News | Alice Springs HOG

A Light Delight Ride

Duktape | 23rd December 2018

Christmas Light Ride:-

With a small number of the Chapter still in Alice to contend with an expected Christmas hot enough to melt the wax outta old Santa’s ears it turned into a fun night starting at the Golf Club for Sunday Dinner while we waited for Sundark O’clock. The ABC was keen to take a bit of footage thus Dobbie and I attended to the interview which may or may not air depending on the questions asked. “Where are all the light displays Dobbie?”, “Light shines out of his arrrrskeme nicely and I’ll show you”…………..

Once the light faded ’twas a jolly bunch of riders with Duktape to the front and Dobbie taking up the rear. Oh! no wait, Erin took the rear on account of not being interested in sharp turns around the Cul-de-Sac’s. The ABC followed to take advantage of our local knowledge of where the lights were at (that’s Centralian for “Lets Wing It” as no one did a pre-run) and Russ n Michelle’s family followed in a Tinsel Jeep Wrangle permitted to join only because they carried an esky with correct weight in beverages. Rolf and Di also drove on account of sending their bike on to a their new home in Chihuahua (or is it Chinchilla?). Wayback Harry’s bling bike was unrivalled tonight with lights flashing brighter than the red light district of Amsterdam.

Highlight displays were in Kempeana Crescent – make a note for next year, the Corner of Larapinta and Bradshaw and in Ridges Estate Albrecht Drive. Word was placed in the ear that at the end of Albrecht Drive a young family with a modest display had a brood of young kids keen to see the Harley’s so we dropped in to give the kiddies a treat. White toothy smiles split the moonlight like the Chestershire Cat as they took turns at sitting on bikes althewhile riders panicked about bare leglets on hot chrome pipe as we were not prepared to hear “Auld Lang Syne” in screaming symphony at this hour.

Christmas Light Ride

Duktape | 21st December 2018

Christmas Light Ride Sunday 23rd December 2018

Meet at the Alice Springs Golf Club 6:30pm

Reserved table for 12 to 20 members so no dramas.

Ride starts at Sundark time.

RDA Shed Opening

Duktape | 9th December 2018

Riding for the Disabled helps people with all kinds of disabilities from Down Syndrome to Post Traumatic Shock and every thing else. For years kids have had to ride in the blazing saddles under a 40degree sun. Not anymore, local support and donations have helped the Central Australian RDA centre become the envy of Australia with this magnificent undercover riding facility.

Our sponsored horse “Harley” is a favourite amongst the kids, he has personality and likes to play and seems to like his work. A handful of members attended the opening ceremony and stayed for cake and nibbles. Ulysses Club also sponsor a horse bearing it’s name thus it is excellent to see the Motorcycle Clubs of Alice Springs getting behind this worthwhile local cause.

Steel Horses

Harley, Zeus and Ulysses

“Harley” Sponsored by HOG Alice Springs Chapter

Zeus

Zeus watches the Cutting

A Big New Shed

2018 Toy Run Hot

Duktape | 8th December 2018

This years Toy Run gathered at the new starting point at the Alice Springs Golf Club. So many bikes of all shapes and sizes showed off their Christmas Bling as they led Big Al Santa astride a Honda Goldwing ridden by our oldest member Neverready. Thanks for the loan Kerry Noll it made for a comfortable posterior posie for the big fella in the 40 odd degree heat. T’was lucky I had studied the route as it was thrown on me last minute to lead the parade. The trip was cut in half this year expecting the full fury of the sun to be upon us but it was actually reasonably pleasant with the wind providing relief. The townsfolk were also cheery today as the entourage progressed through Hartley Street and Gregory Terrace then bacdk to the Golf Club for a refreshment.

A big Thanks for Coming to the Motorcycling Community of Alice Springs.

The Purple Santa Mobile

I’ll show you mine if you’ll show me yours

Tired little Elves

2018 Toy Run Route Announced

Duktape | 7th December 2018

The Alice Springs Motorcycle Toy Run Route has a slight change from all other years.

Saturday 8th December Depart Golf Club 10am the ride takes this order.

Cromwell Dr -> Leichhardt Tce -> Stott Tce -> Sadadeen Rd -> Spearwood Rd -> Undoolya Rd -> Kurrajong Dr -> Undoolya Rd -> Sturt Tce -> Schwarz Cres -> Stuart Hwy -> Wills Tce -> Hartley St -> Gregory Tce -> Todd St -> Gap Rd -> Tom Brown Roundabout -> South Tce -> Stephens Rd -> Barrett Dr -> Cromwell Dr -> Golf Club

2018 Christmas Toy Run

Duktape | 10th November 2018

All Bikes Welcome

Join the Alice Springs HOG Club with the enthusiastic Motorcylce Riders of Central Australia to raise money for the Salvation Army Christmas Appeal. All motorcycle Marques, Makes, Models of a Road Registered nature are welcome.

Dress up your Bike in Christmas Spirit or Dress yourself in anything crazy to stand out in the crowd.

$10 donation or a non battery operated NEW Toy.

Monthly Meeting Date & Venue Change

Duktape | 12th September 2018

VENUE CHANGE – DATE CHANGE

The October meeting is moved to the Golf Club due to cars being vandalised at the Plaza Carpark.

The new date is also changed to Wednesday October 3rd due to room bookings at the golf club. This will remain the venue unless the new committee want to test other venues.

Meeting at 7:30pm or come early for dinner.

Meeting room is around the bar to the right.

THIS DOES NOT AFFECT THE AGM. The AGM is at the Todd Tavern this Sunday at 2pm.

Meet at Liberty for a Pre Ride around the Honeymoon Loop finishing with lunch at the Tavern.

Alice Springs Chapter AGM

Duktape | 26th August 2018

The Time and Date have been set after books were completed and handed to the director on wednesday Aug 22nd, 2018.

The current Committee will once again Vacate all Positions after the September monthly meeting and Vote in your new 2019 Committee.

Please consider having a Go at being on the Committee as new ideas keep the club strong. Absentee nominations may be presented to the Current Director or Secretary.

Date: Sunday September 16th, 2018

Time: 2pm to 4pm

Available Positions: Director / Assistant Director / Secretary / Treasurer / Ladies of Harley / Activities Officer / Web Master / Editor / Safety Officer / Photographer / Head Road Captain

The Tilmouth Tango

Duktape | 12th August 2018

Tales from the Dukside:- The Tilmouth Tango.

Tilmouth Roadhouse is just a short 188k ride on the Tanami Hwy and doesn’t usually attract many riders to come out. Thus was the case when Crackers lobbed at Liberty Servo and sat with nobody on the curb waiting for the multitude that is I to turn up. 9am start but wait, is that the sound of Neverready’s Road King? Yep, 3’s a good number so on the road we go.

Now this is not the most exciting piece of tar but alertness is a good thing with Grey Nomads and Road Trains taking up most of the single lane sections. The road is more straight than a Jacks on the rocks but the ranges are painted in colours of pale dried grass, purple and browns, with grassy plains in front creating a 3k corridor of open views from the saddle, awesome. A couple of burnt wrecks along the way shows the bush mechanics had some frustrations as we sat behind 4 followers of the Leyland Brothers with camp trailers and no lane to overtake them. A roadside stop at the 140k mark put some distance between us.

Once gloves were warmed on the cylinder heads it was time to move again. Just 10k down the road a Cement Haulin’ son of the steering wheel was stopped in the middle of the single strip of imitation highway changing out a dolly. Stainsy’s Transport doin’ the right thing, the verges are soft an Likely to cause difficulties in the exchange. Kick down into off-road gear and passed off the left bank.

40k’s out the gates of throttle open to 2 lanes of bitumen in prestine condition. With the tail wind on full tap it was a chance to put in a faster final approach. A familiar Fat Boy stood alone at the front of the Roadhouse, and no sooner did one step off the leather and chrome the eyes came upon Perfect Peter and Jeanette. A naughty night out apparently! They’d ridden out yesterday and spent the night, “Say No More!”.

Analysis:- The big breakfast is a BIG breakfast and at just $19.50 a plate it was worth the ride out. Next time come out to play wowsers! Just coz it was a old 17 degrees doesn’t mean it isn’t a good day to ride.

The way home was mostly the same as going out but with one extra bike. I should put in a good word for the many oncoming cars that slowed down as we crossed paths but likewise “Stay home you arseholes who kept up the 100kph throwing up red dust and rocks in your wake”. A black feral cat rushed across from left to right. Peter at the front swerved across to see if he could hit it dodged back at the last minute wondering if it is worth the claws dug into his calves as the front wheel flicked the savage feline up. Another great day out.

Til next ride, punks. Duktape.

Wheels North Lads

Water don’t taste like beer, best not to drink it.

Fatboy Slim and Crackers

One buck ninety five or push the bike?

Or you could buy a bike with a 22litre tank.

FOBbed Off

Duktape | 5th August 2018

Tales from the Dukside:-

FOBbed Off:

Big Kev put out a call for an unscheduled ride gratefully received by many but today was that day when keen as you are and ready sat down on the Heritage seat I turned the ignition on and Beep Beep Beep goes the alarm. Flat battery in the FOB. Go to the cloak room for the other FOB, Beep Beep Beep! @#%$ @#%$ @#%$…… Right, I had a battery for the Townsville Rally. Nope, can’t locate it. Ahh, battery kit in the car for work. Nope AA’s and AAA’s only. Text Kev and Marty, I may not make it – Marty offers his Road King, tempted but figured I’d go to the servo for a battery. Woke the missus who say’s she may have on. Good To Go.

At Liberty was Mouthguard, Kev, Russ, Michelle plus friend and Rolf who said he had bike problems too, hmm might be the FOB. Yep, so he goes to Supercheap to get a battery. Erin came in the car ignoring the opportunity to go ride while Dobbie is out of town. Anyone else?? Marty Neverready is late but we all left together. A perfect day for a ride (as is everyday) and it was nice to see Michelle atop her own wheels, she’d “borrowed” Dave Batic’s bike for Elly’s Ride last weekend and liked it so asked for another. A nibble HD 1200 she felt comfortable riding as the Road King she’d bought for Townsville was too heavy for her.

Kev and Mouthguard were in a hurry to get a feed so took off from 8HA, the rest of us sat below 120 clicks for a cruise. Upon destination Mouthguard’s left spotlight had come adrift (not the first time it’s don this) and at breakfast he says “hey Duktape? Got some Duct Tape?”. As if he needed to ask. Does dog shit stink?? I’ll give him the tip, he wrapped that light like he was gonna do 100 miles per hour home. On ya Mate!.

Ol Mate was a bit pissed off at breakfast though, see Mouthguard likes to get there first so he can order first. Nothing gets him riled up like getting his meal last, “I ordered breakfast and got lunch” he goes. You happy now Sharon? Off-Road? (The two candidates most likely to not get their meals at all when there’s a crowd.

Marty was a bit keen today so went on the Erldunda, Kev and Mouthguard blasted home with Rolf in tow. Upgrade was in a hurry coz Di’s arriving at the airport at 1pm. Michelle put on a good pace at 125kph but couldn’t catch the boys and Russ and I stayed with her.

Looking forward to another ride next weekend.

Regards Duktape.