The interview this month is with a very active member of our club, Cheryl Lee. She is currently the treasurer of our club, and rides “two-up” with husband Ken. Hope you enjoy getting to know one of our member’s  a little bit better.

As a past and active officer of NCHOG, what benefits do you get from volunteering your time?

Well, I wasn’t really looking to be an officer when Darcy approached me to take over the Membership Officer position in 2004.  Mike Kilcollins was performing double duty as Secretary and Membership.  Mike and Darcy assured me that it would be very little effort  on my part  but they did need someone who liked “details”!  That’s me!  I can honestly say that it has been a privilege to work with my fellow officers, and all the officers work hard to make NCHOG the best it can be.  The benefits for me have been to really get to know the folks in the club.  As Membership officer, I saw all the names on the roster all the time so I could remember everyone’s name.  Ken was always asking me, “Who’s that”?  I really did enjoy the details but it took A LOT more work than I expected.  There were times I thought it was my second  full time job!  (Make sure to tell Linda Downing how much she is appreciated!)  As just one of the volunteers, I get the satisfaction of seeing the club run successfully with the membership riding and having fun together.

 

How long have you been a member of NCHOG, and share your most humorous memory from a club experience?

 I have been a member since 2001.  My most humorous memory was not from a ride but happened at a meeting.  I think it was last year?   Ken was all excited he had won the 50/50 money.  He was standing up in front of everyone waving it around and yelling “I won! I won!“  He didn’t see me coming up behind him.  I snatched that money right out of his hand and stuck it in my pocket.  The look on his face was a MasterCard moment.  Priceless!  

 

Being my first interviewee that rides “two-up”, what is your favorite aspect of being a passenger, and what do you wish you could change? 

 My favorite thing as a passenger is being able to enjoy watching the countryside go by and not have to constantly pay attention to the road.  I can leave that up to Ken.  Well, most of the time.  I am a second pair of eyes and do tell him if he’s not paying attention when I think he should!  Back seat driver????  I’ll ask Ken if he saw something we went by and he’ll say “No” because he was watching the road.  And I get to take pictures!  That’s fun too. 

 

You and Ken travel extensively on motorcycle.  Where is someplace you’d like to travel but haven’t made it yet?

So many roads!  I think one place we’d like to go is actually really close.  Vancouver Island.  Whistler, BC and up to Lillooet.  I have not been to the Black Hills and would like to do that some time. 

 

What is your favorite stretch of highway to ride and where is your favorite place to stay?

Hummmmm.  I have lots of favorite roads but highway 261 through Starbuck, Washington is probably number one.  There are some awesome roads going through Utah also.  The landscape changes  around every corner and you won’t see more beautiful country than that.   My favorite place to stay is wherever my fellow HOG riders are staying!

 

What are some other activities that fill your active life?

 I work part time for an ophthalmology practice in Anacortes.  It’s my retirement gig.  And I play piano for our church.  I try to get to the gym at least three times a week so I can eat all that road food when were gone on the bike!  Two small grandchildren round out the rest of our lives!

 

Any plans to get rid of the driver and start riding your own ride?

I have had a few thoughts about it but then change my mind.  I might consider taking the Beginner Riding course just to say I did it.  I have seen a few bikes out there that do pique my interest so I’ll never say never! 

 

Tell us a little about the Pink Bra Run

Oh, what fun!  That’s what it is!  Our annual ride along with about 40 other friends up to Penticton, BC.  We always go the last weekend in June which coincides with the Peach City Beach Cruisers muscle car show.  This year there were 2,000 cars.  Lots of burn outs and people.   We always ride up the same way along the Crows Nest highway.  Another beautiful road!  And we do stop for ice cream!  While there we tour the wineries and ride the local roads of which there are many good for riding.  We always have a planned ride that you can either do on your own or with a group.  This year we had a treasure hunt with a treasure map to find it.  We have done Poker Runs and an Amazing Race.  This ride is open to anyone with a bike.  You do have to fly your “colors”, a pink bra, on your bike.  If you want to know how it got the name, you’ll have to ask Rick VanderGriend.  He’s responsible!

 

What rides do you have planned for the rest of the year?

We will be leaving in August for two weeks traveling around California.  Ken and I both used to live there and so this is sort of a home going trip for us.  We lived in the Bay Area and we plan to go to Sonora and Yosemite, Monterey, Carmel, San Francisco, Napa and Sonoma and come home along the Oregon coast.  We are making a special trip to Bishop, California, just to ride Hwy 168 from Big Pine east.  We discovered this road last year on our way home from Milwaukee.  We liked it so much we’re going back just to do it without baggage!  Talk about a roller coaster…..

 

What are your future plans?

Future plans are to keep on riding!  I’m looking forward to the next NCHOG ride…I think its this weekend!   Ken would like to do the four corners of the United States sometime.  I’m thinking I would fly to Florida, hang out with my sister, then ride up the East Coast with Ken.  That would be really cool!

 

Until next month, keep riding and making your own history to remember, The History Guy, Paul

Once again this month we have an interview with one of our female riders, Judy Ducken. She has contributed to our club over the years, and is currently the Assistant Director of LOH. I hope you enjoy this month’s interview, and become more aware of another member who has made NCHOG such a great group.

 
 What is your
earliest motorcycle memory, and did it influence your desire to ride?
The first time I remember being on a bike was on the back of a small Honda the summer after eighth grade.  I loved it.  In high school I had a friend whose brothers had small trail bikes.  The first time I tried to ride one I crashed it right away because I couldn’t time the clutch and the throttle.  They gave me the automatic, and we rode in their field.  After that I was always trying to talk anyone into giving me a ride.  My mom and dad pretty much forbid me to ride one, but I got in a few rides now and then anyway.
(Now my mom proudly tells everyone, “My daughter rides her own Harley.”)
When Curt and I got married he didn’t have a bike, but he had always ridden, even as a kid, and had owned several bikes.  I was excited when he said he wanted to get another one, especially when he got a Harley.

 Your vest sports an impressive collection of pins and patches, how long have you been a NCHOG member, and which pin/patch means the most to you?
I joined HOG in 1997 when I bought my first Harley (the one Geep told you about), a 1998 883 Sportster Hugger.  I stayed a member, but didn’t join NCHOG for a few years.  We weren’t very active at first, but little by little we have been participating more and more.  I think as I started being more involved with LOH, we both became more involved with NCHOG. 
I like my patch that says “I rode mine 2007” (to Sturgis).  My patch that says LOH Officer means a lot because being voted for by HOG, not just LOH, really surprised me.
Have you always ridden solo, or did you start out riding “two-up”?
I started riding two-up with Curt, and for a couple years I was perfectly content to stay there.  He said I should take the class and learn to ride “in case anything happened” to him.  I did, and passed, and I bought a Rebel 250.  Eight months later we found a Rebel 450, and I rode that for five years until I found a Harley that really Fit me (low to the ground).  (As a side note, Curt’s dad bought the 250, but says he is giving it back to us for our daughter, Kaitlan, who is taking the motorcycle class in June.)

 Do you have any stories related to the phrase “Making a mountain (or mistake) out of a molehill”?  Okay, okay…. One day I was riding my bike up our driveway and the septic guy was parked in front of the garage.  So I pulled into our little “back-up” area, which is pretty much packed dirt.  I parked it and started walking across the yard. The septic guy turned around and said, ”Your bike is falling (not, “it fell”).  I turned around just in time to see it hit the ground.  I had put my kickstand down in a covered-over mole hole…..

 Have you noticed any differences over the years of acceptance of female riders?
Not so much in acceptance; I’ve been riding 18 years on my own bike and it seemed like everyone thought it was pretty cool, especially the kids at school.  I’ve seen a big difference in the number of women riders.  I rode my own to the 1991 Oyster Run, and most of the bikes riding in were men only or women riding two-up.

 Any NCHOG memories that you’d like to share with the readers?
I think one that made the biggest impression was going to the Phoenix Burn Camp last year.  Kaitlan went too, and we all said we want to keep going back.

 Favorite ride ever taken?
I loved our ride to Sturgis in 2007, Curt and I and our friend Roger.  Except for a 30-minute wind and rain storm, I think we had fantastic weather the whole 12 days.  And I loved going to places I’d never been before.

 Besides riding your Harley, what fun activities do you enjoy?
I enjoy photography, nature and people doing what they do.  I used to sew a lot, but now I am having more fun making quilts.  I’m working on a Harley quilt right now.  I also used to really like running, training for longer runs (75 miles being the longest).  I’ve run and raised money for several cancer and diabetes fund raisers.  I figure the farther I run, the more money people will give me—it usually works.  But I hurt my knee 4 months ago and right now I can’t run at all.

 Any future bike trips planned?
2010 to Sturgis.  And this summer, a couple of LOH over-nighters should be really fun.  Over to Winthrop and back, for ice cream, is always fun.

 What are your future attainable goals?
Well, I got my 2009  1200 Low, so that goal’s been attained.  I’d like to travel to other parts of the US, on our Harleys of course. 

 Until next month, keep riding and making history you’re proud of!

As I said last month, well behaved women rarely make history...which brings us to this month’s interview with Debbie Fournier.  She has been an NCHOG officer and member for over 13 years.  Her bike may be the oldest in the club but ride she still does.  So hold onto your hats and read below!

How did you first get “initiated” into the Harley Family, and when?
My ex-husband got me involved in the Harley family…when we got together I started going to the meetings with him and then I got hooked.  That was back about 13 years ago.

You joined NCHOG in its early stage of existence. How has it changed and what do you enjoy most about membership in the club?
When I first got into the group it was a lot looser and things weren’t so political and all we really wanted to do is ride.  But now things have grown so much that it has become a great big family and we give so much to the charities that we all care about, which is great.  I really enjoy everyone in the group. This is my extended family and I know if I ever need any help they will all be there for me. That’s a real family.

What year is your Sportster, and tell us about your personalized customizing?
My Sportster is a 1989. When I got it, she was only 10 years old and now she is old as the hills…but I have her just the way I like her…broke in.  She is one-of-a-kind and is covered in black leather, fringe and pink braiding.  Of course, I shortened her 3 inches, not that I was too short, the bike was just too tall.

You’ve logged many miles on Harleys.  What is the funniest situation you’ve been in while riding/or a ride?
There have been so many of them that I really can’t pick just one...but I will try.  This one is for all the women, a woman’s worst nightmare.  Riding along the Texas and Mexican border, we stopped at a store and the owner told us to watch for animals on the road because it was going to rain.  I guess all the animals go to Mexico when it rains.  Anyway, we came over a little hill and the road was covered with spiders, yes ladies, hundreds of them…..big ones!  I can laugh about it now, but at the time….when I was picking legs and guts off my helmet and chaps it was not so funny!

What was your best motorcycle trip ever?
I had the most fun on all the posse rides. There were so many people from other countries. I got to know a lot of the executives from Harley and became good friends with a lot of people.  Most of all you get to see the most beautiful parts of the country that you don’t get to see ‘in a cage’.

When not out riding, what do you do for enjoyment?
We like music and we go dancing. I go blow money at the casino and we have discovered that there is no beating the little old ladies at the bingo hall!  I also enjoy my painting and making quilts.

Tell us about your business, and has the customized biker dog clothing line taken off?
I own Skagit Valley Canvas and Upholstery for over 30 years now.  I make custom marine canvas for big and small boats.  My passion is doing upholstery.  I enjoy turning something ugly into a beautiful piece of art.  My other business is Debbie’s Doggy Dudz, where I make dog clothes for the beloved pets.  Yes, they also need to wear leather! That’s in my spare time, which isn’t much lately.

What future plans do you have?
Well right now I am enjoying Bill, the new man that I have in my life.  He is sweet and kind and I plan on keeping him. What a lucky man he is.  I also plan on winning the lotto, that way I can retire and really enjoy the future.  Doesn’t everyone want that?  Then I can get a new bike!

Till next month, keep making history.

This month’s interview was with someone who no longer rides a Harley, but spends most of each day conversing and helping others with their bikes. He has worked for Skagit Harley-Davidson for almost 12 years, and is known by his nickname rather than his full name, Gary Raster. I had the pleasure of interviewing Gepp, and hope you’ll find it interesting, and take with you a better understanding of someone who helps make NCHOG a better club.

How did you get interested in working at Skagit Hartley, and how long have you been the helpful, friendly guy behind the parts department?
I started at Skagit HD in January of 1997. I was six months out of the Navy and not looking for anything to do. Ed, then Service Manager called me and asked if I might help for a week or so doing the annual inventory. I have had the pleasure of working for Gary in Parts ever since. You never know when a door will open!

With your knowledge of bikes, what advice would you give a new rider as to a recommendation first addition to a “stock bike”?
My first recommendation would be to open the intake and exhaust with something more free flowing than the stock stuff. The gain in power is great, plus a person gets that Harley sound.

What was y our first bike and do you wish you still owned it?
I had an older brother who emulated “Then Came Bronson” while I was growing up. He rode a Royal Enfield and Hondas. That plated the seed. I had a Honda 100 street and trail in the early ‘70’s. It used to whip the Aeromacchi/Harleys big time.  The bikes that I had and wish was still around were a Honda 350 Scrambler and my trusty ol’ shovelhead wide glide.

Share a little of your past life with us, and not necessarily just the juicy parts.
I was a high school dropout with no direction, so joined the Navy at 17. I recommend the armed forces for anyone. It gave me food and shelter while it MADE me mature. In the Navy I got a bachelor’s degree in aeronautics and a master’s in HRMD.  But after 22 years of leading people I wanted a low stress job in a field I enjoy. Hence, Skagit HD.

Being around bikes and riders all day long at work, how do you get through the warm sunny days that are meant to be out riding?
My wife and I both had Wide Glides. She developed medical issues years ago and had to give it up. I found that I wasn’t enjoying riding without her. So, we sold the bikes and now have a sports car that is a sunny day toy.

Most favorite motorcycle trip taken?
Dianne and I shipped our bikes to Minnesota and rode back through the Dakota’s, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho and Washington. We made the mandatory stops in Sturgis, Devil’s Tower, etc, etc, etc. In ten days we had 30 minutes of rain. The ride and scenery were fabulous, all done on back roads.

Most forgettable motorcycle trip taken?
Judy Ducken was thinking of buying a Hugger, which happened to be what Dianne rode at the time. Di was out of town, so I rode her bike to work for Judy to feel. On the way home I turned into a parking lot at 2 mph and locked up the front brake in sand. I put my hand down and dislocated all my fingers. The upside is that Judy bought a Hugger. I am still banned from ever riding
Dianne’s bikes.

What future plans do you and your wife have?
We travel internationally every year and plan to continue as long as we are able. If its 2000-3000 years old, we want to see it.

Nest month’s interview definitely has to be with a female, because as we all know, well behaved women seldom make history. Until next month, the History Guy.

This month’s interview is with Stan Bryant, a member since 2004.  Many folks know Stan for his soft spoken hellos and his sincerity.  I’m sure you’ll enjoy reading a little bit more about one of our great members.

Stan, other than riding a Harley, what keeps that perpetual smile upon your face?
In a word, I am greatly blessed.  I have a great wife, good housing, adequate income, good friends and family, a wonderful Harley, good health, and most of all, I have a firm Christian faith along with traditional values.  What's not to smile about?

Speaking of riding Harleys, how long have you been riding, and has it always been Harleys?
I was working in Portland, OR right after high school and a high school buddy had a Harley (I think it was a '35 or'36) and I rode behind him two-up a few times and I was hooked!  Whereupon I made one of many of my 18 year old decisions.  I traded my '36 Dodge in on a '37 Harley 74ci UL (flathead). Never having ridden before, they had to deliver it to me on Friday so I had the weekend to learn how to ride so I could go to work on Monday. Somehow, that worked. I then took time off for service (U. S. Air Force '52 to '56), a career, a family, and a divorce. In '74 I bought a Honda 350CL and a 90cc Honda for the kids.  Later I bought a '93 Honda VLX (600cc) and a year later a new '95 Honda VT1100. In 2004 I received clearance to buy a Harley.  Now I have a '05 Dyna Wide Glide.  (Lovin' it)  Total years riding is about 25 including 6 MSF courses.

Can you describe the one ride you’d like to revisit again?
My brother rode here in '05 to visit our mother.  We then rode to Arizona, where he is from, to attend the AZ State HOG rally, through Oregon, Nevada, Utah and Arizona.  I returned home solo through the same states but taking a different route.  The only rain I encountered was on my return ride between Republic and Tonasket for only about an hour

There have been rumors that your allegiance isn’t to the RED, WHITE, and BLUE. Any truth to these rumors, and if not, can you discreetly tell us how they started?
Oh, man.  Isn't this a fun thing?  I have only been in Canada 4 or 5 times.  The last time was in 1966 or 1967 and I was on a club SCUBA diving trip up the west coast of B. C. to Lund.  I have never been a Canadian citizen nor do I intend to be.  I am a true, blue RED, WHITE and BLUE American to the core.  This all started (I guess) on the '07 FBR.  During a lunch stop I ordered a cheeseburger with Canadian bacon.  One of my table mates picked up on that and I became a "Canadian" in his mind.  I won't say who it was but his initials are Tom Litka.  It has also been exacerbated by another HOG member whose initials are Don Carter. It doesn't seem there is an end to it. I think it's pretty funny.

What makes you proudest of being a member of North Cascade Hog?
When I first became a HOG member in November of '04, attending my first meeting, I was truly impressed that the meetings started and ended by a message from our chaplain. I am also four square behind the chapters no alcohol policy. (Although, I am by no means a teetotaler). Then there are the great meetings, lots of fun, lots of good information, safety topics and of course, the wonderful camaraderie with all the super members.  

Playing music is an important aspect of your life, how does motorcycle riding compare or differ?
Although the two activities are very different, they share a mental peace. In order to really enjoy either, one must concentrate totally on what is happening and be "ahead of the game", so to speak.  One must be aware of what is coming up ahead and what's happening right now.  You have to keep your head in the game.

Since I’m the “History Guy”, tell me something important from North Cascade’s past that you’d like to share.
I guess the thing in the past that I miss is Susie’s "bloopers".  She was so adept and innovative in her presentations.  Our new blooper people have a great tradition on which to build.

Tell us about the next ride you have planned.
Towards the end of April, Hill Hampton and I are planning on a trip to Arizona to visit my brother and some friends.  We'll undoubtedly see the great Utah parks and sights in Arizona as well.  We'll also see the Oregon and Washington coasts, I'm sure.  No definite route planned yet, so we may just ride day to day.  Isn't that the most fun? 

Stan, thanks for your time and thoughts.  I’ve enjoyed interviewing you for NCHOG posterity and all but a few members will be happy to know the true story behind Stan Bryant