H.O.G.® CHAPTER GENERAL RIDE INFORMATION

WHAT KIND OF RIDING DOES THIS CHAPTER DO?

Each riding group has a different vibe and its important to find a group that matches your riding style. We ride to our destination as a group, but after we reach our destination everyone is free to return when they wish, and via the route they wish. If you want to ride back with others, speak to them before the ride or when you arrive at the destination. If you leave the ride prior to reaching the destination, let the Road Captain know. This will make sure we don't leave anyone behind.

SPEED AND PACE

We prioritize safety and ride a lot like Goldilocks. Not too fast. Not too slow. We want each rider to ride their own ride and only ride to the pace they feel comfortable with. Typically we ride in a staggered formation unless we are riding twisty roads - then it's single file. Dependent on speed, we normally ride with a 2 second interval between you and the bike directly in front of you. We do not exceed posted speed limits.

LEAVING ON TIME

The times listed on the Ride Calendar are the times we will leave as a group - many people call this a "Kickstands Up" time. Always come with a full tank of fuel. Some rides may have stops 50-100 miles from our leave point. If you want to talk for a few minutes, grab a cup of coffee (as many of us do), you should plan on arriving earlier than the posted time so you can be ready to roll out as scheduled. Approximately 5 minutes before the leave time the Road Captain leading the ride will do a pre-ride review where they'll discuss any important details for the ride.

WHY ARE YOU WAVING AT ME?

We use hand and foot signals in order to communicate with each other because we know not every rider has a fancy intercom system. These are fairly basic and consistent with other riding groups. Left turn. Right turn. Your basic Drivers-ed-style-arm-flailing. Pointing towards the ground with either your left or right foot should let you know that someone up ahead sees some sort of junk on the road that might not be fun or safe to ride over. Sticking your index finger in the air means the group will go single file for the next little bit because the road gets fun. Sticking an index finger and pinky finger in the air means the fun part of the road is over and we can go back to riding in a staggered formation. Only join in the arm and foot flailing if you feel like its safe to do so - but the rider behind you will appreciate the heads up. If you have any questions about these or would like a live demonstration prior to your first ride with the group you can ask the Road Captain or just about any member.

WHO IS THE GUY UP FRONT?

The person leading the ride is called the Road Captain. Their job is to decide on the destination and route for the ride, get everyone to sign a waiver and to lead the way. If any incident happens while on the ride, the Road Captain is in charge of making sure that incident is documented. While they might be someone's mother, they are not your mother. They are not in charge of making sure everyone rides safe or follows the law or doesn't annoy you. They are a volunteer. They are not a professional tour guide. They did not have to pass a test or be certified by some higher authority to be in the number one ride slot. Be nice to them. Cut them some slack. Don't ride like a jerk. Help them out where you can. Think you have a good idea for a destination? If you feel comfortable leading a few friends on the road, let's make you a Road Captain too!

WHAT AM I SIGNING?

We have a waiver. Every member is responsible for signing this waiver once per year. Every guest is responsible for signing a waiver on every ride. This is a simple, straightforward and easy-to-understand contract between the member and the chapter. Its sole purpose it to document that members understand the reason for the release, the risks of operating a motorcycle and that they will hold the chapter harmless should an incident arise in the course of a chapter function.

IMPAIRING SUBSTANCE GUIDELINES

Too risky. Don't drink and ride on our Chapter rides. You be you when your kickstand is down and the ride is over. Read the full policy here.

OPEN OR CLOSED?

Chapter Activities are conducted primarily for the benefit of H.O.G.® chapter members. There are two types of activities:

  • Closed Events are those events open to chapter members and one guest per member. Find out more about membership.
  • Open Events are those chapter events to open to chapter members, National H.O.G.® members and other guests as desired.

WHEN ARE THE RIDES?

Our Oakland CA H.O.G.® Chapter Officers manage a calendar that lists the dates, times and locations for each ride. Click here for the calendar.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE
OAKLAND HOG® CHAPTER CALENDAR
ON YOUR PHONE

WHERE DO WE MEET?

We have a list of meet-up places which are convenient and accessible to food and gas. Check the ride calendar to see which Meet-Up place the ride will be leaving from.

  • Alcosta Chevron - San Ramon
    • 21320 San Ramon Valley Blvd, San Ramon, CA 94583
  • Valero - Livermore
    • 4904 Southfront Rd, Livermore, CA 94551
  • Dennys - Fremont
    • 5280 Mowry Ave, Fremont, CA 94538
    • Fuel available at Chevron and 76 station at intersection.
  • McDonalds - San Leandro
    • 699 Lewelling Blvd, San Leandro, CA 94579
    • Fuel available at Chevron and 76 station at intersection.
  • Oakland Harley Davidson®
    • 151 Hegenberger Rd, Oakland, CA 94621
    • Fuel available at Shell on Hegenberger Rd or Chevron on 98th Ave.
  • Round Table Pizza – Fremont
    • 37480 Fremont Blvd, Fremont, CA 94536
    • Fuel available at Fremont Blvd and Thornton Ave.
  • Starbucks - San Lorenzo
    • 15600 Hesperian Blvd, San Lorenzo, CA 94580
    • Fuel available at Lewelling Blvd and Washington Ave.

Want to learn more about the Oakland CA H.O.G.® Chapter? Click here.