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UK & Ireland exclusive: Ladies of Harley
All the latest news and updates from the Ladies of Harley
The past month has been unique and definitely one that will be remembered for a while to come. After attending the 110th anniversary celebrations in Milwaukee in 2013 it was decided that a return visit for the 115th was a definite MUST!
It was a great opportunity to catch up with H.O.G. cousins from Rutland, Lakeside and Thames Valley Chapters although it seemed strange catching up for a coffee, ice cream or beer in the Milwaukee summer heat.
As members of H.O.G. we each enjoy the adventure of the journeys that we embark upon and the friendships that are made during those ventures. This trip was no different. While crossing Lake Michigan to get to Milwaukee on the steam ferry SS Badger a fellow female traveller asked, “So where are you from in England?” to which my response was, “A small town between Oxford and Reading in the south”. She proceeded to tell me about her riding adventures in Europe on the Posse Ride and then attending Thunder in the Glens in Scotland, and asked if I knew 'Mad Dog' George McGuire. So there we were in the middle of Lake Michigan talking about a mutually familiar H.O.G. cousin from back home in bonnie Scotland - what a truly small world!
Likewise, while attending the 110th in 2013 a couple (unknown to us) from Hogsback Chapter had seen us in the parade crowd with our Chapter flag and kindly forwarded a photo of us when they returned back home. We’ve not seen them in England, but five years later while heading to Chicago after the 115th celebrations we visited Uke’s Harley-Davidson en route where, by pure chance, we met the same couple. This time we had a photo together.
While previously travelling in the States and having met Pennsylvania’s Deer Lake Chapter at prior events, it was a great opportunity to catch up with them again and enjoy all that Milwaukee had to offer and, to share a behind the scenes tour of the Harley-Davidson Museum – a definite must for those visiting Milwaukee. The history and passion of our pastime is evident in the many exhibits for visitors to appreciate and enjoy. A group photo at Juneau Avenue with the Deer Lake LOH in their ‘blue skies’ t-shirts was a poignant and memorable occasion.
Then just a week after returning from the States it was a case of unpack and re-pack to head north to take part in Sparkle Tour Scotland. The situation as it was, me not having my own Classic Springer to do this tour with, I still didn’t want to miss out. I was instead able to enjoy a rental from Edinburgh Harley-Davidson, a sleek looking black Street Glide. Having toured in France earlier this year on a Street Glide it was a treat to quickly re-familiarise myself with the features this bike offers.
This model really is a pleasure to ride; it’s smooth and very receptive, most enjoyable around the east coast of Scotland. Added to which, Edinburgh H-D also provided a support van for Sparkle Tour Scotland complete with a spare bike. Fortunately the spare bike was not needed and was returned safely in the ratchet straps it left in. As for the space that the van provided, it was a treat for the ladies to leave their luggage in the support van and not have to worry about it being on their bikes for a couple of days.
With Sparkle and Twinkle Tours being held across the nation the weekend of 14, 15 and 16 September was a busy one as ladies enjoyed visits to Harley-Davidson dealerships on their chosen tour as riders in either Sparkle Scotland, Sparkle North East, Sparkle East, Sparkle South-East, Sparkle South-West, Sparkle Ireland, or as pillion riders in the Twinkle South-East. Watch this space to see what tours are available for Ladies of Harley to ‘share their spark’ in 2019. There are already plans in the making.
Share the Spark
Elaine Shepherd
National Chapter LOH Officer, UK & Ireland
ChapterRepLOH@harley-davidson.com
Milwaukee Magic
Some folks go on holiday to lay on a beach….nothing wrong with that, I do that too sometimes. But this adventure was to the 115th Anniversary Celebration in Milwaukee, the home of Harley-Davidson!
We began our 17-day road trip in Manchester, New Hampshire. It was a very wet start requiring us to wear our wet gear but as we headed south the weather began to break and sunshine became the order of the day.
We visited many dealerships along the way - varying in size, friendliness, and the welcome that we received. We sometimes had to pinch ourselves to remind us that we were journeying through the USA. At times it felt like we were doing a tour of England, as we travelled through Manchester, Ashford, Worcester, Coventry, South London and Danbury - and that was just one day of riding!
We rode on some great riding roads and the scenery was spectacular, constantly changing as we rode from state to state – different style houses, lots of Dutch barns on farms that stretched as far as the eye could see, towns that looked like they should have been in a wild west film and the sight of trains with some 60 to 90 carriages attached really added to our journey. Riding through the Blue Ridge Mountains was spectacular, and the dealerships we called in at were extremely friendly. Even meeting up with Chapter members and officers created a great atmosphere. They were eager to hear all about our adventure.
As we made progress, the temperatures began to soar into the 90s. We rode through St. Louis and seeing the mighty, powerful Mississippi and all its energy makes one realise how insignificant you are - such an awesome sight.
Our half way point was a five-night stopover in Milwaukee to experience everything that a Harley-Davidson rally has to offer. The party was already happening at various venues around town, and our first stop was at Veterans Park to collect our rally packs. During the rally we managed to complete everything that we had planned, visiting the powertrain plant, Museum and all the surrounding H-D dealerships, always leaving time to chat and connect with other H.O.G. members.
As part of our rally pack we had tickets for “Flat Out Friday”. Not knowing what this was about we went with an open mind, and it did not disappoint. Seeing rider’s complete circuits on various Harley’s around a small track was a lot of fun to watch and the crowd were energised beyond bursting point, the atmosphere was electric.
We had to collect our parade pass from Veterans Park during the weekend and take pictures for the ABC of Touring Contest. As we were taking our pics, Willie G, Nancy, Bill and Karen Davidson arrived. We were gobsmacked of course, as we knew nothing about them being there, and to see and meet all four of the Davidson’s together was a real treat, giving us a buzz we will never forget. It still sends shivers down my spine as I write about it. They all signed our ‘Cuts’ and this memory is one that I will treasure forever.
It was a great privilege and honour to take part in the 115th Anniversary parade. The weather was kind and the riders and pillion riders we got to meet were all inspiring with wonderful stories to share. Riding through Milwaukee with thousands of people at the roadside is something that cannot be explained, emotional and amazing. This is something no other organisation can get anywhere near to.
The remainder of our trip started when we left Milwaukee on Labor Day. Only one problem - rain and in some cases, extreme rain, which we encountered on and off all day. Thankfully it dried up for the remainder of the trip. We rode good roads, around the bottom of Lake Erie and zig-zagged our way to Niagara Falls visiting some very interesting dealerships. When we arrived in Niagara, it was “Wow”, “Wow” and “Wow” again. The Falls didn’t disappoint and once again we were in awe of what mother nature can provide, the power and splendour was truly breathtaking. Yet another memory to take with us. As our journey continued we travelled flat roads through marsh lands and the Great Lakes. We rode up mountains where the air was so pure and clean and experienced beautiful winding roads, wishing this journey and adventure was never ending.
Unfortunately our journey was almost at an end. We arrived safe and sound in Boston. Bike returned and settled in for a couple of days sightseeing. What an adventure it has been. An absolutely amazing journey, another memory to treasure forever.
Back home now and still the calendar is full of fun and interesting events to come. I have just taken part in the South East Twinkle Tour. It was great fun exploring the South East of England. Many thanks to LOH Officer, Ceri Lowen for organising it. An evening spent with the Twinkle Tour and the South East Sparkle Tour was full of laughter and, games organised by Jo Green, were hilarious. Many thanks to Carol at Maidstone H-D for the warm welcome and gifts that she provided.
H.O.T. training in October, which this year will be held in Brighton is sure to be an exceptional experience for all those who have registered and also those who will be faciiitating the workshops.
Last but not least will be our National LOH meeting held in Oxford, which I am sure will be a fun and noisy weekend. With lovely ladies getting together to chat about everything that has been going on in their Chapters and sharing their personal experiences with others.
I’m looking forward to that.
From the Rear Saddle,
“The Dudette”
Lorraine Seedhouse
National Chapter Associate LOH Officer, UK & Ireland
chapterrepassociateloh@harley-davidson.com
Ladies show off their Heart ’n’ Soul
At the blink of an eye here we are again at the Heart 'n' Soul Rally. All hands on deck on the Thursday to help with the setting up of our fabulous venue and although we ordered fine sunny weather, we woke on the Friday to a mixture of rain, drizzle and the odd clap of thunder. But that didn't stop the early birds - the camping ground was filling up nicely as soon as dawn broke.
Fortunately I was on reception, which is great as I get to see everyone as they arrive!
A full, fun-packed weekend was planned with two rides outs, eight bands to keep everyone entertained throughout the weekend between our two venues – AND - a special performance from some of our own Ladies of Harley dancing a routine to ‘Devil Went Down to Georgia’ from the film Coyote Ugly. Well done girls! You were great, not forgetting the cowboy and the devil himself!
Friday evening began in style by our LOH hosting 'Fizz at 5', a great time for all ladies to gather, meet old and new friends while enjoying a glass or two of fizz and of course, chocolate.
I was overwhelmed as the room filled to capacity and only fun and laughter could be heard. It was a great pleasure to have the company of H.O.G.’s very own National Chapter LOH officer, Elaine Shepherd, and her partner in crime National Chapter Associate LOH officer, Lorraine Seedhouse, with us for the weekend. I hope they had a great time meeting lots of new ladies.
The LOH raffle we held raised a fantastic £149 for the Great North Air Ambulance and we thank everyone for their kind generosity.
Trish Gillespie
Geordie Chapter
Share the Spark[le]! And Twinkle!
The weekend of September 14-16 saw the Ladies of Harley return to the roads for the Sparkle and Twinkle Tours! Check out the HOG UK and Ireland Facebook page for the latest news, and amazing pics, from an awesome weekend!
