HOG Call - December 2023

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Meetings are held at Eastside Harley-Davidson on the last Saturday of the Month.

December HOG Call ͏ ‌      ͏ ‌      ͏ ‌      ͏ ‌      ͏ ‌      ͏ ‌      ͏ ‌      ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌      ͏ ‌      ͏ ‌      ͏ ‌      ͏ ‌      ͏ ‌      ͏ ‌      ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌      ͏ ‌      ͏ ‌      ͏ ‌      ͏ ‌      ͏ ‌      ͏ ‌      ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌      ͏ ‌      ͏ ‌      ͏ ‌      ͏ ‌      ͏ ‌      ͏ ‌      ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌      ͏ ‌      ͏ ‌      ͏ ‌      ͏ ‌      ͏ ‌      ͏ ‌      ͏ ‌     

Social starts at 9:30am, meeting at 10:00am. 

The ESHOG Calendar of Events

As you read this final HOG Call for 2023, I wish you all the best for the holiday season!

I am confident that we will achieve our Ride 365 target with one month to go, and we only need 17,000 miles more. Hopefully you will all be able to get out in some crisp clear weather to get us over the mark. Mileage forms are available in paper form at the dealership or a fillable form is available online from our website:
https://www.eshog.com/forms-and-documents  

At the November meeting, we appointed two new board members to the team for 2024, Jason “Griff” G as Head Road Captain, and Dave H as Safety Officer. Please join me in welcoming these two great additions to the team and thanking Ken A and Arndt H for their fine efforts as the incumbent board members.

I hope to see you all enjoying the holiday party on Dec 9th!

RIDE MOTORCYCLES ⋅ HAVE FUN
Tony “Kiwi” Burton

There's a bit of a shopper in every big boy!

Steve Cox, Asst Director

P.S. GREAT JOB AS Head R.C. KEN! 

As we roll into December, it’s my last month of a two-yearterm as Head Road Captain. I’ve certainly had a blast and I hope those who went  out on our multiple rides throughout the year had a blast as well as felt safe!

What a great section of the country we live in for riding!!

A quick note on the annual ESHOG Polar Bear ride that Eric Shields puts on each year: It will be on again in January so stay tuned for that update.

I will note here as well as others have that GNWHOG is gunning hard for us on the 365 program, so please submit mileage by end of December even if it’s a picture of your odometer.

As I’m sure you are aware, Jason Griffin takes the reins of HRC next year and I’m excited about the energy he brings!

December’s D is easy, and it’s close to the dealer too. A bunch have ridden to it already, but if you haven’t yet, go get‘er done!

I would also like to make mention of the ESHOG riders who completed the Destinations of 2023. The chapter and I appreciate the time and miles you rode to get out to them, and by the smiles on your faces, it sure looks like you had a FANTASTIC time!

Riders Are:  Lanelle B. - Don G. - Doug W. - Dave H. - Roberto L. - Jason G. - Ken A. - Kevin K. - Fred G. - Debi P. - Stephan. - Michael P. - Jaysun R. - Tad T. - Jay M. 

Ken "Slacker Ken" A.

Let's ride!

Volunteer?

If you would like to help the chapter in any way, please let William know at [email protected] 

We will be having the ESHOG Christmas party at the Lucky 7 in Kirkland. So put on your dancing shoes or Harley boots, or whatever makes you bust a move with one of our favorite bands!  

Mark your calendar and watch for the location and info to be posted on FB. 

Come join your Eastside HOG brothers and sisters for a night of holiday revelry!

Saturday December 9th, 2023, 6:00 – 11:00 PM at the Lucky 7 Bar & Grill 12715 NE 124th St Kirkland, WA 98034

6:00 – 7:30 PM Check in with a variety of delicious hors d'oeuvres will be provided from the Lucky 7's menu* throughout the evening, starting at 6:00 PM.

7:30 – 11:00 PM Socializing, Games, and Presentations. Live music by Northwest’s premier party band, Soul Siren! Chicken tenders, pickle chips, potato skins, quesadillas, jalapeno poppers, chicken wings, prawns, etc. Each attendee will be entitled to up to 2 drinks on the chapter. The kitchen and bar will be open should you desire additional items. 

RSVP on the ESHOG.com calendar, https://www.eshog.com/events/eastside-hog-holiday-party-2023, or email [email protected].

Tammy B.  

Assessing an injury, and providing appropriate care is an important skill for any situation in life. Situational awareness and treating specific injuries are just one portion of a class and gaining confidence in decision making and applying appropriate steps will allow to handle emergencies swiftly, should those occur.

Skills are best refreshed in classes on regular intervals, and a First Aid Kit should be part of your "toolkit". We are delighted to offer a First Aid Class, hosted by Bellevue Fire, which will focus on motorcycle specific topics. 

This is a hands-on class, led by Cpt. Lapsansky and his instructor(s). Location of event: Eastside HOG Chapter Lounge Start time: 10am (social); Class will start 10:30am, and last about 2 hours. 

The class consists of presentations, but mainly hands-on practice. Because of the practical portion of the class, the maximum number of attendees is limited to 10. The cost for this class is usually $20 per person, but because we as a chapter have a strong focus on skills development and safe riding practices, we are offering this class for free! 

Thank you, Eastside HOG! Because of limited space, if you are interested, you need to RSVP to this event, either here or email  [email protected]. I will fill the roster on a first-come, first-serve basis. (If you were planning to attend, but can't make it, please take your name off the list, so others can join, respectively.) This is a chapter members exclusive event. Reach out to [email protected] if you have questions (or see me at the coming events).

https://www.eshog.com/events/first-aid-class

UPDATE: the class was originally scheduled for 10 participants; we have the opportunity to expand this to 15! Please RSVP via website, or via email to [email protected]

Ride Safe & Have Fun!

Arndt (Tank)

Season Greetings to my fellow Eastside HOG peeps, as we go into the last month of 2023. We've gained 37 new members this year, bringing our active membership roster to 139. What a great year we've had getting together for our Sunday Suppers, really fun destinations each month, and the extra challenge to go after the 9 destinations this Summer with the Bridges, Beaches and Baker - 

Thank you Ken for all your hard work and planning to give our chapter some great opportunities to get out and ride, to all 4 corners of the state pretty much. And 2024 is right around the corner, so we all know what that means.... 

It’s time for our Annual Membership Drive and signing 2024 Chapter Membership Forms.  Everyone needs to complete a 2024 Membership Form. Our chapter must obtain a current Chapter Membership Enrollment form from you to maintain your active status in our Chapter. Your national membership must be current prior to sending in your form. If you are not sure when your membership expires, or can't remember your National Member ID, you can log into the National HOG site to obtain it. SIGN the Membership Form (can't be electronic signature, must be hand signed original) Please complete the form, bring it with you or mail your form to the dealership at: Eastside HOG, C/O Eastside Harley Davidson, 2350 136th PL NE Bellevue, WA 98005 OR drop the form at the Dealership in our drop box on the East wall in our membership corner next to the bulletin board. If you have questions, please contact me at [email protected]

Kickoff Annual Membership Drive

January 6 from 10 to 2pm

Don't miss our Kickoff Saturday. Swing by for some treats, get your mileage read for 2024 Ride 365! If you can't make it, you can also download the form on Eshog.com website, print it out and mail it in. We do need to have a hard copy with your signature on file for Harley-Davidson. This is a requirement to have a new updated form every year. Most of you know by now, but we have a lot of new members.

Speaking of new members, Amber Smith is one of our new members from October and she is highlighted below. Welcome Amber!

Merry Christmas!
LaNelle

NEWEST MEMBER!

"I have lived somewhere in between Duvall and Redmond these past 15 years. I joined HOG this year as a passenger to Tony Burton. I’ve been serving families and children for over 25 years as a teacher and puppeteer. Beginning 2024, I will be running for Ms America (Ms Washington 2024), as Ambassador for Children. In addition, I can be found dancing with my performance team the Boot Boogie Babes at local parades, fairs, concerts, sports events and more. I am a big supporter of the local arts and promote our art community on the local radio throughout the week, sponsored by KMmedia Pro. I also produce and distribute a free local magazine called the PNW Collaborative Magazine. I look forward to meeting you on the next ride!"  ~ Amber

​ROC
In case you were wondering….

2024 ROC Registration Opens Dec. 1

Beginning in January 2024, Regional Officer Connection training sessions: Registration officially opens on December 1^st. 2023 April 6, Bellevue, WA

2024 H.O.G. Rally & Event Calendar

Here’s a first look at the touring and regional rallies H.O.G. has in store for 2024. Full details and registration links will be posted in December.

H.O.G. Touring Rallies

February 26-March 1, Run to Daytona H.O.G. Touring Rally, Birmingham, AL to Ocala, FL

March 29-April 2, Spring Heat in Arizona H.O.G. Touring Rally, El Cajon, CA to Arizona Bike Week, Scottsdale, AZ

May 16-24, Tour of Valor H.O.G. Touring Rally, Pensacola, FL to Dumfries, VA

June 3-7, Rally Up Laconia H.O.G. Touring Rally, Plain City, OH to Lebanon, NH

August 19-September 3, East Meets West H.O.G. Posse Ride, North Hampton, NH to San Diego, CA

October 14-19, Texas Independence H.O.G. Touring Rally, Longview, TX

H.O.G. Regional Rallies

April 11-13, Cajun Country H.O.G. Rally, Scott, LA

April 25-27, Southwest Regional H.O.G. Rally, Yuma, AZ

June 6-8, Great Lakes H.O.G. Rally, Chippewa Falls, WI

June 20-23, The Last Frontier H.O.G. Rally, Palmer, AK

July 11-13, Iron Adventure H.O.G. Rally, Ludlow, VT

August 21-24, Wild & Wonderful H.O.G. Rally, Charleston, WV

September 5-7, Rocky Mountain H.O.G. Rally, Grand Junction, CO

H.O.G. Check-Ins

March 2-9, Daytona Bike Week, Daytona Beach, FL

June 8-15, Laconia Motorcycle Week, Laconia, NH

July 25-28, Harley-Davidson Homecoming, Milwaukee, WI

August 2-10, Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Sturgis, SD

September 18-22, Bike, Blues & BBQ, Roger, AR

Meeting Photos

As always, happy to answer any questions.  

Steve B.

The image that I chose for today’s article depicts something I have been thinking a lot about lately. Perhaps you have been thinking about this too. In the near distance, you see a massive storm brewing. Thunderheads, lightning, and a complete drenching. The rain is coming down in buckets. But in the foreground, there’s a small, somewhat vulnerable sailboat, surrounded by calm waters and the light of the sun reflecting off the water. But the little boat is heading right for the storm. Complete chaos. Danger ahead. I would imagine that the captain and crew of this little boat are more than a bit concerned with the storm right in front of them. Who wouldn’t be? Yet the picture we are given here is that they are completely at peace.

It's clear that the times we are in are fraught with danger. Conflict, war, and unrest all over the world. Like this little boat, it seems that we are headed right for the storm. What we see on the horizon is a bit terrifying. The news media does a pretty good job of putting a magnifying glass over all that’s happening, capitalizing on the fear, anger, and unrest that is in the air. And of course, to some degree we are helpless and at the mercy of our respective governments and their whims.

I just spent a week in Tri-Cities, taking my mom and stepdad to various medical appointments. 

A Neurologist appointment for Bruce, who was diagnosed with ALS in March. His condition is rapidly declining. It’s heartbreaking to watch a loved one going through this. Yet he is at peace. My mother, recovering from bi-lateral knee replacement surgery and just yesterday had to go in for a five-hour iron infusion. As painful as all this is – she too is ultimately at peace. The week was incredibly stressful – but I am at peace. The kind of peace that makes no sense, to be honest.

The image at the top of this article is quite a juxtaposition. We see utter calm in the midst of a storm. Serenity in the face of imminent danger. Peace where we might least expect it – even during a massive storm all around. As you likely know, the Bible has quite a lot to say about peace. I want to mention just a couple of verses here, as we think about all that is happening.

Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.  John 14:27

You’ve probably heard this verse before. This is a promise that Jesus made, and it is quite instructive. We cannot look to the world for the kind of peace that we really need. The system that has brought us the unrest and conflict certainly can’t bring us the kind of peace that we need. He said, “Not as the world gives to you do I give to you”. He’s speaking of a different kind of peace. An inner peace. Not the absence of conflict. Peace despite conflict. He knew that these things would be happening. He told us that there would be trouble in the world. And there surely is. “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 I’d like to highlight just one more verse. “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 

The kind of peace that He is talking about here is beyond our understanding. Peace during conflict. Even better, it’s the kind of peace that guards our hearts and our minds from the negativity and fear that can literally destroy us. Destroy our relationships. And destroy our future. As we enter into Thanksgiving week and gather around the table with our friends and families, let’s remember to embrace the peace that we have been offered. Sure, there are lots of things we could fret over. But I, for one, am thankful that He has left us His peace.

Merry Christmas

Kerry S. “Chaplain”  

Ho ho ho! 

It looks like Santa Claus is still in the gift-giving mood even this Christmas. We've got an epic tale to share with you about a burly, Harley-Davidson-riding biker who decided to put his faith in the big jolly man himself. 

Our protagonist had been riding his trusty motorcycle for years, but it was starting to show its age. He dreamed of a sleek new ride that would make him the envy of the road. With the holidays fast approaching, he decided to pen a letter to Santa Claus and ask for a new bike. 

At first, his buddies at the biker bar laughed and teased him for his childish letter. But the burly biker had faith in Santa and waited patiently for Christmas morning. Imagine his surprise when he woke up to find a brand new Harley-Davidson waiting for him under the tree! 

With tears in his eyes, he threw on his leathers and took his new ride out for a spin. The wind in his hair, the roar of the engine, and the envy of every other biker on the road made him feel like a king. And all because he believed in the magic of Santa Claus. 

So, if you're dreaming of a new ride or anything else, don't be afraid to ask Santa Claus for a little help. You never know what kind of magic might come your way!

Seasons Greetings

Bonne & Kenny

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