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

mechadise@thamesvalleyhog.org.uk

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:

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@

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@