WILD PRAIRIE H.O.G.® Chapter # 4428
www.wildprairiehog.com
Sponsored by: Wild Prairie Harley-Davidson®
12480 Plaza Drive Eden Prairie, MN 55344
952-698-5000 www.wildprairiehd.com
2nd QUARTER - 2019 CHAPTER NEWSLETTER
H.O.G. Hotline - 952-953-7430 For additional information on rides and events, check the Wild Prairie HOG Chapter of Eden Prairie, MN Facebook page.
Chapter Meeting Schedule Second Thursday of every month at Wild Prairie Harley-Davidson. Dinner @ 6:30 pm, Meeting @ 7:00 pm
LOH® Meeting Schedule Typically the third Thursday of every month, location TBD @ 6:30 pm. We communicate via private email and FB accounts.
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Milkman’s Musings Chapter Director Mike Aase [email protected]
There are lots of things happening with the Chapter and the
Dealership now that riding season in finally here. It’s been a
cool, wet spring thus far but I for one am looking forward to
some great rides with the Chapter in the coming months. I just
want to give you all some clarity on initiatives going on right
now to get you out riding your bike - either solo, with the
Chapter, or with just a group of friends. You can choose to
participate in all, some, or none of these:
HOG programs: (These come with your National HOG membership)
Ride 365 Mileage Recognition
Lifetime and Annual – Must enroll and log mileage with
dealer. Digital badges, certificates and patches are
awarded when you hit certain milestones.
Chapter Challenge – Roll your mileage up within the
Chapter to help us be recognized as well!
Ride 365 Journey Challenge
Visit any H-D dealership, a HOG Check-In, a HOG Rally,
the H-D Museum or other H-D Corporate facilities to earn
points. Submit photos via the HOG member website.
Dealership programs: (This is open to anyone)
Ride the Wheels Off Mileage Competition May 4 – August 31
Register with Service Department to enter
3 Categories: Retired and Riding Hard, Workin’ For A
Living, Ladies Only
Mid-year and final prizes awarded in each category
T-shirts awarded for reaching certain mileage plateaus
Chapter programs: (This comes with your Chapter membership)
Chafed Butt Challenge May 4 – August 31
Pick up a participation card at the dealership (see below)
Take a photo of you, your bike and the card at each
location to earn entries into the drawing. Submit photos to
email address on card.
Two 5k service coupons awarded from all entries at the
September H.O.G. get together
I’d also like to give a shout out to those that have supported
us over the last few months and over the winter:
Ian Leonard, FOX 9 Chief Meteorologist, and WP H-D and WP HOG official weatherman, for speaking at our May get together
O’Brien’s Public House, Shakopee, and Floyd’s Bar, Victoria, for hosting our Monday Dinner rides
The Scoreboard, Hopkins and especially our waitress Kim for our Monday dinners during the non-riding season
2nd QUARTER - 2019 Page 2 of 7 CHAPTER NEWSLETTER
Road Kill by Rich Head Road Captain Rich McKagan [email protected]
Although the weather has not been cooperating this year for
many weekend planned rides, Monday night dinner rides seem
to be a success! Unfortunately, we had to cancel the ride to
the Grumpy Minnow in Stanchfield due to concerns with the
weather. We also moved the Hog in the Road BBQ ride to
Grove City from Memorial Day weekend to June 29th for a 2pm
departure. The change to include options for a few more
dinner destinations has brought out a consistent 20-25 people,
even with less than stellar temps.
O'Brien’s is excited to have us
and extends Happy Hour menu
and drink specials for our visit
along with All You Can Eat
Ribs! O'Brien’s has a beautiful
outdoor gas fire pit that warms
the night and allows for toasty
conversations, along with designated bike parking near the deck.
Floyd's menu has been updated so there are a few new things
to try out there also. We're hoping that their upper deck /
mezzanine that has been closed will reopen soon.
In May we visited O'Brien’s and Floyd's and in June we add
Jake’s in Plymouth to the mix:
Monday June 3rd - O'Brien’s, Shakopee
Monday June 10th - Floyd's, Victoria
Monday June 17th - O'Brien’s, Shakopee
Monday June 24th - Jake’s, Plymouth
Well it finally happened! After many attempts and weather
related cancelations spanning a couple years, Big Sid finally
got to lead his ride around Lake Mille Lacs on June 1st. It was
a beautiful day and a large group of 28 bikes took the trip. We
stopped for a group photo in Garrison at the Walleye and then
traveled around the lake to a late lunch at The Wahkon Inn.
I invite you all to join in on the dinner rides and remind you
that just about every Saturday, there's a ride leaving WPHD
going somewhere!
June 8th - SPAM museum in Austin, MN
June 15th - Larry's Lookout in Arcadia, WI
June 22nd - First DUAL ride overnight event going to
Grand Rapids, MN
June 29th - Hog in the Road, Grove City, MN (2pm start)
Hope to see you all soon!
Aase’s Editorial Editor Mike Aase [email protected]
I’d like to thank all the Chapter Officers for their efforts in
helping make the Wild Prairie H.O.G. Chapter the best it can
be - and especially the following Officers for their time in
attending the Regional Officer Connection (R.O.C.) event in
Wisconsin Dells on April 13th:
Tim Mandeville – Secretary
Michelle McKagan – Activities Officer
Rich McKagan – Head Road Captain
Kevin Swecker – Spokesman
WPHOG R.O.C. attendees L-R:
Kevin S, Mike A, H.O.G. Regional Manager Thor Robinson, Rich M, Michelle M, Tim M
2nd QUARTER - 2019 Page 3 of 7 CHAPTER NEWSLETTER
Sidler’s Scribbling Assistant Director Dave Sidler [email protected]
Greetings, Friends!
I hope this finds you out enjoying the beautiful weather we’re
finally getting! Obviously we’d all prefer it to be on two wheels
(three for you trike folk), but some of you may have gotten
some camping in, bicycling, walking around a lake, fishing or
grilling too. All are definitely acceptable uses of our altogether
far too short spring/summer in Minnesota.
With all of these activities, they’re most often enjoyed when
doing them with someone else. That could be a spouse,
girlfriend/boyfriend, relative, BFF, hunting/fishing/drinking
buddy, or even a pet. If you’re out for a spin on your Harley,
you could be joined by any one of those. Yes, even a pet. You
may recall that Adam Sandoval toured the entire country
visiting every H-D dealership (including WPHD) accompanied
by his canine companion, Scooter, a Chihuahua. Now,
obviously a Chihuahua isn’t going to make much difference in
how you operate a motorcycle. If it moves while you’re rolling
down the road, you’re unlikely to notice. Now if you have an
adult passenger weighing 100lbs or more, and they reach
down to let’s say itch their ankle while you’re at a stoplight
without warning you first, you’re going to be taken very off-
guard and may utter an expletive or three.
That brings me to the topic I’d like to discuss; motorcycling
with passengers. Some of these things might make you say,
“Duh!”, but maybe you’ve never carried a passenger or been
one before and you’re interested in doing so. Or maybe you
already have and these will just be a gentle reminder. Because
carrying or being a passenger adds extra weight and
independent motion to your vehicle it will affect the handling.
Breaking sooner and with greater pressure may be required.
Allow more time and space for passing.
Use extra caution in corners. The extra weight can cause the
rear shocks to compress more and reduce your leaning
clearance meaning you won’t be able to take corners at the
same speed as you do when you ride solo without dragging
and scraping shiny stuff.
Speaking of extra weight on the back end, you may need to
re-adjust your rear suspension and tire pressure.
Check your mirrors to make sure they’re still properly
positioned.
With more surface area, cross-winds may affect you more.
Provide protective gear for your passenger. If they’re under
18, it’s the law that they must wear a DOT-approved helmet.
Young children must be able to reach both foot pegs at the
same time, and all passengers should keep their feet on the
foot pegs at all times.
While the passenger is mounting, grip the handlebars firmly
and apply the front brake. Plant your feet and stiffen your
legs, then grip the seat between your thighs as well to
further stabilize the bike.
Instruct the passenger as to what they may hold onto, i.e,
hand holds, seat strap or your waist or hips. Never have
them hold your shoulders because they could impede your
ability to steer if you get into a sticky situation.
Remind them what hot engine parts they need to avoid
preventing burns or melted footwear. Same with moving
parts. Make sure their clothing can’t become caught in any
moving parts.
Lean as one with the driver. In fact, you don’t need to lean
at all. I don’t mean stay straight up at all times, but stay
perfectly vertical with the bike seat through a corner.
Don’t make any sudden movements. Let the driver know if
you need to lean over or adjust your position.
Expect that you may need to take extra breaks because you
both have less room to move. The driver may have highway
pegs and floorboards to stretch out on, but the passenger
pretty much only gets one spot to put their feet. Anticipating
this may prevent the need for suddenly finding a place to
pull over for an emergency potty stop. :)
If your passenger is brand new to the world of motorcycles,
don’t drive like a maniac trying to impress them with how
skilled you are at doing 80mph through the twisties. You’ll
just scare them into never wanting to ride again. No Bueno.
Follow these tips and you will create a safe and enjoyable
riding experience for the both of you. You will also likely
increase the odds of gaining a willing and enthusiastic riding
partner for a long time to come. I’m blessed to have someone
sharing my back seat who is just as excited to throw a leg over
and ride as I am and I’m confident she knows what to do
when she’s on there. And having that extra set of eyes on the
road isn’t a bad thing at all.
Salute by Swecker Spokesman Kevin Swecker [email protected]
Just a couple things I want to say to you all this spring as the
riding season starts: Keep the rain to your back, the sun on
your face, the critters in the ditches, and let every motorist see
you. Ride lots, have fun, make memories and be safe!!!
Blessings from the Swecker family!
2nd QUARTER - 2019 Page 4 of 7 CHAPTER NEWSLETTER
Off-Course with Chris Safety Officer Chris Hawver [email protected]
Unfortunately our April 27th Group Riding Field Day had to be
postponed due to weather conditions. Watch for updates.
Finally, the riding season is upon us, and most are reviewing
their riding apparel - in addition to creating an accessories list.
Here are some items you may want to consider:
1. Helmet. Did you know that if you drop your helmet it has
lost its protection? Did you know that helmets last 3 to 5
years? Time for a new one?
2. Reflective decal on Helmet. Let everyone know you have a
brain and reflect it to other drivers.
3. Reflective Clothing. I encourage you to wear at least one
article of reflective for night riding. There are leathers with
reflective piping and/or reflective graphics. Of course
there is reflective rain gear as well as reflective gloves. Be
Smart. Be Seen.
4. Turn signals that act as a brake light as well. Did you
know there is a module that will enable your turn signals
to act as brake lights, as well as running lights?
5. Enroll in Accident Scene Management Course. It’s about
your fellow bikers - learn how to secure an accident scene
and prepare for Emergency Medical Services arrival.
6. Mirrors. You can reduce your blind spots with a mirror
with convex sides and/or put extensions on your existing
mirrors.
7. Over the ankle boots. Look spiffy while supporting your
ankles that support your bike. Keep the sneakers and flip
flops at home.
8. ABS Brakes. The best accessory I have ever purchased.
Thinking about a new bike? Make this the first accessory
at the time of order.
9. New tires. Is the tread at the center of your tires 3/32 of
an inch or less? If yes, then time for new tires.
10. Water container and bracket. Remember you need to keep
hydrated. How much water each day? Divide your body
weight by 50% and that’s the number of ounces you need
to drink each day. Remember to start hydrating before
exercise or being in the wind. You have options – simple
cup holder, saddle bag guard bags or saddle bag cooler
bags.
I’m sure you can add to this list, but before you think ‘chrome’,
think being safe. I look forward to riding with you this season.
May you continuously share faith, hope, and joy.
Dan’s Digits Membership Dan Bednarski [email protected]
Four years ago I bought my first Harley. I never thought it
would lead me to seedy backrooms passing envelopes of cash
around a table. Seriously it's been a blast; I enjoy meeting all
of you personally and through your applications. The board is
here to serve and we always seem to have a great set of
volunteers.
So, we have had our first month of riding. I want to mention
that some of you have not filled out your membership renewal
application correctly. When checking in for your next chapter
event, if your name is highlighted please see me and I'll give
you an extra form to sign and we will be done with it.
In additional news, I'm exploring some membership software.
My predecessor Steve and Asst. Director Dave have done an
excellent job of keeping the information current. Some of the
options I'm looking at include a mobile option, online renewal
and online membership cards (but not accepting electronic
payments due to HOG rules). What do you think? Let me
know at your earliest convenience in person or by email.
Bikes, Bikes and more Bikes: I'm not sure what the dealership
is doing but motorcycles are rocketing out of here. They sold
57 bikes last month and 51 this month. These are only from
the applications that joined H.O.G. I wish to welcome all our
new members and look forward to seeing you on rides and at
events. As for the dealership and the sales staff keep up the
good work!
I also wish to congratulate WPHD motor clothes staff members
Nina and Mignon for knocking it out of the park on sales. Nina
had the best sales for the month of March for the entire
company. Mignon sold more boots (the item of the month)
than anyone else.
Finally, our motor clothes staff tried to get their motorcycle
endorsement. They passed the written test with flying colors
but due to a change in the riding test had some problems due
to the state changing requirements.
Congrats to all and hopefully we will see you out on bikes
soon…and looking fabulous while doing it!
2nd QUARTER - 2019 Page 5 of 7 CHAPTER NEWSLETTER
Shell’s Social Scene Activities Michelle McKagan [email protected]
March 23rd – Unmapped Brewery / Gold Nugget dinner
We had a great turnout for our Unmapped Brewery social
gathering with dinner to follow at Gold Nugget in Excelsior!
Clockwise from top right: Tim and Roz P, Michelle and Rich M, Trevor S, Aimee M, Frank C,
Dale and Leslie B, Brea, Mark M, Mike A, Dave K, Pam A, Kevin and Renee S, Jeff B, Dave S,
Jen D, Chris and Jennifer T
May 11th - Axe Throwing @ Victoria Burrow
Who knew I would be an awesome axe thrower! There were
about 10 people that showed for the event. Those that did
show had a great time as always. We went to the Victoria
House for dinner afterwards. Their Pepperoni Soup is great! If
you haven't had a chance to try it, it is a must!
L-R: Jeff B, Chris H, Kevin and Renee S, Mike A, Gigi N, Rich M, Michelle M
We will have more social events coming this fall as the riding
season is going strong right now. If anyone has any fun
recommendations for future events please let me know.
Chaplain’s Happenins Chaplain Curt Quiner [email protected]
May 4th - Bike Blessing at Wild Prairie Harley-Davidson
Christy, Hannah, Curt and Judy Quiner lead the Blessing of the Bikes
I read an anonymous story online recently to share with you.
In order to better understand people’s views of the world, a
researcher once placed two children, one a pessimist and the
other an optimist, alone in separate rooms. The pessimist was
placed in a colorful room full of all kinds of imaginative toys.
The optimist was put in a room filled with horse manure. The
first child played in the room for a little while, but soon came
to the door asking to leave because the toys were boring and
because they broke too easily. Likewise, the young optimist
soon came to the door. But rather than asking to leave, she
asked for a shovel. Of course, the researcher asked the child
why she wanted a shovel. She replied, “With all this manure, I
know that there must be a pony in here somewhere!”
Let’s face it, there’s a lot that can go wrong and it’s easy to
become a pessimist these days. But I encourage us all to face
life intentionally looking for the positive. We may not be able
to change the circumstances, but we are able to enjoy life
more when we choose to focus on the things going right.
That’s why motorcycling is such therapy. Somehow it’s hard to
look at the bad when you’re cruising down the road enjoying
the good creation God has given us. So as summer (really) is
coming, let’s make a decision to be like that child—but instead
of looking for the pony, I’ll be looking for my bike!
Have a blessed start to the summer!
If there’s anything we can do for you, or if you would like us to
pray with you, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
Your servant in Christ, Curt Quiner
[email protected], 952-474-3600
2nd QUARTER - 2019 Page 6 of 7 CHAPTER NEWSLETTER
Hartmann‘s Heartthrobs Ladies Of Harley Judy Hartmann [email protected]
Happy June! I hope everyone is enjoying the start of summer!
I’m having a great time with the LOH group!
Though we missed riding to Lola’s Lakehouse April 18th due to
the extended winter, we still got together for dinner and social
time. The sun appeared just in time for a picture on the deck.
L-R: Nancy E, Dianna V, Judy H, Diane O, Sherrie R, Sarah B, Cynthia K, Lynn O,
Kathy R, Cece H
May 4th - International Female Ride Day
Chapter ride to Prescott, WI led by Road Captain Howard L with our female riders and
passengers up front
On May 16th, we enjoyed a ride to King’s Place in Miesville for
delicious burgers and were honored to have CeCe’s mom join
us.
L-R: Diane O, Judy H, Brenda M, Sharon S, Danese B, Gigi N, Cece H
Our WPHOG Chapter members provided wonderful support to
the Ronald McDonald House inside Children’s Minneapolis
Hospital on Sunday, March 24th. We had a great group that
came together as a well-oiled machine to prepare and serve a
“home cooked” meal of delicious meat loaf, mashed potatoes,
gravy, green beans, dinner rolls and cake. I’d like to offer a
heart-felt Thank You to everyone who volunteered to help (I
had more volunteers than needed, which was fantastic). Huge
Thanks to everyone who has donated money which allows us
to continue supporting RMDH. We are considering a weekend
brunch for the families at RMH in July followed by a ride.
Watch for details.
Volunteers L-R: Tommy N, Tim D, Greg A, John P, Jeanette A, Sandy H, Judy H, Bryn W,
Kevin S, Renee S, Mike A, Rich M, Michelle M, Pam A
Our June event will be a ride to Minnesota’s Largest Candy
Store in Jordan. We’ll end the evening with dinner at Clancy’s.
Details are on the LOH Facebook page.
One of my goals for LOH is to encourage one another to ride
and get outside our comfort zones periodically. I’ve done the
“outside of my comfort zone” twice recently. First is shopping
for a new bike. I’ve long thought Street Glides or Road Glides
were simply too large for someone my size. So test riding
those bikes was both intimidating and exciting! It felt great to
trust in my ability as a rider and discover that it wasn’t so
daunting. No new ride yet, but perhaps by the next newsletter!
The other experience was my first Chapter ride. While I’ve
done the Flood Run a few times and other rides benefitting
various charities, I had never done a Chapter ride. My first was
the ride around Lake Mille Lacs. It was scenic, well organized
and fun. The lead, road captains and sweep did a great job
keeping us together and safe. Lunch stop was filled with
laughter (at least where I was sitting) and provided a chance
to connect with other Chapter members. I’ll be doing more of
these rides and encourage others to as well.
Get out and enjoy the ride!
Gigi’s Giggles Photographer Gigi Nielsen [email protected]
Since we were not able to find the red Chapter camera, I will
be purchasing a new Chapter camera.
2nd QUARTER - 2019 Page 7 of 7 CHAPTER NEWSLETTER
Brenda’s Books Treasurer Brenda Marriott [email protected]
I’m so glad to be back riding and that the weather is finally
getting nicer. I am very proud to be a woman rider and to
have this freedom. As we started the riding season, I couldn't
think of a better way to start then with the Blessing of the
Bikes and then a ride led by us women riders in honor of
International Female Ride Day. I feel proud of all the women
riders, whether they ride their own bikes or ride with someone
else. We have such a great group to ride with. I have always
felt accepted, supported and encouraged as I have learned to
ride and continue to ride each year with this great group of
people. They look out for me and make sure I'm safe, but also
treat me with respect and as an equal.
In May, the Ladies of Harley rode down to Miesville for burgers
at King’s Place. It was great to be part of this group of women
as we rode down the beautiful backroads and then back home.
All of these women are strong, independent and fun to ride
with. Before leaving it was important to everyone that we
made sure everyone got home safe. Now that is what riding is
about: Enjoying each other’s company, having fun, some
great roads and looking out for each other.
I hope everyone has a very safe, fun riding season. Enjoy each
other, enjoy the many great roads and beautiful scenery, but
most important be safe and look out for your fellow riders.
Would you like to be part of the next newsletter?
Send your story along with any photos to:
Mandeville’s Mandible Secretary Tim Mandeville [email protected]
So, has riding season started yet? In May it felt like February, I
hope that means it will feel like August in November.
Now that it’s finally getting nice out people are participating in
the Chafed Butt Challenge which started May 4th. We are only
a month into the contest and we have over a dozen people
who have submitted pictures; some with three or more
locations visited.
I started a Facebook group named “WildHog Riding
Connections” and would like to invite anyone interested to join.
I created the group for any chapter member who is interested
in having a way to “connect” with other members outside of
official activities. For example, it’s a beautiful day out and
you’re going to head out for a ride after work and wanted
some company. Or maybe you need some advice about your
next bike upgrade, or help installing it. Most of us only see and
talk with one another during official WPHOG activities so I was
looking for a way to connect with more of you outside of these
activities. If anyone is interested in joining the group, please
send me an email at [email protected] or send me
a private message on Facebook.
I would like to also congratulate Nina and Mignon for winning
Harley-Davison salesperson awards! WPHD and WPHOG are
lucky to have you! Everyone stay safe and here’s to a
wonderful riding season!!!
Kane’s Keep Webmaster Dave Kane [email protected]
Chapter website has been updated with Chapter Officers, Ride
Schedule and Newsletters.
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