There are several advertising campaigns that use the phrase ‘Where the adventure never
stops’. In Goa, everytime those who own a Harley Davidson take this beast of a
machine for a ride, it’s an adrenaline-fuelled adventure. What’s even better?
It’s an experience shared with fellow riders.
If you speak to any of the Harley Davidson
riders in Goa, they all unanimously hail the Goa HOG Chapter for its spirit of
brotherhood. The five-year-old group that has now grown in strength, has
created a platform for Goa members for their Harley Davidson Riders to ride the
dream, together.
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With the numerous activities and rides
held every month, the group feels strongly about being part of the world’s
largest rider club.
On the occasion of the sixth edition of
the India HOG Rally, Peter Mackenzie, Managing Director, Harley-Davidson India
& China, said, “Popularly known as H.O.G., the Harley Owners Group is the
world’s original social network with over a million members worldwide. HOG
plays a pivotal role in fuelling Harley Davidson’s lifestyle and culture in
India. The enthusiastic participation is a testimony to the brand’s influence
in the motorcycle community in India. The camaraderie among the riders
celebrating their passion for motorcycling and love for Harley Davidson is
inspiring for us, to continue hosting bigger and better rallies.”
The Rally in Goa had a grand celebration to mark 115 years of
the brand. More than 2,000 HOG members rode to Goa from across 30 Chapters for
the largest motorcycle event of the year.
“This year, the IHR was special because Harley Davidson is celebrating
its 115th year since inception and they wanted the event to be bigger and
better than ever before. It was the first of the many celebrations that would
follow in different parts of the world. The Goa HOG Chapter was fortunate to
make it to the podium for the second year in succession. We were awarded the
Chapter of the year -Runner up in group B in India,” said Prapanch A Ravi.
Prapanch, the former Goa Chapter director, added that this year,
the Goa HOG family has grown twice as big as last year. “We have seen decent
participation from riders for all national rallies and today we are a force to
reckon with across the country,” he added.
The 6th India HOG Rally also welcomed the ‘Dragon Chapter’
Bhutan, whose members rode to Goa to be a part of their first India HOG Rally,
an important platform to honour the members and their astounding achievements
on the road. Apart from the annual Big 5 (the Big 5 medal commends riders on
their passion and spirit for attending all the 5 HOG rallies held in the year)
and Triple 5 (Medals presented to riders who have done three consecutive Big
5s) felicitations, 62 HOG members who traversed the length and breadth of 21
states across the country within a span of 365 days were acknowledged with the
21/365 pin and patch. For the first time ever a new recognition called CLUB 100
was awarded to members who have completed over 100,000 KM on their Harley
Davidson Motorcycles.
While one of their members Karl Coelho etched the group’s name
in history when he created an Indian record by riding his motorbike to
Thailand, through Myanmar and back to Goa after crossing the Indian border;
several others in the group have completed trips to neighbouring countries like
Bhutan or the other HOG rallies. Karl is currently on a round trip from Goa,
riding through Vadodara, Bhuj, Rann of Kutch, Dwarka and Diu.
“Crossing international borders on a motorcycle, is a dream that
I’ve always nourished and last year after riding to the Kingdom of Bhutan, my
eyes were set on a farther destination. Riding from Goa through Myanmar to
Thailand was a dream come true. The adventure has taught me that fright of the
unknown and fear of problems occurring during the journey is what holds people
back from undertaking solo expeditions. But my experience has shown me that if
the mind is positive and ready to move forward the body follows and things are
accomplished,” said Karl Coelho.
Describing the activities and camaraderie of the Goa chapter, as
a template for chapters in the country, Rohit Mehta, the current Chapter
Director, said there was a universal thread among these groups. “It’s about
brotherhood; we ride as one and respect each other. We like to enjoy our rides,
whether it’s a short rider or a long one. Safety is always our priority. As we
say, we live to ride,” he said.
“I started my journey with HOG not as a rider but out of
curiosity as there was a great level of interest in Harley Davidson when it
came to India and Goa. And now we have four bikes in our family along with my
brother. The great thing about the HOG group is how the core riders teach and
train the inexperienced new riders. These are powerful bikes with powerful
engines and safety is paramount. Be it planning the road trip or riding with
our safety gear and communication gadgets or just following the safety rules,
we take all of this seriously. This is not a sports bike but more for touring
and that’s why we make trips on the outskirts of the city,” added Rohit.
“It has been a wonderful brotherhood experience with the HOG’s.
Brotherhood is all about riding together and watching out for your fellow mates
on the road. And not forgetting the good times we spend together, which will
always be cherished. Safety is our priority and we often find people cribbing
about wearing or buying good safety gear. It is your choice to choose, but it
is definitely my right to stop you if you are doing something wrong. We educate
people on good riding habits,” added Aldrin Viegas
“The Goa HOG chapter is not a group or organisation; it’s like
an extended family. It’s not only during rides that we get together, but
different occasions, be it feasts, pujas, even late night coffee rides. During
the rides,we look out for each other. For us, a family that rides together
stays together,” added Rajiv Andrade, another member of the group.
And contrary to popular opinion, it is not just an all boys
club. Sandra Rodrigues, a key member of the group, pointed out that gender does
not matter as women across India also participate in these rallies. “HOG Rally
in Goa is a rally that brings riders roaring from different parts of the
country, exchanging each other’s experience of freedom and life on the road,
which is amazing. And yes, Ladies of Harley India, an ace motorcycle club is
the only club in India where women stand strong and keep the passion roaring
live to ride to live,” adds Sandra.
“Being
a part of the HOG group is very exciting as you enjoy the combination of
brotherhood and the freedom to be yourself. The recently concluded Harley
Davidson event (IHR 2018) was attended by Harley brothers and sisters from all
around India, who ride down every year to enjoy the brotherhood gathering – the
biggest biking festival in India,” said Winston Miranda.
