SUNSHINE and holiday greetings! So much activity in the off-riding season presents us with the question, will we ever get catch up? On a more somber note, Jack & Linda K lost their grandson in November after a very long medical battle. Please include the K family in your thoughts as we go through the holidays.

We are on the path to an exciting 2003 riding season. For those who own a Harley with ideas of leaving your bike in the garage and applying coats of wax to it, this year won’t be for you. For those who have excitement in the St Paul HOG chapter, we will not let you down. The breakfast meeting is at Joseph’s Restaurant in St Paul every Saturday morning. Orders are taken at 8:00AM. Bring a friend, spouse, etc. as all are welcome - it is usually hot coffee, good food, lots of talk about bikes, and whatever else is on the menu. Remember: any information about chapter members that needs my attention, please call me, Ken Liddell, a.k.a. Mr. Sunshine, at ### before 8:00PM 7 days a week, or email me at @@@.

Ken L - Hospitality Chairperson

Hard to believe 2003 will include the 13th Annual Grounded HOGs Bowling Party, to be held February 2 at Wells Lanes in South St. Paul. The bowling starts at noon so be there by 11:30AM for registration/lane assignments. Wells Lanes is on Concord Blvd. about 1 mile north of 494 in South St. Paul.

The first 2 games are going for personal best and also serve as a warm up for the fast-paced action of Scotch-Doubles with a HOG Twist. That is, participants are randomly assigned to a 2-person co-ed team. In the first game it’s "ladies first" with the man left to try for the spare if needed. Second game it’s reversed with the man leading-off and the woman batting clean up. While we catch our breath, cash prizes are awarded and the highest individual score is granted possession of the High Hog traveling trophy. The cost is $10 plus shoe rental and Wells Lanes is serving a breakfast buffet from 10 to 2 for $7.95. Bowlers of all skill levels are welcome and spectators always add to the mix.

Not sure if the Ground Hog will see his shadow, but I need to know if we’ll see you! Participants should RSVP with a phone call to me at ###. Thanks!

Susie S - Bowling Intramural Tourney Committee Head

This is a little reminder that the deadline for the photo contest is January 11, 2003. All HOG members attending the Leather and Lace Party will have an opportunity to vote for their favorite photo. At the party, you will be given a ticket for voting purposes only. All photos on the board will be numbered and a box with corresponding numbers will be available for you to drop in your ticket. Don’t confuse the photo ticket with your door prize ticket – you’ll miss the fun!

The rules for entering are still the same:
1) It must be motorcycle related
2) No larger then 4 X 6
3) Limit 3 entries per person

You may drop your photos off at the shop to my attention or hand them off to any of the board members. All photos may be retrieved after the contest. Good luck to all!

Annemarie F - Chapter Photographer

Melanie and I and the entire staff at St. Paul Harley-Davidson hope that you have been enjoying a happy and healthy holiday season. We are looking forward to an exciting and event-filled 2003 and are anxious to celebrate with you in this year of the Motor Company’s 100^th Anniversary, our first St. Paul metro Minnesota State H.O.G. Rally, and the 4^th Annual Lightning Run, amongst many other fun and memorable events which we have in store for us.

I want to take this opportunity to bring you up to date and perhaps clarify some of the initiatives we have started and will continue to enhance here at the shop. There seems to be some confusion as to the purpose and meaning of the Motorcycle Value Program, or MVP, as it relates to HOG. My interpretation of HOG’s role is that of a fraternal organization of individuals who share common interests, primarily their enthusiasm for not just motorcycles but in this case specifically, Harley-Davidson motorcycles. It is a forum by which its members can gather and organize to enjoy those common interests as well as other social and community oriented events. It is my belief that HOG is an integral and essential factor that furthers our enjoyment of the sport that we all love so much. It is, however, like many things, something which will give back proportionately to what you put in. I think that’s a very positive thing in that we all get to decide our own level of involvement. I am particularly thankful for those of you who participate because it increases the enjoyment for all of us. I can only hope that those of you who have chosen to serve as volunteers or on the Board of Directors feel an enormous amount of satisfaction, because I know the tremendous amount of effort and commitment that you have all made. It is my wish, and this store’s goal, to continue to support, promote and encourage active participation in our chapter.

MVP is an affinity program which exists to reward and offer added benefits to those individuals who support the dealership and its goals. Since one of the store’s goals is to encourage activity and participation in our HOG chapter, this will remain an element of MVP. An important distinction between HOG and MVP is that, with HOG, participation is its own reward. With MVP, participation and support can be measured and additional rewards and benefits can be administered in an unbiased and organized manner. Because MVP serves a completely different function than HOG, it could very well have existed within HOG. That was originally my vision; however, since I have been in this business I have learned much about trademark law. Since Harley-Davidson owns the rights to "HOG", an affinity program of this magnitude cannot be administered under the HOG name.

Some of our goals for the upcoming year are not yet totally defined but in general they are: continue to identify additional rewards and benefits to increase value and desirability to those who support the store and the HOG chapter; better define and communicate those events and activities that qualify for MVP points; consider more ways in which MVP can be used to encourage actual participation in our HOG chapter and its activities; develop more ways to encourage HOG members to enjoy more benefits and rewards by participating in MVP.

Our store, its affiliated organizations and its programs exist to serve our customers and enhance our enjoyment of motorcycling. It is our mission to delight, to be the best, the preferred, the most professional- the ultimate example of an ideal Harley-Davidson/Buell dealership. That will always be our goal. If you find that we have accomplished that, then please tell a friend. If any of us here, either individually or jointly, has failed to live up to that goal then please tell me.

Have a wonderful New Year and ride safe,

Tom G - President, St. Paul Harley-Davidson/Buell

Don’t forget that January 11 is the deadline for sending your money in for the St. Paul HOG chapter’s annual winter banquet. The cost is $21.00 a person and each chapter member can bring one guest if you’d like. The party is at the Prom Center in Oakdale on Saturday January 25. Cocktails begin at 5:30 followed by dinner at 7:00, then the awards and door prizes. Please bring your payment to the January chapter meeting, or mail it to me at:

Pat M

From the Director's Chair

Volunteering is the cornerstone of any successful chapter event.  As part of the new "Rev It Up" plan, volunteering has been elevated to "cabinet level status."  Please welcome Jim S, who joins the Board as its first Volunteer Coordinator.  Here are many opportunities that will allow you to make things happen.

 We have chosen the destination for several ride dates, so ride leaders are needed to select a route and connect the dots - hopefully with many scenic dots, depending on the destination and timetable.  Maybe you’d like to lead the ride to Jake’s in Menomonie on May 25, or June 21 to Mankato, or August 17 to Faribault?  There should be enough riders to support 3 rides on August 27 to the 100th festivities in Milwaukee, and 2 rides to Tomahawk in September.  This task isn’t easy, but you’ll get plenty of riding in as you search for a route suitable for riding as a group.

May thru September we need teams of members to take ownership of the dinner before the chapter meetings.  Get a team of 4 to 6 friends together and wow us with your feast.  We provide the budget and the hungry masses - your team plans and prepares the meal.    Hog Ambassadors are needed to grill hotdogs at the shop every Saturday (except during shop special events.)  Any Saturday is up for grabs but the chapter has commitments to fill the following dates where we need 2 people for each shift of 10 ‘til noon, or noon ‘til 2.  Choose from May 10 - 24, June 14 - 21, July 12 - 26, August 9 - 23, or September 13 - 20.  There’s no shopping involved in Hot Dog Saturdays - just show up to grill-n-visit.

A team of 3 or 4 is needed to handle the Bull’s Eye Bonanza Target Shooting competition and it’s picnic lunch on July 19.  Working the State Rally or the Lightning Run will also pay “Rev points.”  The Lightning Run has a separate Volunteer Coordinator, but for anything else contact Jim at the number listed on the back of the newsletter.  Thanks Jim!

Join me in thanking Vicki L for her service as Membership Chairperson, and welcoming Patricia F as she moves from the support staff into chairing the membership committee.  And advanced thanks to all of you for remembering that every member serving just 2 hours per year allows us all to "Ride and Have Fun!"

SUNSHINE, COLD, SNOW, SAND & SALT…sounds to me that we are in the winter season - the good news is we are on the backside of it. For those who missed the winter banquet, it was a hoot! Congrats to Pat M for putting together a great event. The bankers in the next room were curious as to what bikers looked like in the winter - we heard comments such as we "looked like a fun group of people" and "you guys even wear leather in the winter." Of course it probably helped that a few of us went over to their party to dance!

Nancy A's mother passed away in January. Her mother gave us a great gift - she gave us Nancy as a sister and a friend. Frenchie from the breakfast group had surgery – he’ll be ready to ride when the season arrives. Our Assistant Director, Ken B, is recovering from more surgery – this time on his elbow. What will it be next, Ken?

The breakfast gathering is at Joseph’s Restaurant in St Paul every Saturday morning. Orders are taken at 8:00AM. Bring a friend, spouse, etc. as all are welcome - it is usually hot coffee, good food, lots of talk about bikes, and whatever else is on the menu. Remember: any information about chapter members that needs my attention, please call me, Ken L, a.k.a. Mr. Sunshine, at ### before 8:00PM 7 days a week, or email me at @@@

Ken L - Hospitality Chairperson

This year’s Bowling Party had an extra element of suspense...would we even get to have the party? Many participants met at the lanes for breakfast before the party and in the background was the din of shop-vacs. Overnight, melting snow and a leaky roof littered the lanes with ceiling tiles in puddles of water. But the staff of Wells Lanes worked hard to prepare six of the lanes for our use and we were good to go at High Noon. A field of 34 bowlers took-up the challenge and after the (rosin) dust settled, the winners and losers were:

2-game series: (Women's) Gretchen M won with 312 followed closely by Teri B with 297. (Men's) A commanding win by Bill L with 388 over Ben S 355. (Scotch Doubles) Teri B and Don D won with 325 while Aimee B and Ben S's 306 placed second. Booby prizes (yes, these are for 2 game series) Woman's- Tammy H,159; Men's-Don D,151; Doubles-Liz D/Greg W, 207. And for the single highest score the High Hog Trophy returns to it's 2001 title holder, Bill L with 219!

Susie S - Bowling Intramural Tourney Committee Head

Congratulations to the winners of the 2002 photo contest:

1st Place: Susie S
2nd Place: Scott T
3rd Place: Ken B
Thanks to all of you who participated to make this event a success. The photo board is presently on display at the shop and your photos may be picked up anytime. Have a great and safe riding season and don't forget to take your camera!

Annemarie F - Chapter Photographer

It’s a St. Paul HOG Ski & Tubing Party on March 8, 3:00 pm. Meet at Afton Alps, the Meadows Chalet, in the lounge. Tubing is $13 for 3 hours. All day lift tickets are $24 and ski rental is $18. If you need information about Afton Alps, call 651-436-5245

Critter - Activities Chairman

The 4th Annual Lightning Run is looking for a few good sponsors. With a group as large as the St. Paul HOG Chapter, odds are excellent that most of you work for a company, industry or association that may be willing to raise money to help fund the cure for diabetes…if only you would ask.

Sponsorships range between $500 and $5,000, with notable advertising and community recognition as one of the guaranteed benefits! There are other creative ways your company can help beat this disease. Ask them to start a matching fund –all the dollars you and your associates can raise are matched with corporate dollars. Or if appropriate, simply ask them to donate products or services for the Live or Silent Auction.

Any help you could provide would be greatly appreciated. If you’d like to become more involved, receive a sponsorship packet, share a "contact name" from your workplace, or have already secured a donation, please contact Melanie G at the shop or Stephanie M, Sponsorship Team Leader, at ###. It only takes a few minutes to ask, but you could be buying time for a whole lot of people. Thanks!

Our chapter calendar shows a ride to a weekend in Sioux Falls SD for Hot Harley Nights July 11 and 12. The chapter has secured a very small block of rooms at the Holiday Inn City Centre located near the downtown festivities. These rooms are $84 per night and to access the block you'll need to give the "password" reference #. All we did was block the rooms, guaranteeing the room is between you and the hotel. The block is only held until June 1 so plan early and call (605) 339-2000.

Hot Harley Nights

I hope you’re enjoying the 2003 riding season and any vacation plans you have come together without a hitch.  The first few chapter rides have been well planned and fairly well attended.  The ride to Jake’s drew about 40 bikes and I heard someone remark that’s barely 2% of the chapter.  Mathematically, that may be true…but I do not see this as an unhealthy warning sign for the chapter’s long-term success.  Attendance at meetings is consistently around 125, and this tells me that interest in the chapter is high.

Safety First

September - October 2003

Thanks to the miracles of modern technology, I sat in Custer SD the night before deadline to write this column during my 15th visit to the Black Hills during the Sturgis rally.  The weather was great for enjoying this 2-wheeled playground.  The rally's a rally and the vendors are the vendors, but my real reason for returning every summer is the abundance of smooth roads that wind their way through pine forests and rock out-croppings often following a shallow brook.  It sure is a great chance to utilize the entire tread surface of the tires while exploiting the full benefits of a working knowledge of counter-steering (now often referred to as "push-steering.")  We are fortunate to have this area so close that you could ride here on just 4 tanks of gas.

We are also fortunate to have so many dedicated HOG members willing to lend a hand to make things happen for our chapter.  Be it working a shift at the State Rally or Lightning Run, or taking a turn at the grill for meetings or Hot Dog Saturdays, we all have a part to play.  Please welcome these members who will be playing new parts for the chapter by serving on the Board of Directors:  Angela B is our Activities Chairman and Tom T is our Safety Officer.  Former Safety Officer Bruce S will now be serving as the Chapter Photographer.  I hope you enjoy these positions and let me know if I can help you as you elevate your hobby to the next level.

OFFICIAL NOTICE: At the November meeting we will hold elections for this cycle’s elected officers of Director, Secretary, and Treasurer for 2-year terms.  Written nominations will be accepted at the September and October meetings.  The nominations will be posted on the HOG Hotline after the September meeting and will close at the October meeting. The vote shall take place among those members present at the November meeting.

If the preceding announcement makes our meetings sound dull and stuffy, it's just not true.  If you're a new member, just throw yourself into the deep end of the pool.  At first it may seem like you're on the outside looking in - we were all there once.  If it seems like you're being ignored, it's only because folks are busy visiting with friends they met through the HOG chapter.  You have a built in icebreaker with anyone and the initials are H-D.  Here's to a great fall riding season...let's "ride, and have fun."

Ben S - Director

Has this been great riding weather or what? The summer has been packed with great rides with the best still to roll out to rock the rest of the 2003 riding season. We have had a lot of new members hooking up with old members. It’s been very nice to see the friendships developing. I truly believe that this is what the St Paul HOG chapter is all about.

Congrats to Ali K, now known as Ali C, as she tied the knot at the Sturgis rally! On a sad note, we lost a very good friend and brother in July. Charles S, a.k.a. "Harley Charley," passed away. For those who knew him our thoughts are with you.

With the speed of the seasons clicking by it’s always nice to stay connected to friends both new and old. So come join us for breakfast - we meet every Saturday morning at Sgt. Peppers in Oakdale (694 & 10^th Street). Orders are taken @ 8:00AM, or a little later for those who cannot get up early. Bring a friend, spouse, etc., as all are welcome to join in for good food, lots of bike talk, and whatever else is on the menu. Remember, any information about chapter members that needs my attention, please feel free to call me, Mr. Sunshine, at ### before 8:00PM seven days a week, or email me.

Ken L - Hospitality Chairperson

Formal notice is hereby given that elections (if needed) will be held at the November chapter meeting for the following positions: Director, Secretary, and Treasurer. Written nominations will be accepted at the September and October meetings.  The nominations will be posted on the HOG Hotline after the September meeting and will close at the October meeting. The vote shall take place among those members present at the November meeting.

This year 20 shooters made their way to a tranquil meadow near Hinckley for the Bull’s Eye Bonanza target-shooting contest. Just as we were getting the first shots off, a more natural disturbance was brewing on the horizon as a solitary dark cloud made its presence known. It was agreed to truncate the practice session and make haste for the competition round. There was a short delay of game that had us huddling under trees and hay wagons. Next year I’ll bring one more tarp.

Then the skies cleared and made way for sunshine and mosquitoes. The .22 class was won by Tom Y with 72 points, followed closely by Sue M with 69, and 3^rd place went to Jim F with 59. On the large-bore side of the ledger there was a tie for first with a score of 80 turned in by both Craig M and Jim F. Craig M won the tiebreaker, leaving Jim with 2^nd and Ben S 3^rd with 73 points.

Thanks to Susie S for rustling up the food and drink and to Kathy Y and a genuine Sandwich Artist (my niece Mallory) for transforming the packs of luncheon meats and cheeses into a mouth-watering deli tray.

Try to make the 4th annual chapter ride to Northfield on Saturday September 7 for the Defeat of Jesse James Days. Registration (at the shop) starts at 9:30AM, with departure set for 10:00. The ride will be no more than 100 miles, with a half hour stop at the midpoint.

Reserved motorcycle parking has been arranged. Call the HOG Hotline for any last minute updates!

Ken B - Assistant Director

Got your attention, eh? Our date is set for the Adopt-A-Highway litter pickup as Saturday, September 20. Let’s meet at the shop, ready to hit the road at 9:00AM. We’ll be back to the shop before 11:00 and two lucky helpers will win $25 gift certificates. You might even get lucky and find a do-rag or a wrench or a cell phone with a salvageable battery. You can leave your bike at the shop - just wear work boots and gloves. If you have a truck or big car and can help with crew transport, give Ben a call.

Ben S - Chief Trash Picker Upper

This year we had 1,300 participants. Thanks to all the St. Paul HOG chapter members who volunteered their time to help make the rally a success! Our chapter kicked butt at this year’s rally, winning 15 trophies in the bike show, 4 in the field events, 1 in the dart runs, and the coveted Chapter Challenge! More iron for the trophy case! Here are the final results:

Field Events:

Hot Dog Bite: Beth Z/Tammy H 3rd

Bike Wash: Don/Liz D 1st

Slow Ride: Mike B 2nd

Rob D 3rd

John C 1st, Jerry J 2nd - FYI: Jerry also won the Presentation Bowie Knife, Josh M 3rd

Joe W 1st, Rick H 2nd, Mark A 3rd

Aimee B 1st, Mark C 3rd

Brian S 1st, Steve H 2d

Ron/Linda K 1st, Diane B 3rd

Ken L 2nd, Marchell (never got first name)3rd

Dresser:

Mike M 2nd

Marcie A 1st, Susan L2nd, Vicki L 3rd

Next year at Faribault fair grounds June 26/27

Tired of the same old rallies? Looking for something new to do next year? In this feature column you’ll find reviews of rallies and other road trip experiences, submitted by your fellow St. Paul HOG chapter members.

With evening temperatures in the 70s, Hot Harley Nights didn't live up to its name in one regard. But there was an abundance of hot motorcycles, as well as a collection of classic restored cars at the event's auto show. The conglomeration of Harleys in the J&L parking lot included a variety of styles and colors, and spanned several eras. Tom N, a Minneapolis engineer, rode a 1942 Knucklehead, Harley-Davidson's first motorcycle with an overhead valve. "It's older than I am, so that justifies the expense," the 56-year-old Tom said. "It's a great toy." Tom bought the motorcycle new (sic) in March 1968. He said, without hesitation, that he has owned it for 35 years, three months, two weeks and six days. He has received only a couple of inquiries about selling the bike, most likely because nearly everyone knows he won't consider selling it. "I think it's that obvious," said Tom, who owns four Harleys. He participates each year in several regional bike events, including the Sturgis Bike Rally, but this is his first time at Hot Harley Nights.
"This has a lot of potential," he said.

Being too short for the bike you're riding, and coming to a stop sign.

Let your buddy ride it. And if you are really stupid let him ride it again.

Taking the wife on a ride on your brand new, first bike in 20+ years and making a slow, tight right turn on gravel.

Having your fat-ass brother (as a pillion) lean waaay over to the side to look at something on the ground while at a stop sign.

Getting pissed off for dropping it in the first place, yanking it vigorously off the ground, only to have it drop to the other side

Forgetting to remove the disc lock and taking off from the curb with haste...Tends to break the front caliper, too.

Stop for gas, carefully shut off ignition and take key out (to unlock tank), carefully remove helmet and set it over mirror, carefully remove gloves and place on instruments, open jacket, step off bike ... forgetting to put kick stand down.

Your rider hops on before you are ready.

Revving the engine, releasing clutch, and putting feet on pegs when the light turns green, but the bike's in neutral

Riding beyond your limits while trying to keep up with someone who is probably riding beyond their own. Always a temptation

Young riders pick a destination and go. Old riders pick a direction and go.

Hello all St Paul H.O.G. members! My name is Tom T and I have been appointed your new Safety Officer. Please remember to thank Bruce S, our former Safety officer, for a job well done, and also wish him good luck in his new position as Chapter Photographer.

It is hard to believe that the riding season is coming to an end, but I want to remind all of you who aren’t afraid to ride late into the season that early morning frost on the bridge decks can be dangerous. Another potentially hazardous thing to watch for are leaves that have either fallen into the road or have been raked there purposely - they can be slippery, more so when wet. It’s been a great year of riding, so let’s end the season safely!

I am looking into having a C.P.R./accident scene management course during the winter months. I am looking for input as to whether this interests anyone, so please email me if you would be interested in this. If I get enough interest I can take it a step further and get the remaining info (dates, times, and cost).

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. Ride safe!

From the Members

"I am a new member of your group. My daughter and I have started an MSN group for Minnesota bikers to chat, post pictures and messages." The web site can be found at http://groups.msn.com/MinnesotaBikers/shoebox.msnw

Rose W - St. Paul HOG Chapter Member

SUNSHINE, with a hint of brrr in the air. Can it be?

Bill L’s stepson was involved in a motorcycle accident, and he faces a long recovery. Tom C recently lost his brother. Please keep these chapter members and their families in your thoughts.

On a lighter note, it’s time for BREAKFAST TRIVIA: When was the first chapter breakfast group started and by whom? Answer: Don F and Jerry & Trudi R in 1990-91 at what is now the Green Mill on Century Avenue. (I am looking for information on who else was in that group and how many restaurants have we moved to and how long Paul’s group has been meeting. I would like to give this information to our chapter historian). That is why I enjoy the group breakfast on Saturdays. It gives us a chance to make new friends and strengthen old friendships. Recently the group separated - we ended up at two restaurants, and oddly enough the leader of the original group moved the group back to Joseph’s. Sgt. Peppers quit serving breakfast as of Oct 1^st. The rest of us moved back to Joseph’s in mid September. So come join us for breakfast - we meet every Saturday morning at Josephs in St Paul (Plato & Wabasha). Orders are taken @ 8:00am, or a little later for those who cannot get up early. Bring a friend, spouse, etc., as all are welcome. It’s usually hot coffee, good food, and lots of talk about bikes, events, and whatever else is on the menu. Remember, any information about chapter members that needs my attention, please feel free to call me, Mr. Sunshine, at ### before 8pm 7 days a week.

Ken L - Hospitality Chairperson

People are like motorcycles – each is customized a little differently.

The twisties, not the superslabs, separate the bikers from the squids.

There’s something ugly about a NEW bike on a trailer.

What an event filled year this has been with HD's 100th, HOG's 20th, hosting the first ever MN State HOG Rally in St Paul, a blowout LR4, plus Sturgis, attending other State HOG Rallies, riding with friends on a long trip or just a short putt...it was great! And the weather around here this riding season? Nearly perfect. In fact, even Sturgis weather was moderate for a change, instead of the usual 115 degrees on Main St.

Looking back on 2003, the Winter Banquet at the new Prom Center was a hit. All enjoyed Ken B’s photomontage of the 2002-riding season. Director Ben looked mighty impressive in his HOG Commodore garb! We also recognized several board members for volunteer leadership in the chapter.

Because of lack of snow and cold, many of us started riding in mid March. The Service Dept. was buzzing with activity as anxious riders wanted to get out on the highway. Double D and Billy were everywhere in town, picking up and delivering bikes. On March 15, LOH held a well-attended pool & dart tourney at City Billiards in Mpls.

We had our first Chapter ride on April 26, on a sunny, crisp spring morning, to Turtle Lake, WI. Also during April SPHD hosted the 2^nd Annual Bike Week trip...this time to Ashville, NC. and the famed Blue Ridge Pkwy.

In May, the riding season got underway in earnest. During the summer, chapter rides were monthly in a riding calendar crowded with events on every weekend. "Hot Harley Nights" in Sioux Falls is becoming a popular event -an easy and fun ride. Chapter member Kris R took a first place trophy in the HHN bike show. Another popular ride is to the "Defeat of Jesse James" days in Northfield.

Speaking of winners, in June the chapter kicked butt at the State HOG Rally. We won 14 trophies in the Bike Show, cleaned up in the Field Events, and took home the Chapter Challenge Award. Thanks to all our chapter volunteers! Speaking of volunteers, this year our chapter will recognize these folks thru our REVITUP program.

Activity peaked in August with Sturgis, and the HD 100^th and the HOG 20^th in Milwaukee. The Black Hills Classic seemed mellower this year, even though 450,000 showed up. Some wise guy was overheard to say Sturgis is evolving into a Good Sam Club event. Yikes! In Milwaukee, 300,000 faithful flocked to numerous venues. For those who made it, they will always remember Tom & Melanie's party for the MVP and HOG clubs. Folks were moving pretty slow the following day! I thought the city, law enforcement, the citizens of Milwaukee and H-D really put forth to make these events a success.

The 4^th Annual Lightning Run was the most successful ever, with nearly $190,000 raised for the fight against Diabetes. Many chapter members led or participated in this volunteer effort.

As the leaves began to fall, Tom & Melanie hosted a chapter appreciation ride to Ole's in Maiden Rock, WI. On a cold, blustery late September Saturday, Road Capt. Roger G led 62 riders on the last ride of the year. A big thanks to Tom & Mel for hosting!

As the riding season winds down, we have tucked away lots of memories to keep us looking forward to next year.

Mike M - Chapter Historian

Gather all of those great photos you took this last riding season - pick the best three and submit them to me for the annual St Paul HOG Photo contest! Printed copies no bigger than 4x 6 and may be color or B&W. Members will vote on the best photo at the winter banquet! REMINDER: Ken B is looking for any pics you have of St Paul HOG events and members for the production of a digital display at the winter banquet.

Thanks for the support. If not for the MEMBERS, we would not have a HOG chapter.

Bruce S - Chapter Photographer