GREAT NORTHWEST HOG - then, now, and into the future!

In 1983 Harley-Davidson began one of its most unique endeavors the formation of the Harley Owners Group.  Fondly referred to as HOG., it rapidly grew to its current status as the largest factory-sponsored enthusiast group in the world.   Within six years membership had soared to over 90,000, and last year HOG. passed the half-million member mark. Jim Boltz of our Cycle Barn put together a team of employees in 1986 to form the Great Northwest Chapter of HOG., with Jim as the first director. Queenie Earp, Jim Earp, and Ken Ivey were employees instrumental in the initial formation of the Chapter.

In 1987 Cycle Barn once again took a leadership stance by appointing a non-employee as Director of GNW HOG.  That is now the practice across the country.  Dan Johnson, who now works in the Parts Department at Cycle Barn, was that director.  Dan later established the Bellevue Chapter of HOG for Eastside Harley-Davidson. At various times throughout our history our GNWHOG. Chapter 5390 has been the largest local chapter in the state of Washington and the nation.

In the early years, the National HOG. did not have any official guidelines to help local chapters get established and conduct their affairs, which must seem remarkable to anyone who has read "The Book" that is used today!  The Cycle Barn dealer team appointed all board members.

The first GNWHOG. meetings were held at a picnic table out by an old stump behind the original Cycle Barn store  (currently the Re-Cycle Barn or Outlet Center), with about a dozen members.   The procedures used to move to an elected Board, create the by-laws, and to establish status as a non-profit organization have been used as models nationwide for dealer-sponsored chapters ever since. In addition, Cycle Barn HOG members began the original "Sun 'N Surf" summer event at Ocean Shores and Cycle Barn stills holds the copyright to that title.

The picnic table is long since gone, and the old tree stump was paved over and is now part of the new parking lot, but the Great Northwest Harley Owners Group continues to grow in new and exciting ways.  We continue the traditions of exemplary spirit and camaraderie started in those early years. We continue to promote fun and safe riding experiences for our members, as well as supporting, promoting, and enhancing causes which enhance the lives of those less fortunate, the image of the motorcycling experience, and the satisfaction of our members.

We hope your membership in GNWHOG. brings fulfillment to your riding experiences.

Harley-Davidson of Seattle, Cycle Barn, and Great Northwest HOG
09/30/02

Committee Invite Letter dated 8/22/86