Finding my riding family

Building bonds on the open road with the Harley Owners Group.

I recently had the honor of joining the Run to Daytona H.O.G. Touring Rally, and let me tell you, it was an experience that goes beyond just riding a bike—it was about the people, camaraderie, and passion for the open road.

The adventure kicked off with a dinner meeting at Alligator Alley H-D in Sunrise, Florida, where the room buzzed with excitement. Tables were full of groups of friends, all united by their love for Harley-Davidson. Since it was my first time attending an event like this, I took a deep breath and asked if I could sit with different members to get to know them better. To my surprise, every table welcomed me with open arms.

I’ll admit that I felt a bit intimidated at first. As a younger rider in a room filled with seasoned Harley enthusiasts, I wondered if I’d fit in, but that feeling didn’t last long. As the conversations flowed, I found myself learning from riders who’d been members for decades. The stories of their previous H.O.G. rides, the history of their motorcycles, and the wisdom they had to share made me realize that age is just a number when you’re part of a community like this.

The spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood was palpable, and the best part was that no one was left behind. During dinner, anyone who didn’t have a group to ride with was asked to raise their hand. A few did, and without hesitation every table offered a seat, inviting those riders into their fold.

By the end of the evening, my feeling of being a stranger was gone. I started the day as a solo rider, uncertain about what lay ahead and ended it with a new circle of friends. I was ready for the days of riding ahead, knowing that I was now part of something much bigger than just a group ride—I became part of a proud tradition of group riders.

The morning air was cool and crisp, the sky a blanket of clouds as I geared up for the first ride with my new H.O.G. family the following day. Joining Bill, Paul, and KR, we set off from Sunrise, heading west towards Port Charlotte, a 165-mile journey across the heart of Florida.

Though it was my first time on the road with this group, I immediately felt we were family, watching out for each other as we navigated through traffic, semi-trucks, and the unpredictable Florida roads. The connection was real, and I knew this was the start of something special.

But as every rider knows, the open road is full of surprises. Just a few miles into our ride, the storm clouds unleashed a downpour. The rain hammered down on us, and for a brief moment, I thought about pulling over to wait it out. But riding alongside seasoned H.O.G. members, you quickly learn that the adventure is never about avoiding discomfort—it’s about embracing it. Together, we powered through as one unit.

After what seemed like an eternity of soaking rain, the skies began to clear. The climate in Florida changes as quickly as a biker shifts gears. The clouds parted, and the sun broke through. Our gear began to dry, the warmth of the sun bringing a new sense of life. We stopped at Rockstar H-D in Fort Myers, a little over 100 miles into our ride, where we were greeted by fellow H.O.G. members. It was a moment of connection as we swapped stories of our journey so far—the struggles, the laughs, and the bond that only true riders understand.

After taking a moment to check out the latest bikes and gear, we hopped back on our Harleys, ready to tackle the next 50 miles. As if on cue, the skies darkened again and we found ourselves in the thick of another downpour. The rain was colder this time, but with the road ahead, we were unstoppable.

Finally, after hours of battling the elements, we rolled into our destination: Bert’s Black Widow Harley-Davidson. There, we were joined by even more H.O.G. members, all of us sharing the same experience of the ride we’d just conquered. To cap off the day, we gathered for a well-earned meal at the Twisted Fork, opposite the dealership. It was an evening of laughter, camaraderie, and the shared wisdom of those who have been down this road time and time again.

This was more than just a ride; it was the beginning of something much bigger and set the tone for the days ahead, leading us to Daytona Bike Week 2025. If anyone feels like they don’t have someone to ride with, joining H.O.G. is the perfect way to make new friends, experience well-organized rides, and create memories that will last a lifetime. This was my first ride with members, but I know it won’t be my last. Harley-Davidson is more than a brand—it’s a community. And I’m proud to be a part of it.

Words and photos by Justin at Blockhead Moto