Poundlife Newsletter December 2012

Pond Life Lakeside Chapter of the Harley Davidson Owners Group. Chapter No 7958

December 2012

Volume 2

Number 12

To all Lakeside Chapter Members.

Marry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Here始s to the 2013 Riding Season

Our Sponsoring Dealership

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Pond Life Webmaster John Bakker

Chapter Director Joe Borgia

Events Organiser Geoff Suter Assistant Director Dave Hughes (Jax) Communications Officer Marcus Simeoni (Slack) comms@lakesidechapterhog.org

Treasurer Steve Winters

Secretary Pauline Hughes (Poll)

Membership Secretary Roger Dawkins

www.lakesidechapterhog.org

Magazine Editor Kevin Hall (Chewy) editor@lakesidechapterhog.org

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Pond Life Directors Cut Hi everyone, I hope you are all keeping well.

Well the weather has got steadily colder now and as I write this there is even snow lying on the ground. Not a good sign this early in December !

However I am certain that it wouldn't be like this ALL winter and I am sure we will still be able to get out and ride on some nice days.

In November we had some great rides. There was Jax’s Remembrance Ride to the memorial in Gillingham. The day turned out lovely with bright sunshine. The ride down was really enjoyable and the ‘service’ was very moving.

Thanks to all those that did the readings and to Jax for organising it all, again. We then headed off to Mickeys Diner for a welcome warm drink.

The LOH Night Ride was another milestone in Lakesides ride history. We were all a little worried about what the weather would bring but in the end we need not have. The rain held off and it was even quite mild when 17 bikes left Lakeside in the dark for a great ride around the sights of London by night. When you live on the doorstep it’s easy to forget what a wonderful city we live in. To see it all lit up in all its glory was a fantastic sight and

on a Saturday night it was packed with visitors and tourists who seemed to be taking more pictures of us than of the attractions they were really there to see. Thanks Marcus for putting on another great ride, it’s not easy to do a group ride in the dark and keeping us all together through the city and west-end of London is an extremely difficult task. I know that everyone that went had a great time.

There was also Malcolm Seedhouse’s ride to the Happy Days Diner. Again the weather was at the forefront of everyone’s mind but again it all turned out fine. A good turnout meant a really great ride and good time was had by all.

Well done Malc, ably assisted by the wonderful Lorraine.

The only ride that was affected by the weather turned out to be the ride-in for the dealerships Fashion Show. Temperatures plummeted overnight and there was a lot of ice around so it was, quite rightly, decided that safety comes first and the ride was cancelled. The event itself went really well with a great turn out.

Thanks to everyone that came and especially those who took part as models. Thanks also to Gazman for supplying the music.

There are still a couple of rides in the diary for December. There’s the Toy Run to Little Havens Hospice and the Wakey Wakey ride planned for 30th. Both could be subject to change due to weather so please keep an eye on the events page and your email updates.

We also have the Chapter Christmas Ball fast approaching and I look forward to seeing

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those that are coming. We had a great night last year and I am sure we will do the same this.

Then there is the Event of the Year ……

I am sure that most of you will know that later this month Marcus and Rosie will be tying the knot. I am sure that you will all join me in congratulating the happy couple. I hope you have a wonderful day and wish you both all the happiness for your future together.

charity for the chapter. So I am looking for nominations for our next charity. Please email your nominations to director@lakesidechapterhog.org .

Ride Safe Joe 

Finally, Next week will be our last natter night before Xmas. It would be great to see as many of you as possible to wish you a Merry Christmas in person. Come along and have a laugh and a joke with us. So why not make it festive with silly hats etc and have a fun night.

If you can’t make it I would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and happy and prosperous New Year.

Finally, finally I mentioned the chapter charity in last month’s Pond Life but so far I have only had one response so I would like to reiterate; For the last year and a bit the Chapter has been supporting the Polly Parrott Appeal as its chosen Charity. The charity was formed to raise money to build a children’s specific A&E facility at Basildon Hospital. If you don’t already know then I am delighted to say that the facility has been built and opened its doors to the children of Essex a number of months ago. It’s now time to find a new

The letter above was received at the dealership following the Poppy Day ride in London.

Please note, we did not block any roads or junctions, this was done by the police. We only provided outriders.

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will only get worse. I keep one bike on the road during winter so any good days I can get out on it, but I am beginning to have second thoughts whether its worth the effort.

Editorial Here we are with the last issue of Pond Life for 2012.

Looking back on the year, it seemed I was always drying my riding gear. Just to remind everyone that we did have some sun and no matter what the weather we enjoyed ourselves, I have included some photos I took during the year.

If you have managed to read this far, thank you. I know that I am repeating myself again, but I do need articles and photos from the Chapter members. So please send things in.

Heres to a great Christmas and New Year and lets hope that 2013 will be a brilliant riding year.

Ride safe and enjoy life.

Chewy, Editor

I try and keep you updated with snippets of information from the motorcycle world. The latest is that the law in France that would have required us to wear compulsory reflective clothing, that measured 150cm2 between waist and shoulders has been suspended. This law would have come into force from the 1st January 2013. It has only been suspended so may still come into force at a later date. In the UK the new Motorcycle license changes take effect, this could have a big impact on whether someone takes up motorcycling or not, they may just go for a car as its less hassle.

Back in the early months of 2012, there was an outcry about the state of our roads, most county councils said they were putting millions of pounds in to road repairs. In my part of North Essex its like doing a slalom course on some of the smaller A roads. It would be bad enough driving in to these with a car, on a bike it could throw you down the road. With winter here again, the road surface www.lakesidechapterhog.org

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HEAD ROAD CAPTAIN’S RAMBLES (or A Ditty from ‘The Duke’) The frosts have arrived and the Christmas lights are on, but we have still managed to ride in November, even though the floods have been atrocious. In fact there have been a couple of highlights in the month with the London Poppy Appeal, which was commented on in the last PondLife, and the Ladies of Harley night-time ride around London. This was a great night, which I’m sure will get comment elsewhere, but is worth some HRC comment as well.

London at Night is something I have wanted to do for sometime, but the value was brought home to me on the ride back from the Tower of London, when my daughter said how beautiful it was; the plan then truly began to hatch. We had the perfect Road Captain in Slack, who knows the city so well, but we needed to wait until it was dark enough in the early evening and the Christmas lights had been switched on, but wouldn’t be too cold, therefore late November was the best time. The weather really was very kind to us (even ‘Er Indoors didn’t complain), the numbers were manageable on the night, we managed to stay together and no one got lost and we ended up with a fine meal.

What was different was group riding at night; it is a very different skill and not something we practice or do very often. London is always busy, so everyone had to keep their wits about them, but you are only relying on lights and not the body shape of turn of a wheel, therefore concentration levels are tested throughout. However, it was obvious it was enjoyed, as there is already talk of doing something similar next year.

down, so it will be a great Lakeside party, plus there will be another weekend ride at the end of the summer. This latter one is firming up and will either be ‘USA in 2-days’, which is a trip around American named places (Boston, New York etc) in Lincolnshire and Norfolk or potentially a longer trip to north Wales, which Basher is looking at.

On top of this we have the rides that are Chapter norms, plus some requested rides to new locations, so the diary is firming up nicely, plus I want to try a Poker Run at some stage.

On Saturday 30 March we are going to try something a little different, in that we are going to have a ‘Members Day’. The intention is to give the whole Chapter the chance to renew their membership, sign up for Chapter Challenge and have a ride-out, all on one day, plus there will be the normal offers of the Dealership and food on offer. That is Easter Saturday, so please get it in the diary.

I will finish this article with an advertisement for the Toy Run: Lakeside Chapter Christmas Toy Run – Saturday 22 December This year the Chapter’s Toy Run will be to the Little Haven Children’s Hospice near Rayleigh, Essex.

Details as follows: • •

•

Date: Saturday 22 December.

Time: o Meet: 0930 o Brief: 0945 o Depart: 1000 o Arrive at Hospice: 1100 Refreshments: We have been invited to stay for coffee / tea - and the very real possibility of a mince pie. We are assured of a very friendly and festive welcome and they are looking forward to our visit.

What else is happening: The aforementioned Captain Slack has already booked Biker’s Loft for April, there is Rome (of course) which is the big one next year and we have great numbers either riding out or flying www.lakesidechapterhog.org

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Children: The children the Hospice cares for are usually home at this time of year as naturally they like to be at home with their own families at Christmas. The Hospice has, however, invited some families to come in on this day to see us and to say thanks in person for your generous gifts of presents. They will be arriving at 11.30am. We will also make sure that every child and sibling that they care for receives a present as a result of your kindness.

Numbers: The Hospice can accommodate a maximum of 50 of us on the day within their meeting room. They realise we may have wives, partners, children with us, but have asked we keep the numbers to 50 in total as a maximum (see below).

On Arrival: The Hospice will play a short 3-4 min DVD on the day about their work, followed by one of the Hospice volunteers and little Haven’s Mums will give a short 10 minute talk about how much Little Havens means to her and share the amazing support that she and her family have received.

Departure: We must be away by 1230 because Father Christmas (complete with sleigh and reindeer!) arrives as we leave to bring even more smiles to the faces of the children on the day. We don’t want to mix it with Santa – dreadful H&S consequences!!

Presents & Ages: The care team at the Hospice have provided me with a shopping ‘wish list as follows: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Latest Teenagers DVDs (12 and 15 certs) Latest release Disney DVDs Nintendo DS games (various titles, the new releases would be great!)

Baby toys and Rattles – toys that stimulate the senses (ie rattle, make other noises and are ‘tactile’ for our visually impaired children) Craft materials – paints, arts materials, pens, art paper etc.

6.

7.

Toys for the swimming pool – inflatable’s etc, Lakeside Vouchers – I appreciate that you need things to wrap (and the children love to unwrap too!) but vouchers are always good as it means that the children can then go out and buy exactly what they need.

Age ranges and gender split for presents (as a guide only) – at present the rough guide of age split is as follows: 0-4yrs 4-8yrs 8-12yrs 12-15yrs 15-18yrs

x4 x8 x4 x10 x4

2 girls, 2 boys 5 boys, 3 girls 2 boys, 2 girls 6 boys, 4 girls 2 boys, 2 girls

I hope we can make this one of the outstanding events of the year and that we can make a small difference to the lives of these children and their families. Many of these children will have life threatening illnesses and our kindness can make a real difference to the Christmas they have.

I am planning that this event goes ahead no matter what the weather – sun, wind or rain then we should ride – snow, then we might have to make a last-minute decision to use 4 wheel transport – but we still go.

This is the last Saturday before Christmas, when we will sit down with our loved ones – let’s make this memorable for these kids and have a magnificent turnout.

Please email me to confirm your attendance and to confirm what age group you will be buying for, so I can keep a checklist. Confirmation at: malcolm.fewtrell@nmsi.ac.uk I hope to see many of you over the next few weeks, either at the Dealership, Chapter meetings, Natter Night or on the Toy Run, but if I miss you, please may

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Pond Life I take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a Very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful and Healthy New Year

Ride Safe (rubber side down) Duke Head Road Captain 

Lakeside has a strict ‘No Overtaking Rule’ within the group on group rides. The only riders that will overtake are the Road Crew, when required.

Overtaking Other Vehicles: When overtaking on a motorway or dual carriageway the same rules apply however be mindful of fast moving traffic in the outside lanes. Lakeside uses the ‘Snake’ Method of a sinuating curve with single riders overtaking, rather than the ‘Stick’ where all the riders pull out at the same time and block the road. The Snake operates as follows: •

When the Lead Road Captain overtakes a slower vehicle, maintain your position in the nearside lane until the vehicle you are planning to overtake is within safe overtaking distance. Do not all follow the Lead Road Captain and block the outside lane causing a hazard and un-necessary congestion

•

Pre-position yourself for the pass by being far enough behind the vehicle you are going to pass to be able to see clearly down the road for an “oncoming traffic check”. Signal, mirror check, and then a head check of your blind spot, so make sure no one is passing you.

Accelerate and change lanes, (remember that legally you aren’t supposed to exceed the speed limit).

•

When returning to your lane, make a mirror check and a head check, to be sure that there is sufficient space between you and the vehicle that you are passing, and anyone else that is also making a pass, before you move. Resume your lane riding position.

•

No more than one motorcycle should pass at the same time. Otherwise this could happen: first rider overtakes, but there is not enough room for the second, hence they are left out to dry. Not a nice position to be in!

PRACTICES FROM THE POND To continue on with riding within the Chapter, here is the next article about how we approach rideouts and what we should all be doing. This shouldn’t be viewed as a lecture, but more as an aide-memoire, remembering that each Road Captain will explain these things in their own way.

Having covered Staggered Riding in the last issue, this month I go on to Overtaking and 2nd Man Dropoff.

Overtaking: The general rule is that no rider will overtake another rider on a ride-out. If a rider overtakes the Lead Road Captain then you are deemed to no longer be part of the ride. Overtaking on a single carriageway will be instigated by the Lead Road Captain first. This may be due to a stationary hazard or slow moving traffic.

Each following bike will overtake only when safe to do so. If it is safe for more than one bike to overtake at a time they may do so in single file only and not staggered formation. Once you have overtaken the vehicle maintain your speed so that you leave sufficient room for the following bike to come in behind you. Do not slow down hence ‘closing the door’ and ‘leaving him to hang out’ in a dangerous position.

When Being Passed: Allow other vehicles to pass you safely if need be by slowing down and creating a gap so that they can pass the whole group in

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Pond Life segments, rather than trying to make it all at one jump. Remember to keep checking your mirrors.

Be aware that other bikers may overtake, give them room. If you don’t they will still pass when it may not be safe to do so. Passing or getting passed anytime can be a hazardous so use common sense and a safe approach.

Watch Your Speed: Never ride beyond your own riding capability and never ride in excess of the speed limits. The Road Captain will ride within the speed limits. If you find yourself left behind due to traffic conditions, traffic lights, etc, do not panic and use excessive speed to catch up.

rider now becomes the new second man and so on throughout the rideout.

The second man need only stop when there is a change in direction, however to err on the side of caution it is best for the second rider to stop at any multi-road junction that does not have a clear exit from the approach road. This is explained in greater detail below.

Second Man Drop Off:

The Group should always progress directly across traffic lights, junctions or roundabouts if they are not marked. It is up to the Lead Road Captain if he wishes to mark on these occasions and if it is safe to do so.

To confuse the issue ‘first man’ and second man’ drop off are the same thing – it is just that some chapters call it by a different name.

Before the ride, listen out for any briefing by the Lead Road Captain – check whether he is using second man drop off (or the ‘buddy’ system)

•

•

Explanation: the role is based on the person first behind the Road Captain. If you don’t count the Road Captain in the numerical sequence it becomes first man drop off, but if the Road Captain is included in the numerical sequence then the position becomes the second man, hence second man drop off – the position and the task are exactly the same.

Clarity: we will refer to Second Man Drop-off

When you are the second rider, be prepared to be dropped off to mark junctions etc, but do not anticipate the Lead Road Captain’s decisions as this may endanger those behind you. Stop when the Lead Road Captain asks. Stop where it is safe to do so, without hindering the traffic and make sure you are visible from the approach. Switch your indicator off and indicate the direction the group should follow by raising your arm,

‘Second man drop’ is a plan to get all the riders to the intended location quickly, safely and as a group.

During the ride, ride in a staggered formation whenever possible, keep up and as closely bunched as the road conditions and safety allow.

Who is the second man? The second man constantly changes.

For those riding in the Group: 1. Do not make any signal to the rider stopped at

The second man is the rider immediately behind the Lead Road Captain. The Lead Road Captain will indicate if he wants to ‘mark’ a junction, turn, roundabout or any other feature by dropping a rider off at a point; the rider stops to show any directional change in the route and at this point the subsequent

a junction. They might think you are the last rider.

2. If you approach a junction where there is no rider waiting, and you have any doubt, continue along the main road you are on. Do not change direction or deviate from it. Go straight on!

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Pond Life 3. If you break down stay with your bike; the

last rider will get word to the Lead Road Captain, and help.

During a ride-out the 2nd Man can expect to be dropped off at one of the following places: •

2nd

Man Drop Off – Detail:

This technique is a tried and tested way of getting a large or small group of bikes to a destination without anyone getting lost. This technique is used to mark the route at junctions and roundabouts to inform those who are following the direction the Lead Road Captain has planned. The technique only works if riders obey the rules of the system so do not panic and move off before being instructed to do so by the Tail End or Sweeper.

Once the Lead Road Captain is satisfied that the group are ready he will lead off, with the group behind him forming up into the staggered formation.

The rider immediately behind the LRC is known as the 2nd Man. The Lead Road Captain is not part of the staggered formation and will usually takes up position in the centre of the carriageway or just to the left of the central road markings. The 2nd Man takes a position to the left of the Lead Rider. The rest of the group position themselves in staggered formation from the 2nd Man. The Lead Road Captain, on the approach to a junction or roundabout, will clearly indicate to the 2nd Man where he would like that rider to stop and take up a position to mark a deviation of route. The Lead Road Captain will usually signal this manoeuvre using his left arm and point towards a curb where he expects a 2nd man to drop off. It is your decision to stop at a safe position on the road. If in your opinion you feel vulnerable then select a position where you feel safe, however make sure you are still able to give directions to the rest of the group. Whilst in the drop off position stay on your bike with the engine running, switch off your indicators, signal the direction the group are to go in and look out for the Sweeper who will give you a signal to move off.

Left Turn Junction: The simplest drop-off is the left turn junction. The Lead Road Captain, when he wants the ride-out to take a left turn, will, as he approaches a left junction, point towards the curb using his left arm. The 2nd Man will indicate left and pull over, placing himself in the required position that is clearly visible to the ride-out members and other traffic and points to the left with an extended arm to confirm that the ride has turned left.

This is the important bit. The 2nd Man will keep this position until he sees the Tail End or Sweeper who will give them a signal to move off in front of him. On occasions the group will be strung out due to traffic lights, busy town centres etc and it may be that the 2nd Man will wait for 5 or 10 minutes before seeing another rider come past.

Do not panic, wait for the Sweeper. Do not leave your position!

•

Right Turn Junction: As the Lead Road Captain approaches a right turn junction, he

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Pond Life will indicate a turn right and then, using his left hand, will point once again to the curb.

The 2nd Man will pull over to the curb if safe to do so, and then point to the right so that the ride-out can clearly see that the ride-out has taken the right turn at the junction.

Alternately, if the right turn junction is open and has no visible obstructions, then the 2nd Man will take the right turn and then immediately pull over allowing the rest of the ride-out to see that he has taken the right turn junction. Wait for the LRC to signal your drop off point.

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•

Traffic Lights: Traffic lights are treated in the same way as regular road junctions. Should the route for the ride-out be straight through at traffic lights, cross-roads, etc., then there is no requirement for a 2nd Man to drop off; however it is good practice, and reassurance for the ride-out to have a man drop off if practicable.

Roundabouts: The Lead Road Captain as he takes an exit off a roundabout, will once again point to a curb. The 2nd Man will pull over where it is safe to do so and in sight of the oncoming ride-out and traffic to indicate which exit was taken off the roundabout by the ride-out. The rule is that on entering especially large roundabouts with numerous exits, (some of which are out of your sight), keep going round until you see the 2nd Man. Ghost Islands: At traffic lights, roundabouts and some large road junctions, ghost islands are used to control traffic. It is rare but on occasions, where safe to do so, a Lead Road Captain may utilize the ghost island as an early indication marker for the ride-out as they approach the junction/roundabout. Note that the ghost island can only be used provided there are broken white lines surrounding the ghost island. Be aware that ghost islands may

have loose debris accumulated on them and can be slippery hence the use of ghost islands is not encouraged.

•

Forks in the Road: The rule of thumb on ride-outs is if you are at a junction such as a crossroads, and the ride-out is travelling straight through the junction, then there is no requirement for a drop-off. It is good practice to give assurance to the ride-out to drop off someone; however, sometimes this is not practicable. Should you arrive at a road junction crossroads with no 2nd Man drop-off, continue through the junction on the same road that you approached on. Confusion can arise where there is a fork in the road however.

The Lead Road Captain will indicate a 2nd Man drop off to indicate which forked road is the desired route for the ride-out.

•

Multiple Drop-offs: Where there is a complex road configuration or busy road traffic, the LRC may choose to drop off more than one person. An example may be a large roundabout where the Lead Road Captain will indicate a 2nd Man drop off on the approach to a roundabout (perhaps utilizing a ghost island) and then another drop-off at the roundabout exit road.

•

It’s Your Choice: Remember, your safety is your responsibility. The Lead Road Captain will always consider road safety and drop off options, however road conditions are continually changing and a planned drop-off might not be as originally thought. Always make sure that you stop in a safe position and are well visible to all traffic and the ride-out.

If necessary, park up the Harley and stand on a pavement and point to oncoming ride-out to show direction of drop-off route.

•

Patience: In heavy traffic or built-up areas, the ride-out may become heavily fragmented

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Pond Life and split up. Be patient and wait for the Tail End or Sweeper before leaving your designated drop-off point. If you leave too early the ride-out will get split up and the latter part of the ride-out will miss the turn and get lost. If the ride-out does get split up, stay at your drop-off point. The Lead Road Captain will eventually stop and wait for the ride-out to regroup. If the ride-out has split, the Lead Road Captain will organise a Marshal or experienced rider from the group to backtrack along the route and pick up the stragglers en route.

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It is not a rare event to lose part of a ride-out, and 99% of the time, the ride-out is lost simply because ride-out members do not follow these simple rules of dropping off when requested and waiting for the Tail End/Sweeper.

Re-joining the Ride-out: The Road Crew (Tail End and Runner) will wear orange hi-vis waistcoats to indicate that they are the rear of the Chapter ride. As the Sweeper approaches the drop-off point, they will slow down to allow the 2nd Man to re-join the group in front of the Sweeper. You should rejoin directly ahead of them, if safe to do so, or join the group behind them if the safer option and then overtake to become the last man of the pack when safe. DO NOT leave until the last rider arrives. The rider will then stay at the end of the ride-out taking his place in the staggered formation at the tail end until he is superseded by the next drop-off rider who re-joins the group at the next junction. If, however, traffic conditions do not allow this, then you must rejoin the carriageway when safe to do so and re-join the ride-out. The Tail End/Sweeper will slow down to allow you to catch up. Once safe to do so, overtake the Tail End/Sweeper and re-join the Ride-out.

•

Stay at your post for as long as it takes for them to arrive; someone might have broken down so this could take sometime on a long ride with large numbers. It should not matter how long you wait, but you must wait for the last rider. If you do not, you will cause everyone behind you to get lost. If there is a long delay, take comfort that the rider in front will be waiting for you. Do not worry about being left behind, you won't be.

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Eventually, if the ride-out duration is long enough and there are ample junctions then the tail end riders will make their way back to the front of the ride-out to become the 2nd Man once again.

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Crossing Over – The Unnecessary Hazard: Probably one of the most hazardous manoeuvres carried out en masse by a ride-out group is the ‘Cross-over’. This occurs when the 2nd Man is dropped off and the 3rd Man then becomes promoted into the 2nd Man position behind the Lead Road Captain. The new 2nd Man crosses the lane from behind (or to the right) of the Lead Road Captain, to the left of the Lead Road Captain. The new 3rd Man then has to manoeuvre from the left side of the ride-out to the right and so on all the way through the ride-out until the Sweeper is reached. This is NOT recommended and is NOT the way Lakeside Chapter operates - the alternative is preferred.

•

The Alternative (or Lakeside method): When the 2nd Man is dropped off the 3rd man will move to the left to take up the new 2nd man position. You, as the new 3rd man, WILL HOLD YOUR POSITION. If you end up immediately behind the 2nd man in the staggered formation do not move just give more time between you and the 2nd man, that is to say a 4 second gap. This method will mean that the remainder of the group will not

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Pond Life have to cross over every time a junction is cleared and hence halting one of the most hazardous manoeuvres on the ride-out. This is the preferred method to be used.

Hopefully this serves an introduction to Overtaking and 2nd Man Drop-off – more next month and, of course, we will have some training sessions in the New Year as we come out of the dark, Winter Months.

Ride Safe Duke 

I must apologies to Bobber-Gaz for not including this piece in the last issue of Pond Life. It was still sitting in my Pond Life download folder.

Chewy-Editor RTTW 6th October I peel back the curtains at 4:30 am to be greeted by the rain bouncing of the window sill, WHY oh Bloody WHY can’t I be man enough to say “stuff that” and get back in my warm bed !!!.

I ‘ve paid for the hotel that’s why, so I proceed to drag poor Shilpa out of bed and the pair of us start to climb into enough bike gear for 4 people, whilst all the while I cheer her up with my sunny cheerful disposition , F***ing weather, F***ing country why does it ALWAYS rain when I want to F***ing go some where, I must be F***ing mad…….. I won’t continue but you get the general picture.

So we arrive at the BP services on the A13 to meet the other insane drowned rats in the Cold, Dark, WET early morning, after a short briefing along the lines of “It’s too cold and wet to stand about yapping are we all ready follow me “ we proceed onto the M25 where once again I strike up my cheery banter over the intercom “ F***ing visor I can’t see a F***ing thing, this is mad , F***ing weather etc, etc etc…. after

about 20 minutes of this I’m sure I heard the tell tale bleep as Shilpa turned off her Scala.

We meet up with the rest of the criminally insane at South Mimms services and it’s stopped raining and things are looking brighter, we set off again and my tourettes subsides as the sun even tris to make the occasional appearance.

When we meet at the allotted services on the M1 there are already plenty of bikes waiting and the car park is filling fast, coffee and doughnut wolfed down and once again we are ready to set off this time in mass convey taking up the middle lane of the M1 and the M6 for miles and miles.

One of our party at the beginning of the ride has obviously been watching too much speedway and motocross recently and decides to join the ride by sliding sideways at 45 degrees to every one else on the inside lane much to everyone’s amusement.

The toll exit off the M6 also provides a cartoon moment when another one of our group decides to follow 4 other riders through just as the barrier descends straight into his mush !!!! lucky they are made of soft foam and only his pride is dented instead of his dentures.

As we get get closer to our destination the crowds start to gather on bridges and at the roadside to wave and cheer and I feel like a TOWIE star waving and honking the horn as we approach the arboretum.

This is my first time on the RTTW and I must confess it’s very humbling and emotional to wander around the site and then to stand with 15,000 people in silence and then listen to the last post echo across the fields.

We ride back to our hotel and hit the bar for a few before heading back to our rooms for a quick shower and then return to the bar for the normal piss taking, general chit chat and food.

Sunday dawns with a cold but lovely sunny day and a tourettes free ride home with Shilpa singing along to

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Pond Life her Ipod rounds of a very pleasant weekend and glade I made the effort to get up ride in the rain.

Bobber-Gaz 

Here are some photos to remind you of summer 2012.

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Pond Life

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Pond Life Even a cold dark night can’t stop us from having fun.

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Pond Life Christmas with a Thousand Stars” Saturday 15 December 2012 Priestfield, Gillingham, Kent If you are looking for an ‘ALL INCLUSIVE’ party combining food, drink and party atmosphere, this night is for you …. !!

Meet in the Blues Rock Bar for pre-drinks from 6.00pm, take your seats in the Great Hall for a fabulous 3 course meal and enjoy the starlit festive atmosphere. The DJ and Disco will keep you dancing until late.

Christmas Party Menu Menu 2012 STARTERS Confit Duck Pate With Plum & Five Spice Chutney Or Stilton, Cranberry & Roasted Shallot Tart With a Winter Leaf Salad

MAINS Traditional Roast English Turkey With Herb & Chestnut Stuffing and Bacon Roll Or Fillet of Salmon en Croute Prawn & Chive Cream Sauce Or Aubergine, Pepper & Courgette en Croute Provencal Sauce, Seasonal Vegetables Garlic & Thyme Infused Fondant Potatoes

DESSERTS Homemade Christmas Pudding Creamy Brandy Sauce Or Mascarpone & Winter Berry Terrine Red Fruits Coulis ~

Book now, to avoid disappointment - Tickets are ￡60.00 per person Contact Joe or Poll for availability. www.lakesidechapterhog.org

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Pond Life

Yes the winter time is nearly upon us yet again, so its time to start thinking about those extra layers you’ll need under your cut.

What better way to keep warm then the new Chapter Hoodie.

As you can see from the design below it features logos front and back with your favourite Chapter down each arm. What more can you ask for.

To get hold of this limited edition hoodie all you need to do is place your order with Joe our illustrious leader at the Dealership, pay your money, sit back and wait for it to arrive.

Don’t delay orders yours as soon as you can.

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Pond Life Date

Event

Location

Information

Wed 12 Dec

Natter Night

Chafford

Open Night all welcome

Sat 15 Dec

Chapter Christmas Party

Gillingham

Ticket Event see Joe or Pol

Sat 22 Dec

Toy Run Little Haven children Hospice

From Lakeside

Closed Event Duke to Lead

30 Dec

New Year Blast

From Lakeside

Closed Event Basher to Lead

Wed 2 Jan

Lakeside Bike Night

Club House

Open Night all welcome

Sat 05 Jan

Road Crew meeting

Club House

All road Crew invited

Wed 9 Jan

Natter Night

Chafford

Open Night all welcome

12 & 13 Jan

Twist & Go Ride

From Lakeside

Open event all welcome

19 & 20 Jan

Twist & Go Ride

From Lakeside

Open event all welcome

26 & 27 Jan

Twist & Go Ride

From Lakeside

Open event all welcome

Thur 31 Jan

Ace Cafe

From Lakeside

Sat 2 Feb

Road Crew meeting

Club House

All road Crew invited

2 & 3 Feb

Twist & Go Ride

From Lakeside

Open event all welcome

Wed 6 Feb

Lakeside Bike Night

Club House

Open Night all welcome

9 & 10 Feb

Twist & Go Ride

From Lakeside

Open event all welcome

Wed 13 Feb

Natter Night

Chafford

Open Night all welcome

23 or 24 Feb

London M/C Show Ally Pally

From Lakeside

Closed Event Basher to Lead

Thur 28 Feb

Ace Cafe

From Lakeside

Sat 2 March

Group Rider Training

Closed Event Duke to Lead

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Pond Life Tel 01708 805005 Web

Brand Manager Guy Konig

Service Warranty Administrator & Driver Sean Murphy

Parts Advisor Scott Harris

www.lakesideharley-davidson.co.uk

Business Manager & Director Lakeside HOG Chapter Joe Borgia

Master Technician John Fisher

Merchandise Manager Heather Whittaker www.lakesidechapterhog.org

Parts Advisor Melanie Smith

Technician Neil Blandford

Merchandise Sales Advisor Danielle Fallaize Page 20