I can’t believe that we’re already to the end of the official HOG riding season. Time sure flies when you’re having fun…and since “having fun” is our motto, HOG has done a great job of providing ample opportunity to “have fun.” Your HOG officers have already been working on plans for next year’s rides and another great year is headed our way. If you’re reading this and haven’t been to a HOG event this year, you’re missing out on some great times, some great people and some great riding.
Our annual HOG Christmas Party is just around the corner. We’ll be celebrating this year on Friday, December 5th. The Ladies of Harley are working on the table decorations and HOG officers will meet in November to discuss the mileage prizes and all that other fun stuff we’ll be doing at the Christmas Party. I’ll tell you right now, we have a very special, first time event that will take place this year and for many years to come. What is it you ask??? Well, you’ll just have to get your tickets and come find out.
I’ll also tell you that we are expecting eight guest members from Victorville HOG and the State Rally Committee to come to our gathering and recognize the volunteers who helped make the State Rally the largest and most successful to date. We’ll take a little of your time but not much…we don’t want to get in the way of all the dancing and visiting you have planned.
HOG also worked to make the MDA ride successful. The weather didn’t cooperate very much but we’re happy to say that about 60 to 70 riders braved the wet roads and completed the Poker Run. We did have some non-HOG riders make a wrong turn but Ed Levin chased them down and got them back on track. We’re happy to report that wet pavement didn’t cause any problems and all who went arrived back safely.
HOG has gone through some changes this year. Head Road Captain Boomer Montgomery and Secretary Vikki Montgomery resigned their officer positions to help establish the American Legion Riders. Boomer worked to secure a charter at Post 26 and is now the Director of that group. The American Legion Riders are the precursor of the Patriot Guard Riders so we wish their new group success in their riding endeavors.
Head Road Captain Ed Levin will be resigning his position at the end of the year. Ed is working a lot and does not have sufficient time to donate to HOG and fulfill his responsibilities.
HOG wants to thank these valuable members for their service and dedication to our local Chapter. Members like these are the building blocks for future generations of HOG and we appreciate everything they’ve done.
HOG is pretty resilient and we filled two of the vacated positions. Road Captain Randy Coats stepped in to fill Vikki’s shoes as Secretary and Road Captain John Cleveland moved up to a Head Road Captain position to fill Boomer’s shoes. We’re going to move forward with two Head Road Captains for now and see how that works.
Speaking of Road Captains, we are looking for more members who want to step up and help out on our rides, both planning and implementing rides. If you’re interested, let us know. We talk as a committed about new Road Captain appointees and make a decision that will benefit our group. Bakersfield HOG is in the process of allowing Road Captains to set-up and run the monthly rides as the HOG Charter allows.
Don’t forget, your local dues expires at the end of the year. If you’ve recently joined and paid $18.00, you’re OK until the end of next year. If you only paid $15.00, your membership expires on December 31st. Don’t forget to sign our yearly waiver when you join HOG for 2009!!!
Speaking of our annual Christmas Party, all members need to know a very important fact. This party costs HOG about $28 to $29 per person to put on. We pay for catering, decorations, music and prizes. As you know by now, HOG members only pay $20 each for this event. Bakersfield HOG picks up the remaining eight to nine dollars for each person attending. We’ve done this in the past and will continue to do this so our members can come enjoy themselves without breaking the bank!!! This is what our fundraisers and dues provides.
We’re also considering some other purchases this year to help HOG with our BBQ’s. If you’re interested in where all of our money goes, get on board and help us make these decisions. We’re always looking for members to help out where they can.
We’re approaching our cold weather riding. Don’t forget to dress properly and remember to drink plenty of fluids when you’re out on those long winter rides. You’re body will work to warm itself and you’ll need the nutrition to keep everything in order. Things happen fast on these motorcycles and we have to be at the top of our game any time we’re riding. Take care of yourselves so we can get some riding in next summer too.
I’m looking forward to seeing a lot of members at our Christmas Party. I’m also looking forward to many great riding events next year with Bakersfield HOG Chapter 1580.
As always…ride safe and ride often!!
DAVE FISHER, DIRECTOR