We thought we'd give you a taster of Dublin H-D's HOG (Harley Owner's Group) Chapter and what they get up to.
In these austere times, why not join and get as much enjoyment out of life as we do - on the road, on a Harley-Davidson - Life must include fun!
More than a million members around the globe! H.O.G.® (Harley Owners Group®) is the largest factory sponsored motorcycle enthusiast organisation in the world.
But it is so much more than just a motorcycle organisation. It is one million people around the world united by a common passion: making the Harley-Davidson® dream a way of life.
Being a member offers access to a host of benefits and services including the quarterly H.O.G.® magazine, Chapter membership, the Touring Handbook, events and rallies, H.O.G. Assist emergency roadside recovery services, discounts on a range of goods and services and much more.
Currently with 175 members, Gaelic Chapter Ireland is all about "riding your Harley and having fun". That's it; no more, no less. Our members come from all walks of life; all great folks who just want to lose the stresses of the week, out on the road. We have lady riders as well as men and pillion riders, of all ages from 20's to 70's. You'll fit right in!
We meet to ride at least once a week (weather permitting) on official rideouts, at 10am every Sunday, leaving (after a coffee and a chat) from the Applegreen station in Ballymount. Our rides are split in two, usually with a full day out and a stop point along the way, where those tied to time can turn and ride home together. There are also the lucky few who are either retired or have time off during the week and meet up here and head out mid-week. Rideouts are structured, but there's no need to "put your name down" - members just turn up on the day. All rides are kept safe by our "road captains" who keep the riding groups in formation and within the law.
During the year, we also enjoy the odd foreign trip, a St.Patrick's day event, Irish Bikefest, several charity events, a summer BBQ, social get-togethers, and of course the member's Christmas party (there isn't usually much riding done the day after this one!).
We have a dedicated team who run the show; all great folks and avid Harley riders, so members don't have to worry about arranging meeting points or routes or find hotels etc etc.. Our committee does it all. And we've no interest in structured meetings for meetings sake - there's plenty of time to chew the cud over coffee or lunch (or ice-cream stops!) on the rideout. Members can rest assured that the monthly committee meetings sort it all out.
We are very proud to have several members from the U.S. and other countries; many whose ancestors left Ireland many moons ago.. and some who've left a little more recently! There is a reduced membership for those who would like to be a part of Gaelic Chapter Ireland and to wear our good name as they ride.
29 US members, but overseas members from Australia, Chile & Qatar, with a small (6) but very active Italian Group.
· First & foremost; riding safely with a great bunch of folks!
· Arrangement of rideouts, social events, and rider training.
· Organised Rideouts every Sunday during riding season (+ arranged rideouts weather permitting Sundays off season).
· The Dublin H-D / Gaelic Chapter rider lounge at Dublin H-D with free fresh ground coffee & biscuits before the ride.
· Regular Rideout schedules & updates from our Activities officer
· Full access to the Gaelic Chapter Ireland website (www.gaelicchapterireland.com) , where information, newsletters & photos of previous rideouts can be found.
· Member's summer BBQ.
· Member's Christmas party.
· AGM night
· Preferential purchasing opportunities at Dublin H-D.
· Access to Gaelic Chapter Ireland merchandise
· All for only €45 per annum (€25 overseas)
Contact us at Dublin H-D.
Or better still; you can apply to join directly via the Chapter's website - gaelicchapterireland.com
