High on the HOG: Toy run committee members Craig Martin, Vicki Humpage, Marie Vella and Tim Humpage.
By John Van Klaveren
THEY’RE known as HOGs, wear black leathers and ride loud motorbikes – but they’re nice people, really.
So nice, in fact, that members of the Geelong chapter of Harley Owners Group raised more than $27,000 for charity last year.
The HOGs’ main fundraiser is an annual toy run, this year for the 20th time.
Toy run committee member Vicki Humpage said more than 1000 bikes were expected on the pre-Christmas run from Cunningham Pier to Queenscliff.
While the toy run is one of the more high profile events on the HOG calendar, Vicki said the chapter supported charities without publicity.
Rainbow Riders representative Rikki Raadsveld was recently invited to speak at the May HOG meeting at Hotham Hotel.
Rikki said she was surprised and delighted to receive a donation of $3000 from the HOGs.
Rainbow Riders, one of Geelong’s smallest children’s charities, is a unique program providing specialised horse-based therapy programs.
“Our sincere thanks go to all members of the Harley Owners Group for their ongoing interest and support provided to Rainbow Riders.”
Vicki said group members also helped out at Rainbow Riders’ Connewarre property.
“We saw the situation they were in. They rely solely on community funds and donations, so we asked Rikki to come along to have a chat at our meeting.
“We normally don’t give cash but we like to get a wish list from an organisation and see whether we can provide the items.”
Vicki said other beneficiaries of HOG philanthropy included Bethany, Cottage by the Sea and Geelong Hospital.
“Any good publicity we can get is greatly appreciated. We supply bikes for the muscular dystrophy ride and give the kids rides on Harleys.”
When the group is not raising funds, members love nothing more than to get on their bikes and ride.
“We have club rides every other Sunday. You can get 20 or 30 bikes in a group and I know it can look intimidating,” Vicki said.
“But I’m in my 50s and ride on back with my husband who works for the CFA. We’re just ordinary people who love to get out on the open road.
“It’s the freedom and camaraderie. They’re a great group of people and once they get the leathers on you forget what profession or trade they are.
“It’s a form of escapism, I suppose.
“We never cause trouble, so we just push on and do what we do. You’re not going to change some people’s perception.”
Vicki said the toy run was an open event, so anyone with a motorcycle could participate.
The HOGs have a fundraising raffle with a 2012 883 Harley Sportster as the major prize.
Vicki said tickets cost $5 a ticket, with the winner to be drawn at the end of the toy run in December.
More information on Geelong Harley Owners Group activities or its 2012 20th Anniversary Toy Run was available by phoning Vicki on 0418 570 188, she said.
