motown h.o.g. chapter #2357€¦ · 3 | p a g e march early bird registration winner! rachel...
TRANSCRIPT
Newsletter – Winter 2015-2016
MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS 1st Thursday of every month at 7:15pm (Except December & January) American Legion Post 200 11800 Michael Street in Taylor (Off Telegraph and Brest Road)
NATIONAL H.O.G. DUES It is YOUR responsibility to keep both your National H.O.G. and Motown H.O.G. chapter memberships current each year. Failure to keep your National membership active will result in cancellation of your local chapter.
Chapter Website: www.Motownhog.com
Sponsoring Dealership is Biker Bob’s
OFFICERS:
Director – Kenn Rowe
Assistant Director – Steve Pearce
Secretary - Jeanette Hosner
Treasurer – Kurt Sebaly
Sr. Road Captains – Larry Suban & Buck LeBlanc
L.O.H. Officer - Diane Dombecki
Activities Officer - Paul Thompson
Assistant Acitivities – Jim Nadeau & Kristine Zilka
Membership Officer - Kathy Suban
Assistant Membership – Elaine Henson
Photographer - John Dombecki
Safety Officers - Ken Kirk & Brian Yinger
Dealership Rep – Kenn Rowe
Webmaster - Terri Rowe
Editor – Sally Webb
Historian – Marty Kerstens
Merchandise Liaison – Ann Sanford
Volunteer Coordinator – Kristine Zilka
Welcome Committee – Bonnie & Leon Wallace
Motown H.O.G. Chapter #2357 c/o Biker Bob’s Harley-Davidson Motown 14100 Telegraph Road Taylor, MI 48180 Phone: 734-947-4647
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November 50/50 Winner!
November T-Shirt Winners!
HOG 2357
February/March
Meeting Recap…
Marty Kerstens led us in the Pledge of Allegiance
during the February meeting and John D. led us
during the March meeting.
Kenn Rowe – Welcomed everyone to a new year
and thanked all the volunteers for their hard work
last year. See further down in this newsletter where
we have a list of all the awards that were given out
at the volunteer dinner in January. The main points
that Kenn reviewed were as follows:
- Volunteer points - Reminded everyone we have a full calendar again this year adding in 2
new rides: Trooper Chad Wolf Memorial Ride and Ride For a Cure through Detroit. We
need volunteers for these and all our rides to make them successful. In an effort to direct
volunteerism where we desperately need it (the rides) we are reducing the amount of
points you can earn from our bike nights. Effective this season, only 2 of your 5 volunteer
points can be earned by volunteering with Bike nights.
- Progressive Dinner Ride – We would like to revisit holding the Progressive Dinner ride.
There is great interest out there and we just need 3 more members willing to host the
stops. See Kris Zilka if you can help out!
- Chapter Getaway – Looking for more ideas as initial thought for Hocking Hills ended up
being too expensive. See
Paul/Kris/Scout if you have any ideas
you think may work.
- Name Tags – See Nancy Acker if
you wish to order a name tag. She
needs 5 more orders to submit the
bulk order.
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March Early Bird
Registration Winner!
Rachel Hessler – General Manager for Biker Bob’s was present at the February meeting to
review the philosophy at Biker Bobs. She is very excited to work with everyone and be part of
our family. Biker Bobs is known as the most charitable dealer in Michigan and they are the
dealership that rides. Thanks to all of our HOG family for being a part of it all. You will see
many great ride opportunities posted at Biker Bobs during the season. Rachel shared with us
the improvements being made at Biker Bobs including things like the Quality Control checklist
that ensures the work is done right and you leave with a clean freshly washed bike ready to go.
They will be prioritizing return work promoting good relationships.
Kathy Suban – Started of this first meeting of the year advising the following:
- Membership Numbers - As of March
meeting we have 200 members that
have renewed for 2016. We were 400+
end of last year so everyone remember
to renew! Remember when you are
registered as a member of HOG it takes
care of your waivers to attend all the
HOG rides hosted by our chapter.
- Early Bird Winner – Congratulations to
Tom Lezotte who was chosen as the
early bird registration winner for re-
registering with our HOG Chapter
before March 1.
- New Members - See the new member section of the newsletter for all new members in
attendance over the past winter meetings. Hope to see them all on the rides as the
weather warms up! - Anniversary Pins - Congratulations to Linda Lezotte for earning her 10 year pin.
- Volunteer Rockers/Patches are available from Kathy or Larry Suban for 2015 if you did not
pick it up at the volunteer party.
- Membership cards - Be sure to pickup your cards in the front of the hall during the
meetings if you have not gotten them. We are looking at going electronic in the future to
help scan your cards for events, track volunteer points, etc.! More details to come!
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November Misc. Prize Winners!
Kurt Sebaly – Read the Treasurer Report. If you would like to review the details, you may
reach out to Kurt directly. Kurt announced the Ride For Reason Flyers have been mailed out to
past year participants. Be sure to register for the ride and support Penrickton Center for Blind
Children. New this year, Biker Bob’s has donated a 2016 Street Glide for a raffle. Tickets are
$10 each. See Kurt if you can pick up some tickets to sell.
Paul Thompson – Our Activities Officer reviewed the following items:
- January Volunteer Party had 107 people in attendance and was held at Silver Shores.
- Final Planning meeting was held and the calendar is up on line for all to see the rides being
offered this year.
- Blessing of the Bikes – April 9th at Biker Bobs from 9am-11am
- Fundraiser for Liz Foskey – April 9 FOE Ypsilanti 4pm (See flyer this newsletter)
- Meet to Eat April 21 – Leon’s in Taylor
- D-Frost Run for Penricktons – April 23 – UAW on Telegraph (See flyer this newsletter)
- Chapter Memorial Ride – May 7 – Biker Bobs - Deadline to signup is April 29
- Bike Nights – Keep an eye on the website calendar for updates
Larry Suban – Started off the new riding year reminding us about the Monday Skill’s Training
that is setup every Monday during riding weather at Biker Bobs back lot. Keep an eye on the
calendar for details. This is free to all HOG Chapter members, male and female, to improve
your riding skills and give you the opportunity to play in the cones. It’s all about safety and
enhancing your skills for the road! Thank you to Biker Bob’s for letting us use the back lot for
this opportunity! Larry mentioned to be on the lookout for more opportunities this year to be
held by Cindy Quasarano for a Ladies Only Riders Skills to be offered by Cindy and other Road
Captains to help with hard braking for women like she offered last year.
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February 50/50 Winner!
March 50/50 Winner!
Brian Yinger – During the February meeting Brian
announced that the Road Captains will once again
under go some First Aid and Accident Scene
Management courses. See later in this newsletter for
some snapshots of their classes. He also reviewed
- Risk Awareness - Stating that we cause most of our
accidents by not being aware of our surroundings.
If you stay aware you can find your ‘out’ to avoid
most mishaps. 90% of cycle riding is mental and
10% is physical. Stay alert and stay alive! It is the
start of a new season, so do your T-CLOCS,
remember S.E.E (Search Evaluate/Execute) and take the skills courses offered by the RCs
on Monday nights at Biker Bobs!
- Slow Speed Cornering - We were lucky to hear from Brian again in March who reviewed
Slow Speed Cornering. When you do your slow speed cornering you should slow down to
12-14mph, look, turn, and roll. Hold your throttle at roughly 1200 RPM. Remember the
rear brake controls the speed. Don’t use your front brake. Turn your head and handles
where you want to go and gently roll on the throttle. Be sure to go to Skill training to learn
this and other techniques to help you advance in your riding ability!
Diane Dombecki – Announced Ladies of Harley raised $1000 for Penrickton’s during the Gift
Wrapping in December. The annual Chili Cook-off
went very well with 11 people submitting their tasty
chili dishes for all to sample. There can only be 1 grand
prize winner, which this year went to Larry Suban!
Runners up went to Marie Jones and 3rd place to Lisa
Moore. Congratulations to them each and to all who
participated as you are all winners for donating your
dishes to support Penricktons, Fish and Loaves, and the
Information Center of Taylor! Together with the bake
goods graciously donated by Richard Lupu and the
Ladies of Harley gals, they raised $543.48!
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March T-Shirt and Misc. Winners!
Mike ‘Wings’ Henson – Provided and update during the February meeting that the Polar Bear
Run raised 923lbs of food for Fishes and Loaves and the money raised will support the Road
Captains in their equipment and training classes for 2016. Last year was his last year chairing
this event. We will still have a Polar Bear again this year but under the new chairman, Steve
Micallef.
Terri Rowe – Our webmaster has been busy finding a new app for Android users to sync the
chapter HOG calendar. It appears to have solved most Android user issues. Visit the
MotownHOG.com for more details or contact Terri if you have any difficulty. Speaking of the
motownhog.com website, check out the flyer included in this newsletter for all the good things
you can find on the site and be sure to check out the website frequently to stay updated on all
things HOG! Terri also wanted to review with all the Death Notices policy. We will only post
information about current members and only if we can obtain permission from the family
members. We will not be posting on Facebook. Notices will be sent only via email.
Steve “Elwood’ Pearce – Announced that our own Laura DeChane, has been selected as the
Michigan HOG Rally activities Coordinator! This means the party is on!!! Be sure to check out
mistatehogrally.com. Pre-registration is OPEN! Early bird registration giveaway for those
registered before May 1st. Rally is hosted this year in Boyne Highlands in Northern Lower
Michigan in Harbor Springs, MI on Aug 18-20 2016. Registration deadline is June 30, 2016.
Hotels will fill up quickly so book soon! Elwood mentioned that there are already a few
members who have reserved spots at the KOA Campground in Petoskey for those that like
camping. He also noted they will be bringing back the Road Captain Challenge so come on up
and cheer on our guys and gals to bring the trophy home! This year’s theme is Celtic and as
your Editor, I’m wondering if we can get any pictures of the Senior RC’s in a kilt …hehe!
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Men and Ladies High Mileage Winners for 2015
Kenn Rowe –During the February and March meetings Kenn announced the Men and Ladies
High Mileage awards for 2015. Congratulations to Marty Kerstens for riding 26,473 miles in
2015 and to Sally Webb for riding 10,840 miles.
Sally Webb – Notes from your Editor:
- New Member and Member of the Month - Be sure to read through the New Member and
Member of the Month sections of our newsletters to get to know all our new Chapter
family members and see if you can learn something new about the member of the month
chosen during each meeting by the luck of the draw!
- Winter Happenings - We have been very busy during the winter season so take some time
to look over all the great pictures in the newsletter of the fun we have had this past winter
at the Vet’s Dinner, Goodfellow Paper Drive, Volunteer Party and other great events.
- Inside Look at the Road Captains - Learn about what it is like to becoming a Road Captain in
an article submitted by Otis Miller. The Road Captains are always busy honing their skills
to keep you secure. Check out the challenges many RCs attend from the letter submitted
by Larry Telling and laugh at some photos of the RCs during First Aid Training this year.
Mind you, they take your safety seriously but know they always have fun along the way!
- Advertise in your HOG newsletter – Got a business you want to promote? How about
placing an ad or include your business card in your Chapter newsletter starting next
month! We hear and see posts all the time from members looking for good handy
men/women, real estate professionals, insurance agents etc. so why not be proactive. Use
our newsletter as a way to start spreading the word to your biker family of your expertise!
All proceeds go to support your chapter and all the benefit of getting your name out there
goes to you! It’s a win – win! Contact Sally Webb for all the details on how to get started.
Please note, ads for products/services cannot be in direct competition with Biker Bobs.
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Did you Know?? Submitted by Motown HOG Historian,
Marty Kerstens
The origin of the "Hog" nickname began circa 1916, when Ray Weishaar, a member of Harley's legendary "Wrecking Crew" racing team, had adopted a pig as his mascot. After winning an important race in Indiana, Ray took the pig for a victory lap around the track aboard his Harley. The pig was named "Hog," and this quickly became the generic nickname for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. "Hog" even had his own Harley vest! In 1983, the Motor Company turned the long-standing "hog" nickname into the acronym HOG, which we all know as the Harley Owners Group.
The Motor Company attempted to trademark "hog," but lost the case in 1999 when an appellate court ruled that "hog" had become a generic term for large motorcycles and therefore could not be trademarked.
In August 2006, Harley-Davidson, Inc., had their New York Stock Exchange ticker symbol officially changed from "HDI" to "HOG."
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Name/Nickname: Brian Cox / Buzzard
Favorite Food: Pizza
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Book: The Odyssey – by Homer
Favorite Movie: Snatch (Guy Ritchie Film)
Favorite Music/Song: Favorite type of music
is Rock and favorite Song is Breath by the
band Breaking Benjamin
Favorite Quote/Saying:
“Complaining about a problem without
proposing a solution is called whining.”
~Teddy Roosevelt
Bio – Brian has been with our chapter for 2
years now. In talking with him it was obvious he
has a love for riding and more so a strong love
for his family. He is married to Samatha Cox and
has 3 children, Brittany(14), Jason(27), and
David(27). He lives in Taylor and enjoys riding his 2013 Super Glide Custom when he has the time.
He has been riding since he was 11 years old. For 35 years he has been riding dirt bikes and for 20
years has been riding motorcycles. Buzzard’s favorite place to ride is a day trip to clear his head, up to
the thumb along the coast of Lake Huron.
When he has the time besides riding his Harley, he likes to go Up North and ride his dirt bike, go
mudding or to the sand dunes in his 1976 CJ7 Jeep with a 5” lift. Even when something breaks on his
dirt bike or Jeep after punishing it through the mud and hills, he still gets the enjoyment in fixing
them up.
Some of his fondest memories have been partaking in the Ride for Reason and our HOG Christmas
party. Once he has more time to commit, he would like to become more involved in the club and even
possibly become a Road Captain someday. He enjoys spending time with his family. He likes to take
his daughter for rides on the Harley and watching her ride horses, rock climb and play the violin in
her orchestra. We are looking forward to seeing Buzzard at more events too and getting to know him
more and more each time as he sounds like he has a lot in common with many of our HOG family!
November Member of the Month Brian Cox aka ‘Buzzard’
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Name/Nickname: Nancy Acker / ‘Shorty’
or ‘Blondie’
Favorite Food: Anything Chocolate
Favorite Color: Red
Favorite Book: n/a
Favorite Movie: n/a
Favorite Music/Song: Bon Jovi and Country
Music
Favorite Quote/Saying:
“Live to Ride / Ride to Eat! “
Bio – I am betting to most of you Nancy is a very familiar face around our HOG family. If you don’t
see her at the meetings selling her fabulous handmade jewelry, or see her volunteering with the Ladies
of Harley, then you certainly have seen that beautiful smiling face welcoming you through the doors of
Biker Bobs as their receptionist. They say the receptionist is the face of the company, and I agree that
Biker Bobs has found the perfect model in Nancy. Her genuine uplifting spirit always makes everyone
feel so welcome as they walk in the door, not to a store but to what Nancy helps make it… a home
away from home for so many HOG members!
What some may not know is that Nancy has spent some of her time with HOG volunteering as a
photographer and webmaster. You may have seen Nancy and her husband Kim around at
events…just look for the man twice as tall as his lady with just as friendly as a smile!
Nancy lives in Taylor and together, Kim and Nancy ride a 2013 Road Glide Ultra and have been riding
for 15 years. Her favorite riding location is in Irish Hills. In addition to riding, she enjoys making
jewelry, crafting and scrapbooking.
One of her favorite memories of HOG is going on dinner rides. Guess that explains her favorite quote
then! Nancy wanted to share that “Bikers are the best, friendliest folks!” We think the same of her!
February Member of the Month Nancy Acker aka ‘Shorty’ or ‘Blondie’
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Name/Nickname: Diane Dombecki
Favorite Food: A Good Bar Burger
Favorite Color: Like them all, no favorite!
Favorite Book: Harry Potter Series
Favorite Movie: Singing in the Rain
Favorite Music/Song: All music but mostly
country
Favorite Quote/Saying:
“Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff “
Bio – If you do not know this lovely face, then
you need to get out more to our chapter events! She is the reason I joined HOG. One of the first
events I attended as I stood off to the side deciding if this was the chapter I wanted to join, Diane
came up to me and started talking as if we were long time acquaintances and the next thing I knew I
was driving the golf cart around Biker Bobs checking the parking lot with her. She will be happy to
give you a task to do if you look like you need something to stay occupied! She was the first person
that greeted me so warmly but was not the last. I knew immediately this was where I belonged.
Diane has that way with many people. Her natural charm and lively attitude just makes you want to
be around her. Her favorite quote I think helps her be who she is. She loves all and all love her.
Especially 1 man in particular, John, her husband of 40 years, who I am sure many of you have seen
behind the camera as you smiled for his snapshots!
Diane and John live in Westland since 1976. She was a legal secretary for 45 years and retired recently
in 2015. She enjoys spending time on her other favorite hobby, gardening, when she is not riding with
John. Diane has rode with John on his 1972 Dresser and his 1984 Low rider. They sold those for
other adventures but then bought a 2006 Ultra Classic and together have been happily riding with
HOG ever since.
Diane has been a member of HOG since 2010 and for the past few years to present has been the
Director of the Ladies of Harley. Her favorite memories of HOG are all the Chapter Getaways. She
wanted to share that she enjoys all the chapter members because we are a fun group. Well Diane, I
have to say you are pretty fun yourself and we are very lucky to have you in our family!
March Member of the Month Diane Dombecki -Goddess of the LOH
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Welcome New Members Just because the sun isn’t shining during the winter months, doesn’t mean our chapter member numbers can’t grow. Forget sun, water and soil. For us HOG members it only takes the wind, the roar of the pipes and the quest for the perfect road to bring us all together and make our numbers strong! Check out our latest members who have joined our family. We are looking forward to seeing all of you when the sun does come out and our rides start in 2016!
Steve Thomas (left) – aka ‘Stevo’ Stevo joined us in November 2015. He is a retired sheet metal fabricator and lives in Southgate. He has a son, Jeff, who is a Baptist Missionary in Ireland. Stevo has been riding for 3 years and his present ride is a 2008 Street Glide. His favorite riding location is Pinckney area. When he is not riding he also enjoys spending his time golfing, attending Red Wings, Lions and Tigers games. Sounds like we have a true Detroit Boy at heart with us!
Sue Branch (right) and her 4-legged backseat passenger, Charlie Sue and Charlie have been seen at many of our rides and thanks to our current members, they have enticed her to officially become part of our family in February 2016. Sue lives in Holly and rides a 2010 Limited currently. She was brought up on bikes so her favorite riding spot is everywhere! Her 2 favorite hobbies are riding and showing dogs. Bill Smith (right) aka ‘Smith’ Being a Smith by birth myself, it was nice to welcome Bill into our biker family as part of the ‘Smith Clan’ that joined in Feb 2016. Oddly, only 2 of the 4 new “Smith” members were related but they all shared a love for Harleys! Bill’s ride is a 2008 Screamin Eagle 105th Harley. He has been riding for 10 years. He and his wife, Jennifer, live in Woodhaven. He currently works at Logistics. His hobbies include scuba diving and driving his Mustang. I knew I liked him right off the bat! You may find him riding around his favorite riding spots in Ida, Dundee and on M-50. Hope to see you on the Ride for Reason on June 5th out at Cabela’s!
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Randy Smith (top right) aka Bufford
Bufford is Smith Clan member #2 that joined us in February 2016!
He currently lives in Melvindale and rides a 2011 Electra Glide
Touring. He works as a park attendant but has spent many years
riding on and off. We hope more on with us! One of his favorite
riding spots is in Irish Hills.
Terri Smith (middle right) and Michael Smith (bottom right) aka
Mickey
Terri and her husband, Mickey, are the only 2 Smiths related that
joined the “Smith Clan” in February 2016. Terri has been riding for
3 years on her 883 Sportster and Mickey has been riding for 40
years and he currently rides a 2014 Limited when he is not working
as a mechanic. They both are happy to be riding anywhere and
everywhere! Together they have 4 children; Jacey, Shayna,
Michael and Jacob and live in Westland. Terri enjoys fitness and
riding while Mickey enjoys hunting, riding and bowling! Looking
forward to seeing them and all the Smith Clan at future rides!
Edward Schmitt (top left)aka “Ed’
From Smith to Schmitt, we welcome all last names to our club and
are happy that Ed has joined our HOG family in March! Ed and his
wife Shelley live in Flat Rock and have 4 children. He is a skilled
trades for Ford Motor Company. He has been riding for 20 years
and currently rides a 2013 Electra Glide Ultra Classic Ltd. He enjoys
riding around the countryside, camping, kayaking, and hunting.
Judson H Hammond (bottom left) aka “Judd’
Judd joined us at the March 2016 meeting. He shared that this is his
first bike in 38 years! He and Taffy Malkowski live in Ypsilanti. He
works in sales and has been riding, this time, for 1 year on his 2012
Heritage Softail Classic. When not riding, Judd enjoys skiing, classic
cars and NASCAR. He has yet to find a favorite riding spot but stick
with us Judd and we will give you many more to choose from!
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2015 New Motown HOG Road Captains
Andy ‘Otis’ Miller, Laura DeChane, and Cal Davidson
Being a Road Captain Submitted by Andy ‘Otis’ Miller
If someone had told me three years ago that I would be
hurtling through the night air, amidst police vehicles, with
all of their cherries and berries flashing, escorting a pack of
bikers in a funeral procession, I would have told that person
they were nuttier than squirrel you-know-what. None the
less, there I was, with about 20 – 30 other Road Captains,
protecting our riders through various intersections on that warm July night. The glare from the police lights,
headlights and street lights was incredible, but thanks to the comprehensive training we had at the beginning
of the year, we all made it safely (if a bit nerve racked) to the funeral home to honor a fallen hero.
Had it not been for the training and practice I had received while learning to be a RC, I doubt I would have had
the confidence in my riding skills to face the challenges that night presented. Indeed, since joining the RCs this
year, my riding skills, overall awareness while riding and confidence in my riding skills has increased tenfold.
When I purchased my first Harley, I felt that I was a pretty good rider. I was confident in my skills but not so
arrogant to think that there wasn’t (and there still is) room for improvement. My first ride with the Motown
HOG Chapter was an eye opening experience. I was amazed at the lack of awareness some of my fellow pack
riders demonstrated on the ride. The senior RCs ran through the various hand signals and charged everyone
with passing those signals along, as well as a few pointers on how to stay safe during the ride and arrive alive.
Unfortunately, it seemed to me, that the pointers did not have the desired effect.
Not having had a lot of experience with chapter rides, I sent out what I thought was a well written email to the
senior leadership of the chapter, offering up some suggestions on how we could improve the safety of the
rides, therefore making them more enjoyable for everyone participating…yeah, big mistake. The next chapter
meeting Buck and Curby were gunning for me with blood-fire in their eyes. While they appreciated my
suggestions, they explained to me that, on every ride the experience level of the pack riders varies. One rider
could have 3 days experience, another 3 months and yet another, 3 years. There is simply no way that they
could bring everyone up to the same riding skill level in a few minute briefing before we put the kickstands up
and rolled out.
Once I explained that I meant no offense by the email and that I was suitably impressed with the conduct and
skill level of the Road Captains and understood their dilemma, they calmed down, lowered me from the flag
pole and untied me. To this day Buck still won’t let me live that email down, hence the reason for this article.
A few months later, Buck honored me with being the pacer for the pack of bikes heading from Biker Bob’s
Harley Davidson of Taylor, MI to the staging area for the annual Ride for a Reason event at Cabela’s in Dundee,
MI. Apparently the email hadn’t locked me into permanent purgatory with the RCs. Even though Buck might
act as tough as old saddle bag leather, underneath, he’s just a big teddy bear. I know, I know Buck, back to the
flagpole I go.
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Waiting for kick stands up
Ride for Reason 2015
My first Ride for a Reason was an absolute blast, but as we passed intersection after intersection with the
Road Captains and police volunteers standing guard, I felt like something was missing. Indeed as the season
progressed and I watched the RCs, I quickly became bored with trundling along in the pack. I needed
something to keep me sharp and aware of what’s going on around me while riding.
As my first season with the HOGs drew to a close, I began to seriously consider applying to be a Road Captain.
My lady ‘Stang did her utmost to convince me it was a good move, so the
following January, I found myself to be one of 6 potential Probies being
interviewed by the RC Seniors. I must have said mostly the right things,
because I was accepted and the training began.
While I can’t say the training was as intense as compared to say, military
boot camp (we didn’t have to fold our underwear or make our beds at gun
point), I can say it was thorough, comprehensive and as intense as it could
possibly be. There is no way to train for every possible scenario a Road
Captain could encounter while on a ride. There are simply too many
variables and unknowns out there. What is that car going to do at the
intersection? Do they see us? Will they stop? The list goes on. The best
we can do is be prepared for any and all types of intersections we could
encounter, from the simplest “T” intersection to the most complex round-
a-bout (my personal favorite). The training covered the safest places to
be set up to secure an intersection, while maintaining an “escape,” in case an RC needs to make a quick get-
away from a distracted driver, or emergency vehicle.
Our first seven meetings throughout the winter months focused on the various intersections and the proper
ways to secure them (complete with adorable little animations), how to prepare yourself and your equipment
and how to position yourself and your motorcycle while guarding an intersection to allow a quick decamp
when the sweeps arrive at the intersection, or if a distracted/irate cager decides to force the issue. All of the
classroom training was outstanding; however nothing beats practical, real-world application of the classroom
material. As soon as the weather broke in March, we hit the streets, armed with the knowledge we had
gleaned from several indoor training sessions.
Our first few rides consisted of putting around an industrial complex in Farmington Hills, MI. Buck and the
other senior RCs would take turns leading us around and dropping us at various driveways to practice our
technique. I guess the Probies showed some promise early on, as it wasn’t too long into the first ride that we
were turned loose from our mentors and allowed to practice on our own. I managed to make a few of the
training runs through the industrial park, but a well-documented Easter trip to South Carolina interrupted my
training slightly. By the time I returned the seniors had deemed us worthy of practicing on the actual streets,
securing intersections and generally having fun.
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First Aid Training with fellow Road Captains
The first run was a bit sketchy. Everyone was rusty and it took a few stops along the route to get everyone
back into the swing of things. The seniors let their displeasure be known, but they had every right to be upset.
Riding a motorcycle is inherently dangerous. What the Road Captains do is even more so. If an RC is “having a
bad hair day,” they could potentially endanger everyone in the RC pack, the main pack and anyone passing by.
This is unacceptable.
Throughout the initial months of the riding season, half of the Probies ended up having to drop out for various
reasons. The three that remained did their best to keep up, but they also had their share of issues with
equipment. There were a few times when I wondered if any of us would be left standing by the time Ride for
a Reason, our official graduation to full-fledged Road Captains, occurred. The three remaining Probies all
made it to the ride (one on a borrowed bike, as his was stolen a few weeks prior), and we all participated,
earning our stripes, so-to-speak, to be RCs.
Now, just because we were official did not mean the
training stopped there. We had By-stander/First
Responder training, Advanced Riding Skills training, and of
course the continuation of standard Road Captain
training. It was, and is, a continual learning process. In
fact, throughout most of the riding season (weather
permitting), Crazy Larry Suban the Pizza King organizes
“Skills Practices,” in which riders practice making slow,
controlled maneuvers through a cone course he sets up in
the back lot at Biker Bob’s HD. The practices are open to
any Motown HOG members who wishes to improve
they’re riding skills, not just the Road Captains. In addition to skills practice, Boss Lady (Cindy Q.) initiated
“Ladies Only Skills Practices” this season, where the ladies can practice maneuvering through cones,
emergency braking and can gain confidence in their riding skills in a judgment free zone. The turnout and
response to these practice sessions for the ladies has been great, and Boss Lady is already planning on a few
more events for the next riding season. These Ladies Only practice sessions are also open to anyone (not just
Motown HOG members) who wants to improve their riding skills and confidence on their scoots.
In the end and as direct result of all the hard work and training, the Motown HOG Chapter has, by far, the
BEST group of Road Captains in the state. This can be confirmed by the amount of other HOG Chapters who
request our help (we scratch their backs and they scratch ours), those chapters that come to us to train at the
season opening and, of course, our safety record. All of this can be directly attributed to the dedication and
effort the RC Seniors put into organizing training, mapping routes and executing events with a high level of
professionalism.
All in all, I’d say my “Probie Experience” was a very positive one. I believe it went smoothly due in part to the
three basic rules I followed. They are as follows:
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Getting ready to escort the pack onto MIS Speedway
1. Be aware. When I worked on the flight deck in the Navy, shooting planes off the pointy end of an
aircraft carrier, we were told to keep our heads on a swivel. This means to keep scanning your
surroundings for anything that could potentially injure, maim or kill you. The same principle
applies to being a Road Captain. If you approach each ride and with a high level of situational
awareness, and are willing to apply common sense to the situation, there is a very good chance you
and everyone around you, will make it to the end of the ride in one piece.
2. Be patient/cultivate patience. There will be times when your patience will be tested. Whether it’s
another RC, pack rider or an impatient cager who feels that their immediate need is more
important than the safety of the pack. If you are a naturally impatient person, you may find being a
Road Captain challenging. Along those lines, you also need to be able to take constructive criticism.
Don’t take what another RC, angry cager or even what the seniors bark at you about, personally.
The RCs and Senior RCs have only one goal in mind; keep you and everyone else safe, including the
angry cagers. Angry cagers are to be pitied anyway, as they wouldn’t be so angry if they rode a
motorcycle. If you can curb your temper, be receptive and don’t let people get to you, life as an RC
will be much easier.
3. Leave the ego at the door. This sort of ties into the being patient/cultivating patience rule, and is
probably the biggest factor in determining the positivity of your Probie Experience. We all come
into this with a certain skill level. For most of us (at least for me), we set a goal for ourselves to
improve our riding skill set and become stronger riders. Being a Road Captain is one of the best
places to do that, provided you can take constructive criticism and stay humble. All Probies are
assigned a mentor, but in actuality, all of the seasoned RCs (especially you crusty seniors) are
mentors. When the armbands go on and the kickstands go up, we are one unit. Everyone looks
out for one another. That means there is always someone watching out for you and looking out for
your safety. For me, this feeling of security increased my confidence level. I know each RC has my
back, regardless of how they feel about me personally. Along with all of this, if you can be critical
of yourself and by this I mean have the awareness to know when you make a mistake, and the
courage to admit it; it will go a long way to help create a positive experience for everyone. Having
confidence is one thing, being egotistical is something else entirely.
To anyone wanting to improve their riding skills or want to protect your brothers and sisters and ensure they
have a great ride, then the Motown Road Captains could be what you are looking for. Make no mistake, we
don’t want individuals who just want the Road Captain
Patch on their vest, we want folks who want to improve
themselves, folks who are willing to dedicate themselves
to helping the community and who want to be part of
something bigger than themselves. Being a Road Captain
is not for everyone, but for those who stay, it will be an
experience of a lifetime.
Ride safe, ride hard, ride far brothers and sisters.
~Otis
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Orange is the
New Black Submitted by: Larry ‘Rigid’ Telling
We’re not talking about the television
series here.
While most riders dread the sight of those orange traffic cones when on the street, there is a small but
growing group within our Chapter that can’t seem to get enough of them. Mondays you’ll see them weaving
in and out of cone patterns at Biker Bob’s when our Road Captains host skills training.
To the casual observer these
maneuvers may look
interesting but pointless. All of
that effort to basically get back
to where one started. But the
“Cone Heads” know the value
of this practice. They are
improving their skills to make
them better and safer riders on
the street. Plus they are having a lot of fun doing it. It’s addictive.
Some of our Cone Heads go a step further taking their learned skills “on
the road” to compete against other like minded riders all across the country. More and more Motorcycle
Rodeos, once only open to police motor officers, are adding civilian divisions. Florida, Illinois, Texas, Louisiana
and New Jersey host competitions where riders compete tire to tire against other civilians and police officers.
Motown HOG and Biker Bob’s are increasingly well represented at many of these events. Starting out as just
a few a couple of years ago our ranks keep growing each year. The Michigan Precision Riders or MPR for short
are easy to distinguish, trading their leather vests to
don bright orange shirts sporting the MPR logo. Our
ranks are growing, as is the respect garnered from the
other groups that have been doing it much longer.
Our riders have taken home their share of awards. To
list all would read like an 11 o’clock news sports
report. But regardless competition standings, all are
winners. The HOG motto is “Ride and Have Fun”.
Learning to ride smarter and safer adds to the fun.
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Road Captain First Aid Training
Being a Road Captain is not just a commitment during the riding season but all year long. Take a peak below
at your Road Captains making use of the off season to brush up on their First Aid Training. They take riding
and protecting our pack seriously, but you can also count on them to make it fun along the way!
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2015 Volunteer
Award Recipients
Road Captain of the Year-
Edward “Pops Jr” Keith
Road Queen- Gloria Hall
Road King - John “Neon” Mccoy
Dealer’s Choice – Linda Lezotte
Volunteer of the Year –
Denise Voegele
Salute to the Volunteers of the Year We would like to thank everyone for all you do every year to help our chapter operate smoothly. It takes
many to make an event a success and many of you showed up in 2015 and put forth all you had! You
recognized that many hands make light work and you reaped the benefits of the extra camaraderie that comes
with volunteering at events! Sure you could just show up and ride, but then you would miss out on greeting
everyone at the registration tents, or joking around with your family as you sold them tickets for the raffle
baskets, or having the opportunity to chat with just about everybody at a ride as you served them lunch or
breakfast. If you have not yet seen the plaques pictured below in the HOG Den at Biker Bob’s, take a moment
to see who went above and beyond this year and then talk to them about their experience. I am betting not
one of them would have had done things differently last year and just stayed home. We are glad they didn’t!
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FireKeeper
Casino Bus
Trip
Nov 2015
Volunteering is Fun for Everyone! Looking back over the winter months, there have been many great events that did not require special skills nor
any huge blocks of time. Anyone could pitch in and make a difference in another’s life. Small windows of time,
an hour here, an hour there…but together all our hours added up to some awesome things done for those less
privileged and we all had fun along the way. I hope you enjoy these photos on the next few pages as a recap
to some winter 2015 charity events and we hope to see you at a future event so you too can join in on the fun
our biker family has when we help others!
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Veteran’s
Dinner
November
2015
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Chili
Cook-Off
2016
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2015 Garden City Goodfellows The 2015 Goodfellow’s paper sales was a great success because of the Road
Captains and member volunteers. The weather wasn’t so great especially
Friday, so those of you that were out there all day in the rain Friday I thank you
very much. The donations were still generous!
Because of the efforts of our volunteers we raised $6,623.32. So awesome!!!
The families that will be assisted and the Garden City Goodfellows thank you
for giving your time and effort to this worthy cause. I would like to thank Buck for
all his help getting his road captain’s support. Your road captains are awesome.
2015 would not have been such a success without them. Also a HUGE THANK YOU
to Pam Rose and Steve Micallef for the use of their
motor coach their generosity allowed our
volunteers to have a nice warm place to relax and
take a break. Thank you so much Pam & Steve.
Please mark your calendars for the Friday and
Saturday after Thanksgiving in 2016, so we can continue to help assist the
Children and Garden City Goodfellows.
Many warm thanks to all of you that assisted with this year’s event.
~Denise Voegele
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Garden City GoodFellows
Paper Drive November 2015
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Polar Bear
Run
December
2015
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Polar Bear
Run
December
2015
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HIOG
Christmas
Party
DEC 2015
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HOG Volunteer Party
Jan 2016
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VOLUNTEER POINTS GUIDELINES: You can volunteer as much or as little as you wish. However, in order to
earn free entrance to our Volunteer Party, we require that you earn a minimum of 5 points by volunteering at different events throughout the year. All approved events will be eligible for receiving volunteer points. These include but are not limited to chapter rides, events, bike nights, parties, and Biker Bob’s event-requested support. * Only 2 points can be earned from hosting a Bike Night. There will be ample opportunity to earn points throughout the year for different events. If you are willing to help out, we will always find ways for you to earn points. Just ask Kris Zilka, our volunteer coordinator, or any board member for ideas. Examples of getting volunteer points:
Points received for being a board member for 1 year: 5 All Road Captains who complete their required obligations for the year = 5 Helping at Ride for a Reason = 1 point Road clean-up the day before = 1 point Passing out raffle tickets at a bike night = 1 point Approved volunteering for any chapter ride or event = 1 point Approved volunteering at a Biker Bob’s event = 1 point Hosting a Progressive Dinner stop: 5 Chapter Getaway Weekend coordinator: 5 Coordinating a Bike Night or Event = 2 Any additional points will be reviewed and voted on by a majority of the board
The gathering and recording of all points will be the responsibility of each event coordinator, or the individual(s) in charge of an event that requires volunteers. When you volunteer, you will be asked to sign in upon arriving at the event, and sign out or report to the coordinator when leaving. Our chapter requires written documented evidence of every event involving volunteers so we can accurately record all points. The event coordinator will also be responsible for turning in any list of volunteers to our Chapter Secretary as an official record. Each month before our general membership meeting, we publish the most recent Volunteer Points Roster on our website so you can keep track of your progress. If you do not see the event listed, then it should be included with the next version when all points have been accounted and officially recorded. If you have an issue with a missing point, we ask that you please contact that event coordinator first who can validate you were present and resolve the discrepancy. The date of the most recent version will be shown in the upper left hand corner of the roster. To volunteer for an event, please first check the event details on the calendar to see if there is a specific contact for the event, or you can email Kristine Zilka for information. It will be YOUR responsibility to make sure you have signed any Volunteer Sign-In Sheet for an event in order to receive proper credit. Please check the roster periodically so you can track your progress. Failing to sign in for an event or having any discrepancies resolved by the next chapter meeting will result in the forfeiture of points. The HOG Website has the most recent Volunteer Roster. Please review it for accuracy and contact the event coordinator immediately if any points are missing. Please contact Buck or Larry about Road Captain points as they are not included on this roster.
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April 7 – 7:15pm - Chapter Meeting – American Legion Hall 11800 Michael Street, Taylor, MI
April 9 – 9am-11am - Blessing of the bikes - Biker Bob’s
14700 S. Telegraph Rd. Taylor, MI
April 9 – 4;00pm - Fundraiser for Liz – Fraternal Order of Eagle 2935 Holmes Rd. Ypsilanti, MI (See flyer in this newsletter – come out to help your fellow member)
April 21 – 6:30-9:00pm - Meet to Eat - Leon’s in Taylor 8787 Telegraph Rd, Taylor, MI
April 23 –10am -12n/5pm D-Frost Run – UAW Local 387 Hall 24250 Telegraph Rd, Flat Rock, MI (See flyer in this newsletter)
May 2 – 4-6pm Road Skills Practice – Biker Bob’s (weather permitting) 14700 S. Telegraph Rd. Taylor, MI
May 5– 7:15pm - Chapter Meeting – American Legion Hall 11800 Michael Street, Taylor, MI
May 7 – 10am –Motown HOG Chapter Memorial Ride – Biker Bob’s 14700 S. Telegraph Rd. Taylor, MI
May 9 – 4-6pm Road Skills Practice – Biker Bob’s (weather permitting) 14700 S. Telegraph Rd. Taylor, MI
May 14 – 9am-4pm– Road Skills Challenge Competition – Biker Bob’s 14700 S. Telegraph Rd. Taylor, MI (See flyer in this Newsletter)
May 16 – 4-6pm Road Skills Practice – Biker Bob’s (weather permitting) 14700 S. Telegraph Rd. Taylor, MI
May 17 – 7-8pm - LOH Meeting – Penrickton’s Center for Blind Children 26530 Eureka Road, Taylor, MI
May 23 – 4-6pm Road Skills Practice – Biker Bob’s (weather permitting) 14700 S. Telegraph Rd. Taylor, MI
May 30 – 4-6pm Road Skills Practice –Biker Bob’s (weather permitting) 14700 S. Telegraph Rd. Taylor, MI
Jun 1 – 6:30pm-9pm – Famous Dave’s Thank you Bike Night 23811 Eureka Road; Taylor, MI
June 2 – 7:15pm - Chapter Meeting – American Legion Hall 11800 Michael Street, Taylor MI (GROUP PHOTO TAKEN AT START OF MEETING)
June 5 – 10am – Ride For Reason – Cabela’s 110 Cabelas Blvd E, Dundee, MI (See flyer in this Newsletter)
Remember to check the HOG website calendar for updates/changes to events.
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Happy Birthday to members celebrating Winter BIrthdays * If we missed yours, please email us your name and birthdate.
DECEMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY
Clifford "Ray" Foskey 7-Dec G. Scott Lane 1-Jan Ted Norris 1-Feb
Cheyrl Parent 12/7 Deborah Lupu 7-Jan Robert Sims 2-Feb
Todd Wilsher 10-Dec Lisa Browe 8-Jan Rhonda Hawes 6-Feb
Garth Cannon 10-Dec John Steichen 8-Jan Barney Syska, Jr. 7-Feb
Daniel DeRoch 11-Dec Marvin Boprie 9-Jan Steve Pearce 8-Feb
Jonathan Lammi 11-Dec Laura Dechane 11-Jan Jack Gillary 10-Feb
George Rennie 12-Dec Shawn Madgwick 12-Jan Barbara Saxton 10-Feb
Janet Neifert 12-Dec Don J. Bell 12-Jan Marvin Culverhouse 11-Feb
Dorothy Norbert 14-Dec Carl Saville 15-Jan Tracy Nelson 11-Feb
Michael Hawes 17-Dec Michael Lee Terry 15-Jan Randall Davis 13-Feb
Gary Pier 18-Dec Robert Mesky 18-Jan Stephen Leporowski 13-Feb
Edward Bertrand 20-Dec Jim Quinley 18-Jan Leslie S. Rowe 13-Feb
Ronald Haines 22-Dec Christy Martin 21-Jan Kurt Sebaly 15-Feb
Janine Bartig 26-Dec Elizabeth Ann Foskey 22-Jan Stephanie Wood 16-Feb
Charles R. Holsing 26-Dec Matthew Damron 23-Jan Chris Baxter 18-Feb
Larry Franchek 24-Jan Ted Williams 18-Feb
Denise M. Morse 24-Jan Carolyn Doss 20-Feb
Gloria Hall 26-Jan Jim Kudron 21-Feb
David
Henderson 26-Jan
Marilyn [Roxanne] Arce 22-Feb
Thomas Pellerito 28-Jan Brian K Radtke 22-Feb
Jan Cunningham 29-Jan Ronald Peck 23-Feb
George Schlotta 30-Jan Denise M. Joyce 24-Feb
Lisa Siegel 25-Feb
Greg Tinsler 27-Feb
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Happy Birthday to members celebrating Early Spring * If we missed yours, please email us your name and birthdate.
MARCH APRIL
Jim Schulz 1-Mar Danny R. Vallet 1-Apr
Kevin Wichtman 6-Mar Jonathan Reynolds 2-Apr
Kenn Rowe 7-Mar David A. Riley 4-Apr
John O. Easley Jr. 11-Mar Scott King 5-Apr
Sue Hill 11-Mar Paul Gismondi 5-Apr
Hal Hultman 12-Mar Paul Ross 8-Apr
Daniel Arce 13-Mar Paul Stanley 10-Apr
Michael Finley 13-Mar William Braathen 14-Apr
Virginia (Kookie) Blair 15-Mar Larry Forbes 14-Apr
LeAndra Brown 16-Mar Kenneth D. Trevino 15-Apr
Patricia Pellerito 17-Mar Allen W. Hosner, Jr. 17-Apr
Elaine Culverhouse 19-Mar Rick Martin 18-Apr
David Trosen 19-Mar Tom Lezotte 18-Apr
Bobby Cronenwett 20-Mar Frankie Wilson 23-Apr
Mark Hill 20-Mar Ray D. Winningham 23-Apr
Roland F. Covietz 22-Mar Adam Smith 24-Apr
Robert Goss 23-Mar J. Denise Kinney 26-Apr
Franklin Bockstanz 25-Mar Marianne M. Mucci 28-Apr
Joel McCune 27-Mar Michael S. Wilson 28-Apr
Steve Pilkins 28-Mar Chris Edmonds 29-Apr
Connie Jackson 30-Mar
Lynda Gibbons 31-Mar
RIDE HARD … RIDE FREE … RIDE SAFE