DIRECTORS REPORT It looks like the Chapter is Off and Running! Lenny led the 1 st ride of the New Year Sunday morning 1/9/11 to Angel s Country Kitchen in Polk City, and had a GREAT turnout. Jason led a Mystery Lunch Ride Saturday 1/15 and had a nice turn out. It is a good feeling to see a large turnout for these Rides. Anyone that has ever Led a Ride and or helped plan a Ride, gets much Disserved Satisfaction for their hard work by everyone enjoying the Ride. As most of the members know by now, we had our Inner Chapter Planning Meeting Sunday January 2 nd. There were quite a few items up for discussion with some being setting Dates for Chapter Key Note Rides, Dates for the Traveling HOG, and the amount of Chapter Key Note Rides each Chapter has. There were 3 main subjects that came up - 1. Ocala Dropped out of the Inter Chapter Circle and Gainesville Joined. 2. Rules for the Traveling HOG Changed. 3. Chapter Key Note Rides changed slightly. These will be discussed in detail by other Officers. FEBUARY 2011 One of the items I would like to point out is how Key Note Rides Changed - All Chapters agreed there were to many Key Note Rides to Support Fully, with each Chapter having at least 2 per year. The Agreement NOW is, All Chapters will Fully Support each Chapter s Primary Key Note Ride. Any Chapter holding a Secondary Key Note Ride can expect the other Chapters to put the Ride on their Schedule and possibly include another Chapter Ride the same day, giving the Members a choice where they would like to go. With that information and agreement by ALL Chapters, I would like to see Lake County take the Chapter Challenge at every one of the other Inter Chapter Key Note Rides. I know we can do this!! By taking the Chapter Challenge the other Chapters will try to beat us TRY being the key word here. Regardless, we have Fun with this and get to Ride, which is what WE DO anyway!! We will also get the other Chapters Full Support on our Key Note Ride. We have a very Busy Schedule the next few months. There is something going on nearly every Weekend and some Weekend s there is something both Saturday and Sunday. Your Officers and Road Captains are continually working on and Planning Rides and even Weekend Rides. There is also a UNOFFICAL Ride being Planned to go to the Pennsylvania State Rally in August. So far we have about 12 Couples interested. Please let me know if you are interested & I will include you in future Trip Planning Meetings. Sunday 1/16/2011 was the 1 st Traveling HOG ant the Event was hosted by Lake Co. at the Lake County Shrine Club in Tavares. There were just over 450 people that showed up. Seminole Co. took everything with 49% Signed Up. All of the other Chapters ranged from 9.9% to 32%. Although we could not win the Traveling HOG or the Chapter Challenge, we had 50 Members sign in, giving us 33%. This gives you an Idea how many we need to attend the next Traveling HOG on Sunday March 27 th to get the little Pig back!! If you have a Idea for a Ride or Weekend Trip, Favorite Restaurant Let us know!! We can and will help you plan YOUR Ride Idea. You do not need to be a Road Captain to plan a Ride. Bud Hinkhaus Director, Lake County HOG NEXT LAKE COUNTY HOG CHAPTER MEETING SATURDAY FEBUARY 12TH **** 1 PM **** ROAD CAPT 10 AM OFFICERS 11 AM LOH 12 NOON GATOR HARLEYDAVIDSON
Lake County HOG Chapter Meeting Saturday, January 8th, 2011 The meeting was called to order by Director, Bud Hinkhaus, at 1:00pm with the Pledge of Allegiance by the members present. Director's Report (Bud Hinkhaus) Bud asked for any new members and/or guests to introduce themselves and state where they are from and what they ride. Our newest, and youngest member, Emily is here today with her Dad, and Humphrey is present also. Several guests are visiting. Big John Kaiser's son in law, Brad and David Shumate from Max Therapies. Bud explained the importance of supporting the Inner Chapter's Key Note rides and it will be optional if we go to their Secondary rides. We plan to have an alternate ride on Secondary Ride dates for members. There will not be an April meeting due to conflicts. March 26th will be a combination March/April meeting and Shrimp Boil at the Tangerine Community Center. Many activities listed, see weekly updates for dates, times, and locations. New/Old Business: Keith Yokum member, and Shriner reminded everyone of the East West Shriner's Bowl Game Ride January 22, 2011 at the Citrus Bowl. Kick stands up 10:00am at Gator's and Stormy Hill. Information on ride is available at back table. Dave Lohr member, and Shriner, reminded everyone of the Sam Swoop Ride to benefit the Shriner's Hospital for Burn victims. Register and information on flyers Dave has. Event is February 27th, 2011. Drawing and End of meeting: (John Malik Sr) Winners of drawings for this meeting: Marj Trainor, Beth LaBranche, Rachel Fabinsky, Chuck Taylor, Gary Weisbrod, Joann Cooper, Harry Harnden, Robert Szymanski, Frank Davis, Sharon Kalogris, Jim King Sr. and Dave Lohr. Meeting was adjourned by Bud Hinkhaus at approximately 3:15pm. Officers and ancillary support persons met for pictures graciously taken by David Shumate with Max Therapies Member of the Month: April Ray is our member of the Month to correlate with last month's winner Lora Kahl. These 2 separately, and together, are always in the kitchen, on the front lines, and behind the scenes to make sure our chapter is well taken care of. Our thanks to April for always being there for us. Assistant Director's Report (John Loomis) John explained the new rules for the Traveling HOG that was decided on at the yearly Inner Chapter Meeting. Instead of 1 ticket for every 5 members, it will now be on a percentage basis of the number of members that sign in vs the number of total members a chapter has. Each chapter must bring a current roster or will not be allowed to participate for the HOG.. John spoke about our upcoming Key Note April Fool's Run and how that generates money for our chapter for the year. He asked that members start gathering items for auction, door prizes, and volunteer to assist with this event. Also for volunteers to assist the Dealership for Leesburg Bike Fest. See Charlie and Pam Ballotta for sign up. Dealership Report (Arlene Malik) Arlene stated that Peggy was not available for report today; however, she wanted to remind everyone of need for volunteers for Leesburg Bike Fest. Help is needed inside the store, as well as, outside. Arlene stated the 10% discount offered to HOG Members is still alive and well. Arlene presented the key to the HOG Office to Bud Hinkhaus as New Director. See weekly updates for more information. Tech Talk (Mike Williams) Mike presented a very detailed report on Rotor's, Stadors, Voltage regulators, and how electricity work on the bike. The prior wiring diagram books they receive was 18-20 pages, the new ones are color-coded and 95 plus pages. Mike passed around items of interest for members to view. Mike explained the extended H-D warranty. For correct details and information, see Service Department. Labor rates are currently $74.00hr. Rates went up January 1st, 2011 to $78.00hr. Mike will extend to Lake County HOG members the prior rate of $74.00hr until January 31, 2011. Secretary Report (Margo Loomis) Due to the omission of the December Newsletter, the minutes from December 2010 and January 2011 will be presented in the January Newsletter for the members to approve. Treasurer Report (Penny Wheeler) Penny states the books are in good order. She reminded anyone who has an ad to place for the newsletter to see her after the meeting. The Treasurer's report was read and accepted by voice vote from membership. LOH Report (Carla Turay) Ladies Night Out is January 20th at Mt Dora Goblin Market. Many activities listed, see weekly updates for dates, times, and locations. Carla reminded everyone to continue to bring items for The Haven. They are also in need of household goods, blankets, furniture, etc. to assist families that will be starting on their own. Call Carla for any large items that need to be picked up and she will get with Kelly to make it happen. Membership (Rick Banks Rick asked members for any new ideas for rides, retention, and ways to make the chapter better. A separate table was set up for renewals and new members for today. Sunshine (Nan Weiner) Nan listed January birthday's and reminded everyone to contact her with any dates they wanted celebrated, especially a NEW BIKE. Nan provided the chapter with the monthly birthday cake she bakes for us. Volunteer (Pam and Charlie Ballotta) Pam reminded everyone of the upcoming events, Leesburg Bike Fest, April Fools' Run etc, and the need for volunteers. Sign up sheets are in the back on the table. Website (Gary Weisbrod) Gary states the website is still in progress of the new face-lift and should be totally up and running very soon. Safety Officer (Rod Jones) Rod states Safety is a State of Mind more so than Attitude. 3 main reminders; leaves are falling and make the road slick; snowbirds are back= more traffic on the road and everyone drives differently, depending on the area they are from. A really nice quote from Captain Lampoo, however, I didn't get it all in context so won't paraphrase. Head Road Captain (Lenny LaBranche) Road Captains meeting this morning had approx. 14 members attend. Lenny has compiled menus from restaurants giving the hours, food, and prices. He will be setting up runs to different locations. Several runs are planned for January. Many activities listed, see weekly updates for dates, times, and locations.. Lenny reported on the progress of the shadow box to be placed downstairs by the pool table. Should be ready by February meeting. Ron Nord will be assisting with the photo frame pictures. Activities (Jason Kahl) Jason stated we will have Bowling Jan 29th at Classique Bowl in Tavares. April 30th will be the Inner Chapter Bowling Party, with all 10 chapters together for an evening of fun and entertainment. Traveling HOG Saturday January 16th at The Lake County Shrine Club SR 19. 1/2 mile West of 441 headed toward Howey.
Lake County HOG Chapter Meeting Saturday December 11, 2010 The meeting was called to order by Director Bruce Fuller at 1:00PM with the Pledge of Allegiance. Director s Report (Bruce Fuller); Bruce thanked all of the Officers and Members and especially the Dealership for their help, making 2010 such a successful year for our Chapter. Bruce also mentioned that we will have a great set of Officers coming in for the 2011 year and asked the Chapter Members to work with and help them make 2011 another successful year. Remember, they Volunteer their time and in some cases money to work for your Chapter. Some of these positions require Hundreds of Hours of work. In response to Bruce s statement about the new Officers, John SR. said GATOR would Double the salaries of all the new Officers for 2011. We need a couple of members to hang about a dozen Plaques we won this year. The monthly TOP Lake County HOG Award Goes to. Laura Kahl. Laura is usually behind the scene, where she in more comfortable and like it. Laura spends countless hours Cooking for most any Chapter Event. Laura has become well known for her Baking abilities too. Although Laura is most comfortable in the Kitchen and serving area, she will pitch in and help with any task requiring help. GREAT JOB and Well Deserved! New members Margo introduced 5 new members Guests Nan s Daughter was at the meeting. Dave Lohr with the Shriners asked Lake County for their Support on the February 27, 2011 Sam Swoop Charity Ride, which starts at the Bahia Shrine Temple with Breakfast and ends at Seminole HD with Lunch and T-shirt included with the $30.00 Cost of the Ride. Last year Lake County won $1,000 for the Chapter Challenge. Assistant Director s Report( John Loomis); PARTY TONIGHT!!! The LOH has planned a Great Christmas Party for us tonight at the Mission Inn. John thanked Bruce for all he has done for the Chapter this year. We had quite a few wonderful Rides, and had a Lot of Fun. John also Thanked Wayne for his all of his work as the Chapters Activities Officer for the past 2 years. Wayne has done a Tremendous Job for the Chapter and possibly put a few extra Pounds on the membership with his outstanding Cooking! Wayne has planned some great Activities including our Monthly Bowling Party, which has proven to be a great success. Luckily both Bruce and Wayne are NOT leaving the Chapter and will continue to support us any way possible. Dealership Report; John Jr. said Gator will assist you selling a Metric Bike by Helping the new owner find Financing at no cost to you. Arlene Thanked all of the Chapter Officers and Membership for everything we do all Year to support the Dealership. She and John Sr. are looking forward to the Christmas Party tonight also! On behalf of everyone at Gator, Arlene wished the Chapter Members a very Merry Christmas. Peggy talked about a Shadow Box that included some Harleys from the WW II era which can only get buy spending $300 at the Dealership. Quantities are very Limited! Peggy also discussed many of the upcoming Dealership Events and reminded everyone to check out the Gator Website for these Events. Peggy wished everyone a merry Christmas. Please see our HOG Weekly updates and Dealer updates for additional information and upcoming events. Treasurers Report (Penny Wheeler); Penny presented the Treasurers Report. Penny has some HOG Hats with Lake County Embroidered on the Back and the cost is $20. PLEASE NOTE Any Checks to the Chapter need to be made out to Gator Riders of Lake County. $20 for Members & $10 for Associate Members Penny reported we have 112 Tickets sold for the Christmas party Tonight. A Motion & Second where made & the report was passed with a Voice Vote. Secretary s Report ( Bud Hinkhaus); Bud Hinkhaus asked if there were any additions or corrections, being none, A Motion and Second was made to accept the Minutes from the Novembers meeting and passed with a voice vote. LOH Report (Carla Turay); Carla reported we need to help push Tickets on the men s & ladies watches which will be Raffled off tonight at the Christmas party. January s Girls Night Out will be Jan. 20 th @ 6:30 at????? Located in Mount Dora. LOH is helping Gator again this year with Gift Wrapping & she has a Sign Up Sheet available. Carla will be Hosting a LOH Christmas Party again this year at her house on Thursday December 16 th. The men will meet at Wasabi s in Mt. Dora. $3,600 for Haven. Seminole won the Chapter Challenge with the Cruisers winning the Plaque for non Chapter Challenge. The event was great and Wayne thanked the Cruisers band for Playing at the Event for us. Wayne Thanked the Members for Participating in all the events we have each year. The Members are what make lake County so Great. As an example, on 2 of the Traveling HOG s this year we had 75 Members at one and 95 Members at another. This kind of showing by Our Chapter makes the other Chapter Jealous! We will sponsor the Giving Away of the Traveling HOG on Sunday January 16 th at the Lake County Shriners Club 11:00am thru 1:00pm. The Lake County Shrine Club is located in Tavares in SR 19 heading West about ¼ Mile off of US 441 Look for e-mailed WEEKLY UPDATES for additional information an ALL Activities. Safety Officers Report ( Rick Banks); Rick reminded everyone about the issue with Drinking and Driving, especially during the Christmas Holiday Season. Getting a Cab is much SAFER and less Costly if you get caught!! Head Road Captains Report Jason Taco Kahl); Taco is always looking for Ride Ideas, so let him know if you have any ideas. Taco is also trying to put together a list of Chapter members who are in Business and can help other members and is Named HOGS helping HOGS. Let taco know if you can help with this list. Taco will lead a ride to Shrimp R Us located above Crescent City on Sunday December 19 th. Leave gator @9:30 and another Pick Up In Altoona at 10:15. Its is about a 75 mile ride each way Membership Officers Report (Margo Loomis); Margo Introduced 5 New Members and reported we are up to 375 total members for 2010. Margo reminder everyone to let her know if your e-mail address has changed! 2011 membership Renewals will begin in November. Please make Checks out to GATOR RIDERS of Lake County. $20 for members and $10 for Associate Members WEB Masters Report ( Gary Weisbrod); The Site is Up & Running and he will begin working on a complete update and makeover of our Web Site. Sunshine Officers (Nan Weiner); Please let Nan know of any sick Members. You can e-mail her @ x4wheeler@aol.com. Nan provided a Cake for everyone with December Birthday s. Old Business; Dave Lohr with the Shriners asked Lake County for their Support on the February 27, 2011 Sam Swoop Charity Ride, which starts at the Bahia Shrine Temple with Breakfast and ends at Seminole HD with Lunch and T-shirt included with the $30.00 Cost of the Ride. Last year Lake County won $1,000 for the Chapter Challenge. J. Larry with the Central Fl. Thanked the Chapter for our Participation in their 40 th Year Seafood run and mentioned Lake County HOG won nearly everything they had to offer!! Both Challenge Plaques and Bud won the 2 nd place prize in the Game they had. New Business; None at this time. Election s for Officers for 2011 There was only Position requiring a Vote for the Secretary Position and was between Rick Banks and Margo Loomis. Both Rick and Margo had a bit of time to talk to the Members and persuade them to vote for them. With John Jr. overseeing the Counting of the Votes, Margo Loomis won! The following Members are the Four (4) Elected Primary Officers for 2011 Director Bud Hinkhaus Assistant Director John Loomis Treasurer Penny Wheeler Secretary Margo Loomis The remaining Officers Positions are Appointed by the Director and Bud will announce those Officers In January. Volunteers (Pam & Charlie Ballotta) ; Pam needs volunteers for the Christmas Party. Door Prizes; Name Tag There were numerous Door Prizes given away!! 50 50 ($108) won by Nan s Daughter Meeting adjourned at - 2:30pm Respectfully submitted by Bud Hinkhaus, Secretary Reminder Toiletries and Clothing Donations for the Haven. Tech Report ( Mike Williams); Mike sadly reported the Service Labor Rates will be going up for the 1 st time in 3 Years. Beginning January 1 st the new Labor Rates will go from $74.00 to $78.00 per Hour. Mike also said Gator will keep the Old $74.00 labor Rate for HOG Members through January. Mike also reported on issues related to Old Style and new Style Bike Radio s and how they are NOT Interchangeable. SO do not buy a Bike radio at a Flea market and expect it to work on your Bike. Radios are a bit more than just a Radio now days and can be very complicated to set up and maneuver through. Mike said all the Mechanics have gone through a week long school just for radio s and will help with any questions on set up and operation of the radio on your bike. Activities Report (Wayne Ray); Wayne thanked all the members that showed up for the Traveling HOG event @ New Smyrna Beach as wells with the Ride Off The Stuffing Poker Run we had. We raised
Polk City Breakfast Run. Start at Gator, 0900, Temperature 33 F degrees, 50 miles, mostly highway 33,. Over 20 bikes, about 30-some people. Road Captain Lenny, continued on to Lakeland HD for passbook stamp. I'm sure you can get more detailed info from other attendees and no doubt more and probably better photos. You can add these to those you get... or not. It was freakin' cold that morning!! Ron Volunteers of the Year Meet Marj and Bill Trainor: Lake County HOG's Volunteers of the Year. Originally from Wisconsin, Bill & Marj purchased their home in Lady Lake in 1996 and moved here permanently in 1998. Bill retired from teaching vocation education and Marj retired from Marj's cake shop, which she ran for 25 years. When they came down Bill did not renew his motorcycle license as he was going to golf every day. Well that lasted for a short time and the riding bug was back with all the beautiful weather here. They came from the Milwaukee area where riding was seasonal. Bill took the motorcycle course at Eustis and had his license back (great class by the way). Soon they bought a 2001 Harley Softail Classic. They joined a motorcycle club in The Villages where they met HOG member Gary Blanchard who invited them to join Lake County HOG. They became HOG members in 2006 when Nova Fuller was director. At their first meeting, Bill & Marj were welcomed by Nova who really got them involved right away with the chapter. At Gator it was so friendly right from the start. At their first volunteer duty Peggy went with them to show them the ropes. They enjoyed the group and have been volunteering when ever they can. When asked why they volunteer, this was their reply. "Over the years we have enjoyed passing on the warm feeling for the club. We know there are so many jobs to keep a club like this going and so many places someone can fill to feel part of the club." Congratulations Marj and Bill on being Lake County HOG's Volunteers of the Year. Your time and energy are truly appreciated. Thank you for all you do to help our Chapter be what it is. Volunteer Opportunities : April Fool's Run: Sunday April 3 This is our Chapter's KEYNOTE EVENT. Volunteers for registration, chapter challenge, 50/50, man poker stops, door prizes and auction. Members: we need donations of auction items and door prizes. Please solicit your favorite businesses for donation items. Leesburg Bikefest April 8-10: Please specify Friday, Saturday or Sunday and hours available. Help needed for Outside with parking and directing traffic, and Inside for store security. Asking Volunteers for a minimum of two hours. Contact Pam & Charlie at 352-205-7156 or email yensid1956@yahoo.com for more info.
Activities Report Thank you to all who have participated and volunteered last year! We could not have accomplished what we did without you. 2011 is looking to be a great year for Lake County H.O.G. We have started with a lot of rides and also the first traveling HOG of the year! The change in the rules to win the little "piggy" may have changed but the spirit of why it was started has not so let s make sure we go out every chance we have to win it back this year and continue to make some new friends in the other chapters. That brings me to something that comes up every month. We are always in need of Road Captains. I know Lenny is going to really work for the club and make sure we always make it to our destination safely, but we all need to step up and give him a hand. Just show up at the next Road Captains meeting (10AM February 12) and check it out. Here are the activities and rides for the next month: January 29 Bowling @ Classique Bowl 1950 Classique Lane, Tavares bowling to begin at 6 meet for dinner around 5 January 30 Breakfast ride (captains choice) kickstands up 8:30 from Gator February 5 Tangerine Breakfast Ride Kickstands up 8:30 from Gator February 6 "Hobo" free food ride (breakfast and lunch) kickstands up 9:00 from Gator February 12- Meeting day 10am Road Captains 11am Officers 12pm Ladies 1pm general meeting Lunch served 11:30-1:00 Delicious home cooked pork steaks. February 13 - Seminole Keynote "Valentine" Ride kickstands up 9:00 from Gator pickup Citgo in Sorrento 9:45 February 19 - Crystal River Keynote Ride more information to follow February 26 - Orlando HD (Kissimmee) grand opening $500 to the winner of the chapter challenge, let's take some Orlando HD money! Ride information to follow February 26 - Bowling Night!!! @ Classique Bowl 1950 Classique Lane, Tavares bowling to begin at 6 meet for dinner around 5 February 27 - Sam Swope Shrine Ride - Ride information to follow. Inter Chapter Meeting January 2 nd 2011 One of the hog chapters brought up the way we pick the winner of the Traveling Hog was not fair to a chapter that does not have many members; 1 ticket for every 5 members that sign in for the event. The majority of the chapters agreed to change the way we pick a winner. After a few ideas and some discussion, it was decided, the fair way to win the Hog was to go to a percentage process. The chapters voted, and the process was passed. The percentage process is: each chapter will bring their up-dated rosters, which will be given to the host chapter. The host chapter will take the number of members, who signed in for a chapter, do the math to come up with the percentage of members. For example: If a chapter has 200 members and 20 members sign in for the Traveling Hog, that chapter has 10% of their members showing up for the event. The chapter with the highest percentage will win the Hog. What does this mean? It means we get out, ride to support our chapter, and win the Hog. What a concept, Hog members riding, having fun, and eating. Traveling Hog will be a way to do this. It was brought up in the meeting that this is the fourth time they have changed the rules and they are penalizing Lake County. Maybe they are jealous of Lake County. No matter what change they come up with, Lake County will ride and bring home the Hog. Which ever chapter wins the Hog on January 16 th, Lake County will welcome the challenge and we will ride. Add these important dates to your calendar to ensure we keep the HOG in Lake County: March 27, May 15, July 16, September 17, and November 20. 2011 will be a year for Lake County Hog members to get out and ride together, see great country, meet new friends, and of course eat. Your new team members have great rides and activities planned for the upcoming year. See you at the meetings and out on the road. Ride Safe and Ride Often Assistant Director John V. Loomis Respectfully, Jason "Taco" Kahl
FROM THE GATOR ** January 29, Classic Car and Custom Bike Cruise In and continuing benefit for the Haven. Drawing for the Jan 8th event prize package is Jan 29. Not too late to buy your prize package tickets, see the receptionist BBQ grill prize package for February 5th event, drawing February 14. We will have these prize package tickets on January 29. ** FROM SERVICE : ** ATTENTION ** Is your bike still under factory warranty?? DID YOU KNOW??? Adding street legal parts and accessories, installed by us, they will be covered under your existing factory warranty!!! Any questions, ask our Service Manager Mike Offer expires 3/14/2011 See Mike for all of the details!! Mike is also offering to LCHOG 2010 labor rates till the end of January 2011. The rates will increase $4.00 an hour. ** FROM SALES : Assist to sell... are you selling your bike - need help to get the buyer financed? See our Sales Manager, Ed and he will help out. H.O.G. $$$$ "reminder" referral incentive, earn H.O.G. $200.00 ask Ed for more details START COLLECTING TODAY : The Lake County Sheriff's Dept will be on site Feb 5 (GATOR) and Feb 12(STORMY HILL) to collect unwanted prescription drugs!!! " OPERATION MEDICINE CABINET " We will also collect your old EYE GLASSES look for the Lion's Club container and RECYCLE ITEMS (MAINLY ALUMINUM CANS) to benefit the charities for the events. Help us out- start collecting today!!! We will have containers on site soon. We are trying to collect the molst valuable items so we can have additional funds for the charity, The Moffit Cancer Center. Any questions call Peggy or Jacci 352-787-8050 We are still collecting unwanted cell phones for the troops... bin is by the front door, near the receptionist. Also, drop off your unserviceable American Flags for proper disposal. Flag bin is by the elevator Relaxed Alertness Do you recall when you first began riding? You know, your first motorcycle. I still remember the anxious feeling I had when I headed out into traffic, a combination of excitement and nervousness, and yeah, a little bit of fear. As I became a more experienced rider I still felt the excitement, but fortunately the nervousness and fear went away and was replaced by confidence and a feeling of having fun. And that was good, and that s why I still ride today probably why you ride as well. Riding experience builds confidence and confidence overcomes our fear and allows us to relax and have fun. But then as I gained even more experience I sometimes found myself going from feeling relaxed on the bike to feeling comfortable. And that scared me all over again! Why? Because there s a significant difference between being relaxed and being comfortable. Relaxed means not being tense, while comfortable means being completely at ease. But being completely at ease can cause our mind to operate on autopilot as we sit back and enjoy the scenery. We get that I m on my bike, it s a beautiful day and nothing can go wrong feeling. And we stop being alert and we stop thinking about what we re doing and what s going on around us. As long as nothing unexpected happens, we re OK. But if suddenly faced with an unexpected hazard, being comfortable can be our undoing, delaying not only our reaction to the situation, but even our recognition of the danger. Comfortable is a feeling we sometimes get when we are so used to doing something that it becomes routine. The problem, of course, is that riding a motorcycle is never routine. Sure, the mechanics of riding, the shifting, braking, turning, and so on, can become routine, but riding is much more than that. It usually involves other people, as well as road conditions, weather, automobiles, trucks, the condition of our bikes, and even acts of God all things that we have little or no control over. Our primary defense against those external factors is our alertness, which allows us to recognize dangers, and then use our skills to avoid them. So, what do we do? We don t want to be tense when we ride, but we don t want to be comfortable either. Riding all tensed up takes the fun out of the ride; and our muscles become tight and fatigued and our reaction time is slowed. But if we become comfortable as we ride, our mental and muscular reaction times also slow down. Perhaps best selling author Richard La Plante said it best in his book, Hog Fever, when he described the state of mind needed for riding as relaxed alertness, a combination of concentration/focus coupled with relaxation. Stated simply, we need to relax and enjoy the ride, but at the same time maintain an awareness of our surroundings and riding situation, as well as a healthy respect for the potential dangers inherent in riding a motorcycle. Rod Jones, Safety Officer The 6th Annual Woman's Day Conference online registration is available. We have some really nice ideas for this event!!!
LAKE COUNTY HOG MEETING JAN 2011
February 2011 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 Bash for the Hearts 10am till 3pm Gator H-D 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Bash for the Hearts 10am till 3pm Stormy Hill H-D HOG Meeting 1pm at Gator H-D 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Pre Bike Week Bash 10am till 3pm Stormy Hill H-D 27 28 Deadline Articles & Photos Newsletter HOG Bowling 5pm Dinner or 6pm Bowling Classique Bowling, Tavares
March 2011 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 Bike Week Begins Daytona Beach 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Green Bag Sale Gator H-D 14 15 16 17 18 19 Bike Week Ends 20 Green Bag Sale Stormy Hill H- D 21 22 23 24 25 26 Ladies Garage Party 11am till 2pm Stormy Hill H-D 27 28 29 30 31 HOG Meeting (March & April) Time & Place TBD
To enroll, take your motorcycle to your local authorized Harley-Davidson dealership and have the dealer verify your odometer reading. The dealer will endorse a Mileage Program form for you. Send the endorsed form to H.O.G., and we ll send you an official Mileage Program pin and patch just for enrolling.