Hog Membership
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 14,438
Likes: 2,421
From: Pittsburgh, Pa
Hog Membership
All,
I did a search and could not find what I was looking for, so here it is.
I was thinking of joining hog. Is it worth the money? I can see the local being worth the money, but the national is three times the cost. I know some chapters could suck and some are great. That part I understand. All I am asking is, is the national fee worth the cost? For some reason that cost seems high for not much worth.
Also, for the participant, what exactly does that entail? If I do joining and my wife does not, does that mean she cant go to meetings with me or go on runs? Is that it?
Thanks in advance.
Dan
I did a search and could not find what I was looking for, so here it is.
I was thinking of joining hog. Is it worth the money? I can see the local being worth the money, but the national is three times the cost. I know some chapters could suck and some are great. That part I understand. All I am asking is, is the national fee worth the cost? For some reason that cost seems high for not much worth.
Also, for the participant, what exactly does that entail? If I do joining and my wife does not, does that mean she cant go to meetings with me or go on runs? Is that it?
Thanks in advance.
Dan
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 4,377
Likes: 647
From: Santa Clarita
For me, HOG is not worth the time, effort, what have you. If I want to ride with folks, I give 'em a call, we meet up, off we go. No need for patches, a name, meetings. That's not true for a lot of folks, they like all the pomp and circumstance, if you do, so be it.
I was a charter and founding member of a chapter locally back almost thirty years ago. My family and I were real involved, I made al lotta good friends, it was fun! I left the chapter, returned about fifteen years later...and all had changed. There were still a few folks left that were in when I went, but it was all about the ancillary crap...not about riding! Their typical ride was ten to twenty miles to a restaurant, so within a few months, I was gone. I had changed, the chapter had changed, the reason for being organized had changed...
That's not to say that you wouldn't enjoy it. Many riders like the companionship and organization...suggest that you maybe attend a meeting or two, or go on a ride or two, if the chapter will let you, see how it works out. I don't know how tightly chapters ride these days, but if you are not experienced or comfy with tighter group riding (depending on the chapter), you might wanna pass. If your idea of riding with someone else is riding a quarter mile behind the other guy, it ain't gonna work! Our chapter used the staggered 15 foot formation back in the day, but that was then and this is now.
I was a charter and founding member of a chapter locally back almost thirty years ago. My family and I were real involved, I made al lotta good friends, it was fun! I left the chapter, returned about fifteen years later...and all had changed. There were still a few folks left that were in when I went, but it was all about the ancillary crap...not about riding! Their typical ride was ten to twenty miles to a restaurant, so within a few months, I was gone. I had changed, the chapter had changed, the reason for being organized had changed...
That's not to say that you wouldn't enjoy it. Many riders like the companionship and organization...suggest that you maybe attend a meeting or two, or go on a ride or two, if the chapter will let you, see how it works out. I don't know how tightly chapters ride these days, but if you are not experienced or comfy with tighter group riding (depending on the chapter), you might wanna pass. If your idea of riding with someone else is riding a quarter mile behind the other guy, it ain't gonna work! Our chapter used the staggered 15 foot formation back in the day, but that was then and this is now.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 513
Likes: 85
From: NorCal
Two each his own. I belong to HOG and you have to be a National member to be a local member. chapters are different from dealer to dealer. Our dealer is very supportive of the group but takes a hands off approach and Let's the Board of Directors do as they will. Others are strictly controlled by the dealer. I belong to one of the most active and well run in the country. I'm not into patches so I don't wear one. I'm still a member in good standing, no one passes judgment. Our chapter has multiple rides on the weekend and also once a month a midweek ride. Show up for what ride you want, or stay home. If you're worried about the money don't join go down sit in on a few of the meetings and see if it's for you. If you don't like that chapter go sit in on another chapters meetings. I will exceed 15k miles this year touring 6k with my hog chapter. Mileage I wouldn't have if I waited for my friends to have time to ride. Which never exceeds 30 mi.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 165
Likes: 1
From: Salina Ks
Every chapter is different! You can go to meetings and a couple rides without buying in. Go check it out and see what you think. Our chapter does a mix of rides and events. And not "required" to do anything. Nobody is real serious, kinda laid back group. Have met lots of good people and made a lot of friends. And I still ride when I want, where I want, and with whom I want.
Last edited by trappermarc; Jul 10, 2017 at 05:11 PM. Reason: Add
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 4,618
Likes: 290
From: Johnstown, PA
I'm a national member, but never re joined the local chapter. As a national member, you get 1 free tow/ year, the Hog magazene, free entry to the museum, pins and patches, and some discounts. AT&T give 15% off your cell bill (I get better than that through my work though)
I also participate in the hog mileage program. If you go to the hog web site, it will list what you get.
Take a look and see if the $40/year is worth it to you. If your not allready getting a cell discount, that alone could pay your your membership.
I also participate in the hog mileage program. If you go to the hog web site, it will list what you get.
Take a look and see if the $40/year is worth it to you. If your not allready getting a cell discount, that alone could pay your your membership.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,724
Likes: 205
From: ORYGON
Two each his own. I belong to HOG and you have to be a National member to be a local member. chapters are different from dealer to dealer. Our dealer is very supportive of the group but takes a hands off approach and Let's the Board of Directors do as they will. Others are strictly controlled by the dealer. I belong to one of the most active and well run in the country. I'm not into patches so I don't wear one. I'm still a member in good standing, no one passes judgment. Our chapter has multiple rides on the weekend and also once a month a midweek ride. Show up for what ride you want, or stay home. If you're worried about the money don't join go down sit in on a few of the meetings and see if it's for you. If you don't like that chapter go sit in on another chapters meetings. I will exceed 15k miles this year touring 6k with my hog chapter. Mileage I wouldn't have if I waited for my friends to have time to ride. Which never exceeds 30 mi.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,625
Likes: 123
From: Meridian, Idaho
This is a good read to answer some of your questions.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...miles-wtf.html
Every time I get a new HOG membership I myself never renew.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...miles-wtf.html
Every time I get a new HOG membership I myself never renew.