How I Got My Motorcycle License

Transcription

1 Vol. IX, No. III The Official Newsletter of H. O.G. Chapter #2376 Anthem, Arizona USA March 2018 How I Got My Motorcycle License Al Harper Poppy Assistant Director S ometime in the 1980s, when mopeds were becoming increasingly popular, Pennsylvania initiated a requirement for operators to have an endorsement on Class C licenses. For individuals already in possession a driver s license, the Moped Endorsement was as easy as checking the appropriate box during the renewal process, as they were to be "grandfathered" in as legitimate operators. I checked the box, gained the Moped Endorsement, never having owned one, driven one, or even having a need for one... but keeping my future wide open. Earlier this year, I shared a little of my first experiences on a real motorcycle. I seemed to have little difficulty barreling down a dirt road in top gear spewing a rooster tail of dust and gravel as long as it remained straight; but the turns... ugh... they needed work. My turns from a stop sign were not an issue, but my insistence on trying to turn at speed without leaning was a hairy experience, to say the least. After getting my first motorcycle from upstate Pennsylvania, to my house, and having had one close call in traffic (or maybe it was two), I parked the bike and never thought about riding. A handful of years, another job, and the birth of our youngest came and went. My job only lasted three and a half years. The company was sold and my job eliminated. I found another employer, but there was a small problem: it was located in North Carolina, some 380 miles from my home. The new job sounded interesting, the pay was good and there was an opportunity for my wife, Jenni, to transfer about 60 miles away if we split that distance. This was not a bad commute for either of us. As with anyone's move there are certain things that needed to be done. One, of course, was getting the appropriate driver s license for my new state. I took the necessary paper work and my Pennsylvania driver s license to the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles to officially become the latest resident of the Tar Heel State. The clerk stared at my license and to my best recollection said something like, "Moped? That must mean motorcycle." Viola! I became a licensed motorcycle operator in the State of North Carolina. Never mind that I really didn't know how to operate a motorcycle, or that I never had a learner's permit for one, or that I really didn't even have an understanding about the basic fundamentals of handling a motorcycle. In closing, and as a comfort my fellow H.O.G. members: The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania offers a Motorcycle Safety course open to all motorcycles. I have taken the course and I have passed it. I n s i d e T h i s I s s u e o f C h a p t e r C h a t t e r HOGs & Dogs Selling Point Desert Ride Road Captain Report Rider Mileage Programs LOH Goes Italian February Meeting Minutes

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3 Selling Point: Lifetime Warranty Keith Preston Potter Editor Jeff Dennis and Stefan Todd sell motorcycles. You may have seen these bearded fellows at the Buddy Stubbs Anthem Harley-Davidson dealership. And while it may be easy to confuse them as blood brothers, they are different in many ways. One started riding when he was six years old, the other when he turned three. One hails from Texas and the other began life in Las Vegas. One rides a Road Glide and the other rides a Street Glide. One wears a helmet because of a promise he made to a loved one, the other believes that wearing a helmet is a personal decision. Despite their differences, however, they do share one passion: helping people connect with the freedom that comes from riding Harley-Davidson motorcycles. In a recent exchange, Jeff and Stefan told me something about the dealership that came as a big surprise: Buddy Stubbs offers a Lifetime Warranty. I had seen the tags hanging on the bikes on the showroom floor, but I wanted to know more. The warranty protects the owner from out-of-pocket costs for anything related to the powertrain. If you think about the costs associated with motorcycle ownership, the major expenses are usually associated with the engine or the transmission. This could provide significant savings on the cost of ownership. Jeff explained further, This is a warranty that protects your motorcycle's powertrain for as long as you own the motorcycle, at no cost to you. Engine, transmission, and primary will all be covered as long as you own the motorcycle. Stefan added, There is no out of pocket cost, no deductible and [the warranty] is good nationwide. Stefan and Jeff love their work. Making someone's dream come true to finally have their very own Harley- Davidson is one of the better parts of my job, Stefan remarked. They both enjoy seeing the look of happy anticipation on the faces of customers as they wait to swing their legs over their new rides. Jeff continued that the sales staff want customers to leave the dealership,... feeling like they are a part of our Buddy Stubbs Anthem Harley-Davidson family. Stefan Todd, Sales Associate and Jeff Dennis, Sales Manager Next time you are at the dealership, take a moment to say hello to the bearded duo of Jeff and Stefan. Jeff may tell you about his crosscountry trip to Myrtle Beach and back and Stefan might share his dream of one day riding up the west coast, then coming back home through the Rocky Mountains. It may also be beneficial for you to have them tell you more about the Lifetime Warranty. Ask them about their ideas of what a perfect riding day is and share your own stories of the road and of the freedom for all, all for freedom attitude that is built into every Harley- Davidson motorcycle. Chapter Chatter 3

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5 A few items: Keith Preston Potter Head Road Captain 1. Welcome to our newest Road Captain, Dan Williams. Dan completed several rides serving in the sweep position and led a ride to Bartlett Lake. He s ready. Serving as a Road Captain has both rewards and responsibilities and, as Dan s address suggests: Dan will do it. Thanks, Dan, for being willing to lead from the front. 2. Our chapter will sponsor two overnight riding trips this year. One in August and one in early November. The August trip will be a threeday/two-night trip to the high country of eastern Arizona. This ride will explore the White Mountains and portions of western New Mexico. The November trip will be our traditional Tombstone Adventure. Three days and two nights in the town that was too tough to die. Details, including exact dates, are in development. Stay tuned for some great riding in the months ahead. Dan Williams Road Captain Report 3. Chapter #2376 attended the first City vs. City H.O.G. Games, sponsored by our sister Chapter, H.O.G. #93. The games took place on Feb. 25th at the Phoenix dealership. The East Valley H.O.G. Chapter also participated. There were four games: Potato Pass, Road Kill Slow Ride, Tire Toss, and the Straw Drop. Unfortunately, none of our Chapter competitors placed, but we still had a great time and we look forward to attending next year. HiJack tosses the tire. Rider Mileage Programs Ride 365 This is the official rider mileage program for H.O.G. Register your miles with any Harley-Davidson employee. The mileage accumulates in three ways: 1) Recognition for lifetime miles. Earn rockers and pins for milestones over 25,000 miles. 2) Recognition to individuals with the highest mileage in one calendar year. 3) Recognition for Chapters with the highest average mileage. Miles are earned no matter how you ride or who you ride with. ABCs of Touring This H.O.G. scavenger hunt awards points for each city or town A-Z, counties or parishes A-Z, as well as points for countries, states, provinces, Harley-Davidson dealerships, Harley-Davidson facilities, National Forests, and National Parks. ABCs of Touring patches are earned with as few as 5 points. To learn more, see Chapter Chatter 5

6 Master Mile Maker The official lifetime rider mileage recognition program for our Chapter. Miles are earned only on Chapter rides. Riders will earn a patch, with rockers marking significant mileage milestones. A patch and rocker is awarded for 2,376 miles, with rockers for 4,376 miles, 6,376 miles, and 8,376 miles. The title Master Mile Maker, along with the 12,376 rocker, round out the Master Mile Maker program. Chapter High Miler The official annual rider mileage recognition program for our Chapter. Miles are earned only on Chapter rides. High rider mileages will be recognized at our Christmas party in December, with riders receiving a prize for third and, second highest mileages. The top mileage rider will be named Chapter Champ, receive the grand prize, and have his or her name engraved on a perpetual plaque on display in the H.O.G. room. Chapter Rider Mileages The total number of Chapter ride miles for January was 1,022. The top ten riders for January were: Dan Williams 870 miles, Ken Palmer 772 miles, Al Harper 760 miles, Jeff Feldstein 692 miles, Keith Preston 662 miles, Jim Swan 622 miles, Fred Newell 560 miles, Clive Francis 552 miles, Joelle Hendren 510 miles, and Steve Ehnis 480 miles. The total number or Chapter ride miles for February was 1,239. The top ten riders for February were: Clive Francis 962, Keith Preston 902, Ken Palmer 842, Brian Hicks 731, Jack Ackerman 575, Rory Kraft 505, Fred Newell 504, Jeff Feldstein 480, Rick Baena 460, Sharon Ackerman* 375, Al Harper 368. The ten riders with the Highest Chapter Ride Miles to Date: Ken Palmer 1,614, Keith Preston 1,564, Clive Francis 1,514, Dan Williams 1,217, Jeff Feldstein 1,172, Brian Hicks 1,171, Al Harper 1,128, Fred Newell 1,064, Jack Ackerman 927, Joelle Hendren 810. * Passenger Trivia Question The March Trivia Question: How many Harley-Davidson motorcycles were sold worldwide in 2016? Send your answer to editor@anthemhog.com. Your name will be entered into s drawing at our next Chapter meeting for a Buddy Stubbs gift card. Winner must be present to win. Good luck! The February Trivia Question: Name all of the cities where Harley-Davidson motorcycles are currently manufactured and/or assembled. Answer: Kansas City, MO; York, PA; Menomonee Falls, WI; Tomahawk, WI; Adelaide, Australia; Manaus, Brazil; Bawal, India; and Rayong, Thailand. Winner: Five responses received, two were correct. Paul LaBerge won the drawing for a $20 Buddy Stubbs gift card. Chapter Chatter 6

7 Vol. IX, No. III March 2018 Winner, Winner, Chili Dinner Here are the winners of the Chili Cook-off, which took place at our monthly February HOGs & Dogs event. They are, from left to right: 3rd place went to Stefan Todd (motorcycle sales associate at the dealership); 1st place went to Clive Francis, and 2nd place went to Paula Genovese. They each received gift certificates from Buddy Stubbs Anthem Harley-Davidson. Many thanks to all who participated in the chili contest. Winners of the Chili Cook-Off Ladies of Harley go Italian Paula Genovese Trooper Ladies of Harley Officer The Ladies of Harley visited Romanelli s for lunch on February 24th. Mamma Mia! Everyone had a delicious time. Chapter Chatter 7

8 February Meeting Minutes Jim Swan Swannee Secretary Minutes General Meeting: Anthem HOG Chapter #2376, February 2018 Location: Anthem Buddy Stubbs HOG Meeting Room Attendance: Members and Guests Present: 40 Officers Present: Officers Absent: Jeff Feldstein (Director), Al Harper (Asst. Director), Sharon Ackerman (Treasurer), Jim Swan (Secretary & Membership Officer), Keith Preston (Editor & Head Road Captain), Gaby Burlingame (Activities Officer), Paula Genovese (LOH), Brian Hicks (Safety Officer), Steve Ehnis (Webmaster), Gary Fraley (Photographer) Adrienne Coro (Photographer) Jeff Feldstein called the meeting to order at 10:05 am. The Pledge of Allegiance was stated by all. Jeff Feldstein-Director: I want to welcome everyone to our General Membership Meeting for HOG Chapter #2376. We have lots of fun things today, including the Chili Cook-off. Do we have any new members or guests? My name is Corky Blume, I am a guest and I ride a Street Glide. I am Vic Rivas. I am a guest and I also ride a Street Glide. Al Harper-Asst. Director: As a reminder, the Desert Ride for our charity, St. Mary s Food Bank, is Saturday, April 7 th. The 265-mile route, along with the stops, flyers, sign-up sheets and other details will be available very soon. This is an open event. It is open to all bikes and riders. It starts at Anthem Harley Davidson and ends at Barro s Pizza in Cave Creek. Sharon Ackerman-Treasurer: As of today, we have $6, in the bank. Jim Swan-Secretary: I have nothing to share with the membership at this time. Jim Swan-Membership Officer: As of today, we have 97 members in the Chapter. The latest new member came to us from a new motorcycle purchase at Anthem Harley Davidson. Regarding the New Member Incentive, where a member brings in two new members in a year and their dues for the next year are free, we currently have two members who have qualified for free dues for I have the Loyalty Rewards scanner. If you don t already have your card, ask for one at the Motor Clothes Desk. You can earn points from purchases, attending the General Membership meeting or Dealer Sponsored rides. These points can accumulate and be redeemed toward future purchases at the dealership. Keith Preston-Editor: As always, I am looking for articles for your newsletter, the Chapter Chatter. As you know, I started a trivia contest in the newsletter and this month we had five people respond and two people were correct. The two names with correct answers are being drawn out of a hat by one of our guests and the winner of the trivia answer for a $20 Buddy Stubbs gift card is Paul Laberge. Congratulations Paul. Gaby Burlingame-Activities Officer: I wanted to remind you that the St Mary s Food Drive will take place at the Anthem Safeway store on March 3 rd from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. I have a sign-up sheet for people interested in volunteering to work. You can choose a two-hour or four-hour time period to work. I hope to have the Desert Ride flyer out to you by the end of the coming week or beginning of the next week. Paula Genovese-LOH Officer: On February 24 th the Navigator has a ride to Westgate for the Veterans Tribute Car Show. During the car show a band by the name of Roustabout will be playing from 9:00 am to noon. One of our members, Lou Shriro plays with this Chapter Chatter 8

9 band. At 1:00 pm LOH will be meeting at Romanelli s Deli and Grocery for lunch. You can make it a ride to the deli from Westgate or you can drive. The address is 3437 W. Dunlap Ave., Phoenix. Phillip McKee-Buddy Stubbs Marketing Director: As you know, today we have the Chili Cookoff during Hogs & Dogs. On February 24 th we have the Hot Rods & Harleys at the Phoenix store between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm. In March there will be Boom Audio Workshop in the Anthem store. It will be put on by Will, the Parts Manager. On Friday, April 13 th, we are going to have a FXR Dyna Show from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm. There will be DJ s, food trucks and parts vendors for the Dyna. Bike Week Bash will be on Saturday, April 14 th. We are looking for volunteers to work the Bash. Please see us if you are interested. Finally, Anthem will be having the Desert Ride on the 7 th, Phoenix will have it s Wednesday Ride on the 11 th and we are teaming up with Gatekeepers for a ride on Thursday the 12 th. Brian Hicks-Safety Officer: On March 4 th I will be leading an opportunity ride to the 2018 Riding for the Long-Haul event. It takes place between 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. We will meet at McDonald s at 8:30 am. As a reminder, the Daisy Mountain Fire Department has CPR and first aid certification classes in the spring and fall. The next classes are May 10 th and May 17 th. Also, Black Canyon City Fire Department, which is now a part of Daisy Mountain FD, has the same classes on March 6 th and March 13 th. We have new information from the National Motorcycle Safety Foundation regarding group riding and group rider training. We want to make this information available to not only new members but all members. It takes about an hour and we want to present it two times per year. Our first presentation will be March 3 rd at 8:30 in the HOG Room. This will take place before our St Mary s Food Drive at Safeway. Finally, look ahead, stay alert and check behind. Keith Preston-Head Road Captain: Last weekend I went to Henderson, NV to attend the Harley Officer Training (HOT). I found it to be one of the most positive and inspirational events I have attended. First, all our Road Captions are receiving an updated Rider Briefing Card. Second, there are some changes in the Rider Mileage Recognition Program. The biggest change is Ride 365. Each year you must register with the dealership to accumulate your miles. It is an incentive by Harley to ride more often and your mileage must be certified by a dealership. Locally we are going to start a Chapter Champ program. There will be the accumulation of miles from Chapter sponsored rides. I will keep a record of the miles and publish the results on a quarterly basis. The winner will be recognized at the Chapter s Christmas Party. The last program is the Master Mile Maker. With this program you keep track of your miles and receive a patch when you reach selected milestones. Finally, we are going to doing Chapter rides for the ABC s of Touring. There are flyers available outlining these programs or see me if you have any questions. Regarding the upcoming rides. I will be leading a ride to Bartlett Lake on February 18 th and we will meet Anthem H-D at 10:00 am. On the 24 th Navigator will be leading a ride to the Veteran s Tribute Car Show at Westgate. Meet at McDonald s at 8:00 am. On the 25 th I will be leading a ride to the HOG Bike Games at the Phoenix store. Meet at Anthem H-D at 10:00 am. On March 3 rd at 8:30 we have the Group Rider Training in the HOG Room followed by the St Mary s Food Drive. On March 4 th ride goes to Riding for the Long Haul that Brian talked about. Meet at McDonald s at 8:30 am. Also, on the 4 th Navigator will be leading a ride to Longhorn Corral in Buckeye. Meet at McDonald s at 9:30. On March 10 th Planner will be leading a ride to Little Italy in Gila Bend. Meet at McDonalds at 9:30 am. On March 11 th Fluffy will be leading a ride to Casa Rivera in Oracle. Meet at McDonalds at 8:30 am. A couple of us are going to arrange to ride the Arizona portion of the Ride for the Wall in May. Steve Ehnis-Webmaster: I don t have anything to share. - 50/50 Raffle for $60--Winner is Sharon Ackerman - Buddy Stubbs $25 Gift Card--Winner is Clive Francis - Jim Swan moved to adjourn, and Doug Heintze seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 10:55 am. Respectfully Submitted, Jim Swan, Secretary Anthem HOG Chapter #2376 Meeting Minutes Chapter Chatter 9

10 ANTHEM H.O.G RIDES & EVENTS MARCH 2018 RIDES DEPART 30 MINUTES AFTER MEET TIME H.D. Rides are BACK! Wednesdays: Mar. 14th and 28th, 10 a.m at the dealership. Anyone welcome to ride. ALL MILES ARE ONE-WAY SATURDAY - NO RIDE Mar. 3 Donation Collection at Safeway Collection goes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. SUNDAY TWO RIDES Mar. 4 Riding for the Long Haul, Phoenix Meet: 8:30 a.m. at McDonald s Mar. 4 Longhorn Corral, Waddell Meet: 9:30 a.m. at McDonald s SATURDAY Mar. 10 Little Italy, Gila Bend Meet: 9:30 a.m. at McDonald s SUNDAY Mar. 11 Casa Rivera, Oracle Meet: 8:30 a.m. at McDonald s Meet at the store, located at 3655 W. Anthem Way. 36 miles Road Captain: Potter 60 miles Road Captain: Navigator 110 miles Road Captain: Planner 167 miles Road Captain: Fluffy SATURDAY Mar. 17 MEMBERSHIP MEETING 10 a.m. HOGs & Dogs 11 a.m to 2 p.m. SUNDAY Mar. 18 Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, Coolidge Meet: 9:00 a.m. at McDonald s 80 miles Road Captain: Potter SATURDAY DEALER SPONSORED RIDE Mar. 24 Palace Saloon, Prescott Meet: 9:30 a.m. at Anthem H-D SUNDAY Mar. 25 LOH Ride to Chompie s, Glendale Meet: 9:30 a.m. at McDonald s SATURDAY Mar. 31 Stations of the Cross, Yarnell Meet: 8:00 a.m. at McDonald s 115 miles Road Captain: Planner 40 miles Road Captain: Big Hoss 70miles Road Captain: Cloudy Always check the website calendar and the ride HOT LINE for the latest update on rides. Ride HOT LINE: (623) Chapter Chatter 10

11 CALL the Anthem Ride Hot Line Always call the Anthem H.O.G. Hot Line to get the latest status on rides. Guests are always welcome to ride with us no matter what kind of bike you ride Anthem H.O.G. #2376 Officers for 2018 Director Jeff Feldstein Fluffy Assistant Director Al Harper Poppy Secretary Jim Swan Swannee Treasurer Sharon Ackerman Activities Officer Gab Burlingame Ladies of Harley Officer Paula Genovese Trooper Head Road Captain Keith Preston Potter Safety Officer Brian Hicks Membership Officer Jim Swan Swannee Photographer Adrienne Coro Photographer Gary Fraley Editor Keith Preston Potter Webmaster Steve Ehnis Chapter Chatter 11

12 Tail Pipe Anthem Harley Owner s Group # Chartered on the 19th of September 2009, in Anthem, Arizona. - Buddy Stubbs Anthem Harley-Davidson sponsors H.O.G. Chapter The Anthem H.O.G. Chapter meets at 10:00 a.m. on the 3rd Saturday of every month at the Buddy Stubbs Anthem Dealership. - The Buddy Stubbs dealership is located at North 41st Drive, near the Anthem Way exit off I Visitors are always welcomed. Come on by! - We currently have over 100 members. - The Chapter has designated St. Mary s Food Bank as the charity actively supported by the membership. - We are THE Chapter that rides. Sponsor Dealership: Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson Address: N. 41st Drive Anthem, AZ Phone: Website: editor@anthemhog.com Follow us on Facebook: Anthem H.O.G. Chapter #2376 Chapter Chatter 12