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HOGs coming to Western Pa.
No, not the kind that oink gently in a mud bath after enjoying a tasty meal. These hogs wear leather and ride two-wheeled chrome contraptions that produce much louder, deeper oinks.
HOG is actually an acronym that stands for Harley Owners Group, and thanks to a concerted effort by the Washington and Donora HOG Chapters, a projected 1,000 to 1,200 Harley owners are expected to come to the Rostraver Ice Garden in August to participate in the largest three-day motorcycle rally in Pennsylvania.
The August Rally will be the first ever to be held in Washington and Westmoreland counties. It has been some 10 years since the rally last came to Western Pennsylvania.
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"There is a lot of money to be made in the area," Washington HOG Chapter President John Kolanko said.
Kolanko 55, of Bethel Park, said that the 1,000 to 1,200 consuming cyclists will provide a much-needed boost to the local economy.
Most local Harley owners participating in the event will make a special effort to suggest that their out-of-town counterparts visit locally owned mom-and-pop businesses, he said.
Despite the misconception that Harley owners wear leather vests with chaps, tout terrifying skull tattoos and start bar brawls, Kolanko asserted that the riders coming to the area for the rally are not biker gang members. Most, he said, are well-mannered and family oriented.
"Our youngest member is 6 years old and our oldest is in his mid-70s," Kolanko said. "The public would be really surprised to know what we're all about once they got to know us."
The Washington HOG chapter participates in several charities every year, including rides for breast cancer awareness and muscular dystrophy. They also participate in an annual Santa photo shoot that benefits Washington Community Youth Services.
The Donora chapter holds a sock drive for veterans and a ride for Children's Hospital, as well as participating in the ride for muscular dystrophy.
Coordinators of the rally to be held at the Ice Garden are taking special precautions to make sure that the festivities are family friendly. That includes the absence of alcohol and scantily clad biker models, Ed Pfeifer, 60, of Venetia, said. Pfeifer is a member of the Donora chapter and is one of the lead organizers of the rally.
The rally kicks off Aug. 20 with a DJ and dance party at the Ice Garden followed by a guided tour to Mount Washington. On Aug. 21, the riders will participate in an event ride to various sponsoring dealers. Bikers can attend a Washington Wild Things game that will be held later that evening.
On the final day of the event, a bike show will be held with games, including a "roadkill" game in which bikers armed with fishing nets attempt to pick up strewn-about stuffed animals.
Steel City Harley-Davidson and Backroads Harley-Davidson are the two sponsors of the rally. More sponsors are being sought.
For information on the rally or for questions concerning sponsorship, call John Kolanko at 412-831-0280.
Hogs in Washington : 5/26/2009
You should check your facts before going to print...this projected event is nowhere near the largest motorcycle event in the state. Although the local economy will surely benefit from this income opportunity and the good works that this fine organization does for many local charities the fact remains you should be more accurate on your details. It should also be mentioned that even though it is a " Harley Owners Group " event, all makes and models are invited to come out and support the many charities and to parteke in the festivities.
