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Atlanta Chapter
Harley Owners Group, Inc.

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Sponsored By:
Harley-Davidson of Atlanta, Inc.
501 Thornton Road
Lithia Springs, Georgia 30122
770-944-1340
Summer Store Hours
March 1 to December 24
Monday-Friday
9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 Noon to 5:00 PM

Winter Store Hours
December 26 to February 29
Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday-Friday
9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 Noon to 5:00 PM

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HOGWASH
Official Newsletter
Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G. Inc.
Chapter Number 0788

September 2004 Issue

Hot-Line Number!
770-908-3435

Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G.
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Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G. 2004

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September 2004 Event Schedule

Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G. events are considered "CLOSED" unless otherwise noted!

See Event Statement.

Experience the Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G.
in 2004
Ride and Have Fun!

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EVENT STATEMENT

Chapter activities are conducted primarily for the benefit of H.O.G. chapter members. There are three categories of activities, all activities are identified as follows:

If you are interested in becoming a Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G. Member, email Rene' Durham, or call 770-944-1340

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MISSION STATEMENT

Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G. provides members with exciting, safe, organized riding activities and social events to expand horizons, fulfill dreams, and create lifelong memories through personal relationships forged in iron and steel.

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MEMBER BENEFIT CHANGE

Membership benefits will be changing with the New Year. Beginning January 1, 2003, all members will have to participate in a minimum number of two (2) Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G. sanctioned events every sixty (60) days. Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G. sanctioned events include chapter meetings, business meeting, rides, LOH meetings, volunteer efforts, and other special events as noted on the Chapter Calender.

Member participation is required to maintain your in-store discount at Harley-Davidson of Atlanta.

All other Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G. privileges will remain the same.

Ronnie Godwin
General Manager, Harley-Davidson of Atlanta, Inc.

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DIRECTOR'S REPORT

Director

Just for the Joy of Riding

As many of you are aware, the weekend of August 7-8 featured some top notch riding weather and I hope many of you were out enjoying it. With cooler temperatures and low humidity it felt like a hint of fall in the air, and for someone who just returned from the desert of Arizona/Utah, it felt great! I hope we can get this weather again for the Southern Highroads ride in a couple of weeks.

A friend of mine came up to spend the weekend with us and we did some project work on my basement on Saturday until late into the evening, but we had planned it that Sunday would be reserved for riding.

And so we embarked on a long loop around the Hiawassee, GA to Murphy, NC area. First stopping for lunch at the Fieldstone Inn Yacht Club and Marina for a delicious burger and a wonderful view of Lake Chatuge in Hiawassee, we then went via back roads to Hiawassee Dam and a beautiful, relaxing view of Lake Hiawassee. Everywhere we went this day, I saw lots of riders and lots of smiles. The thing I noticed most though and seem too more these days is the number of groups with a mix of bikes—Harleys, Hondas, Yamahas, and an occasional Triumph.

The point is everyone seems to be having a great time riding. No matter what brand of machine they are on it is evident that there is a common denominator involved. Maybe it is the freedom of the open road, the exhilaration of having done a good set of curves really well, or perhaps the unexpected rush one gets from not having done a set of curves so well but still having survived unscathed (often referred to as a “Depends” moment). Or for some it could be their first ride out on the road—their “maiden voyage” on either a new bike or perhaps their very first bike. Whatever it is that brings that smile to their faces it all comes down to this: the joy of riding. Everyone you meet seems to be relaxed and friendly, just glad to be alive and out there on the road.

How about you---are you feeling joyful as you ride? Are you out there riding? If not, think about what you’re missing with your machine and your friends.

Life is short and the roads are many.

2005 Georgia State H.O.G. Rally Set for Columbus, GA

On July 25, 2004, dealers and chapters met in Athens, GA to hear proposals for the site of the 2005 Georgia State H.O.G. Rally. The winning proposal was for Columbus, GA in late September and Judy Talley and her committee put forth a very nice proposal. While as they say, the “devil is in the details”, Judy had many items already thought out and had some very unique, interesting ideas for activities and rides. If these all come to be, this rally will have a very nice variety of things to see and do.

Congratulations to Judy and her team on a job well done and best wishes for great success in 2005!

In November of this year, proposals for the 2006 Rally will be heard and that site selected; this represents a change from doing site selection one year at a time, which is the current practice.

A Hot Time in Athens!

The recently concluded State Rally in Athens was literally one hot time! With temperatures at or more than 100 on both Friday and Saturday, this rally which had five or six very nice rides as its main emphasis, unfortunately saw many rally goers spending a lot of time chilling out indoors and not spending much time on their bikes.

Our chapter did very well in the “Chapter Challenge” coming in 2nd this year, again to Stone Mountain, but only by a scant 50 points. Atlanta Chapter won the bike events and had the most folks to spend time in volunteer roles. Oddly enough, where we sucked wind was at the SIGN IN, probably the easiest thing to do! Tommye and I volunteered quite a bit as did several of our folks and we really enjoyed it. Many thanks to all of our chapter members who participated in volunteering or the bike show/bike events. This is how you win it! We’ll do better next year.

It seems that although the City of Athens made the rally site proposal for this rally, it turns out that many of the folks with the Convention Bureau left their jobs about four months after the proposal was made and their successors either did not know of or opted not to honor many of the promises made by the original Bureau personnel to the Rally Committee. Many things that were planned fell through late in the game and things had to be canceled or venues changed. This year’s committee handled these disruptions in an almost seamless fashion, and many of them went home exhausted. Serving on the Rally Committee is a very demanding job and lasts the entire year. Thanks to this year’s committee members who gave it their all—it was a tough job.

The manager of the Holiday Inn (host hotel) addressed Sunday morning’s rally review meeting held by Regional H.O.G. Manager David Gray. He said he planned to write the Mayor and the Convention Bureau telling them what a great crowd the Harley Owner’s Group is and what “fools” the city had been in letting us down and in not being more outgoing and welcoming toward our group. He remarked we were a “joy to have” and welcomed us back anytime.

Thanks, Terri and Rene’

I would like to say a special “Thank You” to Terri Varnum and Rene Durham and to all those who helped with the raffle drawing and festivities on Saturday, July 31. We had a number of folks volunteering to help with the auctions and in cleaning up afterwards. Everything went very smoothly and it looked like a good time was had by all.

Ride Safe, Ride Often
Tom Sigerfoos, Director
Director, Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G.

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ASSISTANT DIRECTOR'S REPORT

Assistant Director

Georgia’s Law Pertaining to Motorcycles

People are always asking me about various laws pertaining to motorcycles, so here are a few specifically for motorcycle operation.

Traffic Laws apply to persons operating motorcycles. GA Code 40-6-310

By law it is permissible for two motorcycles to ride side by side on a roadway. However it is not SAFE if you are not trained in riding that way. H.O.G. does NOT recommend two bikes riding side by side and neither does this Chapter. There are to many things that can go WRONG and you have eliminated some of your emergency options.

As to the question of using the amber lenses on turn signals when you install the brake light switch that illuminates the turn signals with the brake light when the brakes are applied. Some people believe you cannot legally use the amber lens. The law under Ga. Code 40-8-26 spells out that the Brake light shall emit a red light and which shall be actuated upon application of the service brake. The brake light must be plainly visible and understandable from a distance of 300 feet to the rear both during normal sunlight and at nighttime. The law does not address having additional lights to be used a brake light signaling devices. As long as the brake light installed by the manufacturer operates properly and in accordance with the law.

If you have any questions you can go to the Georgia Department of Public Safety website and you can look up specific laws that you might have questions about. There is a specific section that these motorcycle laws come from.

See you on the road.

Tom Arnold
Assistant Director, Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G.

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TREASURER'S REPORT


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Rene' Durham
Treasurer, Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G.

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SECRETARY

Dealer Liaison

Ride Safe and Have Fun
David Devlin
Secretary, Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G.

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HEAD ROAD CAPTAIN'S REPORT

Ride Director

Gary Langmaid
Head Road Captain, Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G.

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SAFETY OFFICER'S REPORT

Safety Officer

Until next time, ride safely, have fun and keep the shiny side up!

Doug Claycomb
Safety Officer, Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G.

Please Don't Drink and Ride!
Friends Don't Let Friends ride Drunk!

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ACTIVITIES OFFICER'S REPORT

Activities Officer

We Have a Winner!

Congratulations to Forrest Miller, Atlanta Chapter Member, this year's winner of the 2004 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Raffle. Thanks to all who supported the Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G. with tickets purchases and the volunteers who made the event possible, especially Rene, B.K., Dirt, Bud, Chris, Windy and Dan, our announcer, from Illconduct.

Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G. 19th Anniversary Party

Join us at 12:00 noon, Sunday, September 12, 2004 at the dealership for food, fun and games. Members are requested to bring a “family size” covered dish.

Terri Varnum
Activities Officer, Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G.

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PHOTOGRAPHER'S REPORT

Photographer

John Metcalf
Photographer, Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G.

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MEMBERSHIP OFFICER'S REPORT

Membership

Scott Vandiver
Membership Officer, Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G.

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ADVERTISING IN THE HOGWASH

Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G. is accepting business and personal advertisements for the HOGWASH! What a great way to promote your business, organization, service or personal information to all Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G. members each month!

Please contact Rene' Durham at 770-944-1340 for more information or to place your ad today!

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WEB MASTER'S REPORT

Assistant Director

If you have updated your e-mail address, PLEASE send me your new address. I get several undeliverable e-mail messages each time I send a message updating members on up coming or changed events. Please, keep you e-mail address up to date and stay informed! E-mail me at hog@mindspring.com. Thanks!!

Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G. on Yahoo!

Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G. has a "Club Address" on Yahoo at the following URL: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/atlantachapterhog

Please, check it out! You will be able to chat with other Atlanta Chapter Members. You will have to register to sign on to chat, load pictures and post messages. When you register, please give you "Real Name". That way other members will recognize your name and be able to e-mail you as a member of the Atlanta Chapter and not someone in Kalamazoo. If you have problems, e-mail me and I will try and help.

Gary Langmaid will keep the calendar up to date, so there is no need to miss an important event date. Terri Varnum is now in charge of the Hot Line. If you have concerns about the status of a ride, PLEASE, call 770-908-3435.

This does not replace our HOGWASH Web Page, www.atlantahog.com or the HOGWASH Newsletter, just another e-service of the Atlanta Chapter.

B.K. Ellis
Web Master, Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G.

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TECH TIP

Hello again from Harley-Davidson of Atlanta. It appears everyone is out doing a lot of riding this season and that constitutes a lot of miles ridden. Routine maintenance is a rider's responsibility. Most corrective maintenance should be handled by a mechanic, but the rider can take care of inspecting and cleaning parts. Good maintenance means a safe machine.

Try to have a place for your owners guide while traveling. Your owner’s guide is filled with useful time and money saving advice. Along with the owners guide, make sure to have a tool kit and carry spare parts such as spark plugs and electrical fuses.

More frequent servicing may be necessary if your machine is operated under sustained high speeds (Sundays going to Helen and back) or adverse conditions. Check with your local dealer servicing your brand of machine for the proper maintenance schedule. There should also be a schedule in the back of your owner’s guide.

If you are bringing your machine in for more than scheduled maintenance, try to recognize the symptoms of trouble when riding. Take the time to note and describe the symptoms so you may better explain it to the service personnel.

Remember that safety is the key to a good day of riding. Always do a pre ride inspection before riding. Make sure your tires are aired up and are not dry rotted or cut. Check the clutch and throttle cables for free, smooth operation. Confirm your oil and fuel levels are good and all lights are functioning properly. Now that you have performed this, go and ride safely. From your Harley-Davidson of Atlanta service department, we thank you.

Glenn Mitchell, Service Advisor
Harley-Davidson of Atlanta

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POTPOURRI

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HOTEL INFORMATION

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MEMBER COMMENT

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ROAD TRIP

Good Ole Boys Restaurant Ride

Sunday, September 5, I will be leading a ride to Good Ole Boys in Aulburn AL. It will be an all back roads taking about four ½ hours and going about 120 miles. I'm planing at least one rest/fuel stop. Good Ole Boys is a family steak house type restaurant but serves many types of food. If you would like a copy of the menu or you have any questions feel free to contact me.

Chris Robey, Road Captain

Gatlinburg, TN September 17-19, 2004

Immediate action required...call the Comfort Inn toll-free 866-885-5047 to make your reservation. Do it today! The Atlanta H.O.G. room rate is $109.95 per night plus tax. Rooms will be blocked to September 10, 2004. There is a Tennessee football game in Knoxville, so rooms are at a premium rate. Each room has two queen beds, balconies overlooking the river, covered parking and continental breakfast.

On the way up there we will ride the Cherohala Skyway and Deal's Gap, (The Dragon Tail). The Dragon's Tail is worth the ride in itself. There are 318 turns in 11 miles. I promise we will not drag our knees going through the turns. If you are wondering about your expertise, don't worry! You can travel at your own pace. Just make sure you keep on your side of the road and watch for the "crotch rockets" coming up behind you. They will scare you when they blow by you like you were standing still. I'm sure you have experienced "them" if you have ridden any roads in mountains.

On Saturday, we will make the trip over the mountain to Maggie Valley, NC to the Rally in Valley, an H.O.G. pin stop for those that are interested. We will ride a portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The trip to Gatlinburg is 250 miles, a full day of riding (5-pig).

Ed Chowning, Road Captain

Fort Mountain, GA

An Ancient 855-foot-long rock wall identifies the highest point of Fort Mountain. The predominant belief is that the mysterious wall was built by Indians as a fortification against other less friendly Indians or for ancient ceremonies. Close to the Cohutta Wilderness area, and situated in the Chattahoochee National Forest, Fort Mountain Wilderness area makes for a great ride.

On Saturday, September 18, I will be leading a ride down some interesting back roads full of scenery, lazy curves, and if we're lucky...some wildlife. We will ultimately end up in Chatsworth where we will begin our journey over the top of Fort Mountain. We will take Hwy. 52 East which has some great views and several pull-offs for photo opportunities. We will stop at the top of Fort

Mountain to enjoy the view of Northern Georgia. After a cold drink and a quick browse through the gift shop, our trip will continue East on 52 into Ellijay for a BBQ lunch. The majority of the ride will be back roads and does have curves, especially going up and coming down the mountain. This ride is all about scenery, friends and laughing at lunch.

The ride will be officially over in Ellijay after lunch, but if history repeats itself, a bunch of us will keep on ridin'. Be sure to check the ride calendar for meeting location and "kick-stands up" time.

Big John Riggs, Road Captain

Front Porch Restaurant

I'll lead a ride to the Front Porch Restaurant in Carrollton on September18 from Harley-Davidson of Atlanta. Meet at 3:30 p.m. and leave at 4:00 p.m. We'll go the back roads. It's an all you can eat buffet and it's always good. They have B.B.Q. with delicious Brunswick stew, shrimp, fish, chicken and all sorts of really good vegetables, and desserts. It's some of the best eating around, but they are only open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays...it must be really good for him to make a living only working three days a week! But be advised, the parking lot is gravel. It's ok as long as you pay attention to what you're doing. It's packed pretty well. Ya'll come join us!

Steve Johnson, Road Captain

“Made In America” Tour Begins October 8th

Join us for the first installment of the “Made in America” tour when we visit the Jack Daniels Distillery the weekend of October 8-9, 2004. Located in the tiny, quaint town of Lynchburg, TN you will find the distillery tour both informative and fun as you find out how one of the USA’s premier bourbons is made. I think our tour also includes a small product sampling at the end! We’ll head out of Atlanta on Friday afternoon and spend that night, October 8th in Tullahoma, TN. “Big John” Riggs will lead the ride to the intersection of I-75N and GA Hwy. 136, where I will join the group. We will travel GA 136 into Trenton, GA and pick up US 41 from there which is scenic in that part of TN. On Saturday we will have our tour around 11 or 11:30 A.M. followed by lunch in Lynchburg. For the 12 who have already signed up, we will eat at the famous Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House, while the rest of the group can sample the other fine eateries in town. Also of interest to you will be seeing the Harley-Davidson factory custom Heritage Softail done up in the black and white Jack Daniel’s motif which is the personal bike of the master distiller, Jimmy Bedford. Unless Jimmy is out riding himself, this bike is usually on display at Lynchburg Hardware. There is also a Jack Daniels store were, like Harley Davidson, there is every conceivable product imaginable for sale with Jack’s name on it! Hotel information is as follows: Hampton Inn (931) 461-5222; room rate is $73.00 + tax. Reservations must be made by September 15, 2004. Rooms are under the name of Atlanta Chapter Harley. WHAT: Jack Daniels Distillery Tour, Lynchburg, TN WHEN: October 8-9, 2004 (Fri./Sat) MEET: Harley-Davidson of Atlanta 12:00 Noon DEPARTURE: 12:30 P.M. RIDE LEADER: Tom Sigerfoos 706-374-7647 or dynabear@tds.net

Tom Sigerfoos, Road Captain

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ROAD TRIP RECAP

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE FOLLOWING
ATLANTA CHAPTER, H.O.G. MEMBERS:

September 2004 Birthdays

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TENTATIVE EVENTS SCHEDULE, 2004
ATLANTA CHAPTER, H.O.G.

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ARCHIVES

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Information... Rene'
Content...B.K. Ellis

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H.O.G. CHAPTER ONLINE PRIVACY STATEMENT

Personal privacy and security of information are mutual concerns of H.O.G., its members, and visitors to Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G. web site. This Statement explains H.O.G.'s Internet policies and security measures relating to personal privacy and information security. The Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G. collects and stores the following information about you when you visit the Atlanta Chapter web site: the name of the domain from which you access the Internet (for example, aol.com, if you are connecting from an America Online account); the date and time you access the site; and the Internet address of the web site from which you linked directly to our site. The chapter uses this information to measure the number of visitors to the different sections of its site. This helps H.O.G. to make its site more responsive to its members and prospective members.

H.O.G. will not obtain personally identifying information about you when you visit our site unless you choose to provide such information. If you choose to send e-mail, registration, or other personal information over the Internet, you do so voluntarily.

The Atlanta Chapter, H.O.G. will not disclose personal information provided to it except as follows:

At your request, which may be oral, in writing, by telephone, electronic or other means we recognize;

To assist H.O.G. in evaluating its programs and to continue to improve the quality of your on-line and membership experience;

When disclosure is required by law, such as pursuant to court order, subpoena, legal process or government agency examination or investigation, or to protect or enforce our rights;

To companies that perform services for H.O.G. in connection with your membership, such as data processing and financial transaction processing companies and agencies;

To Harley-Davidson affiliated companies and carefully selected third parties for their own use to provide products and services, or other opportunities to you, unless you have instructed us in writing not to do so; and

In connection with Harley-Davidson corporate due diligence and audits.

By your use of and connection to our web site, you understand and consent to this privacy statement. If for any reason you are concerned that the personal or member information maintained by H.O.G. is not correct or if for some reason you believe H.O.G. has not adhered to these privacy principles, please notify us by calling 1-800-CLUB-HOG.



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Updated 8/22/2004