Magazine of the Thames Valley HOG Chapter

The Club has been busy planning yet more events and ride outs for us to

enjoy.

The chapter turned out in Windsor

Town centre to help Sportsable raise

more funds for the disabled. You can read more about this in this month

Magazine .

A group off chapter members meet at

Beaconsfield Services for the short ride to the Ace Cafe for Harley

Night. The group consisted of some old faces and some new members

who had decided to join us, the ride

set off at 7pm for a quick blast down the A40 to meet up with other

chapter members. We all enjoyed a

beer and a bite to eat. It was a nice evening and a good

chance to meet up with good friends.

Hello and a big welcome to your May club mag.

This is our first addition without our Editor.

We hope you will enjoy this ver-sion as it was put together by

your committee members.

We are still looking for a new Editor to take over the

magazine,

if you have the time then please contact

Don W or Pat A

For more information.

The new club Forum has now really taken off with over 75 members

registered and actively using the site.

Many of you are now finding the

forum an easy place to catch up with

club rides and events and a whole lot more. Please visit our forum which can be found through our website.

www.thamesvalleyhog.org.uk

If you need help logging in for the first time then please contact our

webmaster for support.

Page 2 & 3 Start your Engines

Page 4 & 45 Dons words of wisdom

Page 6 LOH Sue’s Scribbles

Page 7 Club Nights

Pages 8 to 11 News and Updates

Pages 12 & 13 Route 66 Tour

Pages 14 & 15 Calendar

Pages 16 & 17 Windsor Collection Day

Pages 18 & 19 H D Breakout

Page 20 Miles for Fun

Page 21 Wanted Poster

Pages 22 & 23 Fines

Pages 24 & 25 Cider Rally

Pages 26 & 27 Safety First

Page 28 Meet the Committee

Thank you to the following members

That help out by sending in either write ups or pictures,

without you this edition off

Tales Of The Riverbank

would not have been possible.

Jammy, Nick W, Pat A, Sue B, Don & Lee

Caption corner returns to your

magazine next month.

Please send in your Pictures for

Caption corner to.

Editor@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk

Birthdays And Celebrations

May & June

Margaret Bradly

Stan Kasprzyk

Mick Friend

Clive Skinner

Pat Adams

Barry Adams

Richard NobleS

Thames Valley Uk Chapter

Wedding Anniversaries

Fred & Yvonne Cotsford

What a great start to the riding season, the weather has turned a corner and

at last we are enjoying getting out on ride outs and attending rallies. My

apologies for not attending our last club night, a bad cold got the better of

me and unlike me I had a couple of days off work to try and get over it. My

thanks to Pat for holding the fort and doing the chair bit in my absence,

great job Pat. The membership numbers attending club nights are still en-

couraging with a total of 73 attending in April, Fred has signed up another

3 new members, welcome to them.

The Bring & Buy sale was a great success with many of you selling all

those unwanted Harley bits which we all seem to have cluttering up our

garages. Since our last club night, a group from Thames Valley have been

in Windsor with Sportsable collecting greatly needed funds for the club, the

grand total of £966.81 was raised on the day. We have a small piece and

some pictures further on in this months magazine.

Welcome to the May edition of Tales from the

Riverbank.

Thursday April 25th a group of us met at Beaconsfield Services for the ride to the Ace cafe for Harley Night. Several members had made their own way

direct to the cafe which made our numbers swell to a very respectable turn out

for our first visit of the year. Many other Chapters had made the trip that

evening from various parts of southern England, a great monthly meeting and a chance to catch up with friends and colleges.

Our first trip away this year down to the Cider Rally in Weston-Super-Mare was yet again a fantastic weekend helped by the great weather, which also

meant plenty of riding around Devon and

Somerset to many of the beauty spots. The Cider Rally just gets better and better every

time we go down to the event. The picture

above is of just a few of our fun loving

members who came down to Weston. Linda has also put together a few pictures

from the gallery to give you an idea of just

what goes on over these weekends. A great fun weekend made possible by all those

who attended, many thanks to you all!!

John (Scrapper) was involved in a minor accident on his way down to this years Cider Rally in the village of Churchill, about 10 miles out from Weston.

A van leaving a pub car park collided with John on his bike The Great Escape.

John has a very badly sprained ankle and is using crutches to get around at the

moment. Get well soon mate. Many thanks to Nij & Trish for recovering Johns bike on their way home.

Birthday Bash

Thames Valleys 15th Birthday bash is coming up fast on the 15th June, tickets are on sale from Pat & Barry at £17 each which includes a Hog Roast, Bumper

Raffle and music from Robbie till late evening. If you have friends and family

who would like to join us to celebrate our birthday we would love to welcome

them for the evening

Looking forward

We have some great rides planned for you over the next few months which

include a seaside ride down to Southsea, Breakfast Club ride to Goodwood, two rides on Million Mile Monday, one to the Isle of White and the second to

Casington Bike night in Oxford. All these rides will count towards your Miles

for Fun awards, remember to get the lead road captain to sign your cards. More information about our chapter events can be found in your magazine, from the

hotline and on the website.

Ride Safe And have fun.!!

Don

Well I for one had a productive evening at

last month’s bring and buy sale. Not only did

I make a few pounds but I also managed to

re-invest them almost immediately! .....

I have even worn one of the pairs of shorts I

bought over the sunny bank holiday

weekend… Not on the bike you understand

as that would have been a bit daft! Having

said that it was amazing to see how many

dopey people there are out there who do ride

without the appropriate clothing to protect

their skin if the unthinkable happens! It was

a good opportunity for everyone to bring

along their pre-loved items and swap them

for something ‘new’ to wear or polish

Maybe another time we could have a book or badge or magazine swap night too?

The Saturday Social at The Great House,

Sonning was once again well supported

with 19 people in attendance and one

Harley! Shame we couldn’t make use of

the lovely gardens as it was just a bit too cold and windy. So we ate inside on

coffee tables which were a bit too low

for Don and Hazel so Nick gallantly

came to the rescue and put his back to

good use (see pic). Most of us found

something suitable to fill our tummies

from the menu while Lunchbox squirreled away someone else’s biscuits! Stil he is

65 now so we had to forgive him.

As the weekends are starting to get filled up with rides and other events I am

considering putting the Saturday socials on ice over the next few months. The main

reason for holding them was for members to keep in touch with each other outside

of the riding season. They are however, popular so please watch the forum in case

an impromptu one is arranged.

Ride Safe!

Sue LOH rep ladiesofharley @thamesvalleyhog.org.uk

Dates for 2013

(and Magazine deadlines)

June 20th (13th)

July 18th (11th)

August 15th (8th)

September 11th (10th)

October 17th (10th)

November 21st (14th)

December 19th (12th)

Please send your magazine contributions to

editor@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk.

Don’t forget to check the website and forum for all the

up-to-date information on ride outs and activities.

Sunday 19th May

This coming Sunday, Pat & Barry are leading a ride out to Wales. Meet at Chieveley Services on the M4

Come and join us for the next Poker Run, which is

on Wednesday 22nd May at the Pineapple Public House, Lake End, Dorney We meet from 7:00pm to collect your next card.

Sunday 26th May

Nick West is running a ride out to Southsea for the Bank Holiday weekend at the end of May. Meet at Malthurst

Services, which is the BP garage on the A33 just south of J11 on the M4. Be there for 9am ready for 9.30 departure. This

will be a nice scenic ride to the coast with stop(s) as needed along the way. The ride counts towards your Miles of Fun

program so come along if you can. Saturday 8th June

Nick West is currently planning an official club ride out to the Bristol Harley Davidson dealership. The plan is

a two-part ride, starting at Chieveley Services and riding to Bristol. Part two will then be back from the dealership

to Pat & Barry’s BBQ in Froxfield. The ride will qualify as part of the Miles

of Fun programme. Road Crew needed, so please contact Nick if you can help out.

Sunday 2nd June

Paul Houghton is organising a ride out to the Goodwood Racing Circuit Breakfast Club. Meet SportsAble 7.15am for 7.30am depart for ride to this themed Sunday - The Ultimate

High Performance Cars and Bikes with a nod to the 50 years of McLaren and the Porsche 911. The idea being an early Sunday morning ride out through the quiet roads of the

South Downs, a hearty breakfast at the Historic Goodwood Racing Circuit and then back home in time to enjoy the rest of your Sunday, The circuit opens at 8am and closes at 12.00

noon. This ride qualifies for your Miles of Fun challenge.

Sale on now!

Now’s the time to grab yourself a bargain! We’re currently having a sale of all our current merchandise. Chapter t-shirts £18

Chapter China Mugs £5 Chapter Flags £20 Flag poles £12

Buffs £12 Keep an eye on the website and forum for news of a whole new range coming in the future. For current

sale items see Shirley or email merchandise@ thamesvalleyhog.org.uk

HOG 30th Anniversary Pins are now

available from Norscot, Don is ordering for the Chapter a quantity for members who reserve them.

If you would like your names added to the list please email Don with your

name and the number you require, or see him at club night. Cost is around £5.50 each.

Saturday 1st June Meet1:30pm

Once again we’re supporting Holyport Fayre by displaying our bikes in aid of Sportsable. The

Chapter BBQ and Gazebo will be attending this year. Please come over to Holyport and enjoy a great

afternoon at the Fayre.

Saturday 15th June

This year the Chapter celebrates its 15th Birthday and to mark the occasion we’re having a big party at SportsAble - it will be held on

Saturday night, 15th June which is party night. Robbie will be providing the music this year,

always a great entertainer at Harley Events. The catering will be a Hog Roast with fresh rolls and a selection of salads. Weather

permitting, the food will be served outside and the evening taken up dancing and partying in the main hall at SportsAble. If you have friends and family who would like to join us to

celebrate our birthday tickets are available from Pat & Barry.

The tickets will cost £17 each and will be

available at club night. Anniversary Patches and Pins have now been ordered and will be available.

Shirley, our Mechanise Officer has sourced for the Chapter a fantastic t-shirt offer. We will soon have our very own chapter tee

shirts and you will be able to choose your size, style and colour. You will also be able to have them personalised with your name

or nick name. They’ll be available to order soon, but in the meantime, if you want to know more then have a word with Shirley

or you can email her merchandise@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk

Sunday 16th June 10am—16:00

If you’re not away for the HOG 110th Celebrations or too hungover after the Chapter Birthday Party, then get along to

High Close School in Wokingham for the annual Dr B’s Custom Bike Show. Entry is by way of donation on the gate. If you

want to enter your bike into the show then that’s £2 and you can just turn up on the day. It all starts from 10am with

judging by 1pm. There’s a number of stalls, plus BBQ and soft drinks available. All proceeds from the event go to Barnardo’s.

Route 66 is almost 2,500 miles and runs

two-thirds of the way across America and

passes through desert, mountain and can-

yon.

Riding through the mid-west of the USA,

taking in a huge variety of terrain, land-

scapes and cultures.

Stops at The Grand Canyon and Las Ve-

gas!

The whole idea for this ride is to make it

as inclusive as possible. So that EVERY-

ONE in the club has a chance to come. It

is not within everyone's annual budget

but perhaps having over 2 years to save will help make it possible.

Proposal

2 Groups -

1 group rides east to west (Tour A)

1 group rides west to east (Tour B)

Group size = approx 10 bikes each way

Support vehicle and driver. carries

luggage and helps in the event of break-

down

14-15 days each way to include Grand

Canyon visit and overnight in Las Vegas

Tour A will leave Chicago in early Au-

gust and will follow Route 66 all the way

to Santa Monica in California.

Tour B will leave Santa Monica in mid

August (after Tour A has finished) and

will follow Route 66 back to Chicago.

The vision is that all places will be taken by club

members and that the ride will be a truly epic

Thames Valley event!

Highlights include...

Chain of Rocks Bridge nr St Louis

Cadillac Ranch

The Painted Desert

The Petrified Forest Grand Canyon

Las Vegas

World Famous Roys Cafe

Renowned Bagdad Cafe

Meteor Crater

Cost Estimate

Rider - £3800 when sharing room

Pillion - £1100 when sharing room

Price includes bike rental c/w all insur-ances, hotel accommodation and support

vehicle / driver.

Flights, fuel and meals extra.

It may be possible to set up a payment

plan through Colin (Treasurer) to en-

able long term savings

Contact Nick West at historian@thamesvalleyhog.com

or

The vision is that all places will be taken by club

members and that the ride will be a truly epic

Thames Valley event!

MAY Sunday 19th

Available for a ride out

BMF Show Peterborough Show Ground www.thebmfshow.co.uk

Friday 17th - Sunday 19th Poker Run (2) The Pineapple, Dorney, from 6.30-7pm

Wednesday 22nd The Big Brum Bash

West Mids Ski Centre, Warwickshire www.bigbrumbash.co.uk Friday 24th - Monday 27th

Ride to Southsea Meet A33 Services (off M4 J11)

9 for 9:30am Sunday 26th

Ireland Bike Fest Killarney, Ireland Friday 31st - Monday 3rd (June)

JUNE Holyport Fayre Gazebo & Barbecue,

Meet on the Green 1:30 Saturday 1st

Goodwood Breakfast Club Meet SportsAble 7.15 for 7.30 depart. More details see page 9 Sunday 2nd

JUNE Reading MAG Lion Rally

Gravelly Bridge Farm, Grazeley Friday 7th - Sunday 9th

Bristol Dealership Ride plus Pat & Barry’s BBQ - Details TBC Chieveley 9.30am-10.00

Bristol - Froxfield Saturday 8th Circus Maximus XI

Deva Legion Friday 7th - Sunday 9th

The Gathering Drymsynie, Scotland Friday 7th - Monday 10th

Poker Run (3) The Flowing Spring. Playhatch.

Wednesday 12th from 7:00pm Beaulieu Custom Motorbike Show

Beaulieu, Hampshire Saturday 15th - Sunday 16th

Chapter 15th Anniversary Party at SportsAble. Hog roast & DJ. Tickets £17. See Pat & Barry

Saturday 15th Dr B’s Custom Bike Show

Dr Barnardo’s, High Close School. Wokingham. 10am to 4pm Sunday 16th

Chapter Club Night SportsAble 7.30pm - 10pm Thursday 20th

JUNE cont. Lads Weekend Away / HOGS in the

Hayfields Cleve Rugby Club, Bristol Friday 21st - Sunday 23rd

Adams Farm Ride out Cotswolds. Details TBC

Sunday 23rd Harley World Ride Event Sunday 23rd & Monday 24th

Million Mile Monday Monday 24th

Cassington Bike Night

Oxford HD event Monday 24th

Harley Night Ace Cafe, 6pm Thursday 27th

Back to the Peaks Miraj Hotel, Ashbourne, Derbyshire

Friday 28th - Sunday 30th LoH Ride out with Oxford Chapter

Sunday 30th

JULY Wake the Lakes

Kendal RUFC, Lake District Thursday 4th - Sunday 7th

JULY cont. Hog on the Humber

Hallmark Hotel, Ferriby High Rd, Hull Friday 5th - Sunday 7th

Poker Run (4) Venue TBC Wednesday 10th

Weekend in the Beacons Details TBA Friday 12th - Sunday 14th 10th

SportsAble Wheelchair Push The Butts, Reading. Bikes needed for

display. Please contact Nij Saturday 13th

Oxford HD Open Weekend Saturday 13th - Sunday 14th

Chapter Club Night SportsAble 7.30pm - 10pm Thursday 18th

To be... Or not to be... Ride to Stratford-upon-Avon

Sunday 21st Fenlanders East of England Rally

Fakenham Racecourse, Norfolk Thursday 25th - Sunday 28th

Hawk Conservancy Ride out to Andover Sunday 28th

Events, ride outs and activities Details correct at time of going to print.

Check the website for updates and amendments www.thamesvalleyhog.org.uk

Windsor Collection Day

Saturday 20th April

the Thames Valley collection team

arrived at 9:30

in Windsor town centre to set up

a collection point in Peascod

Street. The day was a bit slow get-

ting started but by about 10:30am

things had got better and the cam-

era had started going into over-

drive taking pictures of people sat

on the bikes for a donation.

We have taken around

45 pictures during the day and

E mailed them out already

by Sunday morning. It’s surpris-

ing all the different peo-

ple you meet during the day,

quite early in the morning we

had a group of young ladies

turn up in there PJ’s just to see

what was going on and to

complain about an

opera singer further up the

high street doing her stuff

We also met up with some old TV

members from way back who are no longer

members but were interested in what we were

up to. The sun shone for the day, we had a bit

of fun and did some good for Sportsable, the

buckets from TV raised £166.34 giving a grand

total for the day of £966.81 which was just

over £200 up on last year.

Well done to all that turned up to help with

the collection.

Breakout to the New

Don't just break the mould forge your own with the latest chapter in

Harley-Davidson's legacy of freedom. A premium custom cruiser inspired by the classic Gasser drag bikes of the

'50s and '60s, the all-new 2013 Softail Breakout model rolls with modern

power, top-of-the-line treatments and lots of low-down menace. Big wheels, big paint, big chrome, all wrapped in a refined style the Breakout model is a

true attention-grabber with a ride that's been painstakingly engineered for fun

whether you're winding mountain roads or cruising the strip. It may be

low-profile, but the Breakout

motorcycle always makes a big, bold statement.

Low Muscular Profile

With its big, bold stance, the Breakout motorcycle makes a

powerful impact even standing still. Its pure, clean lines, low-slung

profile, stretched stance, big wheels and chopped fenders all shout

premium custom, solid power and "look at me" attitude, even as its

performance makes it your choice who gets to stare and for how long

before you disappear.

Powerful Front End

The Breakout model comes on strong with thick, wide forks,

chopped fender and that wide standing big 21-inch, 3 1/2 in

wide Gasser wheel raked out there, classic dragster-style. This

solid, muscular road stance is matched by neutral and balanced

handling.

Premium Craftsmanship From wheel to wheel, we designed the

Breakout model with a hard eye for excellence: we forged it from top

quality materials and crafted it with a dedication to perfection from paint

scheme and chromed out styling to its slammed design, balanced ride and engine performance, we sweated

every single fit, finish and tolerance of this perfect beast, because when you

rule the road, there's no place for second best.

Premium Finish and New 3-D

Tank Medallion The Breakout model's power

definitely includes its visual impact. That bold Ember Red Sunglo and

Vivid Black treatment is an aggressive mix of gleam and darkness, while that exclusive

gear-shaped glass-inlaid, cloisonné and chrome style tank

medallion has a molten, liquid look that catches eyes and declares your

ride as the next chapter in the Softail family heritage.

Fat Rear tyre profile

Big is the name of the game for the new Breakout model, and

they don’t come bigger than this massive 18-inch, 240mm rear

tire. It’s the widest tire we’ve ever put on a production motorcycle

and, wrapped around that Gasser rim, it’s the perfect embodiment of the classic drag-bike heritage

pumping through this ride. Balanced Suspension & Handling

The Breakout model may be a big bold bike with a powerful stretched stance, but it's definitely not just for show. We carefully balanced and damped its suspension to give it a neutral feel even with those big, wide tyres and engineered it for

lightness, for an excellent power to weight ratio. The bottom line? A smooth, fun ride whether roaring

from stoplight to stoplight or winding along country roads.

New for 2013 we’re launching our

very own Frequent Rider

Programme, which is designed to

encourage attendance at club ride

outs and recognise both riders and pillions for regularly

supporting our rides.

All you have to do is register, which

costs £1 per person for the whole

year and start attending qualifying

rides (see below).

QUALIFYING RIDES

All official club ride-outs qualify so

long as they are in the ride schedule

and advertised either in the club magazine or on the club ride calen-

dar. Entrants can only be credited

with the ride-out if they have ridden a

motorcycle (thus excluding driving

by car to the destination).

QUALIFYING RIDERS/

PASSENGERS

Riders qualify by reaching the desti-

nation of an official club ride out on

a roadworthy and road legal motor-cycle (this can be their own, someone

else’s, or a rental / loan motorcycle).

Passengers qualify by reaching the

destination of an official club ride out

as a pillion on any road legal bike,

regardless of who the main rider is

and whether they are in the scheme.

RECORDING YOUR RIDES

Participants in the scheme can obtain

a record card which they must pre-sent for signature by the leading

Road Captain on arrival at the ride

out destination.

For safety reasons, it is preferable to

do any admin of the scheme AFTER

the ride-out has arrived at its destina-

tion. This means that the leading

Road Captain is not bothered by ad-

ministration tasks and hence free to

put all of his/her concentration into ride safety before departure.

REGISTRATION / CARDS

There is a £1 annual registration

charge to participants. If any

participants fill the first card they can

request subsequent cards free in the

same year.

REWARDS

There will be presentations at the end

of the year for winning riders and passengers. Prizes will be awarded

once all qualifying rides have been

completed and winners selected.

Chapter Editor Chapter Membership Of-

Chapter Events Officer

We are on the look out for these wanted

officers

If you hear off anyone who is willing to give

up some spare time and to help to take on the

challenge

Then get them to contact

Director@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk Be warned if you take up this position you could find it seriously

rewarding and spending some off your time as a

committee member

Cider Rally 2013 Fines The Fine Mistress is back with a Vengeance…..

Surprising how a few Ciders can loosen the tongues.

CJ Rearranging the whole TV Committee.

Renaming LOH Liars of Harley

Naming John ‘Gobby John’

Not bringing Di

Overtaking Trevor on the ride down to the rally.

Doughnut

Opening the chalet door to let CJ out when he was sleepwalking! Not waxing - we all know now!

Using all the hot water in the chalet.

Just could not get him out of the shower!

Trevor

Not showing us his chest (shy boy)

Running away from a woman n the dance floor!

Bernie Dodds

Leading Stumpy astray – he missed the Sand Bay site turning. Being the chapter wind up merchant.

Showing his builders bum – again – and again!

And here’s a big list…….

Clive Skinner

Complaining there were too many ladies on the TV committee

He knows how to live dangerously! A Rugby tackle on Debbie - a fine for every bruise.

Not noticing Pat was drinking his Guinness

(and one for Pat for drinking it!) Locking Trevor’s helmet to his bike

and not having the right key to unlock it!!

And the best one……..

For suggesting that Scrapper should be fined – yes he got a slap for that!

Trevor

Letting Clive lock his helmet to his bike Too much ‘thinking’

Not showing the ladies his chest (Shy Boy)

Running away from a woman on the dance floor.

Nick West

Oversleeping

Being a ‘lemon’ Contesting his fine

The Ladies Section

Jammy

Being first down for breakfast EVERY morning! Taking the very last Cream Tea

Well we don’t call her Jammy for nothing!

Wearing her Neon Yellow Bra outside her top – 38F or GGGG

Sue Dodds

Fraternising with the enemy (the boys)

Rubbing Shirley up the wrong way. how is your arm Shirley after your Tattoo?

Shirley & Pat J

For singing wheels on the bus go round and round in the bar!

Hazel

AND last but by no means least…………………

For being the shortest Chapter member

Yes we measured her!!!

More fines from the Cider Rally next month for

Mike, Ralph, Bulldog, Stumpy, Baz, Don & John

The 22nd Cider Rally 2013

Sand Bay Leisure Resort.

Weston super Mare, Somerset.

The chalets have been booked, the

T-shirts have been booked, and the

camping pitches have been booked. All we

have to do now is get there in the dry and all in one piece.

Chieveley services just off the M4 is the starting place, Clive is leading the

ride to Sand Bay, 16 bikes and 1 car, the bikes are loaded to the gunnels, bag

upon bag. Sand Bay here we come, of course we must have a lunch stop, The Royal Oak,

Corsley Heath, where we stopped last year, so why not again, sandwiches,

baguettes, chips, soup and coffee.

We have arrived at Sand Bay, and after bike and rider have been tagged, we

are queuing to get our room keys, there are lots of familiar faces, we have also

picked up our goodie bags, the T-shirt this year is cherry red, and we also have

a bottle of water, a Kit Kat, our 22nd year pin and a fluorescent ring and

necklace.

Tonight is Neon Night, the ultra violet nail varnish is doing the rounds, some

ladies have full sets, and even some of the men have consented to one

finger nail. Dinner has been very good, a choice of leek & potato soup or spring rolls for

starter, with chicken, fish or macaroni cheese for main, followed by apricot &

pear crumble, raspberry cheesecake, ice cream or cheese & biscuits, then

coffee or tea. The food is plentiful and with curry corner and the large salad

bar, it is very good value for money. You can have as much or as little as you

want.

The dancing is well under way in the main ballroom, DJ Rob Paston is in

charge. The floor is crowded not a seat to be had. The neon theme has proved

very popular, lots of people are wearing tutu’s, the rings and necklaces are

flashing everywhere, socks, scarves and tops, bottoms, there is even one lady

who is wearing a fluorescent bra, over the top of her t-shirt, ( I wonder who

that was ?) The back room is very popular, with plenty of seats

and the bar is open, for those who do not have an

ear for loud music it is ideal.

SATURDAY

Various ride-outs have been arranged for today and after a very good breakfast, full English

if you want or cereals, toast and marmalade, juice, tea or coffee.

The main ride out is to the sea front at Weston super mare, many chapters and many bikes are taking part, with the police leading the way and patrolling the roads, everyone has

arrived safely. Some of Thames Valley are peeling off to go further up the coast, to the

dealership in Bridgewater, (Riders). (They have a room at Sand Bay where they are selling

a lot of sale stuff).

Other ride outs include Cheddar and Dunster,

The in-bike show has taken place on the lawns at the front of reception, the turnout has

been most impressive. Categories include Tourers, Paint, Sportster, LOH, Trikes and best

in show. You choose the one you like and vote on the form. Every bike looks fantastic. The

results will be announced, when Moggy welcomes all the chapters and groups this evening.

Dinner again has been a grand affair, Scotch broth or mushrooms in stilton sauce, followed

by Roast pork, fish or vegetable bake, then treacle sponge or chocolate orange gateau, ice

cream or cheese and biscuits, with tea or coffee. Tonight is an open fancy dress, and many have dressed up, clowns, hippies, Elvis, Adam

ant, doctors and nurses, 2 oomph loompahs from Thames Valley (Ralph and Mick)

The raffle tickets have been bought, and we are gathering in the main ballroom for the

draw, Jill Moggy has announced that there are 38 chapters or groups here this weekend,

along with nearly 1000 people, pictures are being shown of the winning entrants for the

in-bike show and prizes have been given. The raffle draw is taking place for the 4 top

prizes in the main hall,( the rest will be done in reception). Ralph oomph loompahs has

won the £75 voucher towards his Harley Davidson insurance.

The Band tonight is Brotherhood and yet again they are very good. DJ Rob is on again

tonight.

Thames Valley HOG now has at least 15 members of the 3.00 a.m. club, well done to all those who can stay up that late.

SUNDAY

After breakfast there are choices to be made again for whichever ride out takes your fancy,

some are going a bit further afield to Lynmouth, others who did not go to the dealership

yesterday are going today, Cheddar is looking good for some and others are going to

Minehead.

The weather today is very good, hardly any breeze, unlike yesterday, Minehead is very

busy, and lots of people admiring the bikes, the steam trains to Bishop Lydiard are running.

Cream teas have been bought and eaten and a short ride back to the sea front for an ice

cream. Making our way back to Sand Bay for our last night of partying. Dinner tonight was again very good, Soup or potato wedges, Roast beef and Yorkshire Pud,

fish or nut roast, lots of variety on the salad bar, then blackberry and apple pie, white

chocolate gateau, ice cream, cheese and biscuits, tea or coffee.

The dance floor is not so crowded tonight, getting ready for the homeward trip tomorrow.

Nearly everyone from Thames Valley has met in the back room, we have all had a fantastic

time.

Finally, a brief reminder to check fluid levels before a ride. You need to check oil

and brake fluid levels as well as fuel. Make sure your tyre pressures are correct

and at least every month check the tread on your tyres around the entire length of

the tyre. A great time to check this is when you are cleaning the rims. Have a look

at the brake linings while you are cleaning to ensure you have sufficient pad to the

journeys you have planned.

Ride safe ….

Nick West (Safety Officer)

It has been a long cold winter and most of you will know by now that the condition

of many of our roads can be shocking! Pot holes are causing damage to motor ve-

hicles across the country and we all need to be prepared to take evasive action

when out riding.

Here are a few tips to help avoid becoming a statistic...

Leave a slightly larger gap between you and the vehicle in front. This will

buy you a second or two to manoeuvre clear of any last minute hole or

obstacle.

Watch the vehicle in front, often a bump will be visible via its effect on

the vehicle in front.

If riding in a group, make sure you leave enough room between yourself

and the bike in front (especially when the ride slows down) to allow

him/her and you to ride around any pot hole.

When riding in a group you can signal to the rider behind that there is

a dangerous pot hole or object by pointing at the hazard (to the left

with your hand or to the right with your foot). If someone in front of you

does this, you know there is a hazard and you should move to avoid it

and pass the signal back if it is safe for you to do so.

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thamesvalleyhog

Club Venue:

SportsAble, Braywick Sports Ground, Maidenhead, SL6 1BN

Don Wibberley

Chapter Director Email: director @thamesvallyhog.org.uk

Pat Adams

Assistant Director Email: assistantdirector@

Colin Wilkins

Treasurer Email: treasurer@

Sue Moyler

Secretary Email: secretary@

Fred Cotsford

Membership Officer Email: membership@

Nij Jones

Head Road Captain Email: headroadcaptain@

Nick West

Safety Officer & Historian Email: historian@

Barry Adams

Activities Officer Email: activities@

Sue Brown

Ladies of Harley Email: ladiesofharley@

Lee White

Webmaster Email: webmaster@

Position Vacant

Editor Email: editor@

Bernie Meason

Photographer Email: photographer@

Linda Friend

Photographer Email: photographer@

Shirley Churchill

Merchandise Email: merchandise@