I’m reflecting on a year that has literally flown by. It’s hard to believe that I’ve had the privilege of being Director for Bakersfield HOG Chapter 1580 this past year and I’m thrilled to have met and come to know so many fine people. It’s amazing that people from all walks of life can come together under one umbrella and mix so well. I guess that’s why the saying, “It’s not the destination, it’s the ride,” makes so much sense.
Of course, like any fine team, one person can’t do much without the support of many others. I have been very lucky to be given a team of HOG officers to help run this organization. Remember, “there’s no I in team” so make sure you let our HOG officers know you appreciate everything they’re doing so we can uphold our motto…RIDE AND HAVE FUN.
Speaking of support, our sponsors, Bakersfield Harley-Davidson have stepped up this past year to help make our HOG chapter great. Any time I’ve gone to BHD with an idea or an issue, I’ve received full support to move ahead in a direction that will take HOG into future years. Bakersfield Harley-Davidson has gone above and beyond in their support for our chapter and we are very fortunate for their efforts.
If 2008 flew by so fast, I can only imagine how fast 2009 will be!!!
Speaking of 2009, HOG is already planning for some big events. Of course, we have our annual picnic coming up on April 18th. We’re going to be discussing something different for the BBQ this year so keep your ears open. We planned this event around Laughlin so those of you who’ve used Laughlin as an excuse not to go in the past…we’ll, you’re out of luck this year. Bite the bullet and bring your family for a day in the park to sit around and enjoy friends.
We also have an overnighter planned for June 6th and 7th. Many of us will be heading out June 4th and our destination for this event will be Casa De Fruta. OK, so where the heck is that???
Casa De Fruta is located on Hwy 156 just north of Hollister. They have an RV park so many of us who have RV’s and take our bikes with us will be going up early to spend the weekend. Casa De Fruta also has a 14 room motel so those of you who want to ride up for a couple of nights can take advantage of that. There’s a restaurant, a farmer’s market and even room for tent camping for those who “really camp” when they travel by Harley.
Check out their website and if you make reservations early, make sure you tell them you’re with Bakersfield HOG. We have 20 campsites set aside and there are no activities in the motel so it’s wide open. If you don’t get in early and get your room at Casa De Fruta, the next closest motels are over the hill in Gilroy near the Outlet Mall.
Oh, by the way, the average temperature for that time of the year is 82 degrees and there is less that 2/10’s average rainfall. Hopefully Mother Nature will cooperate with us as long as we don’t call it a Hot Dog Run!
About the Hot Dog Run…well, as most of you know, Mother Nature spoiled our run to Pink’s in Hollywood. We had about 32 bikes lined up to leave but the first day, it was raining cats and dogs so we cancelled. The next week, fires had closed all access to Los Angeles so we went to Morro Bay. I’m thinking of February 21st as the next time we’ll try for Pinks. Plan on leaving BHD at 9:00am (or so) and we’ll see if we can get down there for a great hot dog. Look for more information as the day gets closer. Remember, this is a ride into the heart of Hollywood so if you don’t like LA traffic, take that into consideration.
HOG is also working on plans for next years Christmas Party. We’ll be talking about this at our general meetings as we may be making some changes. I want input from our membership on this because, after all, it’s your party so we need to make it what HOG wants.
HOG is always looking for new ideas. If there is something you’ve been thinking about, bring it up to any HOG officer. This past year, HOG implemented the Lifetime Achievement Award given to Doc Mason. This started as an idea from Jim Razor and developed into a very nice award to be given to other long time HOG members for years to come.
Our Pride Patch Program started as an idea and has developed into a pretty good way to recognize members who give just a little more to HOG. These members can now show their pride to others by wearing a very nice patch on their vest.
If you’re interested in holding a position in HOG, let any of us know. We are building HOG for years to come so get on board. As an officer, you may “work” a little more than most but you’ll reap the rewards by meeting some of the best people this area has to offer. Bakersfield HOG is a great organization because of its members.
Lastly, in closing, I’m looking forward to another year at the helm of this great ship. We have some great rides planned and we’re building to the future with new ideas. Please, don’t hesitate with any new ideas you may have because that’s where we learn what you, the members, want.
As always, RIDE SAFE, RIDE OFTEN, AND RIDE FUN.
DAVE FISHER, DIRECTOR