black diamond times

BLACK DIAMOND HD TIMES • Summer 2009

BLACK DIAMOND HD TIMES • Summer 2009 2

Publisher ................ Good Life PublicationsManagaing Editor ................Gail R. ThomasCopy Editor ........................ Genelle BedokisLayout ........................... Michael A. ThomasWriters ................................ Gail R. Thomas Jared Peyton Joann Dunnigan John Woods Robert ShelbyPhotographers .................... Wes Bennett Michael A.Thomas

H.O.G. Chapter #2345 Officers President ................ Robert Shelby Asst. Director ............... Dan Wells Secretary ...................... Jill Shelby Treasurer ................. Jackie Zimbro Head Road Captain: Randy Puckett Road Captains ........... Carl Volanski Bert Gualdoni Rick Wickman Safety Officer ........... John Woods Activities Director ......... Roger Smith Membership ....... Robert Bateman Photographer ............... Roger Smith Ladies of Harley ..... Betty Ann Smith Dealer Representatives .................... Rodney Cabaness Shad Zimbro

Meeting Time: Monthly 6PM 3rd Thursday Check Website for Location

www.blackdiamonhd.com

BLACK DIAMOND HARLEY-DA-VIDSON TIMES is published 4 times a year: spring, summer, fall and win-ter. No parts of this publication, includ-ing pictures and advertisements, may be reproduced without permisson from BLACK DIAMOND HARLEY-DAVID-SON. ® 2009 Good Life Publications.

For Advertising Contact Michael A. Thomas (618) 937-2019 e-mail: [email protected]

TIMES

ON THE COVER

World Record Holder Bubba Blackwell will make a two-day apprearance at Black Diamond H-D in Marion to do stunts and jumps on his Harley-Davidson.The event is free and open to the public.

SponSorS: Great boars of fire

Henry PrintinG

Prairie farms

river radio

soutHern illinois HealtHcare

soutHern illinoisan

Wsil tv 3

marion, il

to register in advance for the poker run please visit our website at

www.coachkillcancerfund.org

saturdayAuguST 29

reGistration 9 am – 11 am

single rider $25Two riders,same bike $35dinner TickeT $15(for non-riding participants)

HarleY raFFle TickeT $10

cost includes run registration, light lunch, snacks along the ride, after-ride steak dinner and parking at duquoin state fair.

Run begins and ends at duquoin state faiRgRoundscards will be drawn during stops at washington countY conserVation park, Mt. Vernon kroger, rend lake at harbor oaks (lunch), black diaMond harleY-daVidson and uniVersitY Mall carbondale.

In less than two years, owners Rodney Cabaness (l) and Shad Zimbro have taken Black Diamond Harley-Davidson to one of the top dealerships in the country in sales. (Photo courtesy of the Southern Illinoisan)

It is hard to believe that Black Diamond Harley-Davidson is not even two years old. In less time than it takes most new dealerships to get their feet on the ground, Black Diamond H-D has made a name for itself not only in the Harley world –they are one of the fastest rising Harley dealerships

in the nation—but also in the southern Illinois region where their community involvement and promo-tion driven marketing have attracted not only new customers but plenty of good will and a morale boost in hard economic times. Rodney Cabaness and Shad Zimbro are co-owners of Black Diamond. The two long-time friends and riders saw a golden opportunity when they purchased the former Campbell’s Harley-Davidson in Marion and renamed it Black Diamond Harley-Davidson. The name was practically a no-brainer for a region that is rich in coal mining history where nearly every family can claim somebody connected to the coal industry in one way or another. Black Diamond is also located a Albert Pujols homerun from the Southern Illinois Miners baseball stadium, which opened shortly before Cabaness and Zimbro made their appearance on the scene. Cabaness and Zimbro each brought their own strengths to the partnership. Cabaness worked his way up to vice-president of Weeks Chevrolet in West Frankfort and already had a reputation for savvy salesmanship and marketing. Zimbro had the hands-on experience of working at a Harley-Davidson dealership with his time at Dale’s Harley-Davidson in Mt. Vernon. Together they formed a team that complimented each other nicely. One of the first changes that passersby noticed was the addition of an outdoor stage to the parking lot. The stage is the focal point every Saturday when Black Diamond provides customers and the curious with live music and free food, all in a family friendly atmosphere. Once inside the store, customers can find a huge inventory of bikes, both new and used. It is little wonder that Cabaness and Zimbro are already in the process of expanding to accommodate their phe-nomenal growth. There is also a large display of gear and accessories and occasionally wild promo-tions that result in customers standing shoulder to shoulder to snap up bargains at incredible discounts. With Black Diamond’s second anniversary coming in September, Cabaness and Zimbro are far from done with what they want to accomplish. There is plenty more coming from these two. The ride has just begun.

Black Diamond’s Ride Has Just Begun


SponSorS: Great boars of fire

Henry PrintinG

Prairie farms

river radio

soutHern illinois HealtHcare

soutHern illinoisan

Wsil tv 3

marion, il

to register in advance for the poker run please visit our website at

www.coachkillcancerfund.org

saturdayAuguST 29

reGistration 9 am – 11 am

single rider $25Two riders,same bike $35dinner TickeT $15(for non-riding participants)

HarleY raFFle TickeT $10

cost includes run registration, light lunch, snacks along the ride, after-ride steak dinner and parking at duquoin state fair.

Run begins and ends at duquoin state faiRgRoundscards will be drawn during stops at washington countY conserVation park, Mt. Vernon kroger, rend lake at harbor oaks (lunch), black diaMond harleY-daVidson and uniVersitY Mall carbondale.


Air Condition The Ride

By Joann Dunnigan, Motorclothes Manager

Summer is almost here and the temperatures are rising. Luck-ily Harley-Davidson has come

up with several great new products to help with those hot rides. Hot weather riding has its own set of rules. Staying hydrated by drinking water is one of them. The next best thing to air conditioning would be the Genuine Harley-Davidson Hydration vest. With brand new technology the Hydration Vest can keep you cool and hydrated on the outside. The vest is lined with polyacrylite crystals that absorb and hold water to keep the rider cool. It's very easy to use, Soak the vest for up to 10 minutes to absorb water and put it on. The vest is fully hydrated after 10 minutes. Wear under a mesh or perforated jacket for best results. During the ride, the vest slowly releases the water in the form of a gas. This evaporation creates a cooling effect against the body to keep you cool and comfortable

during hot weather riding. The vest also has a zippered front and stretch side panels for a custom fit. The Polyacrylite crystals last up to approximately 1 year or 50 uses.

The next great summer

product would be the mesh jacket. This jacket lets you stay cool, look good, and remain protected all summer. Allover mesh allows for maximum air-flow throughout the jacket keeping you cool. Removable lightweight body ar-mor pockets at shoulders and elbows give you maximum protec-tion while riding. Reflective graphics for greater visibility. This

jacket is a great idea to help prevent sunburn and tattoo fading from sun exposure. Adjustable cuff and waist tabs, Mandarin collar, and two zippered hand-warmer pockets. Reflective piping and Bar and Shield logo on left chest and back. Mesh jackets are available in two different styles which are both very affordable. The mesh jacket goes great with the hydration vest.

H-D SYN3 Oil Protects Engine By Jarod Peyton, Parts Manager

Everybody's watchin' their nickels and dimes these days, and rightly so, but in the midst of all the penny

pinching, we've spotted a trend that's worth talking about. Oil. During the hot summer months, when the temps climb, so do the chances of your engine being damaged by heat. Using the Harley Da-vidson SYN3 Synthetic Lubricant will help you protect your ride by providing you with numerous benefits.

Keeps the engines tranny's and driving chaincases cleaner and offers long- term protection.

Is formulated for reduced oil consumption, improved wear protection, long temp stability over detergents to reduce engine deposits and superior overall field performance.

Meets the anti-wear lubriety requirements of all transmission gears.

Offers superior performance in high output engines, because it provides high temperature film strength. This means the lubricant maintains film thickness in high power output and high engine speed conditions, keeping the metal parts from rubbing together, resulting in less wear.

You can change to SYN3 at any time, and it can be used in your trans and primary. So that means that you don't have to carry or keep multiple lubricants.

When it comes to helping our customers get value for their ? service dollars, SYN3 is a product that delivers. Our customers want what's best for their bikes, and now more than ever, it makes sense for you to protect your motorcycle.. So fill 'em up, and let SYN3 work its magic. Your bike will definitely return the favor.

Don’t Let Hot Summer Temps Get The Best of You or Your Bike

coming events coming events coming events coming event


What’s a party without music? And on July 22, Black Diamond will be throwing a big one with music all day long as bands from throughout Southern Il-linois take their best shot at winning the BD Music

in H-D contest. Planning for this one has been going on for some time. Bands wanting to participate in the contest need to pick up an entrée packet at Black Diamond or Whithers Broadcasting who is helping in the planning of the event. “We hope to have a mini-mum of 12 bands competing that day,” says Jeremy Pinkston.“We’ll have two stages set up so that two bands can be alternating songs. The last song that each band performs will be videotaped, and made available online. Then the public can vote and those votes will be combined with the judges to choose a winner.” The winning band gets $1,000 from Black Diamond and $500 worth of time in a recording studio of their choice. Leave it to Black Diamond not to miss a chance to promote a good cause. The Red Cross will be holding a blood drive that Saturday also. Turnout for blood drives under previous owners had been so low that the Red Cross was hesitant to hold another at the dealership. But last year Black Diamond— on their first blood drive— gave a HD tee shirt to everyone who donated. There were so many people wanting to donate blood that they actually had to turn donors away. So come to the party on Saturday, July 22. Enjoy a little music. Enjoy a little food. Give a little life to someone else and you’ll leave there sayin’ “I feel good.”

Just when you start to notice that summer is turning the corner into autumn, you’ll fel the excitement in the air. Nope, it’s not that the big yellow school busses are rolling again. It’s not the band warming up for high school foot-

ball season. Have you guessed it? It’s the BLACK DIAMOND HARLEY-DAVIDSON SECOND ANNIVERSARY PARTY1 And it’s going to last three days. You might think that a second anniversary party might only last two days, but not at Black Diamond. Besides, if they did that they couldn’t call it THREE HOG NIGHT, which is what they’re naming the bash to celebrate their incredible success in the short time they’ve been open and to thank customers, wannabee customers and friends who share their excitement over the rumble of a Harley. Plans aren’t even complete yet for all the celebrations that might be going on that weekend, but you can be sure that there will be live music on both Friday and all day Saturday and great food, including a special biker’s breakfast to anyone showing up on Saturday morning. Keep you eyes open for details on a logo contest. You can design a logo just for the 2nd anniversary tee shirt which you can be sure will be the uniform of the day. Saturday will feature a hay stack marathon and rodeo events to entertain the crowd. Sunday sports the annual MDA Poker Run. “We probably support a hun-dred poker runs throughout the year,” says Jeremy Pinkston, “but this one is ours. This is the only poker run that is spon-sored by Black Diamond, and all proceeds go to the Muscular Dystro-phy Association. Last year we had torrential rains and we still had about 150 bikers take part. This year, if the weather cooperates, we should have 300-350.” It’s all happening the weekend of September 25, 26, and 27. Black Daimond turns two with prizes and surprises. You won’t want to miss this one.

coming events coming events coming events coming event


BLACK DIAMOND ANNOUNCES ‘UNIQUE’ SCHOLARSHIP EFFORT

By Shannon Woodworth

MARION — Black Diamond Harley-Davidson is providing scholarship money to graduating seniors at more than 40 southern Illinois high schools.

“The entire nation is facing hard times right now and we real-ize that some families would not be able to send their children to college without financial assistance,” said Rodney Cabaness, co-owner of the Black Diamond. “We simply believe education is important and we hope the money we are able to provide will give a boost to help a graduating senior continue their education.”Said Cabaness, “Southern Illinois and our customers have been incredibly good to us and the opportunity to give back to the communities that support us is something we felt compelled to do.”

Cabaness met with Guy Alongi, chairman of the Illinois Com-

Black Diamond Harley-Davidson owners Rodney Cabaness (l) and Shad Zimbro present Shawnee Community College president Dr. Larry Peterson with a check for $6,000 to be used for student scholarships. The dealership gave a total of $22,500 in scholarship money to four community colleges in southern Illinois.

munity College Board, on Thursday and outlined a plan to donate the scholarship money directly to the foundations of four com-munity colleges in southern Illinois. High school seniors granted a scholarship would have to attend the community college in their district.

“I am so pleased that when Mr. Cabaness considered giving scholarship money, he thought about community colleges first,” Alongi said. “To donate money that will benefit a high school senior in 45 different high schools is a very unique effort.”Each college is matching the Black Diamond gift to make the scholarships $1,000 each. (Community colleges receiving money will be John A. Logan College, Rend Lake College, Shawnee Community College, and Southeastern Illinois College.)

“By showing our support for community colleges, we’ve asked community colleges to show support for our scholarship effort,” Cabaness said. In addition to showing support to the region’s community colleges, Cabaness said Black Diamond would also encourage scholarship recipients to sign up with Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s “Two-Plus-Two” program that allows the university to track a student’s progress from community col-lege to the university.

Dr. Larry Peterson, president of Shawnee Community College in Ullin, said the money will be a huge boost for college-bound students in Shawnee’s college district, with some of the most impoverished areas in the state. But, he said, it is not just about the money.

“A private-public partnership with a business in these economic times is a breath of fresh air when about all the news on the economy is bad,” Peterson said. “Black Diamond has to be com-mended.”

LITTLE RIDERS DAY A BIG SUCCESS

MARION — When folks at Black Diamond throw a party, one thing they promise is that nobody gets left out. There was certainly no child left behind this month at Little Riders’ Day, when staff turned their parking lot and their attention over to the kids, provid-ing activities, games and food for a fun filled Saturday. Now everybody knows that kids don’t buy Harleys, so why all the effort spent just to entertain the tots through teens age group? Well everybody knows that lots of kids love motorcycles, whether they coveting Dad’s or drooling over that Sportster across the street.

“ But there’s more to it than that,” says marketing director Jeremy Pinkston who spearheads activities like Little Riders’ Day. “We don’t really want to be seen as the stereotype bikers, the old rug-

Marion FIre and Police departments were on hand to give kids close-up loooks of their vehicles.

Photo by Joyce Hope


ged Hells Angels types. Actually our customers are very real people with families and family events are always promoted and always popular at Black Diamond. We are a community.”

Little Riders Day fea-tured an air filled bouncing playground, basketball shoots, a bat-ting cage, a live remote, Dr. Seuss characters from Paradise Alley Players, and other treats for the younger set, such as Angie Wyatt from WSIL-TV3 with her Timmy the Tractor character. Ident-A-Kid was on hand and over 100 kids were registered courtesy of Black Diamond. And if the little ones got tired of looking at all the mototcycles, they could climb inside a real fire truck or police car as Marion’s finest were on hand to answer questions and give a helping lift into the cab. There was even a helicopter landing by the Air Evac Lifeteam.

Oh and don’t forget the food, brats, hot dogs, pizza, chips and soda. “I think we went through more food than we’ve ever served at any other event,” Pinkston laughed. “They just kept eating, so we just kept buying. Actually, it was such a hit that I think we may do it again in the fall – we’ll make this one a semi-annual event.”

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An unidentified grandfather takes his granddaughter to enjoy the inflatables at “Little Riders Day”.

Clockwise from top: (1) The landing of the Air Evac Lifeteam helicopter thrilled the crowd. (2) Dr. Seuss’s Cat in the Hat character and other performers from the Paradise Alley Players gave an up close performance to the kids. (3) The inflatables provided hours of fun kid time. (All Photos by Wes Bennett)


World Record Holderto be at Black Diamond

July 17-18th!

By Gail Rissi Thomas

Popping a wheelie on a 600 pound Harley may seem to be an awesome stunt even for a daredevil, but for Bubba Blackwell, it’s just a little bit of showing off, nothing like the breathtaking, spectacular stunts that he

performs to thrill the enormous crowds that attend his exhibitions throughout the country. You may have seen his performances on YouTube, Nightline or Jay Leno, but on Friday and Saturday, July 17-18, Blackwell and his show will be in Marion, and Southern Illinoisans will have the opportunity to meet the nationally known Alabama daredevil and witness first hand his star studded motor-cycle stunts. And you are personally invited—free of charge—courtesy of Black Diamond Harley Davidson.

Blackwell made his first jump at the tender age of eight, not on a Harley, but on a bicycle, which he managed to propel over a row of garbage cans to entertain the other kids in the neighborhood. That taste of fame was only the first step in a long pursuit of chal-lenges that become more dangerous and unbelievable with every event. Blackwell began racing motorcycles at an early age, and in one short year on the racing circuit he earned the AMA/CCS motor-cycle heavyweight superbike national champion title, and soon became a two-time winner at the Daytona Super Speedway.

Since becoming a stunt performer, Blackwell has jumped his star spangled Harley XR-750 over everything from cars to busses to

Bubba Blackwell has broken every one of Evel Kneiv-el’s records as well as 42 bones in a few jumps that almost cost the dare-devil his life.

provided


semi trucks. Being often compared to world-renowned daredevil Evil Kneivel is not a comment that Blackwell shuns, but rather embraces, admitting that Kneivel was a major influence on his own stunt designs and an inspiring challenge to try to meet. In 1998 Black-well broke Kneivel’s 19 car jumping record by successfully clear-ing 20 cars on his Harley-Davidson XR 750, the only time that Kneivel’s record was ever broken using the same type motor-cycle. As the stunts have become more dan-gerous, the crowds have flocked to the events in record numbers. In Del Mar, California, 31,000 screaming fans turned out to witness his jump over 14 busses, and in 1999, 8.5 million people watched as Blackwell flew his Harley over 14 semis before a coast to coast Tonight Show audience. In 2001, it seemed that Blackwell’s luck had run out, when he nearly lost his life trying to clear 22 cars on a deeply graded horse track, resulting in a long recovery, part of which Blackwell spent in a coma and on life support. It took nearly two years to work his way back up to daredevil jumps, but by 2003, Blackwell was at it again, performing a jump over 10 Peterbilt Trucks, followed by sailing over 15 new Porsche automobiles at Reading, Pa.

9

The events around the country grow more incredible and the crowds just keep getting larger. It is not unusual to draw over 6,000 to 7,000 people at a stunt at over $20 a ticket.

In Marion on July 17-18, however, something even more amaz-ing will happen. Black Diamond is presenting Bubba Blackwell as their gift to customers, friends and fans of Black Diamond. The details on what and how he will jump have not even been publicized. Will Bubba jump 1,000 kegs of beer? 33 Porta-Pottys? A helicopter with blades whirling? At this time nobody at Black Diamond is saying, but one thing is certain: electricity will be in the air.

“I am sponsored by the greatest motorcycle manufacturer in the world.” Blackwell says. “And when I do a show I know how to entertain a crowd. I have a really great sound system and do everything with a microphone in my helmet.”

“The way I look at it,” Blackwell continued, “there’s only two outcomes to one of my jumps. One of them is good. The other one is bad. Either way I’m gonna give you something to talk about.”

Southern Illinois, be there. This one’s for you.

Bubba Blackwell (l) will be joined by two other stunt riders: Luke-Duke Emmons, and Andrew Griffy.“These guys are both tremendous riders,” Blackwell says. “Bring your happy shoes because we’re gonna put on a show!” provided

provided


PRESIDENT’S REPORT

By Robert Shelby

I always like to welcome our new members to our chapter each month and hope you enjoy your time spent with fellow riders on our quest to “ride and have fun,” the H.O.G. motto. As you read this newsletter for July, August and September, our first quarterly newsletter inside Black Diamond’s new magazine venture, all the of-ficers are excited to have such a nice magazine available for future use for our newsletter. We want to thank the dealership for bringing us along for “the ride.”

We had a successful fundraiser at the June 6 and 7 NASCAR Days of Thunder Simulation event, and raised approximately $400 for the chapter at our dice roll. Thanks to all who worked the weekend and the dealership for including us, and for the food and entertainment. The money will be used for chapter member benefits and several charities which we support each year, some-thing we should all be proud of.

The 2009 Illinois H.O.G. Rally in Springfield was held June 11 through 13, and nine members attended this year, along with hundreds of other H.O.G. members from Illinois and surround-ing states. We had the opportunity to meet up with Leah Whaley, our regional manager and her husband, both from Milwaukee, and look forward to having her at our August chapter meeting as she always has some good ideas to grow our membership. We also saw a fellow H.O.G. member who had ridden 2,600 miles so far that weekend, and we took his picture for him by the ABC’s

of Touring banner for his records. We also met the guy from the O’Fallon Stone Celts Chapter who will be hosting the 2010 Il-linois H.O.G. Rally next June in O’Fallon. They were anxious to get started planning and asked for our help.

Since this is the first quarterly newsletter, we have lots of dates for meetings and rides included, so mark your calendar and try to be with us for all that you can. Be sure to invite other friends and riders to join our chapter and bring them with you as a guest to a meeting or ride to grow the chapter. We will also be sending out reminder cards each month as a way to stay in touch and make any changes to events such as rides. We will be giving away two $25 Black Diamond gift cards at each meeting and have our 50/50 for the “Ride for Kids” fund. I also would like to thank all the officers who have been with me for the past 18 months and their good ideas and efforts for the chapter.

Congratulations for being a member of the largest motorcycle club in the world. Ride safe and often.

hapter news chapter news chapter news chapter news chapter news chapter news chapter news chapter news chapter news chapter news chapter news chapter news chapter news chapter news chapter news

Robert Shelby, President

Several members of the Black Diamond H.O.G. chapter attended the 2009 Illinois State Rally held at Springfield. Pictured above (l-r): Adam Wells, Brittnie Wells, Dan Wells, Debbie Wells, RobertShelby, Jill Shelby, Bill Ice and Codie Ice. Not pictured Tom & Judy Kaluitis and Bob Bateman. (Photo provided)

Don’t Forget Your Pre-Ride Safety CheckBy John Woods

Good day to everyone from Safety,

As the weather breaks we get the itch to get on our rides and get some wind. A lot of us have already put many miles on our bikes this year. I would like to give you some information from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. It's simple really, but it's something we often forget to do, a pre-ride safety inspection. The MSF has one on paper they call T-CLOCS sm.

T stands for tires, wheels and brakes. Do a visual of the condition of your tires; tread depth, wear, bulges. Then you should check the pressure. Look in your manual for

the proper tire pressure for your scoot and remember the back tire will have a little higher pressure if you have a passenger. Check spokes if you have them and the overall condition of your rims. And the last big T is the breaks. You can visually look at them and before you roll out check the function.

C which stands for controls. Check all your levers to make sure they work properly. Check all the cables to ensure that they are not in a bind and are routed properly. Look

at your hoses for leaks, cracks or not rubbing on something. Check your throttle for smooth operation even when the bars are

John Woods Safety Off cer



The role of the road captain is to lead all riders to our destinations and bring everyone back as safe as possible. This means obeying the speed limit and the laws of the land pertaining to riding our bikes. Our pre-meeting before each ride dis-cusses our route, stops, what formation that we are riding and any hand signals that will be used. Our rear road captain has a role to play as well. If for some reason our group gets split up, he will make sure that all riders will make it to our next scheduled stop. Rear road captain is also in charge of any mishaps due to problems with a bike or a severe situa-tion. No one will be left behind. Communication between the road captain and rear road captain has been made before our departure on each ride to discuss our route, individual stops as well as safety. Road Captains for 2009 are Carl Volanski, Bert Gualdoni, John Woods, Roger Smith, Greg Sanders, Mike McSparin, Jack Rowland, Dan Wells, Robert Shelby, Bob Bateman, Jim Clark, Frank Clauch, Rick Whitman, Gary Gullet

turned.

Lstands for lights. Check all your lights, front, rear, turn and brakes. Check your mirrors. Check your battery, ensure the terminals are tight and check the vent tube. Most bat-

teries today are gel; therefore they don't have a vent tube.

0 is for yep you guessed it, oil. Check the levels and check for leaks.

C is the chassis. Do a visual of the frame. Do the handle bars move freely? Check the swing arm, the suspension. Look at the belt for wear. Do a once over and look for

lose bolts, nuts, etc.

S which stands for stands. Of course it does. Harley has a great stand. It locks in place from the weight of the bike. I have seen a few startled faces when the bike moves that

few inches before the stand catches. Anyway, look at yours for a lose bolt. Make sure it is not in a bind or obstructed from doing what it's suppose to. And please don't forget to put it up before your ride off. Believe me when I say that has been done, NOT a good thing.

I have a few of the hard copy T-CLOCS sm or they can be found in pdf form on the MSF website. If you want one just let me know. One last thing that is not a part of the T-CLOCS sm, it's a good habit to top the tank off with fuel before a long ride. It might be awhile before getting to the next filling station. Always ride defensively, safe and keep the rubber down.

Road Captains Play Important Role in Group RidesBy Randy Puckett

The Black Diamond H.O.G. Chapter #2345 of Southern Illinois usually has two chapter rides per month during our regular riding season. Our rides consist of various locations around the region and bordering states. We set up our route to our destination in advance to determine the most scenic and safest way possible. The good part about our destinations usually includes a stop to stretch and an excellent place to eat and relax for some fellowship with our members to share some stories and then back on the road for journey home. OH, let’s not forget, there’s a good spot on the way home for some dessert!! Road captains play an important role in our group rides. Respon-sibilities include assisting the director and assistant director in planning routes for chapter rides. Educate chapter members about riding techniques and use of hand signals used on group rides and working hand in hand with our safety officer to ensure that every-one is comfortable with the safety procedures. Road captains act as a guide on all organized chapter rides.

Rand

y Puckett, Head Road Captain

TENTATIVE RIDE SCHEDULE JULY-SEPTEMBER

Sunday: JULY 12, 10:00 AM New Harmony, IN • Eat @ The White House Sunday Brunch 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Saturday: JULY 25, 1:00 PM Paducah, KY • Eat @ Texas Roadhouse Supper Ride 4:00 PM

Saturday: AUGUST 8, 10:00 AM Sikeston, MO • Eat @ Lamber’s Restaurant Lunch Ride 12:00 NOON

Sunday: AUGUST 23, 10:00 AM St. Libory, IL • Eat @ Chicken’s Restaurant Lunch Ride 12:00 NOON

Saturday: AUGUST29 Kroger/Coach Kill Poker Run DuQuoin, IL •

Sunday: SEPTEMBER 6, 10:00 AM Grand Rivers, KY • Eat @ Patti’s Restaurant Lunch Ride: 12:30 PM

Saturday: SEPTEMBER 12, 1:00 PM Elizabethtown, IL • Eat @ River Restaurant Supper Ride 3:00 – 4:00 PM

Sunday: SEPTEMBER 20, 6:00 AM St. Charles, MO • Ride for Kids

Sunday: SEPTEMBER 27, 8:00 AM (WORK) H.O.G.’S MDA POKER RUN


(Each issue of Black Diamond Times will spotlight a member of the local H.O.G. Chapter. In this issue we meet Randy and Michelle Puckett of West Frankfort)

Randy and Michelle Puckett have been sharing rides on a Harley for30 years. Randy got his first Harley in 1979. “He was just 18 and I was 17, “ Michelle says. “No, I wasn’t

even 17 yet,” she corrects herself. “Can you imagine my mom and dad letting me ride with him when I was just 16?”

“It was a chick magnet,” Randy interrupts.

“Chick magnet?” Michell laughs with a look that says ‘get your facts straight’. “We were already dating,”

Michelle has a better explanation. “My dad used to drive a Harley when he was dating my mom. She said she was at SIU and she’d be sitting down at one of the spots on the strip in Carbondale, and he’d ride that Harley right up on the curb. He would rev up the engine and all my mom’s girlfriends would run to the window and just squeal – ‘It’s Harvey!’ Then my mom go hop on the back of his bike and my dad would ramp back onto the street.”

“Yeah, chick magnet,” Randy laughs.

The Pucketts bought a new 100th Anniversary Road King in 2002, but it didn’t take them long to move up to a third bike, when they added the in 2005 so that the Road King would be available to their daughter and son-in-law, Andrea and Andy Odle, so that they could join the Pucketts on rides.

The Pucketts have found a lot of fellowship in being a part of the Black Diamond H.O.G. chapter, a diversion from busy careers.

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Randy is general manager of Gould’s Electric of Illinois and Michelle is a business teacher at Frankfort Community High School. The Puckett’s have taken many personal rides on their Harley and both agree on which one ranks as the best they have experienced.

“The best ride I remember was one that we took with Tom and Sandra Evans to Ashville, North Carolina,” Michelle recalls. “The scenery was just beautiful. It was Easter Sunday and we went to Mass at the cathedral there. That afternoon we rode to the top of Mt. Mitchell on the Blue Ridge Parkway.”

“It’s the highest elevation east of the Mississippi. That’s about as close to God as you can get,” Randy added. Randy is also the head road cap-tain for the chapter. “Chapter rides

are different,’ Michelle says. “They’re short; they’re fun, and the best ones are where you go to the best places to eat.”

“Randy is always out there talking to someone about Black Dia-mond,” she adds.

“Well, it’s easy to try to help them out because they’re so good to us,” Randy says. “Anytime that I ever send someone there, it seems like they give them a really good deal. We’re kind of like one big family.” “The next thing I need to get now is a sidecar. That will be my stroller for Amelia,” he says referring to their first grandchild due later this month. “Amelia may not be riding in that sidecar,” Michelle laughs. “Maybe she’ll get a ride when she’s five or six.”“Ahh probably two or three,” Randy says.

Harley lovers –it’s just one big happy family.

IN THE H.O.G HEADLIGHT

(Photo by Michael A. Thomas)


NOTE: Membership in NATIONAL H.O.G. is required before youcan become a member of any H.O.G. Chapter. Details at:www.members.hog.com

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“Home of the Mayberry Squad Car”

• Late Model Auto Salvage• Nationwide Parts Locator• New, Used, & Rebuilt Parts• New Tires

4319 State Hwy, 37 NWest Frankfort, IL 62896

(618) 932-3083Fax (618) 932-2459

1-800-241-7278


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The Great Boars Of Fire lodge is ideal for anyspecial occasion. This beautiful banquet facilityis nestled in the Shawnee National Forest ofSouthern Illinois.

The outside of our lodge is naturally surround-ed by trees. We have enhanced the beauty ofour front walkway with a unique copperFountain handmade by local artist "Rainmaker".

The rustic appearance of The Lodge is carriedover once you enter, but with more style andclass. Our wood finished vaulted ceiling is com-plimented by marble tiled flooring.

Our main room seats 300 people comfortably.As part of our complete catering service, ourmain room has a full service bar. The beautifulhand made solid oak bar is overlooked by a bal-cony.

The Boars Nest, as we call it, is our upper levelwith adjoining rooms. With a balcony over look-ing the main room, the two rooms are perfect forparties from 10 to 100 people. This cozy atmos-phere welcomes you with hand painted faux fin-ishes and a darkmahogany bardesigned by localartist JessieWright.

• Five bed and breakfasts for executive lodging • High speed dsl capabilities at all locations

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