the oldest hog chapter in washington state

Join us as we reminisce about an extraordinary journey that began back in 1983, when Harley-Davidson embarked on a remarkable adventure with the creation of the Harley Owners Group, affectionately known as HOG. This vibrant community rapidly evolved into the largest factory-sponsored enthusiasts group in the world, amassing over 90,000 members within just six years and recently surpassing an impressive milestone of over a million members globally in over 1,400 chapters!

In 1986, visionary Jim Boltz, the owner of Lynnwood Cycle Barn, gathered a devoted team to forge the Great Northwest Chapter of HOG, where he took the helm as its first director. He was joined by enthusiastic Cycle Barn team members Queenie Earp, Jim Earp, and Ken Ivey, who were instrumental in shaping the chapter's early years.

The following year marked a pivotal moment, as Cycle Barn appointed Dan Johnson as the first director who was not a dealer employee—a trend that would soon spread across the nation. Dan would later depart from GNW HOG to establish the Eastside Chapter HOG for Eastside Harley-Davidson.

Proudly, the GNW HOG Chapter claims the distinction of being the very first official HOG Chapter in Washington State. Over the years, we've had the honor of being recognized as the largest local chapter in Washington at various points in time. Today, we carry the chapter designation 3169, a testament to our rich history and strong ties with local dealerships. 

Our inaugural meetings took place at a humble picnic table near an old tree stump behind the original Cycle Barn store, where we started with a close-knit group of about a dozen members. While that picnic table and tree stump now sit within the parking lot between Emerald City Harley-Davidson and a soon-to-open BMW dealership, the spirit of the Great Northwest Harley Owners Group continues to thrive today in exciting new ways.

We hold dear the traditions of camaraderie and the exemplary spirit that took root in those early days, all while championing fun and safe riding experiences for our members. Our commitment extends to supporting worthy causes that uplift those in need, enhance the image of motorcycling, and bring joy to all who belong.

We are thrilled to have the support of the owner of Emerald City Harley-Davidson, who is dedicated to going the extra mile for our community. Exciting developments lie ahead with a fresh Board of Directors, new Rider Orientation programs, thrilling events, and a host of fun rides on the horizon! We wholeheartedly invite everyone to become part of this incredible community. 

Let’s ride together!