HOG Chapter
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 801
Likes: 1
From: USA
HOG Chapter
Finally joined the local HOG Chapter and this Saturday with 10 other new chapter members rode in a required orientation ride. Road Captain briefing was great, he presented the “Chapters Rules of the Road” and following the 45 minute brief off we went. Being an old Infantry Platoon Sergeant, I understand you move as fast as your slowest person (but dang, is this riding). Also understand the need to established rules & course of action. During the orientation ride, I kept telling myself “riding is being FREE and enjoying the environment!” Riding as a member of a group, isn’t for me. I am independent, when I need to take a pee break, sightsee, divert from the established route, roll through a curve and just being FREE, a HOG Chapter ride isn’t my cup of tea. Anyone have a similar reaction about Chapter rides?
Knowing there are zillions of Chapter Members, this isn't a knock on you. Just my personal opinion.
Knowing there are zillions of Chapter Members, this isn't a knock on you. Just my personal opinion.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,737
Likes: 0
From:
RE: HOG Chapter
I enjoy being in chapter, my dad is director so its really a family thing. I like riding in groups, I have lots of fun w/ everyone, but I also enjoy riding bymyself, I can understand not being for evryone but its good for me
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 980
Likes: 0
From: Stafford, Virginia
RE: HOG Chapter
Group rides can be enjoyable and do have their place. I enjoy the fellowship at the stops and the end of the trail.....but, like you, I enjoy being out on my own. And, it does seem like there are always a few scooters, wherever I stop. Good to gab, meet a new brother, then get back on the road.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,236
Likes: 7
From: Bellingham, WA
RE: HOG Chapter
Could your response be stated as "Waiting for the parade to end and the riding to begin"? Been there myself and have just determined to be more selective of what rides I'll participate. A good road captain leading an expereinced group can be as much fun as flying stunt formations. It also can be rewarding to help out someone new to the group ride in the slower rides.
Maybe you'll give it a bit more time, Sarge?
Maybe you'll give it a bit more time, Sarge?
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 11,317
Likes: 11
From: Tucson, Az
RE: HOG Chapter
Yep, you and I are on the same page. I much prefer being alone. Not only do I turn right, left and stop when I want, there's much more solitude when I ride alone. I like that.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,615
Likes: 31
From: Charlotte Area
RE: HOG Chapter
Sarge,
AS you are aware and have stated, you move at the least experienced riders pace. Maybe you had someone there who had no group experience at all and as you know, the two are quite different. I belong to a fairly large Chapter (400+) which leads to soem interesting rides. They are always broken into groups of 12 bikes or so and spaced a few minutes apart. While some of my riding is done in groups, much is done solo or with another bike. I pick and choose chapter rides to join. Go on a regular chapter ride and not an orientation ride. Most of our safety meetings last 10 minutes or so, the 45 minute lecture was strictly a newbie thing.
We've met and ridden with some great folks whom we otherwise would never had ridden with.
Give em another chance, you might enjoy the group. Semper Fi
Bubba
AS you are aware and have stated, you move at the least experienced riders pace. Maybe you had someone there who had no group experience at all and as you know, the two are quite different. I belong to a fairly large Chapter (400+) which leads to soem interesting rides. They are always broken into groups of 12 bikes or so and spaced a few minutes apart. While some of my riding is done in groups, much is done solo or with another bike. I pick and choose chapter rides to join. Go on a regular chapter ride and not an orientation ride. Most of our safety meetings last 10 minutes or so, the 45 minute lecture was strictly a newbie thing.
We've met and ridden with some great folks whom we otherwise would never had ridden with.
Give em another chance, you might enjoy the group. Semper Fi
Bubba
Guest
Posts: n/a
RE: HOG Chapter
I belong to the chapter...after 1 1/2 years I'm trying to join more of the activities but not so many rides...I've only gone on 2. Hoping to join a few more over the summer....
Not all rides are the same. You will find the introduction, some moderate rides, then some rides for experienced riders. One of our road captians is notorious for difficult rides.Missed the 1 day 600 mile ride to Death Valley and back in April (Hubby was stillrecouperating from surgery).
Our chapter lets hubby ride his Honda on the rides...they think they will turn him...not thinking they are going too
Nice to get to know some riders in your area. Riding alone is a joy but having some friends toi share with can be fun too. You don't have to go every weekend.
Have been on a few rides with the forum members too...not as organized but still a fun group ride!
Not all rides are the same. You will find the introduction, some moderate rides, then some rides for experienced riders. One of our road captians is notorious for difficult rides.Missed the 1 day 600 mile ride to Death Valley and back in April (Hubby was stillrecouperating from surgery).
Our chapter lets hubby ride his Honda on the rides...they think they will turn him...not thinking they are going too
Nice to get to know some riders in your area. Riding alone is a joy but having some friends toi share with can be fun too. You don't have to go every weekend.
Have been on a few rides with the forum members too...not as organized but still a fun group ride!
Trending Topics
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 339
Likes: 0
From:
RE: HOG Chapter
Interesting comments. I didn't join my local chapter because even when I ride with friends I feel like I have lost the freedom to just ride. I'm a Vietnam era vet and would love to ride this coming weekend with Rolling Thunder, but last year 7000 riders took off from our starting point and this year I hear that it may be 10,000. Hell, I feel crowded with 4 riders. Maybe I have riders' clostraphobia. (Is that a word?)
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 953
Likes: 8
From:
RE: HOG Chapter
I do some of the chapter rides. I joined HOG to make some new riding buddies. I find that I ride more with a few folks, than with the chapter. Take what you need from the Chapter, that is what they are designed for.
[IMG]local://upfiles/13603/43A8B4E83F544A2B96C5B4077759F898.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/13603/43A8B4E83F544A2B96C5B4077759F898.jpg[/IMG]
Guest
Posts: n/a
RE: HOG Chapter
ORIGINAL: silver1
Interesting comments. I didn't join my local chapter because even when I ride with friends I feel like I have lost the freedom to just ride. I'm a Vietnam era vet and would love to ride this coming weekend with Rolling Thunder, but last year 7000 riders took off from our starting point and this year I hear that it may be 10,000. Hell, I feel crowded with 4 riders. Maybe I have riders' clostraphobia. (Is that a word?)
Interesting comments. I didn't join my local chapter because even when I ride with friends I feel like I have lost the freedom to just ride. I'm a Vietnam era vet and would love to ride this coming weekend with Rolling Thunder, but last year 7000 riders took off from our starting point and this year I hear that it may be 10,000. Hell, I feel crowded with 4 riders. Maybe I have riders' clostraphobia. (Is that a word?)