History of American Eagle HOG Chapter

Year Six (2007) narrative

by Patty "Buffy" Ryan

The American Eagle HOG Chapter (“AEHOG”) continues to grow in membership and provide many opportunities for our members to ride and become involved.  The 2007 Officer Team consisted of the following people:

 

The Fifth Annual Brass Monkey Ride was held on January 1, 2007.  The weather was a bit nippy, but not enough to stop roughly 65 bikes from riding this first day of the year.  Rumor has it that if you ride your bike on the first day of the year, you will ride it every day of the year.  After traditional New Year’s Day food at our lunch stop and some great desserts at the next, it was time for a 50/50 drawing and some prizes.  

January 5, 2007, marked the date of the first Meet and Greet Ride of the year, with a ride to Landmark Grill in Flower Mound, TX.  This event provides an opportunity for new bike owners to meet the AEHOG officers and road captains on a more informal basis.   

On January 6, 2007, we held our first LOH and General Chapter Meeting of the year. 

Our sponsoring dealership, American Eagle Harley Davidson, treated the ladies to something different this year.  On January 16, 2007, they hosted a Garage Party.  In addition to dinner and a fashion show, there were numerous prizes, as well as opportunities to ask questions about riding.

The LOH held their annual Blanket Ride on January 20, 2007.  Due to the near-freezing temperatures, donations were delivered to Denton County Friends of the Family via a convoy of cages.  Following was a lunch at Village Grande Restaurant.     

 The Annual Chapter Chili Cook-Off was held on January 27, 2007.  Seven teams competed for the coveted awards.  They began cooking their secret recipes early in the morning in order to be ready for the Judges to have tastes by noon.  Congratulations to Paul Martin, Don Riley and Mike Schaneman “Gear Heads,” who won first place in the Judges Award; and Lisa Maurer, Paul Maurer, and James Walker “Too Hot to Handle,” who won second place in the Judge’s Award.   The “Peoples' Choice Award” went to “Renegade Chili.”  “Too Hot to Handle” will go on to represent AEHOG in the Seventh Annual Southwest Regional Chili Cook-Off, to be held February 24, 2007.  LOH also hosted a terrific bake sale during this event. 

The first lunch ride of 2007 to Betty’s Café in Aubrey, TX, was held on January 28, 2007.  20 hearty members braved the cold to attend.

As of January 31, 2007, there were 550 members.     

The weekend of February 3-4, 2007, found a group of LOH women braving the cold to ride to Granbury, TX, for the LOH Granbury Get Away.  In addition to shopping, swimming, eating, laughing, and making interesting telephone calls to spouses left at home, we planned upcoming events.

The weekend of February 16-17, 2007, found AEHOG members shrugging off the cold by attending the Mardi Gras Up-River Ride in Shreveport, LA.  Beads, beads everywhere!  

February 24, 2007, marked the date of the 6th Annual Southwest Regional HOG Chili Bowl, hosted by DWF HOG and held at Ken’s Wing House in Bedford in Allen, TX.  We were very proud of the AEHOG Team “Too Hot to Handle,” consisting of Lisa Maurer, Paul Maurer, and James Walker, who won Second Place in the regional competition.

As of February 27, 2007, membership was up to 570 members.

On March 2, 2007, we had a Meet and Greet Dinner Ride to Rudy’s BBQ in Denton, TX; followed by our LOH and General Chapter Meeting the next day, March 3, 2007.

On March 10, 2007, Larry and Holly Long led riders to lunch at the Green Frog in Jacksboro, TX. 

Ray Caul put together a St. Patrick’s Day ride to Nocona, TX, on March 17, 2007.  The first stop was at the Chisholm Trail Mercantile in St. Jo, TX, then on to lunch at Tres Ninos Mexican Food in Nocona, TX. 

A lunch ride to Punkins BBQ in Paul’s Valley, OK, was held on March 18, 2007.  Marvin Waller planned a great route, and once at the restaurant, the group feasted on barbeque and catfish.

Mike Schaneman led another “Last Sunday” Breakfast/Lunch ride on March 25, 2007.  The group went to Lantana Lodge, Pilot Point, TX.

By the end of March, 2007, membership had grown to 630.

On April 7, 2007, our chapter participated in the Panther Creek HOG Easter Egg Run; and on April 8, 2007, we followed a route planned by Holly Long to attend the Renaissance Festival “Scarborough Faire” in Waxahachie, TX. 

April 14, 2007, AEHOG sponsored a new Road Captain training class.

The Fifth Annual Wildflower Ride to the Texas Hill Country on April 20-22, 2007, was another successful event.  What more could we ask for but great roads, beautiful flowers, good friends, and fun in Fredericksburg, TX.  There were 69 bikes and 90 people in attendance that weekend.

American Eagle Harley Davidson sponsored their second Garage Party for the ladies on April 24, 2007.

AEHOG’s “Last Sunday” Breakfast/Lunch Ride was held April 29, 2007, with Mike Schaneman leading us toMiguelitos in Sanger, TX.

Membership was at 640 members by the end of April, 2007.

On May 5, 2007, AEHOG’s Pass the Pigs V was a success, despite very uncooperative weather.  LOH raffled off a one-of-a-kind Harley quilt to raise money for Cumberland Children’s Home in Denton, and the winner was Lead Piglet Darlene “Squeal Me” Davidson.  Over $2,000 was raised for Cumberland.  AEHOG was set up to conduct bike games and biker blessings at Sneaky Pete’s in Lewisville, TX; however, heavy rain halted those activities.

Then on May 6, 2007, AEHOG went to the races, with a trip to Ennis, TX, for the All Harley Drag Racing Association 2007 Screamin’ Eagle Championship Series Races.

Many AEHOG members attended the Texas State HOG Rally in Amarillo, TX, May 17-20, 2007.  Once again, AEHOG was asked to help run the bike games. 

June 1-2, 2007, began with the “NOT ROT” Ride to Marshall, TX, and a ride on the Graceful Ghost steamboat on Caddo Lake.  The group had the opportunity to pick up two Lone Star Challenge points on the return trip via Nacogdoches and Grapeland, TX.    

On June 23, 2007, AEHOG riders headed out on the fourth annual summer long distance trip, the Black Hills Rendezvous.  The route took the riders to places such as Raton, NM; Winter Park, CO; and Deadwood, SD, with excursions to Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Devil’s Tower and Spearfish Canyon. 

On June 24, 2007, the “Last Sunday” Breakfast/Lunch Ride, led by Mike Schaneman, headed to the Dove Creek Café in Roanoke, TX, for a great meal and even better company.

On July 4, 2007, several members participated in the Hurst Stars and Stripes Celebration.  Dinner was provided graciously by Mike Wylie at his house in Hurst.

LOH sponsored a Bikes, Books and Bags ride on July 7, 2007.  School supplies, colleted by our members, were delivered to the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home in Denton, TX.  After delivery of the supplies and a short tour of the facility, the group headed to Sweetie Pies Ribeyes in Decatur, TX.  

On July 11, 2007, a very special dinner ride went to the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home in Denton, TX, to deliver a check for over $2,000 raised on their behalf at the 2007 Pass the Pigs Event.

Holly and Larry Long led a large group of riders to lunch in Hico, TX, on July 14, 2007.  Legend has it that Billy the Kid is buried in Hico, and several members toured the local museum to determine if the legend is true! 

The next Meet and Greet Dinner Ride was held on July 20, 2007, with dinner at Rudy’s BBQ in Denton, TX; and on July 21, 2007, we held our Chapter Meeting. 

The Fifth Annual AEHOG Summer Picnic on July 28, 2007 was held at the Circle R Ranch in Flower Mound, TX.  Activities included eating, swimming, games, prizes and fun!  

After a ride around Lake Ray Roberts, Mike Schaneman led a group to Golden Corral in Denton, TX, for the “Last Sunday” Breakfast/Lunch Ride on July 29, 2007.

LOH ladies enjoyed cooling off at the annual swim party at Lisa Maurer‘s house on August 5, 2007. 

The fourth incarnation of the Slider’s Ride was held on August 18-19, 2007.  Following lunch at Krystal’s restaurant in Killeen, TX, the group rode on to Waco for a visit to the Dr. Pepper’s Museum and dinner at Buzzard Billy’s.  As always, this annual event is an all time favorite.      

On August 11, 2007, there was a New Owner’s Orientation for those who recently purchased a new bike.  Several officer and road captains were in attendance to answer questions and provide valuable information.

The Fifth Annual Bug Run was held August 11, 2007, with the ride commencing at Carmelita’s Latin Cocina in Highland Village, TX.  Awards were given for the Most Bug Splats, the Biggest Bug Splat, the Most Intact Bug, and the Fewest Bug Splats.

On August 26, 2007, our “Last Sunday” Breakfast/Lunch Ride, led by Mike Schaneman, rode to Andrew’s Restaurant in Bartonville, TX, to enjoy food and fellowship.

An amazing Labor Day weekend for AEHOG began on August 31, 2007, with a large contingent of riders headed southwest to rack up Lone Star Challenge points.  The group rode to Balmorhea State Park, the Davis Mountains, Presidio, and Terlinqua, TX.  After nearly 1,500 miles, incredible scenery, and lots of fun memories, all arrived safely back home.

On September 7, 2007, we attended another New Member Meet and Greet Ride, followed by a ride to Hard 8 Restaurant in Coppell, TX.   

On September 8, 2007, AEHOG had its LOH and General Chapter meeting.

The first chapter in our soon-to-be annual AEHOG Rides Route 66 began with a weekend ride to Oklahoma on September 15, 2007. 

On September 22-23, 2007, LOH sponsored a ride to Meers Restaurant in Oklahoma, famous for their huge burgers.  21 bikes made the trip, although some riders returned home after lunch with another group continuing on to Quartz Mountain Resort in Lone Wolf, OK, for an overnight stay.

September 29, 2007, found us riding to Edom, Texas, for lunch at the Shed Café.  The café was voted the #1 café in East Texas by Texas Monthly, Ride Texas and Texas Highway Magazine.  Thanks to Art Fleming for providing the route for us.  And after lunch, LOH headed out for some fun on their “ladies only” Holiday Ride and overnight stay at the Pine Creek Country Inn in Nacogdoches, TX.

By the end of September, 2007, AEHOG had 481 members.

On October 6, 2007, AEHOG headed to the Long Horn Caverns in the Texas Hill Country for a route and overnight planned by Holly and Larry Long. 

Lake Athens Marina in Lake Athens, TX, was the destination for a lunch ride on October 13, 2007.  Mike Howell put together a great ride to get us there.

On October 21, 2007, we hosted a Progressive Dinner, partaking of appetizers, salads, a main course, and desserts, all at different houses.  David Barnes provided the route, and our own great cooks provided the food.  What’s the motto?  Eat to ride, ride to eat?

Another great event was the Fredericksburg, TX, Food & Wine Fest, on October 27-28, 2007.  Not only did we ride great roads in the Texas Hill Country, but we sampled great wines and had quite a bit of fun.   

Mike Schaneman again led a “Last Sunday” Breakfast/Lunch Ride on October 24, 2007, to Kingston, OK.   

Membership as of October 29, 2007, was 495.

The first weekend of November was busy for AEHOG.  On November 2, 2007, we held our New Members Meet and Greet Ride, with dinner at the Prairie House Restaurant.  Then on November 3, 2007, we held our LOH and General Chapter meeting. 

The Fifth Annual Fall Leaf Ride the weekend of November 9-11, 2007, was amazing.  Not only did we have great weather, but the trees cooperated by providing spectacular colors for us.  Both nights were spent in Ft. Smith, AR, with day trips through Arkansas.  The Bentonville, AR, Harley Davidson dealership even provided a great meal for us, followed by a ride on the Pig Trail.  Does life get any better?

Chapter members participated in several toy runs during November and December 2007, including the Teddy Bear Run, Motor Cops for Kids Toy Run, Lewisville Toy Run, and the Big Texas Toy Run, one of the largest in the United States.  

On November 16, 2007, LOH sponsored a dinner ride to Mimi’s Café after decorating the dealership tree and getting organized for wrapping gifts for donations.

Membership as of November, 2007, was 480.

On December 7, 2007, LOH held its Annual Gift and Cookie Exchange at Carol Howell’s house.  Some LOH members actually sacrificed themselves to provide cookies for our pleasure!  And all the ladies in attendance participated in the very lively gift exchange.    

One of the most memorable events our Chapter holds is the Holiday Party. On December 15, 2007, the Sixth Annual Holiday party was held a new location - the Holiday Inn, Denton, TX.  The evening provided music, dancing, food and fun, as well as awards and the introduction of the 2008 Officers.   

The 2007 Long Flyer Mileage Award Winners were announced at the Holiday Party.  Congratulations to all the winners!  In the Women’s Division, 1^st Place went to Holly Long with 20,744 miles; Jerri Barnes came in 2^nd Place with 20,190 miles; and Tracey Witting placed 3^rd with 17,986 miles.  In the Men’s Division, Glen Christopher came in 1^st Place with 27,843 miles; Ray Caul placed 2^nd with 25,565 miles; and Alan McCormick placed 3^rd with 25,113 miles.  78 participants rode a total of 891,955 miles this year, with 54 men riding 655,827 miles and 24 women riding 236,128 miles.      

The Lone Star Challenge was in its fourth year in 2007, and was a great success.  Members were to have their picture taken at various locations throughout the state.  The 10 spots chosen were in Terlingua, Presidio, Balmorhea, Nacogdoches, Gonzales, Grapeland, La Porte, Gruene, Luckenbach, and Turkey -- believe it or not, all of those locations are in Texas.  All those who participated had their individual pictures mounted on posters and displayed at the Holiday Party.  Congratulations to all who completed this accomplishment. 

On December 8, 2007, American Eagle Harley Davidson dealership, as well as AEHOG, hosted its “Angel Tree Ride” to Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home.  Santa, escorted by a local fire truck, led a long line of motorcycles from the dealership to the Children’s Home in Denton, TX.  Gifts were opened, tears were shed, laughter abounded, and all felt a special sense of warmth and love.       

2007 was an amazing year, full of miles and miles of fun.  The challenge for 2008 -- Two million miles!