Description of Chapter Rides and Events

We consider our riding season to be April 1st thru November 1st. Weather permitting, the Road Captains will plan a ride directly after each Monthly Meeting. Of course April and November will always be iffy. That's not to say a handful of individuals cannot take off on their own. So if you feel like riding, bring your bike to the meetings. These rides are one-way. After you complete an after meeting ride, you just head home or wherever.  For the purpose of the Event Pin Program, it is not required to ride after a meeting.

A single day Chapter run, such as Uncle John's Cider Mill Run, is also a one-way run. Actually all our runs are one-way unless otherwise specified. Generally speaking, on our over-nighters, some people will group up and ride towards home together, which is strictly up to you. All scheduled Chapter runs begin at C&S Sports Center unless otherwise specified. You need to check your Hog Wash (newsletter) or the Calendar for this and the time of departure. When arriving for a Chapter run or Dinner Ride, you should have your tank topped off and bladder empty. It's not pleasant herding 50 bikes together for a 2 hour run, going down the road for 5 minutes then having to stop the whole group for 1 person.

The events and rides listed here are not complete, they can change for many reasons. We also vote at the beginning of each season on events and rides we wish to have. Members need to check our Hog Wash or our Official Calendar for current and accurate info.

 

 

Wednesday Night Dinner Rides

These are "mystery" rides, in that you don't know where you are going for dinner. We always meet at C&S Sports Center and depart at 6:00 p.m. sharp. Tom Marshall (One of our Road Captains) leads us and selects the location. If you can't make the ride, but want to meet us for dinner, you can get in touch with Tom ahead of time. Tom always posts a message to our email list the day ahead with a hint to the exact location. These rides may be cancelled when the weather is bad and Tom will post cancellations via email. Normally scheduled between the 1st Wednesday in May and last Wednesday in September. These DO NOT count towards Event Pin.

 

Hog Bowl

This is a winter weekend "get-away". We bowl, eat out and party!   The monthly meeting *may* be held that weekend. Just check your newsletter or the Calendar page of this web site. The times, location and hotel info can also be found there. Counts towards event pin.

 

Chili Cook-Off

This event is held at C&S Sport Center in February or March. Members are encouraged to bring their favorite chili to share. Various certificates are awarded. Counts towards event pin.

 

Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival Breakfast

We meet at the Shepard High School to eat pancakes and sausage as a group. Many other festival activities are available. Weather permitting, a chapter ride to follow. Counts towards an event pin.

 

Bike Show and Raffle

Shine your Harley and meet us at C&S Sport Center to show your bike, socialize with other club members, enjoy the band and have a bite to eat. Plaques for various bike categories will be awarded.

Our annual Bike raffle is held in conjunction with the Bike Show. This is our major Chapter fund-raiser. There are door prizes, a 50/50 drawing, a Harley-Davidson quilt raffle and a drawing for a new Harley-Davidson. Ladies of Harley will also do some fund raising, such as a Boot Shine, Bake Sale, etc. This is our biggest Chapter event and needs total membership participation from the setup to the tear down and clean up. There is usually a short ride afterwards. This event counts towards your Event Pin/Perfect Attendance Plaque. Some of the proceeds goes to which ever charity(s) that are designated for the year. Ladies of Harley also usually takes care of this.

 

Mackinaw Memorial Run

This is our annual run to Mackinaw City in memoriam of our fallen brothers and sisters who lead us and rode with us. We stay overnight, party and have a memorable time.

 

Copper Harbor Run

This is new for 2008. A 4 day run to Copper Harbor with 3 overnight stays. 1st day - Marquette.  2nd day to Copper Harbor, return to Marquette. 3rd day to Mackinaw City. Last day head home.

 

Michigan HOG Rendezvous

This event is 25 years old. It was organized by the Michigan Harley-Davidson Dealers Assn in appreciation of the Harley riders all across Michigan. It was a 3 day event (longer if you chose) with camping, scenic rides, parade, music, concerts, fireworks, Ride-In-Show and an Award Ceremony. Unfortunately, it was cancelled for 2008 for various reasons. It's possible this will be replaced by a Michigan State H.O.G. Rally sometime in the future. We still have this listed "just in case".

 

Labor Day Rally

This is our annual family weekend camp-out. We have events for adults and children. Our monthly meeting is held on Sunday at the campground. The Chapter pays for the camping. Counts toward event pin.

 

Uncle John's Cider Mill Run

This is a Chapter ride from C&S Sports Center to Uncle John's Cider Mill, north of St. Johns, Michigan. Cider and doughnuts are available and generally there is a craft show on the grounds. Counts towards Event Pin.

 

Color Tour

Our Road Captains select a route and location for a weekend ride during the Fall colors (generally towards the north). We hit a motel and party for the night. Head home at your leisure Sunday. Counts towards an Event Pin.

 

Halloween Party 

The event is a frightful get-together during a spooky season. It involves a potluck dinner and possibly a campfire. Costumes are optional. Counts towards an Event Pin.

 

Toys for Tots Run

This is our last run of the year and usually the coldest. Fortunately it's only a short ride (just down the street from C&S Sports Center) to deliver the toys. Bring a toy or two for the Tots. Our fearless leader gets his Santa suit on and we follow him on the short ride. We know it's cold, but we like to have a good turnout for this event.  Counts towards an Event Pin.
 

Christmas Party

Our annual potluck holiday party take place early in December. There will be a band, white elephant exchange for those who want to participate, door prizes, and our annual awards presentation. Each member who is present at three events and three meeting during the year may attend the party at no costs. Other members (and guests) will be charged.

Any Chapter event which may take place, which is not listed here, will be fully explained in the Hog Wash (our newsletter) and on our Calendar.