UK & Ireland exclusive: Chapter News (January 2019)

All the latest H.O.G. Chapter news from the UK & Ireland

Red Rose Chapter: “Riding in” the New Year
Over the past few years - when a lot of people are getting ready to open the champagne and bring in the New Year - my husband Martin and I have been donning our riding gear, getting out on our bikes and “riding in” the New Year. 

It all started a few years ago when we were spending New Year on our own. We had been thinking of various things we could do and jokingly I said, “Let’s ride it in!” Then we thought well, why not? So, at 11.30pm we got on the bike and we rode up to nearby Birkrigg Common, not too far from home. We came back exhilarated. So, the next year we decided to ride it again but this time we went further and rode around Coniston Water. It was a lot colder and actually snowed a little on the way but we still felt great!

Since then we have often been for a midnight ride to celebrate the New Year. It has become something of a tradition with us, and every year, weather dependant, we get out for a ride on our Harley-Davidson® motorcycles at about 11:30pm and make sure we are actually riding when midnight and the New Year arrives.

This year there were actually six bikes on our ride as quite a few members of our family ride too. Our route this time was along the Furness Peninsula coast road and we stopped just after midnight to watch the fireworks going off across Morecambe Bay. It was wonderful and spectacular. We wished each other Happy New Year and then headed home for the night.

So as a change, next time, why not ride the New Year in? You can celebrate the New Year with family and friends doing what you love best – riding your bike! 

Barbara Wyatt
Red Rose Chapter

 

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Sherwood Chapter: Delivering a bucket list wish
The last time Phyllis Betts rode pillion on a motorbike, she came off! That was 45 years ago. But Phyllis, a patient at Nottinghamshire Hospice, has always wanted to get back in the saddle – her dream being to ride on a Harley-Davidson.

Now that dream has come true, thanks to Roy Radford and fellow bikers from the Sherwood Chapter who came in convoy to the hospice to take Phyllis for a ride. Phyllis rode pillion on the back of Roy’s Harley-Davidson Ultra.

Phyllis, who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cancer, said: “I’ve always had a fascination with Harleys. They’re the bees knees - they were then and they are now. So, when staff at the hospice asked what was on my bucket list that’s what I said. It was just a pipe dream – I never thought it would actually happen! I was excited about it and nervous too. You have to be careful what you wish for!

“I absolutely loved it. It was a very smooth ride. And now I’ve got a badge. I’ve been made an honorary member of the Chapter!”

When other patients at the Day Therapy centre heard what Phyllis was doing they wanted to sponsor her, and she has now raised more than £400 for Nottinghamshire Hospice.

The group of six bikers took Phyllis and hospice nurse Bekki, herself a biker, out to Lowdham, Nottinghamshire, to pay a surprise visit to Phyllis’ daughter Becky who works as a chef in the World’s End pub there. Staff and regulars at the pub also contributed to Phyllis’ fund.

Liz Morgan, Clinical Nurse Specialist at Nottinghamshire Hospice, said: “Here at the hospice we try to help patients achieve their goals and make the most of the time that they have left. We’re thrilled to be able to help make this dream come true.”

Roy Radford, Director of the Sherwood Chapter for the past six years, said: “We’re delighted to be able to help. It doesn’t cost anything and if it makes somebody happy it’s the thing to do.

“There is a wonderful camaraderie among the Harley community and we’re always happy to help with things like this.”

 

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St. Leger Chapter Toy Run 2018
Who needs a sleigh when you've got a convoy of motorcycles?

Before Christmas St. Leger Chapter donned Santa costumes to deliver a cargo of presents that was donated to youngsters in the care system and children who spent their Christmas in hospital this year. 

The Glasshouse pub in Kirk Sandall, Doncaster, (which is where our monthly meeting takes place) looked like a sort of South Yorkshire Santa's grotto as members of the group turned up at the local alehouse dressed as Santas, elves and reindeer. Members also took their time to dress their Harleys with festive decorations, as there is a best dressed bike competition just to make it a touch competitive but a lot of fun.

Following a quick hot drink, and after sorting and gathering the presents, the procession hit the road and set off towards Doncaster with festive music playing.

The group provided a pleasant yet noisy spectacle as they delivered the parcels on Sunday morning. The community have come to expect this event, and many come outside of their homes in the cold to wave and cheer the group on.

From The Glasshouse, the group travelled in convoy around Doncaster city centre getting plenty of response from the early shoppers and arriving at the Cast Theatre at Waterdale in the town centre. Approximately 20 bikes took part in the convoy, with many carrying pillion passengers. The group parked just outside of the glass theatre doors for all to see, take pictures and some members of the public came to chat.

With presents dropped off at Cast with Doncaster Council Social Services staff, who are delivering some of the gifts, it was on to the children’s hospital at the Doncaster Royal Infirmary. After another short ride around the streets of Doncaster the group arrived at the hospital to be met by patients and nurses waving at the windows and some of the children came outside to see the bikes. After receiving the parcels one of the children chose the best dressed bike. Well done to Kevin and Joanne Boyle for their festival bike.

After leaving the hospital some of the group went back to The Glasshouse for a well-deserved Christmas Carvery.

This is an annual event and the chapter makes a concerted effort to try and accommodate all ages, from babies up to teenagers, and all gifts are marked either boy or girl and with a suitable age group.

A big thank you to Malcolm Godfrey and Ezzo for arranging and leading this event and to all that donated and attended - without you it wouldn’t happen.

Jane Foster
St. Leger Chapter