Sponsoring dealer: Gateshead Harley-Davidson - HOG Geordie Chapter

Page created by Scott Schultz
 
CONTINUE READING
Sponsoring dealer: Gateshead Harley-Davidson - HOG Geordie Chapter
THE SPROCKET 2021, summer
GEORDIE CHAPTER #9721

sponsoring dealer: Gateshead Harley-Davidson
Sponsoring dealer: Gateshead Harley-Davidson - HOG Geordie Chapter
Welcome to the summer edition of

 The Sprocket
THE SPROCKET 2021, summer

 What's in this issue:
GEORDIE CHAPTER #9721

 Barry says ...
 Letter from the Editor
 Head Road Captain
 Merchandise Officer
 Historian - all our yesteryears!
 Newbie Ride
 Activities and Events
 Ladies of Harley
 Opus Focus
 Indigestion Challenge
 Heart ‘n’ Soul Rally
 Seasoned campaigners … !
 Snowdonia Wild Hogs
 Florida tales
 Pizza or pasta ...
 HAMC Poker Run
 Blast from the Past
 Geordie Chapter website
 Unity Ride
 Wordsearch
 Last words
 Thanks to Chris Neal for the cover photo!
Sponsoring dealer: Gateshead Harley-Davidson - HOG Geordie Chapter
The Sprocket 2021, summer

Barry says …
Hello everyone, welcome to the second edition of our newsletter for 2021!
When I sit back and think about the Chapter, I often think about the past, the
great times I have experienced with you all – both on the road and at social
events – and then I look forward and wonder what the future will hold for us all.
My priority has always been you, our members, because without you this Chapter
would not exist. I still get excited that through these difficult times we are still
managing to attract new members into our group. As I write this I’m pleased to say
that number is 27. That alone tells me we are still heading in the right direction. The
camaraderie in our Chapter is on a very high level and that keeps me happy!
Like I said in the previous newsletter, 2020 and the first part of 2021 has been the
most challenging for me and the Committee but we can at last, I hope, finally see
some sort of easing with the restrictions that we have to follow. However, we must
still continue to act in a responsible manner to limit and stem the spread of this virus
within our Chapter and our H.O.G. community.
We are now beginning to see some of the hard work that has gone on in the
background, with various events taking place, and (always a pleasing sight for
me) the beginning of the New Members’ rides.
I am hopeful that our next Chapter meeting in July will be held back at Nissan and
as it’s our first for a long time you know what that means … pie and peas!! ;-)
I’m very hopeful that the Heart ‘n’ Soul rally will be able to go ahead as the
restrictions are lifted. Trying to satisfy North Tyneside Council has been a
horrendous task for both me and Dawn but, deep down, I can appreciate their
concerns. Your safety and the safety of all those attending is paramount.
I hope you are enjoying taking part in the A to Z Challenge and taking those
photos at the various locations.
I would like you to take the time to get involved with the Great Relay 21 Unity ride
that our Chapter has been so heavily involved in. The date for our involvement on
the Unity Ride begins on Friday, 13 August. We will meet up with Aire Valley
Chapter – we are planning a photo shoot at the Angel of the North before the
official hand over of the baton and Pan America bikes at Gateshead Harley-
Davidson. On Saturday, 14 August, we head up to Edinburgh Harley-Davidson
meeting up with Dunedin Chapter. There will be more details to follow.
Whatever you do, make the rest of 2021 one to remember!
Stay safe everyone. Barry

NB: all events listed in The Sprocket may change due to ongoing restrictions – we’ll
keep in touch, as far as possible.

1
Sponsoring dealer: Gateshead Harley-Davidson - HOG Geordie Chapter
The Sprocket 2021, summer

Letter from the Editor
 I’m very pleased that the first edition of The Sprocket was well
 received across Geordie Chapter. I really enjoyed doing it
 and I think we got a good mix of articles, features and
 pictures in. In fact, I liked it so much, I decided to do another
 one: here’s your summer edition!
 Unfortunately, Monday won't bring about the end to COVID-
 19 lockdown restrictions that we’ve all been looking forward
 to. However, my wife and I have been scooting about on our
 trike as earlier restrictions have been lifted and we have
 enjoyed an outside pint or two at our local, The Lochside,
 when we've got back from our travels. I hope that you’ve all
 enjoyed something similar wherever you are. Fingers crossed
 that there will be no resurgence of the pandemic and we
 can all get back to normal – maybe some of us will have a
 new normal.
 It’s great to see pictures of everyone’s outings, ride-outs and
 bimbles on Facebook – if anyone would like to share these
 with me, I’ll happily get them into The Sprocket for everyone
 to read. I know that quite a number of Chapter members
don’t use Facebook, so this is a good way of spreading our stories and pictures.
We’ve already got some great stories in this edition! I've also been sending out a
number of emails recently, especially with content from Jimmy and Simon, so that
we reach as many people as possible with our messages.
It looks like Harley-Davidson has been very busy getting things moving with the
Pan-America bike. I know that a number of our Road Crew went down to Dunston
to have a look at it recently when it landed for a sneak preview. It sounds like
opinions vary on its look. You can follow the progress of the Unity Ride, which
features the Pan-America bike – there are
more details of the ride in this issue.
I had an operation on my foot at the
beginning of May, which means no triking for
me for a couple of months. Hopefully, I’ll be
able to join some of the rides planned for late
July – looking forward to it! COVID-dependent,
of course. There’s something planned for every
weekend in July!
If you have something and would like to see it
in print, drop me a line: editor@geordiehog.com. Comments are always welcome.
I hope to see you all soon. Cheers, Robin

2
Sponsoring dealer: Gateshead Harley-Davidson - HOG Geordie Chapter
The Sprocket 2021, summer

Other Photo 1

3
Sponsoring dealer: Gateshead Harley-Davidson - HOG Geordie Chapter
The Sprocket 2021, summer

Head Road Captain
If you haven’t already blown off the COVID cobwebs, here is the perfect chance
to do just that. On Sunday 27 June, we host our first official Chapter ride-out of
2021. The ride is led and marshalled by the Geordie Chapter Road Crew.
Our destination is Hawick. (TD9 9LF)
The ride will leave from Seaton Burn Services (NE13 6BP) at 10.30 am prompt.
Please arrive in plenty of time to refuel, go to the toilet and have a coffee before
ride briefing at 10.10 am.
Please note: H.O.G. rules state that anyone not attending the briefing should not
attend the ride (this rule applies to all official chapter rides).
After we leave Seaton Burn, we pass through Ponteland and head up the A696,
then A68 to Carter Bar. Just after Carter Bar, we take the A6088 toward Hawick.
Here, we will have a lunch break with plenty of time to re-fuel, if required. We will
decide the actual duration of the stop in Hawick on the day.
After our break, we head out of Hawick towards Bonchester Bridge where we turn
for Kielder via Saughtree. We then head on through Bellingham and Wark to
Chollerford, where we pick up the Military Road to the ride end point at Heddon
on the Wall (NE15 OBQ).
There is another opportunity to re-fuel here before your journey home.
Summary: Seaton Burn to Hawick 64 miles. Hawick to Heddon 66 miles. Total ride
mileage is 130 miles.
The Road Crew has done several reccies for this ride: there is some fantastic
scenery and some great riding roads. Hope to see you all there. James

Merchandise Officer
Hi everyone!
Now that lockdown restrictions are hopefully being lifted and ride-outs hopefully
going ahead, I will be at Gateshead Harley-Davidson most Saturdays with our
fabulous Geordie Chapter merchandise.
I have loads of H.O.G. and GC items for you all to spend your hard-earned cash
on – I also have a huge range of personalised items, such as hoodies and patches.
Just let me know what you want and I’ll see about getting it for you.
See you all soon. Lyn

4
Sponsoring dealer: Gateshead Harley-Davidson - HOG Geordie Chapter
The Sprocket 2021, summer

Historian – all our yesteryears!
It was in 1903 that Mr Harley and the Davidson
brothers united to create a business that has
survived for more than 115 years. No other
company has had such a long and
uninterrupted motorcycle production run.
In 1983, the company launched the Harley
Owners Group. Following the establishment of
H.O.G., local chapters grew in conjunction with
local Harley-Davidson dealerships.
Currently, there are about 1,400 official HOG chapters around the world.
In 1997, the Geordie Chapter was formed, supported by Just Harleys in Morpeth,
and the Chapter began its journey. At that time the most popular Harleys were:
• Fat Boy £8,773
• Springer Softail £8,607
• Road King £9,414
• Dyna Low Rider £8,389
• Sportster £3,187 (XLH 883) to £4,975 (XL 1200S)
Other major events of the time included:
• The Roslin Institute in Edinburgh
 successfully cloned a sheep
• Deep Blue, the chess-playing
 computer, beat the chess world
 champion Garry Kasparov
• J. K. Rowling published the first book in
 the Harry Potter series
• Tony Blair becomes UK Prime minister
• Woolworths closes its remaining stores after 100 years of trading
• Lady Diana was killed in a car accident in Paris
On the sporting front:
• Mike Tyson bites Evander Holyfield's ear during a match and is suspended
 from boxing
• At the end of the 96/97 football season, Manchester United are champions
 with Newcastle united in second place. Sunderland and Middlesbrough are
 relegated!
• Lord Gyllene wins The Grand national at 14/1
• Jacques Villeneuve wins the Formula 1 championship driving a Williams

5
Sponsoring dealer: Gateshead Harley-Davidson - HOG Geordie Chapter
The Sprocket 2021, summer
• John Kocinski wins the world Super Bike championship riding a Honda RC45
• Tommi Mäkinen wins the World Rally Championship in a Mitsubishi Lancer
• Les Wallace won the world darts championship
General costs:
• A house in the North East costs around £55,000
• A pint of milk cost 35 pence
• A litre of petrol would set you back 58 pence
• A pint of beer was around £1.63 and twenty cigarettes were £2.94

How times have changed! Tony

6
Sponsoring dealer: Gateshead Harley-Davidson - HOG Geordie Chapter
The Sprocket 2021, summer

Newbie Ride
Here’s two great stories from new members who went on the Newbie ride …
Hi everyone, I'm John Lester and I joined Geordie Chapter in December 2020. The
Newbie Ride was my first time out with the Chapter. The ride was really well
organised: congratulations to all of the Road Crew for their hard work and keeping
everyone safe. The Safety Briefing beforehand was invaluable, especially for me -
a 68-year old solo rider.
The route was very enjoyable: through Edmundbyers. Crawleyside Bank, Stanhope
and Frosterley. It was good weather, with good scenery.
I chatted with a few folk during the pit stop. Sorry, I can't remember names but
look forward to catching up with them next time. I'm really looking forward to the
first official Chapter ride-out later in the month! John

7
Sponsoring dealer: Gateshead Harley-Davidson - HOG Geordie Chapter
The Sprocket 2021, summer
Hello all, I'm Pete Jackson. As a newbie to this group, I’ve been asked by the
GeordieHOG Editor to write a small piece for The Sprocket on the Newbie ride
which took place on the 5 June 2021.
 This was my first
 large(ish) ride-out as a
 Harley owner. Previously,
 I was on the dark side of
 motorbike ownership
 and rode a sports bike. I
 can already imagine
 the shaking of heads
 and mutterings taking
 place from the die-hard
 Harley owners …
We all met up at the Gateshead Harley-Davidson dealership (any freebies for the
plug gratefully accepted) on what must have been the best day weather-wise of
the year so far.
Being new to the Chapter and riding in a large group,
I’d be lying if I said I wasn't nervous and excited about
what lay ahead but that soon disappeared as I got
 talking to people. My first
 impression was of how much
 pre-planning and organising
 the Road Crew had put into
 to the ride – this never
 happened at sports bike gatherings. First of all, a safety
 briefing was held detailing the dos and don'ts for the
 ride: again this was new to me and was reassuring as to
 the level of professionalism of the group.
 Right, this is where it gets blurry around the edges with
 regards to the route and who I rode with. Being new to
 the area, I’m not familiar with names and places but
 thankfully I did take a picture of the route. All I remember
is we set off from the Gateshead Harley-Davidson dealership (second plug) and
several hours later after riding through some stunning countryside and pretty
villages, we all returned back at the starting point safe and sound. It can only be
described as a brilliant ride with a great group of people.
I want to end this piece by thanking all the organisers, Road Crew and fellow riders
for making it a very enjoyable ride-out and I look forward to taking part in many
more to come (if I’m invited !). Pete

Thanks to John and Pete for their stories, and welcome to Geordie Chapter!

8
The Sprocket 2021, summer

Activities and Events
+++

9
The Sprocket 2021, summer

10
The Sprocket 2021, summer

11
The Sprocket 2021, summer

Ladies of Harley
Saturday, 1 May marked International Female Ride Day, a global movement and
ride day for woman motorcyclists. Their mission is to build awareness of female
motorcyclists and to encourage more women to take up the sport.
Geordie Chapter promotes this mission too and can proudly say that our
membership stands at 69 Ladies of Harley, with over 20 female riders.
 Though we do ride mostly with the men as a
 Chapter, what better way to support this
 day than to encourage our L.O.H. riders to
 join us? Dawn was up for it as was Joanne
 and we planned a route. We met up at
 Gateshead Harley-Davidson, waving off the
 guys who went out on a recce ride ready for
 when the current restrictions will allow us to
 ride again as a group.
 We had a quick coffee and photo before
 we left Gateshead heading north. It wasn’t
long before we left the A1 and got on some minor roads experiencing everything
the weather and the road conditions could throw at us! We had rain, hail, sleet
and some glorious sunshine with lots of gravel, potholes and animal dung. Just the
norm really!
As we headed further north, the
scenery was stunning. It wasn’t long
before we left England and entered
Scotland. Our planned lunch stop
was at Kelso just on the Scottish
Borders. We parked up in the square
and grabbed a long bench to seat
the three of us. We had packed a
lunch each but we all needed a
coffee. To our surprise, the coffee
shop we went to for our takeaway
drinks was full of seated guests – we
hadn’t realised that Scottish
restrictions allowed indoor eating. It
was a strange but welcoming sight.
We left Kelso in brilliant sunshine and headed back south: the country roads still
surprisingly quiet of traffic but the fields full of spring lambs. A fabulous day!

12
The Sprocket 2021, summer

Next year’s date is already scheduled: Saturday 7 May 2022. So, get it in your
diaries girls and please come along and join us! #justride Trish

13
The Sprocket 2021, summer

Opus Focus
Here’s a note from James Adams, General Manager at Gateshead Harley-
Davidson:
Hello all,
The Pan America has arrived at Gateshead Harley-
Davidson!
We have seen the VIP tour grand reveal of the new model
as well as the test ride event both of which were huge
successes!
This bike has been built to make noise and rock the adventure touring market, and
it absolutely has not failed in doing that. We have a demonstrator model currently
available to take out and have a display bike arriving in July. This will allow you to
look at all details of the bike up close and personal!
The first customer-sold bikes are being despatched to the dealers this month. As of
this week, we have over 200 customer-sold orders in the bag, and it’s trending to
become the UK‘s best-selling H-D model in 2021.

The industry first adaptive ride height feature has really drawn customer interest,
and for many overcoming the mind-set that Adventure Tourer bikes are simply too
tall and not suitable for them.

14
The Sprocket 2021, summer
In true Harley-Davidson fashion, you can speak to our parts department about the
customisation for your new Pan America, and to our clothing department for the
new adventure touring riding gear made by Harley-Davidson® Rev it!

The Birthday Bash is back!
Join us on 31 July for our Birthday Bash! We are back and ready to celebrate. This
year will be our fifth birthday and we can’t tell you how excited we are to mark
the occasion, with one of our famous birthday bashes!
You can expect the usual BBQ, band and great offers along with other fantastic
entertainment and activity surprises, local businesses and donuts!!
Keep an eye on our social media pages ahead of the party for announcements of
what we have in store for you!

15
The Sprocket 2021, summer
New for 2021 at Gateshead Harley-Davidson
Thinking of a weekend getaway? Or a once in a lifetime trip across Europe? Or an
extended test ride?
A Harley-Davidson Authorised Rental is the easiest way to
let you ride free and experience the unmistakable thrill of
what happens when a Harley-Davidson hits the open
road. James and team are excited to launch Authorised
Rentals at Gateshead Harley-Davidson.
The rental fleet currently includes five awesome
motorcycles that you can rent from three days.
This year has been very difficult for people to go abroad on holiday. However,
more people are discovering the great places that the UK has to offer. Staycations
have been a blessing for people who need to get away.
Harley-Davidson Authorised Rentals at Gateshead unlocks the chance for people
to get out and go on an adventure.
We have all got our fingers and toes crossed for our favourite European
destinations to make the green list. When this does eventually happen, you can
make the most of the Authorised Rental programme and take our motorcycle to
have the ride of its life.

 Street Glide Special

 Sport Glide

16
The Sprocket 2021, summer

 Heritage Classic 114

 Low Rider S

 Ultra Limited

• Already own a Harley? Take an extended test ride of a new model.
• Does it tick all the boxes?
• Going across the country but need more comfort? Take one of our Tourers!
• Use as a show piece at an event
• Feel like you need some extra power for the weekend? Rent one of ours.
• Prove to your non-Harley friends that these machines are incredible
• Friend visiting from overseas? Tell them the good news!

Pop into the dealership or give James and the team a call to discuss the T/Cs.

17
The Sprocket 2021, summer

Indigestion Challenge
Geordie Chapter had a fab day out, riding and eating across the North East, on 29
May. Simon reports …
This event came about after a few ideas were bandied around one night at a
Committee meeting (on Zoom). Involving pies and food, I thought about a pie trail
run or a Gregg’s-themed event (note: other pie shops are available). After some
vigorous head-scratching, I decided to make it into a non-led event where
everyone had to navigate around the area and collect points. Something like a
poker run, however I struggle with pontoon so that was out.
The day came, Saturday 29 May, with prizes ready, paperwork ready and marshals
installed at each waypoint. However, was the Chapter ready? … well, judging by
the confused faces reading the rules and thinking ‘where on earth are these
places’ the answer was no! So, I did a quick briefing and all teams and riding
groups were ready for the off!

With the sun shining, off they went like a pack of starving hounds hunting down the
elusive golden sausage. Well, I say off, except for one young lady (names again,
I’m useless at them: I think Daphne?) who rolled in after getting lost on the way to

18
The Sprocket 2021, summer
Dunston (this didn’t bode well) but she collected her sheets and she set off,
hunting the pack down.
The peace and quiet descended for a few hours with messages and calls from the
marshals advising of the various ravenous bodies, devouring baked goods all over
the north east of England. Special note to Head Road Captain, James Jobson,
who was obviously worried for my well-being and brought me a Gregg’s mince pie
to help keep my energy up.
Here are some pics from Corbridge:

Time
was ticking on and
soon I heard the distant rumble
of V-Twins and in rolled the first two back, Mark
Leadbitter and Terry Scott (aka Badger). I took the scorecards and off I went with
the massively complicated scoring and handicap system. At this point I graciously
received an ice-cream tub from Mark and a dodgy vegan sausage roll from
Badger (although his scoring was looking dubious: he had quiche!). Judging by the
amount of food and drink on the two scorecards, they had both taken this event
to heart and gut.
After a few minutes, another group landed back, Gary and Alan, who had kindly
led our new members from Plymouth around. Then it was a mass influx with some
highlights:
 • George and Jo had a massive pizza, sadly let down by poor pudding
 choice (frangipane, I even had to spellcheck it twice)
 • Several members seem to think a latte is coffee (it’s warm milk really)
 • Ray and Leslie, who offered me a bribe of a cookie (which I had to refuse
 having succumbed to many previous gifts of pastry based items)
At two o’clock, we were missing a few, led by Big Tony. In the past, he has earned
a reputation for directional infidelity and slap-dash time keeping. At two-fifteen, in

19
The Sprocket 2021, summer
they came. New and old members led astray by the legend of Big Tony. He tried
his best to bribe me with a lukewarm chicken bake (but I did take it home and eat
it later). Unfortunately, five minutes was all I could allow. Possibly ten but not fifteen.
I just hope his followers still speak to him: Big T would have won if he could tell the
time!
So with scoring done, the prize-giving was next:
 • First place went to Mark Jennings who had tried his hardest to obey the rules
 and not be swayed by wayward fruit-based goods
 • Spirit of the Event went to Mark and Badger who did all four venues, landed
 back first and tried their hardest to rid the north east of food
 • Last place (although there were no losers really) went to George and Jo: it
 was a great pizza choice but struggled after buying fruit-based frangipane

If I could, everybody would have got a prize for getting into the idea of the event
and having a good time. The atmosphere at Gateshead Harley-Davidson was
great with everyone having a laugh about what they had eaten and been up to. I
think this really summed up the day, everyone had a great day! For me, this was
about members new and old getting out and about, bumping into each other at
a few locations and having a good catch up whilst enjoying some food and drink.

20
The Sprocket 2021, summer
I wish I could name you all but I can’t cos I’m old with no memory: thanks to each
and every one of you for having a bash at something different … now what’s
next?!? Simon

Heart ‘n’ Soul Rally
+++

21
The Sprocket 2021, summer

22
The Sprocket 2021, summer

Seasoned campaigners … !
As some of you might know, Geordie Chapter is twenty-five years old next year.
Founded in 1997 from small beginnings in Morpeth. After a recent email from Tony
Brookes, I thought about an article focusing on people who have been in the
Chapter since that time or who are still riding well into their seventies. So, here’s a
piece written by seven Geordie Chapter members, including a few words from our
oldest member – Derek Twamley, at 78. Over to you all …

Frank Goodall
An Auld Timer’s Memoirs
Good day to all, my name is Frank Goodall
and I have been a member of GEORDIE
CHAPTER since its inception. Sometime in
early 1997 when JUST HARLEYS was based in
Stanners Industrial Estate, Morpeth. Dale
Robinson (first owner and partner of Just
Harleys) took five of us to the RISING SUN
pub in Morpeth and while there, he
informed the gathered ensemble we were
to start the Chapter and we were allocated various roles. I didn't want to be part
of it, BUT was persuaded to take a position of ROAD CAPTAIN – six founder
members in one go!!! Thus, the beginning of an ERA was born.
 I had bought a second-hand 883 Sportster hand-built
 custom at Just Harleys about two years before 1997
 and had it bored out to 1200 cc before riding solo to
 Malaga, Spain via return Portsmouth and the
 Santander ferry (no mobile phones or satnav then, just
 a paper road map and the spirit of adventure)
 returning three weeks later – some kind of ride and
 adventure that was.
 My first rally was
 Just Harleys’
 Heart and Soul
 at Clennell Hall
 – what a ball –
 bands on the
flat bed of an artic, a roaring camp and
bonfire and sitting on bales of hay all right
next to it. Health and Safety would have locked us up now-a-days. My second and
favourite rally was Thunder in the Glens (June 1997): I attended on my Sportster
and I have attended every year since (sad really I know and yes, I attended Perth
when the AULD Aviemore complex was flattened and the new complex rose from

23
The Sprocket 2021, summer
the rubble of the old (by my reckoning that's 23 years, as Carol my wife and I
attended last year, 2020). We were not alone up there, as there were many
GEORDIE CHAPTER members and lots of other Chapters represented, the date is
like a magnet and must-do every year for people country- and worldwide. Even
though there was no entertainment we still stayed over for four nights. We (Carol
and myself) and on occasion others love to get the North Shields ferry across to
Amsterdam and ride down to Harley-Davidson EURO FESTIVAL Port Grimaud
France. This is Carol’s favourite and my SECOND favourite (across the bay from St
Tropez) through different countries, different routes each time, we've seen some
beautiful places and countries.
 Our latest rally was the EUROPEAN RALLY at
 Cascais, Portugal, June 2019. Carol and I
 caught the North Shields ferry to Amsterdam
 and rode down to St Malmo, stopping over
 at Leon and Orleans and taking in the sights
 in and around St Malmo – we stopped over
 for two nights. On leaving, we were up
 bright and early to meet the ferry and fellow
 GEORDIE CHAPTER members Mark Jennings,
 Big Tony, Mandy and James Jobson and last
 but not least Mags (sorry Mags, I didn't
 catch your surname) and Allen Glasper.
 They say it's not the DESTINATION but the
 JOURNEY: in this case most DEFINITELY true.
 We met up and rode together through
 France and Spain and on to Portugal. The
 route was EXCELLENT plotted by James. I
 can't remember if I thanked James so if
you're reading this, thank you James.
All through from 1995 the bikes of choice have been my Candy Apple Red
Sportster, Black 1997 FATBOY, Black 2009 FATBOY, Black 2014 FATBOY and my latest
Wicked Denim Red STREET GLIDE SPECIAL.
I hope you enjoyed a very, very brief account of my GEORDIE CHAPTER
MEMBERSHIP YEARS. As a FOUNDER MEMBER, it's been a pleasure to WATCH it grow
and survive very difficult times and come through the other end shining bright. It's a
testament to all previous Committees right through to Road Crew, Directors and
others – too many to mention here – that the GEORDIE CHAPTER is STILL talked
about in glowing terms and welcomed in all the countries I've visited and makes
me PROUD when you see people’s faces when they are informed you are a
GEORDIE CHAPTER member.
p.s. one or two chapter pins is a good idea in my experience, as people invariably
ask for one. Frank

24
The Sprocket 2021, summer
As a treat, here’s a picture of Frank on his brand-new Fat Boy (1997) from Just
Harleys, as pictured in HOTT, back in the day.

Les Britton
Hi everyone, I’m Les Britton, 74 this year and a founder member of GEORDIE HOG.
I joined the chapter in 1997, three years after retiring from the Northumbria police
marine unit, where I worked for twenty-three years as a Sergeant. Prior to that, four
years on traffic in Durham Police, after leaving the navy.

I have been riding motorbikes for 62 years, my first bike at age 12 was a 197 cc
James. My current bike, which I have had since 1996, is an ex-New York police
Harley-Davidson, model FLHTP and 1340 cc. It was first registered in 1986, and has
43,000 miles on the clock. It still has all the police lights and sirens on it too.
Last year, due to several injuries (mainly from playing rugby for twenty-five years), I
found that I was having difficulty holding the bike up whilst stopping at lights etc. I
have had three operations on my knee, so I have fitted a Watsonion Grand Prix
sidecar. It seems to have cured the problem and CORA LOVES IT (Cora being the
golden Labrador). Pauline, the wife, likes it as well!

25
The Sprocket 2021, summer

I have ridden motorbikes all around the world – the most memorable being in
Canada, South Africa, on Route 66, Hawaii … and a week in Milwaukee in 2003 for
Harley’s 100th anniversary. I had a great time and spent a bloody fortune! Les

Duncan Callum
 I write this shortly after returning from my first bike
 ride of the year fresh out of COVID lockdown and
 the smile on my face is as broad as the smile I got
 from riding my first bike when I was 16 and still at
 school, and here I am now in my 75th year and still
 getting the same thrill.
 I love motorbike riding, in my early years I was out
 with friends on our motorbikes every day – riding to
 work in summer and winter – out for leisure rides to a
cafe on an evening and a blast to Brampton along the military road at weekends.
We were ardent followers of motorbike racing too, enjoying weekends at Oulton
Park, Mallory Park and annual trips to the Isle of Man for the TT – I even took Chris
there when she was pregnant with our first child.
Being married and having children put an end to my
bike days for a few years but I became hooked again
when my brother in law loaned me an early 60s
 Bonneville for
 a couple of
 months one
 summer, and
 I was hooked
 again and bought another bike - starting
 with a 500 Honda moving on to other
 bikes both big and small, I loved them all.
 My riding then was mainly solo riding - with
 friends and sometimes taking Chris pillion –
 until I got my first Harley.

26
The Sprocket 2021, summer
Harley ownership brought a whole new world of biking to both of us. Chris loved
my first Harley – a shiny 2006 anniversary Dyna, and she bought me a Chapter
membership as a Christmas present in 2007. This opened up a whole new life for us
where we found new friends who also loved Harleys. Our first weekend away with
the Chapter was a three-night trip to Perth which we loved, the bike rides were
great, despite a bit of rain, and the drink, music and dancing at night time was
great fun too. Since then we have enjoyed many trips away in groups both large
and small, and been to many rallies with friends in the Chapter including Bisley, The
Gathering, Cider Rally, Thunder in the Glens, Wake the Lakes, Iron Horse, Benelux
and Faaker See. The highlight of all was a 3,000 mile trip to USA with Hadrian Tours
led by John and Dot. We were with Barry and Trish, Mally and Jaqui, and Bev and
Ann, and we enjoyed far too many great memories to re-tell here – including
fabulous sights of Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Yellowstone, Sturgis, Rocky
Mountains National Park and some of the best bike riding there is. We had a really
fabulous time.
We had a bit of an accident in Barcelona in 2012
when on a biking holiday with Chapter friends
which left me in a wheelchair and on crutches
for a while. I will always be grateful to the
Chapter friends who helped and supported me
at that time. We could not bear to lose the life
we had with our bike friends and in the Chapter,
and as I could not ride a bike at that time, and it
was before Harley made trikes, we bought a new
Harley De-Luxe and had it converted to a trike
(with hand operated rear brake as my right leg was still in a frame) and we were
able to continue to enjoy our time in the Chapter, and trips away with friends. I
found a new skill in trike riding too, a different technique but the same feeling of
freedom and wind in your face I was able to enjoy being on the Road Crew while
on the trike, and felt a sense of achievement when I was the first trike rider to go
through the Harley Road Captain’s training
Around that time the Geordie Chapter was closed temporarily by the Harley
dealer at Silverlink and when it was re-opened the dealer stood down from the
role he had taken on as Chapter Director, and appointed me as treasurer and my
good friend Barry was elected as Director. The Chapter had moved on quite a bit
from then under Barry’s leadership, we went through a period of not having a
dealer after the Silverlink dealership closed, and with other committee members
we were able to ‘raise the phoenix from the ashes’ and again organise the Heart
and Soul Rally at a different venue of Percy Park. The rally turned out to be a
success, thanks to the hard work of Barry, Dawn and others, and the financial risk
of running a rally was converted to a success that helped put the Chapter on a
sound financial footing. I stepped down from the role of Treasurer in my fourth year
and returned to simply enjoy riding my trike / bike again rather than spend too

27
The Sprocket 2021, summer
much time taking care of the Chapter money and being involved in committee
work. Hats off to all who continue to do this on behalf of the Chapter.
 Now I just enjoy riding my bike. I’m solo
 again now, Chris decided she was getting
 too old for being a pillion a few years ago
 and I then swapped the trike for a bike
 again – and love it. I’m out whenever I can
 and on most weeks during the riding season
 I enjoy a midweek day out on the bike with
 a group of friends. It’s a bit like the ‘best of
 the summer wine’. I still enjoy longer rides
 too, a couple of years ago I rode the north
 Coast 500 with a few Chapter friends, and
had planned to ride the Wild Alantic Way in Ireland last year but had to cancel
because of COVID lockdown. Despite my ageing limbs and bodily creaks, riding
my bike brings the same smile to my face and the same exhilaration I felt from my
early years on a motorbike, and, better still, now I have a great bunch of Harley
friends to enjoy it with. Duncan

Gwyn Brooks
As you do …
My introduction to Harleys was all because of a phone call to a mate saying ‘think
I might buy a second hand Harley’, ‘don’t do that’ says Dave ‘I think I might have
one somewhere’ … ‘as you do!’
 As it turned out, he did – it was in a container at Hern
 Airport stuck right at the back with six mot certificates
 under the bike cover. It was a T-plate 1200 Sporty: talk
 about shake, rattle and roll but, hey, he even trailered
 it up here for me, ‘keep it as long as you like’ says
 Dave ‘I’m sailing the boat to the Med’ … ‘as you do!’
 I had the Sporty for over a year then returned it ‘cos I
 was hooked completely. I bought luxury, a 2004 883
 Low from a fellow riders club member: the comfort
 was unreal after the 1200. I joined HOG and the
 Chapter in 2005 ish. The problem with group riding on
 a Sporty is keeping up, and with a small tank you are
 always on the lookout for a petrol station. You get 90
 miles and start thinking ‘must get something bigger
soon’. So my very first visit to Newcastle Harley (loved the art work on the wall
outside) a wander round met Burt, Grant and Chris Higgins and fell for a Dyna Low
rider 1450. Deal done: 883 to 1450, flipping heck, tons more power and a much
bigger tank. So Chapter rides became a joy, Scotland for Haggis, Dunbar RNLI,
Aviemore for TTIG, plus my addiction for the North York Moors and trips to France.

28
The Sprocket 2021, summer
The Low was a bike I wish I had just kept but life ain't like that, so 40-odd thousand
miles later (2014 to be more precise) the Low went and a Switchback came on
board, 1690 now and hard bags (dead posh).
Bit of a love-hate relationship with the SB: cracking ten-day trip to France (with Ray
Smith and others) brilliant time just a great bike (but) out one day and the wheel
bearings went big time and I sort of lost confidence in it. So in 2017 bliss arrived in
the form of the Slim S: 1801cc and it restored my faith in Harleys. It will be my last
and I consider my best bike, I went to Holland with Chapter members to a HOG
rally riding with like-minded folk makes life so much simpler. Scottish 500 again with
Chapter members, now that was a very interesting ride. In all of this saga, the
Chapter has run alongside me in the background. But, as important are the friends
you make and keep along the way. Gwyn

Ray Hales
Hi everyone, my name is Ray Hales. I’m into my fourteenth year as a Chapter
member. I am currently a Road Captain on the Road Crew and have been for
about seven years.
 I previously served on the Committee
 for seven years as the Coalition Officer
 liaising with the Hells Angels and all
 other MCCs. I ride a 2018 Tri-Glide, this is
 my fourth trike since joining the
 Chapter, and my first was a Sportster
 883 converted by a company in
 Devon. I had it upgraded to a 1200 by
 Just Harleys from where I had bought it
 from. I kept this bike for about three
 years then bought a Street Glide trike
which had belonged to a past member. This bike had been converted by Colin
Appleyard in Keighley to a very high standard (who usually convert Honda
Goldwing trikes).
In 2014, we went to the Benelux rally in Larochette in Luxembourg and there was a
temporary showroom on site from Harley Davidson, Luxembourg.
They had one of the new Tri-Glides on show
and I was talking to the manager when he
asked me if I would like a demo ride so I
took the bike out for about an hour’s ride
and I was instantly hooked. The difference in
performance was amazing from my 1450 to
the new Rushmore 1690.
On my return to the UK, I happened to be in
the dealership on the Saturday morning
when Grant (the then manager) asked me if

29
The Sprocket 2021, summer
I wanted to do a deal on the new Tri-Glide. I had previously been considering
changing but nothing definite so after a bit of haggling I went ahead and did the
deal.
This bike took me to many rallies both here and abroad including a few of the
Benelux rallies but the best rally had to be the 115th anniversary of Harley-
Davidson. Eleven of us set sail from Newcastle to Amsterdam and then rode
through Holland and Germany, then into the Czech Republic and into Prague. This
had to be the best rally we had been to since Faaker See in Austria in 2010. We
had a great five days at the rally and then we rode to Bavaria to visit the ‘Eagles
Nest’, Hitler’s former mountain retreat. After that we rode into Austria and then
returned via Germany and Holland, visiting Arnhem and Oosterbeek to see the
Airborne museum and cemetery. We had also visited Hamelin to see the Pied
Piper and also had a trip to see Colditz Castle. This was a really memorable tour
with great friends. Two weeks of great riding and great laughs along the way.
I started riding bikes back in 1960 when I bought a Triumph Tiger Cub which was a
200cc. I then changed to a Triumph Twenty One which was then a big bike at
350cc and later changed it for another Triumph, this time a 500cc Speedtwin.
Later, I changed to a BSA 650 but details of that one have faded a bit in my
memory. I’m sure it was a Star but which model I can’t remember. I had a long
break from biking for differing reasons, two failed marriages being one of them but
that’s another story.
 In 2004, tragedy stuck when I lost my brother
 to cancer and six weeks later my father
 passed away. I was going through a lot of
 stress at work at the same time so things
 seemed pretty bleak. In 2006, I decided that
 life was too short so I bought myself a Suzuki
 Cruiser which I kept for two years, always
 hankering after a Harley and then in 2008, I
 became hooked.
I was a keen sportsman a few years ago, I taught Wado Ryu Karate for 26 years
rising to the rank of 4th Dan Black Belt. I also ran half marathons, 6km runs and also
10km runs. This took its toll on my knees and ended with me having six operations
on my right knee and eventually a total knee replacement. Hence the need to
ride a trike as I was worried about dropping a big bike and not being able to hold
it.
I love my time with the Chapter: I’ve made some great friends and hope to be
riding for a few more years yet. Just remember this, ‘it’s not the years in your life,
but the life in your years’. Ray

30
The Sprocket 2021, summer
Tony Brookes
 I'm one of the Chapter old-timers, having joined in 1999. I'd
 been a Honda rider, but after having three bikes stolen, I
 reckoned it was time for a change. I called into the Harley
 dealership in Sandyford in Newcastle – and my life
 changed forever! Here was biking Mecca! And right in
 front of me was my first Harley – a Sportster 1200.
 I dived into the newly-formed Geordie Chapter and have
 been an active member for more than 22 years, made lots
 of good friends and had lots of
 fun on ride-outs and at rallies.
With my wife, Carolyn, up behind, I've had some great
tours – several times round Europe, once taking in some
small states (Luxembourg, Lichtenstein, San Marino) to
the European rally at Lido di Jesolo, Italy: one trip down
through the high Italian/Austrian Alps (through endless
hairpins) to the Hungarian rally at Lake Balaton, then on
to Slovakia and Czech Republic. Another trip was round the Baltic states, when - in
Latvia, having missed a turn – we washed up near the Russian border!

But the big trip – the ultimate – was riding across the USA coast-to-coast in 2005,
with my daughter up back, and two mates – from Annapolis on the Atlantic
through the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, north to the Great Lakes and
Chicago – then Route 66 all the way to the end at the Pacific at Santa Monica,
taking in the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley en route. Adventures all the
 way!
 The daftest thing I've ever done on a bike? On the
 way to the European rally at St Tropez in 2001, riding
 down the Rhone valley motorway in a horrendous
 rainstorm, when we should have pulled off for safety.
 Adventures, adventures … fantastic, exhilarating,
 mind-blowing experiences riding through majestic
 scenery – and meeting some great bikers. No regrets,

31
The Sprocket 2021, summer
just great memories. As we can't go abroad, I'm now getting down to doing the
ABC and A to Z challenges. Ride safe and have fun, my friends – I'll keep doing
that as long as I can! Tony

And finally, our oldest Chapter member …

Derek Twamley
The Latecomer biker …
I was born in July 1942 in my grandmother’s house on the banks of the river Mersey,
at New Ferry in the Wirral. After the war when my father came home, I lived with
my parents in a village called Rainhill not far from Liverpool. Rainhill was where
Stevenson won the Rainhill Trials with his famous Rocket steam engine. In the forties
and fifties most people didn’t own a car, never mind a motorbike, but I do
remember the name of Geoff Duke. He was born in St. Helens, about two miles
away. He was a local celebrity, who was well-liked and won six world
championships AND six Isle of Man TTs.
When I was sixteen, I sat on a motorbike for the first time! It was a pale green BSA
Bantam owned by one of my older friends, and he let a small crowd of us have a
go on our own on a grass covered field – and the girls had a go as well. Sometimes
he would see me waiting for a bus to go to night school and would give me a
pillion ride into St. Helens (no crash helmets in those days – that law would come in
on 7 February 1973). One of my other friends had bought an ex-War Department
motorbike, which I remember could be bought for the tidy sum of £35. What I
remember vividly about the bike was the front suspension – big bare springs. I don't
think there was any rear suspension. The rest of us couldn’t afford so much money
as we were still at school or college. He was well off, having left school to be a
lorry-driver’s mate and earning money.
I went to sea as an engineer cadet with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Service when I
was nineteen, after two years at college, to get a mechanical engineering
diploma. Met my wife from South Shields in 1963 when I was 21, got married in
1967, became a chief engineer in 1970 then served on many types of ships until
retiring in 2001. My last few years were with an American cruise ship company. On
one of the ships, three of the engineers owned Harleys. This may have awakened
some hidden longing. I took motorcycle lessons in 2000 with a school in Prudhoe,
and passed the test in 2001. Now, I know that the word scooter promotes groans
from many people, but I still do like them. This goes back to my teenage years
when the Mods and Rockers were prominent. I had the idea of buying one of the
big 600cc models which had quite a good name. However, after meeting and
talking to many motorcyclists particularly down Westgate Road, I ended up with a
second-hand 900cc shaft-driven Yamaha Diversion. I had this bike for a few years,
and it proved to be a very reliable machine and good value.

32
The Sprocket 2021, summer
 I put this bike in part exchange for a brand
 new Road King Classic in 2007 at Just
 Harleys, Dinsdale Place via Grant Anderson.
 This bike became a write-off one year later
 when the front wheel met oil on the road
 when entering Hexham. A good job I was
 riding
 slowly
 and I
was unhurt. There was no problem with
Harley Insurance, who paid full value. I did
want to buy another Road King Classic
second-hand, but none came into the shop.
However, in 2010 Grant showed me a 2008
Ultra Classic with only 276 miles on the clock.
It was a good price, so that's what I've still
got. I still prefer the Road King, but have to
admit that you can get a lot more shopping
in the Ultra Classic. I joined the Chapter in 2007 when it met at the Ouseburn.
I did go with the Chapter to Ullapool in Wester Ross some years ago and
remember that the scenery up there is really something. Also that filling stations do
not seem as frequent as in England – beware small tanks! I did go to Thunder in the
Glens once, but it was a bit too busy for me – too many people on motorbikes!

33
The Sprocket 2021, summer
The most memorable outing with the Chapter was some years ago when we went
down to, I think it was Seaton Carew. It had been arranged to meet children from
the area of Chernobyl where the disastrous nuclear explosion had occurred. They
were over here on a holiday, about 20 of them staying with various families in the
area. We had all taken spare helmets with us and we spent a few hours giving
them rides along the seafront. Fortunately the weather was great. I'd bought bags
of sweets for them. The ladies chaperoning them said those children would
remember that day and talk about it for a long time. They were all lovely children
and so well behaved and courteous. I will never forget that day.
For a couple of years now, I've not really enjoyed ride-outs and lengthy rides
without pretty regular stops. The reason – what I call Numb Bum. I've never been
used to sitting down for a long time, so I like to have a short stop about every 40
miles or so. Even with a very good Harley seat! And what has been my most cost-
effective accessory to my bike? Definitely a bicycle horn operated by squeezing a
rubber ball! It only cost a few quid. It sounds like one of the old vintage car horns.
Not many people take much notice when they hear a normal car or motorcycle
horn. But when I sound my bulb-horn, it never fails. They most of the time turn
around with a smile on their face – very nice. I enjoy being in the Chapter, and let's
face it, it's had its ups and downs. What club doesn’t? Respect tends to be rather
lacking these days. I admit that I'm one of the less active members, but have
always respected those members who run the various aspects of the chapter.
They spend a lot of time and energy carrying out their duties. THANK YOU ALL.

Thanks to all our seasoned campaigners for their stories!

34
The Sprocket 2021, summer

Snowdonia Wild Hogs
Geordie Chapter had a blast to Wales 21 – 23 May. V-Twin Joe reports …
It’s May and I’ve still got my thermal liner in my leather jacket but nevertheless, it is
time for one of Derek and Rachael Norman’s get togethers – and it’s been a long
time coming. Over the last few years, they have organised a hotel for a few days
as a hub for a scenic ride out. This year it’s being held at Wrexham and he’s called
it Snowdonia Wild Hogs. It’s been in the planning for over a year now, thanks to
COVID.
We set off in the pouring rain at 9.45 to meet up with the rest of the mob at
Carnforth Truckhaven for 10.30 ish. But, as usual, there was an accident on the
road out of Ulverston so we had to sit for an hour in the rain while they cleared it.
We eventually got to Truckhaven at 11.25 just in time for a quick coffee and a
socially-distanced chat with the lads ‘n lasses from the North East. The ride down
the M6 was slow because of the lack of visibility but otherwise uneventful. We got
to Wrexham at around 2.30 and stopped to refuel. Then we headed straight to the
hotel, about 20 minutes away. There was a bit of faffing about in the car park
because it’s on a steep camber, but we all finally sorted our spots out and made
our way into the Wynnstay Arms.

We got
booked in
smoothly,
nothing like the drama of Shap Wells. The room was small but practical and looked
fairly clean if slightly outdated. Daisy ‘n I had a quick spruce up then headed off to
the bar. It’s funny because we can hear all the late arrivals trying to get parked
safely in the car park below our room.
Just like Shap Wells, the bar ran out of the popular beverages so most were
drinking low alcohol Wainwright’s vegan crap, but I was told it was easy to drink.

35
The Sprocket 2021, summer
The group was slowly growing with around six non-hardened “bikers” arriving in
their cars, I think in total there was around 22 of us. The meal was booked for 7.30
to 8 but we were finally served at 9.40 ish.

I only ate the chips off my mixed grill as the meats were cooked but stone cold
and it was too late to ask for them to cook it again … the bar shut at 10.30 dead.
On Saturday, we came down for breakfast. It was an order-and-don’t-leave-your-
table-until-served job. It was ok but I had to chuckle, Rachael ordered the
avocado with poached eggs ‘n bacon on toast but they didn’t have avocado …
some signature dish that. Daisy ordered a few things but had to go down the list on
the menu until they had it in. The porridge she ordered came in a pot from Tesco
and they just added water! They had literally filled the pot so it was like wallpaper
paste. Needless to say she didn’t eat it.
The ride-out totally made up for the shortcomings of the hotel. We set off out at
10.30 and, in total contrast to yesterday, the sun tried to come out. But Derek
essentially wasn’t having any of it, he set a bee-line on his satnav to divining mode
 and in no time at all, it
 had found rain. A quick
 stop to don our wet

weather
gear and we were off again.

36
The Sprocket 2021, summer

The route was nice with open roads and a few villages. I did have a feeling I’d
been down a few before and to my surprise I was right. It took a while for the
penny to drop but as we rode past a police-infested Ponderosa, I realised that I
had been there many years ago.

37
The Sprocket 2021, summer
This was the planed route …

 And this was what it looked like when we got back …
 I’m happy to say the sun did finally come out
 and the roads dried out.

We got back to the hotel at 6.50 ish, so it was a quick change and wash to get
down to the bar. What a good night it was … I ordered a double rum ‘n coke that
came a virgin rum ‘n coke, so in the traditional fool-me-twice out came the hip
flasks.
I got some funny looks off the bartender when I started ordering Diet Coke – we
had to tell him I was keeping a clear head for the ride home tomorrow, yeah right!
On the subject of fool us twice, we didn’t go for the meal option this time, any of
us, we just kept ordering table snacks.
 The night was brilliant. Daisy and I haven’t laughed
 so much in what seems like ages. One thing I can
 say about Derek’s get-togethers is there are so
 many brilliant characters and the more drink they
 have the funnier they get. The bar closed again at
 10.30 so most of us being knackered from the day’s
 riding went back to our rooms. As usual, a few went
 in search of more booze. You can always tell at
 breakfast the next morning.
 The last morning was a bit of a joke. We went for
 breakfast and after playing Russian roulette with the
menu again, Daisy and I waited forty minutes for it to arrive. After thirty minutes the
waitress came to inform us it was coming, ‘just cooking your hash browns’. We
gave it ten more minutes then just left.
It was a bit strange leaving the hotel as most had already left. We packed the bike
and headed home, I couldn’t wait to get back so I could give the bike a wash.
What a fantastic time, roll on the next one! V-Twin Joe

38
The Sprocket 2021, summer

Florida tales
 Hi everyone: my name is Greg Holmes, I have been a
 member of H.O.G. since 1999 and I joined Geordie
 Chapter #9721 at the same time.
 I’ve held various
 positions in the Geordie
 Chapter. Currently, I’m
 a member of the Road
 Crew as a Road
 Captain. I’ve been in
the Road Crew since 2003. I am also a member of
Rockstar HOG Chapter #4352 in Fort Myers South
West Florida – the sponsoring dealer is Rockstar
Harley-Davidson.
 You’ll see from the photos that I have left-
 hand drive and right-hand drive Road
 Glides. I bought the blue Road Glide in
 April 2019 and joined Rockstar HOG the
 same month when I attended their
 monthly general meeting in the
 dealership. I was made very welcome by
 all the chapter members present.
 At the time, the Chapter was riding three
 times a week (Wednesday, Saturday and
 Sunday) but since COVID, this has
 dropped to twice a week (Wednesday
 and Saturday). I turned up at the next
 ride and was made very welcome by the
Road Captain taking the ride. There were many jokes about my accent and
reminding me to ride on the right side of the road.

39
The Sprocket 2021, summer
 As with all Chapter rides, no matter what size, large or
 small, there is always a briefing and I was quite used to
 that. However, across the pond things are a little different:
 this is Bob with his helper Kick Start.
 The rides all start from the dealership at 9:30 am after the
 briefing which is conducted by the Lead Road Captain.
 Hand signals are used and are passed back through the
 ride. Rides at the moment are restricted to twelve bikes:
 when more turn up it becomes a multiple of twelve. In
 each ride, there are three Road Captains which are Lead,

Shotgun and Sweep. Junctions are
not marked as everyone keeps
together. If the group is split
travelling through an intersection,
the leading section slows or stops in
a safe place for the rest to catch-
up and the group reforms.
The rides are at least 100 miles long
and are usually to a restaurant for
lunch, the restaurant is the ride’s final destination. At a midpoint in the ride, a
rehydration stop will take place at a petrol station or a rest area.
 While on these Chapter rides, you’ve
 always got to be mindful of the
 Floridian wildlife. In the rural areas, you
 will always see Black Vultures and
 Turkey Vultures cleaning up the road kill
 armadillos, raccoons and sometimes
 alligators, a bit different from a few
 rabbits on the North York Moors!
 After a few rides with Rockstar HOG, I
 was asked if I would like to join the

Road Crew as a Road Captain: I was
delighted. After three weekends of training, I
was welcomed aboard as a new Rockstar
HOG Road Captain. So now I’m a Road
Captain on both sides of the Atlantic!
Rockstar HOG are quite an active Chapter
with rides currently twice a week.

40
The Sprocket 2021, summer
 They also help the Dealership
 when events are on. Such as
 BBQ’ing, helping with bike/car
 parking and working the three
 day Demo Rides when the
 Harley-Davidson truck brings
 them to the dealership also
 Christmas wrapping. There are
 Easter Bunny and Christmas toy
runs to the local Children’s Hospital, a 9/11 Memorial
ride and many more.
 Another big ride is the Fly Your
 Bra ride. This is a Sheriff-escorted
 ride of about 50 miles from
 the Dealership to Naples
 and back. In 2019, the
 Chapter raised $12,500
 which was split between
 two recipients who were
 going through cancer
 treatment.
 As I write, Rockstar HOG are
 up in Kentucky at the` Bikes
Bourbon and Bluegrass H.O.G. rally. Their next big
trip away will be up to the Great Smokey Mountains
H.O.G. Rally Maryville Tennessee in September. No
doubt some will be riding the Tail of the Dragon.
I hope you have enjoyed this little write up. If you’re ever in south-west Florida, call
into Rockstar Harley-Davidson and say Hi. There’s always something going on with
the Rockstar HOG Chapter and you’ll be made most welcome. Maybe join us on
a ride out! Remember Ride and have Fun. Greg

41
The Sprocket 2021, summer

Other Photo 2

42
The Sprocket 2021, summer

Pizza or Pasta …
Here we have a bite-sized breakdown of two Geordie Chapter members … Alan
Wright and Tracey Leadbitter! This is going to be a regular feature, so if you would
like to get involved, then do get in touch.

Alan Wright
What's your Cowboy Song, Thin
favourite song? Lizzy.

What's your Based on the
favourite film? number of times
 seen, the John
 Ford western The
 Searchers.

What's your Roast chicken
favourite food? Sunday dinner,
 prepared by my
 lovely wife Chris.

What's your Highland Park
favourite tipple? Viking Honour,
 though I enjoy
 many more malts.

What's your Anywhere I
favourite holiday? haven’t been
 before, touring on
 the Harley-
 Davidson or in
 MoHo.

Silence or music I like silence filled with blues rock.

Piercing or tattoo Tattoo.

Game of Thrones Game of Thrones.
or EastEnders

Kindle or book Book.

Pizza or pasta Pasta.

43
You can also read