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UK & Ireland exclusive: Ladies of Harley
All the latest news and updates from the Ladies of Harley
I’m getting used to the layout of new HOG Blog – it’s packed full of interesting information and amazing stories & experiences from H.O.G. members. It’s a regular bookmark on my desktop to keep referring back to. I especially like being able to review archived articles, older than a month, something that previously wasn’t possible. Those many inspiring LOH stories can now be enjoyed time after time.
Talking of new H.O.G. things, a new leather H.O.G passport holder is the latest addition to my travelling gear and it sat comfortably in my inside pocket during a recent WW1 trip to Belgium & France with authorised Harley-Davidson tour operator Tour1. For this long weekend trip I thought a rental opportunity to try out a Street Glide would be a cool experience.....and it was! I enjoyed riding a denim white model from the Lind rental fleet at Reading Harley-Davidson® for five days. As the tail rider for the tour, it was the ideal bike to be on. It enabled the lead rider, Gary France, to see where I was and better gauge the group’s position behind him. There’s much about this touring model to enjoy - sitting on it I could comfortably touch the ground so I immediately felt like I had better control. The touch screen navigation system was easy to navigate (pardon the pun) and the suspension is much softer than my Classic Springer! With quick acceleration and smooth handling on those glorious French roads I fully understood how the StreetGlide got its name; it left a permanent grin on my face!
Earlier in the month I had the pleasure of briefly meeting my fellow National Associate LOH Officer, Lorraine Seedhouse as she was travelling around the nation embarking on becoming the first female pillion to accomplish the feat of visiting all 28 dealerships on mainland UK in 62 hours! What a lady! What an achievement!
I admire the way H.O.G. members support IronHog’ers - the LOH & social media ‘jungle drums’ quickly spread the word that a fellow member is out on the long road for many hours each day, almost at the drop of a hat support is there. A dealer opens a bit longer, a fellow H.O.G. member turns up at extreme hours of the day just to say “Hi”, or offer a snack bar, bottle of water or even a flask of something hotter. It’s another opportunity for our H.O.G community to grow and let’s face it; it doesn’t take long to get to know more H.O.G. cousins, especially this time of year.
Consequently, the world of H.O.G. becomes a greater and more fulfilling one. Recently, during a period of just one week fellow LOH, Ann from St Leger Chapter introduced me to a wine bar in my hometown in rural Oxfordshire! A few days later as I arrived in Ypres on a hot and sunny afternoon, fellow LOH Helen from New Forest Branch, called out to me from the roadside as I was riding by!
The hotel that I stayed at in the small French town of Albert was full of members from Black Mountains Chapter the week before. On returning back to the tunnel to come home Fenlanders Chapter pulled into the check in lane next to me. Their tail rider Alan was somebody I had shared a table with for a social supper with just a couple of weeks beforehand! We are never really alone on a Harley-Davidson.
So, with the LOH community continually expanding you are sure to experience some great company on the road whatever your travel plans may be - whether they’re near to home or much further afield.
Share the Spark
Elaine Shepherd
National Chapter LOH Officer, UK & Ireland
ChapterRepLOH@harley-davidson.com
Firstly I would like to apologise to Sherwood Chapter for not attending their rally as planned. I was really looking forward to being a part of it and meeting up with lots of you, however I was struck down by a particularly nasty bug that left me feeling very weak and wobbly. From the Facebook posts I saw, everyone seems to have had an amazing time and all I can say is - hopefully next year I will be able to join you and experience it for myself.
Fortunately, I was able to follow through with my plans to complete the IronHog Challenge this year.
I hope you’ll enjoy reading my account of the experience and that maybe, it will give you insights and encouragement to consider doing it too!
“The Dudette”
Lorraine Seedhouse
National Chapter Associate LOH Officer, UK & Ireland
chapterrepassociateloh@harley-davidson.com
The whole IronHog story
Arriving at Lakeside Dealership it felt like the middle of the night after only an hour’s sleep. I was so excited and full of anticipation before my Iron Hog Challenge would begin at 04.00. Accompanying me were my husband, Malcolm, and 4 other Lakeside Chapter members - Royston, Dean, John and Colin. Our aim was to visit all 28 H-D dealerships on mainland UK and in 62 hours, starting and finishing at the same dealership and making the 4 compulsory dealer visits as defined in the rules of the Challenge. Would it meet my expectations set by our previous years Challenge when we completed 24 Dealerships? Would I still be buzzing with all the euphoria that lasted for weeks like I was last time? Well, only by doing this again would I get to know and I was eager to get on with the Challenge and see.
I arrived at the dealership at 03.30 and 2 bikes were already parked up. The smile that was already there on my lips grew ever wider. Given the time of day, I decided to put on my wets to give me extra warmth, and boy was I glad I did. As the minutes ticked by more of our team arrived and after loads of hugs and excited chatter, photos taken and paperwork completed we were off. Whoo hoo here we go, here we go, here we go, was the tune I was singing in my head and I was bubbling over inside with anticipation of what this trip would be like. It took me back to when I was a small child on Christmas Eve and couldn’t wait to see whether Santa had thought I had been good enough all year to bring me some presents.
Our first dealer stop was Warr’s King’s Road. We knew that this leg would be the decider as to how the rest of the day would go, and for us it was perfect - traffic flowed and no diversions…tick, receipt collected from the service station on the corner, paperwork completed and photos eventually taken. First technical blip of the day - our main camera that we put on a tripod to get everyone in the photo and set on a timer refused to focus. And then the backup camera must have thought it way too early to be working. But, these things are sent to try us and it’s how we deal with them that make us stronger and more determined. So smiles still in place – it was time to rock and roll onto our second dealership. The roads are still being kind and we make excellent progress which became the norm for the day. Day is breaking but where is the sunshine? No matter everyone’s smile is like a ray of sunshine and motivates everyone to push on.
As we travel around the country we find H.O.G. friends and family popping up at many of the dealerships and this just makes the energy in us feel like a breakfast cereal “Snap, Crackle and Pop”. Their good wishes and words of encouragement are absorbed and retained for when the going gets tough. Later that day we found that was just what was needed. Thank you all for your inspiration. Black Mountains Chapter - awesome as always - provided support on many levels. They kept us informed of major road closures and escorted us to the Swansea dealership which saved us time and energy, especially at the end of the day when we had been on the road for 19 hours. Lynette, their Dealer Principal came in just to make us hot drinks and offer support. What a gem she is!
Our second day started at 04.00 and this year we were blessed with some dry weather. So much easier for riding and pushing on, especially when you have a schedule to adhere to. Once again support from social media and physical support were awesome and helped the team stay focused and energised. Manchester Harley -Davidson was an addition this year, so some of the team needed dealer pins and poker chips to add to their collections. Arriving at Bowker Harley-Davidson in Preston, once again friends were there offering support. Since that was where our lunch stop was planned it gave us a little time to catch up. We left, heading north now, and if our timings were correct we would reach Glasgow before the dealership closed its doors for the night. The sun had its hat on and smiles stretched from ear to ear. The roads were good and we made excellent progress until we hit the outskirts of Glasgow. Rush hour traffic seems to have moved forward an hour! It then became a race against the clock as we knew the dealership closed at 17.30 but we rode safe and got there at 17.29 with moments to spare and a foot in the door. Don met us and asked if it was a hijack. I explained what we are doing and although he wants to head home after a long day, he graciously invited us in. Fiona greeted us with a beautiful smile and hug for anyone who needs one, and we are sent straight upstairs to get refreshments. Whilst in the dealership we took photos and completed our paperwork. I chatted with Don and found out that he too will be riding to Prague for the 115th H.O.G. Anniversary Celebration event. Hopefully we can catch up again there. Dean, one member of the team was having problems with his lid and decided he needed a new one. Problem solved, he is able to purchase one.
Once everyone was ready, with smiles still in place we headed off to Edinburgh, which although still open looked a little naked with all of its signs taken down. It appears very sad. I look around and Royston is bubbling over with excitement - like a bottle of pop which has been shook up! When asked why all the euphoria he just replies with laughter in every word, “We’re heading home now aren’t we Lolly”. I have to say it’s a good feeling to see all this happiness which spreads like someone lighting touch paper on a firework through the team. The realisation that we have completed all 4 compulsory dealer stops to complete the Iron Hog Challenge is amazing.
Our final push to Gateshead gets underway and as already decided we do the coast route this time. John led as he is familiar with the route. I have never been that way and “Wow” how stunningly beautiful it is - even a barn owl came out to greet us, flying silently by. Sitting on the back of a Harley and being able to experience everything the world has to offer at close range never ceases to amaze me and knowing I can share it with Malcolm as we are riding along makes all these memories more precious. Our final destination for the night, Gateshead, is soon upon us and we are on time, which means we get to have a little more sleep, before the final push the following day. On reaching our hotel we are met by a familiar face, the guy on reception checked us in the previous year so he was excited to know how we all were and how we were getting on.
On the final day everyone is up, eager and standing by their bikes at 04.50. What will today bring? Our journey over to Leeds was uneventful until we reached our first stop….it was closed! We need a receipt to verify that we had been to the dealership, so quickly thinking…ATM machine, which is now my job to spot. I see one and tell Malcolm who stops in a safe place for all the bikes and then runs back down the road to get a balance receipt. He had me in fits of giggles as he headed off. A member of the public must have thought he was going to get mugged by a 6ft 2inch guy who was wearing fluorescent yellow jacket, and a crash helmet! He kept trying to look at who was running beside him whilst not really trying to draw attention to himself. Giggles for breakfast? A perfect start to the day. We reach Leeds Harley-Davidson a few minutes later which is closed and park up. Photos and paperwork complete and we are soon on our way.
The day is perfect, timings are good and once again support from everywhere is amazing. Sycamore Harley-Davidson - you rock! We are met by Andrew, the Dealer Principal, and his enthusiasm is infectious, great motivation for pushing us on. Norwich is our next dealer stop and for such a young team they are outstanding. They knew what we are doing and what it was all about and encouraged us to keep going and complete our challenge. When we pulled into Newmarket none other than one of our own Chapter members, Tony was there to greet us. He was full of smiles and hugs for each and every one of us and even presented us with a pin to celebrate our success.
At this point, we are still on time and have 2 hours to get to Lakeside. Everything is perfect or so we thought! Should only take an hour right? Wrong! The M25 was jammed. Quick thinking, John, in his neck of the woods, leads us through country roads, but everyone else does this too and we are soon losing time. Royston gets a call from Marie his wife to say where the delay is and soon his family are tracking where the worst of the traffic is. Royston leads back to the M25 in Brentwood. Such a nightmare and time is ticking! Will we make it? Who knows! The group is split and we are left at the rear knowing we will catch up with them at some point. Once back on the M25 there are lorries in all lanes and we head off in lane 4 accelerating to catch up with the group but still only doing the speed limit. We catch up with the group but there are only 3 bikes - where is Colin? We continue to Lakeside and still no Colin. Where can he be?? Then our worried looks turn to happy smiles as we hear him approaching. We are able to ride into Lakeside Harley-Davidson after 1 hour and 35 minutes. Colin had got cramp in his wrist and had to stop until it righted itself. We are ecstatic and on cloud nine! I think I may be there for some time this year. I don’t think I can find enough words to express how amazing this challenge is.
Iceni ride the South Downs for IFRD
Iceni Chapter members rode south from Norfolk on International Female Ride Day (May 5th, 2018) to spend a weekend riding the South Downs National Park and surrounding area of East Sussex. The historic town of Lewes provided a quaint and picturesque location to use as a base and stopover point.
To have such amazing sunny weather and perfect riding conditions at a Bank Holiday weekend was indeed a bonus and certainly contributed to a most memorable road trip. Half of the group of female participants were lady riders who embraced a great range of riding conditions, in contrast to the local road networks in East Anglia. As we rode through shady wooded glades sun shone through the lush spring growth onto an abundance of bluebells - absolutely beautiful! The contrasting white chalk cliffs and un-spoilt coastline of the Seven Sisters was equally breathtaking and impressive.
As we continue with a busy schedule of rides planned for this season we also look forward to catching up with other LOH members at the forthcoming 115th Anniversary Celebration in Prague.
Betty St Quintin
Iceni Chapter
New Forest non-rider taster day
Following on from IFRD the Saturday before I had organised a non-rider taster day for ladies with Assured Rider Training in Southampton. So, on May 12th, three lovely ladies who had never ridden a bike before were shown what fun could be had on two wheels. It was a shame that one lady had to pull out because of a very bad back, and one was on the New Forest French trip, but we will arrange another date for them.
We all met at Southampton H-D® for coffee beforehand and for a chat, then rode in convoy with some other members for support. Thanks to them for coming along. Thanks also to Lee from A R T who was very patient and got the ladies up and riding in no time at all.
I think the smiles on their faces said it all.
One lady, Liz commented: "Had an interesting day, out of my comfort zone but so pleased I had done it. Lee did an amazing job with us. Just reinforces how all the bikers do so well on all the rides etc. Keeping their pillions safe.”
And another, Debbie said: ”Thank you so much for organising it. It made me do something out of my comfort zone and gave me an appreciation for how well the boys handle the big Harleys. It was enjoyable in a very scary way!!"
A third might be going back for more lessons, so watch this space. Last time we did this 2 ladies went on to pass their tests and now ride their own Harleys!
Fiona Gilbert
New Forest Chapter
Red Rose Chapter: Zip Wire Mania
This year Red Rose Ladies of Harley are doing a series of events to raise money for our chosen charity. We are collecting for Great Arley Street School to help towards outdoor equipment. So, when someone suggested a sponsored Zip Wire Challenge, several of us were up for that.
Having got our sponsors, six of us braved the wilds of Grizedale Forest in Cumbria (along with a few midges!). Those taking part were Jennifer Cobden, Kirsty Wolstenholme, Barbara Wyatt, Anne Clayton along with husbands Keith and Neil. We arrived at Grizedale on a lovely sunny day and were soon equipped with our harnesses and bundled into a minibus for a drive up to the top of the forest. We had two guides to ensure we didn’t get lost and to show us what to do. The first zip wire was quite short and we were shown how to clip on the harnesses and off we went. This first one was a trial run and if you really didn’t like it you could back out here. No chance of that with our group! We all carried on... There were seven more zip wires scattered through the forest and these were constructed so two people went together on parallel wires. This led to some competitive racing (and cheating). The courses zipped in and out of trees and over small gorges and paths. It was tremendous fun and felt like you were flying over the tree tops. The zip wire course finished at the bottom of the forest near the centre so then it was straight to the café for a well-earned coffee and ice cream.
Nor is the adventure finished there. Some other ladies are heading to Wales later in the year and braving the big zip wire there.
Barbara Wyatt
Red Rose Chapter
Thames Valley Chapter: Lady Learners
Not too long ago, I was approached by one of our female members who said she’d like to give riding a motorcycle a try. Having been through this experience myself recently, I knew just the place to arrange a 125cc taster session and put the feelers out on Facebook for willing participants. Before too long, all four spaces were booked by Mandy, Sam, Karen and Kerrie and plans for the day were being made.
To make an event of it and to include the guys, we met up at Blackbushe Café for some refreshments before setting off. It was a beautifully sunny day to be sat outside with a cold drink watching the planes take off and land. All the ladies seemed nervous but excited and I did all I could to try and dispel any fears (but secretly still remembering how nervous I felt at the beginning of my learning). Once everyone was suitably refreshed we travelled the short distance to Excelerate Motorcycle School in Mytchett for our lesson.
We rolled noisily into the car park – seven bikes in total – to be greeted by our instructors for the day, Nikos and Ade. We ushered the men off, who went to Newlands Corner for a cuppa and then the lesson began!
First of all, the ladies had a briefing in the office, which is actually a converted bright green double decker bus. They still looked a little nervous, but I knew they were in safe hands. Next, we walked over to the training area, where there were four Yamaha 125cc bikes eagerly awaiting their student riders. The ladies broke into two groups with an instructor per pair and were talked through the mechanics of riding a bike, how to brake and how to change gear for example….all important stuff! After this, they were invited to sit on the bikes and familiarize themselves with it, make sure they could reach all levers and pedals and that they were comfortable.
Then….it was ignition time. One by one the riders switched their bikes on, selected first gear and crept forward with feet still down, coming to a slow stop. Easy peasy. So next, each of the ladies – still with feet down - rode a lap of the car park with their instructor close beside them. Mastered it – great! Same again for the next lap..or was it? All of a sudden, the instructor would shout ‘feet up!’ and just like that, the ladies were riding. I felt like a proud mum watching them all. As the laps continued, clockwise, anticlockwise, figures of eight and all four riding together the one thing that stuck out for me was all the laughter and smiling faces – they were enjoying this!
At the end of the lesson, lids and gloves came off and hands were flexed to bring relief from holding the clutch so tightly. I remember those days! Their nervousness from earlier in the day was replaced with happiness, a sense of accomplishment and happy chatter about what they’d experienced. Between them, all four decided to come back for another lesson and to then book CBTs! What a positive result from ladies who were ‘just giving it a go to see what it’s like’.
The guys returned from their ride, eager to find out how it went and were greeted by four very happy ladies, keen to further their learning. There may have been one or two comments from them such as ‘I’ll need to make room in the garage for another bike’ and ‘I need to get saving’!
To round off a thoroughly good afternoon and to make the most of a beautifully warm Sunday evening, we headed off to a pub garden for a relaxing dinner. Lesson two is booked to take place shortly and I am looking forward to seeing the ladies progress.
Priscilla Peck
Thames Valley Chapter
Sparkle Tour Updates
East – Event Overview
This year sees the first Eastern event and it will include visits to four Harley -Davidson dealerships, take in some great ride routes and no doubt there will be memorable fun times.
The tour starts at Norwich Harley-Davidson® departing late Friday afternoon for a ride down to Newmarket where we will be staying at a Spa Hotel.
Saturday morning sees a stop off at Newmarket Harley-Davidson® for breakfast butties…. then riding out across Cambridgeshire towards Ely, Chatteris & Peterborough, heading towards Uppingham and the home of the Rutland Chapter and Sycamore Harley-Davidson®.
After a lunch stop we will leave Sycamore Harley-Davidson, take in some picturesque riding routes via Rutland Water, Oakham and Melton Mowbray up towards Robin Hood Harley-Davidson® in Nottingham where we stay for the second night. Our hotel is located next to Nottingham Castle and close to some good restaurants.
On Sunday morning our route heads back east, towards the glorious sea side town of Sheringham which will be celebrating its annual 1940’s weekend. This annual event will provide a fabulous end point to our main Sparkle Tour East.
The group is looking forward to getting more lady rider participants on board and there are still places available on this tour…. If you have any questions then get in touch.
Betty St Quintin
Iceni Chapter
Scotland
Final preparations for the Sparkle Tour Scotland are well under way. With two additional tour guides, we have planned and reccied the route twice so far. Some beautiful castles and stunning Scottish scenery have been incorporated into the tour. Both hotels for the Friday and Saturday nights have been provisionally booked. Approx 450 miles on some lovely roads. Currently 9 bikes are registered for this tour. Numbers for the hotels have to be finalised so registration will close on 1st July. If you’re interested in registering or if you are looking for any further information contact me by email at: sparkletourscotland@gmail.com
Lorraine McGuire
Sparkle Tour Scotland Tour Guide
