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UK & Ireland exclusive: Ladies of Harley
All the latest news and updates from the Ladies of Harley
I’m sure you’ll agree that it has been exceptionally enjoyable of late getting out on the road in glorious sunshine and pleasant balmy evenings. Riding home from a long day at work is definitely good for the soul and improves that work/life balance we strive for.
The rally season is well and truly underway with the Cider Rally being the first on the UK & Ireland’s events listing, hotly followed by the Iron Horse Rally, Back to the Forest Rally and Red Rose Chapter’s VIP Party. Each of which have seen social media updates as rally goers share their experiences of rides, fun and laughter – a familiar trio that is always a good combination.
It’s at events like these that LOH receptions are becoming more popular, bringing together ladies for an hour or so. New friendships are made, existing friendships grow and plans for meeting up again are always agreed… and thus the LOH community grows. This is evident in the size of groups in LOH photos that are taken. They are such a pleasure to see!
The past few weeks have seen two inspirational ladies, both called ‘Jo’, embark on their own personal riding adventures. Both of which saw a network of Chapter members within the UK and Ireland region following them with great interest. They both enjoyed a truly memorable adventure - made even more memorable by the support of our unique H.O.G community.
Jo Hadwin from III Rivers Chapter wanted to celebrate her 40th birthday in an exceptional way – a 17-day road trip covering 2,500 miles visiting every Harley-Davidson dealership in the UK and Ireland, from Belfast to Jersey and every one in between.
Jo Green from Thames Valley Chapter wanted to celebrate her 50th year in an exceptional way and did so riding a 53-hour journey, covering 1,503 miles and, visiting 18 of the UK’s Harley-Davidson dealerships to become the first solo female rider to complete the Iron Hog Challenge.
Congratulations to both ladies for such inspirational achievements!
Looking ahead there is much on offer for us to enjoy. Whether your plans are to attend one of the more local UK rallies or to do something further afield for the 115th celebrations in Prague or Milwaukee, we can each be assured that we’ll have a good time and enjoy all there is on offer.
For me that will be experiencing the new beginnings of the Valley Rally, hosted by Thames Valley Chapter, the real ‘Heart and Soul’ of Geordie Chapter’s northern hospitality, the unbelievable Milwaukee ‘welcome home’, with its parade ride like no other and then the history and folklore of exploring Scottish castles on one of the Sparkle Tours – all providing opportunities to make memories of a lifetime. What will your memories look like?
Share the Spark
Elaine Shepherd
National Chapter LOH Officer, UK & Ireland
ChapterRepLOH@harley-davidson.com
Having just returned from the Cider Rally organised by the Bridgwater Chapter, I can honestly say that the rally season has well and truly begun. This was the first of many that Elaine Shepherd, National Chapter LOH Officer UK & Ireland, and I will be attending together this year.
It was fantastic to see so many of you there too! The atmosphere was terrific, with members from all over the country catching up with one another – and some members from Europe – with new acquaintances being made and hopefully, the making of firm friendships for the future too.
Our bikes were parked outside the chalets and it was great to meander around the park and see all the different models that members ride, how they have been customised to portray the individuals' personality and how a paint job can make it so unique. It’s always a great way to make new friends as every member loves to chat to likeminded individuals about their own pride and joy.
The theme for this year was the Wild West and it’s always great fun dressing in costume for the theme night that is held on the Saturday evening. This year was always going to be one of those years when it would be easy to take part. Most members were able join in due to the fact that items of clothing could be used from what was already hanging in wardrobes/closets at home. It’s always great to see what members come along dressed in to join in the fun.
The Chapter Challenge this year was line dancing and with two teams taking part, the room was buzzing, echoing with lots of thigh slapping and "Yee Hahs!", such a lot of fun.
The Cider Rally, as are all H.O.G. rallies, is great for so many reasons. Rallies create a haven for our H.O.G. family, are a huge amount of fun and create opportunities for friends to reconnect or the making of new ones. There are so many ride outs to choose from and everyone can enjoy at least one, whether you are a solo rider or a pillion rider. Sometimes there is an LOH ride out and usually there is an LOH reception held somewhere and sometime during the weekend. Here unique bonding and the beginnings of new experiences happen - this year was no different. Tales are exchanged about individual’s experiences. It’s always great to hear about an individual’s journey and how they were inspired to either become a pillion rider, or just knew they had the passion and the inclination and always wanted to be a rider. These inspirational tales will always spark an interest and create the desire in others – to ride or become pillion riders. The circle created is never ending and never ceases to amaze me.
I am looking forward to next year already, but before that I have exciting times ahead with Sherwood Rally being my next one to enjoy.
From the Rear Saddle,
“The Dudette”
Lorraine Seedhouse
National Chapter Associate LOH Officer, UK & Ireland
chapterrepassociateloh@harley-davidson.com
International Female Ride Day
We take a look at what some of the Ladies got up to for International Female Ride Day 2018. Mark your calendars for International Female Ride Day 2019 - May 4, 2019!
New Forest Chapter
What a lovely day to celebrate IFRD! Thanks to our road crew, who picked a great scenic route through the New Forest, past Stonehenge and Devizes and up to Lacock Abbey in Chippenham, Wiltshire.
Thanks also to all who baked, bought and donated to our worthy charity, Blood Runners, at our 4th annual H.O.G Bake Off on 17 March. We made over £280, even though the weather wasn’t that great – at one point we looked out and it was snowing! Luckily, Southampton H-D said we could stay indoors so, thanks to them for keeping us warm.
Fiona Gilbert
New Forest Chapter
Great Western Chapter
On Saturday, May 5th we celebrated International Female Ride Day. 75 lady riders left the AV8 Cafe in Cirencester at 12pm and arrived at Riders in Bristol at 1pm to be greeted by the dealership team and non-riding ladies of Great Western Chapter who had prepared a great selection of homemade cakes and cookies to be offered to the lady riders for free on their arrival. They were very grateful for this generosity and support.
Some of our very own GWC ladies took part in the ride, including Sonja Beddow, who has just recently passed her test. Well done Sonja!
Sian Van Gemeren
Great Western Chapter
Fenlanders Ladies:
From pillion to rider
From a young age, all I wanted was a moped. So, on my 16th birthday - in December - there I was, doing my CBT. My parents kindly got me a Honda MT50 and I loved it, but reluctantly, I had to part ways with it after passing my driving test at 17.
In 2000, I received the sad news that my Nan had died. She had left a small sum of money in her will which was enough to pay for my direct access motorcycle license. I missed the fun of my MT50, so off I went!
Whilst doing my training I struggled to hit 60mph. It felt like my cheap helmet was going to pull my head off! I got chatting to a guy in the pub (soon to become my partner) and told him of my problem. He said I could borrow his spare helmet, and it turned out to be a perfect fit. So, a few weeks later, I found myself at the test centre in freezing cold fog. My eyelashes even had ice drops on them. But I passed!
I got a Kawasaki ZXR400 but it turned out not to be the bike for me – too big and the wrong riding position. I then moved on to an old Yamaha XT250 which I loved but, it was a kick start only and I never learnt the knack of starting it. So that too turned out not to be the bike for me.
I had been happy ‘hubby-hugging’ on my partner’s Suzuki 1500 Intruder, but after a while it got boring, visiting the same places every time with the same couple of friends. Then out of the blue he said “I’m going to get a Harley”. I had my reservations but in the end I relented and in March 2016 his Harley-Davidson Electra Glide® Ultra Limited was delivered. We joined H.O.G.® and the Fenlanders Chapter, met loads of new people and visited many different places – I felt part of something.
We took part in the Fenlanders Rally and the big parade at Holkham Hall and I loved it, but I started thinking – I want to ride myself! I started asking people about their bikes and one bloke let me sit on his Sportster® Iron 883™. Although it had been 15 years since I had last ridden a bike, the weight, height, pegs and riding position felt just perfect. I got home that night and said to my partner, “I need a Harley”.
My partner spent weeks trawling the net for Iron 883s until he came across a sparkling 2014 model in hard candy voodoo purple. So off we went for a viewing which soon resulted in me buying the bike. The collection day arrived in August 2016 - less than five months after I had been quizzing my partner on why he wanted a Harley!
Coming out of the showroom, I was a nervous wreck and felt lucky to make it home alive. My confidence started to grow, but then of course winter came and the bikes had to be put to bed. When we got them out of hibernation in March I was worried that I would have forgotten everything, but thankfully I was wrong.
On April 28 2017 I rode from Dereham, Norwich, to the cider rally in Weston-super-Mare – 270 miles in one day on my wonderful bike! Riding in the Grand Parade on the Sunday, I couldn’t describe how I felt. It felt like my moment, and I deserved to be there. I will never forget how proud I felt.
So all I can say to any lady thinking about getting a bike is: Don’t think, just do! Owning my Sportster – my purple princess – has changed my life. I am now a proud Lady of Harley and in the Fenlanders, I have found a community where I truly belong.
Caroline Nicholls
Fenlanders Chapter
Stepping back in time
On Sunday April 29th, 16 ladies from the Great Western Chapter visited St Fagans National Museum of History, just off the M4 outside Cardiff.
The day started at the open air museum, where we spent a few leisurely hours admiring more than 40 historical buildings re-erected from various locations in Wales, one of which is the famous Gwalia Stores, dating back to 1880.
After our visit to the museum we had a short journey further along the M4 to Llanerch Vineyard in the Vale of Glamorgan, where we had a scrumptious afternoon tea.
It was a very interesting and enjoyable day for us all!
Sian Van Gemeren
Great Western Chapter
Lakeside Ladies:
Larks in Lavenham
We had a glorious day for our ride out to Lavenham, Suffolk, and a fabulous turn out: 18 bikes and 34 riders. Among them was a very special guest – Hetty, who was visiting from the Netherlands and is her chapter’s LOH Officer.
The route took us approximately 95 miles through Essex and Suffolk countryside and did not disappoint! We passed through many villages with stunning architecture, and there were plenty of other bikes out on the road also enjoying the roads and the weather. There were two stops to allow the Sportsters to fuel up and everyone else to stretch their legs and have an ice cream.
The last leg of the ride was through some really stunning Suffolk villages, including the famous village of Long Melford. After a few more twists and turns, we arrived in Lavenham.
Once everyone was parked up most people went straight to The Cock Horse pub for a cold drink and food in the garden, but all I could think about was the Ice Cream Parlour as I’d heard such good things about it. So off Chris and I went. I can say that it was certainly worth the wait! We sat outside and ended up chatting with two US Air Force folk out and about for the day, who had noticed our badges. We talked Route 66 and our road trip in 2016.
Afterwards, we made our way up Market Lane to the Guildhall and had coffee and a sandwich in the gardens. The Guildhall is owned by the National Trust so any money spent helps maintain this beautiful timber-framed building. We meandered back to The Swan Hotel for a cold drink as I wanted to show Chris the Roll of Honour erected in the bar for bomber and fighter pilots of the RAF and US Army Air Corps who were stationed in Lavenham during WW2.
We then walked over to visit the church which was built in the 15th century and funded by local wealthy clothiers and John de Vere, Lord of the Manor and 13th Earl of Oxford. On our return to the car park, we passed The Cock Horse pub and ended up having a long chat about all things bike with a chap who was sitting on the wall next to his very old BSA. That’s what I love about bikers – they will always stop and have a chat! I have met some really interesting and nice people through having the bike.
I sincerely hope that everyone had as enjoyable a day as we did! Thanks to everyone who came along; thanks also to Colin Curtis and Chris Bell for road crewing for us, and to Colin Coghill for the route.
Ceri Lowen
Lakeside Chapter
Dorking day out
Organising my first Ladies of Harley ride-out – to Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking – was both exciting and a little nerve-wracking!
There were eight bikes riding out and the weather was kind – we left the Pond on time and arrived for our lunch stop at an American diner near Polhill. The staff and food were great. I would definitely recommend a visit.
We made it to Denbies and joined our tour in the making rooms. The tour leader was a charming (if a little eccentric!) lady who clearly knew an awful lot about the making and drinking of wine. Her commentary was also very amusing and we were giggling like schoolgirls in the tasting room. We then joined the next tour to watch a video about the history of the Estate and the types of vine they grow and wines they produce. It was really interesting – I had no idea they were one of the largest wine producers in the UK. We finished the tour with a visit to the tearoom; there is also a gift shop and farm onsite.
As always, the company makes the ride out, and we did have a laugh! And on a personal level we learnt a lot about planning a ride-out, so onwards and upwards!
Ceri Lowen
Lakeside Chapter
Nene Valley Chapter backs Blood Bikes
The Ladies of Harley raffle proceeds have gone to support the lifesaving work of SERV OBN Blood Bikes, which provides a rapid response transport service free to the NHS, carrying urgently needed medical items out of hours.
After a SERV OBN speaker gave a presentation to Chapter members at Club Night, including information on the Angel Programme, which takes milk from donating mothers to support babies in need at local hospitals. I presented a cheque for £325 to SERV OBN representative Malcolm Swannell, also a Nene Valley Chapter member.
All the SERV OBN bikes are named after significant women in medicine. Malcolm introduced me to Cecilie, who takes her name from the late Brigadier Dame Cecilie Monica Golding, a former head of Army Nursing Services and of Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps.
SERV OBN, which covers Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Northamptonshire, receives no government funding and relies on fundraising, sponsorship and donations. All involved work on a voluntary basis, so 100% of all money raised go to fund its work.
Martine Garland
Nene Valley Chapter
New Forest Ladies update
My journey to riding a Harley-Davidson began in May 2015, when Fiona organised a taster day for some of us ladies and suggested I give it a try. My husband, Paul was very supportive but when he said I could try the moped if I wasn't sure I could manage the bike, he spurred me on. None of the other girls were planning to ride a moped and although we were all scared and nervous, it helped that several of us felt the same.
There was a lot to take in – instructions about clutch control, gear change, moving off and balance and steering, looking where you want go. This is so difficult, I thought, but I went for it and rode round the car park opposite the Southampton H-D dealership. I didn't get out of first gear but I managed the slalom and didn't crash or fall off. I felt very proud and loved it.
I thought it would be good to take my CBT but I was in no hurry. I enjoyed riding with Paul as pillion. When spring came round again, there was an event at the dealership and Fatboy Motorcycle Training had a stand. Before I knew it, I had signed up for my CBT. Paul was thrilled.
When the day came, I considered giving up. The group were all young and there was me at 63, struggling to do the maneuvers and master controlling the bike as we spent the morning learning and practicing. I didn't feel confident, and the instructor agreed, so we spent the afternoon riding round the car park while the others went out. I felt a bit of a failure, as it’s supposed to be a one-day course, but my instructor told me that if I needed longer, that was fine – the point of the course was to get me to a reasonable standard and safe on the road. I felt ready to go out on the road the next time for the two-hour ride and I passed. It felt absolutely brilliant.
I wanted to get my own 125cc bike and build up some confidence and experience before taking my test. Paul and I had a look round and I found the bike I wanted, a white Honda CB125F. Paul rode it home and we went up to the local industrial park. I rode round the car park, getting the feel of the bike before I went out on the road with Paul. He was incredibly patient – he really has been terrific.
We rode round in the evenings to build up my confidence and when I felt ready I went out on my own. I mastered clutch control and rode to work and back every day I possibly could, a distance of 10 miles in rush hour traffic between Waterlooville to Portsmouth, then did longer rides at weekends. I was hooked!
I bought a CD for the theory test, the most difficult part of which was the hazard awareness test. I took my theory test after lots of practice beforehand and passed. When it came to my test, I didn’t want to do the Direct Access route. I wanted to do Mod 1 and then Mod 2 once I passed.
I booked up the three-day course, with Mod 1 on the third day. To say I found it difficult was an understatement – it should have just been an extension of the CBT, it felt so different to riding my little 125cc. I struggled with slow control and wondered why you have to do a figure of eight and a U-turn in such a small area. I managed to do it right some of the time and was quite good at the controlled stop, emergency stop and the avoidance test.
When we went out on the road it was fantastic! I loved riding the bigger 750cc bike, it was much easier to handle and so much nicer to ride. The next day was a practice and then a ride around to settle nerves and then test at Lee-on-Solent. I was so nervous! My biggest fear was dropping the bike on the manual handling exercise.
The test is only 10 minutes. The manual handling and slalom went OK but I put my foot down on the figure of eight. That was that – failed. I finished the course and did the U-turn and everything else fine. I was absolutely gutted. Second time around, I felt more confident but clipped a cone at the end of the slalom and failed again. I was so upset I cried.
I ended up taking Mod 1 with four failures and each time it was putting my foot down at the same place, at the start of the figure of eight. Every time I practiced on Paul’s bike I nailed it but I completely lost it on the test. We decided I should take it again but on Paul’s bike. This time I felt more confident and nailed it. It was quite special that Paul was there as well as he had given me so much support.
I passed Mod 2 first time – it was so exciting! I was off on a proper bike and now I could look for my Harley. I was looking at the 750cc and 883cc models as I thought they would be lighter and easier to handle but didn’t like the Street and the Iron when I test rode them.
Paul let me use the Honda to gain some experience on a bigger bike. I rode every chance I could and did the first New Forest ride of the season to Poole and Sandbanks on the Honda. It was brilliant and everyone on the ride was supportive. Everybody waved as they went past and I really felt encouraged. I just wished I had my Harley.
I wanted to test ride the Superlow but there wasn’t one available on the day we chose so I rode the 1200T instead. I loved it, it was comfortable and just felt right. I couldn’t stop smiling! When I picked it up from the dealership and rode it home, I knew I had chosen the right bike. I had the biggest grin on my face all the way home. All that I had been through in learning to ride was worth this moment.
There is nothing like riding on your own Harley. I would say to all the ladies who have had even the tiniest thought about learning to ride to go for it. A taster ride got me thinking and here I am – a bona fide Lady of Harley.
I have had so much support from everyone at New Forest Branch and have so many good friends who have encouraged me along the way, especially the lady riders. I was immensely proud when so many people congratulated me on my riding whilst on the weekend ride to Plymouth, including John Monks, our Director.
I am not the only new New Forest lady rider - Liz Hatchett also became a Lady of Harley rider just before me and I wish Grace Howard much enjoyment once she has passed her test and rides her first Harley. Let’s have some more of you soon.
Nicky
New Forest Chapter
New Forest Bake Off
What a great amount of goodies made by our lovely members on our 4th annual H.O.G. Bake Off on March 17. Thanks to all who baked, bought and donated to our worthy charity – Blood Runners. We made more than £280, a fabulous total even though the weather wasn't that great, at one point we looked out and it was snowing! Luckily Southampton Harley-Davidson said we could stay indoors. So thanks to them too for keeping us warm.
Fiona Gilbert
New Forest Chapter
Bridgwater Ladies mini raffle
It was great to see lots of gorgeous ladies at the LOH meet at the Cider Rally this year. Our mini raffle raised £250 for our charity, BARB (Burnham Area Rescue Boat). BARB runs two life-saving rescue hovercrafts and two inshore rescue boats in Somerset. Dedicated volunteer crew members are on-call 24 hours a day. They have helped and rescued over 300 people since formed in 1992.
Thank you everyone who supported us and huge thanks to all the amazing Ladies at Bridgwater LOH for all their hard work to make the weekend such a success – it’s been a great start to the rally season.
Lisa Davies
Bridgwater Chapter
