Welcome to the First Official Newsletter of the Black Mountains Chapter (HOG¨ Chapter Number 8090)

Newsletter Issue 1 Dec 2013

SeasonÕs Greetings, Welcome to our first newsletter, we hope you enjoy! Thanks to all those who came to the open day at the dealership on November 16th, it was great to see so many new and familiar faces enrolling with the Chapter, as we go to press our membership stands at 115, a great start! Our first Club night at the Riverside Inn was also well attended with standing room only, with that in mind weÕve moved the day to the third Tuesday in the month, as the Riverside has assured us we can use the whole of the lounge area, which is much more suitable for us. We will also be holding a monthly natter night to accommodate our widespread membership. Thanks to our Head Road Captain Graham Roach and his ride-out team for taking the ÔIntroductory Ride-OutÕ to new members who are not accustomed to Chapter ride-out techniques... a great success and perhaps more to follow? Our web page should be going live any day, www.blackmountainshog.co.uk we welcome any comments or input on what youÕd like to see on the web page and Newsletter. Tell us your biking stories, touring or motorcycle tips, it all makes for good reading. If your free on the morning of Sunday December 22nd pop over to the dealership for a Chapter group Photograph which will be published in the quarterly HOG¨ magazine, putting the Black mountains Chapter, Wales out there and on the map. ThatÕs all for now folks, hoping you have a merry Christmas and of course some shiny bits for you pride and joy. Ride safe, your committee.

Sponsored By Swansea Harley-Davidson

Black Mountains Chapter Membership Currently Stands at

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115

Tel: 01792 224444

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Charity Coordinator We would like your thoughts about local small charities, who we could support, where our donations could make a big difference. These can then be discussed at January's committee before a final decision is made as to whom we propose supporting for the next year. Paul Bromhead

Black Mountains Chapter Ladies of Harley

We are pleased to announce the

appointment of our Lady of Harley,

We are pleased to announce the

Our Lady of Harley There is a lot of misconception on what L.O.H. (Ladies of Harley) is. This article is to help clarify what L.O.H. is and how it is vital to any H.O.G. Chapter. Ladies of Harley (L.O.H.) is a program sponsored by the Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) to support women motorcycle enthusiasts (notice I did not say Rider). It does not matter whether you ride your own or are a passenger, you can be a part of L.O.H.

L.O.H. was established to encourage women to become more active in H.O.G. and their local chapters. It is not a separate organization but rather another part of the benefits of H.O.G. It is not a group of woman trying to separate from the men, but rather trying to encourage more women to be involved in an activity that was traditionally male dominated. More and more women are moving from the passenger seat to their own bikes, but we still do not want non-riders to feel intimidated. L.O.H. membership allows you to not only participate locally, but also in all the L.O.H. activities at various H.O.G. rallies and events. These may include workshops, seminars, and other special events. The only requirement for membership is that you must be a member/associate of the Harley Owners Group, and there is no additional costs.

So what does L.O.H. do? This is where your involvement helps to answer that question. We plan to meet every month where we can go over activities and events that we want to do. I am pleased to announce that we currently have 27 Female Black Mountain Chapter members. Sarah James

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CChhaaptteerr Paat cchh Appprrovv eedd

f oorr Ussee

aanndd on Orrddeerr

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We are pleased to announce that the following 3 Committee positions have now been filled; Lady of Harley Officer Ð Sarah James Charity Coordinator Ð Paul Bromhead Safety Officer Ð John Watson You can meet these officers in the Chapter Meeting on 17th December at The Riverside Inn.

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Paul Bromhead Ð Charity Coordinator John Watson Ð Safety Officer

Sarah James Ð Lady of Harley Officer

Hi Adrian, !I'd be very grateful if you would pass on my thanks to everyone for their welcome to the ride yesterday to Mumbles. !I was very apprehensive about coming as I'm only just returning to biking after over four decades. I was immediately put at ease and the ride along the front in Mumbles to the cafe was awesome! ! My "street cred "with my 70 odd year old counterparts is increasing by the minute. ! Regards, ! Harry Jones.

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Introductory Ride-Out

Chapter HOG Rockers etc. are on order and hopefully they will be with us for the December meeting, where they will be available for sale. Our Chapter Logo Patches have now been approved and ordered, but may not arrive in time for Christmas. One patch will be issued free to all members.

The Chapter Website should be live from next week. We welcome your thoughts on its content and suggestions on how it can be improved. Remember, we are still looking for our Chapter Webmaster. Duties include; Author, edit and update the Chapter web site - this requires excellent computer literacy, web page editing experience, photo manipulation etc. If you are interested, please contact Adrian at: info@blackmountainshog.co.uk

The Chapter still welcomes nominations from members who feel they have suitable skills/experience to undertake the following vacant positions; Activities Officer - Oversee the administration of Chapter Events. Work with the Committee members (Safety Officer, Head Road Captain & Charity Officer) to seek agreement and approval of proposed activities, Co-ordinate chosen activities by making the necessary arrangements Editor - Write, edit and manage the publication of the ChapterÕs Magazine (at least 6 per year) - this role requires excellent writing skills, computer literacy, the ability to work with desktop publishing packages and

We would also like to welcome the following members as Chapter Road Marshalls; Sarah James Steve Link Adrian Vaughan Neil Lewis Good luck in your training.

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WANTED Last seen in Lapland and

Thunder in the Glens

In hac habitasse platea dictumst. In hac habitasse platea dictumst DECEMBER 17TH - CHAPTER CLUB NIGHT As usual, meetings start around 8.00pm, but do come early for a chat or a bite to eat please. If the Chapter HOG Rockers etc. have arrived, they will be on sale at this meeting. The owner has kindly offered us the whole of the lounge area for our future meetings. The Riverside Inn,1 High Street, Gorseinon, Swansea, SA4 4BX. Telephone: 01792 896037. DECEMBER 22nd (Sunday) Ð BLACK MOUNTAINS CHAPTER, WALES PHOTO SHOOT HOG¨ have asked us for an article to be included in the HOG¨ Magazine to celebrate the launch of EuropeÕs newest HOG¨ Chapter. HOG¨ Magazine, the official publication of the Harley Owners Group¨, is forwarded to all members Worldwide. Published quarterly, this award-winning magazine keeps members up to date on HOG¨ happenings around the world. So why not join us for the ÔgroupÕ photo shoot outside our dealership at Swansea Harley-Davidson at 10:30 am promptly. Strictly Harley Davidson Motorcycles ONLY in the front Carpark. JANUARY 12TH Ð RIDEOUT TO SAUNDERSFOOT HARBOUR This is the Big One to launch 2014. Lets make it a spectacle with plenty of Thunder in the Hillsides. Leaving Swansea Harley-Davidson at 10.30 am (front carpark), heading westwards down M4 exiting to St Clears then on through Laugharne and on to Saundersfoot harbour and stop for Lunch. Fuel stop at Kilgetty on the way back. Then heading back towards Swansea via Narberth, Carmarthen and saying our goodbye's at Pont Abraham services M4. Total distance is 94 miles, lead by Graham Roach. JANUARY 21ST - CHAPTER CLUB NIGHT 20:00 pm at The Riverside Inn,1 High Street, Gorseinon, Swansea, SA4 4BX. Telephone: 01792 896037. JANUARY 28TH Ð CHAPTER NATTER NIGHT As the Black Mountains Chapter is the only Welsh HOG Chapter, in addition to the Monthly Club Meetings at the Riverside Inn, Gorseinon, we propose holding monthly Natter Nights at various locations across the main areas where our Welsh members live. The first of these will be held at; St Andrews Major Golf Club, Coldbrook Road East, Barry, CF63 1BL. Telephone: 01446 722227 This venue has ample parking and seating and is also offering a buffet curry night for £8:00 per person, which apparently is excellent. Please can you let us know if you would like to partake in this Indian Culinary Experience, by email to info@blackmountainshog.co.uk. We welcome ideas from our members for suitable future venues, especially for the summer months, which will provide not only an opportunity to meet up for a chat, but also a pleasant ride to and from the venue.

ac habitasse platea dictumst.ÔWhats OnÕ (December & January)

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The Die was Cast! I bought the Harley Iron. What was I doing?.......71 years of age, two replacement hips, a wired shoulder, a damaged knee..... My wife said I was mad..... my neighborsÕ urged caution, but secretly admired my recklessness. I last rode a bike 46 years ago and that was a very small Japanese bike, but at least I had a full license that allowed me to ride a bike of any size. Forward planning was essential, so I had two days "back to riding" with a Harley Instructor, based at HD Gorseinon. But now I had to prove myself on the first ride out with the Black Mountains Chapter. As I live nearly 60 miles from the HD centre in Gorseinon that was for me a trek in itself. The morning of the ride, Dec 8th arrived. Fully kitted up I set off with full instructions from my wife! The road to Llandeilo was closed due to an accident. Was this a sign from above? ..... should I turn back? No, 70 odd year olds are made of sterner stuff. I carried on and arrived at 9.40am. I started to meet the Harley group. All my fears disappeared in a torrent of friendliness and encouragement with..."Don't worry we've all been there..... weÕll look after you" And they certainly did. It was exhilarating, exciting and totally liberating. The procession of Harleys all in formation sped off to the distinctive Harley sound and I was part of it!! We arrived at Mumbles with admiring glances from all the onlookers. Members took it in their stride and I tried to look as if I was always part of it. There was plenty of banter with newly found friends from all walks of life, but all equal in the Harley family. We arrived back at Harley Headquarters in Gorseinon at 1.15pm. I made my way home glowing with pride and satisfaction. I did it....... what next?

Harry, youÕre a Star !

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Chapter Rockers and cloth badges can only be sold to current Black Mountains Chapter, Wales members. Please provide your Chapter number when ordering.

H.O.G.¨Patches and Rockers can only be sold to current H.O.G.¨ members please provide your H.O.G.¨ number when ordering.

Any item can be collected at Club Nights to save postage and packing

Chapter and Life Member Rocker - Large £15.00

Chapter and Life Member Rocker - Small £8.00

H.O.G. Patch - Large £15.00

H.O.G. Patch - Small £8.00

H.O.G. Patch - Small Silver £8.00

H.O.G. Patch Studded - Large £15.00

H.O.G. Patch Studded - Small £8.00

Chapter H.O.G. pin £8.00

Black Mountains Chapter Flags - Large £40.00 plus postage and packing.

Black Mountains Chapter Flags - Small - £25.00 plus postage and packing

Sissy Bar Flag Mount £15.00 plus postage and packing

Tour Pack Flag Mount £15.00 plus postage and packing

To purchase any of the items listed, please contact Len Daly at: info@blackmountainshog.co.uk OR Purchase at any Club or Natter Night.

Club Merchandise

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Swansea Harley-Davidson¨ is Wales first ever Harley-Davidson¨ dealership, opening its doors in April 2013

The new large 6,000 sq ft modern design showroom is housed within the M&P Direct building on the edge of the Gower peninsular in Gorseinon, Swansea.

You will find a warm welcome, ample parking and the latest models from Harley-Davidson¨ many available for demonstration rides, plus rows of Genuine Parts, Accessories and Motor Clothes¨ as well as knowledgeable dealership staff on hand to answer any questions about the Harley¨ lifestyle.

The new workshop has full MOT, service and repair facilities, there is also diner on site so you can have a drink or something to eat while your bike is being looked after or just hang out and enjoy the atmosphere.

WORKSHOP & SERVICE CENTER All of our technicians are highly qualified and experienced. We use only factory approved tools and the latest computerised diagnostic equipment to get you back on the road as quickly as possible; and to keep your machine running smoothly all year round.

SERVICES ¥ M.O.T Station ¥ Instant pricing for services and repairs ¥ Harley-Davidson¨ exclusive Digitech diagnostics ¥ Tyre changes OPENING HOURS FOR WORKSHOP ARE: Monday - Friday: 9am - 5.30pm Saturday: 9am - 4pm Sunday: 10am - 4pm (seasonal)

Tel: 01792 224444

WELCOME TO SWANSEA HARLEY-DAVIDSON¨ You will find a warm welcome, ample parking and the latest models from Harley-Davidson¨ many

available for demonstration rides, plus rows of Genuine Parts, Accessories and Motor Clothes as well as knowledgeable dealership staff on hand to answer any questions about the Harley¨ lifestyle.

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