HOG® autumn 2011 1

HOG AFRICAThe magazine of the H.O.G.® experience | autumn 2011

2 HOG® autumn 2011

HOG® autumn 2011 3

FROM THE EditorHOG AFRICA

Copyright subsists in this work. No part of this work may be reproduced in any for or by any means without the publisher’s written permission. Any unauthorised reproduction of this work will constitute a copyright infringement and render the doer liable under both civil and criminal law.

EDITORIALe-mail: editor@hog-sa.co.za

EditorDenise Barnard

Layout & DesignTuricia VorsterCarel Willemse

Cover photoChris Coetzee (Studio K)

PhotographersChris CoetzeeMo LouwDesre BarnardBryan Taylor

Visit www.hogafrica.com

Welcome to the bumper Autumn Edition of HOG® AFRICA! Africa Bike Week™ was such a massively successful event (again!) that we postponed the publication of this issue to accommodate some of the amazing photo’s of the event. If, for some reason, you weren’t there, our photo gallery will surely whet your appetite. Make accommodation arrangements NOW. You can also go to the Hog SA website www.hogafrica.com to read more about this great event and follow the link to the photographers website.

Not having ridden my bike for some time, a few days

ago I got kitted-up and headed out. Once in a while, the open road beckons me. Being one with yourself, being aware of everything the passing scenery offers, the smells especially never cease to amaze me. One has everything to gain from “freedom”. Time to think, sing at the top of your voice, scream out all those daily frustrations or just getting into the rhythm of your bike.

Riding in a pack is, to me, a very different animal. The sense of belonging, of riding as one stirs up warm and fuzzy feelings in me – being with friends. It’s all about having as much fun as possible without breaking the law.

In this issue, you’ll be able to read about Parys in the Free State, in particular The Bus Stop, as seen and experienced by the Gold Rand Chapter. It looks like you all had a ball! Our Chapter Feature for this issue is Tygervally. They have THE most beautiful scenery, roads and destinations than most of the other Chapters. If you ever thought of taking a Harley-Davidson® Authorised

tour, Reuthers is one of only two operating in Southern Africa. They offer tours all over the world - *sigh* - maybe one day...go take a look at their website and see for yourselves.

The ever-popular Route 62 Rally was held earlier this year. Brad Andrews take on the Rally makes for great reading. Many of you men-folk have the privilege of having your wives of girlfriends as pillion riders. Pieter le Roux’s article ‘2UP’ gives those “back-seat riders” some tips.

Please take note of the event calendar. There are plenty for rallies and events to keep you on the road almost all year round.

Lastly, please send in your photo’s, stories or even a letter. We’d love to hear from you all.

RIDE SAFE AND HAVE FUN.

Denise Barnard Editor

HOG AFRICAThe magazine of the H.O.G.® experience | autumn 2011

Send your

letters, photo’s and

comments to our

new inbox at

editor@hog-sa.co.za

4 HOG® autumn 2011

he sun rose exposing a glorious day over Egoli, our Place of Gold.

The smell of freshly brewed coffee hung in the air as Piet, Road Captain for the ride briefed us on the route to Parys. The route would take us to the N12 West and onto the R59 heading South for 165 kilometres.

One by one the Harley’s thundered into life - the pillions launched themselves and wriggled into position - 5 Harley’s were carrying pillions.

The pack formed and eased its way to the main intersection of North Rand and Rietfontein roads only to be tested by challenging road works on the freeway down to Gillooly’s - snaked through the intersection, past the cement factory on the N12 West, hugging the Reading golf course on the left on ramp onto the R59 heading to Vereeniging.

There was only one thing that could enhance this pack... more Harley’s. This became a reality when we turned off at the Blockhouse to find another 11 Harleys waiting to join the pack.

A total of 45 - 42 riders including the 8 pillions and 3 family members coming by car completed the tally. This put the Bus Stop into a breakfast cooking frenzy when notified.

We crossed the Vaal River which was still in flood and very dirty, we choose to stay on this road as it followed the contour of the river revealing a stunning view. We were in the Free State - province of farming, Isuzu bakkies, Texan steaks and good rugby played by the Free State Cheetahs’.

Parys is a small town situated on the banks of the Vaal River. It is the gateway to the Vredefort Dome which is the oldest and largest meteorite impact site in the world. Today Parys offers a happy medium between old world country charm and adventure outdoor activities which include white river rafting, abseiling,

canoeing, hot air balloon rides, quad biking, fly fishing and hiking to mention only a few.

The roads leading to our destination were great but boy o boy, what happened in Parys - fortunately the riders pointed out the potholes timeously.

We slowly snaked through the 90° turns, first right then left, a BMW club had taken occupation of the first available diner on the main strip as you enter Parys. As we rolled past we reveled a stare from all the patrons as they fell silent in their speech, agonising at our gracious momentum and numbers.

The Bus Stop was a little short on space - our accommodating spirit found everyone a spot and food was dished up from the buffet - fresh fruit juices were served by the jug! Piet thanked a very happy hostess for her efforts while we mounted our Harley’s.

The pack left gracefully keeping a low speed tight pack formation. Some friends left our pack and waved a farewell as we took the turn-off to the Barrage.

The ladies photo will definitely be framed for its absolute beauty in composition and enrichment of the natural surroundings. As for the guys’ photo, nice one!

One by one the riders peeled off the main pack leaving just you on your own. Riding alone for the last few kilometers enriches the soul as you reflect on the days activities and the values that each individual had brought to share – it was a momentus out ride - the largest pack ever to ride under the Gold Rand banner!

‘Till we meet again.... Albe NaudeH.O.G. Gold RandPhotographer & Historian

T

The “Bus StopParys, Free State6 February 2011

”

HOG® autumn 2011 5

The Tygervalley Chapter lives and thrives in the Durbanville Wine lands area about 30km out of Cape Town. The Tygervalley dealership has given us the mezzanine floor which we use as our “club house” at the Willowbridge Life Style Centre.

Our social get together is every 1st Friday of the month at the dealership at 6.30pm for 7.00pm, our new members are invited and welcomed into the Chapter on these evenings, where they can meet and get to know each other.

Because we ride every Sunday, we have a breakfast club, consisting of members that each take a turn to arrange a venue for every week’s ride. We have a lunch run once a month, usually on the Sunday after our social. Please feel free to join us on our rides. We leave the dealership at Willowbridge every Sunday at 9.00am.

Because of the varying service levels at the venues we go to, ranging from excellent to extremely poor, we decided that we needed to give the venues that are HOG friendly, offer the best service, and value for money, some kind of recognition, so we have come up with an excellence award which we give to the venues that qualify.

Because safety is a concern to us, we do Pack Rider Training and Skill Rider Training once a month. Because we do it on a regular bases, we found more and more people attending the training, which is absolutely great. We have now introduced a Skills Riding evaluation test, by which if you qualify, you receive a Tygervalley Rider set of wings.

Our 2011 Tygervalley Chapter West Coast Rally will be held Mikonos from the 21st October to 23th

Our most important aim is to ride and have fun.

- Antonio Afonso

tYGERVALLEY CHAPtER

6 HOG® autumn 2011

Now official “Harley-Davidson® Authorized Tours Operator”

Reuthers Motorcycle Tours started with Route 66 adventures in 1997 and soon became the market leader in worldwide

motorcycle dream tours on Harley-Davidson® motorcycles.

When looking at the touring calendar and the new interactive eCatalog 2011/2012, you’ll find tours to suite all tastes - in the USA (Florida, Best Of West, Highway 1, Wild West, Pony Ex-press, National Parks) in motorcyclists paradise New Zealand, in Australia (including Tasmania), South Africa (there is a Golf Trophy in 2011 with riding Harley-Davidson’s®) and in Europe (Alps and Lakes, Andalucia, Ireland, Scotland, Tuscany).

Canada, Alaska and South America are the next destinations that we are planning.

To meet all different tastes, there are three ways of doing your Reuthers dream tour:

Guided Tour: You follow the tourguide and nearly every-thing is included (even the petrol).

Semi Guided Tour: You ride on your own during a Guided Tour while your luggage is taken to the next hotel and a GPS device shows you the way.

Navi Guided Tour: You start your tour on the date you wish and ride by your own. A preprogrammed GPS device shows you the way and hotels and motorcycle are booked in advance for you.

Great Honor from Harley-Davidson®

Since February 2011 REUTHER-ENTERTAINMENTS with its Division Reuthers Motorcycle Tours is an approved “Harley-Davidson® Authorized Tours Operator”. “We have been aiming for this for a long time - this is a great honor for our efforts”, says the pleased founder and president Hermann Reuther.

For the 25-year anniversary of REUTHER-ENTERTAINMENTS we have come up with something quite special. You can win the Reuthers Anniversary Tour Route 66 with the big Reuthers Anniversary Sweepstakes. The sooner you follow us on Twitter and/or become a Facebook Fan, the higher your chances of winning because besides the first prize there are monthly pre-draws where, in addition, you can win valuable vouchers.

For more information please call:D: +49-9561-7059370 * UK: +44-20-8816-8537 *

SA: +27-21-300-1995and/or visit the website: reuthers.com

HARLEY-DAVIDSON, HARLEY, H-D, HD, HARLEY-DAVIDSON AUTHORIZED TOURS and the Bar & Shield logo are among the registered trademarks of H-D Michigan, LLC.

Please note that this is a paid for advertorial

Reuthers®

Motorcycle Tours

reuthers.com

With a strategy for perfect service Reuthers has been setting a pattern for standards in this sector. The first stage of cooperation with Harley-Davidson began in 2006 with several tours on Route 66 and in New Zealand.

The award from the sophisticated motorcycle brand above all means that participants of Reuthers Motorcycle Tours can ride the newest models Harley-Davidson® makes. “Riding a Harley-Davidson® is a life philosophy”, says Hermann Reuther. The award from Harley-Davidson® is primarily a reward for the reliability of his company and his co-workers on five continents. “With our dream tours we are able to constantly surpass ourselves”, Hermann Reuther explains. “Important for the dramaturgy of our motorcycle trips is the feedback from the participants”, so he stresses. Many of them still keep in touch even after the tour is over. The worldwide Reuthers Facebook Fan Community meanwhile has thousands of members.

HOG® autumn 2011 7

Now official “Harley-Davidson® Authorized Tours Operator”

Reuthers Motorcycle Tours started with Route 66 adventures in 1997 and soon became the market leader in worldwide

motorcycle dream tours on Harley-Davidson® motorcycles.

When looking at the touring calendar and the new interactive eCatalog 2011/2012, you’ll find tours to suite all tastes - in the USA (Florida, Best Of West, Highway 1, Wild West, Pony Ex-press, National Parks) in motorcyclists paradise New Zealand, in Australia (including Tasmania), South Africa (there is a Golf Trophy in 2011 with riding Harley-Davidson’s®) and in Europe (Alps and Lakes, Andalucia, Ireland, Scotland, Tuscany).

Canada, Alaska and South America are the next destinations that we are planning.

To meet all different tastes, there are three ways of doing your Reuthers dream tour:

Guided Tour: You follow the tourguide and nearly every-thing is included (even the petrol).

Semi Guided Tour: You ride on your own during a Guided Tour while your luggage is taken to the next hotel and a GPS device shows you the way.

Navi Guided Tour: You start your tour on the date you wish and ride by your own. A preprogrammed GPS device shows you the way and hotels and motorcycle are booked in advance for you.

Great Honor from Harley-Davidson®

Since February 2011 REUTHER-ENTERTAINMENTS with its Division Reuthers Motorcycle Tours is an approved “Harley-Davidson® Authorized Tours Operator”. “We have been aiming for this for a long time - this is a great honor for our efforts”, says the pleased founder and president Hermann Reuther.

For the 25-year anniversary of REUTHER-ENTERTAINMENTS we have come up with something quite special. You can win the Reuthers Anniversary Tour Route 66 with the big Reuthers Anniversary Sweepstakes. The sooner you follow us on Twitter and/or become a Facebook Fan, the higher your chances of winning because besides the first prize there are monthly pre-draws where, in addition, you can win valuable vouchers.

For more information please call:D: +49-9561-7059370 * UK: +44-20-8816-8537 *

SA: +27-21-300-1995and/or visit the website: reuthers.com

HARLEY-DAVIDSON, HARLEY, H-D, HD, HARLEY-DAVIDSON AUTHORIZED TOURS and the Bar & Shield logo are among the registered trademarks of H-D Michigan, LLC.

Please note that this is a paid for advertorial

Reuthers®

Motorcycle Tours

reuthers.com

With a strategy for perfect service Reuthers has been setting a pattern for standards in this sector. The first stage of cooperation with Harley-Davidson began in 2006 with several tours on Route 66 and in New Zealand.

The award from the sophisticated motorcycle brand above all means that participants of Reuthers Motorcycle Tours can ride the newest models Harley-Davidson® makes. “Riding a Harley-Davidson® is a life philosophy”, says Hermann Reuther. The award from Harley-Davidson® is primarily a reward for the reliability of his company and his co-workers on five continents. “With our dream tours we are able to constantly surpass ourselves”, Hermann Reuther explains. “Important for the dramaturgy of our motorcycle trips is the feedback from the participants”, so he stresses. Many of them still keep in touch even after the tour is over. The worldwide Reuthers Facebook Fan Community meanwhile has thousands of members.

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The early morning air was crisp and the sun started peaking over the hills of Hillcrest, another beautiful

dawn in KZN except for one thing... the thundering sound of Harley-Davidson® as members of the Durban chapter started arriving at the Harley Davidson® store. Bikes recently polished, the early morning rays of sun glistening off the the chrome, saddle bags plump with luggage and a group of riders with smiles lighting up their faces as the start meeting point filled up with old friends, colleagues, virgin riders and fans, this is going to be a week to remember. I remember the feeling of pride as I looked up to see tail light upon tail light as far as the next chicane in the road ahead and glancing across my rear view mirrors to see hundreds of Harley-Davidson® trailing like a snake of steel, this is why I love riding, the visual satisfaction was only superseded by the sound that filled the air, like an army marching to the sound of an explosive orchestra of tail pipes and thumping engines. After a brief stop over half way to Clarens, to refuel both ourselves and our bikes we were on our way again. The highway shortly changed to beautiful rolling hills and open planes of farm land, we were on the side roads thundering along up the hills and through the “Golden Gate”, which was surreal, it almost felt as if time slowed down, you couldn’t help but tap off your throttle and just take it all in, it was like a picture from a post card in every direction you looked, my memory is still branded with the beauty of this stretch of road, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the most beautiful roads in our country if not the world. If you haven’t ridden to Clarens and been through Golden Gate, fire up that bike, change your weekend plans and go experience something life

changing. Our second stop saw us in the town of Colesburg, a truly magical little town that‘s richly influenced by the passion and tradition of Harley-Davidson® which is clear as you arrive into the town and are welcomed by a large banner saying “Harley-Davidson® Country”. Once again we had a rawkus evening and a good laugh before resting our heads in old colonial style homes which was a perfect way to end another indescribable day through our glorious country. The excitement was clearly mutual amongst the riders as we headed out to Oudtshoorn, ‘thumps up’ being directed from rider to rider, the loud revving of bikes and backslaps from pillion riders were evidence enough, it was D-Day, we were on our way to join thousands of riders from around the country and from abroad. A few hundred more km’s and the party was upon us, Route 62 Rally 2010 here we come! It had been a long journey to get us this far, we were at about 1200 km from home and only about 200 km left to reach our destination when things started to feel real. The road ahead of us and the road all around us started to fuel up with more and more Harley-Davidsons®, waves from strangers and the ever growing thundering sounds of ‘Screaming Eagle®’ and ‘Vance & Hines’ tailpipes were filling the air, the rode and which seamed the sky. Our formation of riders grew at every change of gear as other riders from neighboring provinces linked onto us, we were truly a growing army of bikers, the only difference was we were feeling the saddle pain and the blazing heat of the Highveld. Every kilometer seemed to take longer as my body was shrinking under my leathers due to the pounding heat from the sizzling

tar. Seeing the ostriches with their heads buried underground made so much sense, or was I just suffering the systems of heat stroke? It didn’t matter because this was about to change. 50km outside of Oudtshoorn is a little town with a little watering hole and restaurant, ‘The Trading Post’. I highly recommend stopping by this quaint little local coffee shop, owned by friendly folk and the perfect setting to cool off by sitting in the shade of their tea garden and quenching your thirst with a variety of flavoured water and tea, as well as little sprinkler jets that were hogged by the riders wetting their heads, buffs, shirts and whatever they could cool off. On the road again, bodies cooled off, minds back on the the goal and the sense of a good time building. Arriving in Oudtshoorn was like arriving in a town run by motorcycles, a kind of world where cars aren’t welcome and bikes are a passion. Every stretch of road, parking bay, filling station and driveway was occupied by Harley-Davidsons®, what a sight. The street side of the headquarters was tented with Bike shops, food stalls, more bars and tattoo parlours, every angle you gazed over was filled with something to see, do or buy, yes please! The rally was filled with admiring others bikes, stopping past the local bike wash, purchasing apparel, souvenirs which lead us into an evening of Rock n’ Roll. This is what its all about, a sense of belonging, a sense of brotherhood, an exclusive society of people, riders, we are HOG® members and I loved every moment of it.

- Brad Andrew

The most scenic South African Rally - Oudtshoorn

A weekend ofpassion, tradition,

open road, shimmering chrome

and Rock ‘n Roll

T his is what its all about, a

sense of belonging, a sense

of brotherhood, an exclusive

society of people, riders, we are

HOG® members and I loved every

moment of it.

HOG® autumn 2011 13

The secret to being a good pillion is to almost mimic the rider, relax and enjoy the ride. Riding with your partner or a mate can be one of the most fun things you can do, but it can be that much more enjoyable if you follow a few standard guidelines:

ALWAYS wear a helmet that is securely fastened and fits • properly.

Wear protective clothing• Always ask your rider how they want you to get on the •

bikeKeep your feet on the foot pegs at all times• Always hold on• Keep your body in line with the rider• Stay as neutral as possible when going into corners• Only get on and off the motorcycle when the rider says so• Try not to fidget• Expect the unexpected•

Questions to ask the rider:

Can I get on or off the bike ? • Where do I put my feet ?• Where do I hold onto with my hands ?•

The Guide To Being A Good Rider When Carrying a Pillion:

ALWAYS provide your pillion rider with a helmet that fits • properly

Make sure that your motorcycle is ‘pillion rider - friendly’ • Give your pillion complete instructions before you hit the •

road – no matter how experienced a pillion they are, every rider has a different style

Confirm how you are going to communicate on the road • If your pillion is inexperienced warn them about the hot •

areas on the bike like the exhaust Adjust to the passenger’s weight before you accelerate •

too much. The extra load will change the way the motorcycle balances, turns, speeds up and slows down. Unlike pillion riders on other bikes, who look like small primates clinging to their mothers, Harley-Davidson® pillions do so in safety and style.

2UpThe Guide to being a Good Pillion

By Pieter le Roux Head Road Captain Pretoria Chapter

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Rallies16 – 19 June 2011: White River Rally

1 – 3 July 2011: Durban Rally

22 – 24 July 2011: snowball Rally (Pretoria Rally)

6 – 9 August 2011: Hippo Rally

23 – 25 september 2011: West Coast Rally

21 – 23 october 2011: Bloemfontein Rally

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16 HOG® autumn 2011