A Snapshot of the Nineties

January / February / August

January 1991 (Issue 8)

This is the oldest newsletter that I had in my possession. Rob Dalrymple was recently elected as the Chapter Director (replacing out-going Director Bob Gowie), Linda Perette was the Editor, and surprisingly, we still had a Sergeant at Arms; Don C having the honor of that position. Meetings continued to be held at the Polish Community Centre located on Waverly at Bank.

Regular columns included:

• Director's Note - Review of past month's activities.
  

• Editorial - The newsletter editor covered a controversy regarding an "unspecified" opinion published in an earlier newsletter which apparently had upset a few, and caused some resignations from the chapter. The new executive was in damage control and working hard to restore goodwill with everyone.
  

• Re-Prints - There was an article on the subject of "Bikers Seeking a Better Image" that came from the Ottawa Sun, and another from Len Creed of Canadian Biker that discussed the same thing.
  
  A poem "Ten Little Motorcyclists (and the rules)" from the Kamloops , BC chapter stressed the importance of following safety rules.
  
  From the former Western Regional HOG Coordinator, Tony Corbo, and article regarding the display of large HOG patches and the recommendation by HOG Canada to "limit display of large HOG patches and Chapter patches to chapter meetings/get-togethers, as well as HOG and chapter events". Conflicts with outlaw clubs were occurring.
  
  And finally, from Volusia County newspaper, "Motorcycle Magnate Revs UP Bike Week".

Included in this issue was a write-up of the chapter Christmas Party which was held at Chi-Chi's in Bells Corners. About thirty members attended the party, and Hurst HD provided many door prizes, (one of which I happened to win - a $25 gift certificate from Hurst).

A hot topic of the day was for the chapter to host the 1992 All-Ontario HOG Rally; however, most felt that the chapter did not have the strength to do so successfully.

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February 1991 (Issue 9)

Regular columns included:

• Director's Forum - The Director tackled the issue that some members were not happy with breaking semi-official ties with the Outlaws. The chapter's position to hold a separate post-Toys for Tots party, other than at Merlin's, was not taken well by some members who felt that this would be seen as an insult to the other club.
  

• Editorial - A long editorial emphasized everyone's freedom to attend what they wished (Outlaw associated or not), as well as the chapter's wish to be more family oriented.
  

• Re-Prints - From "In the Wind" magazine came a poem entitled "First Ride of Spring."

Continuing with the Toy Run topic, the executive made a decision not to finance any post event parties, or sponsor Merlin's party, due to limited funds.

A proposal was made by the executive to pre-plan destinations for the chapter to ride to after the meeting each month. Tentative destinations for the summer included Carter's Corners, Almonte (Peterson Ice Cream), and Manotick Mill.

And finally, a new chapter constitution was published:

1. It is recognized that in Ottawa other motorcycle clubs and groups exist. Any member found to discredit any other club or group will be expelled for a period of time to be decided by the disciplinary committee.
2. Any member involved in an activity that will discredit the reputation of the group will be disciplined accordingly. This may include expulsion.
3. New members are subject to approval from the membership.
4. Members must attend at least three meetings in the current calendar year to participate in an election.
5. No abusive behavior towards another member, their spouse, children, animals or property, will be tolerated.
6. Any unsafe motorcycle will not be permitted to participate in any HOG event. The safe condition of a motorcycle will be determined by the Road Captain.
7. Any drug or alcohol use while traveling which endangers the safety of the ride will not be tolerated.
8. The following offences will result in immediate expulsion: fighting with members; harassment of member's spouses; tampering with another member's motorcycle.
9. The following are the official spokespersons for the chapter: Director, and Deputy Director.
10. Any person discussing chapter business to persons other than members of this chapter will be subject to expulsion.

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August 1991 (Issue 14)

Regular columns included:

• Director's Report - The Executive continued to wrestle with the decision regarding the following year's All Ontario Rally bid, but promised a resolution by the next meeting.
  
  Another issue the executive was dealing with was the high cost of printing and mailing of the newsletter. It had come to the attention of the executive that a claim for these expenses could be submitted to HOG for a refund and they would verify this possibility ASAP.

• Re-Prints - Two cartoons remotely related to bikers.

The newsletter started off with a report on the chapter's Mosquito Run Weekend hosted by Don and Doris, and sponsored by Hurst HD who provided the prizes. Norm's heavy-duty custom made BBQ made for good food, and a full slate of on and off bike games provided for lots of fun.

Other reports included members' trips to Milwaukee, and to the Heritage Rally near Windsor.

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