Pipelines - Coziahr Harley-Davidson
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Pipelines
September2018
Harley Owners Group, Decatur, Illinois Chapter
Nothing Can Top My H.O.G. Chapter
I am writing this Pipelines article not as one of your activity directors, but as a grateful, humble and blessed
member of Decatur Chapter H.O.G. Earlier this summer I had an accident while on the H.O.G. ride to French
Lick, Indiana. I wasn’t badly hurt, at least not physically,
but it sure took a chunk out of my armor of confi-
dence. What happened in the minutes, hours, days and
weeks after my accident, however, made me realize that my
armor of confidence doesn’t come solely from within. My
armor of confidence is continually straightened out, pol-
ished, rust-proofed and carried by my H.O.G. family. While
I was still questioning the necessity of an ER visit, my
H.O.G. family was uprighting, dusting off, parking and se-
curing my bike, after doing the same for me. They helped
me hop to a waiting golf cart so I could sit down. They
helped me get my helmet and boots off and kept me sup-
plied with cold water. And they stood by, for what seemed
like hours, to meet my needs. I had one H.O.G. member as-
sess me, through her expertise as an EMT, while mindful not to step on the toes of the first responders at the
scene. She kept me calm and answered questions the other EMTs seemed uninterested in responding to. An-
other H.O.G. member came up behind me, patted me on the shoulder, leaned down and whispered in my ear,
“Don’t let this get to you, you’re still a good rider,” as if he had read my mind at that very moment. Other
H.O.G members were standing by for my super protective husband as he handled me, the bike, the insurance,
the staff at the resort, the first responders and everybody else bombarding him with questions. There were
H.O.G. members who were pulling a trailer that weekend, a trailer that turned out to be the only vehicle that
could transport the lovely crutches I would later receive at the hospital after they told me I had no broken
bones, just a strain. I had a H.O.G. member catch me, literally, repeatedly, while I was trying to use those
crutches. As it turned out, I was no better at operating those crutches than I had been at operating my bike ear-
lier in the day. But she stuck with me and gave me some hints and, eventually, I was a bit more steady. At
dinner that night, that same H.O.G. member actually asked for and was given a large bag of ice to put on my
ankle, which was propped up on her side of the booth. I had a H.O.G. member who put my butt on a desk chair
and rolled me to the hotel dining room for breakfast the next morning, rolling me back to my room after I’d
been waited on and fed by other H.O.G. members having breakfast. I had a H.O.G. member who brought me a
snack for later in the day, while another one handed me her stash of hard candy so I’d have some sweets while
waiting in the hotel room for David to ride 4 hours home and 4 hours back with the truck and trailer, even
though CHD had offered to come for the bike themselves. Another H.O.G. member made sure I had several
drinks available and also refilled the ice bag I’d been given at the hospital, while another one adjusted the pil-
low under my leg and ankle. Yet another member helped me hop to the bathroom (it was safer than me on
those crutches). And two H.O.G. members got close beside me and held me while one of them offered up an
incredible prayer for me, (cont’d. on page 2)
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Pipelines September 2018
From the Director:
DIRECTOR’S THOUGHTS
September is here! Some may think that riding season is about over,
but that is far from the truth. Fall is fast approaching, weather is getting
cooler, leaves are changing to their beautiful fall colors, and some great
rides are still on the schedule. We have had lots of good rides even though
the weather has been hot and/or rainy on occasion. There is always some-
thing that makes the ride a memorable one. Everyone has definitely been
enjoying our Breakfast and Dinner rides. We practically fill up a room
when we arrive, not to mention the number of chairs but also the sound of
laughter and storytelling.
We are happy to have several new members become active HOG
members with us. There are a couple of them that regardless of the distance
or weather, they are ready to ride. We have many HOG members but not
all of them are active or participate in the schedule of activities. At our last
Martha Kendall social, there were eight HOG members who received their patch and/or
rocker for reaching their 40 points for participating in HOG events in 2018.
Director I know there are several that are close for next month.
We encourage all HOG members to check out your local HOG Activities and join us for one of those
events.
Come Join Us & Let’s Ride!
Martha Kendall, Director
Continued from page one
asking for healing of my aches and pains, and restoration of my peace of mind. WOW! When we were finally
back home, with the bike, two days later, we were still getting phone calls, emails, texts and cards expressing
concern and offering help from even more H.O.G. members, as well as Coziahr HD staff. When we discov-
ered, 10 days after the accident, that my leg really WAS broken, we were, once again, showered with messages
of concern and offers for help. Every time I walked into CHD, both employees and H.O.G. friends would in-
quire as to my progress, how I felt, when the boot was coming off, and how soon I could ride. (They definitely
knew where my mind was.) Two overnight H.O.G. rides took place during my boot-wearing months. I happi-
ly rode two-up with my husband, hobbling around with my big boot, while H.O.G. members helped me with
doors and chairs and stairs and luggage and everything else that’s difficult when you’re dragging an extra 5
pounds at the end of one leg. And now that I’m out of that boot, I’m getting congratulatory pats on the back as
well as encouragement to start putting miles on my bike again. So, three days after the boot came off, I
wrapped the ankle tightly, slipped on my boots and got on my bike. The armor has been straightened out, pol-
ished, rust-proofed and secured to the point where I am able to ride again. And the love and support from my
H.O.G. family just continues to come flooding in. I can honestly say that I have never been more proud to be
part of a group than I am to be part of the Decatur Chapter H.O.G. You guys are incredibly supportive and
unbelievably determined and I love you all! - Trish Swartz
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Pipelines September 2018
Cozi’s Corner…………. by Debbie Coziahr
winning the Flat Track race which
Welcome to Cozi’s Corner and to was held in Milwaukee (Hales Cor-
Decatur Chapter H.O.G. ner) - that distinction put us in the
H-D Museum. Our Chapter has
As we have been going over details also proudly represented at several
for our HD 115th Anniversary event anniversary years’ Flag Parade- if
Saturday, my thoughts go to you haven’t experienced the parade,
past Harley-Davidson anniver- it is a very cool and beautiful
saries that we have been through thing. If you’ve participated in it-
since we became dealers in kudos to you for getting up super
1985. In the current HOG maga- early to stage and for waiting pa-
zine, there is a full page lead into a tiently to get started. The people
story that says “ It has been a lining the route, many with flags to
LONG AND CRAZY RIDE… wave, made it something to remem-
From humble beginnings in 1983 to ber.
its 2018 position as the world’s big-
gest, most successful factory- Debbie Coziahr As we mark another HD Anniver-
sary, HOG is still Harley-
sponsored owners group, H.O.G.
has been a crazy success story. The
Owner Davidson’s “best kid” as it will turn
story is a timeline that begins in 38 years old this year!!
1983 with humble beginnings for us “rather than facing the usual mis- Whether you went to Milwaukee
but also for the Motor Company, conceptions about motorcycle rid- for the 115th or just took some road
who was finding its way back from ers, in Asheville, it felt like they time with friends on a HOG ride,
a dark time in the Motor Compa- really wanted us there. We were we thank you and always wish you
ny’s history. The concept kickstart- something to be reckoned with and fun, safe travels.
ed a move to re-energize and refo- it felt very significant.”
cus H-D on its strongest asset- the Till next time,
world’s most loyal customer. That Tim and I have been to or in-
concept was Harley Owners volved in 5 H-D anniversaries Tim and Deb
Group. since we have been dealers and
each one has had a significant
We sponsored and formed our first showing of HOG members, exclu-
local H.O.G. Chapter in 1988 and
in those early days, we had around
40-50 members. Although our
rides and “meetings” were planned Tim and I have been
and sort of organized, the best part
for us was riding together and get- to, or involved in 5 H
ting to know the other riders/
customers on a more personal level
-D anniversaries
than just business. The growth of since we have been
H.O.G. nationally was phenomenal
and as it grew in members, the Na- dealers.
tional rallies were also cropping up
each year in cities across the
US. By 1988 and its 5th year, a for- sive to HOG activities
th
and
mer HD Executive says that at the “perks”. At the 100 Anniversary,
rally that year in Asheville, NC, we had the added excitement of
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Pipelines September 2018
Confession: I am a minimalist.
When I buy ramen noodles for a recipe, I buy one packet, not the 12-pack. I buy
one cake mix, not two. I buy what I need, no more no less. We aren't that far
from the store. Maybe I should be preparing for the Russians who are coming,
(okay, they are already here), but if they show up here, they shouldn't expect a
meal.
I like airy, roomy pantries and cabinets. Overstuffed ones stress me.
Now this does not apply to toilet paper, paper towels and Kleenex. Since we are
Sam's members (can a minimalist be a Sam's member?), our bathroom closet
stays filled with these. And wrapping paper...I like wrapping paper.
Because I lean toward the stripped-down version of many things, I still think the
best looking Harleys are the bare-bones ones, the Sportster, Springer and Herit-
Erin Valentine age (minus the bags, of course). I like to see the wheels. I know it isn't practical
Secretary to be bagless for a road trip, but I still think sans bags is a sharper look.
We have had an Ultra for several years, a result of wanting to take longer trips,
to upstate New York, to the Outer Banks, to Sturgis. The Ultras have served us
well, with comfortable seats, music, better suspension, but never have I been able to say that the Ultra with
fairing looks cooler. You may think it does...I don't. It's kind of extra.
Did anyone say ever that the station wagon turned their heads? Yes, it made sense for a family, but could you
call it cool?
Part of my minimalism is that I lean toward the thrifty side. I am the person who inverts the Tide bottle in the
laundry sink for hours, days at a time to make sure I'm not missing the last few drops. The person who uses a
rubber scraper on the mayo or spaghetti sauce jar...the one who squeezes and shakes the hand lotion until no
more runs out, then unscrews the cap for a double check.
And I have worked as an editor so not only do I enjoy copy editing, I like to edit things at home. Seems as
though I spend a lot of time editing closets, drawers and cabinets, while at the same time, cramming things we
just can’t part with into other spots.
Maybe if I had the "M" classification myself, I too would feel the need to maximize the ride.
For now, I will just sit back and enjoy
our Ultra. It is a
smooth ride, but
our Heritage HOG group at
Softail was Giant Chair,
pretty nice too... Casey
Carbondale
Ride
Led by
Eric
Wade
July 28-29
2018
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Pipelines September 2018
H.O.G. SCHEDULE – 2018 (Sept – Dec)
SEPTEMBER
September 11th – Social – 6:15 PM – HOG Vest Night, Pizza Party, pizza provided by HOG
September 15th‐16th – Overnight Ride to Savanna/Galena, David & Trish Swartz lead
September 19th – Dinner Ride – 6:00 PM – Abe’s, Mechanicsburg
September 25th – 6:30 PM – Officers’ Meeting
September 29th – Day Ride to Fiddlesticks, Hannibal, MO
OCTOBER
October 6th – 8:00 AM ‐ Breakfast Ride – Red Wheel, Monticello
October 6th–7th – Overnight Ride to Newport, IN, Hill Climb, Julie Murphy & Mike Kovach lead
October 9th – Social – 6:30 PM – Potluck
October 13th – Day Ride to Hank’s Farm, Ottawa
October 17th – Dinner Ride – 6:00 PM – Bonanza, Lincoln
October 23rd – 6:30 PM – Officers’ Meeting
NOVEMBER
November 3rd – Breakfast Ride – 8:00 AM – Clare’s, Decatur
November 13th – Social – 6:30 PM – Thanksgiving Dinner/Veterans’ Recognition
November 27th – 6:30 PM – Officers’ Meeting
DECEMBER
December 1st – Breakfast Ride – 8:00 AM – Diamond’s, Decatur
December 11th – H.O.G. Christmas Dinner – 6:30 PM – Location TBA, Ugly Sweater
December 18th – 6:30 PM – Officers’ Meeting/2019 Planning Meeting
ATTENTION: SCHEDULE CHANGE FOR SEPTEMBER SOCIAL
We have made a change for the September Social scheduled for 9-11. Coziahr HD is organizing a ride that
evening from the dealership to Nelson Park, where they will gather at the 9-11 Memorial in honor of every-
thing it represents. They have invited us to join them. After much thought and discussion, we have decided to
accept their offer and alter our plans for our social that evening in the following way: Our pizza party, origi-
nally scheduled for October, will be moved to September 11th. This will allow members to attend the social
without having to bring anything more than their own beverages. It will also make clean-up a breeze. We
will move the event up and start at 6:15 instead of 6:30, allowing us 45 minutes to visit, dine and clean up. At
7:00, we will join all those who have gathered in CHD’s parking lot and cruise to Nelson Park to the 9-11 Me-
morial. You can join us on two wheels, three wheels or four wheels, whatever works for you. It will not be a
typical social, but it will be one to remember. We hope you agree and will attend this special evening with us.
Trish and Julie
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Pipelines September 2018
Rain Riding: How Fast Is Too Fast?
If you haven’t ridden in the rain yet, you don’t ride enough! Decatur
H.O.G. has a solution for that, just sayin’. But, that’s another topic for
another day.
Rain showers and storms will find all of us sooner or later. How we
handle bad weather requires preparation, concentration and practice.
Some riders have no problem scooting along lickety-split when it’s
raining; others, like me, take it cautiously. So, it begs the question, is
there a “too fast” when it comes to riding in the rain?
The quick answer is, of course there is. The longer answer, though, is
specific to each rider and their motorcycle. The better response lies in
each of us honing our “traction intelligence” that can help us predict
Paul Gorden whether there is enough friction between tire and road to perform the
necessary maneuvers safely for your ride.
Safety Tire condition can mean the difference of a safe ride home or an acci-
Director dent. Adequate tire tread depth will squeegee through water and grip
the road as it was designed to do.
Correct tire inflation controls tire flex over a wide range of performance
conditions. Wet pavement can affect each tire’s ideal operating temperature and reduce its grip
on the road.
“Load” or the pressure exerted through the tire onto the road surface, through a combination of
motorcycle weight and size, rider and/or passenger, plus stowed gear, impacts the amount of
traction between you and the road. Wet pavement changes that.
Accumulated dirt, oils and debris on the road surface will float in place and may take a while
to wash off the road surface.
Road surfaces and conditions can change very quickly. Dry traction varies depending on the
surface, and so does wet. Some surfaces might offer surprisingly good wet traction while other
frighteningly bad.
How can we improve our riding in the rain?
- Check the condition of your tires regularly, especially your tread depth. Maintain proper
tire inflation before every ride.
- Stay alert to changing road conditions. A farm or a construction site might indicate mud
or loose, washed out gravel when it’s raining. Shiny pavement is likely more slippery
than “dull” looking surfaces. Pavement repairs, tar patches, rippled and oil-soaked inter-
sections with traffic lights or stop signs, metal grates, railroad tracks, road expansion
joints, manhole covers and painted pavement can all become slippery in the rain.
- Hydroplaning is less likely on a motorcycle, compared to a car, due to the rounded pro-
file of the motorcycle tires. Be aware that IT IS STILL POSSIBLE. The wider the tire
and the faster the speed both increase the chances of it happening.
Continue next page7
Pipelines September 2018
Continued from page 6
- Test your traction on wet surfaces: At a safe, controlled location, carefully and briefly
use the rear brake to the point of lock-up. While not perfect, this is a better-than-nothing
gauge for how easily your tire breaks loose. This knowledge may be invaluable down
the road.
- Relax your body when riding in the rain. A death grip on the handle bars might prevent
your bike from simply rolling through a maneuver.
- Slow down and increase following distances/times.
- Accelerate smoothly, and brake progressively.
- Take wider turns if possible.
- Shift up a gear to prevent spinning the rear wheel.
Riding in the rain will test your skill set without the need to take chances to increase your ex-
perience and ability. Prepare for and embrace the opportunities to know yourself and your mo-
torcycle under adverse conditions.
Be safe out there!
Road Captain
We’re over halfway through our riding year and still have some great rides to enjoy.
Hope you will get a chance to enjoy a breakfast, supper, day ride or overnight ride be-
fore the year is over. We welcome all new members whether ole’ road warriors or just
joining the HD family on all our group rides!! Whether you are a new rider, or an ex-
perienced rider, we want to get to know you better!! The ride leader and/or a Road
Captain will greet you and ask you a few questions. We will ask about your riding ex-
perience and experience riding with a group.
Little overview of how we ride:
Do you prefer riding toward the front or rear of the group? If you are new to riding,
we generally will have you ride more to the rear. Depending on our group size, we
may break down into multiple, smaller groups, each with a lead and a sweep rider.
Brian Buxton Our sweeps are usually a Road Captain and will have communications via CB radio
with the ride leader. If the sweep doesn’t have a CB, there will be a rider with one
Road who is riding toward the rear of the group so that there is communication with the
leader. We ride in a staggered position, and one second behind the rider next in front
Captain of you and two seconds behind the rider directly in front of you. The use of hand sig-
nals is encouraged; however, if you are more comfortable keeping both hands on the
grips as some riders do, especially in heavy traffic, that is fine. If travel includes interstate riding, you will be
notified as to riding at higher speeds than if the route is on secondary roads. Any time you aren’t comfortable
with that, please let the Ride Leader know!! There is a brief FYI meeting and a chance to ask questions before
leaving on each ride by the Ride Leader or the Road Captain. We all welcome you to ride with us any time and
find out what being a Decatur Chapter HOG member means....
To ride, have fun and be safe!!
Brian Buxton, Road Captain8
Pipelines September 2018
In the blink of an eye and summer is already
winding down. I took this picture at the July
Social and we had a great riding season just
starting up. Now I am thinking fall and cooler
weather, where does the time go? I have been
able to see all the great rides that HOG mem-
bers took part in and lots of photos were
shared. I want to take the time to thank every-
one for doing such a fantastic job of posting to
FB. I wasn’t able to make a lot of the rides
and so missed the opportunity for pictures, but
several members diligently posted the fun that
was occurring and I really appreciate having
the pictures. There will still be some great
rides ahead, so stay tuned and keep taking pic-
tures!
Say Cheese,
Becky
Savanna and Galena Ride September 15-16
Following is the information for the HOG ride to Savanna and Galena September 15-16.
We will be staying in Thomson, just 10 miles south of Savanna, at the Sandburr Run & Re-
sort. The rooms are all double queens at the rate of $80 + tax. The phone number to call to
reserve your room is 815-902-6063. You have to tell them you are part of the Decatur HOG
group to get that rate. They are holding this block of rooms for us until September 1st. After
that, they will be up for grabs to anyone.
This ride will cover a lot of scenic river roads along the Mississippi and, because people are
asking, YES, we will be stopping at Poopy’s sometime that weekend.
If you have any questions, please give me a call at 521-7820, Trish Swartz.You can also read
