HOG FEED End of 2019 newsletter

T The best in the wes Fort Worth HOG Chapter #1260 merry Christmas from fort Worth hoG

CHAPTER OFFICERS Doc Wood Director Rick Shaffer Asst. Director Geneva Putman Secretary Joni Ballard Membership Head Road Captain Carlos Jones Safety Jimmie Martin Ladies Of Harley Michele Wilfer Activities Kristen Washok Photographer Harry Wilfer Editor Tiffany Mueller Webmaster James Washok Fort Worth HOG wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Mark & Jennifer Smith and Fort Worth Harley-Davidson for their continued support and inspiration! Welcome to our new and returning members Steve C. Les H. Brandon O. Thomas D. Brock M. James S. Dann E. David M. James S. Richard F. James M. Michael T. Barbara G. James M. Mike T. Jerry G. Jim M. Eddie W. Brian H. John N. Kristen W. Amber O.

RIDING SAFE I recently shared with you the advice that was given to me when I started riding – “ride like you’re invisible, no one sees you out there.” That was a long time ago and as a new rider I didn’t understand what that meant. But as the years have gone by, I’ve come to realize what that meant and what I need to do to protect myself on the road. Recently, after researching for this article, I discovered another reason why we really are invisible to the motorists that we share the road with – it’s not because they don’t care that we’re there, but because they don’t know we are there - because they DON’T SEE US. There is a physical and neurological function of the brain and eyes that can occur called saccade. A saccade is a quick, simultaneous movement of both eyes between two or more phases of fixation in the same direction. During a saccade, the brain blocks information it considers to be irrelevant and focuses on the image the motorist is presently experiencing. In other words, a motorcycle can get lost in the blank spaces in between the images. Scientists call this “saccadic masking,” where the brain replaces the blank spaces with recent memory, filling in the blanks with imagery from previous experiences, which doesn’t include motorcycles. Because a motorcycle is not perceived, it isn’t added to the mental map. Now that we know there are other factors involved in our invisibility on the road, what else can we do to make the inherently dangerous passion for riding a little safer? Loud pipes? They can be helpful but not always the best or only solution. Lights on the bike? Wearing bright colors? These will certainly help with a motorist’s brain target acquisition, but still may not be enough. As a motorcycle rider, we should always be thinking about where we want or need to put the motorcycle - as a situation dictates - and how to make it happen. Constant awareness of surroundings, along with advanced skills practice, will help any motorcyclists ride safe and remain in control. We are the Best in the West – let’s be the Safest in the West too.



NOVEMBER CHAPTER MEETING

HILL COUNTRY WEEKEND

HILL COUNTRY WEEKEND

HILL COUNTRY WEEKEND

The island of Jersey is about 25 miles off the coast of France. It is 9 miles by 5 miles and has around 350 miles of tarmac roads. Population circa 105,000. It is a royal “peculiar” which owes its allegiance to Queen Elizabeth II, the titular head of the United Kingdom. Jersey Harley-Davidson started trading in 1998. Our dealer is fairly unique as he has a number of motorcycle franchises. This has been permitted as a result of the island’s size. While his new bike sales may not be significant, he has a thriving Parts and Accessories business selling into the United Kingdom and Europe. The Jersey Chapter was established in 1999. Size of local group: circa 100. Types of bike that are ridden - predominately Softails. Given the size of the island and the type of riding that we do, small lanes and lots of turns - the touring models are fairly clumsy vehicles to thread around the roads. While the island is British, our normal off island riding happens in Europe, notably France. There is a fast ferry service (90 minute) twice a day to Saint Malo in Brittany, France. Alternatively there is also a daily fast ferry to the UK taking 4 1/2 hours into Poole, Hampshire. The nearest HOG chapters are Guernsey (which shares our dealer) and Rennes, France, with whom we are twinned. Rennes Harley Davidson is a 45 minute ride due south from Saint Malo. We ride every Sunday all year, so long as it is dry. A weekly text message is sent to all members advising them of our intentions. Given that we are surrounded by sea and the Gulf Stream flows into this area, the winters rarely see any snow. I hope this gives you a flavour of who and what we are. Regards, John Eddy Director - Jersey Harley Owners Group

JERSEY HOG CHAPTER

JERSEY HOG CHAPTER

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT DAVID RUSHLOW Road Name: Where do you live? Occupation: How long have you been riding motorcycles? How long have you owned a Harley? How long have you been a HOG member? First bike? Current bike? Favorite ride: Favorite food: 3rd Annual Toy Run with American Valor Foundation December 7, 2019 Join The American Valor Foundation, Fort Worth Harley, Stampede Harley and Hank FM for the 3rd Annual Toy Run. ALL BIKES WELCOME! Meet at Fort Worth Harley at 8 AM for a group ride to Stampede Harley or meet us at Stampede at 10 AM. Bring a new unwrapped toy. Kickstands up at 11 AM. Ride ends at Fort Worth Harley. Enjoy LIVE Music by Austin English, FREE Beer and some great grub from local food truck, Russ Stick BBQ. All toys and donations collected will benefit the children of Cornerstone Assistance Network.

December HOG Rides and Events SAT 12/7 SAT 12/7 SAT 12/14 SAT 12/14 WED 12/25 FRI 12/27 SAT 12/28 SUN 12/29 Smokestack Restaurant in Thurber TUESDAY DEC. 31 - RIDE 365 DEADLINE LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER YOUR 2019 MILES

January HOG Rides and Events BIG CHANGES ARE COMING TO THIS NEWSLETTER BEGINNING NEXT MONTH. � NEW LOOK AND NAME � MORE SMART PHONE FRIENDLY …AND MORE!