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Your guide to rallies, events, THE LIFESTYLE, THE LEGENDS ® RIDERS DIGEST H.O.G.® member news, H.O.G. views & interviews in Southern Africa. Sponsored & Published by H.O.G./H-D® Africa Editorial & Photography editor@hogafrica.com Exclusive Southern Africa H.O.G.® publication 2018-03 IN THIS ISSUE International female ride day 2018 KiDS blanket Run Potjie Kings 2018 gOLD rAND 1903 Rally PERSONAL STORIES mY jOURNEY TO fREEDOM dAD’S 1ST bREAKFAST rUN abcS OF TOURING winner KiDS BLANKET RIDE 2018 Photograph: Proshot
News from H.O.G. Africa 12th International Female Ride Day 2018 WHAT’S ON WHAT’S NEW Cancer has touched us all. Once a year, lady riders all over the world roll with “ rainbow colours, laugh through the tears and roar our support for those fighting the battle. In May, lady riders across South Africa gathered to salute cancer survivors. Since taking over this region from Sue Nagel in April, I AFRICA REGION CHAPTER DIRECTORS’ WORKSHOP have had the fortunate experience of meeting most of Our wings represent those who lost the battle, but live on in our hearts. The Africa Region Chapter Directors’ workshop in June was a our region’s Chapter Directors and many of our H.O.G.® very interactive and participative event. I was able to share 200 ladies led the Gauteng chapters’ charity ride for Cancervive, hosted by H.O.G. members at several events across the region. my vision for the region with these capable chapter officers Pretoria. In the Western Cape, 52 riders from Tyger Valley and 25 from Cape Town H.O.G. Africa is an exciting region! Our chapter rides, events, and to guide and assist them in the daunting task of leading joined together to celebrate their support in style. IFRD is sponsored by H.O.G. socials and rallies are regular and well-organised. Our their respective chapters. Africa and supported by all Harley-Davidson® dealerships in South Africa. members and customers are passionate about the Harley- This workshop also presented a unique opportunity for Davidson® and H.O.G. brands. I’m impressed with the volume of fun and educational activities being presented by our chapters on a weekly basis. all Chapter Directors to meet and share their experiences and identify best practice ideas that will lead this region’s chapters into 2019. We were honoured by the presence 12th International Female Ride Day FREE SKILLED RIDER TRAINING of representatives from the Island chapters of Mauritius and Reunion. I’m very fortunate to be working with a great Photographs Submitted by: My initial focus is to fulfil one of Sue Nagel’s departing courtesy of: regional team. I salute you all. Sonja Van Der Sandt & wishes - to present skilled rider training free of charge to ten Diana Amaro dealerships and chapters in South Africa, reaching about 300 THE ROAD AHEAD Sulette Thompson Mike De Kock members in 2018. This is sponsored by H-D® and H.O.G. Africa. I look forward to an interesting, action-packed second half Elma Eloff Editor: Angelique Gerhard Grobler Dermit • Chapters Completed: Tyger Valley, Cape Town and Pretoria. of 2018 with many more chapter rides, socials, events and Irina Mink rallies. I will also continue with my quest to deliver skilled rider FULL ARTICLE • Number of Trainees: 80 members Jose Rebordao + EXTRA PHOTOS training to another seven chapters and some 210 members. • Trainers: two supporting chapter trainers were accredited, Chania Rens www.HOGAfrica.com one in the Western Cape and another in Gauteng. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many chapter volunteers who give up their personal time on a daily AFRICA BIKE WEEK™ 2018 basis to deliver top class planning and execution of their I enjoyed five days at 2018 Africa Bike Week™, meeting Chapter’s events Without these volunteers, the success of our many of our local Harley-Davidson dealership staff, H.O.G. chapters and H.O.G. Africa could not be achieved. Well done members and H-D customers. What a great experience - a well and thank you all - your efforts are appreciated. presented event that celebrated our favourite brands. It was See you all soon, ride safe and don’t forget to have fun! a good opportunity to meet up with old friends, and make many new friends who share our common passion for great Luis Da Silva motorcycles. 2 3
Africa Bike Week™ 2018 Africa Bike Week™ 2018 ABCs of Touring Winner East London roared with high-spirited riders and their motorcycles during Africa Bike Week™ 2018. For bike enthusiasts there were demo rides and free lessons, and BIKE WINNER our favourite stunt rider Patric Botha showed off his amazing motorcycle moves. Stacy Moore - who had simply Daily shows entertained and shocked with trail-bike, BMX and skateboard stunts, CORRIE VAN RENSBURG - the 2017 Winner of the ABCs of “popped in for with an early evening fireworks display that set the night alight. a visit” - took Touring - is just not a “stay-at-home” guy. Despite having won home the Harley- the competition several times, winning takes second place to After an afternoon of shopping and excitement, we settled down at the main stage Davidson® Street his love of riding! for a full programme of live entertainment from top South African bands - from jazz Rod™. “I can’t and country to pop and contemporary. The night wasn’t over until the grown-ups “It’s addictive,” Corrie explains. “Once you start looking out for wait to take it for squeezed themselves into the kiddies’ train for a midnight ride! >> a ride. Thanks the missing alphabetic points, it’s hard to stop!” so much ABW His ever-patient wife Meisie Van Rensburg has no problem Africa Bike Week™ 2018 for this amazing with Corrie taking off for the open road - she fully supports her opportunity.” hubby’s adventurous spirit. Having travelled South Africa extensively, Corrie decided there were other places that needed closer scrutiny from the back of The main stage a bike. Despite predictions of inclement weather, he booked a was packed every plane ticket for the USA where he crossed the Southern States night and when on a Harley-Davidson® Street Glide® to accumulate all the the music for points required to win! the young got too much for Read all about Corrie’s AMERICAN ADVENTURE at www.HOGAfrica.com older ears, the Harley-Davidson® Hospitality Bar and My best USA Jack’s Bar were The ABW 2018 experience: the place to go for Custom Bike Show The Tail of the late night parties. was a treat for Dragon - a biker’s There was no enthusiasts who dream ride shortage of food admire unique with 318 curves and entertainment paintwork and Photographer: on an 18km venues with plenty craftsmanship. Mike De Kock stretch. The road of variety to satisfy passes through See more photos taste buds. mountainside on the website wilderness, often with a rock wall or hill on one side and Nora-Jean, a Harley® a sheer drop on the enthusiast from other. Next to the sculpted Dragon, Gauteng, gives us her is the grim “Tree perspective of Africa of Shame” with Bike Week ™ at twisted motorcycle www.HOGAfrica.com parts dangling from its branches. 4 5
H.O.G. Gold Rand 1903 Rally H.O.G. gold Rand 1903 Rally Our rally charity was “The Young Tigers Football Club” which is popular with young adults in the area. Thanks to a generous last-minute donation from the N.G. Church Kempton Park North, we were not only able to kit out “The Young Tigers” with matching shirts, shorts and caps but also present a hugely-appreciated R10 000 cheque. SEEN AT THE RALLY After a lazy lunch at Fouriesburg Country Inn where the Charity hand over was conducted, one rider had a flat whitewall tyre (clearly Editor/Photographer: Angelique Dermit It might be rusted Less travelled roads too exciteed for a pre-ride inspection that and held together are discovered by day!) TREASURED MEMORIES with wire, but riders at every Sue Nagel, Customer Experience Manager this beauty is still rally. The route via for Harley-Davidson® stepped up. Working its owner’s most Heilbron taken with a valve extender from our well- H.O.G. Gold Rand 1903 rally prized treasure. by the rally riders was not only prepared Head Road Captain, Sue proved that while she might not be the master of When William S. Harley and the Davidsons decided to build more scenic than the treasure hunt, she is a pretty handy their own motorcycle in 1903, they could never have thought the better known motorcycle mechanic! that more than a century later that idea would become an Frankfort route, aspiration for millions of motorcycle riders. it also had fewer potholes! Getting One event on the programme that received Thus the 1903 legend was born; in celebration the Gold Rand a little lost is just universal compliments was the “Gold Rush” Chapter included this significant date as their Rally identity. another adventure treasure hunt. A special prize in the car Earlier this year, Clarens in the Free State came alive to the when you’re with category ensured that families could take roar of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles as riders streamed in to the pack! part in the fun of guessing the [wrong] attend the 1903 Rally. answers and looking for keyrings in every A well-scheduled available hiding spot. 1903 had it all - good food, good music, great roads and rally programme exciting biking adventures combined with the tradition of left ample time to Participants were elbow-deep in soap suds, charity run made this rally exceptional. There was glamour spend with friends. spit and polish preparing for the Concourse and glitz for the ladies, the company of old friends and new, a judging. Later that evening at a glittering concourse with prizes and a treasure hunt! themed gala dinner, jubilant prize winners received their sparkling silver trophies. The Harley® biking brotherhood gets together at rallies to READ THE EXTENDED share their passion for our amazing machines and to tell hair- ARTICLE AT Best Overall winner: Ramiro Chadinha raising riding stories. Several Harley Owners Group® Chapters www.HOGAfrica.com Weber braai: Janine Tredger gathered as one at the event, enjoying nostalgic tales of Service voucher: Peter Scheepers challenges met, sights seen and roads travelled. >> 6 7
KiDS Blanket Run 2018 KiDS Blanket Run 2018 continued from page 8 Changing Lives Photographer: Jose Rebordao From 7am on a cold, crisp morning, Chapter Officers, volunteers and one blanket at a time Photographer: riders started to line up outside the Flip Labuschagne Johannesburg Harley-Davidson Dealership. Photographer: Winter on the Highveld can be a bleak After the riders’ briefing, Konrad de Dieter Wiese time for people and animals. The K.i.D.S. Beer (Head Road Captain – H.O.G. blanket run is organised every year by Johannesburg) gave the signal and the Johannesburg H.O.G. Chapter. hundreds of bikes started their engines. With the support of all the other H.O.G.® Assisted by Gauteng Traffic department, chapters close enough to participate the Marshal team led by Konrad and and long standing sponsors of the Pieter de Koning (event organiser for event including Harley-Davidson® H.O.G. Johannesburg) led 650 bikes out Johannesburg – the riders collect as onto the road in pack formation. many blankets as possible and distribute them to organisations who assist at-risk Due to the popularity of the charity ride, children, families and animals. Menlyn Shopping Centre was selected as Photographer: Joe Pieterse the finishing point. Together with Hard The ride was supported by Emer-G- Rock Cafe, H.O.G. Pretoria organised Photographer: med medical response vehicles, Hard Photographer: parking, access, food and drinks and Proshot Chania Rens Rock Cafe, Mix FM and Gauteng law staging for the event end point. enforcement and traffic officials to provide clear access throughout the All too soon, the pack left the freeway Photographer: route. On the big day, the staff from the and filed patiently into the Zone, paying Proshot Johannesburg Dealership all came in the mandatory “entry fee” of at least one Photographer: early to ensure that riders had access to blanket to be donated to charity. Pieter de Koning facilities on the day, and worked hard to Hard Rock Cafe was buzzing as the riders co-ordinate all the activities related to settled in for a day of entertainment the ride. with great live music from Miss Heidi & As is customary, several riding groups The Bar Room Bandits, Cindy Alter, Dirty and organisations came through Moonshine and the Dixie Hillbillies. to support the ride, and show Photographer: By the end of the day, 2 950 blankets Johannesburg how big bikers’ hearts are. Dieter Wiese were collected at Pretoria Harley- While there are always a large number of Davidson with the assistance of the Harley® owners at the event, it is open to Pretoria H.O.G.® Chapter. That’s 2 950 H.O.G Pretoria all road legal motorcycles and the sheer people and animals that will survive Photographers Corp variety of motorcycles that turned out the winter a little easier this year! To the on Sunday 20 May was amazing. >> participating H.O.G. chapters and bikers In the Western Cape, H.O.G. Tyger Valley, together with Harley-Davidson Tyger Valley, Table Photographer: SEE THE FULL ARTICLE + EXTRA PHOTOS of Gauteng, thank you for your kindness Bay Mall and the Blouberg Rotary Club, arranged a ride on Sunday 13 May to collect blankets Flip Labuschagne www.HOGAfrica.com and generosity - and see you in 2019! and raise desperately-needed funds for the less privileged. 8 9
H.O.G. Rider Chronicles: My Journey to Freedom CONTINUED: H.O.G. rIDer Chronicles Dad’s First Breakfast Run Jenny Eve is Road Captain and Chapter Manager of H.O.G. Gold Rand. She is an inspiration to all lady riders, proving that Marshal and Safety Officer positions are not just for the boys! Jenny is a petite blonde and stepped astride her first motorbike at 50 following some major life changes. With the support of her friend Kate Rheeders and her chapter buddies, she overcame the initial fears and physical fatigue of handling a big bike and persevered to become the confident, capable rider she is today. Follow her journey... My Journey to Freedom continued from page 10 by: Jenny Eve “ Kate and me at My Harley® love affair the start of of The age of 50 dawned with the big D! My BFF, Kate With growing confidence - and top speed of 90km - our This is a personal perspective - my Dad’s first time on a bike - our many bike and what made it special for him, was that it was a Harley®! Rheeders saw me through this difficult time and so passion for biking grew rapidly. Then we heard a radio advert adventures! when she decided she wanted to relearn how to ride a for a new Harley-Davidson® 750 Street® for R750pm. Author: Brian C. Mathiesen - April 2018 motorcycle, I decided to tick it off my own bucket list. WOW! We could actually own a HARLEY®? Submission by: Erik Mathiesen And so began the adventure of a lifetime. This photo earned us the opportunity In the showroom I was blown away - my feet could actually Editor: Angelique Dermit I had never ridden before. We started sensibly enough with to represent touch the floor! New Owners evening arrived and we were a day’s training at a local riding school. Kate took to it like a Benoni in the “It was April 2015 and my son Erik was getting married to greeted by friendly faces at H.O.G. Gold Rand Chapter. duck to water, me, not so much! But, being impulsive and Caxton Amazing Stephanie. I had travelled up from Still Bay, to spend time with adventurous, within a week, we purchased ourselves a Big Boy Race - “Ekurhuleni My first ever ride was a nightmare. After 70km I wanted to cry them before the big day. 200cc and 250cc which we rode up the road and to the shops. Heritage”. and leave the pack. My head was pounding, my bum numb. I “The first of many special outings they planned was joining We spent seven kept to the short rides after that. My fellow H.O.G.s continued Our first real out ride was 30km to Que Sera. Well, I have never their Sunday breakfast run with H.O.G. Johannesburg. This was glorious weeks on to encourage me to build saddle time and I closely followed been so terrified in my life! My teeth were gritted, shoulders a first-time for me, and what an exhilarating adrenalin rush it our bikes exploring their advice. A sneaky adjustment in the grips allowed me to and hands ached and when a truck came past, I thought I was being whisked 25km along the open road and through Ekurhurleni, racing improve my reach and ride more comfortably. would die for sure. traffic from Monaghan farm to Sandton on the back of Erik’s again the best ... and won a trip to Africa Bike Week™ was followed by Big Five’s Mojadji, Gold bike. My immediate thoughts: “That’s it, I am selling the bike Mauritius! Rand’s Swazi and Bloemfontein’s Greystone Rallies. Weekends tomorrow, what a dumb thing to do at my age!” “We had gathered at the Sandton Harley-Davidson® became a blur of activities. I found riding a great de-stressor. Dealership in Rivonia Road. What a wonderful group of guys The following Sunday Kate and I rode to Harties. It took Yup, I was hooked on Harley! I joined the Marshal Core as a and gals, each the owner of a magnificent Harley-Davidson® most of the day with many smoke break stops, coffee S.R.S.T. (Safe Rider Biker Buddy, then accepted the appointment of Ladies of motorcycle - mean machine, each one brighter and bigger and encouragement. We spent the night, due mainly to Skills Training) Harley® Officer. I talked my sister and her husband into joining than the next. They warmly welcomed Erik and Stephanie and has made me a exhaustion, and rode home the next day in icy wind and rain. H.O.G., and then met the man of my dreams - now my fiancé - immediately made me feel part of the family as well. better and more We began doing short rides to visit friends. I stalled at traffic confident rider. at the Gold Rand Chapter. “I totally looked the part with my leathers and helmet, and I lights, dropped my bike in my own driveway and went I took advantage Then - fatal mistake. I sat on a Harley-Davidson® 1200 Custom meekly had to admit that I was only Erik’s pillion. After coffee through three left and one right mirror. There was great of every safety Sportster® and a new love affair began! and donuts and a rider’s briefing, we got under way.” course the Chapter excitement when my Dad drove alongside me on Great North road to check my speed – a whopping 75km per hour! >> offered! Follow the rest of Jenny’s adventure at www.HOGAfrica.com More on Brian’s first breakfast run at www.HOGAfrica.com 10 11
Battle of the Potjie Kings 2018 H.O.G. EVENTS Nine teams from the Western Cape went head-to-head in the 3rd annual “Battle of the Potjie Kings”. Luckily we enjoyed splendid weather with plenty of sunshine and minimal wind, providing the ideal conditions for cooking up the perfect potjie. Each team gave it their all and presented their potjies in unique style. Pots ranged from traditional Moroccan to lamb knuckles to curry. What a feast! WIN A TRIP TO STURGIS! Experience the biggest Harley®-only 3rd Battle of the rally on the continent! The first 250 H.O.G.® Members to register for the Potjie Kings rally, will get lunch at Muisbosskerm valued at R280 absolutely FREE, compliments of H-D® & H.O.G. Africa! HDCCT Ladies’ Team team snatched The rally destination is Lambert’s Bay the title of Potjie Kings for 2018. - a picturesque fishing town 280kms High flying with H.O.G. Big Five Congratulations on a well-deserved win north of Cape Town. Expect awesome for an authentic Moroccan potjie with live music, exciting outrides, superb dried apricots, followed by a Moroccan food, Harley Games, competitions and dessert of semolina cake, with hints of a tattoo artist! The charity raffle prize is a trip for two to Sturgis 2019! H.O.G. Big Five Chapter was delighted In stately, uniform ranks we proceeded orange and pine nuts. to officially open the popular annual down the runway and executed a skilled H.O.G. Breede River Chapter won the H.O.G. Cape Town Chapter reviews progress Lowveld Air Show in May 2018. U-turn, while the skydivers’ plane flew “Best Dressed Table” award. The judges at the 2017 West Coast Rally charity overhead. After a final turn and runway recipient - the Hermanus Nightshelter. At 10am, 54 motorcycles were given lounged on a carpeted floor around crossing for spectators to have their final permission by Air Traffic Control to a small table in an incense-scented glimpse of our motorcycles, we left the approach the runway. In parade Moroccan curtained booth. airfield to park the bikes neatly in front formation, the pack of Harley® owners of the H-D® Big Five exhibitor stand. A special mention went to H.O.G. Cape from various local motorcycle fraternities Town who competed for the first time led by the Big Five Chapter, roared down We were complimented on our opening and went all out with their décor too! the runway, and precisely aligned their sequence and were proud to represent motorcycles facing the crowd. H-D® to the big crowd. It was an exciting, Winner of the Team Spirit award was fun filled and sky-rocking day for the H.O.G. Tyger Valley - who had their fires Engines were silenced as we waited for whole chapter! burning before 7am! the parachutists to land in front of us. Thank you to our judges, Durbanville Submission: Ash Vos Timing was calculated to the second. Article submission: Oskar Rottcher Photography: H.O.G. Tyger Valley Photography: Delva Lubbe Craft Breweries and hosts Tyger Valley Madeleine May Liesl Strauss WWW.WESTCOASTRALLY.CO.ZA As parachutists landed with a massive Harley-Davidson® and H.O.G. Chapter. South African flag, the V-twins roared. Editor: Angelique Dermit 12 13
H.O.G. Rider Chronicles: Thunderbike, Fury & the vw bATTERY OUR H.O.G. rider COMMUNITY sAFEty Submitted by: Dr Terence Milne (aka General Lee) Photographer : Elke Milne Thunderbike, Fury & the VW Battery “ A long read on the perils of buying a motorcycle “voetstoots” and sight unseen... Christmas 2016. There we were Our West Coast adventure begins in the quaint German town of Volker and Petra arrived on Swiss Air on Gerderath enjoying a traditional rally departure day. No time for sleep! White Christmas at the “Haus” of Our route would take us to Kimberley in fellow bikers Volker and Petra. continued from page 14 a Highveld summer heat wave. Over a magical Christmas Eve dinner, Westward ho! On Day Two, with the ladies sensibly in Volker made the memorable decision Riding the last stretch on the N7 we the air-conditioned car, bikes and riders to buy a Harley® - and stated our first passed the drought-stricken Clanwilliam endured baking sun. On Day Three we adventure with his new bike would be Dam, hooked a right and reached awoke to a freezing wind and a 30o Tips and advice for all riders from our H.O.G. Training Officers. Editor: Angelique Dermit. Lambert’s Bay for the West Coast Rally! the small hamlet of Lambert’s Bay temperature drop. Our summer riding Breathe in Energy, Breathe out Stress Eventually Volker found a baby blue jackets and cut-off gloves made this (population: 6 210, vastly increased by Dyna® 2003. The bike was 1 600kms weather change very noticeable. the Rally influx). away, but with a leap of faith the deal We found our way to the harbour and Fury and Thunderbike crossed the What is the first thing new riders do Tips to reduce anxiety was struck. The bike duly arrived - Rally tent and stabled our bikes at our African Karoo, with suspicious ease. We when releasing the throttle? They hold minus baffles and silencers - and was seaside home for the weekend. • Eat something [small] prior to your passed through the isolated town of their breath and pray not to drop their christened “Thunderbike”. Yes, it had a ride, stay well hydrated and wear Williston and the majestic Vanrhyn’s Pass. So the Rally played out: seafood and chrome in front of the whole chapter. battery - the notorious battery that led comfortable, non-restrictive gear. As we entered Vanrhynsdorp - with just outrides and music and dancing in the to the entire saga. Breathing evenly during stressful riding • Breathe and relax - don’t ride faster 170km to go of our 1 500km trek - Volker big tent. Sunday arrived all too soon. situations is next to impossible. Even than your comfort zone. Own the disappeared from my mirrors. A quick Thunderbike was raring to take on the experienced riders tense up and breathe road - you have as much right to be U-turn on the main street, and there was 1 500km return trip, but like us all, the The famous battery had enjoyed the sea air a little shallowly - it’s a natural response to there as cars and trucks. Volker with only his right leg keeping the threats, anxiety or even anticipation. Volkswagen too much. It wasn’t going anywhere. • Loosen your grip on the handlebars, air cleaner and carb housing attached to battery the engine. The pistons were not happy. By holding your breath, your oxygen relax and lower your shoulders. Read the rest of this hilarious tale intake is restricted due to increased • Keep your mind on your motorcycle, As it happened we had rolled to a stop about the mechanical mishaps of our tension in your muscles that could even the road, other motorists and your just a block from the Co-op where we memorable cross-country trip. cause you to lose consciousness. Other surroundings. Life isn’t about the were able to pick up imperial and metric symptoms of a panic attack include fast destination, it’s about the journey! tools, aftermarket parts and even some breathing, hyper-focus, hyper-alertness, original American spares. • If you feel dizzy, briefly tense and and a rapid or fluttering heart rate. release your upper leg muscles I learned a lesson in motorcycle If you find yourself in a situation where to increase blood flow. Pull over maintenance (nothing Zen about it). you are anxious, consciously remind somewhere safe and walk around. The pomp-joggies from the local garage yourself to take deep, steady breaths • Find your riding pace and don’t get looked on with interest. At this point the to keep your head clear and your body pushed by impatient motorists to ride battery looked just fine. >> ready to respond appropriately. on the rough shoulder of the road. 14 15
Information is the best available at the time of publication. Please advise us of any errors. Thank you to all our chapters for articles and photographs! Sponsor: H.O.G./H-D Africa Publisher: Dianne Volek Editor: Angelique Dermit Visit our website or Facebook for more stories on the Southern African H.O.G.® experience www.hogafrica.com https://www.facebook.com/HOGAfrica H.O.G. AFRICA DESIGN & PUBLISHING web@hogafrica.com EDITORIAL editor@hogafrica.com
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