NOTE: January 2005

NOTE: January 2005
From our Friend in England, David Mann.
Thanks for your Story.

Maui HOG Chapter #44 2004 – a ‘Potted' lookback
 

What a year 2004 was - I had the very good fortune to make contact and meet with Pat Pocaro and family in January and Jon Arnold with his wife ‘Peg' in the Summer all from Orange County NY HOG.

I have maintained contact with Maui HOG since late 2003 via website and e mail.

We would love to visit both NY and Maui (or Aloha State Chapter – I see Lisa's been busy at the website!) but alas time and commitments at the moment make it difficult though - I suspect that NY will be the first port of call and I am hoping we can find a slot this year for a short trip.

I completed the 'riders edge' road captains course in Wales over the Brecon Beacons - a place noted for wind and rain - I knew rain came down and went sideways - but I didn't realise it went upwards as well!!

Also a bike skills course with the Metropolitan Police - this was good fun with plenty of banter, it also gave some amusing moments looking at the reactions of motorists as we were out on the 'observed rides' on our Harley's - closely followed by a Police officer on patrol bikes!   

We finally got the thumbs up from John Warr and HOG with the new 'sister' Meridian Chapter - this was badly needed as S.E. London and parts of Kent were 'crying out' for better representation - we have called it Meridian  because of it's geographical location to the Greenwich Observatory and the actual meridian line itself.

We have a good schedule set for 2005 with 7 events in the diary including a stand at the 'Bromley Pageant of Motoring' .  We meet socially every Sunday (except ridout days) at the 'Oakdene Cafe'  and starting in January at the 'Queens Head pub' in Chiselhurst Village on the 3rd Thursday of the month.

Mid Feb. I am off to Portugal for 4 days for primary officer training with 3 others courtesy of John Warr and June we have the European Rally in St.Tropez - whilst there I am planning a rideout along the Riviera coast from St.Tropez to Cannes , Antibes , Nice and Monte Carlo / Monaco . - should be good! 

On a personal note I have some changes to my work - this will see me involved with more Charity work - it will be quite a challenge in itself and I am looking forward to - In mid March I have a hospital visit planned - no big deal - but it will slow me down until around Easter,  so the year is disappearing rapidly - haven't even thought about holiday's yet!! 

Very best wishes to all for 2005 – Ride Safe.

Dave Mann