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The
subject of member
participation
and involvement
seems to always pop up
when visiting chapter officers.
There's an increasing
concern of how to attract younger riders.
Yes, there may be
challenges, but let's go ahead and
recognize both sides.
For some new,
younger
owners, they may not be
familiar with riding in a
group.
Some may not know anyone
with whom to ride. Some may
have never belonged to a
motorcycle organization, club,
or
anything. They only know
what they know and are
looking to
the H.O.G. chapter
for an entrance into the culture
of
H.O.G./Harley-Davidson. It's
up to you to mentor them,
which
will continue the great
legacy of Harley Owners
Group®.
There has always been
camaraderie amongst Harley®
riders,
and it exists at a larger
level in the H.O.G. nation. It's
why H.O.G. continues to grow.
This has to carry on to the
new,
younger owner. It's our job to
ensure the future of the
largest
factory-sponsored motorcycle
club in the world.
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Are you doing new owner
rides? Does your dealer have a new owner night
at the dealership?
Are you there to support your
dealer and invite the new owner to join the chapter? Share
the passion of the ride with them! How do we get them
interested in the chapter? How do we keep them involved in
riding and having fun? How do we get them to join? How do we
keep them interested for years to come?
It's really simple: ask them what kind of riding/events they
like to do. Our goal is a schedule of activities that
challenges their quest for excitement. Have a variety of
rides that meets each member's interest.
Here's what I found when I visited with new, younger owners
whom I made it a point to seek out at chapter meetings,
state and regional rallies, and other events – to listen to
their specific problems and concerns, as well as to gain new
ideas on what they would like to do:
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Time available per day
A family with two
active teenagers may not get the chance to move their Harley
all summer long.
Vacation
time Younger people often only
have one or two weeks available for vacation. A
trip to Sturgis or Daytona Beach consumes most
of that.
Income
If someone is 18 years old and just starting out or 38
with two college-bound children, just owning a Harley may
have them strapped, let alone using it.
Self-consciousness
Because of family or work, some may not have
made it to a meeting or outing in several
months, and don't want to feel awkward
and/or unwelcome if they can only occasionally
attend.
Cold
and cliquey
atmosphere
Husbands and wives, couples, etc. sit around tables talking
to one another; there's nobody to greet the newcomer;
singles may feel like outsiders.
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Measuring some of our activities against the
above is interesting. Long trips in the middle of the
week with $100 per night host hotels may not be
"younger rider friendly". We are developing a smorgasbord of activities that offers
everyone the chance to enjoy their motorcycles. Can this
approach work for you?
Poll the younger members, talk to
them LISTEN!
Dances, camping, fashion shows, picnics, and
one night rides are some considerations. Then share your
ideas and successes with us so we can share them with
others.
Just remember: Please do not tune out
younger owners.
The H.O.G. legacy will only continue with your help in making everyone welcome!
J.T. Hasley
Regional Manager H.O.G.
Region 1: California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon,
Washington
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