Marc Champy is gearing up for his 100th stop on a world tour of Harley-Davidson dealerships

There are more than 1,000 Harley-Davidson^® dealership in the world and this determined H.O.G.^® member is on a mission to visit as many as he can

Words by David Sexton

Marc Champy has already visited 96 Harley-Davidson^® dealerships on his world tour and is preparing to celebrate his 100th visit in Warsaw. Along the way, he has collected around 80 poker chips, most of them generously given by dealerships. At the start of his journey, he purchased a few chips but quickly realised that buying them all would be too costly given the scale of his plan.

His adventure began on 1 April 2025, and he estimates it will take between five and seven years to complete. The idea for this challenge came after completing all the 500 Miles of Europe rides in 2023, along with other motorcycle events and trips with friends. After asking himself what to do next, Marc decided to embark on a global tour of Harley-Davidson dealerships – a project that required more than 14 months of planning and preparation. Despite unforeseen events that have altered his original route, the core plan remains intact.

Marc’s passion for Harleys began in the ‘80s when he was just a boy. “A biker parked in front of me with his black and chrome chopper – it made a beautiful sound, like a galloping horse,” he remembers. “When he left, he sped off with a loud acceleration and a powerful sound that resonated through my entire body – since that day, I’ve been a Harley^® fan.” Marc currently rides an Electra Glide^®, which he is using for the trip.

One of the most surprising aspects of his journey so far has been the warm welcome he has received everywhere. Marc describes the Harley-Davidson community as a “big, borderless family,” with people offering help and sharing their contact details in case he ever needs assistance. These gestures have left a lasting impression. “I even met people who gave me their business cards in case I had any issues, and no matter the time or place in the country, they would have come to help me. I found this very touching and friendly.”

Among his favourite experiences have been evenings spent with local chapters and conversations over coffee in dealerships. Scenic rides have also played a big part in his adventure. While Scotland and Ireland were early favourites, Norway’s west coast and North Cape now top his list – mosquitoes aside.

The journey has taught him to avoid planning too far ahead, as setbacks are inevitable. Instead, he organises accommodation and routes at the last minute. He has met countless H.O.G.^® members along the way, often at dealerships or even gas stations, sharing stories and recommendations. Chapter events have been highlights, including brunch and a coastal ride with Celtic Thunder Chapter in Ireland, a Friday night dinner and overnight stay with Chapter 1 Aros in Denmark, and a memorable Finnish Harley Weekend with chapters from Finland, Sweden, and Norway.

Reactions to his ambitious goal vary – some think he’s crazy, while others admire his determination and dream of doing something similar. Challenges have included avoiding accidents, particularly in cities, and one dramatic incident in Germany when a truck tyre burst on the highway, damaging his bike’s rear valve. “I was travelling at 120kmph in the middle lane. I had to urgently veer between trucks to access the emergency lane, all while my bike was wobbling from the flat tyre at the back,” he shares. “But today, I can smile about it… part of the adventure.”

Certain dealerships stand out for their uniqueness, from one in Germany that fabricates aluminium wheels to another housed in a former post office, and even one resembling a cathedral in Belgium. Marc values these encounters with passionate individuals who share their skills and stories, calling them the most meaningful part of his journey.

If he could change anything, Marc says he would have bought a trailer from the start. His initial set-up with a 65-litre box caused instability, but since switching to a trailer, riding has been pure happiness. Looking ahead, he plans to visit 1,300 dealerships across 100 countries and five continents. For those who want to follow his adventure, Marc shares updates on Instagram and Facebook, while YouTube remains a work in progress.