Doha: Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Cynosure of All Eyes at Owners' Group Rally
Alexis Castelino
Daijiworld Media Network - Doha
With Inputs from Sunil Crasto/Patrick Rozario
Doha, Mar 28: The state of Qatar hosted the world-famous Harley-Davidson Owners' Group (HOG) Mena rally for the first time recently.
The dust could not hide the buzz in the air as Harley-Davidson Doha hosted one of the biggest events ever in the country - the 12th Middle East and North Africa Harley Owners Group (HOG) rally. Doha HOGs revved up to welcome 'Hoggies' from across the region riding into Qatar for the a three-day rally. The visitors were escorted from Qatar-Saudi Arabia border to the rally centre at Marriott Hotel for registration.
The HOG Mena rally is a top fixture on the calendar of riding events internationally and is earmarked with very strong competition amongst the different countries in the region to win the hosting rights. This event was awarded to Doha in December 2011 and NBK, the local distributor for Harley-Davidson motorcycles, did its best to make the event a successful one.
The Harley convoy then thundered their way back to Doha, where NBK and HOG put on a dazzling Custom Bike Show at the Doha Exhibition Centre from 1.30 pm to 7 pm. There were more than 100 custom bikes and competition for 30 categories. This was in addition to the various activities for the riders, passengers, families and kids. The following day they rode to the famous historical place in Qatar - The Al Zubara Fort, followed by a ride to Dukhan, a seaside town.
The bikers then kicked-off with a ride to Al-Khor, a historical town, where they experienced Qatari culture.
The Harley convoy then thundered their way back to Doha, where NBK and HOG put on a dazzling Custom Bike Show at the Doha Exhibition Centre from 1.30 pm to 7 pm. There were more than 100 custom bikes and competition for 30 categories. This was in addition to the various activities for the riders, passengers, families and kids. The following day they rode to the famous historical place in Qatar - The Al Zubara Fort, followed by a ride to Dukhan, a seaside town.
Harley-Davidson established the HOG acronym following the successful races won by a team of farm boys known as the “hog boys” in 1920. In 1983 the motor company then established the Harley-Davidson Owners' Group (HOG) to build on the strong loyalty and fraternity of Harley-Davidson enthusiasts as a means to promote not just a consumer product, but a lifestyle as a whole.
In 1991, HOG went international with their first official rally in Cheltenham, England. Today, more than one million members and 1400 chapter, in 135 countries, make HOG the largest factory-sponsored motorcycle organization in the world.
HOG bikers worldwide look forward to attending their annual ride not only for participating in the prominent event, but also because HOG. rallies shed an importance on raising awareness for the greater good of society. For Qatar HOG chapter, their slogan is ‘Bikers Mean Charity-Lets Ride’ aims at showing the people that HOG. bikers are committed to raising awareness by partnering up with local charities as well as promoting biker safety through participating in the HOG ‘Skilled Rider Training’ courses.”
For Qatar residents who are hooked to the spirit of Harley-Davidson, and would want to consider owning a Harley, should first begin by learning about Harley-Davidson bikes and the lifestyle.