VOLUME 15, ISSUE 3 April 2015 A Word from Our Director THUNDER RIDERS WEST HARLEY OWNERS GROUP #3573 1385 SOUTHLAKE PARKWAY MORROW, GEORGIA 30260 HOG TROFF It s all about having FUN. So what is fun for you? I would like your help on this one. So at the April meeting I will have some cards at the Hog Troff Window. You do not have to put your name but tell me what you would like to see out of your Chapter. Any ideas you have, so we can discuss them at the officers meeting and use that information to make the Chapter more Fun. The Fun has started, We are having large turnouts of 20-30 for the Dinner Rides every Wednesday. When the weather turns out nice there are rides that just pop up around the regular rides. One of these social media types is on the Chapter Facebook page. If you don t have a Facebook account, well let s put it another way, if you create one you do not have to monitor it all the time. It s a great way to share parts of your life with your friends. It is Free as long as you have internet. The Chapter page is Thunder Riders West HOG Chapter # 3573 Just Like it and you can keep up to date with all the latest Pic s & Quick Info. You can also Friend other Chapter Members to see their Pic s from rides and events. It s a very useful tool. It s easy to operate so start one up. You don t have to put all the personal info in it, Then there is nothing to fear. If you need help there are many of us that will be glad to help you set it up. You can do it on a smart phone or your home computer. We also have the Main Information Source. Our Chapter Website. The access for this site is www.thunderriderswest.com. Here you will find links to Chapter, Dealer, National HOG, The State HOG Rally Committee, and much more information. There are links to business and Biker friendly sites and places like National HOG to help with every planning need you may have. So back to Fun, We had the HOG Roast and everyone that came had a blast. We had a Hog on the Smoker for 12+ hours at 225 to 250 deg. and it was perfect. Thank You Matt & Sandra Mayben and Bobby & Angie Watson for taking on that responsibility. Then Patties Stew was a big hit. Those that brought side dishes, you made it complete! Hopefully if you were not able to make it, you will be able on the next one. I wouldn t be surprised to see a few pic s in this newsletter from the weekend. There were lots of new experiences for some folks. 4 wheelin thru the trails, creeks and lake borders were enjoyed by many. Buddy is now a seasoned 4 wheelin veteran. The weather turned out fantastic. Just a few damp tents in the wee hours of Sat. night but all survived. I have to give a lot of credit to Thunder Tower West H-D. Shawn & Arianne are helping the Chapter to grow. As folks buy a new bike they are giving them there first year to HOG and the Chapter. We need to keep our eyes out for them and don t be shy about walking up to meet them. Remember your first meeting. Not quite sure what to expect, trying not to barge in on others conversations. It s our responsibility as a Chapter to make them feel welcome. Who knows, they may be leading the Chapter one day and it will be a good feeling to yourself knowing that you helped in that Chapter development. (continue on page 2)
From Our Director (cont d) So for a HOG Chapter it s all about The Experience and sharing that Experience with those of an equal mindset as yourself. It s not about any one person but knowing that you have friends thru thick and thin, knowing that if a ride to the middle of Nowhere USA feels right that someone in the Chapter is going to feel the same way. I have to recall a phrase that an old friend and Chapter Member John Metcalf told me one time, Watch out for the Turtles. He just wanted me to know that we all have different views and understanding of the Chapter and its reason for existence. Make sure everyone understands, and everyone has the opportunity to enjoy what Harley Owners Group offers each of us. Steve Rabideaux Director - Thunder Riders West HOG ************************************************************************************ VOLUME 15, ISSUE 4 PAGE 2
Chapter Officers 2015/2016 Director Steve Rabideaux Dinner Ride Captain Lynn Rabideaux Asst. Director Jorge Nevarez Chuck Raffino Robert Christman Treasurer Peggy Stalnaker Tim Payne Secretary Joe Thibodeaux Steve Nail Lyle Sword Safety Officer Pat Domigan Paul Grimes Webmaster Buddy Thomas Bob George Mark Alley Newsletter Editor Jennifer Thomas Steve Sullivan Ladies of Harley Officer Cindy Williams -LOH Peggy Stalnaker Paula Sword Membership Officer Head Jame Sullivan Bobby McDanial Supply Officer Photographers Chapter Chaplain Anita Newcomer Jorge Nevarez Diane Christman Norman Schneller Activities Officers Tammy Wallace Searless Hathaway Chapter Historian Welcome Officer Deanne Glaze Warren Holland Thunder Riders West HOG chapter meeting March 14, 2015 Make sure to check the calendar in the newsletter, full of Information. Started off the night with a Ride captains meeting at 15:30. Meeting was called to order at 16:30 by Steve Rabideaux. Yearly dues are now $25 come on in and renew don t forget your HOG membership. If you have a ride, day ride, weekender, you would like to go on there are suggestion sheets on the wall. Don t forget to check the chapter calendar things are still going on. Start planning this year s trips signup sheets are posted. THE NEW YEAR 2015 is here full year of HOG state rally s check the calendar Some rides to the state rallies are already planned. First rally trip planned is in April should be a good one. Make a resolution to come to more meetings. I am sure we will have some good times.. VOLUME 15, ISSUE 4 PAGE 3
2nd in Command! Help Me to Help You Hola my peeps, well, it s Spring time! And that means more riding, I hope. So as not to take away from our ride captains and the safety officer s thoughts, I ll try to focus on chapter events and membership. Though our own state rally is a ways off, remember that there are state rallies going on every month and offer a great opportunity to meet other HOG members and learn about this great country of ours. I ll be leading a group to the South Carolina State HOG Rally on April 23 rd, get linked up if you care to join us. Another facet of HOG is expanding membership. It should be everyone s goal to extend our chapter s benefits to all Harley owners we come across in the area. Our dealership is doing their part by offering chapter membership as part of every sale, but it s our responsibility to reach out and ensure that those new owners get a true appreciation of the chapter and what HOG is about. The dealership s events are ideal opportunities to not only assist our host but to meet new owners and also seasoned owners that haven t linked up with a riding chapter. So, how does this membership drive help us??? Easy, while we already have some of the best friends and riding partners anywhere in our chapter, new blood is always good to continue a good thing. We get new ideas for growth and improvement, get reminded of old habits that have slipped away, and get to make new friends! Though I don t like to focus on it, increased membership also means increases funds in our account. Yeah, I know, friendship doesn t cost a thing, but taking care of friends has a little price tag, like meals after meetings, chapter patches, and putting on social events. The more members, the more options we will have to expense the activities, such as our annual Christmas party. Last, but not least, if you haven t done so already, please go to www.gastatehogrally.com and register early. Don t forget to book your hotel NOW. Till next time, y all keep riding safe. Jorge Nevárez Assistant director If I m riding, I m happy! VOLUME 15, ISSUE 4 PAGE 4
Activities Officers The Thunder Riders West Harley Owners Group #3573 is much more than just a motorcycle organization. It s of a number of Chapters around the Metro Atlanta area united by a common passion: making the Harley-Davidson dream a way of life. Thanks to all who participated in the Luck of the Irish activities during the March Chapter meeting. The Chapter members flipped burgers and rolled hotdogs, took pictures and played Thunder Riders games. The Game Winners of: Ball in the Bucket game was Jennifer Thomas and OD aka Tiger. OD joined the Chapter at the March meeting. The Thunder Riders HOG Poker was Robert Christman with a poker hand of three of a Kind. The Thunder Riders Newsletter Trivia Questions had 18 participates with only 5 members getting the Bonus Question correct: Q: The Couples with a 3 rd person? Answer: Mr. & Mrs. Norman Schneller with Jorge Nevarez / Mr. & Mrs. Warren Holland with the Dog The Q & A to the other questions in the Trivia: Question: Which two officers both mentioned T- CLOCK in their article? Answer: Pat & Steve Question: Joe mentioned that the 1 st Rally trip was planned for what month? Answer: April Question: Who is our liaison for the GA STATE HOG RALLT? Answer: Jorge Question: Who mentioned the HOG ROAST at JJ s COX Place in their article? Answer: Deanne Question: Name two (2) couples whose VALEN- TINE S PHOTO was in the newsletter? Answer: Steve & Lynn; Pat & Tammy; Warren & Brenda; Searless & Ferries; Buddy & Jennifer; Norman & Eveline; Joe & Judy; Jesse & Anita; Bobby & Lynda; Those who participated in the Trivia Questions pick up your HOG BUCK AT THE APRIL MEET- ING We have been asked by the dealership to provide volunteers to be grillers during the customer appreciation Saturday in the month of April. Remember, you earned HOG BUCK s when you grill for the Dealership. Your Activities Officers are glad to hear you are having just as much fun playing the games as the Activities Officers are bring the activities to you. However, the April meeting will only have the Trivia questions. Tammy and Searless VOLUME 15, ISSUE 4 PAGE 5
Safety Officer Fellow HOG riders; Spring has Sprung. The past few days have brought us out of the winter doldrums. The weather has warmed up and everyone is getting out on their bikes. With the advent of spring, buds opening up to leaves, the pollen begins. That greenish-yellow pollen that covers everything outside, can create slick road conditions for bikers. Use extra care riding early in the morning, as morning dew mixing with the pollen makes a green slime just as slippery as oil on the road. moving back to the right lane an someone was passing and ran out of road. Also another issue that was brought to my attention at the meeting LOOK before you change lanes. Using your mirrors is good but not good enough, TURN YOUR HEAD, yes motorcycles do have blind spots. Just mirrors don t guarantee that another vehicle is not alongside of you. Peripheral vision can only pick up from your shoulders forward and mirrors from the rear of your bike back. The only way you can be positive there is not a vehicle in between is to turn your head and look. It only takes a second, and it can save your life. Enjoy the weather, have fun, ride and stay safe. A brief re-cap from a question at the last meeting; passing on the right. I have to travel extensively as part of my job, and I can tell you from millions of miles on the road, it is never a good idea to pass on the right while driving down the road (especially tractor trailers). Almost all tractor trailer drivers only go into the left lane to pass, they will move back over to the right when safe. Too many people are impatient and do not want to wait a minute or so for them to move over and pass on the right - wrong. I have seen many accidents as the tractor trailer was Ride Safe, Pat Domigan VOLUME 15, ISSUE 4 PAGE 6
Patch Sewing Deanne Glaze VOLUME 15, ISSUE 4 PAGE 7
Upcoming Events - Upcoming Events April 10th 11th- HOT-HOG Officer Training April 11th HOG Monthly meeting May 2nd Days of Thunder East Dinner Ride every Wednesday *************************** **************************************** IMPORTANT POLICY NOTICE The management at Thunder Tower West HD has asked that only employees be permitted behind the parts counter and in the parts room. Please respect this request and do not use the parts room as a short cut to the chapter room. VOLUME 15, ISSUE 4 PAGE 8
LAW BIKE VOLUME 15, ISSUE 4 PAGE 9
Chapter Historian A motorcycle adventure with friends is one of the best ways to see America. Riding the scenic byways on a motorcycle is exciting and a great way to see the scenery. In 2008 I plan a scenic trip for 19 people on 12 bikes to go to the 105th celebration of Harley- Davidson. We took the long way around to Milwaukee, WI. Our route took us around the great lakes, into Canada, through Michigan, to the upper part of the peninsula of Michigan, and then finally to Milwaukee. Total round trip was just over 3300 miles and 10 days long. We rode a lot of miles. My favorite segment of the trip was the upper peninsula of Michigan. The view on the motorcycle is just wonderful. To get to the Upper Peninsula we rode across Mackinac Bridge. It is a massive bridge that was built in the 1950s. Considering the time period that it was built (non-digital age) for it to be the 5th longest suspension bridge in the world today is amazing. Try traveling the 5 mile bridge via a motorbike. You will have a tight tushy when you get to the other side. After a butt clinching ride, just across the bridge is a small town, ST Ignace, with an adorable motel forest themed rooms. The motel owners were very nice to us and joined us for an evening of relaxation. It was a great way to end the day. Plan an adventure with friends. You will not regret it. VOLUME 15, ISSUE 4 PAGE 10
Mayorville VOLUME 15, ISSUE 4 PAGE 11
April 2015 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 Dinner Ride, French Market, Locust Grove 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Dinner Ride, Applebee s, McDonough 9 Hot Training 10th 11th 10 11officers Meeting 4:30Pm Chapter Meeting 6:00pm 12 13 14 15 Dinner Ride, Papi s Cuban Grill stockbridge 19 20 21 22 Dinner Ride, 15th street pizza, Stockbridge 26 27 28 29Dinner Ride, Jim & Nick s, Conyers 16 17 18 23 24 25 30 Dinner Ride Captain will Be Lynn Rabideaux, Please e:mail her at lynnrabideaux@yahoo.com if you plan on attending. VOLUME 15, ISSUE 4 PAGE 12
Thunder Riders West Harley Owner s Group #3573 1385 Southlake Parkway Morrow, Georgia 30260 Proudly sponsored by: Thunder Tower West Harley-Davidson Business Hours Monday thru Friday 10:00 am 6:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am 6:00 pm Sunday: 12:00 pm 6:00 pm VOLUME 15, ISSUE 4 PAGE 13