7 july tales from the riverbank
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Magazine of the Thames Valley HOG Chapter
Its been a fantastic month for events and rides, I hope we
have captured just a few pictures from each of the events in
this month magazine. I hope to introduce our new editor in
next months edition of Tales from the Riverbank and can I
remind you we still have vacancy’s on the committee for a
Membership and Activities officer. There must be some one
out there who would like to give one of the positions ago.
I would like to thank everybody who has sent in pieces for
this months magazine, without you the magazine would look
pretty bare.
Tales from the Riverbank
Closing date for next months
magazine
Thursday
8th August
Page 2/3
In This Month’s Magazine
Pages 2 & 3 Start your Engines
Pages 4 & 5 Dons Words
Page 6 LOH Sue’s Scribbles
Page 7 Club Nights
Pages 8 to 11 News and Updates
Pages 12 & 13 Birthday Bash
Pages 14 & 15 Calendar
Pages 16 & 17 World Ride
Adams farm
Pages 19 & 20 World Ride 2013
Isle of Wight Tour
Page 20 & 21 School Prom Escort &
One Day Poker Run
Pages 22 & 23 Miles for Fun &
Blazing Cannons
Pages 24 & 25 SOFER
Pages 26 & 27 Safety First
Page 28 Meet The Committee
Birthdays And Celebra-
tions
June & July
John Woodvine
Linda Friend
Mandy Mussong
August
Sue Brown
Tony Ferrier
John Colyer
If you have a Birthday or
Anniversary and would like a
mention please send the
Editor an E mail.
Tales from the Riverbank
Closing date for next months
magazine
Thursday
8th August
Welcome to the July edition of Tales from the Riverbank.
Well!! What a fantastic month its been for events and ride outs, starting with our 15th
Birthday party at Sportsable. 57 of our members attended the evening enjoying a
HOG roast dinner with Jacket potato, salad and plenty of fresh brewed Italian Coffee.
Robbie again supplied the entertainment for the evening and what a great job he did
as always. Big thank you to the people responsible for organising such a great
evening Pat, Barry, Lee and also Shirley & Pat for the Raffle well done all of you
great celebration!!
The World ride 2013
The ride out to Adams Farm and Stow on the Wold in the Cotswolds organised by
our ladies was the start of the World Ride for Thames Valley. Fifteen Bikes and
seventeen members joined the girls for the day, picies and a write up on page 16 &
17. On Monday, the chapter World Ride trip over to the Isle of Wight was again a
great day out with 17 Bikes 23 members enjoying a ferry crossing over to the island,
a picnic lunch at the needles and a tour of the island led by Paul H with Lee tailing.
I don’t know the total mileage covered over the two days by our members as I
haven’t had everyone’s totals sent in, from the ones I do have most people have
clocked up around 250/300 miles over the two days. What I do have is the total
clocked up from all the Chapters Worldwide which is a staggering
10018231, a fantastic final figure, and a great couple of days riding.
Page 4/5
Rides
On Friday the July 5th, 12 bikes and a very nice Ford Mustang from Thames Valley escorted Louis, Shirley’s grandson to his school prom at a hotel in Englefield Green, what a great entrance for Louis he definitely turned a few heads when we arrived!! We finished the evening in the garden of a local pub in Old Windsor. Thanks for the food and refreshments Shirley and thanks to all who made it happen for Louis. Eight bikes and nine members turned out for Nicks one day poker run on Saturday. The
ride toured Berkshire, Surrey, Hampshire and Oxfordshire stopping at 2 airports,
a wildlife park, Harley Dealership and an Ice Cream shop in Pangbourne, around 130
miles round trip in extremely warm weather. Mick and Linda Friend had to pull out of the
ride late morning after suffering a rear wheel puncture. The results of the Poker run are
being announced at club night. It’s the first time we’ve had an all day Poker Run, a
great idea thanks Nick!! Pictures on page 21.
SOFER
The rally is getting closer only weeks away now, ticket sales have reached around 1600
to date I have only 3 left of our chapter allocation, if anybody still requires tickets. Online
ticket sales closes July 20th, at this point there may be gate sales this year. Tonight at
club night the list for gate duties and early arrivals to cover the gate are available for
you to register, only those who put their names down for the early shifts on the gate will
be allowed on to the site on Thursday. On Saturday evening there will be drinks and
nibbles at the chapter Gazebo for all Thames Valley members and their families, please
come a long and join the chapter for a social drink to celebrate 10 years of the South of
England Rally.
Events
The Activities team are looking for ideas for rides and events for us to attend during the
later part of this year and early next year, if you have any ideas or suggestions please
contact Nick or Barry.
End of Season Party or Christmas Party
It is our tradition to celebrate the end of the riding season with a River Boat Shuffle
around September or October time, we are looking to you the members to tell us what
you would like to do this year, the suggestion so far are a River Boat Shuffle, a shared
Christmas Party at a Hotel with or without a theme and join Bridgwater Chapter for their
Christmas Party with overnight accommodation. If you have any Ideas or suggestions
please drop the committee a note in the suggestion box, we would love to hear from
you.
That’s me done for another month, I’m off to Reading collecting for Sportsable,
Ride Safe and Have fun.
Don Director
Doesn’t time fly when you’re having fun! One minute we are sulking about
the bad weather and the next we’re having trouble fitting all the household
chores in around the riding. I thoroughly enjoyed the trip to Adams Farm
and Stow on the Wold which was admirably led by Sue Dodds and crewed
by me and Pat Adams. It just goes to show that us girls can put a good ride
on as well as the boys!
The ride out was preceded by Fiona’s surprise birthday party, which
although I wasn’t able to go to I understand was a huge success.
Happy Birthday Fiona
The sun came out too for the one day poker run . I have no idea how to play
poker. I still don’t! But I had a great ride and covered 170 miles
door to door. Thanks Nick for leading what started out to be 8
bikes away from SportsAble. Sorry that Mick and Linda picked up
a flat rear tyre, fortunately it was at low speed, but sadly they
weren’t able to continue. A great days riding, I hope new member
Dave enjoyed the day too.
Any lady riders going to SOFER don’t forget it’s the LoH ride on
Friday evening. Its always good fun to dress up (although it’s not
obligatory). The theme this year is Liberty Belles. So interpret
that how you like but it sounds American to me!
The next ride out on Sunday 21 July is to Stratford Upon Avon.
Dave is leading a scenic route through the Cotswolds stopping en
route for elevenses at a lovely tea shop at Thrupp.
Hope you can join us
Ride safe
Sue LOH rep
Page 6/7
Dates for 2013
(and Magazine deadlines)
August 15th (8th)
September 11th (10th)
October 17th (10th)
November 21st (14th)
December 19th (12th)
2014
January 16th (8th)
February 20th (13th)
March 20th (13th)
April 17th (10th)
Harley Night At
The Ace Cafe
25th July Shakespeare's Birth Place.
To be or not to be !!
21st July Dave & Sue Brown are lead-
ing a ride to Stratford Upon Avon
stopping for 11’s on the way Plymouth Chapter
Presents
The Oggie Rally
19 - 21st July
The Hawke Conservancy Trust Andover.
28th July
Tony Robson & Bulldog have organised a Sunday
Fenlanders Chapter.
21st Anniversary rally
East of England Rally
Page 8/9
SOFER Rally
2 - 4th August
Come and join your Chapter on the
camping area for nibbles and a drinks
Saturday evening from 6:30pm
Sprit of Chapel Ash Rally.
9 - 11th August
www.spiritofchapelash.com
Brackley Festival of Motorcycling.
18th August
www.bfom.com
Dunedin Chapter
Presents
Thunder in the Glens Rally 2013
23 - 26th August
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
Contact Shirley or email
to place your orders for club
Merchandise
Page 10/11
2013 Patch & Pin Design £5 the pair
New Thames Valley Merchandise.
Strappy Tops £11
Fleece ( No Hood) £26
Sweat Shirt £18.50
Long Sleeved T Shirt £14.50
V neck T Shirt £13.50
Short Sleeved T Shirt £13.50
Hoodie Pull On £23
Zipped Hoodie £27
Varsity Jacket £25
I Phone Cover £10
Beanie £12
Key Rings £5
Coasters Set of 4 £7.50
Mouse Mat £7.50
Teddy £8.50
Clock £17
All merchandise available
from Shirley at Club nights
Thames Valley Uk Chapter
Page 12/13
July
Chapter Club Night.
Sportsable 7:30 - 10pm
Thursday 18th
Plymouth Oggie Rally
Friday 19th
To Be... or not To Be...
Ride to Stratford Upon Avon
Sunday 21st
Meet Sportsable 9 for 9:30
Fenlanders East of England Rally
Fakenham Racecourse, Norfolk
Thursday 25th - Sunday 28th
Ace Cafe Harley Night
Thursday 25th
Hawk Conservancy
Sunday 25th
Meet Sportsable Times 10 for 10:30
August
South of England Rally
Bisley Shooting Ground
Friday 2nd - Sunday 4th
Committee Night
Tuesday 6th
August Cont
S.O.C.A Rally
Friday 9th - Sunday 11th
Chapter Club Night
Thursday 15th
Meet from 7:30 - 10:00
Old School Rally
Towcester Rugby Club
Friday 16th
Brackley Motorcycle Festival.
Sunday 18th
Times TBC
Poker Run 5
Wednesday 21st
Location TBC
Thunder in the Glens
Chapter Ride to Aviemore
Thursday 22nd TBC
Thunder in the Glens Aviemore
Chapter Attending Rally
Friday 23rd - Monday 26th
Mystery Sea Side Ride
Sunday 25th
Times TBC
Cancelled
Page 14/15
Late Summer Bank Holiday
Monday 26th
Harley Night Ace Cafe
Thursday 29th
September
Committee Night
Tuesday 3rd
Poker Run 6
Wednesday 11th
Location TBC
20th Ace Cafe Reunion
Sunday 15th
Times TBC
Club Night
Sportsable
Thursday 19th 7:30 - 10:00
Cop Hill Climb
Hill Climb Event
Sunday 22nd
Times TBC
Harley Night Ace Cafe
Thursday 26th
Events, ride outs and activities
Details correct at time of going to print.
Check the website for updates and amendments
Blazing Cannons Rally
Friday 27th
Chapter Ride to Rally
Times TBC
Goodwood Revival
Sunday 29th
Times TBC
October
Committee Night
Tuesday 1st
RTTW 6
Saturday 5th
Times TBC
Poker Run 7
Wednesday 9th
Venue TBC
Club Night
Thursday 17th
British Summer Time Ends
Sunday 27th
Halloween
Sunday 31st
Sue briefing the ride at
Sportsable
Adams Farm Oxford
Page 16/17
The ride gathers at Sportsable
Feeding Time at Adams Farm
The group of 15 bikes and 17 riders braved the weather and made their way from Sport-
sable and Chieveley services to start the ride out to Adams Farm (the country file
farmer). As we made our way to Burford, Oxfordshire the weather was quite
threatening. We arrived at Adams Farm, but with an entrance fee of £8.50 I am sorry to
say there where not many takers, although the café serving food and drinks was very
acceptable. After a short stay we rode on to Stow on the Wold. Some lovely country
lanes and excellent scenery, the whole route was a joy to ride, Well done to Sue
Dodds for picking the roads and leading, Pat Adams for tailing and Sue Brown
for marshalling.
Day Two
A Tour of the Isle of Wight
& Picnic Lunch
Page 18/19
WE ARE SAILING.......over to the Isle of Wight. After meeting at Chieveley Ser-
vices, 17 bikes & 23 riders are on their way to the Isle of Wight, and after a
stop at the Southampton dealership, we have picked up 3 more people and 1
more bike. The 12.00 ferry (Red Osprey) is waiting, and after a short wait we
are on and parked up. Going up on deck, we can see that the sea is like a mill
pond, which will make the crossing a good one. The Queen Mary 2 is in dock
and is due to leave this afternoon. We are waiting for the small chain link ferry
to go across to East Cowes, no problems there and we have all made our way
towards The Needles and Alum Bay to stop for lunch. The weather is not too
bad, the odd dark cloud, but we have managed to avoid the raindrops. The
packed lunches have been eaten, the photos have been taken and we are back
on our bikes making our way to the next stop. The scenery is breath taking,
with lots of twists and turns on the roads. We have stopped in the car park
overlooking Black Gang Chine ( an old amusement park). Plenty of people
taking photos as well as a very inviting looking ice cream van. Further twists
and turns have bought us back to the ferry, just in time for our 5.30 crossing
with a couple of minutes to spare. We are up on deck, the wind has picked up
a bit, but not too bad. The Queen Mary 2 is leaving port and she sails right
past the ferry, what a magnificent ship. Yet again we have avoided the
rain. Refuelling has taken place, goodbyes have been said and we are all
making our way home,
Thanks Paul, Lee & Don a very good day has been had by all.
Page 20/21
School Prom Escort
for Louis
Louis’s chauffer driven Mustang
Waiting to make our grand
Entrance
Nick’s All Day Poker
Micks Friends rear Tyre
Ice creams all-round
A drinks break on
Hungerford Common
2nd Card at Blackbush Airport
Page 22/23
QUALIFYING RIDERS/PASSENGERS
Riders qualify by reaching the destina-
tion of an official club ride out on a road-
worthy and road legal motorcycle (this
can be their own, someone else’s, or a
rental / loan motorcycle).
Passengers qualify by reaching the des-
tination 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 present 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 destination. This
means that the leading Road Captain is
not bothered by administration tasks
and hence free to put all of his/her con-
centration into ride safety before de-
parture.
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
New for 2013 we’re launching our very
own Frequent Rider
Programme, which is designed to en-
courage 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
Page 22/23
Page 24/25
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 vehicles 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 be-
tween 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.
Page 26/27
Another hazard which has a particularly high impact on motorcy-
clists is diesel on the road. Often riders can SMELL the fuel on the
road before they see it so learn to trust your nose. Spilled diesel
can be as slippery on dry roads as it is on wet roads so use all
your senses to try to detect it early. Spills are often due to larger
vehicles, like Lorries, who overfill their tank. This means that fuel
will spill out when they take a corner, at roundabouts and
particularly near to filling stations.
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)
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Club Venue:
SportsAble, Braywick Sports Ground, Maidenhead,
Don Wibberley
Chapter Director Email:
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@
Email: safety@
Barry Adams
Activities Officer
Email: activities@
Sue Brown
Ladies of Harley
Email: ladiesofharley@
Lee White
Webmaster
Email: webmaster@
Position Vacant
Editor
Email: editor@
Bernie Meson
Photographer
Email: photographer@
Linda Friend
Photographer
Email: photographer@
Shirley Churchill
Merchandise
Email: merchandise@