CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL /
CRUSSELL@STARBULLETIN.COM
Larry Holu, director of the Waipahu chapter of the Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) and the rally coordinator for the 12th Annual Hawaii State H.O.G. Rally, shows his vest detail.
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Harley Davidson owners go hog wild
Harley Davidson owners are fond of using the saying, "If I have to explain, you'd never understand."
Cruz'n with the ohana
12th Annual Hawaii State H.O.G. Rally
» When: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Sunday
» Where: Various locations
» Cost: $60
» Call: 384-9308
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There's something about hopping on a motorcycle manufactured by the company, starting up the engine and giving the throttle a good twist. It also helps that we live in one of the best environments anywhere for riding one of the legendary machines.
"Anyone who has ever ridden a Harley knows the feeling," said Larry Holu, a Nanakuli resident and this year's coordinator of the annual Hawaii State Harley Owners Group Rally, a three-day event that will host more than 200 riders from both Hawaii and the mainland U.S. "The first bike I ever rode was a Harley. To me, it's good therapy ... it's a feeling you can never have if you're driving a car."
Established in 1985 by Harley Davidson's corporate offices, the Harley Owners Group made its way to Hawaii a few years later. Two chapters currently exist on Oahu, and each is sponsored by a local retailer.
CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARBULLETIN.COM
Members of the Waipahu Chapter of the Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) met Sunday morning for a motorcycle run.
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The Waipahu chapter, of which Holu is a member, has approximately 175 members and is sponsored by South Seas Harley-Davidson. Cycle City sponsors the Honolulu chapter, and Domenico's Motorcycles is currently trying to restart a third chapter (formerly called the Koolau chapter) in Kaneohe.
What's the difference between the H.O.G. and other local motorcycle clubs?
"The biggest distinction is that you must own a Harley," said Holu. "The other clubs, they can ride any type of motorcycle."
While registration is closed for Friday's guided destination ride and kickoff reception, latecomers are welcome to sign up for Saturday's dealership visits and scavenger hunt. Signups will also be accepted for Sunday's "Poker Run," bike rodeo and closing ceremony at Aloha Tower Marketplace.
"The intent of the rally is just to have fun," said Holu. "We want to give the opportunity to all of our members to meet new people and renew acquaintances."