News Letter 3 April 2012.pdf - Arabian Gulf Dubai Chapter #9266

Dubai Chapter
9266
NEWS LETTER
April 2012

DUBAI CHAPTER
9266
In This Issue
APRIL 2012
Directors Editorial! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Page 3
Editors Page! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Page 4
Ladies of Harley! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Page 5
Goodbye to friends! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Page 7
Your Committee! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Page 8
The Replacements! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Page 12
The New Road Crew! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Page 13
Safe Group Riding (Part 1)! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Page 17
Kings of the Road (Part 1)! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Page 21
Ask Oli - Problem Page! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Page 25
Whats’s Next ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Page 28
! PAGE 2

DUBAI CHAPTER
To all the HOG Dubai fans,
9266
Directors Editorial
It is with much enthusiasm that I write my first editorial of the HOG Dubai newsletter.
APRIL 2012
After the departure of many of our community pillars and friends the responsibility of running one of
the most successful and diverse HOG Chapter in the world is just mind blowing. When I say diverse
I mean in age, gender, culture & nationalities. You name it we have it...
Also you should be very proud to belong to one of the most active Chapter in the Europe, Middle
East and Africa zone, with 2 scheduled rides a week, 1 or 2 scheduled events / themed ride a
month, a Ladies of Harley event per month not to mention our ever popular members breakfast
meeting. Short rides, long rides, endurance challenges, rides to nowhere or to some fancy destinations
for a Shisha or just to be amongst friends you can find it in your Chapter.
The number of our members is also the largest in the MENA region and growing. I take this opportunity
to remind everyone that you must renew your Local membership to ensure we maintain
these statistics.
Fellow riders, I look forward to meeting you all and to have lots of fun riding together. You need information
or have any questions regarding your Chapter contact me on
Philippe.Montaubin@hogdubai.com
! PAGE 3

DUBAI CHAPTER
The Editors Page
A warm welcome
from Capt ‘Tank’
Sparrow!
Well, so much going
on as always
and trying to keep
up with what
must easily be the
most active HOG
Chapter….in the
World, well not
far off it!, isn’t
easy, savvy!
So looking forward
to the next few months and this years
finale of the coming year Election frenzy!
What with Big Kev Smith and so many others
gone, it was hard to get those boots filled
but it seems that some have indeed done a
most commendable job!
So support who you feel can assist the Chapter
to grow bigger and stronger for the 2012-
13 HOG Calander year and let’s make the
next 12 months yet another year to remember!
Hmmm, still waiting for a decent fancy dress
Ball though!
And don’t forget, it’s all about you, the members
who make this Chapter what it is! So get
any idea’s, stories, photo’s captions and or
more idea’s to us to put in the oncoming
HOG Dubai Newsletters!
That’s all Folks!
Till the next one J�
9266
I have been
reflecting on
the changes
and major
events that
we, as a
group, have
experienced
this season.
APRIL 2012
Firstly the
terrible motorcycle accidents that have been
prominent in our thoughts, our visitor, Bo
Sigurdsson Kufaas currently enduring weeks
of physiotherapy back in his home country.
More recently HOG Dubai Chapter member
Michael Anthony Trinidad recovering from
serious injuries in hospital here in Dubai, I
send my best wishes to both, and in particular
to Michaels wife Stephanie, let us not
forget our family and friends need to find the
strength to nurse loved ones back to full
health.
Secondly, over the season a number of our
stalwart Chapter members have moved on,
Kevin and Nina Smith, Mike and Zohreh
Bastow, Wayne Porteious, Marcel Bode,
Angie Whightman, all left the Chapter. For
those of us who remain, we welcome new
members, we see the dynamics of the group
change, but fundamentally we remain the
same, we all embrace a passion for our motorcycles
and this carousel of change, most of
us are economic migrants who find belonging
and society in our HOG Dubai Chapter.
I hope you enjoy this issue, thank you to
those who contributed, apologies to those we
have offended......
Vince.
! PAGE 4

DUBAI CHAPTER
9266
Ladies of Harley by Cindi Betzina
‘knowing we are all part of something greater than ourselves’
APRIL 2012
Ladies of Harley Slow Ride on January 20th brought families and
children together to share in our Friday activities. It was a fun ride
out with cool winds, overcast skies, and even a few drops of rain!
We headed off from our usual meeting point at the Al Wasl Enoc,
roughly 40 bikes, some newer riders, some seasoned riders, with a
spouse, a friend, or a kid, as pillion all looking for adventure and a
relaxing cruise.
The later starting time brought out many new faces for that day’s
ride. We had several cars full of babies, toddlers and moms that
extended our column to an ever greater expanse. ! ! !
! ! ! !
This ride was designed to create a myriad of riding experiences and a great route was planned by Oliver, who led us
through gentle back roads curves and downtown traffic challenges.
We set off and made our way towards Meydan,
winding through some of the back roads and on towards
Academic City, to our first fuel stop in Sharjah.
As we peeled off our helmets, kiddies piled out of
cars, mommies stretched their legs. We were excited
to share the fun they were having at getting this new
experience of joining a ride out with their Harley riding
parent! They were overjoyed at the idea of a
break and to share their excitement at seeing Daddy
or Mommy ride the roads of the UAE with the HOG
Chapter 9266. There was merriment and laughter
intermixed with gasps, hugs and tales of the road!
A light spattering of raindrops escorted us down the
Al Dhaid/Sharjah and Emirates Road until we pulled
into the Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club's beautifully
landscaped property. While passing a sign in the
lobby directing us to the awaiting lunch, a young boy
jokingly said 'Ladies of Harley?? I'm not a lady!!' That’s right buddy you aren't, but now you know Ladies of Harley
events means even you get to come out for a ride too!
! PAGE 5

DUBAI CHAPTER
The restaurant reserved for our group, was light,
airy and nicely decorated. It had great views from
picture windows overlooking the pristine golf course.
As we tucked into a delicious buffet lunch, with a
great spread of international fare you could hear lots
of laughter, from children and adults alike. Everyone
seemed to be having a great time and enjoying
good food, good company, HOG family style
We sauntered towards the parking lot, and several
people stopped to view the activity at the
indoor shooting gallery from an observation
lounge. With paintball, archery (indoor and
outdoor ranges), shooting, golf, pool, tennis,
basketball and golf all on offer there was a
spark of acknowledgement in all of us at the
exciting activities; it was more than just a restaurant,
the thrill factor of the sports that were
available was an added bonus. Comments
about organizing another HOG Dubai event at
this location were overheard a number of times.
9266
MARCH 2011
The next leg of our ride took us towards Ajman Port. We encountered
a youth marathon event while trying to make our way onto the Ajman/Sharjah corniche, and were detoured
into town and through traffic to get back on the coastal road towards the Sharjah border. This was challenging
for the column because the traffic, as usual, did not accommodate the patience needed to allow us all to stay
together. We eventually ended up, regrouped, on the corniche road where we cruised all the way around Al Khan,
Mamzar and onto the Dubai Corniche where the ride ended.
We said hearty farewells, with the customary handshakes, smiles and hugs as we parted to ride off into the sunset
going our separate ways, knowing we are all part of something greater than ourselves.
! PAGE 6

DUBAI CHAPTER
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Goodbye to Friends
Mike and Zohreh Bastow are the latest stalwarts of our Chapter to leave Dubai, for the past couple
of years Mike has been our Assistant Director and Head Road Captain, Zohreh the Chapter
Photographer. Fridays will not be the same, Mike cool, calm, collected, gives the pre-ride briefing,
were ready to go.....”GROUP PHOTO” shouts Zohreh as we all line up for the obligatory pre-ride
pose. The ride, Mike leading the pack, aways safe, controlled and fun, mementoes of the rides
recorded by Zohreh.
For some inexplicable reason,
Mike and Zohreh have relocated
to Italy. They are setting up a riding
tours business, of course
Mike will be procuring a fleet of
Harley-Davidson machines for
this purpose. Your Editors wonder
if the dreaded BMW’s will be
hidden in the barn, the shame
too much to bare, we also hope
one of the fleet will be Zohreh’s
vehicle of choice from this point
forward.
The BMW on its way to very long term storage in
the barn
APRIL 2012
Mike and Zohreh switch sand for snow...Mike’s moustache
trained to double as a hat!
Mike with Tour Bike No.1, both shipped safely from Dubai
! PAGE 7

DUBAI CHAPTER APRIL 2012
The Italian version of ENOC, Al Wasl Road?
Mr and Mrs Bastow’s venture, Piemonte
Bike Tours, based in Northern Italy, giving
access to magnificent riding, fabulous
roads and scenery, the Ligurian coastline,
Nice, Monte Carlo, and Monaco all within
easy reach of the tour base. Mike can be
contacted at
mikebastow@piemontebiketours.com, your
Editors will keep you informed of developments
and will carry regular Piemonte Bike
Tour advertisements, as such your Editors
will be expecting to take advantage of a
special ‘mega-discount package’ when we
visit Mike and Zohreh this summer.
Grand moustache / serious face competition, the winners podium.
I’m sure I speak for all of us wishing Mike and Zohreh every success with this
new venture, you’r both perfect for this role and we look forward to riding with
you again soon.
! PAGE 8

DUBAI CHAPTER
9266
APRIL 2012
Wayne Porteous has left Dubai after 10 ½ years in
the region, Wayne was our Safety Officer for many
years, although recently working in Abu Dhabi restricted
Wayne’s participation in our rides, Wayne has
been a tremendous supporter of our Chapter and has
worked hard for us over many years. Wayne and his
wife have have returned to their home country of Australia,
we all wish them both the very best and thank
you for your support over the years.
Angie Whightman, Harley-Davison Marketing Manager,
has left Harley-Davidson and Dubai and returned
to South Africa. Angie has been a fantastic supporter of the
HOG Dubai Chapter, helping us with most events and providing
back up and
support for
the group
and on an
individual
basis.
Whenever
the dealership
was visited,
Angie
always had
time for a
chat, found
either at her
desk or in
transit between the office and the smoking area outside the workshop.
Angie, keen to participate in riding and non-riding events, was always the life and soul of the party,
Angie’s enthusiasm is infectious, and Dubai’s loss is South Africa’s gain.
We all wish you every success and happiness, but we miss you and want you to come back to us.
! PAGE 9

DUBAI CHAPTER
9266
Marcel Bode, Dealer Principal and great supporter of our Chapter
has moved to pastures new, although still in Dubai, Marcel
has moved on from Harley-Davidson to dedicate himself to
Ducati. Now although most of us cannot understand why anyone
would want to move from the iconic H-D brand we all love to
another, at least Marcel has not gone to the dark side of four cylinder
motorcycles, and to be fair, Ducati has its own dedicated
following (apparently).
Marcel has been truly magnificent as Dealer Principle, attending
Chapter events, never avoiding the difficult questions at our
members meetings and underpinning everything the HOG Dubai
Chapter stand for.
Thank you Marcel, we wish you every success and hope to see you on the road.
This is just..... wrong
APRIL 2012
Members meeting question
time
“I did it my way ....”
! PAGE 10

DUBAI CHAPTER
9266
APRIL 2012
Finally, our very own iconic James ‘Roundabout’ Dulis has stood down as our Safety Officer.
James’ passion for riding, for Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and the work and hours James contributed
to the HOG Dubai Chapter may, by some, have gone unnoticed. James was always the
first to give advise and pass on his considerable riding experience to our new riders, our members
just had to pick up the phone and James would put time aside to offer new rider training,
keeping our newer, and more experienced riders, valuable instruction on staying safe when riding
in this difficult environment.
James has a great sense of fun, as the nickname ‘Roundabout’ suggests, always ready to laugh
at his own expense. It has been a pleasure to have had your support and guidance, your presence
on the committee will be missed. We all look forward to seeing you on the road.
Thank you James.
! PAGE 11

DUBAI CHAPTER
9266
The Replacements
APRIL 2012
Life goes on, Kevin Smith, Mike and Zohreh Bastow, James T. Dulis, and Marcel Bode have
left your committee, we have reorganized ourselves, here are new new key appointments,
along with your Editors suggested cartoon character....let us know if you agree or have any
suggestions for other committee members!
DEALER PRINCIPLE Steve ‘Family Guy’ Beattie
DIRECTOR Philippe ‘Captain Pugwash’ Mountbaine
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Oliver ‘Judge Dread’ Menzel
HEAD ROAD CAPTAIN Cecil ‘ Yosemite Sam ‘ Galloway
PHOTOGRAPHER Ahmad ‘Fred Flintstone’ Esfandnia
! PAGE 12

DUBAI CHAPTER
Head Road Captain
9266
The New Road Crew
APRIL 2012
We welcome Cecil Galloway as our new Head Road Captain. Ladies and Gentlemen of HOG Dubai, we’re in safe
hands.
Road Captains
Bill ‘The Lover’ Gilliam
Rides: Ultra Classic
Oliver Menzel
Rides: Road King and Fat Boy
Piotr Kaliszewski
Rides: Street Bob
Philippe Montaubin
Rides: Heritage Softail Classic
Cecil Galloway
Rides: Street Bob
! PAGE 13

DUBAI CHAPTER
Manjeet Kwatra
Rides: 1933 Flathead
9266
Road Captains
Jacob DeKlerk
Rides: Ultra Classic
Cindi Betzina
Rides: Ultra
Brian ‘Skippy’ Cross
Rides: Road King
Classic
APRIL 2012
Kevin Fisher
Rides: CVO Orange
! PAGE 14

DUBAI CHAPTER
9266
Road Marshals
Doug Ralph
Rides: Fat Boy
Sebastien Vincent
Rides: CVO Road Ki ng
Fadi ‘Ice Man’ Shallah
Rides: Road Ki ng Classic
George ‘Geordie’ McConnell
Rides: Rocker and Heritage Classic
APRIL 2012
! PAGE 15

DUBAI CHAPTER
9266
Road Marshals
Lennart Broman
Rides: V-Rod Special
Mark Tully
Rides: Softtail
Heritage Classic
Nehme Moujaess
Rides: Fat Boy Lo
Les Fairchild
Rides: Wide Glide
APRIL 2012
! PAGE 16

DUBAI CHAPTER
SAFE GROUP RIDING
THOUGHTS OF A ROAD CAPTAIN - PART ONE
- Part One -
-
Planning our routs, keeping us safe, making each ride a joy for all of us does not happen without our
Dubai Chapter Road Crew, Cecil Galloway our new Head Road Captain and new Crew,
facilitate our riding adventures.
New R.C. Brian ‘Skippy’ Crosse, veteran of the New Forrest HOG Chapter Road Crew in the UK, gives a
technical explanation of how our riding system works. Think we just turn up on Friday morning and ride
Read on........
Hi everybody, What a fine season we are having, with some great rides being
put on by our hard working Road Crew. The Dubai HOG Chapter seems to be
flourishing with ride attendances increasing dramatically. The aim of all HOG
Road Crews is to help all riders to enjoy their Harley on the open road whilst
providing the safest possible environment. The welcome increase in riders
means that we all have to remind ourselves that we hold our lives and that of
your fellow riders safety as the highest priority.
‘Safe’ = ‘Boring’ I hear some say, B*llsh*t to that I say!
APRIL 2012
Riding on a HOG ride, is a Team Event just like playing football, Rugby or Cricket and all riders/players have to know
what to do and what to look out for. When done properly a HOG ride can progress much more quickly than a disorganized
pack while maintaining the enjoyment for all riders. This article is intended to help you to understand the basic
principles of group riding but by no means is it the definitive view of the Dubai HOG Road Crew on the subject.
Parts of it have been plagiarized from other HOG groups because there is no point reinventing the wheel.
We are HOG and we speak the same language!!
I have been riding bikes for 30 years and before arriving in Dubai, I had the great honor of being part the New Forest
HOG Road Crew for several years and trained with the HOG MENA Riders Edge program in Oxford UK. From
experience I can tell you that there are many Harley clubs in the world but no other single club can put the numbers
of riders out onto the road every week as HOG.
I was asked by a couple of our Dubai HOG Chapter Committee Members to put a few words down to for all to discuss
and share my thoughts. New Forest HOG had over 800 members and would regularly attract 50 plus riders. To
cope effectively and safely with this the Road Crew is divided into four teams of three qualified Road Captains.
Each team would then be responsible for one week ends riding a month. This not only allowed the RC’s a break, but
had the positive affect that all RC gaining valuable experience and the club was not reliant on just one or two RC
providing the club with a healthy pool of knowledge. This is very appropriate in Dubai where we have a very
transient population.
! PAGE 17

DUBAI CHAPTER
9266
Road Captains are all volunteers that have reached a certain high riding standard. It is your responsibility to ensure;
a) The roadworthiness of your bike.
b) You are competent to ride a bike.
c) You know the current road legislation.
Many riders can feel intimidated and reluctant to participate in a group ride because they are not really sure how it is
actually done. Having participated they become aware that there is a lot more going on than readily meets the eye.
Participating in a group ride is not the same as going for a ride with your riding buddies. The people you normally ride
with are almost always compatible. After all, that is one of the main reasons you ride together. The objective of a
group ride is for everyone to have fun, however the safety of the group is paramount and riders must be prepared to
ride at a safe pace.
Be sure that you are aware of where the ride is going and the distances involved if you wish to participate. You may
not want a 200 mile round trip, or a 50 mile potter.
If you feel unhappy during a ride out or are concerned about anything then you should speak to either a Road Captain
or The Safety Officer at a scheduled stop.
Roles and Responsibilities
APRIL 2012
Lead Road Captains
Most rides will be lead by a LRC and a Pathfinder - The Lead Road Captain (LRC) is responsible for setting an
example for the group. The LRC must exercise total control over their own riding preferences and follow the ride plan
while simultaneously providing clear direction to the group, constantly monitoring the group for trouble, or any situation
which could result in an unsafe condition. In short, the LRC must act in the most disciplined and safest manner
possible.
The LRC always rides at the left front position so that they have the best view of the route of travel.
Unless the road width reduces where they will use all the road available, following riders will be in
two columns riding in staggered formation.
• The LRC sets the pace according to the ride plan, which should indicate a comfortable speed within the limit.
a) A slow initial pace is needed after any stop so as to not create gaps in the group, and to avoid the ‘elastic’/
bungie effect.
b) Riders at the back of the group may have to ride a little faster to ‘catch up’ if gaps develop in the main group.
c) It is dangerous for the LRC to set too slow a pace, which impedes traffic causing frustration to other road users.
• The LRC determines both the direction and lane of travel on a dual carriageway or motorway. The LRC is responsible
for clearly and in a timely manner signaling all changes in lane use, direction, and hazards.
• The LRC and Back Rider carry some basic emergency equipment such as a first aid kit. Other items such as;
flash light, canteen, mobile phone, maps of the general area, basic tools, and whatever else is appropriate for the
particular ride.
• The next rider in line replaces the LRC in the event that they do have to drop out, until relieved by another road
Captain. There must always be a competent person ‘in charge’ of the ride.
• The LRC may deviate from the ride plan as covered at the pre-ride meeting if safety considerations so indicate.
• When larger groups ride out a second lead rider will ride behind the first or Pathfinder rider, this rider will be a
road captain and will indicate where following riders will “Drop Off” using the Second Man Drop Off System
! PAGE 18

DUBAI CHAPTER
9266
APRIL 2012
The LRCs primary objective is to ensure that the safety of the group. Any rider that rides in a manner deemed
unsafe by any Road Captain will be asked to leave the group.
Back Rider and Sweep/Runner –
The Back Riders where ever possible will work as a pair and will be distinguished from other Road Captains by a different
colour High visibility Jackets, they bring up the rear of the ride group. Often the Sweep will be the most experienced
RC in the group or even the HRC (Head Road Captain). From which position he can monitor the whole ride
and move (run) forward if there are any problems.
• The Sweep Rider always rides at the left rear position so that they have the best view of the group and route
of travel.
• The Back Rider maintains the pace according to the ride plan and the pace established by the LRC.
• The Back Rider is responsible for determining when the group is ready to leave the start location, and any intermediate
stops. They signal to the LRC to proceed and watch out for traffic until the entire group is underway.
• Should any rider need to stop the Sweep will stop with that rider allowing the remainder of the ride to continue.
No more than one rider should stop to help or provide assistance, as it is generally not safe for a larger group
to park along the side of the road. If at all possible, the Back Rider will wait with the rider until assistance arrives
then continue.
• The next rider in line replaces the Back Rider if they have to drop out for any reason. There must always be a
competent person in the Back Rider position.
Road Captains – A very large group may make it advisable to divide the riders into smaller groups of motorcycles
and assign one or more Road Captains. They function under the direction of the LRC, as leaders of their assigned
group.
• A Road Captain always rides at the left front position of their group so that they have the best view of the
LRC, the riders ahead, and the route to travel.
• A Road Captain in essence takes over as LRC for their group should the main group become divided due to
traffic conditions, stop lights, etc. They function as the LRC for their group and all other groups following them
until they are able to rejoin the main group. All rules that apply to the LRC apply to the Road Captain while
they function in that capacity.
• Road Captains have responsibility for the following;
ü� Creating the opportunity and the road space required for other motorists to safely pass through the group
in order to exit or enter the route of travel.
ü� Ensure that the traffic laws and safe riding techniques are being observed.
ü� Help break up, and re-form the group as a result of traffic lights, stops signs, traffic conditions etc. They
should take over temporary leadership of any stray riders resulting from one of these conditions as soon
as safety allows.
ü� Help pass all signals from the LRC to the following group of riders.
! PAGE 19

DUBAI CHAPTER
PARTICIPATING IN THE RIDE
9266
• All riders are responsible for their own safety at all times and will be required to ride in a safe manner
or leave the ride.
• Dress or pack according to weather conditions.
• All riders are expected to insure that their bike is in a safe and roadworthy condition with a full tank of fuel, and
ready to go at the start of a ride.
• All riders are responsible for attending the pre ride brief and should arrive at the departure point in time to hear
the “Pre Ride Briefing” and to familiarize themselves with any maps or written instructions that may be provided.
This contributes to a safer ride and adds to the enjoyment.
• The normal riding formation will be the ‘staggered’, formation as provides the best safety margin of reaction
time and space as each rider only uses 1/3 of the lane.
• Heavy, very slow traffic may require that you ride in a single column for a very short distance. A staggered
formation complete with a safe interval should be immediately adopted as soon as conditions allow.
• Everyone should obey speed and traffic laws at all times.
• Riders should not speed up suddenly should a gap develop between them and the bike in front. Rather, they
should accelerate slowly until they catch up and are back in position. This will help prevent the riders at the
back from over reacting and possibly running into the group.
• All riders must clearly signal the Back Rider if they decide to leave the ride for any reason. Don’t make the
Back Rider wonder if you are having trouble and follow you to see if they can help.
• Riders should signal a Road Captain when they have to pull over for an emergency.
• Riders should not overtake other riders and should never cross from side to side.
FORMATION RIDING
General Guide
Staggered Riding – The lead motorcycle (LRC) should be in the left front 1/3 lane, the second motorcycle in the
right 1/3 lane, and so on. The two lead riders should ride slightly ahead of the pack to allow time for following riders
to see the drop off instructions.
Each rider should leave enough room for the motorcycle in front of them to make a left or right maneuver without
danger of hitting the next motorcycle in line. Typically, you should leave a minimum of about a motorcycle and a half
length between you and the next motorcycle in your (1/3) lane whenever possible. Another way of stating this is that
you should have at least a 3 second interval between you and the next bike directly in front of you, and at least an
11/2 second interval between you and the bike to your left or right front. This time or distance interval is of course
adjusted for speed and wet conditions.
Stay in line with the bike in front of you, and do not switch between left and right side of the lane.
Passing Other Vehicles – Pre-position yourself for the pass by being far enough behind the vehicle you are going to
pass to be able to see clearly down the road for an “oncoming traffic check”. Signal, mirror check, and then a “Life
Saver” head check of your blind spot, so make sure no one is passing you. Accelerate into the space and change
lanes, (remember that legally you aren’t supposed to exceed the speed limit).
When returning to your lane, make a mirror check and a head check, to be sure that there is sufficient space between
you and the vehicle that you are passing, and anyone else that is also making a pass, before you move. Resume
your lane riding position and continue to keep a good distance ahead of the vehicle you have overtaken as the following
rider will need to get back in lane too.
No more than one motorcycle should pass at the same time.
To be continued in your next news letter....
APRIL 2012
! PAGE 20

DUBAI CHAPTER
9266
Kings of the Road - 2,500KM in 36 hours. Part 1
By Suzi Mercien-Ferol
The Royal Crowning...from Princes to Kings..
APRIL 2012
the Race against Time...
Wissam “Wissdel” Zebian -­‐ Road King Classic
Philippe “Le Gaulois” Montaubin -­‐ SoNail Heritage Classic
Dominique “Papy” Gandilhon -­‐ Road King Classic
Olivier “Freddo” Mercien-­‐Ferol -­‐ Fat Bob
SebasTen “Nounours” Vincent -­‐ Road King CVO
Beep, beep, beep, beep (alarm clock sounds) ...it is now 2.00am...Time to get your ride on...
Tensions mount, adrenalin is high, blood is pumping as the Frenchtas6c 5 meet at the tradi6onal HOG mee6ng
point at ENOC Sta6on on Al Wasl Rd, Dubai. The Chinese camera crew is there already at 2.30am with spotlights
and microphones filming the excited faces. The Arabic film crew is right behind them…they have no idea of what a
long, crazy voyage is in store for them! Interviews start, cameras in6midate at first, but adds to the hype of the
moment. Cheers to Wissam & Kei for geSng the challenge started right!
The 5 “Princes” don their reflec6ve vests, and their 3 support “Princesses” load up the car for the ride of their lives
through the deserts of the UAE and Oman...they make way to the petrol pumps at 3.55am for the official first fill
up, complete with receipt with star6ng odometer reading, 6me and date.
0-­‐600kms – Mountains, Borders, and Trucks!
It is now 4.00am...Petrol-­‐check. Helmets-­‐check. Bike-­‐check. Let’s roll
Like Ninjas on the a]ack, the 5 HOGs drive swi^ly and quickly through the back streets of Dubai
and wind their way through the HaDa mountains before reaching the Oman border in record
6me. Unfortunately the Chinese film crew fell behind at a traffic light just a few minutes a^er
the departure, but they caught up and bid farewell and good wishes at the Oman border cross-­‐
ing. Tick tock...precious minutes dri^ away into the early dawn as the tedious border crossing
costs vital 6me. On the UAE side it is night, on the Oman side it is day. But soon enough the
Harley pipes start roaring and find themselves on Oman roads and the real adventure begins.
! PAGE 21

DUBAI CHAPTER
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APRIL 2012
The 5 bikers are surrounded by traffic as the peak 6me, early morning traffic hits the Oman roads as they head to-­‐
wards Muscat on Route 1. Like snakes through the jungle, the bikers avoid the camera flashes, and dodge the
dangerous and obnoxious cars to make it through the city of Shinas. The Arabic film crew became sweepers as
they protected the boys from behind…very impressive! Finally out of the city and into the mountains for some
freedom on the roads towards Sohar and As Sib.
600kms – 1000kms – Easy Rider, Stars, Desert and Coast
It is now 12.00noon. Enjoy the ride..
The picturesque landscapes embrace the riders and they forget
their petrol and 6me woes and enjoy the ride. Fresh air, blue
sky, mountains, open roads with no speed limit – what more
could a biker ask for…
At 2.40pm the bikers finally stop to celebrate the 805kms in 12
hrs (Easy Rider) – not a petrol sta6on to be seen so a group
photo at 900kms next to the Camel at the Baobab tree will
have to suffice! What a breeze….
For the moment, toilets & petrol can be found here and there, but as
soon as the coastal route stops short of Muscat (the tourist visit will be
for next 6me...), and heads inland on route 23 towards Bidbid, and
then route 27 to Sinaw the great search for gas starts to toughen up as
GPS, maps and locals are contradictory and distance between gas
sta6ons could have the boys stranded in the desert and the challenge
jeopardized. Like magnets, the bikes are drawn to each petrol sta6on
to top up – in fear of passing the one sta6on, which may just end it
all. Safe? Yes. Time efficient? Costly…
Back on the bikes, bit of a stretch, with the first challenge com-­‐
pleted, the boys are in fine form. But the sandy, rocky terrain goes on, and on, and on, and on...at least seeing the
goats and the locals trying to catch the wild camels keeps their minds on the never ending roads.
The Harley boys are fast becoming local STARS as
they become the most fascina6ng thing that the
local’s have ever seen. 5 bikes, 3 women and a
camera crew! (Which is the most fascina6ng???)
Every petrol sta6on comes alive as the locals stare
in awe at these ‘beasts’. Hands whisk to their
sandy ears as the pipes vibrate. Eyes gleam at a
dream they will may never realise… they try and
converse with their limited English… “Hello, How
are you?” Smile, nod, smile, nod…They are so in-­‐
trigued with these foreigners that arrive in full glory at their local hangouts…fortunately Wissam fills them in on the
story in Arabic.
! PAGE 22

DUBAI CHAPTER
9266
APRIL 2011
The Wahibi Sands desert touches the bikers flanks, and bikes are at 70 degree angles as they ba]le with sand and
wind for what seems an eternity towards Mahut and Ad Duqm and the Coastal Road. Coast? Did anyone say there
was a coast around here, somewhere….oooh there it is – oh gone… This was supposed to be the change of scenery
that the Frenchtas6c 5 desperately needed to get a reprieve from the beige blanket that surrounded them. But at 5
pm and 13 hrs of riding, all they got was a flash of blue…
1000kms – 1600kms – Petrol, Police & PoliTcs
It is now 5pm. You’re falling behind. Allez les Bleus!!
As the Dubai HOGs keep heading south towards Salalah and
pass Nahkit along the coastal road on route 41, (well suppos-­‐
edly a coastal road as they didn’t see much coast??), petrol
pressure kicks in. Strategically, they need to go past their in-­‐
tended route to cross back inland, to secure some petrol before
they retrace their steps and head back across the desert via
Saba to route 39 so they can make it to the next gas sta6on on
that route.
A^er passing a burning truck on the side of the road, commo-­‐
6on breaks loose, as warm-­‐hearted locals want to save the day
and advise to take route 41 all the way to Salalah, and not cross
back inland – “it’s faster to Salalah, follow me”. Yet Google
Earth shows a road completely covered in sand, and friends say this road was not yet finished. Who to believe? A
local in a 4WD who was heading off in that direc6on himself and wants them to follow? Or Google maps & friends
who know the right condi6ons for bikes? It seemed like the whole town of Al Jazer became abuzz with trying to
help the HOGs. The locals are so friendly and you can see they just want to help. But as always, safety first, and at
1200kms into the adventure, the Frenchtas6c 5 headed out courageously into the pitch black desert night, retracing
their steps and s6cking to their well thought out plan to find the next petrol sta6on.
! PAGE 23

DUBAI CHAPTER
9266
It is now 10pm. All petrol staOons are now closed.
WHAT!
APRIL 2012
Mouths hit the ground, stomachs wrench, eyes bulge as the Omani police de-­‐
liver a massive blow, “All petrol sta6ons in the small towns of Oman are now
closed. You may find some open in the bigger towns about 300 kms from
here!” Hopes are dashed… faces reek despair as the bikers stand s6ll in the
desert night not knowing what to say. They have about 80kms le^ in their
tanks…
But wait a minute – they are HOGS, and Dubai Chapter HOGs to say the least!
‘This small town sta6on may be closed, but it is OUR ride, and we didn’t come
all this way to give up now!” Those pipes took a bea6ng as the riders sped off
into the night determined not to give in.
They opt to head for the small town of Marmul along route 39 – they have
just enough petrol to make it. Around midnight they find the gas sta6on on
the map, but of course it is closed. As usual though, like fish to water, the
friendly locals sprawl out of their homes to find leather-­‐clad men on a mis-­‐
sion to find petrol. “Do you know the petrol sta1on a2endant? Where does
he live? Can you go get him and fast?” Soon, a li]le man comes running to-­‐
wards the anxious bikers… trying to open this door, and that door, but with
no luck – where are his keys? His disappears back into the night and comes back shortly with a grin! The whole vil-­‐
lage cheers as the bikes take a well-­‐deserved drink! Massive thanks to the town of Marmul for their generous sup-­‐
port! You Omanis are adorable
he next two towns were the same. Sleepy-­‐eyed, but friendly a]endants save the challenge at 2.20am at Thumrayt
(the turning point to head back north) and 3.30am at Dawkah on route 31!
But geSng there was the toughest part. Bodies are aching, but they can handle that. It’s the fa6gue that weighs
heavily on their eyelids as they fight to keep their concentra6on on the road and to keep their bike upright. They
cringe as they see the headlights of an oncoming car, hoping that it remains on the other side of the road. Hoping
that the driver is not as fa6gued as they are. Each rider has a moment when they think that it is over – that they
can’t con6nue…but for the sake of the team, they find the
It is now 3.27am – CongratulaOons SebasOen. At
1610kms you now have an Iron BuW!
Find the conclusion of this epic ride in the seasons
final news letter in May.
! PAGE 24

DUBAI CHAPTER
9266
Problem Page’s
Ask Oli.
HOG Dubai Chapter not only take care of our chapter family on the road, but also cares deeply
about every aspect of our lives, none more so than Assistant Director / AcOviOes Officer / Road
Captain, Oliver Menzel.
Here Oli offers sound, straight talking advise in response to our members problems, this gives Oli
Friday Morning ride:
Dear Oli,
APRIL 2012
I hope you can help, I usually don’t write to problem pages but when I heard you were offering
advice, I thought who be]er....
A few Fridays ago, I le^ home at 6.00am and rode my Sportster Low to the ENOC sta6on mee6ng
point leaving my husband sleeping soundly, about 2 kilometres down the road my Sportster’s en-­‐
gine cut out and I had to walk back home to get my husbands’ help, when I opened the door I
could not believe my eyes, my husband was in our bedroom with the neighbour’s daughter. I am
32 and my husband is 34, the neighbour’s daughter is 19, we have been married for 10 years.
When I confronted my husband he admi]ed they have been having an affair for six months. He
will not go to counselling and I’m afraid I am a wreck and need advise urgently. Can you help?
JF, Jameria.
Dear JF,
A Sportster stalling aBer being driven a short distance can be caused by a
variety of faults with the engine, start by checking the fuel lines, if it is
clear check the vacuum pipes and hoses on the intake manifold. If none
of these approaches solves the problem, it could be that the fuel pump
itself is faulty, causing low delivery pressure to the injectors.
I hope this helps,
Oli.
! PAGE 25

DUBAI CHAPTER
Facial Hair
Dear Oli,
9266
APRIL 2012
Some 6me ago I decided to grow a real
biker’s moustache for the Hajjar Rally,
a^er months of growth I was very happy
with the result and the moustache and I
had a wonderful 6me at the Rally. How-­‐
ever my wife and three children, aged 6,
14 and 17, are all a li]le frightened by
my new appearance and want me to re-­‐
vert back to my clean shaven old self, I
am really enjoying my moustache and
don’t want to say goodbye to it but I
also don’t want to frighten my chil-­‐
Dear K,
dren.
You have not said if your wife and children are here
K, Al Barsha.
under your sponsorship, I would assume they are. If
this is correct I would suggest you cancel your family
visa and repatriate your wife and three children back
to the home country. You will then be free to enjoy
your moustache and have more 1me to ride your bike.
You also may wish to get some piercings and ta2oo’s
which will compliment the facial hair.
Let me know how this works out for you.
Oli.
! PAGE 26

DUBAI CHAPTER
Love Story
Dear Oli,
Dear Anonymous,
9266
You disgust me -­‐ send me your name and chapter membership
details, at the next members mee1ng you will be formally and
publicly ejected from the chapter.
Oli.
APRIL 2012
I am new to biking and a very new member of the 9266’ers, I am also newly married and love my
wife more than life itself. Both my wife and I work very hard, we are trying to save enough money to
look a^er our aging parents. I had been working extra hours for the past six years to allow me to put
aside a few Dirham’s each month so I could buy my Harley-­‐Davidson, a dream I have had since child-­‐
hood. Now my dream is realised, I have a 2010 Dyna Wide Glide and I am delighted with the bike, it
is a real pleasure to ride this iconic motorcycle. Before I bought my bike, my beloved wife and I
would spend wonderful Fridays together (this is the only day we are both not working), the days
were full of love and happiness, we would pass the 6me by gazing lovingly into each other’s eyes, it is
like gazing into the soul of an angel. Each Friday I help my wife with the household chores and shop-­‐
ping then we sit on the beach and read poetry to each other, in the a^ernoon we dedicate our 6me
to the welfare of others not as fortunate as ourselves, making us appreciate the love, tenderness and
respect we have for each other. My problem is I want to ride with you guys, but also want to spend
6me with my wife, what shall I do?
Anonymous.
Keep those le]ers flowing, I will honestly answer more next issue......Oli.
Important Disclaimer:-­‐
the views and replies here-­‐in are in no way the views or ideas of such said individuals and are indeed based upon the intellectual unanimity of said
ins6gators of such dialectal delight inasmuch as Pandora’s diatribal plethora-­‐6c ensueable intent, as to have none other than the envisager,
him and or herself to be mentally ensconced upon or indeed interned by that which one may albeit deemed as suitable/inscrutable/downrightdastardly.
TTL/VM
! PAGE 27

DUBAI CHAPTER
9266
What’s Next?
Our Chapter activities don’t just happen, a lot of work and planning goes into making our
rides, safe and fun, we have discount deals with most, if not all, of our usual Friday morning
ride breakfast stops, the routes are planned to give the best all round riding experience.
Our Road Captains keep us safe and our Activity Officers organise, negotiate and
arrange the events we all enjoy.
So, just what is it that we have in mind for the next
Our World Famous Friday Ride, yes
you guessed it.......every Friday
Tuesday night rides, ...depending on having
availability of Road Captains...let them know
HOG NEW YEARS EVE PARTY........IF ITS ANYTHING LIKE THE 2012 PARTY
DON’T MISS IT...Date to be confirmed!!!!!!!!
OOOps, a little early me thinks!
MARCH 2011
HOG Dubai Election 2012 - 13 Frenzy!
Get picking your candidate for the
mandate
Lets have a popular pole (pardon the
pun Piotr!)
We will do w write up on your favorite
top five!
4th May, Members Meeting, always great way
to catch up with what’s going on.
! PAGE 28