European HOG Chapters That Really Welcome Westerners
If you find yourself visiting the land of our cousins across the pond, why not head over to a HOG chapter? With people like these, you'll never really feel far from home.
1. Roman Village HOG Chapter
Possibly one of the friendliest HOG chapters around offering a wonderful location to visit and fantastic scenery to ride through. The Roman Village HOG chapter in Italy organizes yearly events which are published in their official HOG website. Excellent weather for most of the year allows riders to enjoy events in Rome, the Vatican, and of course, wine country. Next time you travel through Italy, either riding or just traveling by, send them an email and see what they are up to you are sure to be welcomed (especially if you bring your HOG vest with you). Exchange stories and get some new friends.
Take a look through the group's site right here.
>>Join the conversation about European HOG Chapters right here in HD Forums.
2. Styria Chapter, Austria
Austria, like most countries in Europe, offers fantastic back country roads through some of the most beautiful scenery you can imagine. Austria also hosts the Faaker-See Biker Week on the first or second week every September. Like many chapters from Austria and across Europe, the Styria Chapter organizes rides to and at the event and is very welcoming of any Harley Davidson riders who want a group to ride with, even if you are not a HOG member. Take a look at their Facebook page for information on events and contact information. Language is usually not an issue as German, English, and French are widely used.
Take a look through the group's site right here.
>>Join the conversation about European HOG Chapters right here in HD Forums.
3. Leningrad HOG Chapter
Most of us know it as St. Petersburg. With the state of the world as it is, getting to Leningrad can be a bit of a challenge. A few years back it was rather simple if you were riding through Europe, to head over to Russia and pay a visit to the local HOG chapters. Most people realize that Europe has open borders which means you can ride from England to Turkey with no issues, but as problems with Russia have mounted over the last few years Americans (and most everyone for that matter) are having a much harder time driving into the country. However, if you manage to do so, or if you travel to Leningrad don't forget to contact their chapter. You wouldn't think so but Harley-Davidson still manages to maintain a strong presence, even in Russia. Their Facebook page is often updated and they are quick to respond (in English) with questions and tips for riders as well as offer open-ended invites if you happen to ride through.
>>Join the conversation about European HOG Chapters right here in HD Forums.
4. Costa Blanca HOG, Spain
If you are looking for gorgeous weather and coastal riding then you head over to the Alicante coastline in Spain. It is not hard to see why riders of all types flock to this area. After all, this is one of Europe's most popular vacation spots. Motorcycle riding goes on almost year-round and the HOG chapter in Costa Blanca hosts some of the greatest ridings you'll ever get to do. White beaches, mild weather, wonderful people, and most of all, a vibrant Harley-Davidson culture. If you visit the chapter it is not uncommon to share a table with riders from different parts of Europe. All sorts of riding tales in all different languages and everyone always feels right at home. Check out their website right here for information on rides or how to contact them.
>>Join the conversation about European HOG Chapters right here in HD Forums.
5. Thesaloniki HOG Chapter, Greece
The city of Thessaloniki is not exactly a vacation spot, especially in recent years where the economy has taken a toll on the country. In the heart of what looks to be the industrial part of town, you'll find the Thessaloniki Harley Davidson dealership and, of course, the local HOG chapter. These are a wonderful bunch of folks who do not get as many visitors from out of town as other dealers in Europe, however, they are incredibly welcoming and if you or your bike needs anything they will do their very best to make it happen. Whatever the issue affecting tourism if you have the chance to ride to or through Greece, do so. Thessaloniki is a short ride from ancient ruins, a beautiful coastline, and a ride through Mr. Olympus! Language doesn't seem to be an issue, not many people will speak English, but they speak Harley, and that was good enough for us.
Take a look through the group's site right here.
>>Join the conversation about European HOG Chapters right here in HD Forums.
6. Kiev HOG Chapter, Ukraine
When people think of Ukraine they tend not to think of it as a place to visit, mostly (and surprisingly) because many people still think of Ukraine as part of Russia. Like just about everywhere in the European Union, Harley Davidson has a devout and fiercely dedicated following in Kiev. The Kiev HOG chapter organizes rides all over Europe and they are sure to be at most, if not all of the European biggest biker events in Italy, Austria, Germany, and Spain. While in Kiev, however, you can reach out to their chapter via the official chapter website and see what they are up to. Contact them just to hang out, regardless of the season. Even during winter, where riding is pretty much nonexistent, their HOG chapter still hosts parties and family events.
>>Join the conversation about European HOG Chapters right here in HD Forums.
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