Bucks County H.O.G

Fall Finders / Observation Run

(last occurred) October 12, 2008

Stay tuned for next years date!

This page is maintained as an archive of this signature B.C. Chapter event. Between pending schedules, we will present routes, photos and notes of previous years events.

The "Fall Finders" Observation Run gets it's name from the fact that it will be a combination "Observation" and "Scavenger" Run/Hunt. Besides adding some challenging excitement, the "Scavenger Hunt" portion balances the opportunity for single riders to compete equally with two-up riders.

Did you know that leaves that change color in fall actually have those same beautiful colors all year round? The green pigment, chlorophyll, is so concentrated in the spring and summer that it masks the other pigments that are already there. As the green disappears, brilliant shades of red, yellow and bronze quickly emerge to unveil the colorful secret behind every deciduous tree.

Previous Courses / Questions in PDF format:
2007 (Sunday, October 14).
2005 (Sunday, October 2).
2004 (Sunday, October 10).
2003 (Sunday, October 5).
2002 (Sunday, October 6).
2001 (Sunday, September 16).

October 12 was another fine day, although the leaves were a little late turning.

There was a 5 - way tie for first place, even with a bonus question!

	(Connie M. photo)
	(Connie M. photo)
	(Connie M. photo)

October 14 was as nice as the previous year was bad. Unseasonably, if not, record breaking highs. Sunshine. Still, enough cool weather had occurred to present unquestionable Fall colors.

The theme was "It's a numbers game" with answers compiled only from the digits zero through nine. Participants received written directions for the 55 mile route which again included as many T-Intersections and turns at Stops, as possible to make navigation easy.

Twenty-one questions, three of which were provided at the end. One question was a choice of "Lucky Number" which was randomly drawn. An exact match was worth one point. The Lucky Number was also used as the tie-breaker with the closest number determining the top three winners. The Grand Prize winner actually hit the Lucky Number, right on!

Giuseppi's Family Restaurant near New Hope was a convenient destination with great food in very ample helpings.

	Moose & Mouse after helping to setup, make breakfast, etc., even rode the route. I think it was the first time I ever saw them take time to enjoy an event! (Yes, even though M&M worked earlier setting up, Moose is buying tickets as did all the volunteers)
	Rolma needs one of those hooky things Rob McC. dispenses 50/50 tickets from.
	This group is eager to get going.
	Participants share their experiences at the destination.
	.
	"Lean a little left ... ok, a little right now". "Roon" and Ken S. insure that Rolma is perpendicular and ready to give the throttle a little twist. :8)
	Grand Prize winner Amy A., receives the Grand Prize, an envelope of cash!

Nothing to recap. No event. Cancelled due to rain.

October 2 was another gorgeous day. A little on the cool side but sunny and clear.

The theme was "Merry Memory Mile", because unlike previous years of written questions, many this year were just a matter of counting icons along the route. Players followed a predetermined route but as with last year, had a concentration of T-Intersections to limit the need to refer to directions.

This year we had a significant change in a destination. Since Eorio's sold their business, we returned to our starting point, Brian's Harley Davidson. The cost was also the same as last year, $10 which included a continental breakfast, however this year we added an MDA Hoagie Sale for a $5 donation.

	Early registrants start to arrive for the 2005 Fall Finders Run.
	There was a free continental breakfast and Al D. was selling chances for the MDA Harley.
	Registrants review their instructions and prepare to depart.
	Jacki C. of Brian's HD gets ready to saddle up. Her iron horse must have been doing some bucking though because she almost fell off in the process (haha).
	Mike A. and his S.O. were not the first out but were the first to return. They held the first place position almost to the end of day.
	Rob H. is presented the 50/50 prize by Pam S.
	Director Pam S., presents gift certificates to contest winners, Win M. (3rd), Skip (1st) and Mike A. (2nd).

October 10 was a gorgeous day. The weather was sunny with highs in the 70's. Leaves were only starting to turn but the weather brought forth a great turnout.

The theme was Signs, Signs, Everywhere A Sign, a play on The Five Man Electrical Band's hit of 70’s. Players followed a predetermined route and answered questions pertaining to signs along the road.

Our destination was the same as last year, Eorio's (Milk House) above Gardenville, PA where we could spread out and have some biker games after the ride. The cost was also the same as last year, $10 which included a continental breakfast. Field events (Slow Ride & Tire Toss) were available for a $1 donation.

	2004 Participants start to arrive at Eorio's.
	It's always an honor to have Dan McC. of Brian's HD join in our HOG rides. (John B. photo)
	Relaxing with friends while others complete the tour. (John B. photo)
	Chapter Officers MC the event.
	Pam's "wired up" while moose eats a lolly-pop (actually the microphone).
	It was a great day to be outside. (John B. photo)
	.
	A large turnout turns to the field for the field events.
	There was a tire throw ...
	... and other favorites like the ring toss. (John B. photo)
	Field events brought to us by "Fletch" and Bobby B. (John B. photo)
	The top three winners were Michael F., Pat M. and Jim G. seen here with their passengers.
	A trivia contest awarded the grand prize to Jim G. and passenger Debbie Mc.

October 5 was a true fall day. The weather was brisk with highs in the 60's but the sun shone and the leaves were just starting to turn.

We took advantage of the "Miles to Mules" project. Miles of Mules was a public art project based on an idea introduced in Zurich, Switzerland several years ago, where decorated, life-sized cows were placed on public display throughout the city and countryside, attracting thousands of visitors. Miles of Mules expanded this idea to bring together the expressive power of art and the richness of canal history and the part mules played throughout the five counties of the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor in Eastern Pennsylvania and beyond.

Area businesses, schools, nonprofit organizations, individuals and families have sponsored more than 160 life-sized, fiberglass mules, decorated by renowned and emerging local artists, as well as schools and nonprofits. Each mule showcases the creative talents, passions and convictions of these artists, in diverse and sometimes unexpected mediums, including sculpture, paint, mosaic and more. Many mules have already been purchased for permanent collections, but the remainder will be auctioned in November 2003.

Our destination was the same as last year, Eorio's (Milk House) above Gardenville, PA where we could spread out and have some biker games after the ride. The cost was also the same as last year, $10 which included a continental breakfast. Field events (Slow Ride & Tire Toss) were available for a $1 donation.

	Registration volunteers Pam S. and "Mouse" keep the steady line moving.
	A sizable group of Delmarva HOG members traveled from Seaford to enjoy our run. Thank you, folks!
	Smart players read ahead and found out right away which Buell had the Fall Finders flyer on it.
	Other players pondered questions sometimes with the answers literally right OVER their eyes.
	A crowd of bikes arrives in the background to find the clue on Mulevis, the mascot of our themed event. (photo credit: Wm. M)
	It seems every time you count the cutouts in Inside Out mule, you get a different count?! (photo credit: Wm. M)
	All eyes are on Eye Ore, but just how many eyes were on his ears? (photo credit: Wm. M)
	In the meantime, "Fletch" and Bobby ready the field event field.
	As Kristen completes their answer form David E. has that; "I just won the 50/50", look!
	"Mouse" and Dave H. MC the event.
	Slow Ride was a very popular field event. Dan McC. seems to be enjoying it immensely. It was an honor to have Dan participate in our event. Rob McC. has an evil grin on his face. I think he might be pushing "Bald Jim's" bike with his foot? (photo credit: Wm. M)
	Tire toss was equally popular, especially the woman's but it appears more popular with the guys who get to stand around and gawk at the ladies huffing and puffing. (photo credit: Wm. M)
	Rich B. does the award presentation with a little help from his little friend.

Following is the 2003 announcement. Sorry if you missed it, stay tuned to this web site for next years schedule!

The Observation Run of October 6 fell on one of the most perfect days of the year. Temperatures in the mid to high 70's, low humidity and unblemished sunshine. The leaves weren't in full transition yet, but the further north we traveled, the more color was evident.

This year we added a few turns to the game. At the PA Rally in Erie we learned it's just as much fun to allow riders to create their own route so because most stops were well known, riders were invited to invent their own route although directions were provided. There were also some novel twists to avoid the random lottery that we often experience when many riders answer all the questions. First we had three "bonus questions". Only clues were provided for each of the three stops and only at the end were players asked the questions. This narrowed down to five finalists who were then asked questions from Harley's New Trivial Pursuits Game, until only one person remained.

Our destination was the same as last year, Eorio's (Milk House) above Gardenville, PA where we could spread out and have some biker games after the ride. The cost was also the same as last year, $10 which included a continental breakfast and the field events (Ring Toss, Slow Ride, and Tire Toss). Unfortunately it was a little cool and we didn't have enough time to make use of "Fletch" & Bobbie's goal post for a "Bike Wash" game. "Bike Wash" is when the passenger throws a balloon over a horizontal rod and tries to catch it on the other side.

The Observation Run of September 16 not unlike the June Poker Run, followed a week of disaster, although the storms proceeding the Covered Bridge Poker Run on June 24 are miniscule compared to the 9/11/2001 attacks on the U.S.

The crowd on 9/16/2001 was a little light, no doubt in the wake of the events of the previous week, but not overlooked are those brothers and sisters who have been called to duty or otherwise affected by the tragedy. Our prayers go out to them. Certainly the carnage was still heavy in the hearts of all the participants of the Observation Run. However, as President Bush and other officials remind us, life for the living continues and it's time to begin bringing some normality to our nation. Don't let the murdering fanatics think their actions can bring us down. The proceeds of the Observation Run itself are used to aid and support members in times of need and personal tragedy ($961 was generated by this run). So continue to contribute to drives and organizations in support of the September 11 disasters. Continue to support American industry, and yes, the American war machine.

The opportunity to get out and release some of our frustrations and grief through the pipes of our bikes was welcomed. The weather was gorgeous and Patriotism everywhere was evident as we passed homes and other bikers displaying the American flag. The route was wonderful and laced with added excitement as we collected answers at several parks and places along the way including Core Creek, Washington's Crossing and the Moravian Tile Works.

At the completion of the run, there was food and games to be enjoyed at Eorio's (formally known as the Milk House) on 413 above Gardenville. The field events were Slo Ride and Ring Toss as well as non-bike games, Horeshoes and Tire Toss. Awards were a mixture of gift certificates and other prizes. The events started to break-up around 2:30pm.

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