And just like that…it’s coming to the end of September and for many, the end of the riding season. I know, I know…for some there is no riding season, but living in Northern Ireland, there definitely is.
Season 3 of the HOG-POD is coming soon and we can’t wait to catch up with you all and hear about the adventures you had. Keep an eye out on the website and also our social media channels. The first episode of Season 3 will be released on Sunday 8th October so make sure you tune in.
As far as riding calendars go, this year has been a biggie. The UK and Ireland Harley calendar was as busy as ever, with back to back rallies right across the summer. As I write, the party continues in Hayling Island as the New Forest Chapter see out the 2023 before we all cast our eyes forward to planning for 2024.
If you are lucky enough to live in the south of England or Jersey, then perhaps you still have a number of weeks left with fair weather. Right now I am listening to the beginnings of a storm, with rain bashing off the windows and trees having to hang on for dear life so as not to be up ended. The only blessing is that it is likely to be some time before the salt hits the ground meaning we can pinch some extra miles before packing the bike away.
A huge congratulations to all the organisers of each of the events, ride-outs and rallies that took place this summer. We all know the amount of hard work and energy required to get everything across the line.
CHAPTERS 2 GETHER – BURY FARM, SLAPTON
I was kindly invited to the Chapters 2 Gether event held at Bury Farm, in Slap near Leighton Buzzard, a bold project taken on by a number of Chapter Directors as a way of celebrating the 40th year of H.O.G.
In the early hours of Friday 21st July I rode to Belfast Harbour and caught the boat to Cairnryan. Of the nearly 400 mile door door journey ahead of me, the ride to Belfast docks was the only stage of the entire weekend that I didn’t get absolutely soaking wet. The ride from Cairnryan to Slapton took around 12 hours all in all. This included plenty of stops along the way for food, coffee and the hunt for a radiator to try and dry out my gloves!
On arrival, the weather had cleared and I could see that the venue was a superb choice by the organisers and had a clear potential as a welcomed addition to the UK & Ireland Harley owners and riders calendar.
Plenty of hard ground parking for the Harleys, with onsite security so I felt more than comfortable leaving the bike. To the left were rows of wigwam type tents, and to the right was an already established campsite of tents, vans and motorhomes. I took a walk through the camp site to see that each corner had been claimed and staked out by the visiting Chapters.
I had travelled down on my own so wasn’t sure what to expect when I got there but it was great to bump into so many people that I had meet previous at the HOG-ROC, and through the HOG-POD shows. Even though I had only really spoke with them via the screen, it was like bumping into old friends. I suppose that’s the beauty of H.O.G.
Although extremely wet, all the components of a great rally were there. A cracking ride-out, entertainment, places to sleep wash and ease springs, as well as support from chapters right across the country. It was also nice to meet the guys from Roadskin as well, Mark and Ian. Great fellas and brilliant craic.
In addition to the masses of wide-open space, the venue benefits from a number of huge indoor arenas which would ensure that the next event wasn’t hampered by the weather.
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