YARRA VALLEY CHAPTER 9144 #LetsRide YVC HOG Inc....

YARRA VALLEY CHAPTER 9144 #LetsRide YVC HOG Inc. A0051885Y


Director Liam Harley

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Assistant Director Mark Drury

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TreasurerClaire Williamson

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MembershipAleks Zdraveski

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WebmasterMaree Pearce

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TBA

EditorGraeme Towart

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PhotographerDenise “Dee” Duncan

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SecretaryHelen “H” Dower

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Ringwood Dealer Principal – Joe Liotta

Head Road CaptainPaul Coward

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Activities OfficerZane Martin

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Ladies of HarleyJudy “Sparkles” McNaughton

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Safety & WelfareKerry “Kez” Jenkinson

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MerchandiseJulie Clarke

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HistorianDamien “Damo” Baker

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BBQ OfficerJohn “Cowboy” Clay

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PhotographerKen Meade

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From the Editors desk Pg 04Directors Report Pg 05Assistant Directors Report Pg 06Who’s Who @ Harley Heaven Pg 07Great Tasmanian Road Trip Pg 08#LetsRide Pg 12Yarra Valley Yarns Pg 15AGM Pg 17A minute with a member Pg 18Save these dates Pg 24

Don’t laugh!It IS that big!


When’s the next ride?Where are we going?

Generally these are the only questions that you care about as a HOG member – and so theyshould be as enjoying great rides and good friendships are the reason why we are HOG’s.

Yarra Valley offer a LOT of rides and social occasions in a year – but have you ever stoppedto think that these don’t “just happen”? This year the full committee has been meeting (asopposed to the sub-committee meetings that took place last year) and it has been a real eye-opener for me to see just how much work goes on ‘behind the scenes’ to ensure that things‘just happen’. There are a LOT of rules and considerations that have to be deliberatedbefore any changes are agreed upon – always with the over-riding principal being to makethings easier / better for YVCH members. Some recent improvements (that may have gonelargely unnoticed by most) are:• We now have ‘generic’ position email addresses that will allow improved communication and

recording of communication so whoever is in a position will have access to all previouscommunications. These email addresses are now listed on the Committee page here or onthe Website.

• With these generic ‘position’ emails also comes the ability to have a chapter ‘Dropbox’ sothat all documents / photos etc. can be stored centrally eliminating the possibility ofloosing our history. Hopefully this will be up and running in the near future.

• TeamApp now has the ability to process payments! If you do everything via your phone likeme this is fantastic as you can see an event and pay for it all in one go!

• Continued improvements to our Website to make it easier to navigate and more user-friendly for potential new members to join us.

Stay shiny-side upGraeme


Hi all,

As summer draws to an end I reflect back on the great trips and riding that I have been partof and hear others talk of. Sitting at Hepburn Springs Sunday morning of the Victorian HOGRally, looking out at the sky for what promises to be another great day of friendship andriding. Rallies are a melting pot of people, characters and personalities. Many share multipleconnections, interest and similarities. Sometimes it is just that they also ride a Harley sowe give them a nod and accept them into our fold. We chat, laugh, dance and sing.

Thank you to all those who attended our AGM, I think I covered all the key items andapologies if I missed any bits or any one. I would like to call out a special thank you to DavidPoyser who attended as our Victorian Regional Director. His support of myself, thecommittee and the whole chapter enables us a voice back to HOG Australia.

If you want to look for happiness then we can and will keep supplying the ingredients, onlyyou can choose the level at which you take part and enjoy life.

We have some great events coming up in the next few months, which you will read moreabout in this tailpipe, emails, TeamApp, Text message and carrier pigeon.

Liam Harley

DirectorGroovy baby!


Hello,

Well the Tassie Trip has come & gone and was a huge success. While you can read more aboutthe trip elsewhere in this issue, I just want to give a big shout out for all our members whocame along for the ride - you were fantastic! As our time lines were tight it required that allriders were organised and ready to leave by set times and everybody was on the money. Youmade it so easy for me that I would travel with you all again in a minute. Thanks for making ita great trip.

So what’s next?

In March 2018 I am in the early stages of planning for a Yarra Valley Hog trip to NewZealand for the New Zealand National Rally (Iron Run). At this stage I am thinking there willbe 2 options - but with choices within the options.

Option 1Would be a 4 day trip to just do the New Zealand National Rally using a hire car. We couldfollow the same routes a short distance behind the bikes. Then there is the option of hiringHarley Davidsons. Steve Camm has been talking to Eagle Rider NZ who have bikes availablefor the rally at the cost of approximately $1000 for 3 days. Bikes are expensive to hire inNZ.

Option 2Would be the same as option 1 but we would stay an extra 6 days and do some touring of theNew Zealand from hire cars. I am working with Zane our activities officer and kiwi expat onwhere to go and what to do.

Rough costs.Air Fares to New Zealand are approximately $600 return. Rally Entry probably $200.Accommodation $120 a night. Plus sharing the cost of car hire. If you do option 1 the costcould be quite reasonable. Similar to the Tassie trip this promises to be an event not to bemissed and no doubt we will be talking about it years later. At our next chew and chat I willbe calling for expressions of interest and once I have idea of numbers I will start someserious planning and negotiations. So start saving your dollars and booking your leave for NewZealand 2018.

Yours in ridingMark DruryAssistant Director


Pia

Position: Merchandising and Motor-clothes specialistDo you ride? Bike(s)?: Yes – 2016 Low Rider FXDLWhat do you like most about your job? Living the dream! I have worked in fashion all my life as a designer and stylist and at HH I can combine both my passions (Harley’s & Fashion)What do you like least about your job? Not enough time to ride as much as I would like to.Married or Single: Riding soloChildren: 2 x Boys (27 & 30)Hobbies: Riding motorcycles / walking in natureLikes: Seizing the day! Wind in my face / sun on my back.Dislikes: Arrogance / big egos / housework4 Ultimate dinner-party guests: Stevie Ray Vaughan

The Dalai LamaBonnie RaittWillie G. Davidson

Favorite Food: Eye Fillet Steak & BroccoliFavorite Beverage: Gin & Tonic


INSPIRATION

It is not hard to be inspired when you think of Tasmania and motorcycle riding. It is as if Tasmaniawas created with motorcycle riders in mind. There are few places in the world where you can getscenery consisting of rain forests, mountain peaks and spectacular beach & bay views, all linked bywell-maintained roads. As well as that there is minimal road traffic and it’s all contained within smalltravelling distances. On the motorcycle, you crest a hill and you get a view of a sleepy fishing villagesurrounded by blue sea and you think that is an awesome view and it doesn’t get better than that. Yet,you travel over the next hill and it does. Tasmania is truly breathtaking from the seat of a HarleyDavidson Motorcycle.

The true inspiration for me came from doing the T.A.S Hog’s ‘No Rally-Rally’ in Feb 2016. This was arolling rally through parts of central and the East coast of Tasmania. I enjoyed everything about therally, from the boat trip over to the infectious hospitality of Tasmania’s H.O.G chapter, whobefriended me and made me feel very welcome.

The aim of this article is to not only inspire other H.O.G. chapters to undertake a club ride toTasmania, but to give an insight to the organisation & approximate costings of such a trip.

FROM A SMALL SEED A TREE GROWS

David & Sue Poyser, who travelled back with me on the Spirit of Tasmania after the TAS Rally,commented on how quiet I was coming home. I was deep in thought about how I could replicate mywonderful experience with my own Chapter. After all, Tasmania was too good to keep to myself.Our journey started off by getting the support of our then Director, Harry Braaks and his lovely wifeLinda (Activities Officer). This took about 5 seconds, as at the first proposal they were immediatelyon board. The next step was getting expressions of interest which was done at our March chew andchat and approximately 17 persons signed up immediately.

Contacting the Spirit of Tasmania was next and to get the group discount we needed to book as aChapter. The cost as a group booking was (approx.) $386 per person return with an inside 4 sharecabin and $120 dollars for the bike, making the cost of a couple and bike at $892 return and a singlebike & rider at approximately $500. This is seasonal and will change subject to the dates of travel andprice increases.

The next step was to gain an idea of accommodation availability and costs. It is important to bookaccommodation early, as coaches routinely book out whole motels in the summer months. To keep costsdown and to make the trip available to the majority of members, it was decided to do a 3 day tripleaving Thursday night and returning Monday morning. The Spirit of Tasmania (SOT) leaves Melbourneat 7.30 pm Thursday night and arrives at Devonport at 6.30 am Friday morning. The SOT leavesDevonport at approx. 7.30pm on Sunday night and arrives in Melbourne at 6.30 am Monday morning,meaning that for the majority of people it is only one day’s pay lost or as in my case it was the greatAustralian tradition of a sick day (Sorry Boss). We stayed at the Best Western in Bicheno & PortArthur Inn at Port Arthur. Upon booking as a group the SOT will ask for a non-refundable deposit(about 10%) with the balance paid prior to sailing.(continued…)


AND WE’RE OFF!!!

The next part is departure and for us this was a no hassles affair. I showed our E-ticket andwe were straight on board. However, it is important to allow plenty of time as the SOT willnot allow vehicles to board within the last 45 minutes prior to sailing and if you miss the boatthere is not another until the next day. Melbourne’s traffic can also be unpredictable and theloading times are roughly during Melbourne’s peak hour. So again, allow plenty of time to getthere. Once on board, there is plenty to do with comfortable lounges and good food whichallows plenty of time for chapter bonding. The views as the boat cruises up Port Phillip Bayare also worthwhile. Given that we were sharing cabins, I matched persons for compatibilityand the rest were thrown into the bachelor cabin, which had very concerning noises andsmells coming from it throughout the night of sailing.

The next morning at 6.30am we had 22 very excited YVCH members unload at Devonportwhere we were met by the Director of TAS Hog (Mick King) who took us to his home andprovided us with a lavish bacon & egg breakfast, cooked by his wife, Donna and fellowChapter member Craig. His dog Mara provided a personal meet and greet with a lick foranybody within licking range. Mick then acted as our local area guide and took us to theirsponsoring dealer Richardson’s Harley Davidson at Launceston. For those that have not beento Richardson’s Harley Davidson, I can thoroughly recommend it, as there is a bar & grill nextto the Dealer and a Harley museum upstairs. After the obligatory T-shirt purchases we saidthanks to Mick King and headed off to Scottsdale for lunch on our way to the East Coasttown of Bicheno where we were booked in for the night.(continued…)


The road to Scottsdale is through beautiful mountainous rain forest country with windy roadsand views down to the plains below. The CVO 110 motor was made for this riding, pullingstrongly out of the corners and I gave it plenty with a couple of our members close behind allenjoying the windy roads. Lunch at Scottsdale consisted of a Tasmanian delicacy - a Scalloppie. Tasmania has some of the best scallops in the world coming from its pristine waters andas a result, to a sea food lover like me, their Tasmanian Scallop pies are to die for.

After leaving Scottsdale the road started to straighten out as we made our way to the EastCoast with a short break at St Helens, a coastal town. From St Helens to Bicheno the TasmanHighway hugs the East Coast of Tasmania and is gently undulating and as you crest a hill youare rewarded with ocean views and lungs full of clean Tasmanian air. In fact, now is a goodtime to mention just how clean and pristine Tasmania is. The local population are proud oftheir island home and the towns and beaches are always clean. Bicheno is a very quaint fishingvillage with a prominent hilly knob feature on the outskirts of town within walking distance,upon which there is easy walking track and various viewing areas. From here the views of thetown are panoramic and world class. Seals can be seen on the rocks from here. Take the timeto do the walk people, it is worth it. That was 420 Kms of top class riding for the day.

After a good night’s sleep, we had a late departure of 10.00 am, which allowed a sleep-in forthe guys from the bachelor room on the ferry who were each blaming the other for loudlysnoring and keeping the rest awake. With a great weather forecast our next stop wasRichmond and the road between Bicheno & Richmond is world class with endless sea views,each better than the last. Richmond is a very touristy town which has not changed much fromthe 50’s; with the claim to fame of having the oldest still functioning bridge in Australia.After browsing the various boutique type shops in Richmond and a group photo at Australia’soldest bridge, we were off to Port Arthur via local attractions such as Tasman’s Arch, Theblowhole and Devil’s Kitchen, which were all worth stopping at.

After a relaxed ride of 340k’s for the day we pulled into our overnight stop at the PortArthur Inn where a number of our members immediately booked the ghost tour for thatnight at the Port Arthur Penal settlement. The Port Arthur Inn overlooks the Port Arthurruins and it was an easy walk down to the Ghost Tour departure point. The cost of the GhostTour being $25.(continued…)


Sunday the 26th had us leaving the Port Arthur Inn at 7.30 am in time for a 9.00am hook upat Sorrell with TasHog members leaving from Hobart. With approximately 30 bikes we nowheaded for a meet up with the Launceston members of TasHog at the Ringwood Hotel via theMidland Highway. Along the way we stopped at some sizable rock sculptures planted in theground with bronze plaques attached, representing Tassie animals which made great viewing.At the Ringwood Hotel we then hooked up with the rest of Tassie HOG including my matesfrom the rolling rally Mick King, Cath Mainbridge and later Paul Kilby, where it was good tohave a chat. Our group now numbering in excess of 50 bikes then left for the Tas Hog clubhouse where a sumptuous lunch was provided for us with refreshments. Having filled ourstomachs we then had a guided tour of Launceston and Devonport, which also included somefurther hospitality in one of the best man caves, named the ‘Goat Shed’, I have ever seen,before getting on the boat for the trip back to Melbourne. By this time we had travelled1200 K’s for the weekend and we were stuffed. Most of us except for the bachelor cabinboys slept like logs and do not remember much until docking in Melbourne.

The funniest thing that occurred on the weekend was when Cowboy on his new Road Glide(Iris) was pulled over by the police and given a lecture. Not for the usual issues of exhaustnoise or speeding but for the crap country music he insisted on playing on his bike’s stereothroughout the trip. Lucky for Cowboy they let him off with a warning; however, as theydidn’t confiscate his memory stick I had to put up with his crap music all the way to the boat.

This was some of the best riding I have ever done. TasHog went above and beyond with theirhospitality and their company made the weekend very special for us. To me this comraderybetween the Chapters made the weekend an unforgettable event and it is what being amember of HOG is all about.

Mark

Day Two

Day One

Day Three


1st February – Twilight Ride 4th February – New Members RideEltham Pub Yarra GlenRC = Paul N / 31 Hard Riders & 4 Hard Arses RC = Mark / 25 Hard Riders & 4 Hard Arses

5th February – LOH & OzHOG Ride 12th February – Monthly RideYarra Glen Markets Lake EildonRC = Judy / 18 Hard Riders & 5 Hard Arses RC = Liam / 09 Hard Riders & 0.5 Hard Arses

15th February – Twilight Ride 18th February – Blue Balloon RideSt Andrews Pub OzHOGRC = Paul N / 36 Hard Riders & 6 Hard Arses RC = Gary / 16 Hard Riders & 4 Hard Arses


22nd February – Twilight Ride 4th March – New Members RideEasy’s Burger Joint WarburtonRC = Damo / 31 Hard Riders & 6 Hard Arses RC = Kez / 24 Hard Riders & 2 Hard Arses

5th March – OzHOG Dice Run 15th March – Twilight RideEchuca Pine Grove HotelRC = Paul / 12 Hard Riders & 1 Hard Arse RC = Harry / 30 Hard Riders & 5 Hard Arses

18th March – BBQ Ride 18th March – Black Dog RideTurners Bakehouse Mernda WangarattaRC = Paul N / 16 Hard Riders & 4 Hard Arses RC = Judy / 8 Hard Riders


19th March – Herb & Chilli Festival 22nd March – Twilight RideWandin York on Lilydale HotelRC = Zane / 12 Hard Riders & 2 Hard Arses RC = Stephen / 23 Hard Riders & 2 Hard Arses

26th March – Extra Ride 29th March – TasHOG Ride#1Philip Island Warragul to HealsvilleRC = Joyride / 21 Hard Riders & 1 Hard Arses RC = Mark / 8 Hard Riders & 2 Hard Arses

29th March – Twilight Ride 30th March – TasHOG Ride#2Yarra Glen Healesville to MelbourneRC = Liam / 22 Hard Riders & 4 Hard Arses RC = Mark / 4 Hard Riders


With still no Chapter history pre 2016 (come on people send me SOMETHING!), I have beenasked to present a report of the Victorian State Rally that occurred at Hepburn Springsduring March …I guess an event that occurred last month could be sort of classed as“historic”….??

Around 150 hardy bikers braved the elements to camp around the Hepburn SpringsRecreational Oval in rigs ranging from modern caravans and big yellow buses to modest tentset ups and biker swags. Yarra Valley HOG claimed a small corner of paradise as our own, andafter kicking away the piles of kangaroo poo declared, “This is a place for a village”.

After everyone had set up their own piece of tent city luxury, it was around beer o’clockwhen the party kicked off. A seven piece band was playing some great rock covers on theoval from the back of a curtain sided truck. The drinks were flowing (in moderation) on thiswarm summer evening and people were having a great time dancing the night away. Later onthis brave Historian had to rescue an ex-Treasurer from the grips of the Dan Hog cocktailtent, but mysteriously seemed to lose his pants somewhere between there, and the safety ofthe sleeping bag.

Next morning my pants were discovered outside the tent with mobile phone and wallet stilltucked in the pocket, but as yet not much memory of how they got there. Must have been agood night!?! We were joined by some day-tripping members and others that had chosenAirbnb and local B & B’s for their weekend accommodation. Plans of attack were formed andwe went our separate ways for the organised Rally ride, some ferocious shopping in nearbyDaylesford and a mind clearing walk up to the shops for a latte in a trendy café. Saturdaynight was themed “70’s Glory Days” and party goers were encouraged to dress for the part.After we had a buffet style dinner in the local footy clubrooms all the announcements weremade. A few YVCH members received prizes for the show & shine held earlier in the day andthe party tried to kick off …but with two Blues bands playing (both with very talentedmusicians) the party kind of fizzled and most wandered off to bed for an early night.(continued…)


After a refreshing rain shower overnight (courtesy of the footy clubs sprinkler system) thecamp woke looking forward to the traditional Thunder Run and Gymkhana day. YVCH wasjoined by more members that had set out early from home to be part of the festivities. Weenjoyed a great Thunder Run through the scenic local country area and even had to slow downfor a herd of sheep on the road …I’m sure they weren’t there on the pre-ride? The ride hada small break in the country town of Clunes, which is famous for the biker nomads’ scene inthe original Mad Max movie. This Historian thought Clunes was AWESOME! We gotseparated from the Thunder Run here as (unofficial) Assistant Historian Liz, found a lollyshop that just had to be investigated further. The trusty Harley Davidson GPS found its wayback to Daylesford where Liz and I had lunch and then returned to the Rally site and joinedin the fun of the Games.

The Gymkhana organizers had done well setting up a Slow Ride, Barrel Roll, HD JoustingChallenge (not as violent as it sounds) and Human Centipede (the game, not the movie eewww).We didn’t manage to bag any prizes but an ex-Director was a close runner up. H laterdeclared that coming second was the story of his life. The third and final night had a DJ onthe stage that played a lot of old favourite rock music that at least had people up anddancing again.

Day four was the dreaded pack up and ride home day. We wished each other safe travels andmade our way home to our regular civilian lives, and looking forward to more great HOGRallies.

Cheers - Damo


Name: Richard McKellarNickname: SleprHarley: 2010 Softail DeluxeJoined YVC HOG: 2015Married or Single: Married to KimChildren: 2 Daughters (Madeline 22 & Isabelle 19)Profession: Graphic Designer (Brochures)Hobbies: Bikes & Cars (Morris Minor Garage @ Harcourt)Bucket-list ride: Around Oz on a HarleySports Team Followed: Richmond Tigers AFLLikes: Harleys / Classic Cars / BandsDislikes: Rainy Days4 Ultimate dinner-party guests: Stevie Nicks

Mick FleetwoodRod Stewart

Favorite Food: Parma and a beerFavorite Drink: Coffee and a beer (at the same time!)

Name: Lazlo BorosNickname: LazHarley: FXST Soft TailJoined YVC HOG: 2012Married or Single: SingleChildren: 3 DaughtersProfession: Hydraulics EngineerHobbies: Motorbike riding / SailingBucket-list ride: Around AustraliaSports Team Followed: North Melbourne Kangaroos AFLLikes: Rock n Roll bandsDislikes: Getting up on Mondays!4 Ultimate dinner-party guests: Van Morrison

Bellamy BrothersBrooks & Dunn

Favorite Food: Fillet Steak & VeggiesFavorite Drink: Beer, Wine …anything alcoholic


yvchog.teamapp.comYarra Valley Chapter HOG Members

Yarra Valley Chapter HOG Open Rides

www.yvchog.com.au

Keep up on all the news, pictures and upcoming

events on our facebook, Team App or Web pages!

April:Saturday 1st New Members Ride - Harley Heaven Ringwood @ 10:30amSunday 2nd Harley focussed HART Rider TrainingSaturday 8th Motorcycle Racing at WintonSunday 9th Monthly Ride – Harley Heaven Ringwood @ 9:30amWednesday 12th Chew & Chat – Maroondah Sports Club from 6:00pmSaturday 15th BBQ Ride - Harley Heaven Ringwood @ 12:30pmWeekend 22nd – 23rd Overnighter to HarrietvilleApril 28th – May 1st NT Rally @ Alice Springs (Alice Springs HOG)

May:Saturday 6th New Members Ride – Harley Heaven Ringwood @ 10:30amWednesday 10th Chew & Chat – Maroondah Sports Club from 6:00pmSunday 14th Monthly Ride - Harley Heaven Ringwood @ 9:30amSaturday 20th BBQ Ride - Harley Heaven Ringwood @ 12:30pmSaturday 20th Red Faces @ Wodonga (Kelly Country HOG)

Later:July 22nd ‘Christmas in July’ @ Pig & Whistle OlindaSept. 08th – 10th NSW?ACT State Rally @ Moree (Big Sky HOG)Sept. 29th – Oct 2nd SA State Rally @ Mount Gambier (Bayside HOG)Oct. 22nd MotoGP @ Phillip IslandOct. 24th – 25th HOT Training in WollongongOct. 27th – 29th Harley Days in WollongongNov. 12th YVCH POKER RUNMarch 23rd – 25th 2018 Vic State Rally @ Bendigo (Central Vic HOG)

YARRA VALLEY CHAPTER 9144 #LetsRide YVC HOG Inc....

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Transcript of YARRA VALLEY CHAPTER 9144 #LetsRide YVC HOG Inc....