Are We There Yet? HOG TROFF H A R L E Y O W N E R S G R O U P O F C L A Y T O N C O U N T Y #

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1 H A R L E Y O W N E R S G R O U P O F C L A Y T O N C O U N T Y # S O U T H L A K E P A R K W A Y M O R R O W, G E O R G I A HOG TROFF VOLUME 13, ISSUE 1 January 2013 A Word from Our Director Are We There Yet? Do you remember this infamous question posed from the backseat of probably all of our childhood summer vacations? Or even more recent times from your children and grandchildren. Babs told me of many of her family vacations with her sister Ginney and their brother in the back seat of a 1962 Volkswagen Beetle. Three siblings in the back seat of VW Bug with no air conditioning, can you imagine how many times their parents heard Are we there yet? coming from the back seat? Just a few weeks ago I was leading a ride to the Butt Hutt BBQ in Athens, GA. We were close to our destination and were enjoying a good day of riding when I heard one of our riders ask over the radio Are we there yet? The question caused me to think of where our chapter is headed in the future. There are already plans being made for some great rides. Members are discussing a ride to St. Augustine, FL in May. There is discussion on a chapter cruise to Alaska this summer. Plans are being made for rides to the Harley-Davidson 110 th Anniversary Celebration in Milwaukee, WI this summer. I m sure our Adventure Captains will also have great rides to toss into the mix. There are many State HOG Rallies this year within a day s ride of us. Once again the Georgia State HOG Rally will return to Hiawassee for the third year in a row. Several members went to the Louisiana HOG Rally last year and are planning to return to the rally in Houma this year. The NC State HOG Rally will be in Mt. Airy, NC, the birthplace of The Andy Griffith Show. Biloxi will be the location for the Mississippi State HOG Rally. How can you go wrong with casinos and great BBQ nearby? Many folks have talked about The Shed BBQ in nearby Ocean Springs, MS. Dothan, AL, North Myrtle Beach, SC, Maryville, TN, and Okaloosa Island, FL are other State Rally locations in our neighboring states this year. We will start our year off with the yearly ride to Buckner s Family Restaurant on January 1 st. On January 27 th I will lead a ride to The Great American Motorcycle Show in Norcross. Then look forward to many other rides as the year rolls on. Your input for ride suggestions is always welcome. Just see one of the road captains to discuss your ideas. One member has already told me that one of his Bucket List rides would be to go to a flat- track motorcycle race. I m already looking into this. Our weekly Dinner Rides will continue with a new twist that will allow more members to

2 Chapter Officers Director Paul Grimes Road Captain Robert Glaze Asst. Director Robert Stalnaker Road Captain Jesse Newcomer Treasurer Peggy Stalnaker Road Captain Peggy Glaze Secretary Safety Officer Webmaster Newsletter Editor Ladies of Harley Officer Membership Officer Joe Thibodeaux Jesse Newcomer Peggy Glaze Babs Grimes Harriet Nevarez Jame Sullivan Adventure Captains Supply Officer Photographer Chapter Chaplain Chapter Historian Steve Rabideaux Billy Glaze Anita Newcomer Jorge Nevarez Norman Schneller Deanne Glaze Head Road Captain Steve Sullivan Road Captain Jorge Nevarez A Word from our Director (cont d) become involved. Are we there yet in regards to our chapter being a great chapter? I think we are. There are always areas for improvement, but that also requires you being an active and supportive member. As I transition to your Director, along with our new officers, the returning officers and officers transitioning to new roles this year I ask that you be patient and supportive as we Ride and Have Fun together. Many of our new officers along with myself will be attending HOT (Harley Officer Training) in Raleigh, NC this April. I ve attended the last two years and have always returned with good ideas and a better understanding of HOG chapter operations. This training not only benefits the individual officer in their role but benefits the chapter as a whole. As I put together this article the lyrics from the Steppenwolf song Born to Be Wild came to mind. GET YOUR MOTOR RUNNING HEAD OUT ON THE HIGHWAY LOOKING FOR ADVENTURE AND WHAT EVER COMES OUR WAY What a thought for our upcoming rides, gatherings, and adventures! We Are HOG Paul Grimes, Director VOLUME 13, ISSUE 1 PAGE 2

3 2nd In Command Hello everyone and Happy New Year!! While pondering what my first article would be as the new assistant director it occurred to me that an introduction may be in order. My name is Robert Stalnaker and I have been an active member in the Clayton County HOG chapter since January I had an opportunity to ride quite a few miles as a guest for a couple of months prior to joining. After attending several dinner rides and meeting many of the members, my wife and I felt this was a great place to meet new friends while putting lots of miles on our Harley-Davidson motorcycles. I am currently employed by the Clayton County Board of Commissioners where I have been the building inspector for the past 10 years. Before that I was employed by JCPenney Catalog Distribution as a maintenance tech for 30 plus years. I have been married to my wife, Peggy, for 23 years and have one son, Tommy, who is 21 years old. I also have two baby girls, Kady (a pee-a-poo) and Koko (a Chihuahua), both of whom have me fully trained. Koko is in charge of security and if you ever visit our home you will understand why. Currently, we reside in the big town of Flippen (just north of McDonough). We built our home on 2 ½ acres so long ago that all we had were cows and deer as opposed to what we have now, which is automobiles and traffic lights. wanted. I purchased a 2008 Softail Custom from my brother and immediately discovered what I had been missing. There is nothing that calms the soul like riding with a group of friends on some country back road on one of the finest motorcycles in the world. After owning that first Harley-Davidson the statement I have seen on many helmets and vest, If I have to explain it then you just wouldn t understand makes perfect sense. I look forward to 2013 and being a part of one of the best HOG chapters in the state. If I can be of assistance to any of our members (old and new), please do not hesitate to come by or call. My job as I see it is to assist our director in any way possible to meet the needs and concerns of all our members as our chapter continues to grow and move forward. Please be patient with me as I settle into my new position. I will do my best to come up to speed with the HOG rules and responsibilities, but remember I am a work in progress. Above all else let s continue to ride safe, ride often, and have fun because after all isn t that what this chapter is all about. There are already several rides being put together for Because of schedules and vacations we will try to have these rides posted as soon as possible so everyone will have an opportunity to attend. I look forward to a great year ahead. Robert Stalnaker, Assistant Director AIS-KSU, Let s Ride! I ride a 2009 Red Hot Sunglow Ultra Classic and my wife Peggy rides a 2012 Big Blue Pearl Street Glide. I began riding several years ago when I purchased a 2006 Honda VTX Although I enjoyed riding that bike, it just wasn t what I really VOLUME 13, ISSUE 1 PAGE 3

4 Chapter Chaplain A NEW BEGINNING The hustle of the holidays is now over. Last minute shopping for gifts, parties to attend, and perhaps special get-togethers with family and friends are now behind us. A time to finally relax! Or is it? 2012 was a year of changes. A President was reelected, new members were elected to both the United States House and Senate. Several third world government heads were removed from office. Governments which were once thought to be stable are falling like dominos. We have all witnessed the results of tornados, hurricanes, power losses, and flooding to countless thousands, just in our nation alone. Famine is widespread in the African continent with people starving to death daily. Personal relationships are strained due to disagreements and misunderstandings to the point that we feel like throwing in the towel.so to speak. These things bring stress to many is now behind us however, and our thoughts need to be focused on the future of our chapter. No doubt, 2013 will bring new challenges and new ideas that will only serve to make us better as a HOG family is now upon us and with it, new anticipations, new hope, A New Beginning. We have a new chapter director and several new officers who have stepped up to serve. I m pleased to serve another two years as your chaplain. I m also very grateful for those who have given untold hours of serving to our chapter in the past. I m confident that each of us as a member of the CCHOG family, will be giving our full support to our new leadership, as we move forward under the banner of A New Beginning. One writer put it this way United we stand, divided we fall. God made us with different personalities and each of us are unique in our own way. I realize that I have made many mistakes in my life.a fact I m reminded of each time I look at the eraser on my pencil. I know we will not want to look at the past, but rather look forward, with anticipation, and the great times we will have together as a Harley Family. In the Bible, the Apostle Paul states it this way in Philippians 3:13. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before. Here is the challenge for us all: Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; it there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8 I look forward to the New Year with anticipation, knowing that our chapter will have a great vision, as we march forward with a New Beginning. Eveline and I wish all of you a prosperous and joyous New Year! Blessings! Norman Schneller, Chaplain CCHOG VOLUME 13, ISSUE 1 PAGE 4

5 Clayton County HOG Coffee Fundraiser This month s deadline to order coffee for pickup at the January chapter meeting is: Wednesday, January 9, Our partner in this fundraiser Phoenix Community Coffee still does not have our coffee order webpage set up to order coffee for pick up at the meetings. You can me your orders and I will deliver your coffee to you at the meeting. Sorry for any inconvenience, maybe the webpage will be fixed before next month. To those who are interested in ordering coffee for home delivery please keep in mind that the shipping charge of $7.00 is for up to six pounds of coffee. Coffee Options Mid-City Ground or Whole Bean Caffeinated $12.95lb Half-Caff or Decaf $13.95lb Dark Ground or Whole Bean Caffeinated $12.95lb Half-Caff or Decaf $13.95lb Espresso Ground or Whole Bean Caffeinated $12.95lb Half-Caff or Decaf $13.95lb French Vanilla Ground or Whole Bean Caffeinated, Half-Caff, or Decaf $13.95lb Caramel Ground or Whole Bean Caffeinated, Half-Caff, or Decaf $13.95lb Hazelnut Ground or Whole Bean Caffeinated, Half-Caff, or Decaf $13.95lb Pumpkin Spice Ground or Whole Bean Caffeinated, Half-Caff, or Decaf $13.95lb Chocolate Ground or Whole Bean Caffeinated, Half-Caff, or Decaf $13.95lb Add 6% sales tax to coffee orders. Orders may be paid for with cash, check (payable to Harley Owners Group of Clayton County), or Debit/Credit Card. Paul Grimes psgrimes@yahoo.com VOLUME 13, ISSUE 1 PAGE 5

6 Safety Officer Well I bet everyone never thought I would become the new safety officer. Richard did a great job and he will be a hard act to follow!! My first article will be on riding at night. I know most of us don't want to think about it, but after 15 years in this chapter most of us are getting older. What this means is that night riding just isn t the thrill it used to be when I was a young buck. Generally speaking, your ability to see at night deteriorates with age. Many motorcycle accidents occur between dusk and dawn. The basic issue is lack of visibility. The National Safety Council (NSC) confirms that 90 percent of a rider's reaction depends on vision. The nighttime riding disadvantage is compounded by the problems we encounter as we age. At the back of my mind I keep hearing "The eyes are the first things to go." Add roads with no overhead lighting, the sensitivity to light (headlights) many riders and drivers experience and the compromised distance vision of aging riders, it s easy to see why it can be a battlefield out there at night. If you think it's a stretch for drivers to spot motorcyclists in the full light of day, our single headlight is essentially invisible to the cagers after sundown. Apart from watching out for tired, clueless drivers, there's also Bambi to consider as wild animals tend to be more active after dusk. However, before you get all gloomy, you need to know there are ways to prepare for your ride once the sun goes down. A simple way to arm yourself against the evening is to prep your ride. That means giving everything a thorough scrub before you hit the street. Headlights, taillights, signal lights, windshields and helmet visors should be cleaned before you head out at night. Blinded By The Light Remember that glare is in the eye of the beholder. Middle-aged and older riders are more sensitive than younger guns, so if you're running high-output auxiliary lights, give the other guy a break. The brighter beams can easily blind the very people you're trying to get to notice you. A teacher at the AARP Driver Safety Program course (participants age 55-plus) tells us he often hears complaints about motorcycle headlights being too bright. With the average driver's age on the rise, it's food for thought! Ride Safe Jesse - Chapter Name Badges Chapter name badges are available for order. Name badges are $8.00 each. We need a minimum order of 12 to process. or see me with you order info. Paul Grimes psgrimes@yahoo.com Preparation: VOLUME 13, ISSUE 1 PAGE 6

7 2013 Membership Renewal!! It s that time of year again. Renew now to maintain you membership in a great HOG Chapter! This year s membership dues are $20.00 per member. Download the membership form here: You have several options to renew you Clayton County HOG membership: 1. Renew at the chapter membership meeting. The next meeting is January 12, Download the form, fill it out and bring it to the meeting. Blank forms will also be available at the meeting. Bring your National HOG card to verify your membership status. Payment may be made with cash, check (payable to Harley Owners Group of Clayton County), or debit/credit card. Debit and credit card transactions will be charged a one dollar ($1.00) convenience fee per member. 2. Bring your completed membership form and payment to the dealership. 3. Mail your completed membership form and payment to: Harley Owners Group of Clayton County c/o Harley-Davidson of Clayton County 1384 Southlake Pkwy. Morrow, GA VOLUME 13, ISSUE 1 PAGE 7

8 Christmas Angel Event What a tremendous event the Christmas Angel Event was. As usual, our HOG members and others provided a Christmas for a needy family well above anyone s expectation. Please pass on to our group my appreciation for their caring and giving spirit. My words cannot truly express my gratitude. Here is a recap of what was given: Gift cards totaled $700 Loads of gifts under the tree, including a bike Utility bills paid forward from arrears Potential job opportunity for both parents I also received a call from a brand new member, who just purchased a bike from Clayton County Harley, who could not attend the event, but had gifts for each of the children. Thanks again! Norm VOLUME 13, ISSUE 1 PAGE 8

9 Chapter Christmas Party VOLUME 13, ISSUE 1 PAGE 9

10 Ride to the Butt Hutt! VOLUME 13, ISSUE 1 PAGE 10

11 January 2013 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1Ride to Buckners, Time TBD 2Dinner Ride BenchWarmers, Rock Quarry Rd., 6: Dinner Ride Olive Garden, Jonesboro Rd., 6: Dinner Ride LaHacienda, Eagles Landing Pkwy 6: Dinner Ride 3 Dolar Café, Regency Plaza Blvd, 6: :30 Officer Mtg CCHD Conf Rm :00 Cptr Mtg 27Ride to Great American Motorcycle Show, Norcross, Time TBD Dinner Ride Hooters, Jonesboro Rd., 6:30 31 IMPORTANT!!!: PLEASE RSVP TO ROBERT STALNAKER AT rstalnaker6@gmail.com IF YOU PLAN ON ATTENDING THE WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNER RIDES. VOLUME 13, ISSUE 1 PAGE 11

12 Harley Owner s Group of Clayton County # Southlake Parkway Morrow, Georgia Proudly sponsored by: Harley-Davidson of Clayton County Business Hours Monday thru Friday 9:00 am 7:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am 6:00 pm Sunday: Closed VOLUME 13, ISSUE 1 PAGE 14