david milkman’s musings chapter director mike...

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.

Davi d

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 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


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!


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!


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


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.


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:

[email protected]

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.

david milkman’s musings chapter director mike...

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