Riding together: how Lewis found freedom, friendship and family in the Harley Owners Group

When David dusted off his passion for two wheels, his son Lewis jumped on the back without hesitation. What followed was a journey of music, dance, doughnuts and deep friendship, as the Harley Owners Group^® welcomed them into a community like no other

In the quiet village of Hockwold cum Wilton, Norfolk, a father and son duo are turning heads on two wheels. David, a lifelong biker, and his youngest son Lewis – who has Down’s syndrome – have become beloved members of the Harley Owners Group^®, proving that community, freedom and fun have no boundaries.

“I’ve always ridden bikes,” David says. “I probably started before I should’ve done!” Originally from Cambridgeshire, David moved to Hockwold 41 years ago when he got married. “Back then, we only had a motorbike – no car – but when the kids came along, we got a car, and the bike went into the shed… and it stayed there for 20 years.”

It wasn’t until David began restoring his old ride 12 years ago that the urge to get back in the saddle returned. “I couldn’t wait to fix that one – I had the bug again,” he says. “So I told my wife I needed something on the road, and I fancied a Harley-Davidson^®.” Despite having once scrawled “Harleys Suck” on his schoolbooks, David found himself drawn to the style of motorcycles and spirit of the brand. He spotted a Sportster^® for sale in Wales, took the train across and, after two decades off the road, rode it all the way home.

That was in 2013. Lewis, then 18, didn’t hesitate to get involved. “He had no fear,” David recalls. “I got a dual seat and a sissy bar, and he jumped straight on.” Their adventures began with local rides, pub stops and regular visits to the Harley-Davidson Newmarket dealership.

“Lewis was a natural pillion from the start. I almost don’t know he’s there when we ride,” David adds. “He just trusts me completely. As for the Harley shop in Newmarket, Lewis just loved the whole atmosphere of it all. The shop, the people, the bikes – he took it all in.”

Their introduction to the H.O.G.^® community came through the Fenlanders Chapter, who regularly gathered at the Newmarket shop. Although David didn’t receive automatic H.O.G. membership when he bought his bike second-hand, he and Lewis were drawn to the camaraderie. “We cheekily asked if we could come to a rally as a taster,” David reveals. “They said yes. When we got there, they’d made Lewis a little welcome pack with T-shirts, badges and patches.”

From that moment, they were part of the family.

“They welcomed us with open arms,” David says. “We joined H.O.G. straight after that. It was such a brilliant rally.”

For Lewis, the highlights of a rally are simple but joyful: “The destination and the meal at the end,” he says. “Chips, curry, chilli, Chinese, burgers, ice-cream, doughnuts… everything!”

“And music,” Lewis adds with a grin.

“He’s mad for karaoke,” David laughs. “Loves live bands, dancing. It’s all part of the experience for him.”

As their riding horizons expanded, the Sportster wasn’t quite cutting it. “It was too bumpy and Lewis wanted to be able to play music,” David says. So they upgraded to a bigger Harley, better suited to rallies and road trips.

Since then, they’ve both joined the Fenlanders on seaside rides, café stops, ten-pin bowling (Lewis’ idea) and indeed countless dancefloors. “He’s always the first one dancing,” says David. “Some people have even said, ‘He made our rally.’ He’s just got this energy and enthusiasm that lifts everyone.”

Lewis’ place in the community is unmistakable. “When we arrive, everyone says hello to Lewis first,” David smiles. “And he goes round to say goodbye to every single person before we leave.”

In addition to being the life and soul, Lewis has also quietly challenged assumptions about what’s possible. “I think he’s broken a few myths about what someone with Down’s syndrome can do,” David reflects. “He and his friends prove people wrong every day.”

David and Lewis both proudly wear Fenlanders hoodies to events and have plenty of patches. They haven’t found the right cut for Lewis yet, but they are determined they will. This year’s calendar is quiet, but they’re already eyeing next year’s rallies – especially their local Fenlanders event, which is only 10 minutes from home. “It poured with rain last time,” David laughs, “but Lewis didn’t complain once.”

Above all, David is proud of how the journey has brought them closer. “It’s really about Lewis’ enthusiasm,” he says. “And how the Harley world – the people, the rides, the music, the food – has given him, and me, so much joy.”

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