Flint Hills Chapter #1508 FEBRUARY 2017

Director Andy W awilllijr@aol.com 785.304.4322

Assistant Director Sue G skgkick@hotmail.com 785.307.0157

Secretary Vonda C vonda@copeland.ks.coxmail.com 785.313.1544

Treasurer Karen C karenconnell232@yahoo.com 785.210.5864

Editor Wanda A 1973wallen@gmail.com 785.564.1271

Road Captain Kevin C kevinconnell232@hotmail.com 785.223.3203

Safety Orin A oauld@cox.net 785.761.6969

Activities Amber S amber21@cox.net 785.317.2942

Ladies of Harley Claudia P c_perryluv2ride@hotmail.com 785.717.8298

Membership Carol E carolebersole@yahoo.com 785.209.0544

Webmaster Ryan Y ksphatcop@gmail.com 785.466.0018

Historian Shirley J sadgjones.gmail.com 785.238.7628 Photographer Jenna J jenna.jamar@gmail.com 785.238.1236

Director’s Report Andy W Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone. I can’t believe it's mid February already. Before we know it, it will be April, and the bike show will be here. I have asked SGT. C Leathers from Wichita to come up, for those people who need patches sewn on. We decided at the last meeting that we would have a bus trip to the casino in late April, to raise money for an amazing event, “The Run for the Wall.” I had a meeting for “The Run for the Wall” on February 15th and it’s going to be a very special event. We would like the Chapter to become more involved this year. We would like to use suggestions from the membership to create new rides and events. Please share all your ideas, as your idea may be the next great ride or event! “Ride and Have Fun” The weather has been nice so pull the bikes out of the garage, wipe the dust off them, and let’s ride! Smile when you ride:

A long time ago a senior biker told me to smile when I ride no matter how bad the weather was. That way people would think you are a little touched and give you more space. I thought about that and here is what I came up with. I smile when I ride because: The vibrations from the engine shakes all them endorphins loose in my pea brain and makes me happy.I smile when I ride because: The sound of my pipes sooths the soul. I smile when I ride because: The wind blows away all the troubles on my shoulders and I become one with the road. Why do you smile when you ride?

2017 Calendar

February 14

HOG meeting

For updates check the most recent newsletter, Facebook, website, email or City Cycle Sales.

March 14

HOG meeting

April 11

HOG meeting

May 9

HOG meeting

21

Run for the Wall

June 13

HOG meeting

July 11

HOG meeting

August 8

HOG meeting

September 12

HOG meeting

October 10

HOG meeting

November 14

HOG meeting

February Minutes Vonda C The February meeting of the KS Flint Hills HOG Chapter was called to order at 7 pm by Director Andy W at City Cycle Sales on February 14th, 2017. After Valentine’s greetings (and cookies, cupcakes, and brownies!) were extended to the 22 members present, the meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. Dave E with the Combat Vets was present to discuss the upcoming Run For the Wall event on May 21st. He wanted to verify that the group was willing to do the flags and floral wreath again this year and got current contact info for the chapter. He said they anticipated the flag set up to happen around 4:30 pm as in past years. The Ladies of the Eagles will be doing the dinner this year. Amber S presented Scott T a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the dealership for the contributions made to Irwin Army Hospital. Birthdays for February include Kevin C on the 1st, Honey G and Don R on the 12th, and Vonda C on the 27th. One anniversary was reported, Steve and Carol E will celebrate their 42nd on the 15th. Old Business: Karen C had done some research on the possible casino trip. Tickets would be sold for the 56 seats on the bus at $15 each. It takes about 6 weeks or so to get the bus scheduled out, which works out with the timing of the insurance requirement if the event is open. Sue G moved and Carol E seconded to set up the bus reservation for sometime in late April. Motion passed. Andy gave an update on his daughter’s request to hold a poker run as a fundraiser for the Children’s Miracle Network. According to the November minutes, it was suggested she come up with a proposal. Vonda C suggested that she set up her own event outside of the chapter, and then the chapter could be invited, as could the other riding groups in the area to get more fundraising potential. New Business: Kevin is going to plan a ride this year to accompany the RFTW riders. More info will follow later. In the past, they have departed around 7:30 am or so, meeting up with the group at Oakley. Andy is looking into a vendor to be on site when the dealership holds their bike show. Also, the group was polled to see if the group was willing to help with the cookouts during the open houses; there were several volunteers. Andy reported that the officers had discussed moving the meetings from Tuesday nights. Options included going back to the Monday night now that the shop is open again on Mondays, Wednesday or Thursday nights, or Saturday mornings. Vonda suggested some type of survey to be sent out via email to get some feedback. Officer Reports:

Director-Andy W—no further report Assistant Director Sue G--Took a count for dinner, and La Fiesta was the winner for Valentine’s Day dinner. Treasurer-Karen C—The financial report was given for both funds, plus the Toy Run ending balance. There will need to be some fundraising for that later in the year. Secretary-Vonda C—no report Activities Director-Amber S—The report was given for the After Christmas party expenses. The food count worked out really well and people seemed to like it. Need more dessert next time was the only suggestion. Thanks to Amber for the work on planning! Ladies of Harley-Claudia P—She is going to get the materials for the zipper pulls and will let everyone know when everything is ready to schedule a day to put them together. April/May will see dinner rides starting when the weather warms up.

Road Captain-Kevin C—Working on the RFTW ride; also, the 5-in-1 ride to Colorado Springs is in the planning, so if you are interested, please let them know to get registered. Nine members already have their registrations and hotel rooms booked! It is a beautiful ride, but rigorous: 500 miles a day for 3 days. Editor-Wanda A--absent Safety Officer-Orin A—Orin brought up the Road Hog award. The interest has dwindled on this, but the dealership is willing to pay for the plaque to continue it. PLEASE KEEP TRACK AND TURN IN YOUR MILES! Also, he has started monthly safety tips in the newsletter, so be sure to watch for them. Membership-Carol E—We have 189 national members and 177 local members. There will be people deleted soon if membership isn’t current, and the password will be changed in March. Photographer-Jenna J—no report Historian-Shirley J—absent Webmaster-Ryan Y—absent The 50/50 was $27 and half went to Jay C. The door prize went to Monte. Linda R had a “What is it?” It was a tool to lead hogs. (“Don tested…..”) The lone Bozo recommendation was Amber for forgetting him in the car unattended. Linda R gave an update on Norma and Chuck. We appreciate hearing about them and send them our best! The meeting was adjourned. The next meeting will be Tuesday, March 14th, at 7 pm at City Cycle Sales.

Let’s Talk Safety Orin A

I have been in several discussions over the years as to whether a pre-ride check or a post-ride check is best. Both checks are essentially the same checks, so what difference does it make? Doing a post-ride check has an advantage over the pre-ride check> Time to adjust, repair or replace the problem found before the next ride. There can be a drawback however to doing a post-ride check. If you have been on a long ride and do your check when you are fatigued or it is dark, you could miss something. That is why I think the pre-ride check and the post-ride check are equally important and both should be performed. So, what do we check? Tires: Generally you want to check the condition of your tires and if they are properly inflated. Chain/Drive belt: Chain – proper tension, lubricated, rust and kink free. Drive Belt: proper tension, cracks or missing teeth. Cables: Do the cables operate smoothly and adjusted within limits? Are the cables frayed anywhere? Lights: Are all the lights on the bike working? Head lights, brake lights, tail lights, and signals. Fluids: Are the fluids in your bike at the proper levels? Mirrors: Cleaned and adjusted properly? Nuts and Bolts: Look for missing or loose nuts and bolts. Safety Apparel: Eye protection clean. Zippers, snaps and clasps are working properly. So, whether you do a pre-ride or post-ride check, I congratulate you. If you do neither then I suggest you start. Until next time keep the shiny side up and the rubber side down.

HOG Chapter Manager Scott T—Asst. Manager & Marketing Manager The Flint Hills Harley Owners Group Officers are the ones to coordinate and make the things happen in the chapter. They cannot do it alone–with everyone in the chapter helping, we will make this another great year. The new officers have some great ideas for rides and events. Come out to support and have a great time. We are also looking for more ideas and rides for the year, soooooo if you have a great ride in mind bring it up and let's make it happen and get out there and ride. I challenge you all to get involved this year with the Flint Hills Harley Owners Group and let's reach out to new members and ride and have fun. Ride Safe

Wayne, the owner of City Cycle Sales Harley-Davidson, enjoying the ride.

jmadog Jeff M—City Cycle Sales general manager Posted on December 12, 2014. See more of Jeff’s blog at jmadog.wordpress.com/

Sometimes we need a little inspiration, and once in a while we might be that little inspiration someone else needs. This time I’m the one in need. We all have those days when it seems like nothing goes right. Even with a concentrated effort to fix what we think needs fixing, it only makes things worse. But what if we do nothing? Will it all come out in the wash as they say? You would think for a guy who writes about riding his motorcycle – and all the so-called benefits that come with it – I would have a clear head, low heart-rate/cholesterol, and a charming personality. Well, most of the time I would say this is true. But let’s face it, that’s not always the case. As much as I want to believe me riding a motorcycle puts everything on this planet that affects me in a rosier light; it’s truly just how I cope. Yeah, that’s it. There really is a point when some things are out of my control. All of the common sense and life-lessons I throw at what ails me just hasn’t sunk in yet. We all want things to go as planned. We want the happy endings. We get disappointed when things don’t go as we hoped, and then what? We keep trying. We love and support. We help when it’s appropriate. and we don’t give up. Ever. That’s the hardest part; the “not giving up” thing. To give up is when I fail. And quite honestly, I don’t like to fail. So for me I’ll continue to believe in myself and trust my gut and listen to my heart and hope it works itself out. It will I know, just not on my schedule, I’m sure. Patience can be your best friend, but only if you let it. If you allow time to get the best of you, well I guess you’re in for a long and frustrating wait. But if you accept the fact that those things which are out of your control will certainly remain out of your control, then you have taken the first step in acknowledging you can’t control everything. We can strive to make all things better, and hope for the best. Right now I’m hoping for the best. And my whites have never been brighter, so it must be coming out in the wash.

City Cycle Sales 1021 Goldenbelt Blvd.

Junction City, KS 66441

Hours:

Mon-Friday

8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Saturday

8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Closed Sundays

Owner Wayne General Manager Jeff

Assistant Manager & Marketing Manager Scott Motorclothes Scott, Michaela, Elke Parts & Accessories Dennis: parts mgr. Collin: parts tech Aaron: parts tech

Finance Rick, Michaela Sales Jeff, Michaela, Rick Service Fred: service writer/mechanic Dean: mgr./lead mechanic DJ: mechanic Joel: mechanic Roger: mechanic

Bookkeeping Trudy Inventory Larry