HOG membership?
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,561
Likes: 187
From: Florida
Not a member, but have a few friends who are members of different chapters in the area. As others have said, it will depend on the chapter. Some tend toward long rides, some to short rides, others go fast, others go the speed limit, and still others are more of a social club than anything to do with actually riding. The few times I have attended a meeting as a guest (2 different chapters), everyone seemed friendly enough. Just not my "thing". Good luck with finding a chapter to your liking.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 56,052
Likes: 88,831
From: Western South Dakota
I have a dilemma, most of my riding buddies don't ride very often any more. I like to ride on weekends any where from 100-250 miles a day. Anymore it is usually just me and occasionally my wife comes along when she is not working. Here is my question, I have never been a club guy but I am wondering if joining my local HOG chapter would be fun? Any thoughts? Recommendations? I live in sacramento CA but would consider the Folsom chapter also. Thanks
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 414
From: Ellensburg, WA
This is refreshing, not to see all the haters jump in. Per HOG rules you can attend as a guest three times without becoming a member (some chapters are more lenient). Give that a try and see if you want to join. I have been associated with three local chapters over the years, director, road captain, activities and can say that most assuredly, you will find a small group of like minded riders you will click with. Pick and choose rides, no one will care if you participate fully or not. If it's a good chapter you will most likely want to.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 283
Likes: 22
From: Grand Prairie, TX
HOG is a social organization and just like any social group some chapters are great and some are not. In the end you are the only one who can decide if what they have to offer is what you're looking for. Even before you pay any dues go sit in on a meeting or two.
See if you can attend a ride as a guest; most chapters will simply have you sign a waiver for that ride. This way you can begin to make some decisions about the folks who attend the rides and the overall quality of the rides; i.e. whether they're run safely or not.
There are lots and lots of great HOG chapters but unfortunately there are a few really bad ones as well; hopefully you'll find one that has what you want.
Good luck on your quest!
See if you can attend a ride as a guest; most chapters will simply have you sign a waiver for that ride. This way you can begin to make some decisions about the folks who attend the rides and the overall quality of the rides; i.e. whether they're run safely or not.
There are lots and lots of great HOG chapters but unfortunately there are a few really bad ones as well; hopefully you'll find one that has what you want.
Good luck on your quest!
Last edited by dsigrist; Feb 24, 2017 at 08:43 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 7,709
Likes: 7,850
From: New York
Like any social organization, I suspect you will find some members you like more than others. Furthermore, like any social organization, the smoothness of the operations is highly dependent on its officers. Any club you might join has the possibility of containing members with different ideologies from your's; however, the commonality of riding usually still makes the involvement enjoyable [just avoid political discussions :-)]. Bottom line: dues are cheap and you have 0 obligation to remain involved if it turns out to not be your cup of tea.
Supporter
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,423
Likes: 77
From: NW Ontario
HOG is a great way to meet ppl and attend various functions. As has already been mentioned, a lot has to do with the Chapter that you attend. Some are fairly autonomous of the sponsoring dealer and manage to have well organized rides and other social events. Unfortunately, the one that I belonged to in our locale was filled with ***-kissers that did the dealer's every bidding in hopes of winning favour with parts and service purchases. It became pathetic to watch and the dealer ran and continues to run the HOG chapter like it's his own personal club. Needless to say, I had enough and packed it in. However I did keep my national HOG membership active which basically allows me to participate at any HOG Rally or activity throughout Canada or the USA. From that point of view its very much worth it. They've recently changed the admission requirements at the Harley Museum so that anyone with an active HOG membership enters for free. That's definitely worth the price of membership. Try it.....like already stated - you've nothing to lose! 
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,785
Likes: 189
From: Louisiana
HOG is a social organization and just like any social group some chapters are great and some are not. In the end you are the only one who can decide if what they have to offer is what you're looking for. Even before you pay any dues go sit in on a meeting or two.
See if you can attend a ride as a guest; most chapters will simply have you sign a waiver for that ride. This way you can begin to make some decisions about the folks who attend the rides and the overall quality of the rides; i.e. whether they're run safely or not.
There are lots and lots of great HOG chapters but unfortunately there are a few really bad ones as well; hopefully you'll find one that has what you want.
Good luck on your quest!
See if you can attend a ride as a guest; most chapters will simply have you sign a waiver for that ride. This way you can begin to make some decisions about the folks who attend the rides and the overall quality of the rides; i.e. whether they're run safely or not.
There are lots and lots of great HOG chapters but unfortunately there are a few really bad ones as well; hopefully you'll find one that has what you want.
Good luck on your quest!