The 2008 Ride Around the World Tour Are we ready to rumble? Backed by popular demand, the McH.O.G, 2008 World Tour comes roaring back and is heading down south of the equator to the land of wallabies, bandicoots, dingoes, koalas, platypuses, crocs and goannas! After the overwhelming success of last year’s Ride-Around-the-World-Tour, McH.O.G. members are set to embark on the wallaby, for a season-long ride “down under.” This years’ World Tour will feature (4) distinct types of “Aussie” riding fun. As shown in the enclosed flyer, “Destination”, “Boomerang”, “Devil” and “Safari” overnight rides will fill our 2008 season’s calendar, along with a running Biker Bingo game and a strong focus on the Wisconsin Rustic Roads Motorcycle Tour program. So Mates grab your Sheilas while I tell you a little bit about each ride type and about our new Biker Bingo game. “Destination” Rides- Rides which end at the destination. You will be riding to a specific place or event somehow related to an international destination. In the past RC’s (Jackaroos) have led rides to restaurants, the zoo, sporting events, museums, parks, musical events, a jellybean factory, parades/memorials, festivals, etc. No worries mate’, we won’t forget a beautiful route and some nice scenery and smooth sealed roads (Australian for blacktop) too! Award mileage based on the distance from Woodstock H-D to the imaginary destination. “Boomerang” No Worries Rides- Rides which originate from the Dealer and return to this locale, in other words-round trip-like a boomerang. The emphasis will be placed on a rural route, taking in a lot of scenery such as: lakes, rivers, streams, Rustic Roads, Scenic Byways, scenic overlooks, etc. Two ride lengths will be offered. A Half Day ride of 3 hours or more and a Full Day ride of 5 hours or more. Award miles based on either full or half days’ ride duration. Tasmanian “Devil” Rides- These are full day “endurance rides,” currently a total of (4), of 300 miles or more. Award mileage based on your participation on each “DEVIL” ride. With extra award miles credit given, along with a “Tasmanian Devil” patch, for participating on all Chapter sponsored “DEVIL” rides. Multi-Day Outback “Safaris”- Rides which are overnight, out n’ about into the  bush”, as they say in Australia. McHenry Co IL H.O.G. is the best touring Chapter in Illinois and we have a full calendar of great overnighters planned for next season. We will be hosting a week long “Spring Safari” to the Arkansas State Rally in June, safaris around the top half of Lake Michigan, to Nashville, TN, to Door County, WI, to Superman City  (Metropolis), IL, to Savanna/Galena, IL and territories to the north along the Great River Road, just to name a few! Award miles will be given for each night spent back of beyond (Australian slang for far away in the outback.) Additional Credits Earned- A Biker Bingo Game, located in the back of your pocket touring handbook, will acknowledge your participation or volunteering in a wide variety of Chapter/Dealer events. Members will be filling in their game squares by attending Chapter General Meetings, Safety Meetings, other miscellaneous Chapter rides and events and for volunteering with the Chapter’s Heart Dance, Little Angels, Dealer Demo rides and events, etc. As one’s game card fills-in, you will earn bonus miles towards year-end prizes and store credits. Furthermore, we will be highlighting the Wisconsin Rustic Roads Award Program during our “Destination”, “Boomerang” and “Safari” rides throughout the season, In addition to your award mileage earned, a patch will be given for riding on a minimum of (10) Rustic Roads (RR’s). Photos will be taken and submitted of all participating riders and the RR sign for application/confirmation in the program as required by the state of WI. We hope to see everyone out n’about for it is going be the best season ever at McHenry Co IL H.O.G.-don’t miss out on the fun! There are many more details to follow and the information will be forthcoming over the next couple of months. Once again, our very gracious hosts, Claude and Diane Sonday, Doug Jackson and Woodstock H-D & Rob Bonner and the McHenry H-D Shop will give us their moral and financial support for this years’ program. You will receive the full details, along with your 2008 World-Touring Handbook and members only patch at the Chapter signup event on January 19, 2008. Mark your calendars now and don’t miss out on all of the fun! P.S. Thank you all again, for the much appreciated support of last year’s Ride-Around-The-World- Tour! I hope you all enjoyed it and are looking forward to “The Thunder Down Under.” Next season’s program is a build on last years’ success, with additions taken from members’ comments/suggestions. As you can see, we have a very wide variety of riding styles planned for our Chapter members in 2008! G’day! Greg Carroll, Director McHenry Co IL H.O.G.