United we ride

UK H.O.G member Tim Steer steeled himself for his longest road trip yet as he headed to the European H.O.G Rally in Senigallia

Tim Steer dreamed of owning a Harley-Davidson. The sound, the power, the energy of the bike all drew him in, and he describes a memory that lit the spark: “While hiking in summer I heard a rumble and a guy sped over the bridge on a Harley-Davidson wearing a Harley-Davidson Jamaica T-shirt. The sun was shining, and I thought ‘Wow! That’s the life!’”

To date, Tim has owned two Harley-Davidsons: a 2021 Street Bob^® FXBBS 114 and 2023 Low Rider^® ST FXLRST 117. “The Street Bob was a great entry-level bike to ease into,” he says. “The bike looked stunning, but after spending 18 months on it I knew I needed something with more touring capabilities and definitely panniers. So, for my next bike I considered a Low Rider ST. It was January 2023 when Harley released their new colours and models, so as soon as I saw it in White Sand Pearl I ordered one the next day. I think I had the first white one in the UK and what a bike! Within the first week I knew I’d made the right decision.”

Tim became involved with H.O.G after visiting Robin Hood H-D^® and met some of the H.O.G. Sherwood Chapter, who invited him to a meeting and to join them on their next ride out; a few weeks later he was back again. “I’ve met some great people over the last couple of years,” says Tim.

Tim discovered a love for riding in groups and knew that 2024 was the year for a big tour. “After flying out to Budapest for the European 120th Anniversary Celebration last June I knew I needed to try to ride to the next one. I arrived that Wednesday – I think the temperature was in the high 30s; it was ridiculously hot. All day bikes were arriving, the noise that was flooding Budapest was immense and I’d never seen anything like it. You could tell it was going to be a brilliant five days. I stood and watched the bikes arrive, roaring through the city and I knew I had to ride to the next European event. But prior to Senigallia, the longest trip I’d done was 961 miles from Nottingham to Thunder in the Glens, Aviemore, for the 2023 rally.”

Tim and his friends started planning the trip to Senigallia around October, aiming to do a good number of passes and visit some Harley-Davidson dealerships along the way. The trip would take approximately 12 days, including travelling through the Channel Tunnel, France and Switzerland, staying in places such as Basel, Bormio, and Verona before arriving in Senigallia.

It was quite an adventure. Tim says: “Four words I can use to describe my first experience of touring are exciting, emotional, wet but fun!” A few mechanical issues for other members on the way caused minor diversions, but otherwise it was free riding all the way. What surprised Tim most was the snow: “We had heard that at least four of our passes were closed due to the snow. Gotthard Pass was open though so up we went! There must have been six to eight metres of snow walls and we’d never seen anything like it, but the road was open, and we were grateful for that. We also found a pass called Mortirolo Pass, which is 1852 metres high, full of twists and switchbacks, which make for a great ride. I highly recommend it.”

Tim says that every day on the trip was unforgettable: “Each day was different and we saw incredible views, rode on amazing roads such as Gotthard Pass, the SS44, SS39 and SR249 from top to bottom of Lake Garda. There was the added experience of riding in different weathers; however, heated clothing, cruise control and highway pegs definitely helped!

“The rally itself was fantastic and very professionally done. The venue was vast, with more than enough supplier stalls, food stands and bar areas, and the bands and DJs kept us well entertained into the early hours of the morning, with lots of dancing and singing taking place among friends.”

So, would Tim do anything differently next time? “I would without doubt allow a few extra days travel either side of the rally for a bit more down time to enjoy the areas we visited, take in the scenery and rest! I would also spend a couple more days at the destination, as we only had two days on the beach and definitely could have soaked in more sun, sand and sea!

“This experience has opened my eyes to what a European tour can offer, what is required both physically and mentally, and I’m already considering the next tour to St Tropez in 2025. Would I do it again – hell yes!”