{"id":8321,"date":"2026-02-11T11:09:01","date_gmt":"2026-02-11T19:09:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/?p=8321"},"modified":"2026-02-13T03:11:32","modified_gmt":"2026-02-13T11:11:32","slug":"more-than-the-ride-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/more-than-the-ride-2\/","title":{"rendered":"More Than the Ride"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"intro wp-block-paragraph\">The Unsung Heroes Behind Every Great Chapter<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" hcb-fetch-image-from=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/1145275118\/bfa397f9d5?share=copy&amp;fl=sv&amp;fe=ci\" title=\"H.O.G. Chrome Chapter Recognition Program\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/1145275118?h=bfa397f9d5&amp;dnt=1&amp;app_id=122963\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>By Debbie Ford, Regional HOG<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Director, Ontario Region<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not every Harley rider joins a HOG<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Chapter. And that\u2019s OK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some are independent riders, content to ride solo or with a trusted buddy. But let\u2019s be honest: many of us didn\u2019t just sign up for the bike \u2014 we signed up for the people. For the community. The camaraderie. The coffee stops, group rides, charity events and, yes, even the parking-lot banter that somehow turns into lifelong friendships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And the glue that holds all of that together? Your Chapter Executive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Ones Who Keep the Engine Running (Off the Road)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Behind every successful ride, event or barbecue is a team of dedicated volunteers \u2014 the Directors and Officers of your local HOG Chapter \u2014 who pour their time, energy and commitment into keeping the Harley-Davidson spirit alive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They\u2019re the ones arranging calendars, posting updates, managing waivers, plotting scenic routes, planning family-friendly events and gently reminding members \u2014 again \u2014 to register for that overnight ride before the deadline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They are not paid. They don\u2019t receive discounts on bike payments. They do it because they believe in Harley-Davidson, in HOG and, most importantly, in the people who ride beside them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou don\u2019t volunteer for the HOG title \u2014 you do it because you care about the people and the ride culture,\u201d says Doug Gatecliff, former Director, Bluewater HOG Chapter. \u201cIt\u2019s work, sure, but it\u2019s the best kind of work. We get to build something meaningful.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cStrong leadership isn\u2019t a solo act,\u201d adds Kathy Luten, Director, Freedom HOG Chapter. \u201cA great Assistant Director and committed Officers make all the difference. When you lead together, you lift the whole Chapter.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And if you\u2019re lucky, they make it all look effortless. It isn\u2019t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"732\" src=\"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0253-1024x732.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8315\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0253-1024x732.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0253-300x214.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0253-768x549.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0253-1536x1097.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0253.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"732\" src=\"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Article-1-1024x732.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8310\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Article-1-1024x732.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Article-1-300x214.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Article-1-768x549.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Article-1-1536x1097.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Article-1.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>It<\/strong>\u2019<strong>s Not Just a Bike. It<\/strong>\u2019<strong>s a Family Affair<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What makes HOG Chapters special is that they\u2019re about more than riding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They\u2019re about people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Spouses. Kids. Friends. Those who don\u2019t ride at all, but still show up to events because it feels like home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When I first met my husband, Craig, he was already a Harley rider. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I\u2019ll admit \u2014 I didn\u2019t completely understand the appeal. But I joined the Milton (now Mississauga) Chapter to see what it was all about. And that was it. I was in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I found my people. The laughs, the rides, the stories, the friendships \u2014 it was the full package. I later became the Chapter Editor for several years, which eventually led me to my current role as Regional HOG Director for Ontario.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s been an incredible journey, and I wouldn\u2019t trade a kilometre of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Great Chapter Executives Actually Do<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Great HOG Executives do more than plan rides \u2014 they build culture. They strengthen dealership relationships. They rally volunteers. They connect new members with longtime riders. They check in when life gets challenging. They bring people together in ways that extend far beyond chrome and leather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAs the York Region Chapter\u2019s Activities Officer, my goal is to make sure every ride and event brings people closer,\u201d says Suze Laidlaw. \u201cIf someone arrives not knowing anyone and leaves with a few new friends, that\u2019s a win.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some of Ontario\u2019s strongest Chapters are those where Executive teams maintain close, collaborative relationships with their sponsoring dealership. They understand dealership goals and work alongside them \u2014 because when that partnership is strong, the entire Chapter thrives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They also make room for everyone \u2014 planning rides for newer riders, social gatherings for quieter members and family-focused events that make even non-riders feel welcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because they are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"731\" src=\"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Forest-City-1024x731.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8311\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Forest-City-1024x731.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Forest-City-300x214.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Forest-City-768x548.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Forest-City-1536x1096.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Forest-City.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"731\" src=\"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/NFLD-5-1024x731.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8319\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/NFLD-5-1024x731.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/NFLD-5-300x214.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/NFLD-5-768x548.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/NFLD-5.jpg 1175w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>From the Heart of Ontario<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In my role as Regional HOG Director for Ontario, I\u2019ve met hundreds of Chapter Executives over the years, and I\u2019m consistently impressed by their commitment, creativity and genuine passion for Harley-Davidson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These are people who\u2019ve logged thousands of kilometres and still arrive early to set up tents. Who push through rain, breakdowns and budget meetings with the same determination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cBeing a Safety Officer is about more than rules \u2014 it\u2019s about making sure people get home safely and want to ride again tomorrow,\u201d says Rob Treasure, Oakville Chapter\u2019s Safety Officer and Head Road Captain. \u201cIt\u2019s a big responsibility, but when your Chapter feels like family, it\u2019s one you\u2019re proud to carry.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They don\u2019t just ride. They lead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And to all of them \u2014 I see you. I appreciate you. And I thank you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>A Nudge for the Fence-Sitters<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re reading this and you\u2019re not part of a HOG Chapter, consider this your invitation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You don\u2019t need to be a joiner. You just need to show up once \u2014 and chances are, you\u2019ll understand. You\u2019ll meet people who ride for the same reasons you do. You\u2019ll find your crew. Maybe your next best friend. Or your next great story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And when you do, don\u2019t forget to thank your Chapter Executive. They\u2019re the ones making sure there\u2019s a ride planned, a table set and a warm welcome waiting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Closing: Tip Your Volunteers (Metaphorically Speaking)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The next time you roll into a Chapter ride or event, take a moment to thank the people who keep it all running \u2014 your Directors, Secretary, Treasurer and Membership team; your Activities Officers; your Safety Officer and Road Captains; your Ladies of Harley; your Editor and Webmaster; and your Historian and Photographer. Every role matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They don\u2019t do it for recognition. They do it because they care. Because they believe in the power of this community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But a cold drink and a genuine \u201cthank you\u201d never hurt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because without them, it\u2019s just a bike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With them, it\u2019s a family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Interested in\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/h-o-g-chapters\/\">joining a Chapter<\/a>?\u00a0<\/em><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"731\" data-id=\"8318\" src=\"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/NFLD-3-1024x731.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8318\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/NFLD-3-1024x731.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/NFLD-3-300x214.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/NFLD-3-768x548.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/NFLD-3.jpg 1175w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"732\" data-id=\"8317\" src=\"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0586-1024x732.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8317\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0586-1024x732.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0586-300x214.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0586-768x549.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0586-1536x1097.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0586.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"732\" data-id=\"8316\" src=\"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0278-1024x732.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8316\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0278-1024x732.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0278-300x214.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0278-768x549.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0278-1536x1097.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/IMG_0278.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"731\" data-id=\"8312\" src=\"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Fund-Raiser-1-1024x731.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8312\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Fund-Raiser-1-1024x731.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Fund-Raiser-1-300x214.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Fund-Raiser-1-768x548.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Fund-Raiser-1-1536x1096.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Fund-Raiser-1.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"731\" data-id=\"8320\" src=\"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Screenshot-2026-02-05-at-15.48.40-1024x731.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8320\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Screenshot-2026-02-05-at-15.48.40-1024x731.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Screenshot-2026-02-05-at-15.48.40-300x214.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Screenshot-2026-02-05-at-15.48.40-768x548.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Screenshot-2026-02-05-at-15.48.40.jpg 1331w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Unsung Heroes Behind Every Great Chapter<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":8313,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[11],"class_list":["post-8321","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-stories","tag-riding"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8321","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8321"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8321\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8431,"href":"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8321\/revisions\/8431"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8313"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8321"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8321"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8321"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}