 678-923-8544 with “decreasing radius” turns and/or [email protected] cover a major distance requiring a good HEAD ROAD CAPTAIN deal of technical skill and stamina. Major Mike Sangster 770-900-8996 Diana Bodden 404-992-3548 traffic such as I75 can be part of this [email protected] [email protected] rating.
ACTIVITIES OFFICER Jeff Eubanks 770-344-1640 FIVE PIGS: Most difficult category due Vacant [email protected] to the severity and number of curves CHAPLAIN combined with a long ride. The Mark Redmon 770-617-2944 Ken Bechely 678-521-7671 Southern Highroads Trail, Suches, and [email protected] [email protected] Gatlinburg would fall into this category.
EDITOR Mark Cothern 404-259-6298 Mike Perdue 404-502-4024 [email protected] [email protected] 770-356-5504 HEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Matt Langley Denise King 678- 858-3752 [email protected] [email protected] Nan Sangster 770-436-9048 LADIES OF HARLEY OFFICER [email protected] Angela Rodriguez 256-506-1989 [email protected] Randy King 678-858-3755 [email protected] MEMBERSHIP OFFICER Mary Carol Wall 404-424-7117 [email protected] Robbie Walter 404-259-2823 [email protected] SAFETY OFFICER Mike Laymon 770-289-6681 Rodney Still 770-222-1162 [email protected] [email protected]
VOLUNTEER COORDINATORS Stuart Danneman 678-278-0120 770-732-9309 Denise Harris [email protected] Jesse Harris 770-715-9544 [email protected]
WEB / E-BLAST Rick Parker 770-949-7776 [email protected]
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Atlanta HOGWASH December 2015
DIRECTOR’S CORNER:
Happy December Atlanta Chapter H.O.G.!! 2015 is winding down already and oh what a great year it has been! Melissa and I have just returned from Jekyll Island and the 2015 Georgia State H.O.G rally; we had a great time with our chapter as well as old friends from around Georgia and surrounding states. The weather for the rally was perfect but the ride home and back to reality was a cold and wet 300 miles! (That’s what memories are made from)
This is my last article as director of our chapter and I’d like to use it to thank the members for the success we’ve all enjoyed this year! Our chapter has had so many rides on the calendar that you just can’t go on them all, members are showing up for social events in record numbers, and we are participating in Harley- Davidson of Atlanta’s events in great numbers! All of this has been possible because of our great members and the great relationship we have with our sponsoring dealership! Our membership has experienced consistent growth over the past few years and along with that growth our enthusiasm, willingness to volunteer, and eagerness to ride has just made our chapter fun to be a part of!
We celebrated the 30th anniversary of our Atlanta Chapter this year too! We are the “original” H.O.G. chapter in Georgia and you won’t find a better chapter anywhere! Our chapter has been going strong for 30 years because we’ve kept to our motto “RIDE and have FUN”! Let’s keep it going and there will be no end to our success!
In 2016 Tom Rapp will be our director and I know he will get the support to make our chapter even bigger and better! Let’s make 2016 a year to remember!
Ride on!
Chuck “Chaos” Fuller, Director
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR’S CORNER
Happy December All! As this HOGWASH is coming out, Plans for the Chapter Christmas Party are being finalized, Hope to see everyone there. (Several members have tickets available, $10.00 in advance and $15.00 at the door).Our party on December the 5th will also serve as our December meeting.
In looking back at 2015, we have had a great year as a Chapter and I would like to thank all of our members that helped contribute to our success. As a chapter, we celebrated our 30th Anniversary, thanks to those that were on the original charter and to everyone that kept the Atlanta Chapter the best Chapter in Georgia. To anyone that has ride or destinations suggestions, please get with one of the Road Captains to try and get them put on the Calendar.
Looking forward to a great 2016!
Ride safe and have fun!
Tom "Pelican" Rapp, Assistant Director
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Atlanta HOGWASH December 2015
TREASURER’S ARTICLE: ATTENDANCE JACKPOT
Congratulations to Alison Kabele whose name was drawn for the November Attendance Jackpot. Alison was not at the meeting to claim the $80. We will add $10 to the Jackpot for the next chapter meeting, bringing the jackpot to $90. Remember you must be at the meeting and a member in “Good Standing,” a current member of national H.O.G. and Atlanta Chapter. If the member whose name is drawn is not at the meeting, we will add $10 and try again next meeting. Please have your National H.O.G. card with you at the meeting. Hope to see everyone there.
René Durham, Treasurer
HARLEY-DAVIDSON COMMEMORATES USS MILWAUKEE WITH ONE-OF-A-KIND BIKE
Harley-Davidson has partnered with Lockheed Martin to produce a one-of-a-kind motorcycle to commemorate the U.S. Navy's USS Milwaukee.
The motorcycle was designed by Harley-Davidson Chief Stylist Ray Drea, who took inspiration from touring the Fincantieri Marinette Marine Corps shipyard in Marinette, Wisconsin. The shipyard is used by Lockheed Martin and other defense industry companies to build the Freedom class of littoral combat ships, relatively small vessels used for maritime combat close to shore.
MEMBERSHIP CORNER:
As the year is coming to an end, it is time to renew your membership for the coming year. There is a Membership Application in this issue that you can complete, or you can always pick one up at the Dealership from Rene Durham. Complete the Membership Application and include your yearly fees of $20.00 and either give to Mary Carol or you can drop it off with Rene Durham at the Dealership. There will also be a Membership Table set up at the Christmas Party so if you would like to wait until then to renew, that will be fine also.
Mary Carol “Speedy” Wall, Membership Officer
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Atlanta HOGWASH December 2015
COMMON CAUSES OF MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS
Motorcycles are appealing to wider range of riders than ever before. In fact, as of 2009, there are more than 8 million registered motorcycles on the road. As with any motor vehicle, there are risks involved, such as reduced visibility to other drivers, and less protection from the elements or other drivers. Approximately 55 percent of accidents involve one or more vehicles, besides the motorcycle; the remaining 45 percent are single motorcycle accidents.
Road Hazards/Driving Conditions: Road hazards and driving conditions, including weather, and time of day can lead to motorcycle accidents. Road hazards may include potholes, slippery road conditions, wet roads, loose stone or gravel, winding roads, blind spots, and even animals. Poor weather conditions, such as rain, fog, or even snow may contribute to motorcycle accidents. Drivers of cars or trucks may not see motorcyclists; in such instances, it may be difficult to determine who may be at fault for an accident, or if anyone was at fault at all. In poor weather conditions, it is extremely important to exercise caution and be aware of other drivers.
Speed: In 2007, speed was a factor in 36 percent of fatal motorcycle crashes. Driving at excessive speeds can cause a rider to lose control relatively easily. In addition, excessive speed and a pothole or bump could send the bike off the road.
Negligence of Other Drivers: Motorcycles may not always be visible to other motorists. Cell phones, driving recklessly, driving erratically, or speeding may also distract drivers.
Driving Under the Influence: It is critical that you do not drive if you have been drinking. Alcohol was responsible for 36 percent of fatal motorcycle accidents in 2007. In 28 percent of these accidents, the drivers had a BAC of .08 or higher. In accidents that occurred on weekends, these percentages were even higher. Other motorists who have been drinking can also cause motorcycle accidents. It is important to be aware of other drivers at all times when operating a motorcycle.
Being aware of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents will reduce the chances of being in one.
Chuck Watwood Bob McNally LawBike.com LawBike Florida 770-650-0016 850-235-3535
QUICK TIPS FOR MOTORCYCLE BATTERY STORAGE
As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. For motorcycle riders, this is sage advice, especially true when it comes to our motorcycle batteries. New riders often don’t think about the battery in their bike. There are so many more visibly exciting things to focus on with your first motorcycle, like chrome. When fall turns too cold for riding and the motorcycle is parked for the winter, the battery is easy to forget. When the first beautiful day of spring arrives and the motorcycle is rolled out for a ride, surprise! That forgotten battery won’t turn the motor over. Experience is a great teacher, and once you have experienced the disappointment of a dead battery, you’ll never forget.
Why Do Batteries Die Over Winter? Both traditional water and acid-filled motorcycle batteries, and newer maintenance-free batteries operate on an electrochemical process. The only difference is you don’t need to check and maintain the fluid level in maintenance-free batteries. Motorcycle batteries don’t last www.atlantahog.com www.facebook.com/groups/atlantahog/
Atlanta HOGWASH December 2015
forever. Over time, the chemical process that occurs with charging and discharging reduces the efficiency of the materials the battery contains. Motorcycle batteries are also subjected to vibration during use, which increases the rate of material decay. Batteries also slowly discharge as they sit unused. Many modern motorcycles have devices such as clocks and alarm systems that draw a small amount of current even when the motorcycle is parked, further reducing the charge in the battery. After months of slowly discharging, there is simply no charge left come spring. Batteries have memories, too, and a battery left uncharged for a long period will not respond chemically to charging.
Keeping Your Battery Fresh and Alive Over Winter The old-school way of maintaining a motorcycle battery over winter was to remove it and remember to fully charge it on a regular schedule. That still works if you remember to charge it, and you need to be careful to avoid overcharging. There is a better way. It’s called a Battery Tender. These units are different than traditional battery chargers. They use a four-step charging program (initialization, bulk charge, absorption mode and float mode) to keep your motorcycle battery at the ready. The units come with traditional alligator battery clips or a quick disconnect cable, the latter of which also can double as a connection for some brands of electric heated riding gear. Best of all, they are set it and forget it. Many experienced riders use Battery Tenders year-round and report that their batteries last years longer.
See complete article at: https://www.dairylandinsurance.com/blog/details/quick-tips-for-motorcycle- battery-storage#sthash.SGnS4q7r.dpuf
CHRISTMAS PARADE Friday, December 4th, 2015 Shell Station 6450 Church St Douglasville. Corner of Fairburn Road and Church Street Meet 5:30pm RC – Chuck Fuller
Our Atlanta Chapter H.O.G. will be riding in the Douglasville Christmas Parade again this year! We have a limited amount of space, so if you are interested in riding with us reply on the FB post or contact Chuck (the first 15 bikes can ride in the parade and everyone else is welcome to come as spectators along the route). Parade will start at 6:30.
CHRISTMAS PARTY Saturday, December 5th, 2015 American Legion Post 160, 160 Legion Drive SE, Smyrna 6:00 pm – 10:00pm RL – Chuck Fuller
Atlanta Chapter's annual Christmas Party, 6:00 to 10:00pm; Tickets $10 advance/ $15 at the door; Desert Contest, DJ; Door Prizes; Dinner; Games; Cash Bar; and more! See Rene' Durham @ HDA for tickets (several members are also selling tickers). Watch for up-dated information.
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Atlanta HOGWASH December 2015
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA Saturday, December 12th, 2015 QT 278 and 61 Dallas at 0800 KSU 0830 RC: Pelican Rapp
Ride to the GA National Cemetery to assist in distribution of wreaths to grave sites. We are leaving a little early because of past parking problems. Will update as time draws near. Lunch stop afterwards will be determined later.
GOOD LUCK RIDE Friday, January 1st, 2016 HDA 9:00 KSU 9:30 RC- Tom "Pelican" Rapp 2-pig
Start your 2016 riding season off properly with our Atlanta Chapter annual Good Luck Ride to Buckner's Family Restaurant in Barnesville. Enjoy a 2 hour ride through the countryside for some great country cooking. There will be the traditional black eyed peas and greens along with their award winning fried chicken.
This is a popular destination for motorcycles on January 1st, come on out and enjoy the day with friends.
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Atlanta HOGWASH December 2015
RALLYS, PIN STOPS, AND OVERNIGHT CHAPTER RIDES (* = Pin Stop) Dates Rally / Ride Location / Road Captain 5 – 12 March Daytona Bike Week Daytona Beach, FL 31 March – 2 April Louisiana H.O.G. Rally Shreveport, LA 21 – 23 April South Carolina H.O.G. Rally Anderson, SC 27 – 30 April Laughlin River Run Laughlin, NV 27 April – 1 May Panama City Beach Motorcycle Rally Panama City Beach, FL 12 – 14 May Texas H.O.G. Rally Denison, TX 19 – 21 May Alabama H.O.G. Rally Huntsville, AL 19 – 21 May Delaware / Maryland H.O.G. Rally Harrington, DE 28 – 29 May Rolling Thunder XXIX Washington, DC 31 May – 4 June Tennessee H.O.G. Rally Memphis, TN 8 – 11 June Kentucky H.O.G. Rally Lexington, KY 9 – 11 June South Dakota H.O.G. Rally Watertown, SD 14 – 18 June Laconia Motorcycle Week Laconia, NH 14 – 18 June West Virginia H.O.G. Rally Lewisburg, WV 16 – 23 June History in the Hills Ride Gettysburg, PA 16 – 18 June Alaska H.O.G. Rally Kenai Peninsula, AK 22 – 25 June Virginia H.O.G. Rally Lynchburg, VA 23 – 25 June Minnesota H.O.G. Rally Eveleth, MN 23 – 25 June Arkansas H.O.G. Rally Hot Springs, AR 23 – 26 June Ohio H.O.G. Rally Zanesville, OH 23 – 25 June Colorado H.O.G. Rally Telluride, CO 6 – 9 July Wyoming H.O.G. Rally Riverton, WY 13 – 16 July Maine H.O.G. Rally Bangor, ME 14 – 16 July New York H.O.G. Rally Alexandria Bay, NY 21 – 23 July Montana H.O.G. Rally Bozeman, MT 21 – 23 July Illinois H.O.G. Rally St. Charles, IL 28 – 30 July Pennsylvania H.O.G. Rally Williamsport, PA 28 – 30 July Iron Adventure Run Ludlow, VT 6 – 13 August Sturgis Sturgis, SD 18 – 20 August Michigan H.O.G. Rally Harbor Springs, MI 25 – 27 August Missouri H.O.G. Rally Osage Beach, MO 25 – 27 August Pacific Northwest H.O.G. Rally Spokane Valley, WA 1 – 3 September Wisconsin H.O.G. Rally Milwaukee, WI 1 – 3 September Oklahoma H.O.G. Rally Woodward, OK 8 – 17 September California H.O.G. Rally Lancaster, CA 21 – 24 September Bikes, Blues, & BBQ Fayetteville, AR 22 – 24 September Georgia H.O.G. Rally Hiawassee, GA 22 – 24 September New Jersey H.O.G. Rally Seaside Heights, NJ 22 – 24 September Reno Street Vibrations Reno, NV 7 – 9 October Hawaii H.O.G. Rally Kahului, HI 13 – 15 October Biketoberfest Daytona Beach, FL 13 – 15 October Arizona H.O.G. Rally Sierra Vista, AZ 26 – 29 October Florida H.O.G. Rally Polk County, FL 26 – 29 October Mississippi H.O.G. Rally Tupelo, MS
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Atlanta HOGWASH December 2015
PHOTOS FROM AROUND THE CHAPTER
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Atlanta HOGWASH December 2015
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Atlanta HOGWASH December 2015
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 29 30 1 2 3 4 5
Business Meeting Christmas Parade Christmas Party HDA Pavilion 6:30 pm Shell Station 6450 Church St American Legion Post 160, Open to All Members Douglasville. 160 Legion Drive SE, Meet 5:30pm Smyrna RC – Chuck Fuller 6:00 pm – 10:00pm RL – Chuck Fuller Steak Night American Legion, 6449 Bankhead Hwy, Douglasville, GA RL: ??? 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Bike Night Wreaths Across America HDA 6:00pm - 7:30pm QT 278 and 61 Dallas at 0800 KSU 0830 HOGWASH Articles Due RC: Pelican Rapp
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
Mexi-Monday Jalapeno Joe's @ 6:30 pm RL: Denise King
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27 28 29 30 31 1 2
GOOD LUCK RIDE HDA 9:00 KSU 9:30 RC- Tom "Pelican" Rapp 2-pig
Steak Night American Legion, 6449 Bankhead Hwy, Douglasville, GA RL: ??? All rides leaving HDA will meet at the pavilion All times listed are “A.M” unless otherwise stated Chapter Events are Black Text All Chapter Events are “Closed” unless otherwise noted HDA Events are Orange Text
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