You’re never alone when you ride a Harley-Davidson
This month, I joined the Nene Valley Chapter of the Harley Owners Group for a ride from Northampton to the International Bomber Command Centre in Lincoln— a journey that offered speed, camaraderie, and a glimpse into the Harley spirit.
What is the allure of a Harley-Davidson? Think the American dream: open roads, chrome shining in the sun, and the promise of freedom on two wheels.
I put the question to Simon Barron, director of the Nene Valley Chapter of the Harley Owners Group (HOG). His reply was simple:
“You’d have to go on a ride to find out.”
And that’s how I ended up riding pillion on Simon’s Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail – a deep-red beast with handlebars that went on forever and a rumble that made my teeth vibrate.
The Plan
This wasn’t just any ride – it was the Unity Ride: a day when three HOG chapters (Nene Valley, Rutland and 111 Rivers) come together for one thunderous convoy.
This year Rutland had plotted the route and chosen the destination.
Simon led our Northampton riders out in the morning drizzle to Brampton Hut Services. By the time we rolled in, the car park looked like a Harley convention – 52 gleaming bikes lined up like chrome soldiers. And their riders? A leather-clad sea of patches, badges and smiles.
After a briefing from Craig, the road captain, we set off towards Lincoln with the roar of engines that could probably be heard in Scotland. The end goal: the International Bomber Command Centre – a moving tribute to those who served and sacrificed.
The Weather
The forecast had promised blue skies. The reality? Biblical downpour. Sheets of rain found their way through even the best waterproofs, while I discovered that Harley pillion seats don’t come with a heated windscreen or cup holder.
But here’s the thing: nobody cared. “It’s all part of it,” one rider shrugged, as water ran off his vizor.
Battling the elements is part of the attraction.
“It’s the freedom,” one rider told me. “In a car, you’re cocooned in a shell. On a bike, you get a different sensation – you feel part of the road; the smells, and the fact you’re exposed to the elements; the wind in your face, the sun and the rain, gives you a different perspective.”
“Must be mad!” laughed Cowboy.
Why ride Harley’s
At Brampton Hut, I also quickly realised that Harley culture is about more than just the bike.
I had arrived at the group expecting to talk about the allure of different Harley Davidson models, but what really came through was the love of the camaraderie riding with the pack gave.
Except for Colin, maybe, who owned seven Harley Davidsons. I struggle to keep one bicycle dry and roadworthy. Colin, keeps his bikes in strategic locations.
“This isn’t just transport,” another explained. “It’s a way of life. Riding in a group like this – its not just the pleasure you get from riding the bike, its also about riding together and when you’re in a group as big as this, it’s that feeling of comraderie that really stands out.”
And the stories! Take Lara and Martyn from Rutland Chapter, who met and fell in love thanks to Harleys.
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Types of Rides
Sunday Tea Runs – short and sweet, with cake mandatory.
Ride to the Tide – seaside favourites like Hunstanton, Southend, and Skegness.
European Adventures – Normandy runs to mark D-Day, with UK and French chapters.
The Unity Ride – three chapters, one convoy, plenty of camaraderie.
Kickback Customs at Malvern – admiring superb custom bikes and cars.
Love on Two Wheels
Next year, Martyn and Lara will be getting married in a castle in the Isle of Mann, with Lara in a beautiful gothic black dress.
It was in fact, a motorbike that brought the two together.
Martyn and Lara’s romance began with a fallen motorbike at a rally in Shrewsbury, which Lara picked up. Months later, they crossed paths again in Lutterworth — and realised that Lara had picked up Martyn’s fallen bike. It must have been fate.
A Facebook friendship soon turned into a first date at a petrol station, and Lara even bought a Harley so she could ride with Martyn. Since then, the couple have clocked up thousands of miles across Europe, from Austria to Slovenia.
Next year, they’ll swap their leathers and Lara will wear a gothic black dress as they marry in a castle on the Isle of Man.
“It all started with a fallen motorcycle,” Lara laughs.
Hitting the Road
When we set off in formation, I braced myself for chaos. How on earth did a group as big as this hit the road? But this wasn’t a free-for-all.
The director of Rutland group gave a group briefing at Brampton Hut Services.
Harleys may symbolise freedom, but the ride was tightly choreographed. A ride captain in front, two tailgunners at the back, and everyone slotted neatly into a staggered formation. The ride actually felt effortless and car drivers took surprisingly little notice.
To my surprise, I felt safe – despite being soaked to the skin, clinging on like a very damp limpet.
By the time we arrived at our first stop, I was ready for some serious sustenance. And yet… I got it. Even in the rain, even with soggy socks, there was something intoxicating about being part of that rumbling pack.
Sunshine or not, Harley life is about more than the dream. It’s the bikes, yes, but it’s also the banter, the bacon butties, a shared love of Harleys, and that sense of freedom you just can’t find behind a steering wheel.
Verdict: It may have been my first time on the back of a motorbike, but I felt surprisingly safe—even in drizzle and rain. I had a fantastic time and totally got the camaraderie Harley owners share. I may not be swapping my car for a bike just yet, but come summer, I’ll be delighted to ride again. Thanks to Simon and the Nene Valley Chapter for their hospitality.
The Harley Chapter Lifestyle
The committee of the Nene Valley Chapter plan the season’s rides, which run from March/April through to November. The calendar is a mix of short jaunts and longer road trips — some reaching as far as Europe. Alongside the riding, there’s a busy social side: quiz nights, raffles, charity fundraisers, and, with many members connected to the armed forces, remembrance rides that are a poignant fixture of the year to remember service and sacrifice.
Although the chapter is predominantly male, women are very much encouraged to join. Some ride their own bikes, while others ride with their partners, sharing in the social side and the adventures on the road. The only real rule? You need to own a Harley.
This is what chapter life is all about: riding and having fun with good friends.
You have your blood family, and then your Harley family.
To contact the Nene Valley Chapter visit their website: https://nenevalleyhog.co.uk/