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Yep, I know what you mean. For some reason a lot of people seem to hate HOG like it wronged them or something. And a HOG thread quickly detours into RUBS/POSERS bashing and then another detour to bashing what kind of clothes they wear.
I belonged to my HOG chapter for a year but wasn't for me. But I have nothing bad to say about them or HOG. They do a lot of charity rides.
Originally Posted by TXSwede
What?!
What I mean is it brings out the same emotions in people:
I HATE IT, WELL THEN YER AN IDIOT!! IT SUX!!
And, uh, you know. like that. I mean, Its just, HOG man!!
I'm a national member, but not a member of a local chapter. I have bought 2 new bikes in 2 years, so they keep giving me the national membership for free. I briefly considered joining the local, but haven't done it. Nothing against them, just haven't checked them out. I do ride with a local MC sometimes, recently was asked to be an official hangaround. Not sure if a club is for me or not, but the rides I have been on with them have been a lot of fun, and they all seem to be really good people so we will see what happens. May still check out the local HOG chapter as well.
My local chapter always wants to do mettings and stuff on saturdays, which for me is reserved for fishing or hunting with my son. Sundays are for church and football. I ride almost every day back and forth to work so the work week is my motorcycle time. Now if they would do stuff in the evenings during the week, I might show up more often.
Been a National and local member since the start. They put on some good rides. That is why they have meetings and ice cream socials, it's not for everyone. I am not considered "in the loop" ... but I like the fact that I can show up for an organized ride or meeting when I want to, and not that I have to.
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I'm a HOG member and happen to belong to a really great chapter. Someone is always going somewhere and there are plenty of ride opportunities if you want to ride. We have meetings and parties, but also participate in community events and donate a fair amount of money to local charities. Good stuff, but agree that it might not be for everyone.
As far as the rules go, most are pretty basic safety rules as someone said above. There are a lot of good motorcycle riders out there that don't have a clue when it comes to group riding. They have no experience pack riding and often do things that endanger others. HOG chapters teach them how to do it correctly if they'll take the time to learn.
A HOG chapter is only as good as it's people, and the good ones have a lot of people lifting the load -- not just a few. Check your local chapter out and ask questions.
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