I can’t believe how the year is flying by. We’re already into planning for the summer and making arrangements to attend the California State HOG Rally in Victorville this September.
This brings me to a good point…the California State HOG Rally is just that, a rally for HOG of California…all of HOG. Just because Victorville is “hosting” this rally doesn’t mean we can’t go and help out. Bakersfield HOG is working with the Volunteer Coordinator and we are signing up to work the Registration for the State Rally. What better way to meet fellow HOG members than to be there when they sign up for the rally? We think it would be best to concentrate our efforts in one area (Registration) so we would already know others helping out to make things run smoother. Registration doesn’t last for the entire event so we’ll be able to put our time in and still enjoy some riding time in the afternoons. Four hour blocks are planned for volunteers.
Registration for the State Rally is now open on the internet and once you register, you can go to the volunteer section and sign up to help out. Stephanie and I are taking our RV and we’ll be parking in the fairgrounds and staying on the site of the rally. Just think of the fun we could have if a bunch of us went over and worked together to make this a successful State HOG rally???
I’m planning on making this State Rally part of a short vacation. Besides, I’ve always wanted to see the “Rim of the World Highway” near Lake Arrowhead and an escorted ride is one of the many planned events you can sign up for.
Don’t forget, we have the Annual HOG Picnic coming up on April 13th. This will be a Sunday afternoon from 11:00am until 4:00pm. Our picnic will be held at Jastro Park and we encourage HOG members to bring their kids and grandkids. This is a family event much like HOG is one big family. HOG will be servin’ up Hamburgers and Hot Dogs and attending members will bring a side dish to serve to their friends. This is always a great event and the weather usually cooperates so come on out and join the fun.
LOH is active with some great rides planned for the upcoming months. Before you receive this, they will be making a run to Solvang on Saturday, March 28th. This was planned by Karen Roberts (on her birthday, no less) and I heard that some of the girls may be spending the night there. I know the Casino was one of the stops. Check out LOH…they are really making a point to stay active.
We held our March General Meeting on Thursday, March 27th at the American Legion Hall. I had the pleasure of meeting some new members and some returning members who recently decided to come back to HOG. These seasoned members are an important aspect of our club because they know what works for HOG and what doesn’t!!! As your Director, I value their opinion and listen intently when they speak of days gone by. Generally, if it worked before, it’ll work again (ie: Safety Day) and we should strive to bring back some of the old fun HOG had in the past.
Speaking of the General Meeting, was that a blast or what??? It was good to see so many of our members come out and get involved in HOG. I was skeptical about the March attendance but when I saw almost every seat in the house filled, I was very happy. I’m glad you HOG members are coming out to see what’s happening and more importantly, let us know what YOU want. After all, it is your club and I’ll say it again…”I’m only ‘Directing’ HOG in the direction YOU want it to go.” Help me stay on course by providing insight into YOUR club either by talking directly to me or sending me an e-mail with your ideas or concerns. I think every member should feel like he or she has a voice in HOG.
There are a lot of great events coming up for Bakersfield HOG Chapter 1580. Check out the events list in this newsletter and the attached calendar I’m sending out with our newsletter. Hopefully, you’ll print out the calendar and keep in handy so you can see when our events are attend the ones you want to. Every HOG event is a blast and I’m seeing more and more “new” members. Our HOG organization is growing and continued growth should be a goal of every Bakersfield HOG member.
Ride safe…ride fun… and ride often…
Dave Fisher, Director