2 Million Miles in 2008!  Do YOUR part to help the chapter achieve its goal!  EVERY MILE COUNTS!

334 Members Riding Strong as of August 1, 2008

History of American Eagle HOG Chapter

Year Five (2006) narrative

by Patty " Buffy" Ryan

2006 proved to be an exciting year, filled with many and varied adventures for the American Eagle HOG Chapter (“AEHOG”).  The Officer Team consisted of the following people and their respective positions:

Steve Long  

Director

David Barnes 

Assistant Director

Dave Gan

Treasurer

Marybeth Linich

Secretary

Don Riley

Activities Officer

Fran Waller

Ladies of Harley Officer

Art Fleming 

Newsletter Editor

Don Pliler

Webmaster

Kim Christopher

Membership Officer

Glenn Coleman

Historian

Mike Wylie

Photographer

Luke Stanton

Head Road Captain

Ted Linich

Safety Officer

Karen Riley

Merchandise Officer

We started the year with our Fourth Annual Brass Monkey Ride on January 1, 2006.  The weather was pleasant and many members participated.  The ride started at the dealership and headed to the first stop at Larry and Holly Long’s house for lunch.  Then, it was off to Mike and Carol Howell’s house for desserts and of course, the 50/50 drawing.    

 The Chapter Chili Cook-Off was held on January 21, 2006, with 5 teams competing.  Cooking began early in the morning and by noon, samples were available for testing.  Congratulations to the team of Tony Madsen, Ken McClure, and Doug Hull who won both the "Judges Award" and the “Peoples' Choice Award.”  They will go on to represent AEHOG in the 6th Annual Southwest Regional Chili Cook-Off, to be held February 25, 2006.  Despite the “chilly” temperatures, LOH hosted a bake sale during the event.  With the help of auctioneer, Scotty “Boy Toy” Brauer, LOH doubled its previous donation amount.

As of January 24, 2006, there were 557 members.     

On February 11, 2006, LOH continued a tradition it started in 2003 by sponsoring a “Blanket Run” to benefit Denton County Friends of the Family (DCFOF). Following a New Owner Orientation, Therese Davenport and Michelle Coleman led a ride to deliver the collection consisting of 49 blankets, sheets, coats, and food to DCFOF.  A lunch ride to the Open Door Grill at Lake Ray Roberts followed. 

The weekend of February 25-26, 2006, found several AEHOG members in attendance at the Mardi Gras Up-River Ride in Shreveport, LA.    

February 25, 2006, also marked the date of the 6th Annual Southwest Regional HOG Chili Bowl, hosted by Panther Creek HOG in Allen, TX.  The AEHOG team gave it their best shot but didn’t win the overall prize and bragging rights.  They did, however, take the “Best in Show” Award.  Go AEHOG!!

As of February 28, 2006, membership was up to 604 members.

On March 3, 2006, we had a New Owner Orientation, followed by a ride to Rudy’s BBQ in Denton, TX; and on March 4, 2006, AEHOG held its first LOH and General Chapter Meeting of the year.

Many Road Captains participated in a class and training ride on March 11, 2006.  The goal was to sharpen skills, answer questions, and determine safer ways to lead AEHOG members to the various events.  

March 14, 2006, marked the 4th Birthday of our Chapter, as the Charter was officially issued on March 14th, 2002.

LOH sponsored a Saturday lunch ride to Montana’s in Weatherford on March 18, 2006.

Several members took advantage of the opportunity to collect pictures on the ABCs of Touring Ride on March 26, 2006.  The route was approximately 90 miles, concluding with lunch in Denton, TX.

Congratulations to our sponsoring dealership, American Eagle Harley Davidson!!  In the March 2006 issue of Ride Texas magazine, they were named the #1 dealership and #1 in service for the entire state of Texas!  No wonder we’re so proud!

On April 2, 2006, LOH sponsored a ride to Paris, TX, for lunch and to acquire Lone Star Challenge and Scavenger Hunt pictures at the Eiffel Tower.  The LOH members of the Paris, TX, HOG group met our members at a rest stop in Greenville and provided them with gifts of pins and bandanas from their dealership. 

On April 15, 2006, some members of our chapter participated in the Panther Creek HOG Easter Egg Run while others attended the dealership-sponsored New Owner’s Orientation and Demo Rides. 

The 4th Annual Wildflower Ride to the Texas Hill Country on April 21-23, 2006, was a huge success.  In addition to riding some of the most scenic routes in the Hill Country, we shopped, shared meals, and generally had fun in Fredericksburg, TX.

Our second LOH and General Chapter Meeting of the year was held on April 29, 2006; and then on April 30, 2006, several members of AEHOG attended Scarborough Faire in Waxahachie, TX.

On May 6, 2006, the dealership sponsored an Anniversary Party and Bike Competition.

LOH sponsored a ride on May 7, 2006, to Montana’s in Granbury for lunch, then on to Hico, TX, for the famous pie at the Koffee Kup Kafe. 

On May 13, 2006, the AEHOG Pass the Pigs IV was a tremendous success with beautiful weather and lots of bikers in attendance.  Over 150 participants from several local HOG chapters raised approximately $2,700.00 for the Texas Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital of Dallas.  AEHOG conducted bike games and biker blessings at the Thunderhorse Saloon in Lewisville, TX – the end point of our ride.

The weekend of May 27-29, 2006, found several AEHOG members on the Walk the River Ride.  This ride to south Texas featured stops at Kingsville, Castroville, and Mother Neff State Park for Lone Star Challenge Points, as well as a fun evening on the beautiful Riverwalk in San Antonio.

Many AEHOG members attended the Texas State HOG Rally in Abilene, TX, the weekend of May 18-21, 2006.  For the third year in a row, AEHOG was asked to help run the bike games.  Not only was AEHOG in charge of the highly successful bike games on Saturday, but we also ran away with quite a few of the trophies as well.   Way to go, AEHOG! 

Membership as of May 30, 2006, was 434.

June, 2006, began with the “NOT ROT” Ride to Palo Duro Canyon, TX, and a performance of the play “Texas” at the Pioneer Amphitheatre in Palo Duro Canyon State Park.  The group stopped at several HD dealerships along the way, as well as the Cadillac Ranch.  On the return trip, the group even acquired a Lone Star Challenge point in Guthrie, TX. 

On June 17, 2006, AEHOG attended a Rough Riders baseball game in Frisco, TX. 

AEHOG riders headed out on the third annual summer long distance trip, the Beartooth Rendezvous, on June 24, 2006.  This was an 11 day ride, starting with the first stop in Raton, New Mexico, then on to Durango, Colorado.  The group then proceeded to various scenic locations in Utah, Yellowstone National Park, Montana, Wyoming and home to Texas.  They totaled approximately 3,500 miles and traversed several mountain passes, the highest of which is Independence Pass in Colorado at a lofty 12,095 feet.   

As an alternative to the Beartooth Rendezvous ride, LOH sponsored an Overnight Ride and Cruise to Granbury, TX, on June 24, 2006.  The night included dinner, cruising the lake on a riverboat, and live entertainment (other than the usual provided by AEHOG members).

LOH sponsored a Breakfast Ride to Muenster, TX, on July 9, 2006.    

Then on July 14, 2006, 11 new members attended the New Member Meet and Greet and accompanied other AEHOG members on a Dinner Ride to Don Pablo’s in Lewisville, TX. 

July 15, 2006, was our next Chapter Meeting.  Following the meeting, 37 bikes rode 65 miles to Gainesville, TX, to enjoy lunch at Stoolie’s. 

The Fourth Annual AEHOG Summer Picnic on July 22, 2006, at the Double Tree Ranch, in Lewisville, TX, was highly successful with approximately 125 members in attendance.   Activities included eating, swimming, games, prizes and fun!  AEHOG’s very own house band, RSD, provided the entertainment.

LOH enjoyed its annual swim party at Marybeth Linich‘s house on July 30, 2006.  Lots of sun, water and fun!

On August 12-13, 2006, AEHOG completed Part 3 of its Slider's Ride.  After consuming mass quantities of burgers at Krystal’s in Longview, the riders continued on to Jefferson, TX, for an overnight stay.  This annual event is fast becoming one of the most favorite rides we do.   

On August 19, 2006, there was a New Owner’s Orientation, followed by a lunch ride to Lucy’s Café.  Later that evening, we held our annual Benefit Bug Run.  Money from registrations, donations, and the 50/50 was given to the Scottish Rite Hospital.  Awards were given for the Most Bug Splats, the Biggest Bug Splat, the Most Intact Bug, and the Fewest Bug Splats.

As of August 29, 2006, membership was at 505.

On September 8, 2006, the New Member Meet and Greet rode to Carmelita’s Latin Cocina in Highland Village, TX; and then on September 9, 2006, there was a Bikers for Christ Honor Ride to Oklahoma City, OK, as well as the LOH and General Chapter meeting. 

LOH sponsored a ride to Dublin, TX, on September 23, 2006.  Dublin, TX, is the city where the local Dr. Pepper bottling facility still uses cane sugar in their recipe.  LOH also sponsored a Breakfast ride to the Golden Corral in Gainesville on September 30, 2006.

On October 1, 2006, another LOH event was a camping trip to Lake Murray, OK. 

Then, on October 8, 2006, AEHOG attended the Adventures in Dining Ride to the Denton Movie Tavern to watch a movie, and of course, eat.

On October 14, 2006, we attended another New Owner’s Orientation, followed by a lunch ride to Babe’s.

LOH sponsored a fun “Rock N Roll Ride” to Leonard, TX, on October 21, 2006. 

On November 4, 2006, AEHOG had its LOH and General Chapter meeting, followed by Lunch ride to Sweetie Pies Ribeyes in Gainesville, TX.

The fourth Annual Fall Leaf Ride the weekend of November 10-12, 2006, followed beautiful winding roads in Oklahoma and Arkansas.  The trees put on a spectacular array of color for the biggest turnout ever of 40 bikes and almost 70 people.  After overnight stays in Mena and Hot Springs, AR, all made it home safely. 

Many chapter members participated in at least four different toy runs during November and December 2006, including the Teddy Bear Run on November 5, Motor Cops for Kids Toy Run on November 19, Lewisville Toy Run on December 2, and the Big Texas Toy Run, one of the largest ones in the United States.  

On November 18, 2006, LOH sponsored a breakfast at Mimi’s Café, followed by a trip to the dealership to decorate their tree and get organized for wrapping gifts for donations.

Membership as of November 28, 2006, was 509.

On December 1, 2006, LOH held its Annual Gift and Cookie Exchange at Carol Howell’s house.  Not only did the LOH women share tasty cookies with each other, they also scrambled to get the prize of their dreams in the fun gift exchange.     

On December 9, 2006, there was a New Owner’s Orientation, followed by a lunch ride to Sugar Baby’s in Lewisville, TX. 

On the evening of December 9, 2006, the Fifth Annual Holiday party was held at the Radisson Hotel in Denton.  There was a buffet dinner, music was provided by SoulDoubt, and there were lots of door prizes and fun.  It is truly one of the most memorable events of the year in our Chapter.  

The 2006 Long Flyer Mileage Award Winners were announced at the Holiday Party.  Congratulations to all the winners!  In the Women’s Division, 1st Place went to Fran Waller with 19,593 miles; Rebecca Lane came in 2nd Place with 17,532 miles; and Holly Long placed 3rd with 15,542 miles.  In the Men’s Division, LeRoy Kotula came in 1st Place with 25,782 miles; Alan McCormick placed 2nd with 24,370 miles; and David Barnes placed 3rd with 23,970 miles.  54 participants rode a whopping 657,263 miles this year, with 42 men riding 533,125 miles and 12 women riding 124,138 miles.       

Also at the Holiday Party, AEHOG members who participated in the Lone Star Challenge had their pictures at the various sites mounted on posters and displayed.  Congratulations to all who completed this major accomplishment. 

On December 16, 2006, American Eagle Harley Davidson dealership, as well as AEHOG, hosted its First Annual Cumberland Presbyterian Children’ Home Ride.  Santa led the motorcycles ride from the dealership to the Home in Denton, TX, where gifts were given to the children and all shared in a special Christmas celebration.     

2006 was a year of fun, excitement, new rides and new faces.  AEHOG members are always ready to give extravagantly of themselves to make all these events a success, and we thank them for all they do!

Way to go, AEHOG…Congratulations!  

 

Home  Website Index