A Snapshot of the Nineties

February / June / July / September

February 1999

This was the second edition of the newsletter for the new year (I had obviously lost my copy of the first), and the elections had once again taken place. The director remained unchanged, but the responsibilities of the editor were now taken over by Russ S. The look and feel of the newsletter changed dramatically, while the total number of pages had grown to nine. I was aghast, however, to find my newsletter masthead had suffered from a severe case of the jaggies and text that had written over itself. Hopefully the technical glitch would be resolved by the next issue.

Regular columns included:

• Editor's Corner - Russ got excited by all the possibilities for the new riding season which was only about 45 days away. He was also thrilled by the constant stream of submissions for the newsletter.
  

• Minutes of the previous Meeting - HOG National would be raising membership fees effective 1 March. 1999.
  
  Newsletters would now be going out by both e-mail and snail mail.
  
  Riding courses and more Road Captain training had been discussed.
  
  Discussed chapter bid for the 2001 HOG provincial rally.
  
  The quilt draw had raised $1000 for the Children's Wish Foundation. Peter A presented a quilt donated by his mother for additional fund raising.
  

• "Hey Lindsay, How About a Joke"
  

• The Photo of the Month was of Lindsay's bike and a Best in Show winner, taken at the Toronto Bike International Show.

Three new mileage recognition plaques were added for the 1998 season; Joe B won the "Employed" mileage award with 32,021 km, Annette J won the LOH mileage award with 12,150 km, and the "Retired" mileage award went to David W and his 38,315 km.

A couple of articles were submitted. Mike M passed on some sage advice about bike security, while Tom M reminisced about his hot rodded Springer, and the modifications that lay in store for his 99 FXD.

"In memory of" patches for Leo L were still available for sale. All extra funds would go to the Heart Institute.

Attached with the newsletter was the draft version of the chapter's "Riding in a Group" flyer for review by the membership.

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June 1999

Regular columns included:

• The Photo of the Month was of Catherine HW sitting on a bike being trailered.
  

• Minutes from the Previous Meeting - A video was shown of the presentation of a cheques to the Heart Institute.
  
  A sun tent was purchased for activities at a cost of $80.
  
  The first item for the time capsule was donated by Catherine H-W, and Wayne S had volunteered to construct the capsule.
  
  Catherine H-W was number one in Canada for the ABC's of Touring, and in the top ten in North America .
  
  Joe B had set-up the ABC's Touring event that would start at Hurst June 11th .
  
  A volunteer was required for the LOH position.
  

• Editor's Corner - Spring is a time for shining up the bike said Russ, and if he didn't do so, the "Karma" or "Mojo" just wouldn't be right for him during the riding season. He also reported on the Leo L Memorial Run.
  

• LOH - Judy W had put together a pillow from the left over supplies from the quilt project. The raffled pillow had brought in another $106.25 for the Children's Wish Foundation.
  

• "Hey Lindsay, How About a Joke!"
  

• Top Ten (and more) List - Came from Eric and Leo who essentially described their trip from Ottawa to Philadelphia , Myrtle Beach , Nashville , and back. What was in the list? How much oil they used, how many pictures had been taken, the nicest roads, things overheard, nicest people, and so on.

Grant W wrote "Points to Ponder," an informative article that discussed a variety of subjects such as Weatherproofing Your Luggage, Rain Gloves, and Driving Lights. These and other insights came from his experience on the road.

Axel wrote about his year long wait to acquire an RCMP Road King, while Russ S waxed poetic about "Living for the Moment" where he wrote about the feelings we all get when riding.

An unusual article was a pseudo transcript of the "Buzz Overheard at the April Quilting Bee," and was all about who donated what (cash or bandanas) towards the next LOH charity quilt.

A short listing of general biker tips rounded out the newsletter.

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July 1999

Regular columns included:

• Editor's Corner - Russ added to his previous list of "Moments" by describing the time he arrived at a family function on his hawg.
  

• From the Desk of the Director - Gerry J asked the membership if he should step down as chapter Director. He explained that he had not been able to participate very much with the group because of the many operations he had already had, and the ones he had yet to undergo.
  

• "Hey Lindsay, How About a Joke!"
  

• The Photo of the Month showed Jamie's bike being loaded on to a pick-up using Hurst 's fancy bed loader.
  

• From the previous Month's Minutes - The chapter had 153 members, and a time capsule would be sealed at the 1999 Christmas party, kept at Hurst , and would be opened at the Christmas party of 2010.
  
  Volunteers were needed for the 2001 Ontario Rally, and the Toy Run.
  
  A Bike Show sponsored by the Bear would be taking place at the Ottawa Exhibition. Christine G was looking for those interested in entering their bikes.

This edition of the newsletter continued where the previous month's left off - literally. First, Part of Axel's article was accidentally cut off in June and so was concluded this month.

Then Grant W continued his earlier article with "More Points to Ponder." This time he wrote about handlebars, seats, safety courses, batteries, and riding clothes.

Submitted articles included "You Can't Not GO!" from Russ S who provided inspiration for the attendance of the Laconia rally, and a short review of the Pike Falls Classic and Mike M's surprise 50 th birthday cake (procured by Don) by Mike's SO, Nancy M.

The definition of the word "Volunteer," which was no doubt included as an encouragement to the group.

The newsletter closed with more helpful biker trivia, and a full page cartoon; the artist was not credited.

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September 1999

Regular columns this issue:

• Editor's Corner - Russ talked about the chapter's "knack for charitable events."
  

• "Hey Lindsay, How About a Joke!"
  

• Minutes from the previous Meeting - Major Holman from the Salvation Army expressed his thanks for the chapter's continued support and the annual Toy Run.
  
  Don N donated Cuban cigars to be sold as part of the fundraising for Alexander Dumoulin.
  
  A professional photographer would be available for taking portraits at the Fun in the Sun Run.
  
  Toy Run volunteers were still urgently needed.
  

• LOH - the continuation of the list of donors of bandanas for the "Quilting Bee" as originally published in the June 1999 newsletter.
  

• Top Ten List - Joe B listed the "Things People will say when the Time Capsule is opened in 2009."
  

• The Photo of the Month came from Rocco, and was of him facing a sign on the Blue Ridge Parkway in West Virginia , his back to the camera. The sign said: Bald Mountain.

Grant W continued with "More Points to Ponder," and included such topics as Cable Ties, Water Bottle Coolers, and pavement Crack Fillers.

Russ S wrote part 2 (was Laconia part 1?) of his Road Report entitled "Set Your Trip Meters to Fun." The story described his and Rocco's adventures as they headed for a US HOG Rally together. He also wrote a short bit on the Fun in the Sun Run.

An unknown author (who signed himself as someone who should know better) explained all about "Banner Etiquette" when hunting down rally banners for long term borrowing.

Helpful biker trivia appeared once again, and the majority of tips came courtesy of Dave Barr.

A "gentle" reminder of rules and etiquette for "Riders and Blockers" in the upcoming Toy Run finished off the newsletter.

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